Patent ID: 6170977
Filing Date: 2001-01-09
Classification: B01F,G03G

Abstract:
A device for stirring a developing liquid comprised of a solvent and toner particles dispersed in the solvent, and for feeding the stirred liquid to a developing unit in an image forming apparatus, the device comprising:a liquid reservoir;a main conduit system having a first leg connected to deliver developing liquid from the reservoir to the developing unit, and a second leg for returning unused developing liquid from the developing unit to the reservoir;a reversible pump connected in the main conduit system to circulate the developing liquid;a bypass device connected between the first and second legs of the main conduit system which provides a first flow path from the reservoir to the developing unit when the developing device requires developing liquid, and a second flow path into and out of the reservoir when developing liquid is not being used by the developing unit, thereby preventing the toner particles from settling out of the developing liquid in the reservoir; anda pump controller which selectively allows the flow direction through the pump to be reversed.