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. 18, 2010
Filed:
Apr. 25, 2006
Applicants:
Shinya Tanaka, Tokyo, JP;
Shuuichi Endoh, Kanagawa, JP;
Masato Iio, Kanagawa, JP;
Inventors:
Assignee:
Ricoh Company, Limited, Tokyo, JP;
Primary Examiner:
Assistant Examiner:
Int. Cl.
CPC ...
G03G 15/08 (2006.01);
U.S. Cl.
CPC ...
Abstract
A developing unit develops a latent image on an image carrier with toner. A toner cartridge is detachably arranged in parallel with the developing unit, and supplies the toner to the developing unit. An opening is disposed between the developing unit and the toner cartridge, through which the toner passes. The toner cartridge includes a space forming unit that forms a space in the toner stored in the toner cartridge. The space allows the toner to flow into from the developing unit.