Abstract: Absolute strain is measured by providing a coherent beam of light and separating the coherent beam of light into first and second beams which are in quadrature with one another and which have different polarization angles. The first and second beams are combined in a manner which maintains the different polarization angles thereof, so as to form a combined beam. The combined beam is then applied to a Fabry-Perot strain sensor so as to form a reflected combined beam. The reflected combined beam is then separated into first and second reflected beams having different polarization angles. The intensity of the first and second reflected beams is then sensed, so as to determine a change in the etalon length of the Fabry-Perot sensor. The change in etalon length is indicative of the absolute strain sensed.

Abstract: An optical mirror switch is formed by utilizing a pair of walk-off devices separated by a polarization switch. A first signal port is coupled to the first walk-off device and a second signal port is coupled to the second walk-off device. A reflective surface is also disposed beyond the output of the second walk-off device. In a first, “pass through” state of the switch, an optical signal applied as an input at the first signal port will propagate through the switch and exit at the second signal port. In a second, “reflective” state of the switch, an optical signal applied as an input at the first signal port will propagate through the switch, impinge the reflective surface and be re-directed back through the switch and exit through the first port. The “state” of the switch is controlled by the “state” of the polarization switch (which either exchanges the polarization states of the orthogonal components passing through, or maintains them).

Abstract: A method of, and system for, controlling one or more wavelength channels added to an optical fiber trunk of a WDM system from a branch terminal via a saturated amplifier in which an additional wavelength signal different from the wavelength of wanted channels is introduced to the input of the saturated amplifier to reduce the level of the added wanted channel(s).

Abstract: An optical-transmission system includes a split-gain amplifier, a first connector device, a second connector device, and a signal-modifying device. The split-gain amplifier has a first gain stage optically connected to a first set of at least two waveguide paths and a second gain stage optically connected to a second set of at least two waveguide paths. The first connector device optically connects the at least two waveguide paths of the first set to a first combined-waveguide path. The second connector device optically connects the at least two waveguide paths of the second set to a second combined-waveguide path. The signal-modifying device is optically connected to the first and second combined-waveguide paths.

Abstract: A single-mode optical fiber for outputting high-power light wherein a diameter of a mode field at an output end of the optical fiber is made large to thereby lower a light power density. Material higher in thermal conductivity or melting temperature than material of the optical fiber is coated on the end face of the fiber. A thickness of the coating film is set to cause light wavelength to be phase-shifted by ¼ of the wavelength to reduce reflection at the connecting end face. The same type of optical fiber is used as a party optical fiber to be connected therewith.

Abstract: A planar waveguide device is described which can function as either a switching or power dividing element of a soliton transmission communication system operating at a selected central wavelength. The device has one input and two outputs and consists of two optical channel waveguides, in a coupler-like configuration, each of whose cores has a refractive index and dielectric constant with a dependence on the optical signal intensity which can balance a negative dispersion in the waveguide at dimensions compatible with monomode transmission of the selected central wavelength. It is a property of such waveguides that if the input to one channel waveguide is a temporal optical soliton, the output will also be a temporal soliton, and the output waveguide, or waveguides, from which it exits the device as well as the power of the switched or power divided signal at each output will be dependent upon the input soliton peak power.

Abstract: A multifiber connector is provided according to one embodiment which includes a multifiber ferrule, splice components and a crimp tube that defines a lengthwise extending passageway having a lateral cross-sectional shape that is generally oval for receiving and maintaining a plurality of optical fibers in a lateral side-by-side relationship. The crimp tube therefore provides the optical fibers to the splice components in an aligned and properly spaced manner for alignment and optical interconnection with respective optical fiber stubs. According to another embodiment, a fiber optic connector is provided that includes a ferrule, mechanical splice components, an associated cam member for actuating the mechanical splice components and means for controlling the position of the cam member relative to the mechanical splice components such that the cam member can be precisely moved from a first unactuated position to a second actuated position.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a manufacturing method for an opto-mechanical connector (10) and to the connector itself. The invention includes that a fixture (1) is manufactured with straight and parallel grooves (2,3) running on the upper side of the fixture (1) from a first fixture side (1a) to a second fixture side (1b), and which grooves (2,3) are intended partly for optical fibers and partly for guide pins. A lid (4) is attached above the fixture (1), whereafter optical fibers (8) from, for example, a fiber ribbon cable (6) are introduced into the grooves (2) intended for the fibers from the first fixture side (1a) so that the fiber ends (8) extend out through the second fixture side (1b). Guide pins (9) are furthermore introduced into the grooves (3) intended for the guide pins. The structure obtained (fixture (1), lid (4), fiber ends (8) and guide pins (9)) is completely or partially enclosed by a plastic capsule (11).

Abstract: A coupling is provided having a one-piece body, with a first segment having a first chamber for receiving an optical connector and ferrule, a second segment having a second chamber for receiving an alignment sleeve that retains and interconnects the ferrules, a third segment substantially similar to the first segment and having a third chamber for receiving a second optical connector and ferrule, wherein said first, second and third chambers are aligned longitudinally across the one-piece body, and a resilient arm extends from the one-piece body to allow the coupling of the invention to be received by a coupling aperture.

Abstract: A preferred embodiment of the cable of the present invention incorporates a core, an outer jacket surrounding the core, and a tape disposed between the core and the outer jacket. The tape includes a first layer and superabsorbent polymers (SAPs) which are applied to the first layer. Preferably, the first layer is formed of spun bonded non-woven polyester material, nylon spun bonded fabric, non-woven glass, polypropylene melt blown non-woven fabric, polyurethane spun bonded fabric, or TCF cellulose fabric, among others. Additionally, the SAPs preferably are provided with a moisture content of greater than approximately 2 percent, by weight, thereby improving the flame-retarding characteristics of the tape.

Abstract: A fiber optic cable includes an end section in the form of a ribbon and a central section in which the sheath has a substantially tubular form. Applications include fiber optic cable connectors and spare lengths of fiber optic cable for jointing cassettes.

Abstract: A coated optical fiber comprising a glass fiber constituted by a silica based glass core and cladding; and a primary coating and a secondary coating which are formed by photo-curing a primary coating resin layer and a secondary coating resin layer which are applied to an outer periphery of the glass fiber, wherein a maximum value As(max) of absorbances As of the secondary coating resin layer before curing with respect to light in a wavelength region of 310 to 340 nm is not more than 0.5, whereas absorbances Ap of the primary coating resin layer before curing with respect to light in this wavelength region are greater than the absorbances As.

Abstract: The split open dead end cable connector includes two hinged halves with half circular serrated channels which align when the halves are in a closed position to form a serrated aperture for engaging the fiber optical cable. Lateral taper rail segments are likewise formed on the sides of the hinged halves which align when the halves are in a closed position to form tapered rails. Sliding wedges with internal channels complementary to the tapered rails are used to urge the halves together into a closed position. Prongs of a U-bail pass through loops formed on the sides of the halves of the body and the sliding wedges. Nuts threadably attached to the prongs of the U-bail secure the connector together and urge the sliding wedges to a position urging the halve to a closed position.

Abstract: A dead end connector comprising an elongated base with a channel extending along the length thereof, a cover with a second channel, and bolts for securing the two units together so that the channels form a bore through which a fiber optic cable is received, where each of the channels has at least one hardened steel insert with inner teeth which grip the cable and outer teeth which grip the base or cover. A vibration damper may be formed as part of the connector or as a separate piece which is attached to the connector.

Abstract: An optical attenuator for use in optical power regulation uses a shutter to control the insertion loss of a gap in a pair of substantially coaxially aligned waveguides, for example a pair of optical fibers. The shutter is part of a MEMS accuator device and is coupled to the movable one of a pair of spaced plates, the movable plate being movable by a voltage applied between the pair of plates. To regulate the power, a small portion of the optical power is abstracted and used to derive a control voltage that is applied to the optical attenuator for varying the attenuation inserted in the optical wave path.

Abstract: A fiber coupled variable optical attenuator includes an optical fiber coupler mounted through a low modulus material bushing into a protective enclosure with one end clamped and another end free. The free end of the coupler is deflected by a motorized mechanism. The mechanism includes an electric step motor, a shaft providing eccentric motion, and a support/deflection component connected with the coupler in a kinematic chain providing lateral deflection of the coupler's free end. The structural and material parameters of the kinematic chain members are established to satisfy conditions of thermal compensation for the enclosure enveloping this chain. The free end of the coupler is equipped with a sleeve having a spherical polished surface positioned in contact with the deflection component. The enclosure is equipped with a thermal-compensating device positioned in series between the enclosure and optical fibers.

Abstract: A transmission line, such as an optical fiber (or wire) transmission line, is installed by first installing a conduit having one or more bores and subsequently inserting flexible, lightweight optical fiber members containing the optical fibers into the bores. The optical fiber members are propelled by employing the fluid drag of air, or another suitable gas, passed at high velocity through the bores.

Abstract: An image signal recording apparatus for recording, on a recording medium, image signals corresponding to an image in which one picture is composed of a plurality of horizontal scanning lines is arranged to store the image signals for one picture, to simultaneously output N kinds (N: an integer at least 2) of image signals corresponding to N number of horizontal scanning lines adjacently located on the picture, and to simultaneously record, in different areas on the recording medium, the N kinds of image signals. This arrangement enables the apparatus to record an image signal of a high picture quality on the recording medium with a high degree of density.

Abstract: In a known copy protection process for preventing recording of video signals, pseudo sync and AGC pulses are present on predetermined lines within the blanking intervals of the video signal so that any subsequent video tape recording of the video signal shows a picture of very low entertainment quality. This copy protection process is defeated first by determining the location of the video lines containing the copy protection using the color burst signal or chroma in the horizontal blanking interval to determine on-line detection. Then some or all of the lines including copy protection signals are modified so as to render the overall video signal recordable. The modification is accomplished in a number of ways, including gain shifting portions of the video signal, level shifting portions of the video signal, bandwidth limiting certain portions of the video signal or replacing certain portions of the video signal with other video elements.

Abstract: A magnetic recording and reproduction apparatus corrects recording characteristics of a video signal. The apparatus comprises a luminance test signal generator for generating a frequency-modulated luminance test signal using a predetermined voltage, and a chroma test signal generator for generating a chroma test signal having a lower frequency. A recording level adjuster respectively adjusts levels of the frequency-modulated luminance test signal and the chroma test signal based on corresponding luminance and chroma recording levels. A recording unit mixes signals level-adjusted by the recording level adjuster to record a mixed test signal on a magnetic tape. A readout and preamplifying unit reads out the mixed test signal from the magnetic tape and preamplifies the read-out signal.

Abstract: A capstan phase control method during slow playback and the servo system of a VCR adopting the same, for phase-controlling a capstan motor so that a slow motion picture can be viewed without having noise during slow playback of the VCR. The capstan phase control method and the servo system employing the same, sets a sampling frequency of a reference control signal corresponding to desired slow playback on the basis of a head switching signal, judges whether a phase of the reference control signal having the set sampling frequency is identical with that of the control signal read via a head from the tape, and controls the phase of the capstan motor so that the phase of the read control signal is identical with that of the reference control signal on the basis of the judgement result. Accordingly, since the capstan motor can be phase-controlled and speed-controlled during slow playback, a tracking control can be performed so that noise does not appear on a screen.

Abstract: In a data communication network wherein broadcasted transmissions include a portion uniquely identifying the content of the following transmission and wherein transmissions are repeated at predetermined intervals, a communication unit for operating within the system includes a receiver, a processor, and memory for storing data and instructions for the processor. The receiver receives transmissions over the communication network. The communication unit receives a record command from a user that causes it to record the audio/video content being broadcasted during a subsequent transmission thereof. The memory includes space for storing the program that causes the communication unit to automatically record the transmission at the time the transmission is re-broadcasted.

Abstract: An optical disk for recording more than one system stream containing audio data and video data. The audio data and video data of the plural system streams are recorded to the optical disk, and are interleaved such that the difference between the input start times of the video data and audio data to the video buffer in the video decoder and the audio buffer in the audio decoder is less than the reproduction time of the number of audio frames that can be stored in the audio buffer plus one audio frame.

Abstract: A reproducing apparatus is provided which can reproduce data for decoding without overflowing or underflowing the decoder. Time information contained in the reproduced data is extracted, compared to a reference time and, depending upon such comparison, the reproduction and temporary holding of such data is controlled. Timing of the writing and reading of a temporary storage device (e.g. a FIFO buffer) and timing of the decoder are resettable simultaneously if discontinuous data are reproduced.

Abstract: A method for recording a program during pausing and playing back the program utilizing a disk medium, comprising the steps of: upon initiating a pause, recording the program onto a disk medium as a first pattern of recorded segments alternating with a second pattern of unrecorded segments; jumping back to the first recorded segment of the first pattern upon termination of the pause; and, alternately playing back the recorded segments of the first pattern and recording the program onto the unrecorded segments of the second pattern. An apparatus for implementing the method can comprise a controller having: a first mode of operation for recording the first pattern initiated responsive to a command to initiate a pause; a second mode of operation initiated responsive to a command to terminate said pause and jump back; and, a third mode of operation for playing back the first pattern and recording the second pattern.

Abstract: A Method (1) for Rapid Thermal Processing of a wafer (7), wherein the wafer (7) is heated by lamps (9), and the heat radiation is reflected by an optical switching device (15,17) which is in the reflecting state during the heating stage. During the cooling stage of the wafer (7), the heat is absorbed by the switching device (15,17), which is in the heat-absorbing state. The switching device includes a switching film of a trivalent metal, such as gadolinium, which is capable of forming hydrides by an exchange of hydrogen. Dependent on the hydrogen concentration of the hydrides, the film reflects or absorbs heat. The hydrogen content in the switching film can be changed by varying the partial pressure of hydrogen, or, preferably, by varying the potential of the switching film forming part of a stack of layers in an electrochemical cell.

Abstract: A beverage preparing machine that includes reservoirs for storing a quantity of powdered drink mix, such as a powdered baby formula mix, and a volume of water, a water dispensing mechanism that includes a heating element for dispensing a given volume of heated water into a mixing nozzle and a powdered drink mix dispensing assembly for simultaneously dispensing a volume of powdered drink mix into the mixing nozzle. The mixing nozzle having a dispensing opening for filling a container such as a baby bottle.

Abstract: A pressureless electric water heater for domestic use has a cylindrical double-walled tank for holding a quantity of a heat transfer liquid such as water. Cold water enters a copper coil immersed in the heat transfer liquid. The heat transfer liquid is heated by an electric heating element which extends down from a hinged tank top. Cold water flowing through the immersed coil is heated by the heat transfer liquid and exits the coil as hot water. The hinged top allows easy access to the interior of the tank and to the heating element, further easing access and replacement thereof. Sedimentation in the tank is minimized because the tank water is rarely replaced. Sedimentation in the coil is reduced because pressurized water flows through the coil when hot water is required and continuously cleanses the tubing. A sensor block is used to activate the heating element whenever water is introduced into the coils. An automatic fill valve maintains the tank level.

Abstract: A camera has a body, an image capture assembly mounted in the body, and at least one radio-frequency identification transponder mounted within the body, said transponder is unshielded by the body. The transponder can be an inlay transponder.

Abstract: An instant photo film pack loadable in a camera includes a box-shaped pack and plural stacked self-developing photo film units of a mono-sheet type contained therein. The pack includes an upper wall having an exposure opening for providing the photo film units with an exposure, and a front wall having an exit slot for exiting the photo film units. The photo film units have a developing solution pod for containing developing solution along an advancing edge thereof. A bottom edge of each one of the photo film units is pushed by an ejecting claw after the exposure to advance the advancing edge through the exit slot. The each one photo film unit is contacted by a spreading control member while moved to a pair of spreader rollers.

Abstract: A motion compensation device which detects vibration of an optical system and can discriminate between undesired movement or vibration of photographic equipment and intentional movement of the photographic equipment and compensate for the undesired movement while not compensating for the intentional movement. The motion compensation device contains a decision unit which calculates a variance value based on an angular velocity signal supplied by am angular velocity sensor. The decision unit then compares this variance value with a predetermined decision level value and determines if a large movement has occurred due to a photographic composition change, panning photography or the operator following of a randomly moving subject. A target value calculation unit, based on the decision result of the decision unit, calculates a target value of vibration motion compensation control to be executed.

Abstract: When performing distance measuring operation in an active mode, a charging time is compared to a predetermined period, and if the charging time is shorter than the predetermined period, then it is determined that the object is at a short distance, whereas, if the charging time is longer than the predetermined period, then it is determined that the object is in the distance. Since the positions where images of an object are formed on sensors depend upon the distance to the object, in other words, the phase difference between the images of the object depends upon the distance to the object, when the object is in the distance, the correlation operation is performed in a shift range corresponding to the long distance, whereas, when the object is at a short distance, the correlation operation is omitted in a shift range corresponding to the long distance and the correlation operation is performed in a range corresponding to a short distance.

Abstract: A rangefinder apparatus includes an infrared light-emitting diode for projecting light toward a range-finding object; a position sensitive device for detecting projected light reflected from the range-finding object and outputting a signal according to a position at which the reflected light is detected; and arithmetic circuit for carrying out an arithmetic operation according to the signal from the photosensitive device and outputting a signal corresponding to a distance to the range-finding object; an integrating circuit for integrating the signal from the arithmetic circuit by repeatedly discharging an integrating capacitor with an integrating period in response to the signal from the arithmetic circuit, to output a signal corresponding to a result of the integration produced by charging the integrating capacitor; a CPU for detecting the distance to the range-finding object according to the signal from the integrating circuit; a battery for supplying a power source voltage; and a step-up regulator for rais

Abstract: A photographic camera system includes a photographic camera that can successively expose a photographic film in different frame sizes and an automatic printer for automatically printing the processed photographic film exposed with those different frame sizes. The camera varies the width of an exposure opening in the camera body in the film-feed direction and the film is fed a length corresponding to the width of the exposure opening. The photographic camera records an exposure opening position signal indicative of the size of the exposure opening on the photographic film, and the automatic printer automatically prints the photographic film using the exposure opening position signal detected from the photographic film.

Abstract: A camera has a function of determining whether a frame is exposed or unexposed by reproducing signals recorded on a magnetic-recording region of a film. When a film cartridge is loaded into the camera, the film is fed out therefrom. If it is determined that a noise having a level higher than a reference level is included in a reproduced signal read by a magnetic head, for reading the signals recorded on the magnetic-recording region, before the magnetic head reaches the magnetic-recording region, film feeding is stopped and a warning is issued.

Abstract: An improved camera comprising a strobe circuit, a strobe, a shutter mechanism and an actuating mechanism are disclosed. A finger engageable portion of the shutter mechanism operates the shutter. A shield is movable between a first blocking position for blocking the finger portion against engagement to prevent accidental actuation of the shutter mechanism and a second position exposing the finger portion of engagement to actuate the shutter. An assembly operatively interconnecting the shield and the strobe circuit to energize the strobe circuit when the shield is in the second position.

Abstract: The special effects filter for camera comprises a transparent support sliding on the camera body between at least two positions. The support is fitted with at least one zone capable of covering the lens and the viewfinder of the camera so that practically identical light transmission characteristics are respectively registered with the lens and the viewfinder.

Abstract: An electrophotographic printing or copying machine includes a functional module which can be readily removed and replaced. The module includes a monitor in the form of an electronically-readable memory, which includes information about how the particular module is to be operated. In a remanufacturing process, certain combinations of codes in the memory are noted to determine whether individual parts in the module should be replaced.

Abstract: An image recording apparatus operates a counter acting as a print timer in a printing operation. In a case where a counted value reaches a predetermined value, the image recording apparatus sets a waiting state, stops power supply from a high voltage power supply unit according to a predetermined sequence, starts to operate a nonvolatile memory in a cartridge according to a predetermined procedure, reads data from the memory, adds the read data to the counted value of the print timer, and then writes an added result.

Abstract: A development-agent container includes a development-agent containing unit for containing development agents for developing latent images formed on an image carrier; a light-transmission window formed at a frame of the development-agent containing unit for detecting a remaining amount of the development agents in the development-agent containing unit and a stirring member disposed in the development agent containing unit for stirring the development agents. The stirring member has a light-shielding flexible sheet for rubbing the light-transmission window.

Abstract: An image heating apparatus includes a heating member for heating an image on a recording material, a first temperature detecting element for detecting a first temperature of the heating member, a second temperature detecting element for detecting the second temperature of the heating member, wherein a thermal property of the second temperature detecting element differs from a thermal property of the first temperature detecting element, and a power supply controller for controlling the power supply to the heating member by utilizing the first temperature detecting element and the second temperature detecting element.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide an energy-saving image forming apparatus capable of fixing toner in a reliable manner to enhance the quality of images, control the temperature of toner residue to reuse the toner in a reliable manner, and reduce the power consumption of the apparatus. In a copier, a photoconductive drum carries a toner image to be transferred to a recording medium, a heater of a fixing unit fixes the transferred toner image on the recording medium, and a cleaning unit removes toner residue on the photoconductive drum after transfer. The whole copier is covered with a housing, a first ventilation system ventilates the inside and outside of the housing, and a controlling section regulates the amount of ventilation by the first ventilation system in accordance with an output from a temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the cleaning unit. As a result, it is possible to effectively reuse the collected toner and ensure excellent quality images.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to an imaging system, and more specifically, a method and apparatus for accurately predicting toner usage and hence toner dispensing requirements in an imaging system. More particularly, the present invention relates to a toner concentration control system for maintaining toner concentration in a developer structure, which is connected to a dispenser containing toner. The toner concentration control system comprises: a sensor, reading the toner concentration; means for determining a toner age correction of toner concentration read by the sensor based on toner age of the toner in the developer structure; means for adjusting a toner concentration target based on the correction; and means for generating a feedback dispense command based on the adjusted toner concentration target to dispense toner into the developer structure to maintain the toner concentration in the developer structure.

Abstract: An image forming system adopting a dual-component developing system-for forming on an image carrier a toner image. The image forming system includes a charge unit for uniformly charging a surface of the image carrier, a developing magnet roll for giving a bias potential to toner, a switching device, such as a bipolar transistor, connected to a PWM image signal, a charge accumulating device, connected to the switching device, for accumulating charges, a total charge amount detection circuit for determining the total amount of charges, and a prediction device for predicting the total consumption of toner depending on the total amount of determined charges.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an image bearing body for bearing a toner image, a transfer member for electrostatically transferring the toner image from the image bearing body, a cleaning bias applying device for electrically cleaning the transfer member by applying a cleaning bias to the transfer member, wherein the cleaning bias applying device applies the cleaning bias to the transfer member after a one image forming job is finished, and a controller for controlling the application of the cleaning bias in accordance with the number of sheets to be image-formed in one image forming job.

Abstract: Image deterioration (so-called oil ghost) due to local transfer of a release agent from a fuser to an intermediate transfer body is effectively prevented. The fuser has a pair of fixing members, a release supply mechanism, an interlocking mechanism, and an interlocking control mechanism. The fixing members are in contact with each other and roll over each other, thus nipping a sheet. The fixing members fix unfixed images on the sheet. The release agent supply mechanism is mounted to at least the fixing member located on the surface of the sheet carrying an unfixed image. The release agent supply mechanism supplies a release agent to this fixing member at a constant rate. The interlocking mechanism interlocks the fixing members and release agent supply mechanism with each other such that the fixing members are kept in contact with each other and roll over each other and that a release agent is supplied to the fixing members.

Abstract: An apparatus which cleans particles from a tracking region on a photoconductive drum. A spacer maintains the spacing between the photoconductive drum and a developer roller substantially constant. The spacer contacts the photoconductive drum in the tracking region. The cleaning member, mounted on a transfer roller, removes particles adhering to the tracking region so as to ensure that there is no build up of particles in the tracking region changing the spacing between the photoconductive drum and the developer roller.

Abstract: A developing apparatus includes a developer carrying member, provided in an opening of a developer container, for carrying a developer to a developer position. A leakage preventing member is supplied with a voltage from a voltage source having the same polarity as a charging property of the developer to prevent leakage of the developer from a longitudinal end of the developer carrying member. The developing apparatus is movable between an operative position for development where the voltage is capable of being applied and an inoperative position where the voltage is incapable of being applied. A discharging device electrically discharges the leakage preventing means after a start of movement from the operative position toward the inoperative position and before returning to the operative position. A capacitor, electrically is connected to the leakage preventing member, for accumulating electric charge supplied from said voltage source.

Abstract: A recording medium carrier system of an image forming apparatus is constituted by independent units as a paper supply cassette, a paper feed unit, a transfer unit, a fixing unit, and a paper ejecting unit. An intermediate transfer unit in the transfer unit is provided with an intermediate transfer belt to which a toner image formed on a photoconductive drum is primarily transferred at a primary transfer position and which secondarily transfers the toner image on a recording medium at a secondary transfer position, and a driving roller for circulating the intermediate transfer belt. The primary transfer position is arranged close to the driving roller.

Abstract: A coupling member for coupling a first frame for supporting an electrophotographic photosensitive member and a second frame for supporting a developing member for developing a latent image formed on the photosensitive member, the coupling member includes a base; a shaft mounting portion provided in the base to mount a shaft for rotatably coupling the first frame and the second frame; an urging portion, provided in the base, for urging, to the second frame, a resilient member for applying a resilient force between the first frame and the second frame; and a fixed portion, in the base, for fixing the base to the first frame.