Abstract: A fiber optic cable and a method of making the same include at least one optical waveguide, at least one dry insert and a cable jacket. The at least one optical waveguide and at least one dry insert are at least partially disposed within a cavity of the cable jacket. In one embodiment, the cable includes a first dry insert and a second dry insert disposed within the cavity so that the at least one optical waveguide is disposed between the first dry insert and the second dry insert.

Abstract: An optical fiber bundle that has better ultraviolet resistance characteristics at a wavelength range of 150 to 250 nm and that can be readily and cheaply manufactured with no risk of, for example, explosion during manufacturing and its manufacturing method are provided. In the optical fiber bundle, optical fibers including a core mainly containing silica glass and a cladding containing silica glass and fluorine are bundled and accommodated in a container. This container has optically transparent ends, accommodates hydrogen or deuterium as well as the optical fibers, and is sealed. The capacity of the container is 10 times or less as large as the volume of glass of the optical fibers.

Abstract: A nonlinear optical waveguide may be utilized, together with arrayed waveguide grating demultiplexer/multiplexer and thermo-optic phase shifters, to achieve pulse compression of optical pulses. In some embodiments, a relatively compact pulse compressor can be achieved based on integrated planar lightwave circuit.

Abstract: A white light-emitting device using a fluorescent fiber includes a blue semiconductor light-emitting element (2) for emitting an excitation light (a), and an optical fiber (3) having one side end face and the other side end face, the excitation light (a) emitted from the blue semiconductor light-emitting element (2) being made incident to the one side end face to be guided to the other side end face. The optical fiber (3) includes a core containing therein a phosphor for emitting wavelength conversion lights by being excited by the excitation light (a) received from the blue semiconductor light-emitting element (2), and a cladding member (3B) having a light emission surface in its peripheral surface, at least a part of optically multiplexed lights, which are obtained by optically multiplexing the wavelength conversion lights and the excitation light, being emitted through the light emission surface.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for forming a nano-imprinted photonic crystal waveguide, comprising the steps of: preparing an optical film on a substrate; preparing a template having a plurality of protrusions of less than 500 nm in length such that the protrusions are spaced a predetermined distance from each other; heating the film; causing the template to press against the heated film such that a portion of the film is deformed by the protrusions; separating the template from the film; and etching the film to remove a residual layer of the film to form a nano-imprinted photonic crystal waveguide.

Abstract: A splitter includes an optical splitter arrangement positioned with the interior of a housing. An input cable enters the housing. At least one boot protrudes outwardly from an end wall of the splitter housing. At least two output cables exit from the housing through the boot. First ends of the output cables are terminated with connectors. The optical splitter arrangement is configured to receive a signal from the input cable and to output the signal to the output cables.

Abstract: The video index information has a tree structure comprising frame information, sound information, segment information, and package information each as a structure element object. The segment information manages package information for managing a plurality of other segment information as a group, and in the tree structure, the package information is allocated in addition to the frame information and sound information under one segment information, and the video information is managed by using the tree structure of the video index information and structure element objects therein.

Abstract: Upon playback of stream data which is recorded while being appended with time stamp information in units of packets, time management is made using the time stamp information. A video playback time viewed from the user, which may be indicated by I-, B-, and P-picture display times, is different from the time of the time stamp information. For this reason, when time management for the stream data recorded on an information storage medium is made using only the time stamp information, display time control (video playback time control) for the user cannot be accurately done. In this invention, a time relationship table indicating the relationship between the time stamp information recorded in stream data at each I-picture start time position and display time information (PTS or field information) for the user is provided to a portion of management information.

Abstract: The invention relates to a frequency divider (1), in particular for radio frequency (RF) applications, wherein the division ratio can be expressed by a—preferably odd numbered integer—divisor. The frequency divider (1) comprises an input circuit (10), which receives an input signal (5) as well as a first output signal (25). The input circuit (10) generates an intermediate signal (15), which has at least one main spectral component whose frequency corresponds to the sum or the difference of frequencies of said main spectral components of said input (5) and first output signal (25). Further, the frequency divider (1) of the invention has an output circuit (20), which receives said intermediate signal (15) and generates said first output signal (25). The main spectral component of said first output signal (25) has a frequency corresponding to the frequency of the main spectral component of said intermediate signal (15) divided by a—preferably even numbered integer.

Abstract: The erasion level appending range of a file is instructed. According to this instruction, the erasion level is set. When this setting range does not agree with the cell unit of the current cell, the current cell is divided to set a sequence of divided cells. Playback management information of each of the divided cells and current cell is re-created, and erasion level information is appended to playback management information of the divided cell that belongs to the appending range.

Abstract: The present invention provides remarkably improved availability in a data recording method and apparatus, a data recording medium, and a data reproducing method and apparatus. By recording additional information for data reproduction in each sector on a data reproducing medium as a subcode separately from data when the data is recorded in the unit of sector, reproduction of data can be controlled using the subcode, thus making it possible to remarkably improve the availability of the data recording medium.

Abstract: Disclosed is a novel apparatus and method that combines a nightlight and an air freshener in a single device. The apparatus includes circuitry where a single resistor heats a heating block that heats and releases a volatile aromatic. The resistor also limits the current that passes through one or more light emitting diodes. The aromatic may be liquid scented oil held by a container. The container may also include a protruding wick that is heated by the heating block to facilitate oil evaporation. The light emitting diodes illuminate the housing and a decorative shield. The diodes may also illuminate fiber optic cables. The apparatus receives alternating current from a standard wall outlet. The circuitry utilized by the device ensures that the resistor is continuously powered during both half-cycles of the alternating current resulting in optimal heating of the aromatic.

Abstract: A water heater adapted to be positioned outside of a building and to interface with the plumbing system of the building. The water heater includes a water storage tank adapted to store water outside of the building, a means for heating the water in the tank, a base member supporting the tank outside of the building, and a plurality of water pipes communicating with the water tank. The water heater also includes a manifold that is mounted to the base member and includes a plurality of pipe unions adapted to interface between the plumbing system and the plurality of pipes to provide cold water to the tank and to remove heated water from the tank for use in the building.

Abstract: A heater (10) for installation on a potable water tank (12). The heater (10) comprises a blanket (14) including an electrical resistance heating element (16) and a connection pad (18) for electrically connecting the heating element (16) to lead lines (20) to an aircraft power source (22). The water tank (12) is typically positioned under the cabin floor or other locations on an aircraft which are susceptible to cold temperatures, moisture invasion, and pressure drops/rises caused by changing altitudes. The heater (10) maintains the tank (12) at an acceptable temperature range and prevents freezing of the water.

Abstract: A zoom lens having five lens groups arranged in succession. The zoom lens is configured such that when zooming from a short focal length end toward a long focal length end, the second lens group lens moves toward the third lens group and the fourth lens group moves toward a side of the third lens group, and the fifth lens group corrects the zooming and a shift in a position of an imaging plane of the zoom lens caused by movement of the third lens group and the fourth lens group.

Abstract: Mobile equipment includes LEDs supplied with a current to emit red light, green light and blue light, FETs and a booster circuit for controlling the current supplied. The current supplied is controlled to supply all of the LED with a current of a low level to illuminate an object in a shooting mode with light for illumination. Thus in the shooting mode a white spot light illuminates the object, and the object can clearly be confirmed. At the moment of shooting, a current supplied can be increased at a burst to emit white flashlight to illuminate the object. A satisfactory image can thus be obtained. The source of light for illumination can be formed of miniature, light-weight LED, and does not impair in mobility mobile equipment having the source of light incorporated therein.

Abstract: A method for merging protection switching messages in an optical network enables a control of the amount of message bandwidth used for sending protection switching messages. A method for performing protection switching in an optical network does so in an optimal manner by performing the protection switching actions in the various nodes of a protection path in parallel rather than in sequence. To do so, a channel failure message is transmitted from an end node A in the optical network upon detecting a failure in a link in the optical network that includes the end node A. If a failure can be detected at both end nodes, the channel failure messages are transmitted from both end nodes the moment they detect failure without any further waiting. Upon receiving the first channel failure message regardless its originating end node, switching actions in intermediate nodes are initiated.

Abstract: A method for assigning a predetermined wavelength between two different nodes in a wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) ring communication network that has an N number of nodes and at least one pair of optical fibers sequentially connecting the N number of nodes is disclosed. A matrix is formed by an algorithm representing optical-path configuration and wavelength assignment for nodes representing three cases: (1) when the number of nodes is an even number; (2) when the number of nodes is increased; and (3) for recovery from network-cut failures.

Abstract: A reception error rate controller in which the settling time can be shortened at the time of feedback control by controlling the quality of a received signal when the error rate is low. The reception error rate controller identifies the received signal by comparing it with a reference value, detects the error rate of the identified signal, controls the reference value based on the error rate and further controls the quality of the received signal based on the error rate.

Abstract: An intelligent photonic burst switching (PBS) module for use in a WDM optical switching network includes optical multiplexers and de-multiplexers, an optical receiver array, an optical transmitter array, a PBS fabric, and a control interface unit. The PBS module includes optical buffering in a form of tunable wavelength converters (TWCs) and variable time-delay optical circuits. The PBS module routes the received optical burst labels and network management control labels to the controller and optical burst data in a plurality of input lines, respectively. The optical output lines provide propagation paths for a plurality of TDM channels. More specifically, the controller processes the control signal and, responsive thereto, causes the PBS to route at least a portion of the data signal to one of the TDM channels. When the desired TDM channel is not available, the controller causes a TWC to effectively change the wavelength of at least a portion of the data signal.

Abstract: The invention relates to a router which may be used for amplification of a bidirectional optical signal using a single optical amplifier. An advantageous embodiment of the invention comprises two 3 dB couplers which are serially connected via a delay element. According to the embodiment, the delay element comprises a difference in distance ?L between the two optical branches which connect the two 3 dB couplers.

Abstract: An improved apparatus and method for enhancing the performance of optical transmission and network systems (such as SONET or SDH). A magnetically trapped atomic cloud chamber is provided which selectively alters the group velocity of light waves propagating through the atomic cloud. A delay device, repeater, pulse shaper, and millimeter wave transmission system incorporating the chamber are also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus and system are provided for delivering communication services such as video, data and telephony services to individual residential units. According to one embodiment, an optical network terminal (ONT) for providing communication services to a single residential unit comprises a passive optical network interface (PI) circuit, a residential service interface (RSI) circuit, and a power unit. The PI circuit receives optical signals from an optical fiber and transmits optical signals onto the optical fiber. The PI circuit is adapted to convert received optical signals containing voice information to electrical voice ATM cells, received optical signals containing data information to electrical data ATM cells, and received optical signals containing video signals to electrical video signals.

Abstract: An add-drop multiplexer has a group filter that divides an incoming WDM signal into several channel groups of corresponding adjacent WDM channels. A reconfiguration module is connected to each channel group. A first type of module makes it possible to perform a manual configuration of the Add-Drop channels and the coupled WDM channel while a second type of module makes it possible to carry out remote configuration. A fourth type of module enables remote configuration of the drop-continue channels.

Abstract: Disclosed is a bi-directional optical add/drop multiplexer connected to an optical fiber for transmitting optical signals multiplexed in a wavelength division multiplexing optical network and which performs adding/dropping of the optical signals. The optical add/drop multiplexer includes a first wavelength division multiplexer provided with a multiplexing port functioning as a path for forward or backward optical signals and with a plurality of demultiplexing ports, each functioning as a path of demultiplexed channels. A plurality of add/drop parts, each performing adding/dropping of preset channels, and connected with the demultiplexing ports of the first wavelength division multiplexer in one-to-one. A second wavelength division multiplexer connected with the plurality of add/drop parts in one-to-one, provided with a plurality of demultiplexing ports, each functioning as a path for demultiplexed channels and with a multiplexing port functioning as a path for forward or backward optical signals.

Abstract: The present invention overcomes problems associated with switch isolation, noise and crosstalk suppression, insertion loss, spurious reflections, wavelength tolerance, and compactness that are present in varying degrees in other add/drop systems. The present invention includes devices or components that include, but are not limited to high efficiency switchable gratings.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a multiple access space laser communications optical system. According to the present invention, multiple optical signals containing a number of channels are simultaneously received and demultiplexed at a multiple access communication device. Separate communication signals may be multiplexed by the multiple access communication device, and transmitted through the same or a different telescope optical assembly used to receive communication signals. Double-pass reflection is used to selectively polarize signals and to ensure that signals are substantial normal to optical bandpass filters, to avoid large shifts in the wavelengths transmitted by the optical bandpass filters. The system is capable of providing discrete communications with a number of communication endpoints, regardless of where the communication endpoints are located within the field of view of the telescope optical assembly.

Abstract: A fine displacement detection device by sound or the like: which can easily align individual optical components; which disposes a light emitting element (13) and a light receiving element (14) on a substrate, emits light from the light emitting element (13) to a diaphragm (I) set at a position facing the substrate, receives light reflected from the diaphragm (1) by the light receiving element (14), and detects as an electric signal the fine displacement of the diaphragm (1) by sound or the like; and which provides, on the optical paths of the substrate and the diaphragm (1), a focusing element (2) that focuses an incidence light from the light emitting element (13) for leading to the diaphragm (1) and focuses a diverged/reflected light from the diaphragm (1) for leading to the light receiving element (14), and a reflected light flux dividing element (3) that divides the diverged/reflected light focused by the focusing element (2) for leading to the light receiving element (14).

Abstract: A signal communication apparatus of a clock reproduction system in which clock signals are extracted from each of parallel data signals for redigitizing each of the data signals. The apparatus includes a reference clock signal generating circuit which is comprised of a clock extraction circuit for extracting a clock signal from each of a plurality of bits of received data signals, and a clock signal selection circuit for selecting one of the extracted clock signals. Alternatively, the reference clock signal generating circuit may be comprised of a data signal selection circuit for selecting one of a plurality of received data signals, and a clock extraction circuit for extracting a clock signal from the selected bit. Based on the resultant reference clock signal, clock signals are obtained that are phase-adjusted for redigitizing each bit of the received data signals.

Abstract: Free-space optical (FSO) laser communication systems offer exceptionally wide-bandwidth, secure connections between platforms that cannot other wise be connected via physical means such as optical fiber or cable. However, FSO links are subject to strong channel fading due to atmospheric turbulence and beam pointing errors, limiting practical performance and reliability. We have developed a fade-tolerant architecture based on forward error correcting codes (FECs) combined with delayed, redundant, sub-channels. This redundancy is made feasible though dense wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) and/or high-order M-ary modulation. Experiments and simulations show that error-free communications is feasible even when faced with fades that are tens of milliseconds long. We describe plans for practical implementation of a complete system operating at 2.5 Gbps.

Abstract: A 90 degree Alternate-Phase (AP) on-off keying (OOK) transmission format for high bit rate, long-haul optical transmission systems employing a chirped or a chirp-free pulse stream generated by a pulse generator (e.g., Mach Zehnder modulator) driven by mixing two electrical signals—one for intensity modulation and another for pulse modulation. These electrical signals may be two properly skewed sinusoidal electrical signals at half the desired data rate thereby generating a pulse stream in which the maximum optical phase modulation occurs at the intensity peak of each pulse and is 90 degrees out of phase with its nearest neighbors.

Abstract: An optical transmitter for generating an optical signal includes: a precoder for coding an electrical signal of binary data; a continuous-wave (CW) light source for generating a continuous wave light; an optical phase modulator for modulating the phase of an optical signal outputted from the CW light source according to an electrical signal outputted from the precoder; a birefrigent material for bi-refracting a signal outputted from the optical phase modulator and for outputting the bi-refracted signal; and a polarizer for permitting only optical signals of a specific polarization direction to transmit therethrough when optical signals outputted from the birefrigent material are applied.

Abstract: Minimum shift keying (MSK) is used as the coding scheme in a high bit rate optical transmission system, and the signal format is either RZ (return-to-zero) or NRZ (non-return-to-zero). The system can combine multiple individual channels with different wavelengths in a WDM or dense wavelength division multiplexed (DWDM) arrangement. Dispersion management can be provided using several techniques, such as quasi-linear transmissions or conventional RZ transmissions. At the transmitter, an optical MSK transmitter is used to modulate the phase of a stream of high bit rate (e.g., 40 Gbit/s) optical signals. Many such data streams can be combined in a wavelength division multiplexer and transmitted to a remote receiver, where the signal is wavelength division demultiplexed. The encoded data in each wavelength channel is then recovered by an MSK receiver, which may consist of a delay demodulator and a balanced detector.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an optical communication network and to a network element for use in such a network. The network element comprises a plurality of receivers (70-76) for receiving optical communication signals, a plurality of transmitters (54-62, 82-86) for transmitting optical communication signals, and a plurality of network connections, each network connection having an individual signal impairment characteristic. The pluralities of receivers (70-76) and transmitters (54-62, 82-86) are adapted to employ a plurality of different modulation schemes (64, 66). Furthermore, the pluralities of receivers (70-76) and transmitters (54-62, 82-86) are assigned to the network connections as a function of the individual signal impairment characteristics.

Abstract: A developing apparatus for developing an electrostatic image with light chromatic toner and dark chromatic toner which have the same hue, the developing device includes a light color developing device for accommodating a developer containing the light chromatic toner and carrier to develop the electrostatic image; a dark color developing device for accommodating a developer containing the dark chromatic toner and carrier to develop the electrostatic image; light color developer supply container accommodating a developer containing the light chromatic toner and the carrier to be supplied to the light color developing device; and dark color developer supply container accommodating a developer containing the dark chromatic toner and the carrier to be supplied to the dark color developing device, wherein the developer in the light chromatic toner supply container and the developer in the dark chromatic toner supply container have carrier weight ratios which are different from each other.

Abstract: An image fixing device that is controllable with a high degree of reliability. The image fixing device is configured with a heat generator for fixing a toner image onto a recording medium that is opposed to an induction heater. Heat is generated in the heat generator through electromagnetic induction. An inverter circuit drives the induction heater. A power controller controls a power value that is output from the inverter circuit, whose power value is calculated by a power-value calculator. A power-value sensor acquires the power value output from the power controller, and a temperature sensor senses a temperature at least at one point of the heat generator. Thus, either the power value sensed by the power-value sensor or a temperature value sensed by the temperature sensor may be used as a reference value to calculate the power value in the power-value calculator.

Abstract: There are provided an image forming apparatus which can implement on-demand fusing with quick rise in temperature by using the upper current (power) limit of a commercial power supply more effectively and a control method for the apparatus. This image forming apparatus includes a rechargeable battery device capable of charging and discharging, and is designed such that a load other than heating element of a fusing device can receive power from the commercial power supply and/or the rechargeable battery device. When printing is to be executed, the temperature of the fusing device is detected by a temperature detection element provided for the fusing device, and the supply of power from the commercial power supply or rechargeable battery device to the load is controlled in accordance with the detected temperature. The power supplied from the commercial power supply to the fusing device is then limited to a limit level corresponding to the control result.

Abstract: A laser printer capable of controlling the operation of a fixing heater to heat a roller, including an energizing circuit for energizing a heater, a temperature detecting circuit such as thermistors, a noise canceling circuit, and a control circuit for controlling the energizing circuit and the heater. After receiving a voltage indicating an abnormal temperature of the heater over a prescribed length of time duration, the noise canceling circuit is configured to transmit a LOW level voltage to a latch circuit as an abnormality signal. The control circuit suspends the energization of the heater in response to the abnormality signal.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a development unit, a transfer member, and a blade member. The development unit develops a latent image on an image bearing member and forms a toner image. The transfer member transfers the toner image on the image bearing member to a transfer material. The blade member is brought into contact with and separated from the image bearing member, and the blade member removes remaining transfer toner which is not transferred to the transfer material but remains on the image bearing member. An abutting control unit causes the blade member in a separated state to abut onto the image bearing member during a time starting after a front end of the remaining transfer toner passes through the abutting region and ending when a rear end of the remaining transfer toner has passed through the abutting region.

Abstract: A power supply control system for a fuser assembly in an electrophotographic apparatus includes a power supply and a fuser assembly. The power supply includes a first electrical path designated for a fuser assembly that operates at a first voltage and a second electrical path designated for a fuser assembly that operates at a second voltage. The fuser assembly is configured to operate at a select one of the first voltage or the second voltage and is connected to the first electrical path if the fuser assembly operates at the first voltage, and the fuser assembly is connected to the second electrical path if the fuser assembly operates at the second voltage. The first and second electrical paths allow different device features including power limiting devices such as fuses, switches, relays, etc., to be placed in each path.

Abstract: An optical writing unit for use in an image forming apparatus, wherein the optical writing unit includes an optical system which generates a light beam to write an electrostatic latent image on an image carrying member of the image forming apparatus, and a casing which encases the optical system. The casing includes an opening portion and a transparent member which externally seals the opening portion and has a top surface higher than a surface of the casing with a predetermined height and an optical writing area through which the light beam emits.

Abstract: A grid cleaner 35 is fixed to a fixing holder 41 of an apparatus main body in such a way that a wet sponge 38 faces a grid 33. When a charging device 3 is made to slide in the direction indicated by arrow A, the wet sponge 38 comes into contact with a surface of the grid 33, thereby removing extraneous matters therefrom. Reference numeral 40 denotes a stopper projection that prevents the charging device 3 from being disconnected from the apparatus main body at times other than during cleaning. The stopper projection 40 extends toward a gap roller 39 side so as to serve as a guide portion 42 that prevents the wet sponge 38 of the grid cleaner 35 and the gap roller 39 from rubbing against each other.

Abstract: A cleaning device is used in an image forming apparatus to remove residual attachments including toner and paper powders from a surface of a movable intermediate transfer element onto which toner images are transferred from an image carrier. The cleaning device includes a cleaning brush that contacts the surface of the intermediate transfer element to apply a bias having a predetermined polarity to the toner adhered onto the surface of the intermediate transfer element so as to make uniform a polarity of the toner. The cleaning device further includes a pressing member that contacts the surface of the intermediate transfer element with a predetermined pressure. The pressing member is disposed at a position upstream of the cleaning brush in a direction of movement of the intermediate transfer element.

Abstract: A sealing member for an image forming device as well as an apparatus and method of locating components within a printing device. The image forming device may include laser printers, ink-jet printers, copiers, faxes, all-in-one devices or multifunctional devices.

Abstract: An electrophotographic image forming apparatus for forming an image on a recording material, to which a cartridge is detachably mountable. The cartridge includes portion for accommodating a developer for developing an electrostatic latent image formed on an electrophotographic photosensitive member, a roller for developing the electrostatic latent image with the developer, an opening for supplying the developer to the developing roller from the developer accommodating portion, and a sealing member for unsealably sealing the developer supply opening. The apparatus includes a detector for detecting that amount of the developer deposited on a member to be detected is less than a predetermined level, a retractor for producing an electric signal for retracting the sealing member from a sealing position where the sealing member seals the developer supply opening, when the detector detects that amount of the developer deposited on the member to be detected is less than the predetermined level.

Abstract: Provided is an outer cover attachment structure which achieves the reduction of burden for collecting and recycling used products from the market, the reduction of replacement parts, and cost reduction of reproduced products. A housing portion housing the removed fixation members or connection members is provided to at least one of the paper feed trays. In the paper feed tray, a housing space is set behind the end face in the paper feed direction of the transfer paper. This position shall be a position that will not have an adverse effect on the paper feeding operation or paper replenishment of the paper feed tray. Two screw holes are provided inside the housing space, and a screw for fixing the fixation members to be housed are inserted into the screw hole so as to fix the fixation member or housing container.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus having a developing unit including a plurality of units. An image forming apparatus includes: a main body having a mounting portion; and a developing unit detachably mounted in the mounting portion and having a first unit separated from the main body, a second unit laterally separated from the first unit, and a holding member for preventing the second unit from being dismounted from the mounting portion prior to the first unit.

Abstract: A belt member is formed in an annular shape, which enables endless circulation of the belt member, and includes a belt base; a mark that is formed with a light reflective material; and a protection layer that is formed with a translucent material. The protection layer covers the mark, and the mark and the protection layer are arranged on a surface of the belt member on an inner side of the annular shape.

Abstract: A drive force transmitting mechanism includes a first gear rotatably supported by a first shaft element, a first gear holding unit including the first shaft element and a first support element supporting the first shaft element, a second gear rotatably supported by a second shaft element, a second gear holding unit including the second shaft element and a second support element supporting the second shaft element. The second gear holding unit moves relative to the first gear holding unit, to thereby contact and separate the second gear with and from the first gear. A drive force is transmitted from the first gear to the second gear engaged therewith. A movement of the second gear is regulated by abutting the second shaft element against a curved surface of the first support element that curves at a predetermined curvature relative to an axis line of the first shaft element.

Abstract: A part of a toner supply path is formed in a setting unit, and a nozzle coupled to a toner container is provided, wherein the fitting direction of the toner container to the setting unit and the coupling direction of the nozzle to the toner container are different.