Abstract: An electrode array printer has a housing, an image roller, and a plurality of developer modules. Each of the developer modules has an electrode array printhead, a toner cartridge and a developer roller. The electrode array printhead is installed on a side surface of the image roller for emitting an electron array onto the side surface of the image roller to form an electrostatic image. The developer roller is capable of attracting toner contained in a corresponding toner cartridge. The electrostatic image formed on the side surface of the image roller is capable of attracting toner from a developer roller corresponding to the electrode array printhead when the image roller rotates to a position where the electrostatic image is adjacent to the developer roller. The printer further includes a transfer roller, a fuser and a toner blade.

Abstract: A printing device and a method to transfer ink onto a recording medium are disclosed. A plurality of print elements are each provided with a first high-voltage electrode and a second high-voltage electrode. Given supply of a high voltage to these electrodes, a spark discharge ensues whose shock impulse transfers ink onto the recording medium.

Abstract: A head device is for writing an electrostatic latent image on an image carrier of an image forming apparatus which is movable in a first direction. In the head device, a plurality of writing electrodes are arrayed on a substrate in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction to form a plurality of electrode arrays which are arranged in the first direction. The writing electrodes are brought into contact with the image carrier with a flexibility of the substrate. A head driver is disposed on the substrate. A plurality of wirings are extending in the first direction to connect the head driver and the respective writing electrodes to supply writing voltages from the head driver to the writing electrodes. At least one of the wirings extended through one of the writing electrodes in one of the electrode arrays is placed between adjacent ones of the writing electrodes in another one of the electrode arrays.

Abstract: An image forming device includes an image forming element moving past an image forming station in which a toner is deposited on the surface of the image forming element, the image forming element having at least one electrode extending over a predetermined surface area of the image forming element. The image device also includes an impedance/capacitance measuring circuit measuring the amount of toner deposited on the predetermined surface area on the basis of a resulting change in the impedance/capacitance of the electrode.

Abstract: A glass substrate printed wiring board is used as the printhead for electric paper. Printing electrodes are formed at the edge of the glass substrate. Signals are generated by a driver circuit and conducted by traces to the electrodes to generate an electric field to rotate the bichromal rotating elements of the electric paper to form black or white pixels.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus is provided, with which it is possible to reduce the overall size of an apparatus. The image forming apparatus includes an image bearing member including a plurality of switching elements that are arranged in a moving direction and a generatrix direction of the image bearing member, and a latent image forming unit for forming a latent image on the image bearing member, the latent image forming unit including a voltage generating unit for generating a voltage in each switching element in accordance with an image signal.

Abstract: In an image forming apparatus of the present invention, the voltage of a chargeable layer 2b of an image carrier 2 at the portion to be in contact with writing electrodes 3b is adjusted by a surface potential adjusting member 8 which is disposed to be in contact with the chargeable layer 2b between the writing electrodes 3b and a transfer roller 6a. That is, even if the reverse charge injection occurs because the transfer voltage is applied to the transfer roller 6a and the transfer roller 6a is in contact with the chargeable layer 2b of the image carrier 2 at an interval between a printed paper 5 and the next paper 5, the potential of the chargeable layer 2b at the portion to be in contact with the writing electrodes 3b is adjusted not to exceed the withstand voltage of IC drivers 7 of the writing electrodes 3b by the surface potential adjusting member 8.

Abstract: The object of the invention is to provide an image carrier which is capable of securely preventing the leakage of charge in lateral direction so as to stably conduct the application or removal of charge and which can be easily manufactured. An image carrier comprises a dielectric layer, wherein charge is transferred between the dielectric layer and a charge-transfer controlling means so as to apply charge to or remove charge from the dielectric layer, wherein the dielectric layer is formed in such a structure that a large number of conductive portions are formed to be separately dispersed in its outer surface. Charge is transferred between the conductive portions and the charge-transfer controlling means so as to apply charge to or remove charge from the conductive portions.

Abstract: In order to obtain image with high resolution and eliminate the nonuniformity of written latent images and toner images by achieving the formation of electrostatic latent images corresponding to the widths of driven writing electrodes, a writing head 3 has a plurality of writing electrodes 3b which are arranged along the axial direction of an image carrier 2 such that the writing electrodes 3b are in contact with the image carrier, wherein the writing electrodes 3b are aligned in the axial direction Y and the circumferential direction X of the image carrier 2 such that the writing electrodes 3b which are most adjacent to each other in the axial direction Y are not overlapped with each other as seen in the circumferential direction of the image carrier. (FIG.

Abstract: In an image forming apparatus, a resistant layer of each writing electrode is formed substantially in a semi-circular convex shape projecting upwardly. The top of the resistant layer is a spherical surface so that the resistant layer is in point contact with the charged layer of the latent image carrier. Because of point contacts, foreign matters adhering to the surface of the latent image carrier are easily allowed to pass, thereby preventing the occurrence of filming on the surface of the latent image carrier.

Abstract: Writing electrodes of a writing device are kept in contact with a latent image carrier with a small pressing force by a weak restoring force of a substrate. An electrostatic latent image is written on the latent image carrier by applying or removing charge relative to the latent image carrier which is already uniformly charged by a charge control device. The application or removal of charge is conducted via charge-transfer between the latent image carrier and the writing electrodes which are in contact with each other. The electrostatic latent image is developed by a developing device to form a developing powder image and this developing powder image is transferred to a receiving medium such as a paper by a transferring device. Since the writing electrodes are employed as the writing device, the apparatus can be manufactured smaller and simply and can steadily write an image.

Abstract: The object of the invention is to provide an image carrier which is capable of securely preventing the leakage of charge in lateral direction so as to stably conduct the application or removal of charge and which can be easily manufactured. An image carrier comprises a dielectric layer, wherein charge is transferred between the dielectric layer and a charge-transfer controlling means so as to apply charge to or remove charge from the dielectric layer, wherein the dielectric layer is formed in such a structure that a large number of conductive portions are formed to be separately dispersed in its outer surface. Charge is transferred between the conductive portions and the charge-transfer controlling means so as to apply charge to or remove charge from the conductive portions.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus which can forms a high-quality image with high resolution while stabilizing potential and size of an electrostatic latent image and in which the wearing of electrodes and a latent image carrier can be reduced, thereby improving the durability thereof. The image forming apparatus comprises a latent image carrier 2 and a substrate 3a on which a plurality of writing electrodes 3b are formed along the axial direction of said latent image carrier. The latent image carrier 2 and the substrate 3a are arranged in elastic contact with each other so as to form an electrostatic latent image on the latent image carrier 2.

Abstract: In an image forming apparatus of the present invention, a resistant layer 13 of each writing electrode 3b is formed substantially in a semi-circular convex shape projecting upwardly. Therefore, the top of the resistant layer 13 is a spherical surface so that the resistant layer 13 is in point contact with the charged layer 2d of the latent image carrier 2. Because of point contacts, foreign matters adhering to the surface of the latent image carrier 2 are easily allowed to pass, thereby preventing the occurrence of filming on the surface of the latent image carrier 2.

Abstract: According to the present invention, writing electrodes 3b of a writing device 3 are kept in contact with a latent image carrier 2 with a small pressing force by a weak restoring force of a substrate 3a. An electrostatic latent image is written on the latent image carrier 2 by applying or removing charge relative to the latent image carrier 2 which are already uniformly charged by a charge control device 7. The application or removal of charge is conducted via charge-transfer between the latent image carrier 2 and the writing electrodes 3b which are in contact with each other. The electrostatic latent image is developed by a developing device 4 to form a developing powder image and this developing powder image is transferred to a receiving medium 5 such as a paper by a transferring device 6.

Abstract: In an image forming apparatus of the present invention, the voltage of a chargeable layer 2b of an image carrier 2 at the portion to be in contact with writing electrodes 3b is adjusted by a surface potential adjusting member 8 which is disposed to be in contact with the chargeable layer 2b between the writing electrodes 3b and a transfer roller 6a. That is, even if the reverse charge injection occurs because the transfer voltage is applied to the transfer roller 6a and the transfer roller 6a is in contact with the chargeable layer 2b of the image carrier 2 at an interval between a printed paper 5 and the next paper 5, the potential of the chargeable layer 2b at the portion to be in contact with the writing electrodes 3b is adjusted not to exceed the withstand voltage of IC drivers 7 of the writing electrodes 3b by the surface potential adjusting member 8.

Abstract: An image forming method comprising steps of: preparing a medium to be formed an image thereon, the image being based on signals of image data; forming the image directly on the medium in an ink jet system that discharges oil-based ink by utilizing electrostatic fields; rolling an adhesive roller on the medium before and/or during forming the image on the medium; adhering dust existing on the medium to the adhesive roller in order to remove the dust from the medium; and, fixing the image on the medium.

Abstract: In an image forming apparatus, a resistant layer of each writing electrode is formed substantially in a semi-circular convex shape projecting upwardly. The top of the resistant layer is a spherical surface so that the resistant layer is in point contact with the charged layer of the latent image carrier. Because of point contacts, foreign matters adhering to the surface of the latent image carrier are easily allowed to pass, thereby preventing the occurrence of filming on the surface of the latent image carrier.

Abstract: In an image forming apparatus of the present invention, a plurality of writing electrodes are supported by an elastic and flexible substrate such that the writing electrodes are aligned in a plurality of rows each extending in the axial direction of the latent image carrier (in the main scanning direction). The writing electrodes are each formed in, for example, a triangle and alternately inverted. In this case, one end of a writing electrode is overlapped with a next writing electrode, as seen in the direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the latent image carrier (the rotational direction of the latent image carrier; the feeding direction). Therefore, this design prevents occurrence of image defect due to linear stains and allows foreign matters adhering to the surface of the latent image carrier to pass through spaces between the adjacent writing electrodes.

Abstract: Writing electrodes of a writing device are kept in contact with a latent image carrier with a small pressing force by a weak restoring force of a substrate. An electrostatic latent image is written on the latent image carrier by applying or removing charge relative to the latent image carrier which is already uniformly charged by a charge control device. The application or removal of charge is conducted via charge-transfer between the latent image carrier and the writing electrodes which are in contact with each other. The electrostatic latent image is developed by a developing device to form a developing powder image and this developing powder image is transferred to a receiving medium such as a paper by a transferring device. Since the writing electrodes are employed as the writing device, the apparatus can be manufactured smaller and simply and can steadily write an image.

Abstract: In an electrostatic recording apparatus, a recording medium is transported to a vaporized solvent supply unit where a vaporized organic solvent is given to the recording surface of the recording medium. Then, the recording medium is transported to an electrostatic recording head where an electrostatic latent image is formed on the recording medium. Next, the recording medium is transported to a development processing unit where the development process of the electrostatic latent image using a liquid toner is performed.

Abstract: In an electrostatic recording apparatus, a recording medium is transported to a vaporized solvent supply unit where a vaporized organic solvent is given to the recording surface of the recording medium. Then, the recording medium is transported to an electrostatic recording head where an electrostatic latent image is formed on the recording medium. Next, the recording medium is transported to a development processing unit where the development process of the electrostatic latent image using a liquid toner is performed.

Abstract: An image forming device includes an image forming element moving past an image forming station in which a toner is deposited on the surface of the image forming element, the image forming element having at least one electrode extending over a predetermined surface area of the image forming element. The image device also includes an impedance/capacitance measuring circuit measuring the amount of toner deposited on the predetermined surface area on the basis of a resulting change in the impedance/capacitance of the electrode.

Abstract: In an image forming apparatus comprising a latent image carrier and a writing means having a plurality of writing electrodes which are aligned in the axial direction of the latent image carrier and arranged in contact with or proximity to the latent image carrier to form an electrostatic latent image on the latent image carrier, the contact width of the writing means relative to the latent image carrier is set to be smaller than the contact width of any cleaning means, the width of a toner carrying portion of a developing means confronting the latent image carrier, the width of a transferring means, and the width of a charge removing portion of a charge removing means. In addition, the width of the writing means is set to be smaller than the width of the latent image carrier.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus of the present invention includes ring electrodes for controlling flying of toner from a carrier to a sheet, and a control power source section for applying a potential that is in accordance with an image signal to each ring electrode. The control power source section carries out, in the case where the image signal is applied to each ring electrode so that the potential is applied at the same timing, a control of shifting the timing of applying ON potential so that the sum of transient current flowing through each ring electrode at a predetermined time is smaller than the sum of maximum value of the transient current flowing through each ring electrode. This ensures that the amount of transient current supplied at a predetermined time to each ring electrode by the control power source section is reduced.

Abstract: In an image forming apparatus comprising a latent image carrier and a writing means having a plurality of writing electrodes which are aligned in the axial direction of the latent image carrier and arranged in contact with or proximity to the latent image carrier to form an electrostatic latent image on the latent image carrier, the contact width of the writing means relative to the latent image carrier is set to be smaller than the contact width of any cleaning means, the width of a toner carrying portion of a developing means confronting the latent image carrier, the width of a transferring means, and the width of a charge removing portion of a charge removing means. In addition, the width of the writing means is set to be smaller than the width of the latent image carrier.

Abstract: According to the present invention, writing electrodes 3b of a writing device 3 are kept in contact with a latent image carrier 2 with a small pressing force by a weak restoring force of a substrate 3a. An electrostatic latent image is written on the latent image carrier 2 by applying or removing charge relative to the latent image carrier 2 which are already uniformly charged by a charge control device 7. The application or removal of charge is conducted via charge-transfer between the latent image carrier 2 and the writing electrodes 3b which are in contact with each other. The electrostatic latent image is developed by a developing device 4 to form a developing powder image and this developing powder image is transferred to a receiving medium 5 such as a paper by a transferring device 6.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus which can forms a high-quality image with high resolution while stabilizing potential and size of an electrostatic latent image and in which the wearing of electrodes and a latent image carrier can be reduced, thereby improving the durability thereof. The image forming apparatus comprises a latent image carrier 2 and a substrate 3a on which a plurality of writing electrodes 3b are formed along the axial direction of said latent image carrier. The latent image carrier 2 and the substrate 3a are arranged in elastic contact with each other so as to form an electrostatic latent image on the latent image carrier 2.

Abstract: In an image forming apparatus of the present invention, a resistant layer 13 of each writing electrode 3b is formed substantially in a semi-circular convex shape projecting upwardly. Therefore, the top of the resistant layer 13 is a spherical surface so that the resistant layer 13 is in point contact with the charged layer 2d of the latent image carrier 2. Because of point contacts, foreign matters adhering to the surface of the latent image carrier 2 are easily allowed to pass, thereby preventing the occurrence of filming on the surface of the latent image carrier 2.

Abstract: In an image forming apparatus of the present invention, a plurality of writing electrodes 3b are supported by an elastic and flexible substrate 3a such that the writing electrodes are aligned in a plurality of rows each extending in the axial direction of the latent image carrier (in the main scanning direction). The writing electrodes 3b are each formed in, for example, a triangle and are arranged in such a manner that the orientations of the triangles of the writing electrodes are alternately inverted. In this case, one end of the triangle base of a writing electrode is overlapped with one end of the triangle base of a next writing electrode 3b, as seen in the direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the latent image carrier 2 (the rotational direction of the latent image carrier 2; the feeding direction).

Abstract: An electrostatic recording medium includes a charge retentive layer located on a conductive substrate. An image recording surface on the charge retentive layer includes an array of discrete, conductive segments present in the image recording surface. A multiple electrode assembly having an array of recording electrode tips may be aligned for engagement with the image recording surface. Relative movement between the recording head and the electrostatic recording medium may be provided in such a manner that certain members of the recording electrode tips momentarily achieve Ohmic contact with respective elements of the discrete conductive segments present in the image recording surface. A latent image may be created in the electrostatic recording medium as the charge retentive layer receives an imagewise pattern of localized, discrete charges according to a variable voltage potential present at the tips of the recording electrode during the respective moments of Ohmic contact.

Abstract: An image recording apparatus and an image recording method enable high density and without blank space between pixels printed on a recording medium to be printed. The image recording apparatus comprises a multi-hole photoreceptor provided with a transparent conductive layer, photoconductive layer, and multi-hole layer having a plurality of holes arranged with equal interval, on a transparent supporting structure, and an opposite electrode arranged so as to be opposite to the multi-hole photoreceptor with interval while inserting a recording medium. Conductive colored particles which fly in order from a plurality of holes of the multi-hole photoreceptor form respective pixels by driving the multi-hole photoreceptor corresponding to the pixel.

Abstract: The opposing electrode has an opposing portion facing the peripheral surface of the toner support and a brush portion formed of a partial circumferential surface continuous to both ends of the opposing portion. The opposing electrode is rotated about a rotary axis disposed at the center of the partial circumference forming the brush portion. When the opposing electrode rotates, the brush portion comes into contact with the undersurface of the control electrode. The opposing electrode is applied with a high voltage, e.g. 2 kV from a high-voltage power source so that the brush portion can remove the toner adhering to the control electrode.

Abstract: An electrographic recording apparatus method includes a primary image forming member (PIFM) such as a web or drum that moves in a process direction. An electrographic writehead has a row of spaced electrodes arranged with the row being transverse of the process direction. The electrodes are selectively activated to establish respective electrical fields for recording of a respective row of pixels on the PIFM. The writehead faces a first surface of the PIFM and is positioned in contact with or closely adjacent the first surface to establish the respective electrical fields through the PIFM. A development station includes electrostatically charged toner particles in the form of a nap that selectively deposits the toner particles on a second surface of the PIFM directly opposite the series of spaced electrodes so that the toner particles are electrostatically selectively attracted by the respective electrical fields to develop the respective pixels to form a toner image on the second surface of the PIFM.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a latent image carrying member that carries an electrostatic latent image on a surface thereof, and an ink holding member that is disposed in opposing relation to the latent image carrying member and holds a thin layer of conductive ink on a surface thereof. The surface of the ink holding member is formed of a conductive material and has a plurality of projecting portions. The image forming apparatus further comprising a voltage applying unit that applies, to the projecting portions, a voltage of polarity different from that of a potential of the electrostatic latent image and thereby causes the ink to jump from the projecting portions located in opposing relation to the electrostatic latent image toward the electrostatic latent image. In the image forming apparatus, the following weak inequality is satisfied:(h1+h2-h3)/(h1+h2).gtoreq.0.

Abstract: A method for making documents, in particular identifying documents, such as passports and identifying cards, comprises the steps of providing a set of signals, particularly digital signals, defining an image to be printed on the document; providing a temporary substrate; depositing on the temporary substrate coloring matters, whereby to produce thereon the image, by the conventional laser printing method; provisionally setting the image; juxtaposing the temporary substrate with its face carrying the image in contact with the rear face of a transparent substrate; transferring the image from the temporary substrate to the transparent substrate, whereby the image is applied to the transparent substrate rear face and is visible through the transparent substrate from the front face thereof; removing the temporary substrate; and binding the transparent substrate, by lamination, to other components of the document to be produced.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming an image comprising a substrate with a plurality of high voltage transistors on the substrate. The transistors include a source electrode, a drain electrode and a gate electrode. Each transistor switches a marking potential of several hundred volts between the source and drain by a gate potential of at least an order of magnitude lower than the source to drain potential. There are a plurality of high voltage capacitors on the substrate. One of each capacitor is connected to one of the drain electrodes and each capacitor stores a charge potential approximately equal to the marking potential. The charge potential on each capacitor controls the forming of the image. A first data input on the substrate selectively loads a gate potential on gate the electrodes. A second data input located on the periphery of the substrate selectively loads a source potential on the source electrodes.

Abstract: Featured is an imaging forming apparatus that provides minute particles having a uniform diameter and being uniformly charged. The image forming apparatus includes a supplying member that supplies charged developing particles, a counter electrode disposed opposite to the supplying member and a control electrode disposed therebetween and including a plurality of passing holes serving as passages for the developing particles. While a potential for generating a predetermined potential difference is applied between the supplying member and the counter electrode, the potential being applied to the control electrode is changed in order to change an electric field existing between the supplying member and the counter electrode. This controls flying of the developing particles passing through the passing holes in a direction from the supplying member to the counter electrode, and thus the forming of the image.

Abstract: An apparatus for high-speed charge latent image generation which employs two or more charge generating matrix sets. These matrix sets are electrically connected so that image charges are simultaneously generated from each set. Charge from the matrix sets is deposited upon a dielectric image receptor surface adapted to move longitudinally with respect to the charge image generation apparatus. The charge image is in the form of dots that are formed using two or more sets of independently controlled matrix arrays that are spaced from each other in a longitudinal direction. The matrix sets are laid out so that the dots from any one set are interleaved among the other sets, resulting in the power loading to the charge image generating apparatus being distributed over a larger area. The method performed by such apparatus permits greater spacing of the matrix elements and results in minimizing artifacts in the latent electrostatic charge image.

Abstract: In a digital printer as an image forming device, a high voltage is applied to a counter electrode exclusively when the counter electrode is covered with a sheet of paper having a good insulating property, so that a strong electric field necessary for image formation is generated between the counter electrode and a toner carrier. When the counter electrode is not covered with a sheet of paper, a high voltage relay provided between the counter electrode and a high voltage power source is turned OFF so that the application of the high voltage to the counter electrode is suspended, so that the strong electric field is not generated. By doing so, it is possible to surely avoid discharge which tends to occur between the counter electrode and the toner carrier or between the counter electrode and the control electrode.

Abstract: An image-forming element having a hollow cylindrical drum body, a plurality of circumferentially extending electrodes formed on the outer circumferential surface of the drum body, a control unit disposed inside of the drum body, and a contact member for electrically connecting each of the electrodes individually to the control unit. The contact members are arranged in a plurality of rows extending in the axial direction of the body and each of the contact members, when considered from the inner side of the wall of body, has a dimension, considered in the axial direction of the body, which is at least twice the corresponding dimension of an electrode.

Abstract: Graphic matter, such as words and images, is printed on a document in bound form, such as passport, by forming the graphic matter by laser printing steps on a temporary substrate and provisionally setting the graphic matter thus formed on the temporary substrate. Thereafter, the temporary substrate is juxtaposed with its face carrying the image in contact with the rear face of a transparent substrate, and the image is transferred to the rear face of this latter. Then the transparent substrate is juxtaposed to the final substrate that is intended to carry the image, with its rear face in contact with the front face of the final substrate, and the two substrates are laminated together, so that the image remains enclosed in the laminate and is visible from the front face of the transparent substrate as if it were printed on the final substrate.

Abstract: A print head structure including:a particle source for delivering charged particles to an information carrier;a control unit for controlling transfer of the charged particles from the particle source to the information carrier, the control unit being arranged on a carrier sheet of flexible non-rigid material; anda support element for supporting the control unit in a predetermined position in relation to the particle source, the support element comprising a guiding edge, whereby the carrier sheet is fixed to the support element along said guiding edge with a portion of the carrier sheet carrying the control unit protruding beyond said guiding edge.

Abstract: A print head structure includes a support device which supports a flexible control unit in a predetermined position in the print head structure. The support device is in the form of a rigid trough-shaped frame having a longitudinal dimension and a transverse dimension and further having two longitudinally extending side walls. The support device further has a bottom portion between the two side walls, an outer surface and an inner surface. A longitudinally extending slot is provided in the bottom portion of the support device. The slot extends through the support device between the inner surface and the outer surface. The support device further includes a fastener for maintaining the flexible control unit in contact with the bottom portion of the support device. The flexible control unit bridges the slot in the bottom portion.

Abstract: Odd- and even-numbered conductors of recording electrodes, for example, first or second recording electrodes, are divided in the direction in which the conductor at the time of winding are stacked up to form different layers so as to increase the distance between the conductors of the adjoining recording electrodes and reduce the floating electrostatic capacitance.

Abstract: A powder particle lumping recording apparatus low in cost and high in printing quality is disclosed. Toner 12 having a magnetic property contained in a toner container 21 is conveyed by a developing roller 11 constituting a magnet roller, and jumped under the effect of the electric field controlled by a control electrode formed on an FPC 22. The toner 12 is accelerated by the acceleration voltage for the conductive roller 15, attaches on a recording material inserted between the control electrode 13 and the conductive roller 15, and thus forms an image. The conductive roller 15 contains a magnet 16 therein. With the approach of the magnet 16 to the control electrode 13 by rotation of the conductive roller 15, the toner 12 can be attracted off. The toner 12 attached on the surface of the conductive roller 15 is mechanically removed by a cleaning blade 17 and accumulated in a housing 18. The conductive roller 15, the cleaning blade 17 and the housing 18 make up an easily-demountable cleaning unit 19.

Abstract: A printing apparatus employs a nearly linear conveying path P2 for printing paper P from a position confronting the platen roller 6 and thermal head 7 for composing the printing unit 3 to the paper discharge unit 2. The capstan roller 4, pinch roller 5, and discharge rollers 10, 10 are disposed opposedly to the conveying path P2, and at an intermediate position of the conveying path P2 intersects the conveying path P1 from the paper supply unit 1 to the printing unit 3. A paper supply port is disposed at the bottom of the paper cassette forming the paper supply unit 1, so that the conveying path P1 from the paper supply port to the printing unit 3 is shortened, and accordingly the paper conveying path is shortened. The printer construction simplified and downsized, while the precision of positioning of the printing paper and positioning of the printing head is enhanced, so that the printing quality may be improved.

Abstract: Unitarily sintered ceramic member having fine throughholes. unitarily sintered material. The ceramic member has a ceramic substrate having at least one window and a thin ceramic plate laminated onto the substrate so as to cover the window, wherein the thin ceramic plate has a plurality of fine throughholes at the portion(s) corresponding to the at least one window and each hole-to-hole distance is 70 .mu.m or less. This ceramic member having fine throughholes is made of a material of heat resistance, abrasion resistance and low thermal expansion and satisfies the requirements of high density, high precision and increased reliability to be possessed by such apparatuses as encoders, high-precision fine electric field shutters, ion current-controlling heads, scales and the like.

Abstract: A host computer offsets data for each color to be recorded in a sub-scanning direction in accordance with the quantities of offset of recording elements for a plurality of colors in a sub-scanning direction relative to recording elements for any one of the plurality of colors and transfers the offset data to be recorded to a recording apparatus so that a system is disclosed for improving efficiency in using a memory in a case where a recording head is used which has the plurality of recording elements for recording the plurality of colors, the recording elements being offset in a predetermined direction.

Abstract: A thermal recording apparatus records information on a thermal recording sheet, the thermal recording sheet having a thermal characteristic by which the information is recorded through heating the thermal recording sheet to a first temperature and information which has been recorded on the thermal recording sheet is erased therefrom by heating the thermal recording sheet to a second temperature. The thermal recording apparatus includes, a thermal head for heating the thermal recording sheet in a pattern, a recording controller for driving the thermal head so that the thermal recording sheet is heated to the first temperature in a pattern corresponding to the information to be recorded, and an erasing controller for supplying thermal energy to the thermal recording sheet on which information has been recorded by using the thermal head so that the thermal recording sheet is heated to the second temperature.