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:
Mar. 21, 2000
Filed:
Aug. 26, 1998
Yasuyuki Ishiguro, Higashiosaka, JP;
Yoshiaki Sanada, Ikoma, JP;
Toshihiko Takaya, Yamatokoriyama, JP;
Takahiko Kimura, Ikoma, JP;
Masatoshi Kaneshige, Ikoma, JP;
Shuuhei Yamamoto, Yamatokoriyama, JP;
Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha, Osaka, JP;
Abstract
For realizing a satisfactory and stable developing process, the charge state of a developer and the density of toner particles contained in the developer is kept constant in the developing process. A developing roller to be driven rotationally is provided in a developing tank containing a developer. The developer is sucked magnetically using the magnetic force of a magnet provided in a developing sleeve composing the developing roller. The developer is then fed into a developing area opposed to a photosensitive member, then collected into the developing tank after the developing process is ended. The magnet is composed of an odd number of magnetic poles; developing pole, feeding pole, magnetic force distribution adjusting pole, developer sucking pole, developer separating pole, auxiliary collecting pole, and collecting pole. Between the sucking pole and the developing pole, an even number of poles are disposed. Between the developing pole and the separating pole are disposed an even number of poles. Consequently, the developer used for visualizing an image is separated while it is stuck on the developing sleeve when the developer is separated at the separating pole. When the developer is replaced, sticking of toner on the developing sleeve can be reduced significantly. In addition, the supplied developer is fixed in both toner density and charging level at the developing pole in developing.