Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an image forming mechanism, a transfer mechanism, a fixing mechanism, and a heat radiation mechanism. The image forming mechanism forms a toner image which is transferred by the transfer mechanism transfers onto a recording sheet and is fixed by the fixing mechanism. The heat radiation mechanism is disposed between the image forming and fixing mechanisms and radiates heat generated by the fixing mechanism. The heat radiation mechanism includes a heat receiving member, a heat radiating member, and a heat conduction member. The heat receiving member receives heat generated by the fixing mechanism. The heat radiating member radiates the heat received by the heat receiving member. The heat conduction member has a thermal conductive property to efficiently conduct the heat from the heat receiving member to the heat radiating member.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus has a read roller having a flexible shaft a deformation of which in a particular direction is prevented so as to prevent a displacement of the read roller. The image reading apparatus reads an image on an original sheet while the original sheet is fed along a reading surface. A roller is pressed against the reading surface so that the original sheet interposed between the roller and the reading surface is fed by a rotation of the roller. A shaft extends from opposite ends of the roller so as to support the roller and transmit a rotational force to the roller. The shaft is rotatably supported, and is capable of being elastically deformed. A deformation of the shaft in a direction perpendicular to a rotational axis of the shaft and parallel to the reading surface is restricted by projecting members contacting the shaft on each side of the roller.

Abstract: A decurling device wherein paper is transported from a roll while being decurled by a decurling roller. A controller controls the decurling by temporarily stopping rotation of the decurling roller. Particular embodiments include provision of a pressing plate pressing the paper toward the decurling roller and control of the roller in accordance with curl of the paper by detection of diameter of the roll and by detection of path the paper follows during feeding.