Abstract: A developer cartridge provided in an image-forming device has a developer side casing that includes a toner-accommodating chamber and a developing chamber; and a plate wall disposed in the developing chamber for partitioning a thickness-regulating blade from the toner-accommodating chamber. When a thickness-regulating blade scrapes excess charged toner off the developing roller, the plate wall prevents this charged toner from returning to the toner-accommodating chamber. A flexible wiper for cleaning toner detection windows is attached to an agitator for stirring toner in the toner-accommodating chamber via a fixing member. The fixing member includes a support plate and a gripping plate disposed opposite each other with a slit formed therebetween. The wiper is inserted into the slit and is fixed to the fixing member when a boss protruding from a restricting plate becomes inserted into a through-hole formed in the wiper.

Abstract: A developer cartridge provided in an image-forming device has a developer side casing that includes a toner-accommodating chamber and a developing chamber; and a plate wall disposed in the developing chamber for partitioning a thickness-regulating blade from the toner-accommodating chamber. When a thickness-regulating blade scrapes excess charged toner off the developing roller, the plate wall prevents this charged toner from returning to the toner-accommodating chamber. A flexible wiper for cleaning toner detection windows is attached to an agitator for stirring toner in the toner-accommodating chamber via a fixing member. The fixing member includes a support plate and a gripping plate disposed opposite each other with a slit formed therebetween. The wiper is inserted into the slit and is fixed to the fixing member when a boss protruding from a restricting plate becomes inserted into a through-hole formed in the wiper.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a laser marking device, system and method for its use.

Abstract: An optical scanner includes a light source, an optical part, a housing, and a retainer. The light source projects light against a target. The optical part is disposed on a light path between the light source and the target. The housing houses the light source and the optical part. The retainer fixed to the housing holds the optical part and includes a plurality of flanges disposed along an outer circumference of the retainer. One of the plurality of flanges of the retainer is adhered to the housing an adhesive agent. An image forming apparatus includes the optical scanner.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device (10) for the inscription of marking tags, comprising a supporting surface (30) for the marking tags, comprising a laser inscription device and comprising a housing (12) for enclosing a laser beam that emerges from the laser inscription device and is directed onto the supporting surface (30), wherein the housing (12) has a lower housing part (14) and a covering hood (16), arranged on or over the lower housing part (14).

Abstract: An image-forming device is provided with a shutter member that has a ventilation passage formed extending therethrough in a main scanning direction, the shutter member adapted to slide over the outside surface of the housing in a secondary scanning direction, a cover member adapted to open or close an interior of a chassis of the device. The shutter member, when the cover member is moved in a direction to open up the inside of the device chassis, is moved in a direction to shut an output window, and when the cover member is moved in a direction to close up the inside of the device chassis, is moved in a direction to open the output window. In association with movement of the shutter member towards the open direction, the ventilation passage faces a ventilation opening of a duct furnished to the device chassis.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a photoreceptor which is rotatable with respect to a body frame, an exposing member which is movable relative to the body frame, a spacing member which is provided between the exposing member and the photoreceptor to maintain a distance between the photoreceptor and the exposing member, a positioning member which makes a contact with the exposing member to position the exposing member in a direction of rotation of the photoreceptor, and a pressing member which is provided to the body frame to press the exposing member toward the photoreceptor and the positioning member. Accordingly, it is possible to position the exposing member accurately with respect to the photoreceptor, in any of the light-axis direction and the rotational direction of the photoreceptor.

Abstract: A multi-beam light source device and a multi-beam scanning device including the multi-beam light source device are provided. The multi-beam light source device includes: a light source including: a cylindrical package having a side edge portion which extends in a rotational direction about a rotational axis line defined as a first direction; a plurality of light emitting units which are disposed in the cylindrical package and configured to emit laser light in the first direction; and a housing which holds the light source. The housing has a holder that holds the side edge portion of the cylindrical package to be relatively rotatable in the rotational direction. The holder is formed with at least one opening which exposes the side edge portion of the light source.

Abstract: An optical scanner includes a third f-theta lens, an eccentric cam, an attaching portion, a first supporting member, a second supporting member and a spring. A distance between a face opposed to the first side-face of the third f-theta lens in the first supporting member and a face opposed to the second side-face of the third f-theta lens in the second supporting member is set to be longer than a distance of the third f-theta lens in its lateral direction. The spring is disposed opposed to the first side-face or the second side-face, and presses the third f-theta lens so that the third f-theta lens is in contact with the eccentric cam and either of the first supporting member and the second supporting member.

Abstract: A laser induced thermal imaging apparatus and a fabricating method of organic light emitting diodes using the same, which laminate an acceptor substrate and a donor film using a magnetic force in vacuum, and are used to form a pixel array on the acceptor substrate. A substrate stage includes a magnet or magnetic substance. The acceptor substrate has a pixel region for forming first, second, and third sub-pixels, and the donor film has an organic light emission layer to be transferred to the pixel region. A laser oscillator irradiates a laser to the donor film. A contact frame is adapted to be disposed between the substrate stage and the laser oscillator, and is used to form a magnetic force with the substrate stage. The contact frame includes an opening through which the laser passes. A contact frame feed mechanism moves the contact frame in a direction of the substrate stage.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a lens holding unit includes a laser diode to irradiate laser beam, a lens through which the laser beam passes, a sheet metal having a bottom surface to hold a bottom portion of the lens and a sidewall which uprises from the bottom surface at a right angle and holds a side portion of the lens, and a first resin member fixed to the bottom surface of the sheet metal to hold a side portion at the other side of the lens which is held on the sheet metal.

Abstract: A support structure, which includes: a housing configured to store an optical element; a support unit configured to support the housing; a positioning element configured to position the housing with respect to the support unit; a vibration-proof element configured to prevent transmission of vibration from the support unit to the housing; and an extension from the housing toward the support unit. The support unit includes a first surface configured to define an opening into which the extension is inserted. The positioning element supports and positions the extension in the opening so that the extension portion is apart from the first surface. The vibration-proof element is disposed between the first surface and the extension portion.

Abstract: The image forming apparatus includes a chassis; plural image bearing members; plural optical scanning devices having the same configuration and located on respective installation positions of the chassis after installed thereon to scan the image bearing members with light beams; and plural incompatibility imparting mechanisms. The incompatibility imparting mechanisms are located on the corresponding optical scanning devices, and have the same configuration and the same initial state before the plural optical scanning devices are installed on the chassis, but achieve incompatible states after the optical scanning devices are installed. When the optical scanning devices in the incompatible states are detached from the chassis and then attached again thereto, the incompatibility imparting mechanisms prevent the corresponding optical scanning devices from being set to positions other than the respective installation positions.

Abstract: A fixing mechanism of an optical scanning device, the optical scanning device emitting a light beam and performing a scanning, the optical scanning device further being fixed to a frame at an external part, the optical scanning device further including a housing, and the fixing mechanism including: a penetration hole provided in the frame; and a protruding pin provided at both ends of the housing thereby forming a plurality of protruding pins, wherein at least one of the plurality of protruding pins is insertable to the penetration hole formed in the frame; and a biasing member biasing the housing in a direction.

Abstract: The present invention is an optical scanning apparatus that is positioned and fixed to a metal frame of an image forming apparatus, in which a rotating polygon mirror being a deflection means and a drive motor rotationally driving the rotating polygon mirror are accommodated inside a housing made of resin. In the present invention, a bearing of the drive motor and a positioning member provided upright to the metal frame are inserted into and fitted with each other from opposite directions in a positioning boss formed in the housing, and the bearing is in contact with the positioning member.

Abstract: A light source including a plurality of light emitting areas formed in a two-dimension array is mounted on a substrate. A holding member holds an optical system that shapes a laser beam emitted from each of the light emitting areas, a splitting element that splits a part of the laser beam passed through the optical system, and a light receiving system that receives split laser beam. A base member including an aligning unit that aligns the light source in a direction along an optical axis of the optical system and a direction perpendicular to the optical axis is connected to the holding member. An elastic member presses the substrate against the base member.

Abstract: An optical scanner includes a frame, a light source, an optical member, and a spacer. The light source emits a light beam. The optical member is mounted on the frame to guide the light beam to a scanning target. The spacer maintains the optical member at a predetermined position with respect to the frame. The spacer is formed of a photocurable resin that is cured in response to a predetermined light having a wavelength within a prescribed range.

Abstract: A light source device includes a surface emitting laser, a surface emitting laser holding unit on which the surface emitting laser is mounted, a parallel plate that is arranged on a light path of a light flux from the surface emitting laser so that the light flux enters into one surface thereof, and that is made of a transparent material, and a holder having a through hole that functions as a light path of the light flux from the surface emitting laser, wherein the surface emitting laser holding unit is brought into contact with the holder, the parallel plate is fixedly bonded to the holder, and a part of the through hole of the holder is sealed with the surface emitting laser holding unit and the parallel plate.

Abstract: A developer cartridge provided in an image-forming device has a developer side casing that includes a toner-accommodating chamber and a developing chamber; and a plate wall disposed in the developing chamber for partitioning a thickness-regulating blade from the toner-accommodating chamber. When a thickness-regulating blade scrapes excess charged toner off the developing roller, the plate wall prevents this charged toner from returning to the toner-accommodating chamber. A flexible wiper for cleaning toner detection windows is attached to an agitator for stirring toner in the toner-accommodating chamber via a fixing member. The fixing member includes a support plate and a gripping plate disposed opposite each other with a slit formed therebetween. The wiper is inserted into the slit and is fixed to the fixing member when a boss protruding from a restricting plate becomes inserted into a through-hole formed in the wiper.

Abstract: An optical device includes an optical component that reflects or shapes a light beam. In a particular embodiment, the optical device can include a bending moment generating structure that generates a bending moment in a supported portion of the optical component. The optical device can also include an adjusting mechanism that adjusts the bowing amount of the optical component by adjusting the bending moment of the bending moment generating structure.

Abstract: A three-dimensional printing device includes a top bracket, a side bracket, and a pivoting member. The top bracket includes a pair of sidewalls cooperatively defining a receiving space to receive an inkjet head. The side bracket includes a pair of sidewalls cooperatively defining a receiving space to receive the top bracket. The pivoting member includes a pair of sidewalls cooperatively defining a receiving space to receive an inkjet head. The pivoting member is rotatably mounted in the receiving space of the side bracket.

Abstract: A toy mailbox for children includes a storage unit and a media processing mechanism. The storage unit includes a door member for closeably opening the storage unit and an ejection slot configured on a portion of the storage unit. The media processing mechanism is coupled to the storage unit, such that the media processing mechanism is capable of dispensing a media sheet having data content printed thereon, into the storage unit through the ejection slot. Opening the storage unit enables children to access the media sheet from within the storage unit. The media processing mechanism is also capable of printing the data content on the media sheet prior to dispensing the media sheet into the storage unit.

Abstract: An exposure unit containment mechanism includes an exposure unit and a frame that defines a space into which the exposure unit is inserted, the exposure unit including: first protrusions protruding in left and right directions at a position spaced apart from a center of gravity of the exposure unit in a direction of insertion; and a second protrusion protruding in a downward direction, and the frame including: a guide member that contacts the first protrusions from above to limit upward movement of the first protrusions during insertion of the exposure unit; a first limiting member that limits movement of the second protrusion in left and right directions; a second limiting member that contacts the first protrusions from underneath to limit downward movement of the same; and a first pressing member that presses the first protrusions from above when the first protrusions are in contact with the second limiting member.

Abstract: An optical scanning unit may include a light source unit configured to emit a light beam, an optical housing configured to receive and support the light source unit, an optical device configured to deflect the light beam and to focus the light beam on a light receiving member, and a fixing member configured to fix the light source unit to the optical housing by applying pressure to the light source unit, wherein the pressure is applied in a direction, which is substantially perpendicular to an optical axis direction of the light source unit.

Abstract: An optical scanner includes at least one light source, an optical element, a deflective scanner, an optical housing, a pressing member, and a mounting member. The light source emits a light beam to an object. The optical element forms the light beam emitted from the light source into a desired shape. The deflective scanner deflects the light beam. The optical housing stores the optical element and the deflective scanner, and includes at least one positioning member. The positioning member positions the light source in an axial direction of the light source. The pressing member presses the light source toward the positioning member to sandwich the light source between the pressing member and the positioning member and mount the light source on the optical housing. The mounting member fastens the pressing member to the optical housing.

Abstract: A light scanning device includes a light source emitting light, a polygon mirror reflecting the light while rotating, a mirror member having a mirror surface reflecting the light, reflected by the polygon mirror, toward an object to be scanned, a vibration preventing member attached to a portion of the mirror member excluding the mirror surface to prevent the mirror member from vibrating, and a housing supporting the polygon mirror and the mirror member. The mirror member extends in a predetermined direction in the housing, and the vibration preventing member is divided into a plurality of pieces that are so attached to the mirror member as to adjoin each other in the predetermined direction.

Abstract: An exposure apparatus which exposes an object includes an exposure member which has a plurality of blinking sections and which is elongated in a predetermined longitudinal direction; a support frame which supports the exposure member; a holder which supports the support frame to be movable relative to the holder; and a pressing member which is provided between the holder and the support frame and which presses the support frame in a direction away from the holder. Accordingly, the exposure apparatus can suppress the deformation of the exposure member.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes: a photosensitive member, a housing, a cover, an exposing unit fit to the cover and which moves closer toward/away from the photosensitive member in response to opening/closing of the cover, wherein the exposing unit forms a latent image on the photosensitive member by exposing the photosensitive member when the exposing unit is arranged in close vicinity to the photosensitive member by the closing of the cover, an image forming unit, which forms an image corresponding to the latent image and a housing side electrode provided inside of the housing, wherein the housing side electrode feeds an exposing power to an exposing unit side electrode by contacting the exposing unit side electrode provided in the exposing unit when the exposing unit is arranged in close vicinity to the photosensitive member by the closing of the cover.

Abstract: The exposure device is provided with: an exposure unit that has one end and a different end, that includes plural light-emitting elements arranged in a first direction along a direction of a rotational axis of a rotating image carrier, and that exposes the image carrier; a one-end-side holding portion that holds a one end part, on the one end side, of the exposure unit; a first reference part that is formed in the one-end-side holding portion, and that serves as a reference for aligning the exposure unit in the first direction by bringing the one end part of the exposure unit into contact with the first reference part; and an application portion that applies, to the one end part of the exposure unit, force with which the one end part of the exposure unit is pressed against the first reference part.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus switches a line of image data, to be read out from a storage unit, to another, depending on a position in the line in a scanning direction such that the curving of a scanning line is offset, and reducing trouble in reading out image data in units of rectangular image data blocks A data processing section performs image processing based on a plurality of rectangular image areas generated by dividing image data stored in a memory section. An image reading unit reads out the image data as the rectangular image areas, and transfers the rectangular image areas to the data processing section. A printer section forms an image by scanning a photosensitive member with irradiation light based on the rectangular image data areas. A DMA controller stores positional information indicative of line-switching positions. The rectangular image data areas are read out according to the positional information.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a main body frame; an image formation section contained in the main body frame that forms an image on a recording medium; an ejection mechanism contained in the main body frame that ejects the recording medium on which an image has been formed to an ejection section on the upper surface of the main body frame; an image scanning device mounted on the ejection section that scans the image of a document; and an operation section provided on the upstream side in the ejection direction of the recording medium in the ejection section that operates the image scanning device; wherein sides and the backside of the ejection section being opened viewed from the operation section side.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus is described. The image forming apparatus may include a first casing and a second casing above the first casing. The second casing is provided with an upper surface including a generally horizontal surface, a lower surface extending beyond the upper surface in a generally horizontal direction and a side surface connecting an end edge of the upper surface and an end edge of the lower surface with each other over the whole area. The first casing is provided with an upper surface coming into contact with the lower surface of the second casing over the whole area and a side surface including a generally vertical surface. An inclined surface connecting the generally vertical surface of the first casing and the generally horizontal surface of the second casing with each other, is provided continuously along the first casing and the second casing.

Abstract: An optical scanning apparatus effectively blocks undesirable-light generated in opposed scanning units, and forms high-quality image with simple configuration. The apparatus includes two scanning units disposed with a polygon mirror therebetween, each scanning unit including: an incident optical system guiding a beam from a light source to the polygon mirror; and an imaging optical system including an imaging optical element to cause the deflected beam form an image on a scanning surface. One of the scanning units includes a member to block an undesirable light reflected on optical surfaces of the imaging optical element of the other scanning unit and traveling toward the scanning surface of said one scanning unit. rp<L?A/2 is satisfied, where rp denotes circumcircle radius of polygon mirror; L denotes distance from rotational center of polygon mirror to the blocking member of said one scanning unit, and A denotes length of polygon mirror drive circuit substrate.

Abstract: An image formation device, which includes: an exposure head in which a screw having an axis directed to a focus direction for a photoreceptor is fixed in the vicinity of each side of the exposure head; a housing to which the exposure head is attached; a nut attached to the screw; a fixing member that limits movement of the nut with respect to the housing; and an elastic member that elastically supports the exposure head against the housing in the vicinity of the screw in the focus direction for the photoreceptor and a sub-scanning direction, in which the exposure head is moved, by rotation of the nut, in the focus direction against an elastic force by the elastic member, and a position of the exposure head with respect to the photoreceptor is adjustable in the focus direction.

Abstract: A holding unit turns, while holding a latent image writing unit, centered on a turning axis that is arranged on a main body of an image forming apparatus between an opening position and a closing position with respect to the main body. A positioning unit arranged on the main body positions the latent image writing unit with respect to the image carrier, when the holding unit is at the closing position. A biasing unit biases the latent image writing unit to make a contact with the positioning unit. A shock absorbing unit absorbs a shock received by the holding unit and the latent image writing unit when the holding unit is moved from the opening position to the closing position.

Abstract: In an optical beam scanning apparatus and an image forming apparatus equipped with the optical beam scanning apparatus of the present invention, plural optical members that irradiate scanning lines by laser beams (beams) emitted from plural light sources individually onto corresponding photoconductive drums are disposed within an optical unit housing and a housing cover, a fixing mechanism configured to fix part of a parallel plate provided within the optical unit housing and the housing cover is provided, and a twist angle adjusting mechanism configured to adjust an angle of twist of the parallel plate by rotating, in a specific direction, the parallel plate having the part thereof being fixed with the fixing mechanism is provided. According to the optical beam scanning apparatus and the image forming apparatus equipped with the optical beam scanning apparatus of the present invention, it is possible to adjust the curve and the inclination of the scanning line with ease and at high accuracy.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes: a lower body including a plurality of photosensitive members and having an opening; an upper body which is configured to open and cover the opening; a plurality of exposure units which are supported by the upper body and which are opposed to the photosensitive members when the cover covers the opening; a main substrate provided in the housing; an exposure control substrate which is provided to the upper body and controls light emission of the exposure units; a plurality of first cables which electrically connect the exposure units to the exposure control substrate, respectively, each of the first cables including a plurality of signal lines; and a second cable which electrically connects the exposure control substrate to the main substrate and which includes at least one signal line, a number of which is smaller than a total number of the signal lines included in the first cables.

Abstract: An optical scanning apparatus includes a light source configured to emit a light beam which scans an object to be scanned, a light source retainer configured to retain the light source, a holder including an engaging portion and configured to detachably hold the light source retainer in an optical axis direction of the light source, and a first biasing member configured to bias the light source retainer engaging the engaging portion against the engaging portion in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis direction, so that the light source retainer is pressed against the engaging portion. A contact position of the light source retainer and the first biasing member in the optical axis direction is within an engaging area where the engaging portion and the light source retainer engage in the optical axis direction.

Abstract: An scanning unit scanner includes a light source and a polygon mirror unit. A front-to-rear rib is disposed between the light source and the polygon mirror unit and near the polygon mirror unit. An input side opening having a slit shape is formed as a cutout in the top edge of the front-to-rear rib. When laser light from the light source passes through the input side opening, the input side opening restricts the width of the light in a main scanning direction.

Abstract: In a scanner housing of an optical scanner fixed to a main body housing of an image forming apparatus, an opposite wall is disposed between a support wall on which an optical element is supported and a wall of the main body housing. A space at an extreme end of an inner projection has a distance smaller than distances at all other spaces between the support wall and the opposite wall. A space at an extreme end of an outer projection has a distance smaller than distances at all other spaces between the wall of the main body housing and the opposite wall. The space at the extreme end of the inner projection overlaps with the space at the extreme end of the outer projection as viewed from a direction in which the inner projection and the outer projection project.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus is provided. The image forming apparatus includes: a photosensitive member on which an electrostatic latent image is to be formed; a first body which rotatably supports the photosensitive member; an exposing unit which exposes the photosensitive member; a second body which supports the exposing unit movably between an exposing position in which the exposing unit exposes the photosensitive member and a retracting position in which the exposing unit is retracted from the photosensitive member; a first grounding unit which, when the exposing unit is positioned at the exposing position, causes the exposing unit to be electrically connected to the first body; and a second grounding unit which, when the exposing unit is positioned at the retracting position, causes the exposing unit to be electrically connected to the first body via the second body.

Abstract: In an optical scanning apparatus, when air flow from a deflecting device is suppressed by a shielding member such as a transparent member, an image of a light beam is not formed at a predetermined position. In view of this, a first wall portion having a wall surface shaped concentrically with a center axis of a deflecting device is provided on an optical path directed from a laser light source toward the deflecting device. By providing at least the first wall portion having laser beam passing portions as openings passing through the wall surface of the first wall portion and providing a second wall portion connected to the first wall portion to define a closed surface except for the laser beam passing portions, warm air flow directed from the deflecting device to the laser light source is blocked.

Abstract: A fixing mechanism of an optical scanning device, the optical scanning device emitting a light beam and performing a scanning, the optical scanning device further being fixed to a frame at an external part, the optical scanning device further including a housing, and the fixing mechanism including: a penetration hole provided in the frame; and a protruding pin provided at both ends of the housing thereby forming a plurality of protruding pins, wherein at least one of the plurality of protruding pins is insertable to the penetration hole formed in the frame; and a biasing member biasing the housing in a direction.

Abstract: In an image forming apparatus including a main assembly and a scanning optical apparatus which is inserted into the main assembly of the image forming apparatus in a substantially horizontal direction and is mounted to the apparatus main assembly, in order to fix the scanning optical apparatus to the apparatus main assembly in a state in which the scanning optical apparatus is inserted at a predetermined insertion position of the apparatus main assembly, a leaf spring member for urging an end of the scanning optical apparatus with respect to an insertion direction of the scanning optical apparatus is provided on the main assembly of the image forming apparatus or the scanning optical apparatus and a cushioning member press-contacting the leaf spring member between the main assembly of the image forming apparatus and the scanning optical apparatus is provided.

Abstract: An optical scanning unit used for scanning a photoconductor includes a light source, a rotatable deflector, a driver, a scan lens, an optical element, a first casing, a second casing, a first cover, and a second cover. The rotatable deflector deflects a light beam generated by the light source to scan a surface of the photoconductor. The driver rotates the rotatable deflector. The scan lens converts the light beam deflected by the rotatable deflector with equiangular motion speed to a light beam having constant speed motion. The optical element is disposed along an optical path from the scan lens to the photoconductor surface. The first casing houses the light source, the rotatable deflector, and the scan lens. The second casing houses the first casing and the optical element. The first cover covers at least the first casing. The second cover covers the optical element housed in the second casing.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus is described. The image forming apparatus may include a first casing and a second casing above the first casing. The second casing is provided with an upper surface including a generally horizontal surface, a lower surface extending beyond the upper surface in a generally horizontal direction and a side surface connecting an end edge of the upper surface and an end edge of the lower surface with each other over the whole area. The first casing is provided with an upper surface coming into contact with the lower surface of the second casing over the whole area and a side surface including a generally vertical surface. An inclined surface connecting the generally vertical surface of the first casing and the generally horizontal surface of the second casing with each other, is provided continuously along the first casing and the second casing.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus is described. The image forming apparatus may include a casing including an image forming section, an ejecting section provided above the image forming section and an image scanning section provided above the ejecting section, formed with an ejecting port communicating with the ejecting section; and an operating section. A side surface of the casing closer to the ejecting port includes a generally vertical surface and an upper surface of the casing includes a generally horizontal surface. The casing is provided with an inclined surface inclined along a direction intersecting with the generally vertical surface and the generally horizontal surface for connecting the generally vertical surface and the generally horizontal surface with each other, and the ejecting port is formed on the inclined surface, while the operating section is arranged above the ejecting port on the inclined surface.

Abstract: An apparatus for image formation is disclosed which includes an imaging device forming images on record media; a housing defining a front face, a rear face, both side faces, a top face and a bottom face, to thereby house the imaging device; a recessed portion configured so as to be openable at selected at least one of the front face, the both side faces and the top face of the housing; and an attachment mechanism allowing a data-storable external storage device to be attached to the apparatus for electrical connection thereto, the attachment mechanism being in a position allowing the external storage device, when attached to the attachment mechanism, to be accommodated within the recessed portion.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a main body frame; an image formation section contained in the main body frame that forms an image on a recording medium; an ejection mechanism contained in the main body frame that ejects the recording medium on which an image has been formed to an ejection section on the upper surface of the main body frame; an image scanning device mounted on the ejection section that scans the image of a document; and an operation section provided on the upstream side in the ejection direction of the recording medium in the ejection section that operates the image scanning device; wherein sides and the backside of the ejection section being opened viewed from the operation section side.

Abstract: A light scanning unit assembly, an electrophotographic image forming apparatus including the light scanning unit assembly, and a method of adjusting a scanning line skew. The light scanning unit assembly includes a frame, a primary light scanning unit and at least one secondary light scanning unit each being mounted to the frame to scan a corresponding beam, and a skew adjuster to adjust a scanning line skew of the at least one secondary light scanning unit to equal a scanning line skew of the primary light scanning unit. In the light scanning unit assembly, the skew adjuster includes at least one side to project out from at least one side of the at least one secondary light scanning unit, at least one adjusting screw to connect the at least one side projection with the frame, and at least one elastic member interposed between the at least one side projection and the frame.