Abstract: It is desirable if the lengthwise center axis of a cylindrical rotating member such as a photoreceptor drum is aligned exactly with the center axes of the support shafts. However, as it is impossible to eliminate manufacturing errors in components, it is unavoidable for there to be a slight angle of intersection between the center axis of the cylindrical rotating member and the center axes of the support shaft. Consequently, the object of the present invention is to provide a support mechanism for the cylindrical rotating member whereby the cylindrical rotating member exhibits little unevenness of rotation. When lengthwise axis of the cylindrical rotating member forms angle of intersection .alpha. with lengthwise axis of shaft, this angle .alpha.

Abstract: An image-forming apparatus, and a method thereof, that transfers the toner image formed on the photoreceptor to an intermediate transfer belt in a first transfer area during a first transfer. When the first transfers of prescribed toner images to the intermediate transfer belt are completed, the intermediate transfer belt transfers the toner images obtained in the first transfers from the intermediate transfer belt to a recording medium in a second transfer area during a second transfer. Moreover, the area of the intermediate transfer belt that is susceptible to creep buckling (the `creep buckling risk area`) is prevented from passing through the first transfer area during the first transfer, thereby improving the image formation.

Abstract: A transfer belt device having a roller unit. The roller unit includes a drive roller, a transfer roller, and a continuous transfer belt that is suspended around the roller unit. The drive roller rotates at a peripheral speed and drives the transfer belt such that a toner image may be transferred to it from an image carrier. The image carrier moves at a speed by means of the transfer roller. The drive roller is composed of a hard core roller that is coated with an outer layer of elastic rubber having a thickness t.ltoreq.1 mm, and is located downstream from the transfer roller in terms of the direction of movement of the transfer belt.

Abstract: A sealing resin composition is provided with is useful in the encapsulation of an electronic component and comprises a melt-processable polyester having a weight-average molecular weight of 1000 to 3900 and is capable of forming an optically anisotropic molten phase, and at most 80 percent by weight based upon the total weight of the composition of an inorganic powder which has been surface-treated with an epoxysilane or mercaptosilane coupling agent.

Abstract: An improved method for encapsulating an electronic component with a highly stable protective layer is provided. Such encapsulation is carried out by injection molding about the surface of the electronic component of an encapsulant composition comprising a molten melt-processable polyester which is capable of forming an anisotropic melt phase having uniformly blended therein about 0.1 to 30 percent by weight based upon the total weight of the composition of silicone oil and/or a silicone rubber. Quality encapsulation is made possible under conditions wherein damage to the electronic component is minimized, and the resulting product is well protected without damage under a wide variety of end use conditions including variations in temperature. The process is carried out in the substantial absence of deleterious mold shrinkage and the product exhibits an extremely low linear coefficient of thermal expansion which well protects the electronic component encased therein.