Abstract: A method applicable to an image forming apparatus which is implemented by an electrophotographic procedure for maintaining that the density of images to be produced by the apparatus is adequate at all times. When the density of a toner image of a reference image or a predetermined pattern sensed by the image density sensor lies in a predetermined adequate range, a sensing level associated with the toner density sensor responsive to the toner density of a developer is not changed. When the density of the toner image does not lie in the adequate range, it is determined that at least the sensing level of the toner density sensing being used at that time has to be changed. Then, whether or not the sensed density of the toner image of the reference image exists in a range in which the image density is controllable is determined.

Abstract: A developing apparatus for xerography including a developing roll, a regulator member for controlling developer thickness located proximate to the developing roll, and an elastic plate member arranged to elastically apply pressure to uniformly spread the developer on the developing roll.

Abstract: The present invention provides an image forming unit which can be shifted within an image forming apparatus having an original support plate to perform an image forming operation, and which can also perform the image forming operation in combination with other device even when it is removed from the image forming apparatus, and which has multi-function and is compact.

Abstract: A color copier is adapted to receive a color palette visually representing a plurality of colors selectably by an operator for portions of reproductions. A portion of the reproduction is formed in a selected color, based on a supplied series of electrical data signals. An operator interface provides for selecting at least one of a plurality of colors visually displayed on a received color palette. A series of electrical data signals, which is representative of the pattern and color image content of a color palette is stored, and can be applied to create a color palette using the same image forming apparatus as is used to produce copies.

Abstract: A method of controllably driving optics of a copier in the form of a scanner which is movable relative to an original document being laid on a glass platen. The optics is usually returned in a high-speed return mode after imagewise exposure so as to enhance rapid copying. In a two-sided or a composite copy mode in which a paper sheet is driven into an image forming station of the copier before the optics reaches a timing for starting forming an image, the high speed return mode for controlling the optics is switched over to a low-speed return mode.

Abstract: A multicolor image forming apparatus having an apparatus body and plural kinds of processing devices such as a photoreceptor, an electric charger for providing electric charge on the photoreceptor, an image exposure device for performing image exposure corresponding to multicolor image information on the charged photoreceptor, a developing device including a plurality of developing sub-devices for developing a latent image formed on the exposed photoreceptor into a toner image, a cleaner for cleaning a toner remaining on the photoreceptor after the toner image has been transferred to a copy paper, a plurality of supply devices for supplying toner to each of the plurality of developing sub-devices, and a color process cartridge for accomodating at least the photoreceptor and the plurality of developing sub-devices among the plural kinds of processing devices.

Abstract: A fuser and pressure roller type fusing apparatus for fusing toner images onto a suitable receiver in an electrostatographic copier or printer includes a passive release oil application cartridge for positively supplying and applying release oil to the surface of the fuser roller therein. The cartridge includes a release oil reservoir, a release oil application roll which contacts and is driven by the rotation of the fuser roller, and an oil feeding and pumping assembly for delivering oil from the reservoir to the application roll.

Abstract: The number of copied sheets of paper accommodated in a staple tray for stapling process are counted by a counter. A transport path changeover member is switched over from a guide position to convey copy paper to the staple tray to a guide position to convey the copy paper to another discharge tray where stapling process is not performed corresponding to the counter value reaching the limit of stapling process. The copied sheets are, thereafter, guided to the discharge tray to continue on copying operation.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus is capable of reproducing a read image in combination with a format, without reading a format sheet every time. The format information is read from an external detachable memory, and is combined in the apparatus with the data read by an image reader.

Abstract: In an image recording apparatus according to the present invention, a developing device and removing means are constituted as one unit, and the unit is freely inserted into and removed from the apparatus body. When an image is formed or when the unit is inserted or removed, developing powder, which is dispersed or fallen from the opening of the unit, is received by a developing powder receiving section, and the powder is chemically softened or melted.

Abstract: A copying apparatus in which a light receiving sheet is used is provided with a density level setting switch for setting the density level of a copy image, and an illuminance controller for adjusting both the luminous intensity and scanning speed of an optical system, in accordance with the density level. A copying apparatus may be provided with an input switch for inputting the sensitivity of a light receiving sheet, and a controller for adjusting both the scanning speed of said optical system and the speed of the process for forming a copy image, in accordance with the sensitivity of the light receiving sheet.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus comprises a main charger for charging the surface of a photosensitive drum, an exposure unit for illuminating an original and guiding light from the original onto the drum, thereby forming thereon an electrostatic latent image corresponding to an image of the original, a detector for detecting the size of the original, and an erase array for erasing an undesired electric charge on the photosensitive drum in accordance with the original size detected by the detector.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus having a photoconductive element for forming a toner image by an electrophotographic process thereon, and transporting a paper sheet to which the toner image has been transferred from the photoconductive element along a paper transport path which extends from a paper feeding section to a paper discharging section via an image transferring section and an image fixing section. Various process units arranged along the paper transport path are divided into a paper feeding section and a transport unit which is located downstream of the paper feeding section and includes a transferring device, a fixing device and a paper transporting device. The paper feeding section is pulled out sideways from the apparatus body in a direction opposite to the direction of paper transport and pushed into the apparatus body in the direction of paper transport.

Abstract: There is disclosed an electrophotographic printer for projecting light from light source emitted according to image data onto a photoconductive body performing a mechanical scan operation in a subscan direction so as to form an image of the image data thereon, and for printing the image on a piece of printing paper using the electrophotographic process. In the electrophotographic printer, the light source comprises plural light emitting devices such as LEDs aligned in a main scan direction perpendicular to the subscan direction, and each light emitting device has a light output opening elongated in the subscan direction. Image data received from an external unit are once stored in an image memory, and the image data read therefrom are Fourier transformed.

Abstract: In a toner cartridge for containing toner utilized in a developing unit of an imaging device of the electrophotographic type, a containing part comprises a foldable material such as vinyl. Thus, the container is folded after toner is supplied to the developing unit. Accordingly, the space for the container filled with toner is prevented from becoming dead space. Further, if the material of the container is transparent, it is possible to detect whether or not toner remains inside of the container.

Abstract: An apparatus in which an contaminants are removed from an electrode positioned between a donor roller and a photoconductive surface. A magnetic roller is adapted to transport developer material to the donor roller. The electrode is vibrated to remove contaminants therefrom.

Abstract: An apparatus of the invention includes a reciprocating means for reciprocating a predetermined amount of recording paper in the feed and rewinding directions of the recording paper, and is designed such that at least when rolled recording paper is newly set at a predetermined position, a reciprocal operation of the recording paper by the reciprocating means is performed a plurality of times prior to image recording. In this apparatus, when a color image is to be recorded, color misregistration due to a ramp of the recording paper can be prevented. If a means for generating a ramp correction end signal and a means for cutting a recording paper leading end upon completion of ramp correction are added, a further useful apparatus can be realized.

Abstract: A cleaning device for an electrophotographic copying machine includes a blade mounted on a housing so as to scrape off a residual toner from the surface of a photosensitive member. A seal member is mounted on the housing so as to guide the scraped-off toner into the housing to collect the toner in the housing. A rotary screw discharges the collected toner from the housing. A vibrating member is mounted on the housing and disposed adjacent to and inwardly of the seal member. The vibrating member includes a plate-like portion having an edge portion contacted with the rotary screws, and is adapted to be vibrated during rotation of the rotary screw. The plate-like portion is formed with a number of slits spaced apart from each other by a distance smaller than a pitch of the rotary screw, so as to enable to effectively vibrate the plate-like portion of the vibrating member.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for controlling the toner concentration of developer mixtures in electrostatographic devices. Light is reflected from the developer and the light reflectance ratio is converted to electrical signals by a two-path circuit. Both the gain and offset of a circuit amplifier are controllable to allow for optimum response to carriers of different reflectivities. The gain is set depending upon the desired sensitivity and the offset voltage is set to establish the output voltage at a predetermined point for the particular carrier and toner being used.

Abstract: A development system for a reproduction machine includes a pair of augers which mix and transfer the developer mixture to a magnetic roll brush system. The supply auger is positioned in a horizontal plane; the second return auger is at an angle to the first auger. The first auger transports developer material in one direction mixing the developer material and dispensing developer material along its length by gravity to the magnetic brush roll sump. A developer material transport opening at one end allows developer material to be gravity fed to the adjacent end of the inclined auger which carries the developer material uphill. The developer material is transferred at the other end by gravity feed back to the first auger.