Patent Publication Number: US 8019258 B2
Title: Developing apparatus
Filing Date: October 13, 2010
Priority Date: June 23, 2006
Inventor(s): Shinichi Nishida, Katsunori Yokoyama, Yasushi Shimizu, Kazunari Hagiwara, Katsuhiro Sakaizawa, Rie Endo, Naoto Kichijima
Original Assignee / Applicant(s): Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
Link to Patent: US8019258B2
Summary:
The present invention discloses a developing apparatus used in an image forming apparatus employing an electro-photography method. A typical image development process involves an electrically charged developing roller contacting the developer material (toner) and forming a visible image, which is then transferred to a sheet or a paper. This invention discloses an apparatus wherein the amount of the developer material coming into contact with a developing roller is regulated with the use of a flexible sheet member that is stably retained in position with respect to a holding member and the developing roller with the help of a restoration force and an elastic force, respectively. This publication acknowledges the use of Fujifilm Prescale® for measuring contact pressures that are greater than those generated / observed in the working of the present invention.