Upgradeable and easily serviceable imaging systems with a removable module and methods for using the same
US6535704B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 20, 2000 |
| Grant date | Mar 18, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 20, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG03G2221/1615
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An imaging system including a plurality of developing stations for developing an image on a sheet, a releasably removable image receiving module having at least one exposing unit and an image receiving substrate and a support structure for receiving the releasably removable image receiving module. The releasably removable image receiving module is configured to engage the support structure of the system such that the image receiving substrate of the module can be disposed in an operative relationship with the developing stations when the removable module is engaged with the support structure. This imaging system provides a method for upgrading, downgrading or modifying the imaging system that could be substantially performed by an end user. This imaging system may be embodied in a monocolor or multicolor printer, copier, facsimile machine or other electrophotographic based apparatus.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.