Abstract: An image forming apparatus can reduce a system return time by reducing a time required for initialization of peripheral control integrated circuits according to a control program and achieves a low-power consumption so as to improve convenience for a user. A CPU performs a control of the image forming apparatus. A control bus for address and data is controlled by the CPU. A memory is connected to the control bus and is configured to store a control program of the CPU. A reset IC initializes the CPU when a power is turned on. A peripheral control ASIC controls each part of the image forming apparatus in accordance with an instruction of the CPU. An exclusive control bus is connected to the peripheral control ASIC. An operation of the exclusive control bus is started according to an input from the reset IC so as to perform an initializing process of the peripheral control ASIC.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus can reduce a system return time by reducing a time required for initialization of peripheral control integrated circuits according to a control program and achieves a low-power consumption so as to improve convenience for a user. A CPU performs a control of the image processing apparatus. A control bus for address and data is controlled by the CPU. A memory is connected to the control bus so as to stored a control program of the processing unit. A reset IC initializes the CPU when a power is turned on. A peripheral control ASIC controls each part of the image forming apparatus in accordance with an instruction of the CPU. An exclusive control bus is connected to the peripheral control ASIC. An operation of the exclusive control bus is started according to an input from the reset IC so as to perform an initializing process of the peripheral control ASIC.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an image bearing member, a charging rotary member rotating while contacting with the image bearing member, and a slide friction sheet contacting with the charging rotary member along an axial direction of the charging rotary member for dispersing contamination adhered to the charging rotary member.

Abstract: An electronic instrument includes a connection detector detecting whether a connector is connected with an external storage unit, an operation unit, operated by an operator, outputting an operating signal having one of first and second states in accordance with an operation of the operator, a boot selection controller selecting a device to be booted from a nonvolatile rewritable memory and the external storage unit in accordance with a detection result of the connection detector and a state of the operation signal from the operation unit, and a determination unit whether the external storage unit stores a program when the external unit is selected as the device to be booted.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a volatile memory configured to temporarily store usage information of the image forming apparatus, and a non-volatile memory configured to finally store the usage information. An access control device is provided to access the non-volatile memory and output at least an address, data, and a control signal thereto as private use signals independent from a control of the CPU. The access control device may copy the usage information of the non-volatile memory to the volatile memory before image formation is started, and periodically update the non-volatile memory with new usage information temporarily stored in the volatile memory during the image formation.

Abstract: A data control apparatus (a main control device) is disclosed. The apparatus comprises: an extension devices interface to which a plurality of extension devices are connectable; a connector to which predetermined IC cards are detachably applied; a rewritable program memory for a main body to store a control program of the main body; a CPU for controlling the respective devices and for processing input image data on the basis of the control program of the main body; and an image control unit to achieve control based on control of the CPU for recording and outputting the image data which have been processed and outputting them to any one of the extension devices. The extension devices interface includes control data lines for transferring and receiving control data with the extension devices, and down load exclusive lines for down loading a control program of the extension device of the extension devices.

Abstract: The present invention provides an image forming apparatus which comprises an image bearing member, a charging rotary member rotating while contacting with the image bearing member, and a slide friction sheet contacting with the charging rotary member along an axial direction of the charging rotary member for dispersing a contamination adhered to the charging rotary member.

Abstract: An electronic apparatus in which program switching can be easily carried out between an IC card and a flash ROM is provided. The IC card can be used commonly for downloading and option programs. In this electronic apparatus, a first program is stored in the flash ROM, while a second program is stored in the IC card. The IC card is detachably connected by an IC card connector. The CPU carries out either the first program or the second program in accordance with memory maps having the addresses of the flash ROM and the IC card logically arranged. By interchanging the addresses of the flash ROM and the IC card, either the first program and the second program is selected and supplied to the CPU.

Abstract: A method for forming a thin film of the present invention includes the steps of performing sequentially first idling discharge under application of a first level of discharge power upon gas introduction (period t1a), intermediate idling discharge under application of a second level of discharge power lower than the first level (period t1b), and second idling discharge at the first level of discharge power (period t1c), so that the pressure of sputtering gas and an intermediate product produced during the idling discharge are stabilized. The discharge power is lowered to the second level, the shutter is opened, and an ITO thin film, for example, is formed on a first substrate (t2). Thereafter, the same cycles are repeated to form ITO thin films on substrates.

Abstract: A multi-function apparatus includes a plurality of image forming apparatuses, a buffer memory, a data transmission mechanism, and a connector. Each image forming apparatus includes a controller which includes a program memory for storing a program used by the image forming apparatus. The data transmission mechanism connects the image forming apparatuses to each other so as to allow a data transmission therebetween. The connector connects an external storage to the data transmission mechanism so as to allow a data transmission from the external storage to the buffer memory. The external storage stores data of programs to be respectively used by the image forming apparatuses.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an image bearing member are a plurality of developing units for developing electrostatic latent images formed on the image bearing member with different color images. A rotatable developing rotary supports the plurality of developing units, which are detachably movable to the rotary member. A heat fixing device fixes the toner on a recording material after the toner image is transferred onto the recording material from the image bearing member. A controller executes, an intermittent rotating operation, before the image forming apparatus is brought into a stand-by state, when a fixing temperature of the fixing device is lower than a predetermined level.

Abstract: A developer supply container for supplying a developer for developing a latent image formed on a photosensitive member is provided, wherein the container is inserted into a developer accommodating container which is provided in a process cartridge, through an entrance opening, and the developer is supplied while the container is in the developer accommodating container, and wherein the entrance opening is covered by an openable cover, and wherein when the developer supply container is mounted and demounted, the openable cover is opened, the developer accommodating container being usable with an electrophotographic image forming apparatus.

Abstract: In a four-wheel drive vehicle, a rear differential includes an input shaft to which a driving force is transmitted from front wheels through a propeller shaft, a driven bevel gear mounted on the input shaft, a follower bevel gear mounted on a clutch drive shaft and meshed with the driven bevel gear, left and right electromagnetic clutches disposed between opposite ends of the clutch drive shaft and left and right output shafts. The maximum transmitted torque transmitted through the left and right electromagnetic clutches is controlled, so that it is decreased with an increase in vehicle speed detected by vehicle speed detecting means. Thus, the vehicle can avoid the maximum horsepower transmitted by the bevel gears and the electromagnetic clutches being increased with an increase in vehicle speed. Therefore, it is possible to ensure the durability of the bevel gears and the clutches, while providing a reduction in size of the bevel gears and the clutches.

Abstract: A rear differential in a four-wheel drive vehicle includes a left and right clutches adapted to distribute a driving force transmitted from front wheels through a propeller shaft to left and right rear wheels. If the engagement of the left and right clutches is released, only the front wheels are driven and in this manner, the vehicle is brought into a front wheel-drive state. If the left and right clutches are brought into their engaged states, both of the front wheels and the rear wheels are driven and in this manner, the vehicle is brought into a four-wheel drive state. By changing the engagement forces of the left and right clutches, different driving forces can be distributed to the left and right rear wheels. In addition, when a driver operates a differential lock switch, the left and right clutches, are brought into their engaged states with the maximum engagement force, thereby integrally coupling the propeller shaft to the left and right rear wheels to provide a differential-locked state.

Abstract: On the surface of an insulating substrate 1 on which a transistor is formed, a first interlayer insulation film 8 is provided, and a first contact hole 9 and a metal interconnection layer 10 are formed. A second interlayer insulation film 11 is formed covering the above items, and a second contact hole 12 and a barrier metal 13 are formed. After a first hole 14 for bonding pad is formed, a third interlayer insulation film 15 is provided, and then a third contact hole 16 and a second hole 17 for bonding pad are formed. A transparent electro-conductive film 18 is formed covering the holes 14, 16 and 17. After that, a portion of the transparent electro-conductive film 18 locating above the holes 14, 17 for bonding pad is removed to have the metal interconnection layer 10 exposed. The exposed metal interconnection layer 10 is used as bonding pad 20. This contributes to reliable bonding of bonding wires onto the bonding pad.

Abstract: A power transmitting system having an input shaft, a driven bevel gear, a follower bevel gear and a clutch drive shaft accommodated in longitudinally bisected center casings. Left and right electromagnetic clutches connected to the clutch drive shaft are accommodated in left and right side casings which are connected to the center casings and, such that a driving force from the input shaft is transmitted to left and right wheels through the pair of bevel gears and the left and right clutches. Thus, maintenance of the clutches can be easily performed, and the check and regulation of the meshed states of the bevel gears can be easily performed.

Abstract: A power transmitting system having an input shaft, a driven bevel gear, a follower bevel gear and a clutch drive shaft accommodated in center casings. Left and right electromagnetic clutches connected to the clutch drive shaft are accommodated in left and right side casings. Oil for lubricating the electromagnetic clutches is supplied from an oil pump accommodated in the center casings and driven by the clutch drive shaft through oil passages and axially defied in the clutch drive shaft and left and right output shafts. Thus, the length of the oil passages for supplying the oil from the oil pump to the clutches can be minimized to provide a reduction in size of the power transmitting system.

Abstract: In a power transmitting system, a clutch drive shaft driven through bevel gears and by an input shaft is laterally extensive and left and right electromagnetic clutches are disposed between opposite ends of the clutch drive shaft and left and right output shafts, respectively. A clutch body heated during the transmission of a power is disposed at a laterally outer location of the system to provide enhanced heat-radiatability, and an annular solenoid is disposed inside the clutch body. A bearing for supporting each of the opposite ends of the clutch drive shaft is disposed radially inside the solenoid. Thus, the lateral dimension of the power transmitting system is reduced.

Abstract: A photosensitive drum includes a cylindrical member having a photosensitive body disposed thereon, and first and second helical gears arranged axially side-by-side on one end of the cylindrical member. The first helical gear is disposed axially outward of the second helical gear, and the first helical gear has an outer diameter greater than an outer diameter of the second helical gear. The first helical gear meshes with a drive gear to rotatingly drive the drum. A sleeve gear of a developing sleeve is selectively engaged with one of the first and second helical gears, depending upon a kind of toner used.

Abstract: A solenoid of an electromagnetic clutch includes an annular coil, an annular coil housing which covers a radially facing outer peripheral surface, a radially facing inner peripheral surface and an axially facing end face of the coil. An armature is adapted to be attracted to the one end face of the coil housing by supplying an electric current to the coil. The housing axially protrudes past the other axially facing end face of the coil by a distance L. Thus, the magnetic resistance around the outer periphery of the coil is decreased to enhance the magnetic flux density of the magnetic closed circuit, thereby enabling the reliable attraction of the armature without increasing the electric power consumed by the coil.