Abstract: A recycle information system for recycling reusable parts from machines and equipment such as image forming apparatus, and reutilize the recovered member as a manufacturing material. A recycle information system utilizing a production control computer to manage information on production parts being used or scheduled for use in manufacturing and maintenance services, is linked by a communications line with a control device for machines and equipment scheduled for recycling, monitors information on parts of machines and equipment capable of recycling, and when a machine is recovered from a user, compares production part information stored in the production control computer with recovered part information stored in the recovered device, and acquires information on whether individual parts used in the recovered machine are capable of being recycled, and information on a factory destination address.

Abstract: In an image forming apparatus including a periodic replacement part detachably mounted to the apparatus main body, the periodic replacement part is provided with a storage medium storing information on the replacement part. The information stored in the storage medium can at least be read on the main body side of the image forming apparatus using a communication portion communicating through a radio wave.

Abstract: An oil web system and method for operating a fuser system of an imaging apparatus in which remaining life of the oil web is determined from data on drive mechanism activation and data on web advancement lengths. A warning signal can be issued upon a predetermined remaining length being reached, and the machine can be disabled upon exhaustion of the web life.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described that allow customization of user messages in a printing system. A printing device includes a replaceable component that includes component memory. First and second message data are stored in the component memory, the message data being message text or a pointer to message text. If the message data is a pointer to message text, the message text is stored in printing device memory, in memory of a host computer or on a remote site accessible via a host computer. A first message is displayed to a user in response to detection of a first event. A second message is displayed to the user in response to detection of a second event. If the message data are pointers to message text external to the printing device, an entity delivering the messages can change the message text without reconfiguring the printing device.

Abstract: An identification label is affixed on a top surface of an image forming unit which is detachably installed in a main component of an image forming apparatus. The identification label is made of a thermosensitive paper on which a trademark logo is printed. A logo reader in the main component reads a pattern of the logo mark on the identification label. A control unit compares the read logo pattern with a previously stored pattern to discriminate whether the read logo mark is genuine or not. If the identification label has the genuine logo mark, the control unit executes printing. If the identification label has an irregular logo mark, printing is abandoned and an error message is displayed. When a genuine image forming unit is exhausted, the control unit controls a heating device to apply heat to the identification label in order to wholly or partially discolor the identification label so that the logo mark is transformed to unreadable one. That unit will be regarded as an irregular one thereafter.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a developer remaining amount detecting apparatus in which a remaining amount of developer is detected on the basis of a developer using amount integrated by a developer using amount operating portion.

Abstract: To provide an electrophotography apparatus with which the service life management of a printing unit can be carried out properly, a non-volatile memory for storing a count value for managing the service life of the printing unit is installed in both a main unit and the printing unit of the electrophotography apparatus. Then, the count value is written to the memory on the printing unit (PU) side (PU memory) when print processing is not in progress, and no power is supplied to the PU memory during print processing, so the correct count value is always stored in the PU memory. Therefore, the service life of the printing unit can be correctly evaluated.

Abstract: This invention provides a system and method for operating a work apparatus that includes a mechanism for performing a predetermined operation, such as, image formation and uses a replacement component to replace an expended or defective component of the work apparatus. A database that includes information about a characteristic of the replacement component communicatively links with the work mechanism and a reader reads identification information affixed to the replacement component. A device in the work mechanism receives from the database the information about the characteristic of the replacement component, which information corresponds to the identification information read from the replacement component. Either the replacement component or the operation of the work mechanism is adjusted according to the information about the characteristic of the replacement component.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for generating notifications associated with the lifetime of peripheral unit consumables are described. In the described embodiments, users or clients are able to define and adjust their own threshold values that are associated with a consumable's lifetime. In one embodiment, a lifetime monitoring mechanism is provided and monitors the lifetime of a peripheral unit consumable that is associated with operation of the peripheral unit. The lifetime monitoring mechanism is configured with a user-manipulable, threshold-defining mechanism that is configured to receive user input and, responsive to the user input, define a threshold value for the lifetime monitoring mechanism. The peripheral unit's use of the consumable is monitored using the lifetime monitoring mechanism. A determination is made when the peripheral unit's use of the consumable reaches the threshold value and, responsive thereto, a notification is generated.

Abstract: The present invention provides an image forming apparatus that has a plurality of image forming stations for forming an image on a recording material, each of the plurality of image forming stations having a memory, and writing device for writing data into the memories, wherein when the image is formed on the recording material without at least one of the image forming stations being used, the writing device writes use data into the memory of the station used and the memory of the station not used.

Abstract: A printing system provides consumer messages to users of the printing device by storing user message data in memory located in the printing device and displaying the user message upon the occurrence of a certain event. The user message data may either be an electronic representation of the user message, or it may be a pointer corresponding to an external memory location that contains the electronic representation of the user message.

Abstract: The remaining amount of expendables such as paper sheets or the like is computed (step S202), and it is checked after completion of a print process if the remaining amount is smaller than a threshold value which is set in advance (step S204). If it is determined that the remaining amount is smaller than the threshold value, the user is alerted to that determination result (step S205). As a result, the user can take a measure before expendables completely run out.

Abstract: A unit connector for electrical connection with a main assembly connector provided in a main assembly of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, includes memory for storing information; a memory connecting portion for electrical connection with said memory when said unit connector is mounted to a unit; an electrical part connecting portion for electrical connection with an electrical part of the unit when said unit connector is mounted to the unit; and a connector connecting portion for electrical connection with the main assembly connector of said apparatus.

Abstract: A printing machine that records information about resources expended to carry out a printing request. The recorded resource information may include quantities of particular paper types and colored toner needed to satisfy the printing request. Subsequently, before carrying out another printing request, the printing machine uses the recorded information to make a prediction or estimate of resources required to carry out the printing request. The printing machine thus reduces uncertainty about whether there are sufficient resources to satisfy the next request, and alleviates the burden of maintaining excessive consumables in inventory.

Abstract: A consumable component identification and detection apparatus enables a host device to detect and identify a consumable component inserted into the host device, such as a printer. A passive circuit element is embedded into the consumable component and remaining circuit elements are included in the host device so that when the consumable component is in the host device an electrical circuit having known characteristics is completed. The electrical circuit, such as a filter, is energized by a test signal and the output from the electrical filter together with the test signal are input to a characterization circuit to identify/detect the consumable component. A counter/timer may be used as part of the characterization circuit to count clock pulses when the output from the electrical circuit after initial processing is coincident with the test signal. The count is interpreted to identify/detect the consumable component.

Abstract: In an image forming apparatus mountable a detachable unit mounting a memory in a main body of the apparatus, a memory-access-reservation control unit for accepting a request of an access with respect to a nonvolatile memory provided in a process cartridge in which a photosensitive drum, a toner and the like are integrated is provided in an engine control unit. When there is a request of an access with respect to the nonvolatile memory from a printer controller, the memory-access-reservation control unit accesses the nonvolatile memory in accordance with the request of the access. Upon completion of the access, the fact is notified to the printer controller. In response to the notification, the printer controller requests transmission of read information or confirms that a writing operation has been normally ended, by communicating with the engine control unit.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an image bearing member, a container for containing a developer removed from the image bearing member, a detector for detecting an amount of developer removed from the image bearing member and contained in the container, and a failure detector for detecting a failure of the developer amount detector on the basis of the degree of use of the image bearing member and a detection result of the developer amount detector.

Abstract: A use situation reporting system reports the use situations of a developer and the other consumables included in an image forming apparatus for forming images on a recording material. More particularly, the use situation reporting system reports an amount of remaining developer and the use times of consumables to a user. Thus, the timing of replacing a cartridge with a new one can be concisely reported to the user.

Abstract: In a device 1 which uses consumable material, an electronic device 24 is attached to the packaging 20 of the consumable which stores information about the consumable, and the quantity remaining in the packaging. The device is thus capable of reading such information and updating it by decrementing a counter of the electronic device 24 and optionally responding accordingly, i.e. if the wrong type of consumable is used.

Abstract: A method and an electronic image forming device having at least one replaceable consumable. At least means is provided for automatically sensing when the replaceable consumable in the mage forming device reaches a predetermined condition. A software program automatically initiates an offer to the user of the electronic image forming device when the predetermined condition is reached. The offer may include a discount for the purchase of a new consumable or related item. The software program may also initiate communication with a remote site for ordering of a replaceable consumable.

Abstract: New consumables installed in printing devices sometimes must print several pages to “condition” the consumable before use. This “conditioning” is required to allow various components to reach optimal condition for printing. The present invention seeks to ameliorate the situation of changes in a consumable affecting the print quality by modifying the printing behavior based on measurements made on the consumable or on the history of the consumable which is installed. If necessary, the new consumable is pre-conditioned before additional page are printed. Pre-conditioning is accomplished by printing either several test pages or by developing several images and subsequently cleaning these images into the waste toner hopper.

Abstract: An ink cartridge for an ink-jet recording apparatus, comprises: a tank housing containing ink, the ink being visible from an outside; and indications, marked along a depth direction of the tank housing, for displaying the number and size of record sheets which can be subjected to printing, corresponding to a quantity of remaining ink. Alternately, at least an ink consumption state and enablement or disablement of printing are displayed on a cathode ray tube (CRT) screen.

Abstract: A method to provide a highly intelligent, automated diagnostic system that identifies the need to replace specific parts to minimize machine downtime rather than require extensive service troubleshooting. In particular, a systematic, logical test analysis scheme to assess machine operation from a simple sensor system and to be able to pinpoint parts and components needing replacement is provided by a series of first level of tests by the control to monitor components for receiving a first level of data and by a series of second level of tests by the control to monitor components for receiving a second level of data. Each of the first level tests and first level data is capable of identifying a first level of part failure independent of any other test. Each of the second level tests and second level data is a combination of first level tests and first level data or a combination of a first level test and first level data and a third level test and third level data.

Abstract: An electrophotographic printing or copying machine includes a functional module which can be readily removed and replaced. The module includes a monitor in the form of an electronically-readable memory, which includes information about how the particular module is to be operated. In a remanufacturing process, certain combinations of codes in the memory are noted to determine whether individual parts in the module should be replaced.

Abstract: A cartridge which is detachably mountable on an image forming apparatus is provided with non-volatile storing medium. In this non-volatile storing medium, a predetermined value is stored. The predetermined value is used for controlling the image forming apparatus together with the count value which is counted when forming images. The count value for counting images formed in a first image formation mode is different from the count value that is counted when forming images in a second image formation mode whose maximum amount of waste toner contained in a cleaning container is different from that of the first image mode. With the structure thus arranged, the number of printable sheets is made greater before the waste toner is filled in the cleaning container up to its limit, hence enabling the user to secure a longer period of time for preparing the cartridge.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for detecting the state of a consumable for a printer. The apparatus includes a consumable cartridge, a drive motor, a current measuring device, memory and processing circuitry. The consumable cartridge has a rotatable member that is carried by the cartridge. The motor is configured to rotate the rotatable member. The current measuring device is associated with the motor, and is operative to measure current flow through the motor. The memory is configured to store a predetermined value corresponding to current flow through the motor, and indicative of a change in state of the rotatable member. The processing circuitry is coupled with the current measuring device and the memory and is operative to determine when the measured current flow corresponds to the predetermined value of current flow. Furthermore, the processing circuitry identifies a state of the consumable cartridge. A method is also provided.

Abstract: A memory is provided in an electrophotographic process cartridge to be mounted on a printer, and an area in the memory is separated into a read-only area and a rewritable area. In this structure, a data error in the memory is checked. If an error in the read-only area is detected, an alarm is displayed and a print operation is prohibited. On the other hand, if an error in the rewritable area is detected, the alarm is displayed and the print operation is permitted.

Abstract: In an image forming apparatus service system, each image forming apparatus adds, when an abnormal or preabnormal phenomenon or similar factor to be reported occurs therein, information relating to its operation and including the cumulative number of images formed to information representative of the above factor. The information and additional information are sent to a central control unit managing the image forming apparatus. Each central control unit collects and stores the information received from image forming apparatuses lying in its coverage apparatus by apparatus and transfers the day's (one day) information stored to a server at a preselected time via a WAN (Wide Area Network). The server stores the information received from all the central control units in a format suitable for a data base. A person using each data processing unit is capable of downloading desired information from each central control unit or the server via the WAN by operating a keyboard or a mouse.

Abstract: Disclosed is an image forming appartus for judging life of photosensitive member based on revolution number of intermediate transfer member. The image forming apparatus is provided with a photosensitive rotary drum for carrying an electrostatic latent image, a developing unit for developing the electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive rotary drum with a toner, a medium transfer rotary member to which the toner image on the photosensitive drum is transferred and mediates the toner image between the photosensitive drum and a recording sheet, an integration counter for integrating revolution number information of the medium transfer rotary member, and a judging unit for judging a life of the image holding member on the basis of the number of revolutions counted by a counter. A circumference of the medium transfer rotary member is substantially integer times as large as a circumference of the photosensitive drum.

Abstract: The invention described in the specification relates to an apparatus and method for disabling an ink jet print head cartridge so that the disposable cartridge can not be refilled and used again. The method involves placing a monitoring and disabling device inside of the ink jet print head cartridge. When the print head has exceeded its useful life span, the disabling device disables the print head cartridge. The apparatus consists of a set of electrically charged capacitors, a small processor, ink sensors, and an extra long life miniature battery. A card containing the battery, processor and capacitors is placed in the ink jet print head cartridge. A sensor is placed in the bottom of each ink well of the cartridge. The processor periodically checks the level of ink in each inkwell. Once the processor determines that a specific inkwell has been empty for a certain period of time, the capacitors are discharged to the section of the nozzle plate corresponding to the expended inkwell.

Abstract: The invention accurately meters usage of an electrophotographic printer/copier (EPC) by counting the number of pages that are ejected to an output bin of the EPC and incrementing a user charge value accordingly. Further, the invention determines a toner parameter value that is related to an amount of toner used on each page and bases the user charge value, at least in part, on such toner parameter value. The toner parameter value is preferably determined by counting a number of pixels that are imaged on a page. The invention further utilizes a non-volatile memory to maintain copies of usage total values, while concurrently storing such usage total values on a disk memory. If an attempt is made to substitute a different disk memory in the EPC, usage parameter values are updated thereon through use of values stored in the nonvolatile memory.

Abstract: A consumable item supplying system includes a plurality of image forming apparatuses each using a plurality of consumable items, for example, copysheets, toner, and so on. The consumable item supplying system includes a consumable item manual requesting operation for manually requesting a consumable item from each of the image forming apparatuses. A central controller orders a consumable item from a consumable item supplier or the like when the consumable item is requested from one of the image forming apparatuses, and a data communication device can receive data representing a consumable item request by polling each of the image forming apparatuses and sending the polling results from the image forming apparatus to the central controller.

Abstract: The system for a printer in its reservoir for consumables for office equipment includes essential command unit for a printer, an electric chip having a balance of consumables and memory and a device to control the reservoir of consumables. The device includes a chip/central unit interfaced in a computer intended to determine the content of the reservoir of consumables, by calculating the flow, in cooperation with the central unit, by estimating the quantity of consumables used according to the estimated quantity of printed copies, and the balance of consumables left. This system has applications to photocopiers as well.

Abstract: The amount of toner remaining in each toner cartridge (20a-20d) of a printer (1) is estimated by incrementing a count when one pel is detected in each small region of the bit map. The printer senses toner out, after which the scale ascribed to one count is revised to reflect the actual count to toner out. Specifically, the count to toner out becomes the number representative of empty so that one-half of that count is interpreted as half full. The remaining toner in each cartridge is displayed to the operator at a gauge (21).

Abstract: A process cartridge detachably mountable to an image forming apparatus, includes an electrophotographic photosensitive member, a process device acting on the electrophotographic photosensitive member, and a memory for transmitting information regarding at least the process means to the image forming apparatus. The memory means is attached to a front end face of the process cartridge into the image forming apparatus to be connected to a connector member of the image forming apparatus.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus has an image bearing member, a developing agent image formed on the image bearing member, and transferring device for transferring the developing agent image onto a recording member. The image bearing member is cleaned, and the developing agent removed therefrom is stored in a container. A detection is performed as to whether or not the quantity of developing agent in the container has reached a predetermined state, and once the result of such detection becomes positive, the number of prints made thereafter is counted. The result of the detection and the result of the count are stored in a memory along with the container, and the image forming operation is controlled in accordance with the stored information. In another embodiment, the memory is stored in an attachable cartridge. The attachable cartridge has an image bearing member, a charger, a developing device, and a cleaning device.

Abstract: A method to provide a highly intelligent, automated diagnostic system that identifies the need to replace specific parts to minimize machine downtime rather than require extensive service troubleshooting. In particular, a systematic, logical test analysis scheme to assess machine operation from a simple sensor system and to be able to pinpoint parts and components needing replacement is provided by a series of first level of tests by the control to monitor components for receiving a first level of data and by a series of second level of tests by the control to monitor components for receiving a second level of data. Each of the first level tests and first level data is capable of identifying a first level of part failure independent of any other test. Each of the second level tests and second level data is a combination of first level tests and first level data or a combination of a first level test and first level data and a second level test and second level data.

Abstract: A central control system that monitors and remotely controls one or more terminal devices which may be part of an apparatus such as an imaging machine. Each terminal device communicates with the central control system at a predetermined time and relays the operational conditions of the apparatus to which it is associated. Relayed conditions may include information such as the number of imaging operations performed in a period of time. The central control system controls each of the terminal devices in accordance with the information transmitted from each of the terminal devices. The central control system supervises incoming transmissions from the terminal devices and detects when a terminal device has not communicated at its predetermined time. When this condition arises, the identity of the non-reporting terminal, as well as the predetermined time it was to have contacted the central control system, are displayed at the central control system.

Abstract: According to a first aspect of the invention, when a printer runs out of printing media while printing data supplied by a host computer on a series of pages, after being resupplied with printing media, the printer waits for the host computer to resume the sending of data before printing is resumed. According to a second aspect of the invention, before starting to prepare the data for the first page, the host computer sends the printer a warm-up command, causing the printer to commence preparations for printing.

Abstract: A consumable having a memory device for storing information such as usage information to be used by a the original manufacturer or re-manufacturer. The memory device can also be used to provided software updates or patches for the microcomputers within an image forming or other office automation device.

Abstract: A plastic molded article including a body is provided. The body includes a first surface thereof and a second surface thereof. The second surface is spaced from the first surface. The body defines a first cavity extending inwardly from the first surface and a second cavity extending inwardly from the second surface. The first cavity overlaps the second cavity so as to form an aperture extending at least partially through the plastic molded article. The body further defines a recess extending inwardly from at least one of the first cavity and the second cavity at a location where the first cavity overlaps the second cavity so as to accommodate flash which may be formed during the molding process of the plastic molded article.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus has an image bearing member, a charging member which contacts with the image bearing member to charge it, detecting device for detecting an electric current flowing through the charging member when a predetermined voltage is applied thereto, and a display device for displaying an information about a life of the image bearing member in conformity with the result of detection by the detecting device. The display device can display at least two different kinds of information corresponding to at least two different electric currents detected by the detecting device.

Abstract: In an image forming apparatus which mounts a photosensitive drum cartridge with a memory, even when a power switch is turned off while data indicating the number of copies is being written in the memory of the cartridge after a paper sheet is discharged, the power OFF operation is ignored, and the power supply is maintained. After the count value has been written in the memory, the power supply is turned off.

Abstract: In a system in which a host computer performs lifetime management for components of a plurality of copiers, components whose lifetimes are to be managed can be freely selected copier by copier and, as a result, warning reports can be transmitted with a reduced number of communication sessions. The copiers are each equipped with a device for management, so that counting can be performed for their individual components and interlock counts for such counting can be freely specified. The host computer compares a count received through communication with a threshold value to issue a report within the host computer. Within one copier, during a period after a component PM call is issued and before a component is replaced, even if another component becomes a target of a component PM call, the component PM call is not issued. When a component replacement report is received, a report of a component PM call is automatically deleted from an urgency report list.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes detachable expendables such as a photosensitive drum, a toner cartridge, an ozone filter, etc. The image forming apparatus counts a number of papers being printed after replacing the expendable and stores a counting value as an amount of use in a nonvolatile memory, and prints out a status message including the amount of use, periodically or whenever the image forming apparatus is turned on. Further, the status message includes a predetermined test pattern for testing the printing status of the printer. In the light of the status message, the user may predict in advance the proper replacing time and cope with degradation of the images by checking the printing status from the test pattern at any time.

Abstract: A life informing device for a charge body includes a body to be charged, and a charging member for charging the charge body. The charging member is adapted to receive an oscillating voltage and to be in contact with the charge body during the charging operation. Also provided is an informing device for visually or acoustically informing the user whether the charge body reaches the end of the life time thereof, based on an accumulated time of the application time during which the oscillating voltage is applied.

Abstract: A toner near empty discriminating unit discriminates a near empty indicating that the toner approaches an empty state on the basis of a detection value of a toner sensor. When the toner near empty is determined, a toner supply amount calculating unit calculates a toner supply amount (w) per time as w=W/X from the number (X) of toner supplying times of a toner supply counter and a specified toner filling amount (W) when a toner cartridge is set. On the basis of the calculated toner supply amount (w) of one time, a correction processing unit corrects a rotational speed of a supply roller of a toner supply control unit and an operation time of the supply roller, or the number of discriminating times of the toner empty and the number of discriminating times of a replacement of an expendable item.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus has an image bearing member, image forming device for forming a developer image on the image bearing member, cleaning device for cleaning the image bearing member, a container for containing therein the developer removed from the image bearing member, life detecting device for detecting the life of a consumptive part in the apparatus, fullness detecting device for detecting whether the quantity of the developer in the container has reached a predetermined quantity, operation stopping device for stopping the operation of the image forming device at predetermined time, and releasing device for releasing the stoppage of the operation of the image forming device.

Abstract: An improved printer is provided that predicts how many pages can be printed before the toner or ink cartridge becomes empty, and also predicts how much time remains before this toner or ink cartridge becomes empty. This prediction is based upon the previous printing history of the printer while using this particular toner cartridge. After measuring the quantity of toner left in the toner cartridge, the printer of the present invention will display the approximate quantity of toner remaining in the cartridge on a screen of a host computer that is connected to the printer, either directly or through a network. The monitor screen of the host computer can also display the predicted number of pages remaining, based on the printer's previous usage history as described above.

Abstract: An improved printer is provided that predicts how many pages can be printed before the toner or ink cartridge becomes empty, and also predicts how much time remains before this toner or ink cartridge becomes empty. This prediction is based upon the previous printing history of the printer while using this particular toner cartridge. After measuring the quantity of toner left in the toner cartridge, the printer of the present invention will display the approximate quantity of toner remaining in the cartridge on a screen of a host computer that is connected to the printer, either directly or through a network. The monitor screen of the host computer can also display the predicted number of pages remaining, based on the printer's previous usage history as described above.