Invention Grant
- Patent Title: Image forming apparatus capable of controlling extension of use of drum cartridge
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Application No.: US17667736Application Date: 2022-02-09
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Publication No.: US11809128B2Publication Date: 2023-11-07
- Inventor: Tadao Kyotani , Chieko Mimura
- Applicant: BROTHER KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
- Applicant Address: JP Nagoya
- Assignee: BROTHER KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
- Current Assignee: BROTHER KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
- Current Assignee Address: JP Nagoya
- Agency: Merchant & Gould P.C.
- Priority: JP 20012876 2020.01.29
- Main IPC: G03G21/18
- IPC: G03G21/18 ; G06F3/12

Abstract:
An image forming apparatus includes an apparatus body, a toner cartridge, a replaceable part, a controller and an apparatus body memory. An operating mode of the controller is set to one of a subscription mode and a normal mode. The controller is configured to perform processes in accordance with the set operating mode. The apparatus body memory is configured to store life information indicating a remaining life of the replaceable part attached to the apparatus body. The controller is configured to switch a control between: a control for allowing an extended use of the replaceable part; and a control for restricting the extended use of the replaceable part, according to the set operating mode. The extended use is defined as use of the replaceable part even after the replaceable part exceeds the remaining life indicated by the life information stored in the apparatus body memory.
Public/Granted literature
- US20220155725A1 IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS CAP ABLE OF CONTROLLING EXTENSION OF USE OF DRUM CARTRIDGE Public/Granted day:2022-05-19
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