Image forming apparatus
US5008711A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 19, 1988 |
| Grant date | Apr 16, 1991 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 19, 2008 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG03G2221/1869
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An image forming apparatus of the type including a plurality of process means for developing an electrostatic latent image provided on an image carrier to produce a visible image, transferring the visible image to a transfer material, and cleaning the image carrier after the image transfer. The image carrier and at least one image forming unit are individually removably mounted on a body of the apparatus. A first and a second sensor are provided for sensing, respectively, the end of the life of the image forming unit and that of the image carrier. Even when the end of the life of the image carrier is sensed, an indication for urging a person to replace the image forming unit being used is not produced if the life of the image forming unit has not expired, allowing the apparatus to be continuously used. It is not until the end of the life of the image forming unit is sensed next that an indication for urging a person to replace both of the image carrier and the image forming unit is produced.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.