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. 29, 2012
Filed:
Dec. 18, 2008
Junji Murauchi, Toyokawa, JP;
Megumi Minami, Amagasaki, JP;
Junji Murauchi, Toyokawa, JP;
Megumi Minami, Amagasaki, JP;
Konica Minolta Business Technologies, Inc., Chiyoda-Ku, Tokyo, JP;
Abstract
A developing device and an image forming apparatus capable of carrying out image formation for a long period by making fluctuations in toner concentration and volume level of the developer inside a trickle developing device that uses a two-component developer as small as possible. The developing device, containing a developer and a developer holder, includes a developer replenishing tank; a toner concentration detecting sensor, a trickle discharging mechanism, developer amount detecting member, and control unit for controlling the replenishment operation of replenishment toner and carrier at the time when the toner concentration is lower than a predetermined reference toner concentration, wherein the control unit carries out forced consumption operation for the toner inside the developer tank and replenishment operation for the replenishment toner and carrier in the case that the amount of the developer-tank-contained developer inside the developer tank is judged to be low using the developer amount detecting member.