The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Aug. 08, 1995
Filed:
Sep. 12, 1994
Tsuyoshi Deki, Kawasaki, JP;
Minoru Suzuki, Yokohama, JP;
Koji Sakamoto, Tokyo, JP;
Koichi Noguchi, Tokyo, JP;
Hiroyuki Matsushiro, Yokohama, JP;
Eiichi Sasaki, Sagamihara, JP;
Noriyuki Kimura, Kawasaki, JP;
Takatsugu Fujishiro, Tokyo, JP;
Chiyako Hatsuyama, Tokyo, JP;
Ricoh Company, Ltd., Tokyo, JP;
Abstract
An electrophotographic color image forming apparatus is disclosed which allows a photoconductive element and an intermediate transfer belt, which are expendables, to be removed from the body thereof at the same time. This promotes easy replacement, inspection and so forth of expendables. The photoconductive element and intermediate transfer belt can be replaced substantially at the same period, reducing the frequency of replacement of expendables. A cartridge including the photoconductive element can be replaced with a minimum of component parts wasted, thereby enhancing the cost performance of the apparatus. Moreover, when a cover hinged to the body of the apparatus is opened, various units can be removed one after another, a unit around which the greatest space is available being first.