Abstract: An electrophotographic apparatus is provided which has an electrophotographic photosensitive member, a charging member maintained in contact with the photosensitive member and charging the same by receiving a voltage, an exposure device, a developing device and a transfer device. The photosensitive member has a support, a charge generating layer on the support, and plural layers on the charge generating layer. The outermost surface layer of the plural layers has the largest relative dielectric constant. With the electrophotographic apparatus, good contrast between dark potential and light potential is maintained even after a prolonged use of the apparatus, and sufficient image density and image quality are obtained. Also a process cartridge adapted for use in the electrophotographic apparatus is provided.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an image bearing member, a contact member contacting with the image bearing member, a detector for detecting the voltage-current characteristic between the image bearing member and the contact member, and a counter for counting the frequency of image formation. Image forming conditions on the image bearing member are controlled on the basis of the detected result by the detector and the counted value of the counter.

Abstract: Disclosed are a pigment including a light-transparent ceramic scaly substrate, a tin compound layer coated on a surface of the substrate in an amount of 0.6 to 0.75% by weight with respect to the substrate, the amount being converted into metallic tin, a rutile type titanium dioxide layer formed on a surface of the substrate coated with the tin compound, a metal compound layer coated on a surface of the titanium dioxide layer in an amount of 0.15 to 0.6% by weight with respect to the substrate, metal of the metal compound being at least one selected from the group consisting of Bi, Sb, As, Cd, Zn, Mn, Pb and Cr, and the amount being converted into metal, and metallic glossy dots formed on the surfaces in a scattering manner, the metallic glossy dots occupying 0.05 to 95% of a total surface area of the surfaces, and a process for producing the same.

Abstract: A metallic paint film of this invention comprises a base paint film containing by from 1 to 20 weight % of a novel pigment, which comprises a ceramic scaly substrate, an inorganic compound coating film formed on all the surfaces of ceramic scaly substrate, and a plurality of metal dots formed on the surfaces of inorganic compound coating film and occupying from 0.05 to 95% of the total surface area of the inorganic compound coating film. When an automobile body or the like is painted with the metallic paint film, it gives not only a simple metallic feeling but also a pearly gloss effect. In addition, the metallic paint film improves the three-dimensional effect of the automobile body or the like.

Abstract: A production process of pigment according to this invention comprises the steps of: a first step of forming an inorganic compound coating layer on the entire surfaces of scaly substrates made of ceramic; a second step of forming metallic glossy dots on the surfaces of the inorganic compound coating layer in a scattered manner by an electroless plating, and the metallic glossy dots occupying from 0.05 to 95% of the surfaces of the inorganic compound coating layer with respect to the total surface area of the inorganic compound coating layer; and a third step of irradiating ultraviolet ray on particles formed by the second step. The impurities and the like, which adversely affect the color hue of the pigment, have been discolored or faded away by the ultraviolet ray irradiation in the third step. Accordingly, the pigment having good weather resistance can be produced readily and stably by the present invention.

Abstract: A pigment comprises a substrate, a metallic layer formed on at least one surface of the substrate and imparting metallic luster, and a transparent inorganic compound layer formed on surfaces of the substrate and the metallic layer. Thereby, the pigment produces color by light interference of a ray reflected on a surface of the transparent inorganic compound layer and a ray passed through the transparent inorganic compound layer and reflected on a surface of the metallic layer. Thus, the pigment is excellent in coloring power and hiding power, and particularly useful for an automotive finishing paint.

Abstract: A pigment comprises a substrate, a metallic layer formed on at least one surface of the substrate and imparting metallic luster, and a transparent inorganic compound layer formed on surfaces of the substrate and the metallic layer. Thereby, the pigment produces color by light interference of a ray reflected on a surface of the transparent inorganic compound layer and a ray passed through the transparent inorganic compound layer and reflected on a surface of the metallic layer. Thus, the pigment is excellent in coloring power and hiding power, and particularly useful for an automotive finishing paint.