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. 19, 2008
Filed:
Apr. 05, 2004
Tohru Nakano, Kanagawa, JP;
Osamu Naruse, Kanagawa, JP;
Masanori Horike, Kanagawa, JP;
Masahiko Katoh, Kanagawa, JP;
Masahiko Shakuto, Kanagawa, JP;
Tohru Nakano, Kanagawa, JP;
Osamu Naruse, Kanagawa, JP;
Masanori Horike, Kanagawa, JP;
Masahiko Katoh, Kanagawa, JP;
Masahiko Shakuto, Kanagawa, JP;
Ricoh Company, Ltd., Tokyo, JP;
Abstract
A cleaning unit for removing toner remaining on the surface of the image carrier of an image-forming apparatus is disclosed. The cleaning unit includes a vibration member, a blade member, and a driving part. The vibration member extends in the direction of the width of the image carrier, and has at least one vibration application part attached thereto. The blade member is attached to at least the end region of the vibration member, extending in the direction of the width of the image carrier. The driving part drives at least one vibration application part at a driving frequency that is a resonance frequency. The vibration member provides vibration to the blade member and a force to press the blade member against the image carrier.