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. 08, 2012
Filed:
Oct. 23, 2008
Nobuo Iwata, Sagamihara, JP;
Junichi Matsumoto, Yokohama, JP;
Natsumi Katoh, Atsugi, JP;
Tomoya Ohmura, Yokohama, JP;
Nobuo Iwata, Sagamihara, JP;
Junichi Matsumoto, Yokohama, JP;
Natsumi Katoh, Atsugi, JP;
Tomoya Ohmura, Yokohama, JP;
Ricoh Company, Ltd., Tokyo, JP;
Abstract
An image forming apparatus and method for developing a latent image on an image bearing member includes the image bearing member, an air flow generator, and an air intake device. The image bearing member is configured to bear the latent image on the surface thereof. The airflow generator is configured to generate airflow to transport a developer. The air intake device is configured to connect outside the image forming apparatus with the airflow generator to draw air from outside the image forming apparatus to supply the air to the airflow generator.