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:
Aug. 31, 2004
Filed:
Jan. 06, 2003
Toshihisa Ishida, Nara, JP;
Masanori Matsumoto, Nara, JP;
Tadayuki Sawai, Nara, JP;
Kouji Kida, Nara, JP;
Yuko Takeda, Nara, JP;
Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha, Osaka, JP;
Abstract
An image forming apparatus having a tandem system configuration, includes: a multiple number of photoreceptors which each form an electrostatic latent image; and a multiple number of developing devices each holding a different color toner from the others for development of the corresponding static latent image, and is constructed so that the plural toners at least include a black toner, and the abrading force of the black toner or its carrier therein acting on the photoreceptor surface is adjusted so as to be smaller than that of the other developing toners or their carrier therein. Since, in a tandem type color image forming apparatus, the developing devices, photoreceptors and toners for all colors will reach the end of their life at the same time, the image forming apparatus can be operated at low cost.