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:
Oct. 01, 2002
Filed:
Mar. 07, 2001
Masahiro Kawabe, Kanagawa-ken, JP;
Ricoh Company, Ltd., Tokyo, JP;
Abstract
An image forming apparatus includes an image forming mechanism for performing an image forming operation, a detachable process cartridge, a card inlet having a data input and output port, and a controlling mechanism. The process cartridge contains material used to make the image visible. The card inlet receives for electrical connection an electronic money integrated circuit card including an integrated circuit chip dedicated to an electronic money application. The controlling mechanism having an integrated circuit chip dedicated to the electronic money application controls the image forming operation and is capable of communicating for monetary information with the electronic money integrated circuit card.