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:
Feb. 28, 2006
Filed:
Mar. 03, 2005
Tsutomu Sasaki, Kanagawa, JP;
Osamu Satoh, Kanagawa, JP;
Masahiko Itaya, Tokyo, JP;
Tsuneo Kurotori, Tokyo, JP;
Hiroki Kubozono, Kanagawa, JP;
Tsutomu Sasaki, Kanagawa, JP;
Osamu Satoh, Kanagawa, JP;
Masahiko Itaya, Tokyo, JP;
Tsuneo Kurotori, Tokyo, JP;
Hiroki Kubozono, Kanagawa, JP;
Ricoh Company, Ltd., Tokyo, JP;
Abstract
A developing device for developing a latent image formed on an image carrier with a developing liquid includes a liquid storing section for storing the liquid including a developing substance and a carrier liquid. A developer carrier deposits the liquid fed from the liquid storing section thereon. A float type liquid level sensor senses a liquid level in the liquid storing section. The liquid level sensor includes a magnetic force generating member for generating a magnetic force, a magnetic force sensing device for sensing the magnetic force, and floats movable up and down in accordance with the liquid level in the liquid storing section. A distance between the magnetic force generating member and the magnetic force sensing device varies in accordance with the movement of the floats, allowing the liquid level to be determined on the basis of the output of the magnetic force sensing device.