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:
Sep. 07, 1999
Filed:
Jan. 14, 1998
Masasumi Yahata, Kanagawa-ken, JP;
Shunji Katoh, Kanagawa-ken, JP;
Yuji Kitajima, Kanagawa-ken, JP;
Satoshi Takano, Tokyo, JP;
Shin-ichi Kawahara, Tokyo, JP;
Fumihito Itoh, Kanagawa-ken, JP;
Tsutomu Katoh, Kanagawa-ken, JP;
Ricoh Co., Ltd., Tokyo, JP;
Abstract
A toner sorting device includes a device for taking in used toner conveyed from an image forming apparatus and conveying the used toner in one direction, and a device for sifting the used toner conveyed from the intake device to separate reusable toner from the used toner. The sifting device includes a tubular sieve for separating reusable toner from the used toner and a device for holding the sieve so that the sieve is rotatable. The sieve has an opening for receiving the used toner conveyed from the intake device to be moved into the sifting device and an opening for discharging the remaining toner separated from the reusable toner and remaining inside the sifting device. The toner sorting device further includes a device for collecting the reusable toner separated from the used toner by the sifting device and a device for collecting the remaining toner discharged from the sifting device. The toner sorting device further includes a device for accelerating sifting of the used toner by the sifting device.