Image forming apparatus with self-diagnosis mode
US6879787B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 2, 2003 |
| Grant date | Apr 12, 2005 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 2, 2023 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG03G2215/0164
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Each of a plurality of developing units accommodates toner of different color. Toner images of the different colors are formed on corresponding image carriers and sequentially transferred onto an image transfer medium. Toner remaining on the image carriers is recovered after transfer of toner image of particular color. The toner recovered is supplied to corresponding developing unit for reuse. A controller controls the operation of the image forming apparatus. The controller starts a self-diagnosis mode when receiving an interruption signal. The self-diagnosis mode includes detecting how the toners of different colors are mixed in each developing unit.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.