Abstract: An optical shutter device for use, e.g., in an optical printer includes a plurality of electrooptic chips each having a plurality of very small segments for optical modulation. The optical shutter device has a voltage adjusting circuit which individually supplies the driving voltage to the chips depending on the light transmitting characteristics intrinsic to the chips. Thus, even when the chips have different light transmitting characteristics, the image produced by the chips will have a uniform intensity.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus which comprises a light shutter disposed between a source of light and an image carrier, which is electrostatically charged to a predetermined polarity, and capable of exhibiting a light transmissivity which varies according to a voltage applied to the light shutter. A first voltage of a predetermined direction is applied to the light shutter according to image information during a first period in which a first area of the image carrier passes across the light shutter, to form the electrostatic latent image on the image carrier. This electrostatic latent image is subsequently developed into a toner image. In order to substantially recover the light shutter from a light-induced fatigue, i.e., internal polarization of an electro-optical material forming the light shutter, a second voltage of a direction counter to the predetermined direction is applied to the light shutter during a second period in which a second area of the image carrier passes across the light shutter.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus for producing completed copies includes a main body. An image forming device is provided in the main body for forming images on paper to produce the completed copies. A tray is also provided in the main body for receiving and stacking the completed copies produced by the image forming device. A sheet transport path transports the completed copies from the image forming device to the tray. In addition, a support mechanism movably supports the tray from a first position inside of said main body where the completed copies are received and stacked thereon to a second position outside of the main body where the completed copies can be manually removed therefrom.

Abstract: A recording apparatus has both a copier function and a fax printing function. The recording apparatus is provided with a photoconductive member, an original table on which an original is placed, and a scanner for scanning the original placed on the original table to project an image of the original onto the photoconductive member so that an electrostatic latent image may be formed on the photoconductive member. An optical print head is provided for forming an electrostatic latent image on the photoconductive member based on an electric signal. Accordingly, the recording apparatus has two modes, a copy mode in which an electrostatic latent image is formed by an operation of the scanner and a print mode in which an electrostatic latent image is formed by an operation of the optical print head. A plurality of sensors are provided for detecting the operation of the scanner, which is controlled by a controller in each of the copy mode and the print mode.

Abstract: A recording apparatus including a memory for storing recording information input from an external device, and an optical printing head for recording the information read from the memory onto recording paper. A writing device writes the information into the memory in the order of input, and stops the writing operation when the information as stored in the memory reaches its capacity. A reading device reads the recording information from the memory in the order opposite to the order in which the information is written, and transmits the information to the printing head for recording. The writing operation is resumed after this information is recorded on the recording paper.

Abstract: A light printer with a light shutter having an array of electro-optical elements is disclosed. The light printer provides with a detection circuit for monitoring temperature and/or time dependent variations regarding the electro-optical elements of the light shutter and a driving voltage control circuit for controlling an optimum driving voltage of the light shutter according to results detected by the detection circuit.

Abstract: An image forming system carries out a simplex recording operation for forming an image on one side of recording paper and discharge the paper onto a discharge tray, and a composite or duplex recording operation in which image-carrying recording paper is formed with a further image on the same image-carrying side or a reverse side prior to discharge. This system includes a paper refeeding device for temporarily storing the recording paper after the simplex recording and refeeding the recording paper to an image forming device for recording a second image thereon, and a mode selector for selecting between a page arranging mode and a non-page arranging mode. The recording paper is discharged directly onto the discharge tray when the non-page arranging mode is selected. On the other hand, when the page arranging mode is selected, the recording paper is transported through the paper refeeding device and recording section and out to the discharge tray.

Abstract: A method of driving an electro-optical light shutter for use in a recording apparatus. According to the method, an electric field of a predetermined direction is applied to the light shutter during a recording period and a further electric field having a direction opposite to the predetermined direction is applied to the light shutter during a waiting period.

Abstract: A system for recognizing a detachable article attached to an apparatus, and judging whether the article as mounted in position is genuine. The article can be identified by the predetermined device, whereas the apparatus includes a detector for detecting the device. The apparatus is driven according to a result obtained by the detector. The system of the present invention is particularly suited for a toner bottle, PC unit and so on attached to a copier, printer or other image-forming apparatus.