Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 8
Claim 1
Independent Claim
189 words
A developing device for developing an electrostatic latent image formed on an image bearing member using magnetic toner particles, comprising: toner carrier means for carrying said magnetic toner particles along a predetermined path, a part of which defines a developing section where said electrostatic latent image is developed by said magnetic toner particles, said toner carrier means including an electrically conductive layer, a dielectric layer formed on said conductive layer and a plurality of floating electrodes provided in said dielectric layer and spaced apart from one another; supply means for supplying said magnetic toner particles to said toner carrier means; means for generating a magnetic field to be applied to said toner carrier means for causing said magnetic toner particles to be attracted to said toner carrier means while transported along said predetermined path; pressure means disposed between said supplying means and said developing section in pressure contact with said toner carrier means for forming a thin film of magnetic toner particles which are charged to a predetermined polarity; and discharging means disposed in the downstream of said developing section for removing the charge from said toner carrier means.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
189 words
A developing device for developing an electrostatic latent image formed on an image bearing member using magnetic toner particles, comprising: toner carrier means for carrying said magnetic toner particles along a predetermined path, a part of which defines a developing section where said electrostatic latent image is developed by said magnetic toner particles, said toner carrier means including an electrically conductive layer, a dielectric layer formed on said conductive layer and a plurality of floating electrodes provided in said dielectric layer and spaced apart from one another; supply means for supplying said magnetic toner particles to said toner carrier means; means for generating a magnetic field to be applied to said toner carrier means for causing said magnetic toner particles to be attracted to said toner carrier means while transported along said predetermined path; pressure means disposed between said supplying means and said developing section in pressure contact with said toner carrier means for forming a thin film of magnetic toner particles which are charged to a predetermined polarity; and discharging means disposed in the downstream of said developing section for removing the charge from said toner carrier means.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
35 words
The device of claim 1 wherein said pressure means is directed in a direction counter to the movement of said magnetic toner particles at the contact between said pressure means and said toner carrier means.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
41 words
The device of claim 2 wherein said toner carrier means is formed in the shape of a sleeve which is driven to rotate in a predetermined direction so that said predetermined path is defined by the peripheral surface of said sleeve.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
32 words
The device of claim 3 wherein said discharging means includes an electrically conductive brush disposed in contact with or spaced apart over a small distance from the peripheral surface of said sleeve.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
40 words
The device of claim 4 further comprising means for applying a predetermined potential connected to said conductive layer, said brush and said pressure means thereby maintaining said conductive layer, said brush and said pressure means substantially at said predetermined potential.
Claim 7
Independent Claim
45 words
The device of claimed 1 further comprising moving means for moving said pressure means in a direction perpendicular to the relative moving direction between said toner carrier means and said pressure means while maintaining said pressure means in pressure contact with said toner carrier means.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
68 words
The device of claim 1 wherein said pressure means has Young's modulus E in N·m -2 , thickness d in meter and length l in meter from its supporting point to the contact point between said pressure means and said toner carrier means, and these parameters satisfy the condition of Ed 3 /l 3 being equal to or larger than 2,500 but equal to or smaller than 250,000.