Abstract: In a paper feeding control device according to a first embodiment of the invention, paper sheets delivered from paper containing sections are stopped once when their ends are detected by a paper detecting means. The paper sheet starts to be fed from the position where it is stopped, and a subsequent paper sheet is delivered at intervals of time corresponding to the minimum spacing required between paper sheets. Accordingly, even if the spacing between sheets is below the minimum because of slipping of the sheets during feeding, the sheets tend not to collide with each other and jamming is less likely. In a second embodiment of the invention, with continuously feeding paper sheets, two conditions are ANDed, namely, the elapse of time corresponding to the ideal spacing with which sheets are fed and the elapse of time corresponding to the minimum spacing required between the sheets. This ANDing is used to control the timing of the feeding of the subsequent sheet.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus for carrying out image forming in any of a plurality of image forming modes by changing the relationship between the drive starting time of the document scanner and the time at which registration rollers feed paper to the image forming unit. The paper feeding unit is adapted to feed paper from a paper housing unit at predetermined time intervals, determined according to the sizes of paper. The time intervals at which the registration rollers feed paper to the image forming unit are equal to these predetermined time intervals. Such predetermined time intervals remain unchanged for all image forming modes. Further, the period of time during which paper is once stopped by the registration rollers remains unchanged even though the image forming mode is changed.

Abstract: A power supply control subsystem for an image forming apparatus is provided to control the operating timing of multiple DC loads according to selected image forming modes. Electric power is supplied from a single DC power source to a plurality of DC loads through corresponding switching devices inserted therebetween. A control circuit staggers the on-timings of the switching devices so that electric power is supplied to the DC loads in a sequentially, predetermined priority order according to a selected image forming mode.

Abstract: A paper feeding device for sending out paper sheets P from an intermediate tray after a first image has been formed on the paper sheets in an image forming apparatus. The device includes a preliminary feed roller, a pressure plate opposed to the preliminary feed roller, a feed roller, a pressure roller opposed to the feed roller, a roller supporting shaft for relatively rotatably supporting the pressure roller, a supporting member pivotably attached to the roller supporting shaft for supporting the pressure plate for pivotably around the roller supporting shaft, and a motor for rotating the roller supporting shaft. As a result the pressure plate and the pressure roller can pivot to maintain the paper sheets against the preliminary feed roller and the feed roller regardless of how many paper sheets are on the intermediate tray.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a copying machine so composed that copying paper can be continuously fed from the stock section regardless of the movemental timing of the resist section, which has been so improved that the paper feeding speed or the paper feeding interval of the copying paper can be controlled in response to the relative scanning time of the optical system for a document.