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:
May. 19, 2009
Filed:
Apr. 10, 2007
Takashi Hirota, Yamatokoriyama, JP;
Takashi Hirota, Yamatokoriyama, JP;
Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha, Osaka, JP;
Abstract
In the development apparatus and the image forming apparatus of the present invention, a first regulation member for regulating an upper surface of developer is provided on an adjacent and downstream portion with respect to a developer outlet in terms of travel direction of developer. The amount of developer passing below the first regulation member is thus adjusted. On this account, the present invention provides a development apparatus and an image forming apparatus capable of maintaining appropriate amount of developer in the developer container by reducing influence of developer fluidity or the like. With stable stirring performance and development performance, the development apparatus and the image forming apparatus of the present invention perform secure development, including the time period until the extra developer overflows and is discharged.