Abstract: A process kit has at least part of image forming structure and is detachably mounted in the main body of an image forming apparatus, and an image forming apparatus using the process kit. Signal sources are disposed on the process kit in accordance with the functional purpose of the process kit. When a process kit is mounted in the main body of the image forming apparatus, the type or property of this process kit is automatically indicated at an indicator section of the main body, thus preventing erroneous use of an undesired process kit. The signal sources not only indicate the functional purpose of the process kit currently mounted in the main body but also automatically set image forming conditions which differ for various kits, thus reproducing high-quality images.

Abstract: A transfer material separating device for separating a transfer material from a surface of an image bearing member after an image formed on the image bearing member is electrostatically transferred onto a transfer material at a transfer station includes a separating electrode, disposed downstream of the transfer station with respect to movement direction of the transfer material, for causing electric discharge between the transfer material and the separating electrode, and a moisture absorbable member disposed adjacent the separating electrode and electrically isolated, the moisture absorbable member being capable of absorbing moisture and having an electric resistance which changes with moisture absorbed thereby.

Abstract: A device for conveying a magnetic developer, includes a non-magnetic sleeve for carrying the magnetic developer, a resin magnet stationarily disposed in the sleeve, the magnet being of a mixture of a resin material and a magnetic material, and extending in a direction of a length of the sleeve, the magnet having first and second magnetic field generating portions, first and second magnetic members disposed outside the sleeve extending in the direction of the length of the sleeve, wherein the first and second magnetic members are spaced apart from each other and are so disposed that a magnetic force applied to the magnet by a magnetic force between the first magnetic field generating portion and the first magnetic member reduces a resultant force to the magnetic by gravity and by a magnetic force between the second magnetic field generating portion and the second magnetic member.

Abstract: In an imaging optical system, the angular aperture of distributed index optical elements which are optical elements forming the imaging optical system is 9.degree. or greater and the degree of superposition M of images on a light-receiving surface is M=2.75+0.5x. The degree of superposition M of images is represented by M=X.sub.0 /D, where D is the effective diameter of the optical elements and X.sub.0 is the field radius thereof. Also, x is 0 or a greater integer.

Abstract: An original reading device includes a main frame, optical image reader, disposed in the frame, for reading an original, an original support having a transparent platen for supporting thereon an original to be read, driving mechanism for causing relative movement between the original support and the reader, a limiting member disposed between the platen and the frame, the limiting member being spaced from the platen by a predetermined amount to contact the platen when the platen deforms beyond a predetermined amount, so as to prevent further deformation of the platen.

Abstract: A copy board apparatus for copying information on a web-like writing board supported by rollers with an electrophotographic copier disposed adjacent one longitudinal end of the writing board. The apparatus has a first optical system for optically connecting the writing board and a photosensitive member of the copier, a second optical system for optically connecting an original on the copier and the photosensitive member, and change-over circuitry which permits switching between the two optical systems.

Abstract: The present invention solves the problem arising when a photosensitive medium and some or all of means for forming a latent image on the photosensitive medium are made into a unit which is removably mountable with respect to the body of an apparatus. This problem is attributable to the fact that the characteristic of the photosensitive medium is not constant, and lies in that the completed electrostatic latent image differs from one photosensitive medium to another. The present invention solves this problem by providing an adjusting function to the means of such unit itself used to form a latent image.

Abstract: An image exposing apparatus comprises a focusing optical system for focusing an image onto a photosensitive member and having a one-line array of a plurality of focusing light transmission media, and light intensity distribution correction means arranged in a light path for forming the image for eliminating an ununiformity of light intensity on the photosensitive member due to the focusing optical system.

Abstract: The present invention solves the problem arising when a photosensitive medium and some or all of means for forming a latent image on the photosensitive medium are made into a unit which is removably mountable with respect to the body of an apparatus. This problem is attributable to the fact that the characteristic of the photosensitive medium is not constant, and lies in that the completed electrostatic latent image differs from one photosensitive medium to another. The present invention solves this problem by providing an adjusting function to the means of such unit itself used to form a latent image.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a process kit detachably mountable thereinto, the process kit having a casing in which an electrophotographic type photosensitive member, a corona discharging device, a development device and a cleaning device are contained as a unit, the casing of the process kit including a slit-like opening formed therein at a position opposed to the corona discharging device within the process kit and an openable light-blocking member of a flexible sheet which extends along the slit-like opening to block external light toward the electrophotographic type photosensitive member within the casing of the process kit. A cleaner may be inserted into the casing through the slit-like opening to clean the corona discharging wire within the casing.

Abstract: Exposure control apparatus for use in a duplicating machine includes a light source powered with a high-frequency pulsed voltage to generate light, a sensor for sensing intensity of the light to produce a sensor output, and control circuitry for controlling the on/off timing of the pulsed voltage in response to the sensor output. At the time of initial turn-on of the lamp the power applied to such lamp is supplied at an increased rate to hasten the turn-on time.

Abstract: One of several corona dischargers used in an electrophotographic apparatus is connected to a power source transformer so as to selectively operate these corona dischargers. The power source transformer is provided with a tertiary winding, to which a switching device is connected. When the switching device is turned on, a secondary output from the transformer becomes lower than a corona discharging limit voltage, whereby the corona discharging stops.

Abstract: An electrophotographic copying apparatus includes original supporting device for supporting thereon an original to be copied, illuminating device for illuminating the original, an electrophotographic photosensitive medium movable through a charging station, a developing station and an image transfer station, the photosensitive medium having an image bearing area and a non-image bearing area set thereon, the non-image bearing area being set on the side edge portion of the photosensitive medium, charging device for charging both of the two areas of the photosensitive medium at the charging station, a projection optical system for projecting the optical image of the original upon the image bearing area of the photosensitive medium between the charging station and the developing station to form an electrostatic latent image, developing device for developing the electrostatic latent image into a visible image, image transfer device for transferring the visible image from the photosensitive medium to a transfer med