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:
May. 12, 1998
Filed:
Feb. 27, 1996
Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha, Osaka, JP;
Abstract
A digital image forming apparatus equipped with an optical scanner unit which is detachable from a main body includes an upper image reading section and a lower part image forming section. The apparatus is arranged such that the optical scanner unit can be installed and removed in and from the apparatus in a vertical direction, and can be removed through an opening provided for removing the image forming section therethrough. According to the described arrangement, during the installation and removal of the optical scanner unit, removal of the image reading section and a special opening for the optical scanner unit are not required, thereby reducing the restriction on structural design of the apparatus and permitting easy installation and removal of the optical scanner unit. As a result, the maintenance of the apparatus can be performed with an improved efficiency.