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:
Apr. 30, 2002
Filed:
Jun. 07, 2000
Masahide Kinoshita, Shizuoka-ken, JP;
Koichi Hiroshima, Shizuoka-ken, JP;
Hironobu Isobe, Numazu, JP;
Ryuichi Yoshizawa, Numazu, JP;
Canon Kabushiki Kaisha, Tokyo, JP;
Abstract
An image forming apparatus has a developing device for developing an electrostatic image formed on an image bearing member by a developer. A developer supplying unit is detachably attachable to a main body of the image forming apparatus and supplies the developer to the developing device. A density detecting device detects a density of the developer in the developing device. A developer remaining amount detecting device detects information regarding an amount of the developer in the developing supplying unit. A state of the developer supplying unit is judged on the basis of a result of the detection by the density detecting device and a result of the detection by the second detecting device.