Patent ID: 6687477
Filing Date: 2004-02-03
Classification: G03G

Abstract:
A toner recycling control system of an electrophotographic apparatus which collects a post-development residual developer from a developer-bearing bodyâ€”which performs development through formation of a thin layer of high-viscosity liquid developerâ€”and a post-transfer residual developer from an image-bearing body; performs developer concentration adjustment to yield an adjusted developer; and feeds the adjusted developer back to said developer-bearing body, said system comprising:a concentration adjustment tank storing a collected developer and being replenished with a concentrated developer and carrier liquid for developer concentration adjustment; and a buffer tank receiving and storing a liquid developer which has undergone concentration adjustment in said concentration adjustment tank; wherein the liquid developer adjusted to an appropriate concentration is fed from said buffer tank to a developer fountain provided within a developing unit having said developer-bearing body.