Abstract: An image forming apparatus is provided with a plurality of storing units for storing respective recording materials of various sizes; a plurality of feeding members for feeding out the recording materials from each of the storing units; a conveyance path along which the recording materials being fed out by each of the feeding members are conveyed; a plurality of conveying members for conveying the recording materials along the conveyance path; an image forming section for forming an image on the recording materials conveyed along the conveyance path; and a plurality of first regulators provided at respective predetermined positions with respect to corresponding ones of each of the storing units for regulating at least a maximum size of the various sizes of the recording materials while at least at a part of each of the recording materials is fed out from the respective corresponding storing units.

Abstract: A copying apparatus including a photosensitive drum having an image carrying surface and a developing unit. The developing unit includes a developer storage device, a developing roller having a developing surface for conveying a developer from the developer storage device to the image carrying surface, and a matching roller near each end of the developing roller for contacting the photosensitive drum to provide a predetermined gap between the image carrying surface and the developing surface. The developing unit is slidably supported in both a first direction parallel to the axis of rotation of the photosensitive drum and in a second direction transverse to the axis of rotation of the photosensitive drum.

Abstract: A sheet stacking mechanism for use in apparatuses wherein an image is recorded on both sides of a recording sheet, including a bumper roller which is capable of retractably shifting to a downward position to be in pressure contact with the recording sheets on an intermediate tray and transport the recording sheets to a stopper where the leading edges thereof are aligned and, a sensor and control device for controlling the position of the roller so that the roller is shifted downward onto the recording sheet to be aligned when the sheets reach the tray, and raised out of contact with the sheets when the leading edges reach the stopper.

Abstract: A recording apparatus that includes an image carrier that has a movable image surface adapted for carrying a latent image to be developed. The apparatus further includes a developing unit that has a developer surface for conveying a developer thereon. A guide member is provided for slidably mounting the developing unit thereon. Biasing elements are included for releasably biasing the developing unit between at least two positions. The first position is a biased position wherein the developer surface faces the movable image with a development gap therebetween to transfer the developer onto the latent image. The second position is a released position wherein the developer surface is spaced from the movable image surface with a gap larger than the development gap. The guide member allows the developing unit to further slide in a direction transverse to the biasing direction.