Abstract: An impact detection sensor is attached to a packaging container. When the packaging container is subjected to impacts downward in a vertical direction twice, i.e., a bottom surface of the packaging container is subjected to impacts twice, a weight moves downward in the vertical direction by the application of the first impact, and is seen through a weight indicator unit located on the bottom of an impact detection sensor. At the time of the application of the second impact, the weight moved downward in the vertical direction is prevented from moving back to. an initial position by a pressing portion, and seen through the same bottom weight indicator unit.

Abstract: An impact detection sensor is attached to a packaging container. When the packaging container is subjected to impacts downward in a vertical direction twice, i.e., a bottom surface of the packaging container is subjected to impacts twice, a weight moves downward in the vertical direction by the application of the first impact, and is seen through a weight indicator unit located on the bottom of an impact detection sensor. At the time of the application of the second impact, the weight moved downward in the vertical direction is prevented from moving back to. an initial position by a pressing portion, and seen through the same bottom weight indicator unit.

Abstract: A sheet sorting device for a sheet discharging apparatus which has a sheet discharging tray which receives discharged sheets when the sheet sorting device is not attached to the sheet discharging tray. The sheet sorting device includes a movable tray which is configured to receive sheets discharged from the sheet discharging apparatus and configured to reciprocate in a reciprocating direction substantially perpendicular to a sheet conveying direction of the sheet discharging apparatus by a predetermined stroke necessary for sorting sheets. The sheets are sorted by reciprocating the movable tray in the reciprocating direction. The sheet sorting device is configured to detachably attached to the sheet discharging tray.

Abstract: A recording paper turning-over apparatus performing an operation of turning-over a recording paper with low cost and high reliability. A first roller pair including a combination of a transport roller and a transport pinch roller is disposed at an inlet side of a turning-over unit. Another roller pair including a combination of a turning-over roller and a turning-over pinch roller is disposed downstream of the first roller pair. Convex portions of the transport roller are brought into direct contact with the turning-over roller, which in turn is driven by the transport roller. Concave and convex portions of the transport roller and the transport pinch roller are mutually alternated and engaged. The concave and convex portions of the turning-over roller and the turning-over pinch roller are also mutually alternated and engaged.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a separation mechanism for separating and feeding paper sheet. The respective convex portions and concave portions of the conveying roller and the separating roller are opposed to each other in a state of different-steps so as not to be brought into contact with each other. The conveying roller is rotated in the normal direction which is the same as that of feeding the paper sheet and the separating roller is rotated in the reverse direction to that of feeding the paper sheet. The separation mechanism for the fed paper sheet for separating sheet by sheet a plurality of manuscript document sheets piled on the document sheet tray is formed such that the diameter of the separating roller is made smaller than that of the conveying roller and the frictional coefficient of the separating roller is also made smaller than that of the conveying roller.

Abstract: In a device for storing printings, film sheets or similar recording media driven out or an image forming apparatus, bins are each inclined from a top sheet inlet thereof to a bottom sheet outlet thereof. When all the bins are full, such a condition is reported to users. Users having left sheets in the trays for a long period of time are alerted by a warning message. Sheets become needless for users can be automatically disposed of by commands from user stations. A user passes an I.D. card through a card reader to enter an I.D. number, opening a bin corresponding to the I.D. number, dropping the sheet onto a fence for user access.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus having improved air flow and/or handling of toner or other debris between a fixing device and an image carrier. In accordance with one aspect of the invention, the completeness and effectiveness of an air exhaust system of an image forming apparatus is improved by utilizing a flow improvement board which is located between the image carrier and the fixing device. The flow improvement board can be mounted upon the fixing device and extends downwardly beyond the fixing device. The flow improvement board provides a more regular flow of air toward the exhaust device thereby improving the effectiveness and completeness of the exhaustion of air. In addition, in accordance with another aspect of the invention, a magnet can be provided upon the board or associated with the fixing device, with the magnet including a plurality of poles which alternately extend along the widthwise direction of the mixing device.

Abstract: A sheet feed mechanism of an image recording apparatus comprises a lifter mechanism movable between a first position in engagement with a cassette that holds a sheet thereon and a second position in disengagement with the cassette, a first urging mechanism for urging the lifter mechanism to the first position with a first urging force, a second urging mechanism for urging the lifter mechanism to the second position with a second urging force that acts opposite to the first urging force, and a control mechanism connected the second urging mechanism, wherein the control mechanism is adapted to engage with the cassette when the cassette is mounted on the image recording apparatus for causing a change in the second urging forces depending on whether the cassette is mounted on the image recording apparatus or the cassette is dismounted from the image recording apparatus, such that the second urging force is smaller than the first urging force when the cassette is dismounted from the image recording apparatus and s

Abstract: A cartridge for use in an electrophotographic apparatus is loaded with various expendable process units which need periodic replacement such as a charger, developing unit, and cleaning unit. At least the charger and cleaning unit are mounted on the cartridge integrally with each other. The cartridge is held in a body of the apparatus in such a manner as to be rotatable between a replaceable position and a set position.