×

Image forming apparatus with a returned toner transfer feature after a nonimage formation operation

  • US 6,449,448 B2
  • Filed: 12/29/2000
  • Issued: 09/10/2002
  • Est. Priority Date: 01/06/2000
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
Patent Images

1. An image forming apparatus comprising:

  • an image bearer which carries an electrostatic image;

    developing means for developing the electrostatic image using toner;

    a rotating transfer member which transfers a toner image on said image bearer;

    charging means for charging said image bearer on which residual toner is deposited due to transfer by said rotating transfer member, the charging means allowing residual toner on said image bearer to be collected;

    returning means for returning toner in said charging means to said image bearer, when the image is not formed; and

    removing means for removing toner on said rotating transfer means, said rotating transfer member transferring at least a portion of the returned toner to said image bearer returned by said returning means, when the image is not formed.

View all claims
  • 1 Assignment
Timeline View
Assignment View
    ×
    ×