Developer replenishment apparatus
US7139516B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 5, 2005 |
| Grant date | Nov 21, 2006 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 5, 2025 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG03G2215/0827
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
The developer replenishment apparatus includes a first developer container for accommodating the developer for replenishment, a first conveyance member disposed in the first developer container to discharge the developer for replenishment through a first opening of the first developer container, a second developer container for receiving the developer for replenishment discharged from the first opening, an agitating member disposed in the second developer container to agitate the developer for replenishment, a second conveyance member disposed in the second developer container to discharge the developer for replenishment through a second opening of the second developer container toward the developing apparatus, and a driving device which does not drive the second conveyance member but drives the agitating member when driving the first conveyance member. The bulk density of the developer is thereby stabilized to make possible replenishment with the developer at high accuracy.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.