An image forming apparatus configured to perform image formation using a component unit configured to be attachable to and detachable from a main body of the image forming apparatus is provided. The image forming apparatus includes: an access unit configured to access a storage device included in the component unit attached to the main body; and a control unit configured to control the access unit to read and update information stored in the storage device. The storage device includes a first area and a second area configured to store use information indicating a use state of the component unit, and updating of the use information stored in the first area by the control unit is configured such that updating only within a predetermined limit is permitted, and no limit is provided on updating of the use information stored in the second area.

A method of modifying a toner hopper including a toner window and an end cap. The method including providing a slot on the end cap and applying a toner seal covering the toner window, the toner seal including a pull tab. The method further including applying an end seal to the toner hopper, the end seal providing a gap and placing the pull tab within the gap and the slot.

A component has a surface to which a sheet material having an adhesive surface is adhered, and an adhesive target region on a surface of the component, to which the sheet material is adhered, is provided at the peripheral edge thereof with a first region and a second region. The first region includes a recess that allows a predetermined sheet material peeling tool to be insertable to a side of the adhesive surface of the sheet material. The second region is positioned in the vicinity of the first region, and includes a region not in contact with the adhesive surface of the sheet material or a region mixedly including a part in contact with the adhesive surface and a part not in contact with the adhesive surface.

The present disclosure features an image forming apparatus having a first developing unit having a first developing roller; and a first toner supply unit configured to supply toner to the first developing unit, the first toner supply unit having: a first container configured to accommodate the toner therein, the first container having a first inlet opening through which the toner is received in the first container and a first outlet opening through which the toner in the first container is discharged; a first lid configured to close the first inlet opening; and a first shutter configured to open the first outlet opening when the first lid closes the first inlet opening, and to close the first outlet opening when the first lid opens the first inlet opening.

A replaceable unit includes a body, a memory element, a holder, and a first post. The holder has a first hole and holds the memory element to the body. The first post is provided on the body, and includes a first insert and a first head. The first insert is inserted into the first hole. The first head is located on opposite side of the first insert to the body and covers a periphery of the first hole of the holder.

A method of manufacturing a frame unit from a first unit. The first unit includes a first image carrying member, a supporting member supporting the first image carrying member, and a frame to which the supporting member is adhered. The first image carrying member includes a first edge portion member, and the first edge portion member includes a first restricted portion. The supporting member includes a bearing engaging with the first edge portion member so that the first image carrying member is rotatable about a rotational axis. The frame includes a first restricting portion restricting movement of the first image carrying member. The method includes separating in which the first image carrying member is separated from the supporting member while in a state in which the supporting member is adhered to the frame.

A manufacturing method includes a removing step for removing at least a part of a contact portion of a cover portion from a supporting member, the cover portion being configured to come into contact with a projecting portion included in a frame when the supporting member is deformed to allow a second engaged portion to be detached from an engaging portion in a state in which a fixed portion of the supporting member is fixed to the frame, a deforming step for deforming the supporting member to allow the second engaged portion to be detached from the engaging portion in the state in which the fixed portion is fixed to the frame, and a separating step for detaching an engaging portion from a first engaged portion and separating a developing unit from the frame.

A manufacturing method includes a dividing step for dividing a supporting member into a first divided portion including a fixed portion to a frame and a second divided portion including a second engaged portion, a divided-portion detaching step for detaching the second divided portion from the frame, and a separating step for detaching an engaging portion from a first engaged portion and separating a developing unit from the frame.

A method of converting a standard toner printer to a security toner printer, comprising the steps: providing a standard toner printer; removing one or more of the toner printing cartridges from the standard toner printer, such that at least one printing cartridge position is empty and there is at least one removed toner printing cartridge; providing one or more empty replacement toner printing cartridges; filling at least one of the one or more empty replacement toner printing cartridges with a mixture of a toner and a taggant, such that one or more security replacement toner printing cartridges are created; wherein the taggant is configured to be detected by a security reader; and installing the one or more security replacement toner printing cartridges into the at least one empty printing cartridge position.

An image forming apparatus configured to perform image formation using a component unit configured to be attachable to and detachable from a main body of the image forming apparatus is provided. The image forming apparatus includes: an access unit configured to access a storage device included in the component unit attached to the main body; and a control unit configured to control the access unit to read and update information stored in the storage device. The storage device includes a first area and a second area configured to store use information indicating a use state of the component unit, and updating of the use information stored in the first area by the control unit is configured such that updating only within a predetermined limit is permitted, and no limit is provided on updating of the use information stored in the second area.