Abstract: Each of plural workpiece transfer units 10 input from on end of a machining line 100 in turn is fed toward the other end thereof in a first horizontal direction by a linear motor. In this transfer process, the workpiece transfer unit 100 is indexed to the front of predetermined some of plural spindle heads 60 arranged along the machining line 100, in turn. At an indexed position of the workpiece transfer unit 10, a workpiece supporting device movably mounted on the workpiece transfer unit 10 in two direction mutually perpendicular to the first horizontal direction, performs the machining operation on a workpiece in accordance with an NC program with respect to a tool T attached to a tool spindle 66 of the spindle head 60. At generally the same time when the workpiece transfer unit 10 starts a transfer feed toward the next spindle head 60 after finishing the machining operation by one of the spindle heads 60, the tool spindle 66 of the next spindle head 60 is started to rotate.

Abstract: An original scanning apparatus having a fixed light source which can be applied to image forming apparatus and original reading apparatus. In this apparatus, side reflectors opposed to each other confine light from the light source within a space therebetween in order to efficiently utilize light. A drive assembly for shifting a scanning assembly is arranged to be outside said space between the side reflectors in order to prevent contaminants, oil, or the like of the drive assembly from adhering to reflecting surfaces of the side reflector. Thus nonuniformity in illuminance can be prevented. Also, in order to minimize clearances, which light comes through, between the scanning assembly and the side reflectors, spacers for keeping the clearances constant are provided. Furthermore, in order to prevent nonuniformity in illuminance caused by contaminants, oil, and the like, cleaning members for cleaning the side reflectors are provided.

Abstract: A magnetic toner conveying apparatus for conveying magnetic toner, which may be used with an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, comprises a non-magnetic convey path member constituting a convey path for conveying the magnetic toner, a non-magnetic convey member arranged in the convey path member and adapted to convey the magnetic toner, and a magnetic force generating member provided on or in the convey path member.

Abstract: An optical apparatus is provided with a lens unit movable in the direction of the optical axis thereof, a lens barrel, an electromagnetic coil coupled to one of the lens unit and the lens barrel, a driving unit having a magnetic material coupled to the other of the lens unit and the lens barrel, and a guide for slidably guiding the lens unit relative to the lens barrel.

Abstract: The present invention provides a sheet supply apparatus with a sheet support for supporting a plurality of sheets, a first sheet absorb unit arranged facing a sheet surface of the sheet stack supported by the sheet support for absorbing the sheet by air suction, a second sheet absorb unit arranged facing a tip end of the sheet stack in a sheet supply direction for absorbing the sheet by air suction and a conveyer for conveying the sheet absorbed to the first and second sheet absorb units. The first sheet absorb unit and the second sheet absorb unit are respectively disposed at positions where the first sheet absorb unit is substantially parallel to the sheet surface and the second sheet absorb unit is inclined relative to the sheet surface. When a sheet stops a feeding unit operates in response to return the sheet to the sheet stack as the sheet is being absorbed by the first sheet absorb unit.

Abstract: A motor for driving a moving member with respect to a member which serves as a reference of the movement includes at least two first piezoelectric actuators for operating an operating portion thereof such that it is brought into contact with and is moved away from said member, and at least one second piezoelectric actuator operating such that it changes a distance between the plurality of first piezoelectric actuators. At least one of the plurality of first piezoelectric actuators employs a bimorph type piezoelectric element.

Abstract: A position detecting device comprises a movable member, a first electrode movable with the movement of the movable member, and a second electrode disposed at a location opposed to the first electrode. The edge of at least one of the first and second electrodes are inclined with respect to the direction of movement of the first electrode, whereby the area over which the first electrode and the second electrode overlap each other is varied by the relative movement of the two electrodes and an electrostatic capacity provided by the two electrodes is also varied to make the detection of the absolute position of the movable member possible and to change a position detection accuracy in accordance with a position of the first electrode.

Abstract: This specification discloses an optical apparatus provided with a lens unit movable in the direction of the optical axis thereof, a lens barrel, an electromagnetic coil coupled to one of the lens unit and the lens barrel, a driving unit having a magnetic material coupled to the other of the lens unit and the lens barrel, and a guide for slidably guiding the lens unit relative to the lens barrel.