Abstract: A fixing unit or device that can be used in an image forming apparatus includes a first heater element that is formed of a material that increases in electrical resistance with increases in temperature. A controller of the fixing unit is configured to vary a duty ratio of electric power applied to the first heater element during a start-up operation in which the temperature of the first heater element is raised to a target operating temperature. By varying the duty ratio during the start-up operation, changes in the resistance of the first heater element with the heating can be compensated. For example, the duty ratio can be increased during the course of the start-up to achieve the target operating temperature faster.

Abstract: A loudspeaker diaphragm is provided as an injection molded material including 50 to 80 weight % of a matrix resin of polyolefins and 20 to 50 weight % of flaky mica having an average aspect ratio of more than 10 and including at least 3 weight % or more of pearl mica. The matrix resin of polyolefins includes respective flakes of the flaky mica orientated in parallel to thereby improve the acoustic characteristics and concurrently the design appearance of the diaphragm. The design appearance of the diaphragm can have bright colors and a pearly luster.