Abstract: An image forming apparatus with a position detection capability to prevent an image forming operation starting signal being generated by mistake to thereby start the image forming operation when an image forming apparatus is not in its normal installed state for use, for example, when the apparatus is in its carried state or its erected state with one side thereof facing downward.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus for forming an image of an original using an optical image of the original has: a first assembly; a second assembly cooperable with the first assembly the second assembly being movable relative to the first assembly; between a closed position wherein the apparatus is operable and an open position wherein the apparatus is opened; a reciprocable original supporting member for supporting an original; an optical system, in the second assembly, for forming the image of the original supported on the original supporting member; a second guiding member, on the second assembly, for guiding and positioning the original supporting member adjacent one of the sides of the original support member, wherein the original supporting member is movable to be disengaged from the second guiding member, the second guiding member being contactable with the original supporting member to correctly position the original supporting member with respect to the second assembly when it is engaged with the original

Abstract: An image forming apparatus wherein an image formed on an image bearing member is transferred onto a transfer material includes a feeder for feeding the transfer material to an image transfer station wherein the image is transferred from the image bearing member onto the transfer material; a guiding member for guiding the transfer material fed from the feeder to the transfer station in a guiding direction; a guide support for supporting the guiding member for movement in the guiding direction and in a direction transverse with the guiding direction; and an image bearing member supporting member for supporting the image bearing member for movement between a first position wherein the image forming apparatus is operable and a second position which is different from the first position, the image bearing member supporting member having an engaging portion for engagement with a part of the guiding member to correctly position the guiding member when the image bearing member supporting member takes its first positio

Abstract: An image forming apparatus having first body portion and a second body portion that swings into and out from the first body portion and a rack and pinion drive arrangement mounted on the first body portion for driving a carriage over an optical system on the second body portion when it is swung into the first body portion. The rack and pinion are disengaged when the carriage is moved away from the optical system to allow the second body portion to swing out from first body portion; and the rack and pinion have a flexible flange or specially shaped teeth to provide proper positioning of the pinion for smooth reengagement.

Abstract: A recording apparatus which includes a bottom plate constituting a bottom portion of the recording apparatus, a first unit fixed to the bottom plate and contributable to a recording operation of the recording apparatus, a second unit fixed to the bottom plate and contributable to the recording operation, and a third unit which is elongated and is contributable to the recording operation and which is fixed adjacent its one longitudinal end to the first unit and is fixed adjacent its other end to the second unit is arranged in such a manner that the mechanical strength of the whole assembly of the recording apparatus is increased. This is done without requiring additional structural members by having functional parts provide structural support for the apparatus.

Abstract: In an electrostatic image reproducing system, the developing unit or cleaning unit comprises a first magnetic brush having a first revolving element which revolves on a first revolving axis, and a plurality of magnets inside the first revolving element. The first revolving element is adjacent to an image recording body and confronts the image recording area of the image recording body. A second magnetic brush unit is axially adjacent to the first magnetic brush unit for attracting and transferring developer, the second magnetic brush unit including a second revolving element having a second revolving axis therein which is substantially colinear with the first revolving axis. The second magnetic brush unit does not confront the image recording area of the image recording body.

Abstract: In an electrophotographic copying machine in which a developing device is disposed adjacent a photosensitive drum for distributing particulate developer over the rotating drum surface to develop an electrostatic image thereon, a sealing member of an elastic material is provided between each end wall of the drum lying substantially perpendicular to the drum surface and an adjacent side wall of the developing device to prevent leakage of developer particles about the drum.

Abstract: The distance between the photosensitive drum and the developing sleeve of a copier is kept accurately constant by confronting surfaces on the mounting structures. The confronting surfaces can be in the shape of a circular arcs whose centers are in the center of the corresponding drum or developing sleeve.

Abstract: In an electrostatic recording apparatus means are provided for precisely mounting various components or processing units about the photosensitive drum. In particular, a subassembly detachably connected to the apparatus supports the drum and is provided with fixed supports to which the processing units such as the charging electrode, developing device, image transfer electrode, etc. are attached. The arrangement assures a precise spacing of the said units relative to the drum.

Abstract: An improved developing device includes a rotatable sleeve, a reservoir from which developer is available for image development, a hopper containing fresh replenishment toner, a plate for scraping used developer from the sleeve and for directing it into a conduit in which it is mixed with fresh replenishment toner, and at least an opening in the conduit from which replenished developer comprising used developer mixed with fresh toner is returned to the reservoir in a substantially uniformly mixed condition for use in subsequent image development.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting a residual quantity of toner remaining in the supply hopper of a copying machine includes a piezoelectric vibrating element disposed in a wall of the hopper and having a surface normally positioned in contact with toner in the hopper, and an electronic circuit for causing vibration of the element at a predetermined frequency and for detecting changes in operating characteristics of the element as representative of a decrease in the amount of toner in the hopper to operate a warning device.