Abstract: In an apparatus for detecting a movement of an encoding member capable of generating simultaneously two light beams which are spaced with a predetermined distance therebetween and which move in synchronization with the movement of the encoding member, a line sensor faces the encoding member such that the two light beams move alternately on the line sensor. The line sensor has a length shorter than the distance between the two light beams so that the line sensor receives a single light beam and outputs position information corresponding to a moving position of the received light beam on the line sensor. A detector detects the movement of the encoding member on the basis of the position information output by the line sensor.

Abstract: A line width controlling method for controlling a line width of a toner image includes adjusting pulse width signals for controlling light beam emission of a laser beam generator; forming a latent patch image, comprised of plural latent line images, on a photoreceptor by irradiating a light beam from the laser beam generator; and developing the latent patch image with toner so as to form a toner patch image comprised of toner line images. The steps of forming the latent patch image and of developing the latent patch image to form the toner patch image are both repeated for a plurality of times. The toner patch image at each time of forming has a different gradation from that at other times of forming, so that a series of toner patch images is formed on the photoreceptor.

Abstract: A color image forming apparatus includes a controller to control an image carrier, plural chargers, plural image exposing devices, plural developing devices so that plural color toner images are formed one after another and superimposed on the image carrier, and a regulator to regulate a deviation in position among the plural color toner images.

Abstract: In a color image forming apparatus, an image retainer, a charger, a plurality of developing devices and a cleaner are made in one unit. The unit is dismountably supported in a housing so that the unit can be moved out from a first position at which the unit is set in the housing to a second position at which jam disposition is conducted. When the unit means is placed at the second position, a part of the apparatus is used to cover the image retaining surface at the transfer section.

Abstract: An image recording system capable of recording a composite image composed of a plurality of partial recording image areas comprises an electrically chargeable image carrier. Image recording area coordinate data is fed into the system to define an area to be recorded and/or image eliminating area coordinate data is fed into the system to define an area to be eliminated. Thereafter, a charge in the charged area of the image carrier is eliminated according to the recording area coordinate area. The same process is carried out for a plurality of desired areas of image data to produce a composite image.

Abstract: A recording apparatus has a movable member for exposing an original to light and for scanning the original; and a power transmission device for reciprocally moving the movable member. The power transmission device has a plunger type solenoid, a first clutch coupled to the plunger of the solenoid for controlling forward movement of the movable member in response to an operation of the plunger type solenoid to a first state, and a second clutch coupled to the plunger for controlling backward movement of the movable member in response to the plunger type solenoid being in a second state. The plunger of the solenoid is movable relative to the solenoid coil between first and second positions, the first position being an attracted position in which the solenoid coil is energized and the plunger is attracted thereto, and the second position being beyond a limit position of attraction whereat the plunger is not attracted to the solenoid coil upon energization of the solenoid coil.

Abstract: A circuit for indicating the current or existing composite operating states of a plurality of switches switchable between open and closed states, and all normally disposed in a first of those states, includes a resistance of predetermined value for and connected to each switch, and connections between all of the switch-resistance combinations to form a switch assembly which outputs a total resistance uniquely defined in accordance with the particular existing open and closed states of the plural switches. A constant current source supplies a constant current to the switch assembly so that the assembly outputs a voltage in accordance with the unique resistance, and a voltage discriminator receives the voltage output and generates a corresponding output indicative of the existing operating states of the switches.