Abstract: A facsimile apparatus which includes a heater for fixing an image on a recording member and a heater control unit for controlling the heater. A timer is provided for outputting a time and a time range register registers a heater-on time range. A heater-on managing unit controls the heater control unit so that the heater is at a preheat temperature level within the heater-on time range, and so that the heater is at an image fixing temperature level when an image signal is received. Further, a heater-off managing unit controls the heater control unit so that the heater is at the image fixing temperature level out of the heater-on time range when the image signal is received. The heater-on managing unit can also shift a beginning time of the heater-on time range from a registered time to a time of a receipt of the image signal, so to extend the ending time of the heater-on time range when the image signal is received within the heater-on time range.

Abstract: An ink jet printer includes a pump which pressurizes an ink to be supplied to a nozzle, which projects an ink jet. When the ink pressure which is supplied to the nozzle exceeds a given value or when the deflection of the ink jet is improper, pressure oscillations are applied to the nozzle by alternately and repeatedly driving and ceasing to drive the pump in order to remove a plugging of the nozzle. If the repeated operation does not result in a reduced ink pressure, the nozzle is connected to a low pressure ink vessel, causing the pressure prevailing within the nozzle to be reduced.

Abstract: A sheet feed apparatus suitable for use with a printer such as an ink jet printer. A flat guide member is disposed between paper bail rollers and a deflector to be movable toward and away from the periphery of a platen. The guide member is drivably controlled such that it faces the substantially entire peripheral area of the platen which extends between the paper bail rollers and the deflector only for a short period of time until a leading end portion of the sheet is retained between the paper bail rollers and the deflector.

Abstract: A printing apparatus in which a comma printing mechanism prints commas at any desired location within a printed number. Comma printing is accomplished by comma hammers, with one hammer provided between each two numerical places of the printing apparatus. All the comma hammers are initially maintained in a nonprinting position, and all are moved to an intermediate position prior to the printing of a number. Selected comma hammers, corresponding to the locations within a number at which comma printing is desired, are then advanced to a printing position, and the number is printed. After the number and selected commas are printed, the comma hammers are returned to the initial nonprinting position.