Abstract: Image forming apparatus including a paper return device for feeding a sheet of paper ejected from a paper output port opening in a main body of the apparatus to its outside back to a paper feeding port also opening in the main body to its outside. For double-sided copying operation, the sheet of paper ejected from the paper output port carrying an image on one side only is returned to the paper feeding port and fed again to an image former from the paper feeding port so that it is not necessary to provide a dedicated paper path for re-feeding the paper. The apparatus includes a paper sensor which senses the paper inserted into the paper feeding port and outputs a paper sensing signal, a discriminator for judging whether the paper return device is in an operating condition, and a paper feed controller which controls a driver for driving a paper feeder such that the paper feeder initiates a paper feed operation when the paper sensing signal is output while the paper return device is in its operating condition.

Abstract: A paper return device detachably fitted to an image forming apparatus having a paper feeding port for feeding paper from outside the image forming apparatus, a paper transport mechanism for transporting the paper from the paper feeding port to an image forming unit and a paper output port from which the paper carrying an image formed by the image forming unit is ejected to the outside of the image forming apparatus. The paper return device includes a paper return guideway which connects the paper output port of the image forming apparatus to its paper feeding port when the paper return device is fitted to the image forming apparatus, whereby the paper ejected from the paper output port is fed back to the paper feeding port through the paper return guideway.

Abstract: A sheet feeding apparatus having a feeding roller for feeding a sheet, a support shaft forwardly and reversely rotatable integrally with the feeding roller and a stopper disposed upstream of the feeding roller in the sheet feeding direction for temporarily regulating the feed of a sheet to the feeding roller. When the rotation in one direction of the feeding roller is transmitted to a locking member through a one-way clutch, the locking member is rotated to lock the stopper. When the feeding roller is rotated in the opposite direction, the locked state of the stopper is released.

Abstract: An original guiding device capable of improving the conveyance of an original in an original conveying path. There is provided an original carrying-in path formed so as to be inclined from the original conveying path and a guiding mechanism for guiding the original while restraining the deformation of the original between the original carrying-in path and the original conveying path. The guiding mechanism may be one for guiding the original while elastically holding the original therein.

Abstract: An image-forming machine comprises a sheet member conveying passage extending through a transfer zone and a fixing zone, a sheet member-feeding means for feeding a sheet member onto the sheet member conveying passage, and a sheet member conveying means for conveying the sheet member through the sheet member conveying passage. A housing of the image-forming machine has a lower surface defined by an intermediate lower wall and an upper surface defined by an intermediate upper wall, and forms a space of which the front surface is opened. The downstream end portion of the sheet member conveying passage extends along a one side portion of the intermediate lower wall on the lower side thereof. The one side portion of the intermediate lower wall is defined by the opening/closing member, and opening/closing member is brought to the open position to open the downstream end portion of the sheet member conveying passage. The sheet member conveying means includes a pair of register rollers.