Abstract: An optical fiber (10) capable of minimizing strength deterioration includes a core (11) and a clad (12) arranged around the core (11) such that part of the core (11) is exposed. A rough surface portion is provided at least at part of an outer surface of the exposed portion (11a) of the core (11) exposed through the clad (12). The arithmetic surface roughness Ra of the rough surface portion is equal to or greater than 0.2 ?m. The average length Rsm of a rough curve element of the rough surface portion is equal to or greater than 17 ?m.

Abstract: Liquid leakage is certainly detected and abnormality in an installation state is detected. A liquid detecting device 10 includes a liquid detection sensor 1 including an insulation sheet 14 exhibiting conductivity in the presence of liquid, electrode members 15 electrically isolated from each other, and a resistance member 18 connected to join the electrode members 15 together. In the liquid detecting device 10, the measurement device 2 measures a value of resistance between the electrode members 15. Based on the value of resistance between the electrode members 15, the liquid detecting device 10 identifies a liquid leakage state in which the insulation sheet 14 exhibits conductivity, a disconnected state in which the electrode members 15 are disconnected from the measurement device 2, and a measurement preparation completed state, and outputs identification information which corresponds to each identified state.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus for forming an image with an electrophotographic process, that includes: a power source; a first drive unit having a capacitative load and driving each part of the apparatus; a second drive unit having a capacitative load and driving each part of the apparatus; and a power supply control circuit that is provided on a power supply path between the power source and the second drive unit, that switches whether or not electric power is supplied to the second drive unit. The power supply control circuit includes: a field-effect transistor with its source connected to the power source side of the power supply path, and its drain connected to the second drive unit side of the power supply path; a first resistive element connected between the field-effect transistor's gate and its source; a second resistive element and a capacitative element that are connected in parallel with the first resistive element, and connected with each other in series between the gate and the source.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus for forming an image with an electrophotographic process, that includes: a power source; a first drive unit having a capacitative load and driving each part of the apparatus; a second drive unit having a capacitative load and driving each part of the apparatus; and a power supply control circuit that is provided on a power supply path between the power source and the second drive unit, that switches whether or not electric power is supplied to the second drive unit. The power supply control circuit includes: a field-effect transistor with its source connected to the power source side of the power supply path, and its drain connected to the second drive unit side of the power supply path; a first resistive element connected between the field-effect transistor's gate and its source; a second resistive element and a capacitative element that are connected in parallel with the first resistive element, and connected with each other in series between the gate and the source.

Abstract: A method of detecting the levels of phase pulse signals involves the establishment of a pilot channel in addition to channels into which phase pulse signals are injected. Prior to the injection of the phase pulse signals, a transmitter injects a pilot signal into the pilot channel. A receiver sets a reception threshold level to a level somewhat lower than the peak level of the pilot signal, and a detection of the levels of the phase pulse signals is carried out by comparing the phase pulse signals with the reception threshold level established by the pilot signal so that ghost signals below the threshold level are eliminated.