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:
Jul. 13, 1999
Filed:
May. 31, 1996
Toshihisa Ishida, Kashiba, JP;
Katuaki Sumida, Kitakatsuragi-gun, JP;
Kanshiro Okamoto, Memphis, TN (US);
Jitsuo Masuda, Yamatotakada, JP;
Masato Asanuma, Nara, JP;
Katsushi Inoue, Nara, JP;
Toshiaki Ino, Yamatokoriyama, JP;
Hideji Saiko, Yamatokoriyama, JP;
Yasuo Kitabatake, Nara, JP;
Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha, Osaka, JP;
Abstract
An image forming apparatus has a developer container, a development device for developing a latent image formed on a surface of a photoreceptor drum by supplying toner to the latent image, and an agitation roller for supplying toner to the development device and agitating the toner in the developer container. The development device and the agitation roller are installed in the developer container. Moreover, the image forming apparatus includes a flying toner detecting device for detecting an amount of toner flying from the development device, and a control unit for controlling various developer operations such as the toner related agitating operation of the agitation roller, toner supply amount, etc. in response to a result of a detection performed by the flying toner detecting device. This structure prevents the toner from flying from the development device.