Abstract: A sheet sorting device having a plurality of bin trays has a resilient member for imparting to a bin tray support member a force in the direction opposite to the direction of gravity and reducing a load applied to a bin tray drive source. A detecting device for stopping the driving of the drive source detects the movement of the drive source when the drive source moves up or down relative to the bin trays. Drive source has two lead portions, smooths the movement of the bin group and makes the amount of opening between the bins always constant.

Abstract: A sheet sorting device having a plurality of bin trays has a resilient member for imparting to a bin tray support member a force in the direction opposite to the direction of travity and reducing a load applied to bin tray driving means. Detecting means for stopping the driving of the driving means detects the movement of the driving means when the driving means moves up or down relative to the bin trays. Cam means has two lead portions, smoothes the movement of the bin group and makes the amount of opening between the bins always constant.

Abstract: An automatic original conveying apparatus in which originals loaded on an original stacking unit are conveyed to a predetermined position one by one. Abnormal stacking of the original on the original stacking unit is detected, and continuation of operation is prohibited in response to the detection of such abnormal stacking of the originals.

Abstract: A sheet sorting device having a plurality of bin trays has a resilient member for imparting to a bin tray support member a force in the direction opposite to the direction of gravity and reducing a load applied to a bin tray drive source. A detecting device for stopping the driving of the drive source detects the movement of the drive source when the drive source moves up or down relative to the bin trays. A cam member has two lead portions, smooths the movement of the bin group and makes the amount of opening between the bins always constant.

Abstract: A device for separably supporting an auxiliary machine to an image forming apparatus, including supporting structure for supporting the auxiliary machine and for allowing the auxiliary machine to move up and down between an operative position wherein the auxiliary machine is cooperable with the image forming machine and a retracted position wherein said auxiliary machine is retracted from the operative position, and means for retaining the auxiliary machine at the operative position.

Abstract: An optical fiber of a silica-based material includes a coating of cured silicone rubber covering an outer surface thereof. The cured silicone rubber coating, when subjected to an infrared spectroscopic measurement, has a transmissivity of not less than 70% at a wave number of 2100 to 2200 cm.sup.-1 at a coating thickness of 0.1 mm due to the infrared absorption due to the stretching and vibration of SiH. The coating of cured silicone rubber contains a neglibible amount of SiH so that the transmission loss of the optical fiber can be prevented from increasing over a long period of time.