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. 07, 2002
Filed:
Aug. 29, 2000
Koji Imamiya, Kawasaki, JP;
Yuka Yamaguchi, Kawasaki, JP;
Toshiba Tec Kabushiki Kaisha, Tokyo, JP;
Abstract
An image forming apparatus includes a latent image forming mechanism for forming an electrostatic latent image on a photosensitive member, and a developing device for supplying a developing liquid containing at least toner and a carrier liquid, to the photosensitive member on which the latent image is formed, thereby to develop the latent image. The image forming apparatus also includes a removing device for removing an excessive portion of the developing liquid supplied by the developing device, whereby the excessive portion of the developing liquid remains on the photosensitive member after development. The image forming apparatus further includes a returning mechanism for returning the excessive portion of the developing liquid, which is removed by the removing device, into a casing of a developing liquid supply unit for supplying the developing liquid to the developing device, and a reserve flow-in section. The reserve flow-in section has a float and is provided in front of a developing liquid container section in the casing of the developing liquid supply unit, thereby to return the developing liquid to the reserve flow-in section when the valve is opened.