Abstract: A device for separating a transfer paper, onto which a toner image has been electrostatically transferred from the surface of a photosensitive member, from the surface of the photosensitive member. A separator roller made of an electrically conducting material is disposed close to the photosensitive member. A spacer assures that an appropriate gap is maintained between the photosensitive member and the separator roller. A voltage source which applies an AC voltage or a pulse voltage to the separator roller. The frequency of the applied voltage is selected to be from 200 Hz to 1 KHz or at 20 KHz or higher, and the voltage level can be controlled as a function of the separator roller temperature and/or moisture level or humidity.

Abstract: A signal communication system includes a control portion and an operation portion. The control portion has an output data transmitter for transmitting output data to the operation portion in the form of a serial signal, and an input data receiver for receiving input data signal from the operation portion. The operation portion has an input data transmitter for transmitting the input data to the control portion in the form of a serial signal, and an output data receiver for receiving the output data from the control signal, and an operable device for executing an operation in accordance with the output data. The control portion further has an output data memory for storing output data, a timing signal generator for generating a timing signal, and a timing signal transmitter for transmitting the timing signal to the output data transmitter and the operable device.