Abstract: A matrix circuit has a plurality of blocks each including a plurality of semiconductor unit elements, the semiconductor unit elements of each block being adapted to be impressed with a predetermined voltage at the same time, each unit element becoming active when impressed with the predetermined voltage, and a drive device for impressing the predetermined voltage to the plurality of blocks sequentially. The matrix circuit includes a first selective device for selecting either ground or a desired other than ground voltage, and a second selective device for selecting one of the output of the drive device and the output of the first selective device whereby the output of the second selective device renders active the plurality of unit elements of each block.

Abstract: There is an image reading apparatus for use in a facsimile apparatus, a copying machine or the like. This apparatus illuminates the light from a light source such as an LED array onto an original which is conveyed by a conveying device and thereby reading an image data on the original. To smoothly guide the edge of the original, an original guiding device which guides the original non-rippingly is provided downstream of the position where the original is read in the original conveying direction by the conveying device. As an original guiding device, a flat or concave guide surface, a flat or concave notch, original guide rollers, a guide member having a concave surface, or the like is provided. The guiding device may if desired be light-reflective.

Abstract: An image reader, comprises a plurality of photosensors which photoelectrically convert incident light from an object to be read, a memory for storing, as correction reference data, data corresponding to photoelectric conversion outputs from said photosensors when said object to be read presents a uniform halftone image, and a correction circuit for obtaining uniform photoelectric conversion output levels among said photosensors using the correction reference data.

Abstract: A line photosensor comprising a plurality of sensor elements in at least one row on a substrate and a plurality of extract wiring electrodes extending from the respective sensor elements. The extract wiring electrodes are wired in an electrically isolated and laminated manner. The extract wiring electrodes are laminated such that they hold therebetween a laminated structure including a first insulating layer, an intermediate electrode layer formed on the first insulating layer, and a second insulating layer formed on the intermediate electrode layer.

Abstract: An image sensor comprising at least one first light emitting element for irradiating an original with light, at least one photoconductive element for sensing the light via the original and at least one second light emitting element for irradiating the photoconductive element with light. The second light emitting element emits light of photoenergy smaller than the optical band gap of the photoconductive element.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus comprising a photosensor for receiving light from a light source through an original document, a wiring section for driving the photosensor, a circuit for driving the photosensor and for processing an output signal from the photosensor. The apparatus includes a first substrate having the photosensor and the wiring section thereon, and a second substrate having the circuit thereon and being separated from the first substrate. The second substrate is fixed above the first substrate.

Abstract: There is a method and an apparatus for reading an image in which the light emitted from a light source through an original is converted into an electric signal by a photoelectric converting device and is outputted as an image singal. In this method, a compensation light is radiated onto the photoelectric converting device and thereby causing a compensation signal to be generated therefrom; this compensation signal is stored into a memory; an original image is then read; and the read signal is compensated by the compensation signal stored in the memory. The compensation light corresponds to each intensity of lights which are obtained through a reference original to be read and which are received by the photoelectric converting device. By use of this method in an original reading section of a facsimile apparatus or the like, an ununiformity and a variation in signal of each bit which is read by the photoelectric converting device are compensated, so that a stable output image signal can be derived.

Abstract: A liquid-jet apparatus comprises a tank, a sub-tank to contain the liquid supplied from the tank, a liquid-ejecting head to eject the liquid supplied from the sub-tank, a suction mechanism which diminishes the inner pressure of the sub-tank followed by sucking the interior of the head.