Abstract: A steering apparatus comprises a bearing for supporting a pinion shaft so as to be rotatable and a high-rigidity member for holding the bearing in a state where it is positioned with respect to a housing. The housing comprises cylindrical first and second housings whose respective ends are fitted to each other. The first and second housings respectively comprise first and second receiving sections directly or indirectly receiving an outer ring of the bearing in an axial direction. The outer ring of the bearing is held between the high-rigidity member and the second receiving section, so that the axial movement of the bearing relative to the first and second housings is regulated.

Abstract: A light scanning unit according to the present invention has a polygon motor that scans a laser beam emitted from a laser source, a plate that supports the polygon motor, and a cover that is fixed to the plate and covers the polygon motor. The polygon motor, plate, and cover constitute a motor block. The motor block is housed in a housing. The housing is made of synthetic resin. The plate and cover are made of metal. When a polygon mirror is attached to a circuit board and the base end of a motor shaft is inserted into a fix hole of the plate, the entire surface of the circuit board directly comes into contact with the plate surface.

Abstract: An identification method of a recording material container of the present invention sets a recording material container having a first identifying code for storing a recording material in an image forming apparatus, reads the first identifying code in the image forming apparatus, reads an identifying sheet having a recorded second identifying code in the image forming apparatus, and identifies truth or falsehood of the recording material stored in the recording material container on the basis of the relationship between the first identifying code read and the second identifying code.

Abstract: A fluid pump for circulating the cooling liquid to cool the heat-generating part is disclosed.

Abstract: A cooling element for cooling an electronic device in an apparatus includes a cover portion configured to cover the device, the cover portion having a top surface. A plurality of fins are positioned on the top surface of the cover portion. Each of the plurality of cooling fins are substantially parallel to each other, and each of the plurality of cooling fins has a middle portion wider than each end portion.

Abstract: When image formation of a print pattern for checking an exposing unit is instructed through an operation panel, print pattern information prestored in a ROM is read out in accordance with the instruction. An image of the print pattern is formed by a printer. Based on an image formation result of the print pattern, a defective part of the exposing unit or abnormality of a color image forming apparatus is determined.

Abstract: An end cap arranged to slidably support a rack, is inserted into an end of a housing in which the rack is inserted. A cir-clip is interposed between the housing and the end cap to prevent the end cap from being moved axially of the rack. The cir-clip is provided at one end thereof with (i) an inwardly bent curved portion and (ii) a linear portion linearly extending inwardly from the tip of the curved portion and having a tip which always comes in contact with the bottom of an annular groove of the end cap.

Abstract: An end cap arranged to slidably support a rack, is inserted into an end of a housing in which the rack is inserted. A cir-clip is interposed between the housing and the end cap to prevent the end cap from being moved axially of the rack. The cir-clip is provided at one end thereof with (i) an inwardly bent curved portion and (ii) a linear portion linearly extending inwardly from the tip of the curved portion and having a tip which always comes in contact with the bottom of an annular groove of the end cap.