Apparatus and method for removing foreign materials lodged inside an image forming system
US5960237A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 14, 1997 |
| Grant date | Sep 28, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 14, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG03G2215/018
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
The invention provides image forming method and apparatus. One embodiment of the invention is an image forming apparatus with a developing device. This apparatus also includes: (1) an electrostatic latent image carrier on which an electrostatic latent image is formed, (2) a developing roller rotatably driven in a first direction during developing, (3) a developing-roller-reverse rotator which rotates the developing roller in a second direction opposite the first direction, when the developing device moves with respect to the electrostatic latent image carrier. Another embodiment is an image forming apparatus that also includes a developer-regulating member positioned in direct contact with or close proximity to the developing roller. In this embodiment, the rotation of the developing roller in the second direction dislodges materials stuck between the developing roller and the developer-regulating member. Yet another embodiment of the invention an image forming apparatus that also includes a developing device, an electrostatic latent image carrier, a developing roller, and a developer-regulating member. This embodiment further includes a separating member coupled to at least one of…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.