Oblon, Spivak, McClelland, Maier & Neustadt, P.C.
Method and apparatus for image forming capable of performing an effective development process
An apparatus including a development agent carrying member, a toner container having an opening, an initial development agent container, a flexible member, and a stopper. The flexible member rotates to cyclically transfer toner to the carrying member via the opening. The stopper locates the flexible member at a closed position where the opening is closed. The flexible member is initially located at the closed position and releases the opening when the development agent is present on a surface of the carrying member facing the opening. A method of image forming is provided that includes sealing the opening by engaging the flexible member with the stopper, filling the toner container, supplying a development agent to the carrying member at a surface of the development agent facing the opening, and releasing the opening to start supplying the toner to the carrying member through the opening by rotation of the flexible member.
Ricoh Company, Ltd.
G G
G03G G03G
inventional inventional
Hideo Shinji
Yoshizawa Tamaki