Abstract: A developer of an image-forming apparatus includes a photoconductor, a housing comprising a waste toner container in which waste toner removed from the photoconductor is contained, and a recessed portion depressed downwardly in a center portion of an upper wall of the waste toner container, the center portion corresponding to a center portion of the photoconductor in a lengthwise direction to move toner away from the center portion.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus is provided with an image forming portion for forming an image, a nongenuine product judging portion for judging whether or not a toner cartridge as a replacement part of the image forming portion is a nongenuine product and a control portion for controlling the image forming portion according to an image forming condition input from a copy condition input screen or a print condition input screen. In a case where the toner cartridge of the image forming portion is judged as a nongenuine product by the nongenuine product judging portion, the control portion restricts input of a condition concerning recording paper among the image forming conditions capable of being input from the copy condition input screen or the print condition input screen.

Abstract: An image forming device includes a main body, a support unit, a driving unit, a developer cartridge, a moving member, a transmitting member, and a detection member. The support unit can be pulled out from the main body in a removing direction. The developer cartridge is detachably mounted in the support unit and has a driving member. The driving member is driven by the driving unit when the developer cartridge is mounted in the support unit. The moving member moves when the driving member is driven by the driving unit. The transmitting member is provided to the support unit and is rotatable about a rotational axis which extends perpendicular to the removing direction and a longitudinal direction of a photosensitive member. When the moving member contacts the transmitting member, the transmitting member rotates. The detection member detects a rotation of the transmitting member.

Abstract: In an apparatus including the detachable unit, when reading individual information of the detachable unit, a first label for generating a reference signal for reading individual information and a second label representing the individual information are arranged on a surface of the detachable unit, with a first label reading unit, the reference signal is generated while reading the first label in a predetermined direction, and with a second label reading unit, the individual information of the detachable unit contained in the second label is read in synchronous with the generated reference signal. Read individual information is stored, and whether a mounted detachable unit is new or used is recognized based on a comparison of individual information read from the detachable unit with stored individual information.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a main casing, a cartridge, and a CPU. The main casing includes a detection electrode. The cartridge accommodating therein toner is attachable to and detachable from the main casing, and has a cartridge electrode electrically connectable to the detection electrode, and a moving member supported to the cartridge electrode. The moving member is movable from a first position where an electrical connection between the cartridge electrode and the detection electrode is interrupted to a third position where the electrical connection is interrupted via a second position where the electrical connection is established. The CPU is configured to judge whether or not the assembled cartridge is a new cartridge. The CPU determines that the assembled cartridge is new when the electrical connection is first interrupted, and established, and then interrupted in accordance with the movement of the moving member.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus and a cartridge to be used therein. The image forming apparatus includes a main casing, a CPU, and a main electrode. The cartridge accommodating therein toner is attachable to and detachable from the main casing, and has a cartridge electrode electrically connectable to the main electrode, a moving member and a pressure member. The CPU is configured to judge assembly or non-assembly of the cartridge with respect to the main casing and to judge whether or not the assembled cartridge is a new cartridge. The moving member is movable by a predetermined moving amount to permit the pressure member to be movable. The cartridge electrode is movable in accordance with the movement of the pressure member. As a result of a movement of the main electrode in accordance with the movement of the cartridge electrode, the CPU determines that the assembled cartridge is a new cartridge.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus and a cartridge to be used therein. The image forming device includes a main casing, a CPU as a judgment unit, and a main electrode. The cartridge accommodating therein a toner is attachable to and detachable from the main casing, and has a moving member and a cartridge electrode electrically connectable to the main electrode. The CPU is configured to judge assembly or non-assembly of the cartridge with respect to the main casing and to judge whether or not the assembled cartridge is a new cartridge. The moving member is movable by a predetermined moving amount to permit the cartridge electrode to be movable. As a result of a movement of the main electrode in accordance with the movement of the cartridge electrode, the CPU determines that the assembled cartridge is a new cartridge.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus and a cartridge to be used therein. The image forming apparatus includes a main casing, a CPU as a judgment unit, and a main electrode. The cartridge accommodating therein a toner is attachable to and detachable from the main casing, and has a cartridge electrode electrically connectable to the main electrode. The CPU is configured to judge assembly or non-assembly of the cartridge with respect to the main casing and to judge whether or not the assembled cartridge is a new cartridge. The cartridge electrode is movable by a predetermined moving amount to permit the main electrode to be movable. As a result of a movement of the main electrode in accordance with the movement of the cartridge electrode, the CPU determines that the assembled cartridge is a new cartridge.

Abstract: An image forming cartridge comprises a developing unit configured to hold toner including a developing section configured to use the toner for developing and a supplying section configured to provide the toner to the developing section and a toner cartridge attachable to the developing unit, wherein the toner cartridge contains toner and supplies toner to the developing unit and the toner cartridge includes a stand-by charging unit configured to perform stand-by charge to the toner in the toner cartridge.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus mounted with a toner cartridge having a memory unit includes a toner cartridge which stores a plurality of control data depending on toner in the memory unit, an acquisition unit which selects one of the plurality of control data in the memory unit and acquires image formation-related information and a setting unit which sets image formation parameters on the basis of the image formation-related information.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus comprises an image former that prints target data on a sheet, a first judger that judges a supply unit that is replaceably loaded thereon and has a memory storing identification information uniquely given to the supply unit and information about a plurality of vendors providing the supply unit, is whether or not a reproduced product, an accessor that accesses a server owned by a vendor supplying the supply unit according to the information about the vendors providing the supply unit, which is stored in the memory of the supply unit, if the first judger judges that the supply unit is a reproduced product, a second judger that judges whether or not the identification information stored in the memory of the supply unit is registered in the server owned by the vendor supplying the supply unit, which is accessed by the accessor.

Abstract: A method of initializing information about a consumable unit of an image forming apparatus, the method includes transmitting authentication information of the consumable unit to the outside, receiving initialization data of usage information about the consumable unit stored in the image forming apparatus, from the outside, and initializing the usage information about the consumable unit based on the received initialization data.

Abstract: A unit installable in an apparatus and a method of managing a unit installed in an apparatus are provided. The unit includes a container for a consumable, and a chip mounted to the container. The chip includes a first memory to store data that is accessible and decodable by the apparatus to authenticate the unit. The chip includes a second memory to store recycling prevention information.

Abstract: In a cartridge, a developing roller is configured to rotate around a first rotational axis extending in a predetermined direction and to carry developer thereon, the developing roller having a first end and a second end apart from each other in the predetermined direction, a from-first-to-second direction being defined along the predetermined direction as being directed from the first end to the second end. A developing electrode is formed of a conductive material and is configured to be electrically connected to the developing roller, the developing electrode including a main part and a protruding portion protruding from the main part in the from-first-to-second direction. A detection body is formed of an insulating material and is rotatably supported by the protruding portion, the detection body including a first opening that exposes part of the protruding portion and a covering portion covering part of the protruding portion.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a motor configured to drive a developing roller and a stirring member and a motor configured to drive a photosensitive drum. When initial driving of the stirring member of a new process cartridge is performed, the image forming apparatus drives the photosensitive drum at a peripheral velocity higher than that at the time of image formation to aid the rotation of the developing roller.

Abstract: There is provided a developing cartridge that prevents forced erroneous mounting of the developing cartridge by a user and capable of easily recognizing the erroneous mounting by the user, and an electrophotographic image forming apparatus. When an erroneous mounting is performed, the developing cartridge is returned to a mounting start side from the vicinity of a mounting end position. Therefore, the user can easily recognize the erroneous mounting. By using a pressure member for urging the developing cartridge to an image carrier for detection of the erroneous mounting, deformation or damage of a main assembly or the developing cartridge can be suppressed.

Abstract: A receiving member is configured to receive a driving force from outside, is mounted on a first side wall on an opposite side from a developer accommodating portion, and is rotatable around a first axis line parallel to the longitudinal direction. A rotating member is rotatably provided between the first and second side walls, and configured to be rotated by the driving force received by the receiving member. A detection body is mounted on the second side wall on an opposite side from the developer accommodating portion and includes a detected part which is detected by a detecting unit. The detection body advances outwards in the longitudinal direction with respect to the second side wall and retracts inwards in the longitudinal direction with respect to the second side wall by the driving force received by the receiving member.

Abstract: In a developing cartridge, a first supporting member is attached to a housing and has a first developing supporting portion and a driving-force-receiving-member supporting portion, the first developing supporting portion being configured to rotatably support a first part of a rotational shaft, the driving-force-receiving-member supporting portion being configured to rotatably support a driving-force-receiving member. The second supporting member is attached to the housing and has a second developing supporting portion and a detection-rotational-body supporting portion, the second developing supporting portion being configured to rotatably support a second part of the rotational shaft, the detection-rotational-body supporting portion being configured to rotatably support a detection rotational body.

Abstract: In an image forming apparatus, a cartridge has a cartridge side electrode. A main casing has a main casing side electrode. The cartridge includes a moving member that allows the main casing side electrode to be located at a connection position when the moving member is at a first position, to be located at a disconnection position when the moving member is at a second position, and to be located at the connection position when the moving member is at a third position. A determining unit determines that the cartridge's state is new if the determining unit detects that the main casing side electrode is electrically connected to the cartridge side electrode, then the main casing side electrode is electrically disconnected from the cartridge side electrode temporarily, and then the main casing side electrode is again electrically connected to the cartridge side electrode.

Abstract: In an image forming apparatus including a motor configured to drive a developing roller and an unsealing mechanism, and a motor configured to drive a photosensitive drum, a photosensitive drum is driven at a peripheral velocity higher than that at a time of image formation to aid rotation of the developing roller, during a period of opening a seal member by the unsealing mechanism.

Abstract: A master/slave data communication system in which a master device communicates with the slave devices by uniquely addressing each of the slave devices. In order to enhance the security of the data communication system, each slave device includes an address generator for generating unique addresses. Periodically, the master device requests that one or more slave device change its address. In response to the request, the addressed slave device increments its address generating algorithm to provide a new slave address. The master device also includes an algorithm that is synchronized with the slave address generating algorithm, whereby when the slave changes its address, it need not transmit the new slave address to the master device over the bus.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a container storage that is installed on a toner container and stores first information relating to a use amount of a toner in the toner container and stores second information relating to a use amount of an image holding portion, which is a component not including the toner container and including at least an image holding body from among components installed in a cartridge; a housing storage that stores at least the second information and remains in the housing when the cartridge is removed from a housing; and an information write unit that writes the second information stored in the housing storage into the container storage if the first information stored in the container storage indicates that the toner in the toner container is unused and the second information stored in the container storage indicates that the image holding portion is used.

Abstract: An image formation apparatus, which includes: a detector unit that detects a status of consumables; a prediction unit that predicts a run-out timing of the consumables on the basis of the status detected by the detector unit; a transmission unit that transmits the status detected by the detector unit to a management apparatus as consumables information; a reception unit that receives run-out timing information indicating a run-out timing predicted by the management apparatus on the basis of the consumables information transmitted by the transmission unit; and a notification unit that notifies the run-out timing of the consumables on the basis of the run-out timing information received by the reception unit if communication with the management apparatus is possible, or notifies the run-out timing of the consumables on the basis of the run-out timing predicted by the prediction unit if communication with the management apparatus is not possible.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus capable of both normal printing and special-purpose printing includes a first identification unit, a second identification unit, and a selection unit. The first identification unit identifies a type of print data. The second identification unit identifies a type of print material. The selection unit selects a print resource in accordance with a combination of the type of print data identified by the first identification unit and the type of print material identified by the second identification unit. The selection unit selects the print resource so as to prevent unauthorized printing from being performed when the print data is for special-purpose printing.

Abstract: There is provided an image forming apparatus in which a correction value is acquired from a storage device provided in a coloring agent cartridge mounted in the image forming apparatus, it is determined whether the acquired correction value is within a specified numerical range, and when it is determined that the acquired correction value is not within the specified numerical range, a control parameter of a specified process relevant to an image forming operation is corrected based on a specified correction value previously set to correct the control parameter of the specified process performed by the image forming apparatus.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an image carrier unit, a determining section, an acquiring section, and a removal capability increasing section. The image carrier unit includes an image carrier and a cleaning member, and has a lubricant in the area of the cleaning member that contacts the image carrier when the image carrier unit is in an unused condition. The determining section determines whether or not the image carrier unit is unused. The acquiring section acquires the elapsed time since manufacture of the image carrier unit. The removal capability increasing section increases the removal capability for removing the lubricant from the surface of the image carrier by the cleaning member, in a case where it is determined that the image carrier unit is unused and the acquired elapsed time is equal to or more than a predetermined time, in comparison to other cases.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus is capable of performing a plurality of controlling operations. The image forming apparatus includes a detachable replaceable part having an information storing unit that stores predetermined information, an information reading unit that reads the predetermined information from the information storing unit, a determining unit that determines whether the replaceable part is a genuine part or not based on the predetermined information read by the information reading unit, a display unit capable of displaying the predetermined information, and a control unit that determines a controlling operation among the plurality of controlling operations based on a determination by the determining unit.

Abstract: An information storage device installed in a removable device configured to be removably installed in an image forming apparatus body, includes: an information storage unit that stores information communicated between the image forming apparatus body and the removable device; a terminal that comes in contact with a body side terminal; and a substrate that holds the information storage unit and the terminal and includes a hole configured to be engaged with a protruding section installed in the image forming apparatus body. The terminal includes a plurality of terminals each including one of a plurality of metallic plates arranged in a transverse direction thereof. An earth terminal, which comes in contact with a body side earth terminal formed in the protruding section, is formed in the hole. The hole is disposed at a position sandwiched between two metallic plates among the plurality of metallic plates.

Abstract: The present invention provides a destination dedicating apparatus including a destination information reading section and a destination information recording section. The destination information reading section is configured to read destination information from a storage area mounted on a consumable good when the consumable good is first mounted into a printing apparatus. The destination information recording section is configured to record the destination information read above into a storage area provided in the printing apparatus to thereby set the printing apparatus to a dedicated machine for the consumable good having the specific destination information.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a process cartridge. In the case where the process cartridge is a fresh cartridge, after toner (developer) is sufficiently fed to a developer carrying member in the entire longitudinal area of the developer carrying member, an initializing operation for depositing the toner on a contact portion between an image bearing member and a cleaning blade.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus includes an apparatus main unit control software storage unit configured to store new apparatus main unit control software used to control a main unit of the image processing apparatus on a non-volatile storage device, a combination appropriateness determination unit configured to determine whether a combination of the new apparatus main unit control software and post-processing apparatus control software that currently operates on a post-processing apparatus is appropriate based on version information about the post-processing apparatus control software used to control the post-processing apparatus, which is operable in combination with the new apparatus main unit control software, and version information about the post-processing apparatus control software that currently operates on the post-processing apparatus, a determination result storage unit configured to store a result of the determination by the combination appropriateness determination unit, and an activation unit con

Abstract: A method and apparatus for indicating a part number for a consumable to be used in an image production device is disclosed. The method may include generating a pre-printed label that includes one or more potential part numbers for the consumable with an indication area proximate to the one or more potential part numbers, the indication area including reactive material, attaching the preprinted label on packaging for the consumable, determining a desired part number from the one or more potential part numbers for the consumable, and indicating the desired part number for the consumable by activating the reactive material proximate to the desired part number.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus comprises a controller that stores instructions, which cause the image forming apparatus to determine a characteristic measurement in response to a toner cartridge being partially inserted into the image forming apparatus. A pair of spaced apart sensors included on the image forming apparatus each contact an outer cross-sectional surface of a film on a delivery aperture of the toner cartridge. The image forming apparatus further includes an auger having at least one sensor for conducting a characteristic measurement on the film. The characteristic measurement corresponds to criteria programmed in the image forming apparatus for determining if the toner cartridge has a full toner level or a partially full (or low) toner level.

Abstract: A print control apparatus includes a setting section and a print controlling section. The setting section enables or disables a first function of sorting paper by performing longitudinal printing in which printing is performed in longitudinal orientation for paper ejection in the longitudinal orientation and lateral printing in which printing is performed in lateral orientation for paper ejection in the lateral orientation alternately. The setting section further enables or disables a second function of barcode printing. The print controlling section controls printing in accordance with setting of each of the first function and the second function. When one of the first function and the second function is enabled, the setting section disables the other function.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus mounted with a toner cartridge having a memory unit includes a toner cartridge which stores a plurality of control data depending on toner in the memory unit, an acquisition unit which selects one of the plurality of control data in the memory unit and acquires image formation-related information and a setting unit which sets image formation parameters on the basis of the image formation-related information.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for providing sales or customer support using a telephone having a camera to capture at least a partial image of a product or service; wherein the at least partial image is used to select a database updated by one or more knowledgeable persons on the product or service.

Abstract: According to aspects of the embodiments, there is provided methods of replenishing at least one consumable in a printer system having at least one channel with a lockout device and an indicator. The embodiments incorporate a solenoid latch on the channel, a channel closed switch and an attention light. When a consumable needs to be replaced, the user scans the new consumable label against a CRUM reader. If it is valid consumable for the printing system, the attention light above the low or empty channel is lit and its solenoid latch is released. The attention light and solenoid latch would be wired in parallel so that whenever the solenoid is energized to allow the channel to be opened, the attention light will illuminate.

Abstract: A toner cartridge comprises a toner container which contains toner, a driving member which rotationally drives a conveying member, an agitating member which agitates a toner in the toner container while being rotated, a driven member which rotates in association with the driving member which is for rotationally driving the agitating member, and a rotational body which rotates according to rotation of the driven member, has a plurality of slits in rotational circumference for identifying a type of the toner cartridge, and has 1/K or more of the slits when a ratio of a rotational speed R1 (rad/s) of the driving member and a rotational speed R2 (rad/s) of the driven member is K=R2/R1.

Abstract: According to aspects of the embodiments, there is provided methods and systems for authenticating an imaging device consumer replaceable unit (CRU) used in products such as a printing system with appropriate programming such that they are able to positively recognize and accommodate authorized consumables. A microcontroller or processing chip is integrated with the CRU and capable of generating a Validation Code. A code key will be comprised of a value string including programmed characters representing a combination of all or portions of a market program designator or code, consumable identification (ID) information and a randomly generated value, which may be hidden from view. The resulting string key is a basis for an algorithm created Validation Code. This code is generated by the consumable processor and readable by a printing system or device the CRU is inserted into.

Abstract: Account manager systems and methods are disclosed for managing consumable return refund programs for repaid document processing devices, in which automated or semiautomatic refunds are provided by adding account credits to prepaid customer accounts and/or by directly applying print units to specific document processing devices for customers who return spent consumable products.

Abstract: A replaceable unit to participate in an image forming job of an image forming apparatus includes a storage unit to store therein a driving condition corresponding to an operation environment, a detecting unit to monitor the operation environment, a controlling unit to detect a corresponding driving condition from the storage unit if the detecting unit detects the driving environment, and an interface unit to provide a main body of the image forming apparatus with the detected corresponding driving condition. Accordingly, the replaceable unit can be driven under optimum driving conditions.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an image forming unit to receive an image forming agent from a cartridge having a state indicating element to form an image, a state setting unit to open the state indicating element, and a controller to determine a usage amount of the image forming agent used to form the image by recognizing identification information of the cartridge, and to control the state setting unit to open the state indicating element of the cartridge if the usage amount of the image forming agent is equal to or greater than a preset value.

Abstract: A powder container that has a hollow interior for containing powder includes a tubular member that is equipped with an information storage unit that stores therein at least information related to a container body, and attached to the container body such that the container body is located within an inner hole of the tubular member. The powder container also includes a movement restricting unit that restricts movement of the tubular member in an axial direction of the tubular member.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus is disclosed. The image forming apparatus includes a toner supplying device, a toner container, and a developing device. The toner supplying device supplies toners stored in the toner container to the developing device. The toner supplying device includes a toner tank which stores toners discharged from the toner container, a toner carrying section which carries the toners stored in the toner tank in an obliquely upward direction, and a toner dropping route which causes the toners carried by the toner carrying section to drop into the developing device by toner own weight. The toner carrying section controls an amount of the toners to flow into the toner dropping route.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes cartridges mounted to the main body of the image forming apparatus and including at least developing devices that develop latent images, formed on image bearing members, into toner images. The image forming apparatus forms an image onto a recording material. In the apparatus, for the developing devices, first and second cartridges containing toners having the same hue and having different brightnesses may be exchanged with respect to the main body of the image forming apparatus for use. In addition, a maximum toner amount with respect to the image bearing member when the first cartridge is used is made different from a maximum toner amount with respect to the image bearing member when the second cartridge is used.

Abstract: A main body of an image forming apparatus includes a switching circuit provided for switching between a normal current which should be applied at a time of normal operation and a contact-corrosion preventing current which is set larger than the normal current. Each of the currents is to be applied to an imaging unit through the contacts between the main body and the imaging unit. A control section controls the switching circuit so as to temporarily switch from the normal current to the contact-corrosion preventing current at specified timing.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for preventing premature or unnecessary replacement of a consumable used in an image production device is disclosed. The method may include sensing the removal of the consumable from the image production device, determining if the removed consumable's life span is greater than a predetermined threshold, the predetermined threshold relating to the consumable's expected life span, wherein if it is determined that the removed consumable's life span is not greater than the predetermined threshold, sending a notification to a user at a user interface for the user to enter an identification code, receiving an identification code at the user interface, determining if the correct identification code has been entered, wherein if it is determined that the correct identification code has been entered, permitting operation of the image production device, otherwise, preventing operation of the image production device.

Abstract: A developer storage unit includes first and second rotary members. The first rotary member includes: first contacting portion capable of contacting with the second rotary member, first non-contacting portion not in contact with the second rotary member, and first stopper portion offset from the first contacting portion in an axial direction of the first rotary member. The second rotary member includes: second contacting portion capable of contacting with the first rotary member, second non-contacting portion not in contact with the first rotary member, second stopper portion offset from the second contacting portion in an axial direction of the second rotary member, and detected portion detected by detector. The second stopper portion comes into contact with the first stopper portion when the detected portion is moved from used product detecting position to new product detecting position while the first non-contacting portion is positioned to face the second rotary member.

Abstract: A developing unit mountable to an image forming apparatus having mounting slots is disclosed. The image forming apparatus includes a first mounting slot for mounting a yellow toner developing unit, a second mounting slot for mounting a magenta toner developing unit, a third mounting slot for mounting a black toner developing unit and a fourth mounting slot for mounting a cyan toner developing unit. The image forming apparatus is capable of determining whether a developing unit with a specific color toner is mounted to a proper one of the mounting slots.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an image forming apparatus includes: a storage medium which stores manufacture information to a consumable supply; a reading unit which reads information in the storage medium; a communication control unit which receives failure information of the consumable supply; a display unit which displays information; and a control unit which receives the failure information of the consumable supply by the communication control unit, then determines whether a consumable supply in use is equivalent to a failed consumable supply or not, and performs control to display the failure information on the display unit when the consumable supply is determined as equivalent to the failed consumable supply.