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. 01, 2014
Filed:
Nov. 02, 2011
Junichi Matsumoto, Kanagawa, JP;
Tomoya Ohmura, Kanagawa, JP;
Yasuo Takuma, Kanagawa, JP;
Hiroshi Kikuchi, Kanagawa, JP;
Natsumi Matsue, Kanagawa, JP;
Junichi Matsumoto, Kanagawa, JP;
Tomoya Ohmura, Kanagawa, JP;
Yasuo Takuma, Kanagawa, JP;
Hiroshi Kikuchi, Kanagawa, JP;
Natsumi Matsue, Kanagawa, JP;
Ricoh Company, Ltd., Tokyo, JP;
Abstract
In a disclosed developing device, a developing part includes a developer carrier for circulating a developer inside the developing part and for supplying the developer to an image carrier, a developer supply member for supplying the developer to the developer carrier, and a developer collection member for collecting the developer which is not used. A developer stirring part is arranged at a different position from a position of the developing part. A developer conveyance part carries the developer by an air conveyance in a developer conveyance path from the developer stirring part to the developing part. A developer detection part includes an opening which communicates between the developer supply member and the developer collection member, is arranged at a downstream side in a flow direction of the developer below and near the developer supply member, and detects whether the developer exists in a vicinity of the developer supply member.