Oblon, McClelland, Maier & Neustadt, L.L.P.
Powder transport device and image forming apparatus incorporating same
A powder transport device includes a first transport tube through which powder falls under gravity; a second transport tube having a transport member that transports the powder in a substantially horizontal direction; and a joint section having a ceiling, opposed side walls, an upstream wall, and a downstream wall. The joint section defines a first drop region, defined by the downstream wall and the side walls, continuous with and positioned directly under the first transport tube, to drop the powder dropped from the first transport tube; and a second drop region, defined by the ceiling, the upstream wall, and the side walls, displaced relative to and continuous with the first drop region, positioned adjacent to the second transport tube, to drop the powder transported from the second transport tube upstream from the first drop region in the direction in which the powder is transported through the second transport tube.
Ricoh Company, Ltd.
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Masato Mitsutoshi Yuuji Takeshi Masanari Tetsushi
Tsuji Kichise Meguro Sakashita Fujita Sakuma