Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 10
Claim 1
Independent Claim
126 words
A developing apparatus for developing an image on an image carrying body, comprising: means, located to face the image carrying body, for supplying a developing agent to the image carrying body; and means for forming a developing agent layer of the developing agent supplied to the image carrying body on the supplying means, the forming means having an elastic member for controlling a thickness of the developing agent layer on the supplying means and a supporting member for supporting the elastic member, characterized in that said supporting member (38a) has a free end portion facing to the supplying means and a supporting portion supporting the elastic member (38b) thereon such that the supporting portion is away from the free end portion by 0.5 to 5 mm.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
25 words
The developing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that said supporting portion is away from the free end portion by 0.5 to 2 mm.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
20 words
The developing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that said supporting member (38a) has stainless steel or phosphor bronze.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
17 words
The developing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that said elastic member has rubber or resin.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
37 words
The developing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that said elastic member (38b) has a material selected from among the group consisting of silicone rubber, silicone resin, polyurethane rubber, polyurethane resin, fluorine rubber and fluorine resin.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
21 words
The developing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that said elastic member (38b) has a semicircular or rectangular cross section.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
35 words
The developing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that sealing members (38c) are provided at both sides of the end portion of the supporting member (38a), thereby preventing lateral movement of the developing agent.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
19 words
The developing device according to claim 1, characterized in that said developing agent has a one-component non-magnetic developing agent.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
36 words
A developing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that said supporting member (38a) has a longitudinal width decreasing towards the side of the supporting member (38a) which is put in contact with the supplying means.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
78 words
A developing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that: the longitudinal width of the elastic member (38b) is less than that of the supporting member, the longitudinal width Lp of the supporting member (38a) and the longitudinal width Lc of the elastic member (38b) satisfy the formula, 30 (mm) > Lc - Lp ≧ 4 (mm), and there are regions at both end portions of the supporting member (38a), where the elastic member (38b) is not provided.