Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing AlN whiskers includes reduced incorporation of metal particles, an AlN whisker body, AlN whiskers, a resin molded body, and a method for producing the resin molded body. The method for producing AlN whiskers includes heating an Al-containing material in a material accommodation unit to thereby generate Al gas; and introducing the Al gas into a reaction chamber through a communication portion while introducing nitrogen gas into the reaction chamber through a gas inlet port, to thereby grow AlN whiskers on the surface of an Al2O3 substrate placed in the reaction chamber.

Abstract: The invention is applicable to a developing device with a toner hopper as toner container, which can be mounted and dismounted and includes a toner replenishment roller controlled for rotation according to a detection signal of a toner concentration sensor. A shutter capable of being rotated along the outer periphery of the toner replenishment roller, is provided for opening and closing an opening at predetermined angular positions. At least one shutter opening end is in frictional contact with roller periphery, thus permitting stable mounting and dismounting of the toner container with respect to a developer container in a simple operation.Further, in a toner container comprising a replenishment toner accommodating section and a waste toner recovery section formed at a longitudinal end of the accommodating section via a partitioning wall, the volume ratio between the replenishment toner accommodating section and the waste toner recovery section is set such that no overflow of waste toner occurs.