The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Jun. 29, 1999
Filed:
Nov. 19, 1997
Junichi Hama, Ebina, JP;
Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd., Tokyo, JP;
Abstract
A rotary development unit includes a support frame having a plurality of developers arranged in a radial pattern and places any one of the developers in a development position opposite to a photosensitive drum by rotation while retaining the developers; a plurality of toner supply containers attached to the support frame so as to become adjacent to the respective developers; toner supply channels which are disposed substantially in parallel with a rotary shaft of the support frame and connect the respective developers to the adjacent toner supply containers; and supply augers which convey fresh toner to the developers from the toner supply containers within the toner supply channels according to a given number of rotations. In the rotary development unit, when the supply auger is suspended and the support frame is rotated, the fresh toner filled in the toner supply channel is conveyed to the toner supply container from the developer.