Abstract: When data of one page is output for a predetermined amount, the host unit performs division of the printing data into a plurality of divided jobs a predetermined calibration on the basis of the calibration execution. For every divided job, the most recent calibration information from a printer-side is obtained. On the basis of the obtained calibration information, a density correction value of a .gamma. correction table is updated. Then, the .gamma. correction table performed calibration is used for performing printing of the divided jobs. By this, the printing apparatus performs a printing operation according to the printing job output from the host unit to enable appropriate calibration when a large amount is printed for the same information.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus which forms the multiple image by transferring the color toner images onto the transfer material sequentially. In such apparatus the drive source is provided for each image bearing member to rotate it. The ultrasonic motor is suitably used as the drive source and is attached to the rotary shaft thereof to detect rotating condition of the motor.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus has a driven image forming part for forming an image. A data supply device has at least one moving portion for supplying data to the image forming apparatus. For example, it may be a hard disk device or a toner sensor having an oscillator, both of which generate noise. A controller actuates the data supply device only during operation of the image forming part, and so the noise is not bothersome to the user.

Abstract: A method for dynamically synchronizing configuration information between a printer and an attached accessory. In one embodiment, the printer firmware creates a configuration change object that is immediately incremented any time a configuration parameter is changed. The accessory periodically queries the printer to determine if the configuration change object has been incremented, and, if so, the accessory re-reads and stores the new printer configuration along with the new configuration change object. In a second embodiment, the printer sends out a notice to the accessory that the printer configuration has changed immediately after the change is made, rather than accessory periodically asking the printer if the configuration has changed.

Abstract: A fixing device for fixing a toner image formed on a recording medium includes an endless belt passed over a plurality of rollers. A press roller is pressed against a portion of the belt passed over a fix roller, which is one of the plurality of rollers. A heat source applies heat to the toner image carried on the recording medium being conveyed via a nip where the belt and press roller are pressed against each other. The nip has a width greater than 25.degree. inclusive in terms of a circumferential angle as seen from the axis of the fix roller. The fixing device prevents a recording medium from wrapping around the belt and broadens a parting temperature range.

Abstract: An electrostatographic toner image reproduction machine is provided for producing toner reproductions of original images. The reproduction machine includes a frame; a movable image bearing member mounted to and having a path of movement within the frame; and electrostatographic process devices mounted for forming a toner image, transferring and fusing the toner image onto a copy sheet; and at least one status parameter defining a quality condition of the formed, transferred and fused toner images. The reproduction machine also includes measuring devices for measuring the at least one status parameter; at least first and second different machine speeds at which to operate the machine; and a machine controller connected to the measuring devices for automatically changing the machine speed in response to each of the at least one status parameter so as to ensure continued production of high quality toner images.

Abstract: A photoconductor wear reduction system includes a photoconductor drum clutch and a control circuit for controlling the clutch. Wear on the photoconductor drum is reduced by mechanically decoupling the photoconductor drum from the drive train in the electrophotographic printer at the end of a print job while the drive train is still rotating. In a first embodiment of the photoconductor drum clutch, the application of electrical power is required to mechanically couple the photoconductor drum to the drive. In the second and third embodiments of the photoconductor drum clutch, the photoconductor drum clutch mechanically couples the photoconductor drum to the drive train without electrical power applied. The application of power to the photoconductor drum clutch is required to mechanically decouple the photoconductor drum from the drive train.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus administration system includes an image forming apparatus for forming an image on a sheet of paper. A service terminal is connected to the image forming apparatus through a communication line and administers conditions of the image forming apparatus. An operation panel has operation keys and a screen. A changing device can be operated to change an indication of the operation panel from an indication for inputting an operation command for image formation to an indication for inputting a request command for transmitting data from the image forming apparatus to the service terminal. A transmitting device can transmit the data in response to the request command and the changing device changes the indication of the operation panel from the indication for inputting a request command for transmitting data from the image forming apparatus to the service terminal to the indication for inputting an operation command for image formation before the transmission of the data is completed.

Abstract: A paper feed device for a duplex printing apparatus. The paper feed device includes a hinge link coupled to an end of a solenoid, an arm link extended upwards from the hinge link, a reverse guide coupled to the arm link by a guide hinge, a vertical link coupled to one side of the hinge link by a hinge, and a plurality of gears for changing the turning direction of rollers according to a print mode.

Abstract: A motor starts its rotation, and a clutch is operated to drive both of a first driving force transmission system for color printing, including drum gears, and a second driving force transmission system for monochrome printing, including a drum gear. The clutch is disengaged to stop the first system when a first sensor detects a mark on one photosensitive drum of the first system at the same time that a second sensor detects a mark on one drum driving gear of the first system. Next, when a third sensor detects a mark on another photosensitive drum of the second system at the same time that a fourth sensor detects a mark on another drum driving gear of the second system, the clutch is reengaged. Consequently, positionings of all the photosensitive body drums (drum gears) for color printing to the photosensitive drum (drum gear) for monochrome printing are performed without causing positional differences by inertia at the time of stop.

Abstract: A time distance notifying system for an image forming apparatus sets an image forming mode composed of one or plural image forming parameters, generates attribute data to discriminate the set image forming mode, stores time data representing a time required for forming an image in the image forming mode represented by various attribute data, measures a time required for performing an operation of a predetermined unit during the set image forming mode, judges whether or not time corresponding to the generated attribute data has been stored in the memory, derives a time required for the image forming on the basis of a corresponding time data in a case where it is judged that a time data corresponding to the attribute data has been stored and for deriving a time required for the image forming on the basis of a time measured in a case where it is judged that a time data corresponding to the attribute data is not stored in a memory, and notifying a time derived.

Abstract: Disclosed is the printing system 1 including the printer 2 and the personal computer 51 through which the command combination is selected according to kind of the print sheet A among four command combinations (the first combination is defined by both the print order standard command and the print direction standard command, and corresponds to pattern 1; the second combination is defined by the sheet plane standard command and the print direction standard command, and corresponds to pattern 2; the third combination is defined by the print order standard command and the sheet direction standard command, and corresponds to pattern 3; the fourth combination is defined by the sheet plane standard command and the sheet direction standard command, and corresponds to pattern 4), further the print condition is determined by the selected command combination, thereby image printing is conducted in the two-sided printing mode by the printer 2 under print control by the personal computer 51 while reversing the feed direct

Abstract: In an image forming apparatus, picture display control means causes display means to selectively display a simple picture which allows a limited number of basic functions to be selected, or a standard picture which allows all the functions, inclusive of the functions available with the simple picture, to be selected. The simple picture and standard picture are switched over by software. The operation of the apparatus may be permitted only when a user code matching any one of user codes registered beforehand is input; either the simple picture or the standard picture may be set for each user code and displayed as the initial picture. The apparatus allows the operator to set up functions matching the contents of image formation and operator's skill without resorting to an openable cover for concealing a part of function setting keys.

Abstract: An image forming member 1 includes an image forming portion 12 for forming an image; a supported portion 10 which is rotatably supported by a bearing 14; and a driven portion 11 which receives a drive force by way of a drive force transmission member. The image forming section 12, the supported portion 10, the driven portion 11 are all made of the same base member having the same diameter. Further, the surface 10' of the supported portion 10 is supported by the bearing 14, and the surface 11' of the driven portion 11 receives the drive force.

Abstract: A drive transmission apparatus includes a first gear for transmitting a driving force to a first rotatable body, a second gear for transmitting the driving force to a second rotatable body and a third gear to which the driving force is transmitted from a driving source, the first, second and third gears being coaxially arranged. A first connecting member passes through the second gear and connects the first gear and the third gear. A cylindrical second connecting member is supported by the first connecting member located inside the second connecting member and connects the second gear and the third gear. The arrangement is such that the fluctuation in rotating speed of the second gear may be transmitted to the first gear through the second connecting member, the third gear and the first connecting member.

Abstract: A device for driving a charge roller, charge belt, image transfer roller, image transfer belt or similar contact type charging member used to charge an image carrier of an image forming apparatus in contact with the image carrier. The charging member is driven by an exclusive motor independent of a motor for driving the image carrier. A drive gear and a driven gear are formed of metal and resin, respectively. A flywheel is mounted on a drive roller for causing the charging member to rotate. The drive side has greater rotation energy than the driven roller side. A flywheel is also mounted on the drive gear.

Abstract: A mobile mining machine for cutting a tunnel in rock has a wheel-like cutterhead assembly supported by a pitch boom assembly that causes movement of the cutterhead assembly in the vertical plane. A swing boom assembly supports the pitch boom assembly and is supported by the main frame of the mobile mining machine. In one embodiment the swing boom assembly has a pivot axis that is tilted from vertical and swings the cutterhead and the pitch boom during mining to cut a tunnel having a wide, flat floor. During mining, a gripper assembly having a floor gripper shoe and a roof gripper shoe brace the mobile mining machine in the tunnel. Thrust is provided by thrust cylinders located between the gripper shoes and the main beam. Extension of the thrust cylinders moves the cutterhead assembly, main beam, and rear portion of the mobile mining machine forward relative to the gripper assembly due to slidable engagement of the main beam and gripper assembly.