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:
Sep. 08, 2009
Filed:
Jun. 15, 2007
Applicants:
Shinichi Kato, Tokyo, JP;
Yasuhiro Kuba, Kanagawa-ken, JP;
Inventors:
Shinichi Kato, Tokyo, JP;
Yasuhiro Kuba, Kanagawa-ken, JP;
Assignee:
Ricoh Company, Ltd., Tokyo, JP;
Primary Examiner:
Int. Cl.
CPC ...
G03G 21/18 (2006.01);
U.S. Cl.
CPC ...
Abstract
A process cartridge for use in an image forming apparatus includes a first unit, a second unit, and a coupling shaft. The first unit includes an image carrier, while the second unit includes a developer carrier. The coupling shaft is configured to couple the first unit and the second unit so as to be pivotable relative to each other. A distance between the image carrier and the developer carrier is adjustable by pivoting at least one of the first unit and the second unit without releasing the coupling of the first unit and the second unit via the coupling shaft.