Abstract: A recording apparatus such as a photocopier, includes a heat fusing device and a power source connected thereto via a power controller. The power controller controls the supply of power to the heat fusing device such that full power is supplied to the heat fusing device during a recording operation, and reduced power is supplied to the heat fusing device during a given period of time beginning from the completion of a recording operation, the power controller reducing the power supplied to the heat fusing device in accordance with a given function of time over the given period of time. The power controller cuts offf completely the supply of power to the heat fusing device at the end of the given period of time beginning after the completion of a recording operation.

Abstract: A power device for a copying apparatus isolates the control circuit from electrical noise from an AC power line for the copying apparatus. A storage battery is used as a direct current power source for the control circuit, such that the control circuit is driven by power from the storage battery during copying operation, and the storage battery is charged during the period of stand-by for copying.

Abstract: An automatic shut-off device for a recording apparatus such as a copying machine has a commercial power source for powering the machine during an ON-state, charging means connected to the power source for charging a battery, control means for providing a first signal for an ON-state and a second signal for an automatic shut-off state, first means responsive to said first signal to effect charging of said battery, and second means responsive to said second signal to electrically disconnect the commercial power source, and to supply an output power from said battery for selected operational control functions for the period of said automatic shut-off state. Thus, in the automatic shut-off state, the machine maintains certain operational control functions, such as low power displays, powered by the battery but is disconnected from the commercial power source, thereby reducing the risk of an accident such as a short circuit.

Abstract: In a method of measuring erythrocyte sedimentation rate of the type wherein the upper level of a blood sample contained in a vertical test tube is detected by a photoelectric detection unit, the red blood corpuscles are caused to precipitate for a definite interval and the upper level of the precipitated red blood corpuscles is detected by descending the photoelectric detection unit along the test tube thereby detecting the rate of the sedimentation of red blood corpuscles, the photoelectric detection unit is stopped at a position a small distance corresponding to the air bubble or coagulated substance from the upper level. The photoelectric detection unit is descended after said definite interval for detecting the interface between the blood serum and the precipitated red blood corpuscles.