Image forming apparatus
US9588460B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 9, 2015 |
| Grant date | Mar 7, 2017 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 9, 2035 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG03G15/0879
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An image forming apparatus includes a latent image bearer, a developing device, a toner container, a toner feed connector, a processor, and a notifier. The developing device develops, with toner, a latent image on the latent image bearer. The toner container contains the toner. The toner container is detachably attachable to the image forming apparatus. The toner feed connector guides the toner of the toner container to the developing device. The information detector detects identification information including toner type information and maintenance contract information stored in the toner container. The processor determines whether the toner type information of the toner container coincides before and after replacement and whether the maintenance contract information of the toner container is matched with maintenance contract information of the image forming apparatus. The notifier indicates a determination made by the processor.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.