Patent ID: 7968267
Filing Date: 2011-06-28
Classification: G03G

Abstract:
1. A method for developing an electrostatic latent image formed on an image carrier, the method comprising the steps of: (a) stirring, in a developer tank, developer which contains toner, carrier for charging the toner, and opposite polarity particles which is to be charged with an opposite polarity to a polarity of electrostatic charge of the toner, the opposite polarity particles being charged, in the developer, to have a surface charge density in a range from 0.5 to 3.0 times of a surface charge density of the carrier; (b) supporting the developer stored in the developer tank on a developer supporting member to convey the developer toward a development area; (c) separating the opposite polarity particles and the toner in the developer supported on the developer supporting member from each other, at an upstream side of the development area in a moving direction of the developer; and (d) conveying the toner separated from the opposite polarity particles to the development area to develop the electrostatic latent image with the toner.