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:
Nov. 02, 2004
Filed:
Dec. 11, 2002
Shigeru Yoshiki, Tokyo, JP;
Ricoh Company, Ltd., Tokyo, JP;
Abstract
An image forming apparatus of the present invention includes a toner scatter preventing device for a developing device configured to develop a latent image formed on an image carrier with toner. The toner scatter preventing device includes an exhausting section for exhausting air inside the developing device via an exhaust passage extending from the top of developing device. Air is sucked out of the developing device to thereby generate a stream of air that sucks air around an opening for development formed in the developing device. A suction port is formed in the developing device and communicated to the exhaust passage. The suction port is positioned outside of an image forming width assigned to the developing device.