Abstract: A method and a reagent for detecting cells of a living organism contained in various samples of the organism by detecting genes specific for each animal species. This method is useful for detecting bleeding into feces. It is possible for confirming the bleeding of the human body to use an Alu sequence as the sequence specific for the animal species. As genes are used as the indicator in this method, fecal occult blood can be detected more specifically at a higher sensitivity than by the conventional technique using hemoglobin as the indicator.

Abstract: A clamshell type image forming apparatus, in which a process cartridge included in an upper structure is supported pivotably to a fixed position and a dismounting position against the upper structure, a developing unit included in a lower structure is supported thereon pivotably to a position just opposing to an image holding medium and a position spaced therefrom, and a plate spring which urges the developing unit toward a position spaced from the image holding medium is disposed on the lower structure side, and a plate spring which urges the developing unit toward a position just opposing to the image holding medium is disposed on the upper structure side, thereby inconveniences produced by providing the process cartridge on the upper structure are solved, and by reducing a collision between the developing unit and the image holding medium due to the open-and-close operation of the upper structure, it is possible to prevent a damage of the process cartridge including the image holding medium.

Abstract: A portable type image forming apparatus has a body with an upper and lower body members which are coupled by a hinge. A locking mechanism for locking the upper and lower members is provided at one side face of said upper body and lower body. At least one handle is provided for transporting the apparatus at the side face of the body opposite to the side face receiving the hinge. An auxiliary locking mechanism for locking the upper and lower members when the handle is held during transport is also provided.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a detachable sub-assembly consisting of a latent image holder drum and cleaning means in a unitary assembly, whereby after the sub-assembly is removed from the image forming apparatus, the cleaning device and latent image holder drum can be individually separated from the sub-assembly. Also, a peel-off device is mounted on the sub-assembly for peeling recording paper away from the latent image holder drum.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a photosensitive member on which an electrostatic latent image is formed. The electrostatic latent image is developed by toner and the toner image thus developed is transferred on a copying paper. A stopper is provided in the path of the copying paper to a transferring station. A first paper path for manually feeding paper, and a second paper path is provided for automatically feeding paper. The first and second paths join each other at an upstream side of the stopper. Downstream of the junction of the two paths is formed a common path in which the stopper is disposed. In the common path at the upstream side of the stopper, there is arranged a sensor for sensing the presence of copying paper. In an automatic feeding mode, when a signal is not given from the sensor within a predetermined period of time after a paper feed roller is operated, the occurrence of a jam will be detected.

Abstract: An electrophotographic copying machine includes a support plate for receiving originals of documents to be copied, the support plate being mounted for sliding laterally in reciprocation along the upper surface of the housing or body of the machine; a handle attached to a side or end of the housing farthest from the center of gravity of the machine for facilitating carrying of the machine, and lifting of the machine to stand on the opposite end or side; a pair of cushions mounted at opposite ends of the opposite side for protecting the body and the top of a sheet feed tray protruding therefrom when the machine is standing on the opposite side of and a lock member for restraining the original support plate from sliding out of the body when the machine is being transported or standing on the opposite end, whereby the lock member engages a power switch for preventing operation of the machine during restraining of the support plate.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus which forms an opening larger in width than recording paper at the bottom of a casing in condition of normal use, the casing constituting a body housing therein main components, and which is provided with a guide means constituting part of a passing route of the recording paper in condition of normal use and constructed to be capable of projecting at one end from the opening at the bottom of the casing.Hence, in the apparatus, even when the recording paper jams in the casing, a user can take out the jammed paper therefrom without dividing the casing and inserting fingers of a user into the casing. Accordingly, the apparatus, which can adopt integral construction not dividable, is realizable of being small-sized lightweight, and inexpensive to produce, and of saving the manhour for assembly, improving reliability, and reducing the failure occurrence rate.

Abstract: A relatively small and lightweight electrophotographic apparatus includes a support plate for receiving originals, whereby the support plate reciprocates laterally between the front and back sides of the housing for the apparatus, wherein the center of gravity of the apparatus is biased away from the dimensional center of the housing or body toward the one of the front and back sides which the original support plate more greatly extends beyond and away from the body during reciprocation for scanning of originals, whereby even when heavy originals are placed on the original support plate, the apparatus does not tilt or incline away from its resting surface, even when the original support plate is in greatest extension beyond the body or housing. A handle, sheet feed cassette, and sheet feed tray are all mounted on or through one end of the housing to prevent the latter two from dropping out during transport, thereby facilitating transport.