Image forming apparatus for detecting viscosity of a liquid type developer by utilizing a developer density detecting device
US6131001A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 17, 1997 |
| Grant date | Oct 10, 2000 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 17, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG03G15/105
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An image forming apparatus having an improved developer density detecting device for detecting density of a liquid type developer without using an optical sensor. Density of the liquid type developer is detected based upon viscosity of the liquid type developer, which is obtained by sensing pressures, for example, of the liquid type developer sent by a pump and flowing through a developer circulating pipe and applying pressure data obtained by sensing pressures to a predetermined formula. The viscosity can also be obtained by dropping a steel ball, or moving a steel ball, through the liquid type developer and measuring properties based on movement of the steel ball. The viscosity can also be obtained by measuring torque of a device rotating with the liquid type developer.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.