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:
May. 30, 2000
Filed:
Nov. 17, 1998
Minolta Co., Ltd., Osaka, JP;
Abstract
An apparatus for removing developer from a developer carrier includes a developer-charge-eliminating means including a first elastic member. The first elastic member is electrically conductive and contacts the developer carrier with an uneven surface. Preferably, the uneven surface includes exposed cells of a foamed body. The uneven surface of the first elastic member insures that sufficient contact and frictional resistance is applied to excess developer on a developer carrier. Preferably, the first elastic body is backed by a backing member which is more flexible than the first elastic member. The flexible second elastic body further insures that the charge-eliminating member sufficiently contacts the developer carried by the developer carrier even with extended use.