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:
Jul. 13, 2004
Filed:
Mar. 10, 2003
Fumikazu Sato, Inuyama, JP;
Masatoshi Sakaguchi, Gifu, JP;
Soichiro Nishimura, Handa, JP;
Mitsuru Horinoe, Chita-gun, JP;
Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha, Nagoya, JP;
Abstract
A developing device includes a holding chamber for holding developing agent, a port for accessing the holding chamber from outside the developing device, and a developing agent bearing member that bears developing agent from the holding chamber. After the developing device has been used until the holding chamber has run out of developing agent, the used developing device is refilled with developing agent. In the following manner. The port is opened to access the holding chamber. The type of previously-used developing agent that remains in the holding chamber from the preceding developing operation usage is determined. The previously-used developing agent is removed to an amount of 1.2 g or less per centimeter of the axial length of the developing agent bearing member. Then, a type of developing agent that has a lower fluidity characteristic, a lower melting characteristic, or both, than the previously-used developing agent is determined. Then, the holding chamber is refilled with the designated type of developing agent. Afterward, the port is closed.