Abstract: This invention relates to a toner replenishing method including the steps of conveying, from a toner storing section which forms a fluid mixture of toner and air, the fluid mixture to a toner separating section provided away from the toner storing section through toner supplying fluid conveying system, separating the toner from air in the toner separating section, and supplying the toner from the toner separating section to a developing unit, and a toner replenishing unit which practices the toner replenishing method. The toner replenishing method of the invention further includes the step of returning part of air separated from the toner from the toner separating section to the toner storing section by using a returning fluid conveying system. The toner replenishing unit of the present invention includes a returning fluid conveying system between the toner storing section and the toner separating section.

Abstract: A toner conveyance device for conveying toner particles including: a toner mixing unit having a toner introducing portion to introduce toner particles, for mixing the toner particles from the toner introducing portion with air to make a toner fluid; a first conveyor for receiving the toner fluid in the toner mixing unit and conveying; a toner separation unit for separating the toner fluid conveyed by the first conveyor into air and toner particles, the toner separation unit having a toner discharging portion for discharging the separated toner particles to an outside; a second conveyor for conveying the air separated by the toner separation unit back to the toner mixing unit; and a tightly closed circulation path of air, formed starting at the toner mixing unit which leads to the toner separation unit through the first conveyor and returning back to the toner mixing unit through the second conveyor.

Abstract: This invention relates to a toner replenishing method including the steps of conveying, from a toner storing section which forms a fluid mixture of toner and air, the fluid mixture to a toner separating section provided away from the toner storing section through toner supplying fluid conveying means, separating the toner from air in the toner separating section, and supplying the toner from the toner separating section to a developing unit, and a toner replenishing unit which practices the toner replenishing method. The toner replenishing method of the invention further includes the step of returning part of air separated from the toner from the toner separating section to the toner storing section by using a returning fluid conveying mechanism. The toner replenishing unit of the present invention includes a returning fluid conveying mechanism between the toner storing section and the toner separating section.

Abstract: An electrophotographic image forming apparatus having a sheet curl correcting mechanism includes: a rotary body including either an endless annular belt or a roller; and a pressing roller for pressing the rotary body, wherein the curled recording sheet on which a toner image is formed is inserted between the rotary body and the pressing roller thereby bending force is applied to the curled recording sheet in a direction opposite to a curl of the curled recording sheet so that the curl is corrected. The apparatus further includes an air flow generator for applying an air flow to a curled recording sheet and the sheet curl correcting mechanism.

Abstract: In an automatic sheet reversing apparatus having a convey/reversing section with a plurality of conveyor belts, a stacking/moving section with a stopper for stopping a leading end of a reversed sheet, and a feed section, the stopper is located below the conveyor belts. The upper portion of the stopper is located above the lower surface of the conveyor belt.