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:
Apr. 12, 2011
Filed:
May. 31, 2007
Keiko Matsumoto, Kanagawa, JP;
Mugijirou Uno, Kanagawa, JP;
Hiroyuki Okaji, Kanagawa, JP;
Ricoh Company, Ltd., Tokyo, JP;
Abstract
The invention provides a developer supply device, a developer container, a developer and an image forming apparatus such that the developer is discharged stably from the developer container with a stable toner concentration in the developer, without damaging the developer, and in a relatively simple and small-size device having a relatively high degree of freedom as regards layout. The developer supply device comprises a partially or wholly deformable developer container and a pump for suctioning the developer held in the developer container, together with a gas, and for discharging the developer towards a developing unit. The toner comprises an additive formed so as to have a volume average particle size of 50 to 500 nm. The carrier is formed so as to have a weight average particle size of 20 to 60 μm. The developer is formed so that the carrier concentration thereof is 1 to 30 wt %.