Abstract: An imaging device of the present invention includes a separating unit for separating a stack of original documents one by one. The separating unit feeds the separated document to a reading unit capable of reading an image out of the document. To insure stable operation of both the separating unit and reading unit, the separating unit and reading unit are respectively provided with an exclusive separating motor and an exclusive reading motor. A first transporting roller is included in the separating unit and rotated at a speed equal to or higher than the rotation speed of a second transporting roller included in the reading unit. This insures stable transport of the document from the separating unit to the reading unit. Even when any drive element included in the separating unit fluctuates, drive elements included in the reading unit are free from the influence of the fluctuation.

Abstract: A sheet feeding apparatus which includes a sheet holder holding at least one sheet to be fed. A pick-up roller feeds the at least one sheet from the sheet holder in a sheet feeding direction. A separating roller is provided at a lower reach of the pick-up roller. This separating roller receives a reverse torque in an opposite direction of the sheet feeding direction through a torque limiter. A feeding roller is provided opposite the separating roller and feeds the at least one sheet from the pick-up roller in the sheet feeding direction. Further, a frictional element is provided to increase a rotational load of the separating roller.

Abstract: Tripod joints, each of which includes revolvable rollers to be directly fitted to outer circumferential surfaces of spider shafts, are provided respectively at both ends of an input-side shaft to which slave driving force is transmitted. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent a slave driving system from transmission of unnecessary torque, and obtain a slave driving force-transmitting mechanism which is compact and light in weight, having a structure simplified as compared with those of the conventional technique.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus indicates completion of a scanning operation for both sides of an original document, or completion of a transmitting operation of image information data corresponding to both sides of the original document. The image forming apparatus scans both sides of the original document for obtaining the image information data. A first marker unit provides a first mark when a scanning of a front side of the original document is completed or when a transmission of image information data corresponding to the front side is completed. A second marker unit provides a second mark when a scanning of a reverse side of the original document is completed or when a transmission of image information data corresponding to the reverse side is completed.

Abstract: In a slide type universal joint, a slider is slidably fitted around a trunnion of an inner member and a roller, which rolls in a transmission groove of an outer member, is carried rotatably on the slider via a needle bearing, the slider and the roller being coupled together against axial relative displacement by an axial coupling means. This makes the joint simple in structure and reduces frictional resistance.

Abstract: A communication system includes: an image forming unit connected to a communication line through a communication control unit; and a management unit for managing data of resources of the image forming unit, the management unit being connected to the communication line, the image forming unit including: at least one component part; a first storage part for storing a control program for the component part, so that the component part is controlled in accordance with the control program; and a first control part for transmitting a first code to the management unit via the communication line in response to an update request signal, the first code indicating a model of the image forming unit and indicating a type of the component part, the management unit including: a second storage part for storing a plurality of control programs for different types of the component part of the image forming unit; and a second control part for reading out a first control program from the second storage part in accordance with the

Abstract: A communication system includes: an image forming unit connected to a communication line through a communication control unit; and a management unit for managing data of resources of the image forming unit, the management unit being connected to the communication line, the image forming unit including: at least one component part; a first storage part for storing a control program for the component part, so that the component part is controlled in accordance with the control program; and a first control part for transmitting a first code to the management unit via the communication line in response to an update request signal, the first code indicating a model of the image forming unit and indicating a type of the component part, the management unit including: a second storage part for storing a plurality of control programs for different types of the component part of the image forming unit; and a second control part for reading out a first control program from the second storage part in accordance with the

Abstract: A document scanning apparatus includes an automatic document feeder having at least a pick-up section for picking up documents to be scanned and a feed-out section which ejects the scanned document. A sensor in the pick-up section detects the length of the document to be scanned. A stamp located at the feed-out section marks the scanned sheets with a stamp and is controlled by a controller which controls the stamp position based on the length information obtained by the sensor in the pick-up section.

Abstract: In an image forming apparatus, an operating section accessible for entering various information and commands is implemented as a plurality of key units. The key units are each removably connected to the body of the operating section via cooperative connectors. When any one of the key units is damaged or or the life thereof expires, only the defective unit is replaced while the other units are continuously used.