Abstract: An image fixing device having at least a pair of rotatable members for fixing a toner image on an image supporting material. In order to provide a simple structure in which the image supporting material can be readily and positively removed during jamming or the like, the apparatus includes a discharge device selectively shiftable between a normal position and a temporal retracted position, a first power transmitting member for applying a driving force to one of the rotatable members, a second power transmitting member for applying a driving force from a source of power to the first power transmitting member, cooperating elements for positioning the first and second power transmitting members selectively at an operative position in which the members cooperate to transmit the driving force and at an inoperative position in which the first power transmitting member is separated from the second power transmitting member, and a manually operable member for rotating at least one of the pair of rotatable members.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus including image forming device, for forming an image on a recording member, having a scanner for scanning the recording member, an input device for selecting and instructing the function mode of the scanner, and a controller having a plurality of stored programs corresponding to the scanning modes for controlling the function of the image forming device, the controller being adapted to select a stored program in response to the input device and controlling the function of the image forming device in accordance with the program of the selected scanning mode.

Abstract: A slit illuminating device having a plurality of linear surface mirrors, each partially surrounding a light source, whereby the illumination and the distribution of illumination at the slit section can be maintained uniform and stable, even when changes occur in the position of the light source.

Abstract: A transfer sheet guiding device for guiding a transfer sheet along a predetermined path. The device includes a separating member for separating one lateral side of a transfer sheet from an image carrying member, a rotary body, located adjacent the one lateral side for gripping the separated side of the transfer sheet and guiding it away from the image carrying member, a guide member having a stepped portion which extends across the transport path of the transfer sheet, the position of stepped portion being disposed progressively further downstream in the advancing direction of the transfer sheet from the side where the rotary body is provided to the opposite side, and a rotary member which extends along the rotary body and guide member at the one lateral side for gripping the separated side of the transfer sheet and guiding it downwardly at least along the stepped portion in cooperation with the rotary body and guide member.

Abstract: An electrophotographic developing apparatus comprises a developing roller and a refreshing roller. The developing roller applies liquid developer to an electrostatic latent image carrier moving in a predetermined direction. The refreshing roller comes into contact with the developing roller and rotates at the same peripheral speed as that of the carrier and in the opposite direction to the moving direction of the carrier. The rotational motion of the refreshing roller causes the developing roller to rotate so as to effect developing the electrostatic latent image on the carrier.

Abstract: A spring clutch device includes a driving side clutch shell, a driven side clutch shell opposed to and coaxial with the driving side clutch shell, a clutch spring disposed in a tight manner over the two clutch shells, a stop member disposed coaxially with the clutch shells and engaged with one end of the clutch spring to control the action of the clutch spring, and a control member for acting on the stop member, there are formed projections on the circumference of the stop member, in an axially and circumferentially staggered relationship, and the control member is selectively displaceable to positions corresponding to the projections for engagement and disengagement with the projections, thereby controlling ON-OFF of the clutch.

Abstract: This specification discloses improvements in a separating mechanism for forcibly separating transfer medium from an image bearing member after the visible image on the image bearing member has been transferred to the transfer medium. In the separating mechanism having a separation guide disposed between the image bearing member and a side edge of the transfer medium to direct the transfer medium away from the image bearing member, the separation guide has one end as a supported end and the other end as a free end and the free end of the separation guide is supported from the non-image bearing member side by a keep member and from the image bearing member side by a release member. Thus, the separating mechanism of the present invention can readily and positively effect treatment of jammed transfer medium which would be attributable to abnormal transport of the transfer medium, by a simple construction.

Abstract: This specification discloses improvements in a separating belt disposed between an image-bearing member such as a photosensitive medium or the like and a transfer medium to which the image on the image-bearing member is to be transferred. In the device of the prior art, the separating belt has been fatigued by being subjected to localized friction with respect to the image-bearing member and/or a rotating member for effecting the separation. In the present invention, the separating belt is gradually moved in accordance with the operation of the device incorporating the separating belt therein, whereby the separating belt may be prevented from localized friction and need not be replaced by another belt for a long time.

Abstract: A buffer device for use in an image forming apparatus wherein a reciprocable member is placed for reciprocating motion through a belt by a rotary member driven by a drive source, the buffer device has at least two displaceable shock-absorbing rotary elements positioned so as not to interfere with the reciprocating motion of the reciprocating member and provided so as to engage with mutually facing portions of the belt, and a braking element for suppressing by friction the displacement of the shock-absorbing rotary elements, the shock given to the reciprocating member by the forward and reverse rotations of the rotary member being absorbed by displacement of the shock-absorbing rotary elements.

Abstract: Apparatus for scanning an original in a copying machine herein disclosed is of the type in which first and second mirrors are moved in the same direction at the velocity rate of 1:1/2. The apparatus comprises first and second carriages for supporting and carrying the first and second mirrors respectively, a guide rail for supporting the carriages movably in the direction of their movement and a particular arrangement of pulleys to move the mirrors. The arrangement comprises first and second movable pulleys provided on the second carriage and spaced from one another and first and second stationary pulleys. The first stationary pulley is positioned on the side of the second movable pulley relative to the first movable one whereas the second stationary pulley is positioned on the side of the first movable pulley relative to the second one.

Abstract: A copying apparatus comprises an original supporting carriage for supporting thereon a stationary original, original feeder for feeding an original past an exposure station first scanning optical system comprising illumination lamps, mirrors and a lens for projecting onto a photosensitive medium the image of the original resting on the original supporting carriage, and second scanning optical system comprising illumination lamps, mirrors and a lens for projecting the image of the original onto the photosensitive medium. The photosensitive medium has thereon a common image focus position for two modes effected by the first and the second scanning optical systems.

Abstract: A variable magnification copying apparatus includes optical scanning means for scanning an image original at a variable velocity in accordance with a copying magnification desired, a photosensitive drum movable at a predetermined velocity from an exposure station to an image transfer station, conveyor means for conveying copy medium to the image transfer station, detector means for generating a signal when the scanning means has scanned an edge of the image original or a portion thereof near the edge, and control means coupled to the detector means for controlling the conveyor means by the signal so as to ensure the image of the original to be copied with the leading edge thereof registered to the leading edge of the copy medium with respect to the direction of conveyance, irrespective of changes in magnification.

Abstract: This specification discloses an original urging device for enabling an original to be well placed and supported on the original supporting carriage of a copying machine, a printing machine or the like. The supporting member for the original urging plate of the device has one end thereof pivotally supported. A point for taking the resilient force of a resilient member is provided at a point on the supporting member. During replacement of the original, the original urging plate may be made stationary within a predetermined range of angles facilitating the handling of the urging plate, in accordance with the rotated position of the supporting member and by the relationship between the moment produced by the gravity force acting to the supporting member and urging plate and the moment produced by the resilient force of the resilient member.