Abstract: A detection mechanism for detecting an installation of a detachable member to a main body, includes a movable member provided on the detachable member and being movable between a first position and a second position. The movable member is set in the first position prior to a first installation of the detachable member to the main body. A detecting switch, provided on the main body, detects the movable member in the first position but is incapable of detecting the movable member in the second position. An actuating member, provided on the main body causes the movable member to move from the first position to the second position when the detachable member has been installed into the main body. A locking mechanism locks the movable member to the second position after the actuating member actuates the movable member to the second position. The detecting switch detects only a first installation of the detachable member.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus is low priced and has a compact size. The apparatus is further capable of easily controlling toner particles such that the toner particles pass through individual apertures without a high-priced high-voltage A.C. power supply and a high-priced compressor. A driving roller and a shaft-type steel support preferably having a diameter of about 3 mm are arranged in a toner case so as to be parallel to each other. The driving roller and the support are bound by a belt preferably made of silicone rubber so as to be under tension. The belt is preferably formed about 200 mm thick, and a piezoelectric vibrator for vibrating the support is provided on the one end of the support.

Abstract: The transfer and conveying apparatus of the invention transfers a toner image from a photoreceptor onto a recording paper by performing corona discharge at a location opposite to the photoreceptor and adjacent to a portion of a conveying belt which contacts the one of a pair of rollers about which the conveying belt is trained that is closest to the photoreceptor, and conveys the recording paper after transfer of the image by attracting the paper to the belt. This belt is brought into contact with a conductive brush which has AC voltage or DC voltage applied thereto with polarity opposite that applied for transfer of the image to thereby prevent the toner from depositing on the belt. Furthermore, the lower stretched portion of the belt may be wound about the roller through predetermined angular range with the recording paper disposed between the belt and the photoreceptor.

Abstract: In an electrostatographic reproduction apparatus employing at least one corona charger having an elongated shell and at least one corona wire running in the longitudinal direction within the walls of the charger shell, a device for collecting contamination products and harmful gasses from the corona charger. The collection device comprises a duct located within the shell of the charger closely adjacent to the walls thereof, the duct defining a series of ports spaced along the duct in the longitudinal direction of the charger shell. A flow of air into the duct is provided to directly collect harmful gasses produced by the corona charger and collect contamination products from the environment within the reproduction apparatus without allowing such contamination products to contact and contaminate the corona wire or shell.

Abstract: A mounting apparatus for a developer unit adapted to develop an electrostatic latent image recorded on a photoconductive member. A support system is mounted pivotably on a frame and slidably supports the developer unit. The support system pivots from an operative position wherein the developer unit is positioned adjacent the photoconductive member to a non-operative position wherein the developer unit is inclined away from the photoconductive member. In the non-operative position, the developer unit may be slidably removed from the printing machine.

Abstract: A developing unit for electrophotography has a magnet roller disposed opposite to its photosensitive drum and a toner sensor disposed near the magnet roller and displaced from the position of one of the poles of the magnet roller by 5.degree.-15.degree. in the direction of the photosensitive drum.

Abstract: A locking device for two juxtaposed and spaced electromagnetic switching devices is disclosed. In the switching devices, contact carriers are provided which can be moved back and forth between first and second switching positions. The motion of the contact carriers is regulated by a latching member which can be tilted into a latching position by actuating one of the contact carriers relative to the other contact carrier. The latching member is held in a frame and is preferably in the form of a balance beam. The latching member is pivotable on a support member in the form of a pin. The frame itself is engageable with a shoulder-shaped extension in openings of the housing walls of the electromagnetic switching devices. The locking device can be adapted to different conditions in a simple manner by adjusting the pin which is held in a threaded hole of the frame.