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:
Oct. 11, 2011
Filed:
May. 30, 2008
Natsumi Katoh, Atsugi, JP;
Junichi Matsumoto, Yokohama, JP;
Nobuo Iwata, Sagamihara, JP;
Tomoya Ohmura, Yokohama, JP;
Natsumi Katoh, Atsugi, JP;
Junichi Matsumoto, Yokohama, JP;
Nobuo Iwata, Sagamihara, JP;
Tomoya Ohmura, Yokohama, JP;
Ricoh Company Limited, Tokyo, JP;
Abstract
A developing device including a developing unit configured to develop an electrostatic latent image formed on a latent image bearing member with a developer comprising a toner and a carrier, and a circulation unit configured to collect the developer from the developing unit and return the developer to the developing unit. The circulation unit includes a container including a main body having an inverted cone shape, a supply opening provided in a top thereof, and a discharge opening provided in a bottom thereof, configured to hold a part of the developer and provided on an upstream side from the developing unit relative to a direction of circulation of the developer. The container includes a plurality of agitation members configured to agitate the developer collected from the developing unit and fresh toner so that a plurality of flows of the developer is produced in the container.