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:
Nov. 25, 1997
Filed:
Feb. 22, 1996
Naoki Fuei, Kawaguchi, JP;
Mahito Yoshioka, Yokohama, JP;
Canon Kabushiki Kaisha, Tokyo, JP;
Abstract
The present invention provides a process cartridge mountable within an image forming apparatus, comprising a frame, and process means provided within the frame and adapted to contribute an image formation, wherein an indicating means for indicating the number of usages is provided on a shaft of a reusable part among parts to be used with the process means. Further, the present invention also provides an image forming apparatus within which a process cartridge can removably be mounted and which forms an image on a recording medium, comprising a mounting means capable of mounting a process cartridge including a frame and process means provided within the frame and adapted to contribute an image formation, wherein an indicating means for informing the number of usages is provided on a shaft of a reusable part among parts to be used with the process means, a transfer means for transferring an image formed on an image bearing member included in the process cartridge mounted on the mounting means onto the recording medium, and a convey means for conveying the recording medium. In this way, in the present invention, since the indicating means is provided on the shaft of the reusable part, it is possible to maintain the informing ability of the indicating means without deteriorating the function of the part due to the provision of the indicating means, and to easily recognize the number of usages of the part even when the part is dismounted from the associated unit.