Abstract: An image-forming apparatus, and a method thereof, that transfers the toner image formed on the photoreceptor to an intermediate transfer belt in a first transfer area during a first transfer. When the first transfers of prescribed toner images to the intermediate transfer belt are completed, the intermediate transfer belt transfers the toner images obtained in the first transfers from the intermediate transfer belt to a recording medium in a second transfer area during a second transfer. Moreover, the area of the intermediate transfer belt that is susceptible to creep buckling (the `creep buckling risk area`) is prevented from passing through the first transfer area during the first transfer, thereby improving the image formation.

Abstract: A color image forming apparatus provides the prolonged life of the photosensitive drums, carrier belt, and toner of the respective colors and improves the quality of the printed color image. A carrier belt transports a recording medium placed thereon so that the recording medium passes through a plurality of printing mechanisms which print images of different colors on the recording medium in superposition. Each printing mechanism prints an image of a corresponding color. The printing mechanism is adapted to be moved into its operative position where the photosensitive drum of the printing mechanism is in contact with the carrier belt to print the image on the recording medium, and into its non-operative position where the photosensitive drum of the printing mechanism is not in contact with the carrier belt.

Abstract: Disclosed is a color image forming apparatus in which a plurality of developed images superposed one upon the other are transferred onto a recording medium. The transfer capability of the developing agent is improved by using a first developing agent containing a additive having a small average particle diameter, followed by using a second developing agent containing a second additive having a large average particle diameter larger. Alternatively, a first developing agent containing a first toner having a small roundness is used first, followed by using a second developing agent containing a second toner having a large roundness. Still alternatively, a first developing agent containing a small amount of a first additive is used first, followed by using a second developing agent containing a large amount of a second additive.

Abstract: A color image forming device that can suppress the occurrence of a transfer positional shift due to a variation in velocity of the drive system as low as possible even when the distance between image transfer points of each color varies. In the color image forming device, after a position of a first image transfer point and the position of the second image transfer point are decided so that the distance between the first image transfer point and the second image transfer point is equal to an integral multiple of a reference length corresponding to the velocity variation period of the drive system, positions of image transfer points on the lower side than the second image transfer point are sequentially decided from the upper side of the conveying path according to the following procedures. The temporary position of an i (.gtoreq.3) -th image transfer point is decided.

Abstract: In a color image forming apparatus, a plurality of image forming units 3Y, 3M, 3C and 3K, which correspond to a plurality of colors and with each unit including a developing device and a photosensitive drum, are retained so as to define a cylinder.

Abstract: A color image forming method and apparatus of the electrophotographic type with a plurality of liquid developing devices. In a plurality of liquid developing devices accommodating liquid developer comprising colored microparticles dispersed in an electrically insulated fluid medium are used to form toner images of different colors, which are electrostatically transferred and overlaid one over another on a transfer medium to produce an overlaid toner image. The color image forming method and apparatus providing excellent overlay transfer characteristics for toner images transferred to a transfer medium.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus including an image carrier, an image data storing device for storing image data, a latent image forming device for forming a first latent image on the image carrier in a state of negative image of said image data and for forming a second latent image on a copy sheet or the like in a state of a positive and mirror image of the image data. The image forming apparatus further includes a developing device for negatively developing the first latent image with toner, a feeding device for synchronously feeding the sheet with rotation of the image carrier toward a toner transfer station of the image carrier and a toner image transfer device for transferring the toner image onto the second latent image carried on the sheet or the like at the toner transfer station to superimpose the toner image on the second latent image.

Abstract: A color electrophotographic printer (100) having a vertical photoreceptor belt (111) and a horizontal transfer belt (120) at the top of the printer. The result is a "T-shape" belt-to-belt toner transfer configuration with a top-side paper path. Color developer cartridges (117) are vertically stacked along one side of the photoreceptor belt (111) and an oversized black developer cartridge (116) is placed on the other side.

Abstract: An image forming method for forming a color image having a high glossiness without deteriorating graininess, color reproducibility, and offset resistance utilizes a transparent toner in addition to color toners and varies an amount of developed transparent toner based on the surface roughness of a transfer material such as an average surface roughness obtained from ten values. It is preferable to control the amount of developed transparent toner so that the amount of developed transparent toner M, the surface roughness Rz and specific gravity W of the transparent toner satisfy the following equation:0.15.multidot.Rz.multidot.W.gtoreq.M.gtoreq.0.06.multidot.Rz.multidot.Win which M is an amount of developed transparent toner (mg/cm.sup.2) and corresponds to a weight of the developed transparent toner per unit area on a photosensitive member of a solid image, Rz is an average surface roughness (mm) obtained from ten values and W is a specific gravity of toner (g/cm).

Abstract: An image forming apparatus having an image carrying member bearing an electrostatic image wherein the electrostatic image is visualized into a toner image by a developing device. The image carrying member is arranged for transferring the toner image to an intermediate transfer element while the image carrying member and intermediate transfer element are moving at a usual speed corresponding to the speed of movement of the image carrying member during toner image development. Multiple such toner images of different colors may be transferred in this manner to form multi-color images superimposed on the intermediate transfer element for subsequent transfer to a recording medium, usually paper.

Abstract: An improved electrostatographic color printing apparatus includes an exposure unit for forming successive electrostatic latent images on the surface of a recording member in the form of an endless belt, a developing station for sequentially developing the electrostatic latent images to form toner images on the belt, and a transfer zone having electrostatic transfer stations for sequentially transferring the toner images from the belt in superposition onto a receptor sheet fed through the transfer stations while in contact with a belt section therein to produce a multicolour duplex image.

Abstract: A color forming image apparatus for forming a multicolor image by forming an image of each color including a transfer member holder for retaining a plurality of transfer members. The image former forms the image on the transfer member based on an image signal from an external source. A detector detects information relating to a status of the transfer member held in the transfer member holder and sends the information to the external source.

Abstract: In order to make a color image forming device compact in size, two color recording units are disposed in one side of an intermediate transfer body and another two color recording units are disposed in opposite side thereof. The two recording unit in each side are aligned vertically in close proximity to the intermediate transfer body which has a surface on which color toner image is deposited by the respective recording units. The toner image is then transferred onto and thermally fixed on an image recording medium.

Abstract: The present invention provides an image forming apparatus having an image bearing member for bearing an image, and a transfer material bearing member for bearing a transfer material to which the image is transferred from the image bearing member, and wherein volume resistivity of the transfer material bearing member is 10.sup.14 .OMEGA.cm or more, and surface resistivity of upper and lower surfaces of the transfer material bearing member is 10.sup.7 to 10.sup.13 .OMEGA./.quadrature..

Abstract: An apparatus for forming an image on a sheet member includes a photoreceptor drum on which a first toner image and a second toner image are separately formed; an image carrying belt on which the second toner image is transferred from the photoreceptor drum; a first transfer device to transfer the first toner image from the photoreceptor drum to a first side of the sheet member; a second transfer device to transfer the second toner image from the image carrying belt to the other side of the sheet member; and a cleaner capable of being brought in contact with anal separated from the image carrying belt. The cleaner is brought in contact with the image carrying belt after the first toner image is transferred from the photoreceptor drum to the first side of the sheet member.

Abstract: A method of producing an instrument face having functional indicia thereon (such as a clock face dial, thermometer face, etc.), allows high quality, multicolor instrument faces to be produced in a cost effective manner even for small runs (e.g. 1-500 units). The instrument face is created in a computer in electronic format, and the computer transmits electronic signals to a color photocopier, to control it to print the instrument face on a sheet of paper. The sheet of paper may be laminated to a more rigid sheet, e. g. styrene, cardboard, acrylic or plexiglass, and then an instrument face of the appropriate geometric shape and size is cut from the sheet material. The face is assembled with other functional components to produce an operable instrument. The cutting is preferably practiced automatically utilizing a laser cutter under the control of the computer. A scanner or CD ROM may be utilized for inputting data into the computer.

Abstract: A double-sided image forming method is disclosed which comprising; a first image primary transfer step (A) for transferring a first image (T1) carried by a first image carrier (1) to a first intermediate transfer member (2); a second image primary transfer step (B) for transferring a second image (T2) carried by a second image carrier (3) to a second intermediate transfer member (4); and a secondary image transfer step (C) for secondarily transferring the primarily transferred images (T1) and (T2) from the respective intermediate transfer members (2) and (4) to both sides of recording material (5), in the area where the first intermediate transfer material (2) and the second intermediate transfer material (4) come into contact with or in proximity to each other.

Abstract: A toner for full-color development for use in a developing system of a full-color image forming apparatus which comprises a binder resin having a glass transition point Tg of from 60.degree. to 75.degree. C., a number-average molecular weight Mn of from 3500 to 6000, a ratio of a weight-average molecular weight Mw to the number-average molecular weight Mn (Mw/Mn) ranging from 3 to 8, and a difference between a temperature T.sub.1 at the apparent melt viscosity of 1.times.10.sup.5 poise and a temperature T.sub.2 at the apparent melt viscosity of 1.times.10.sup.6 poise DT (=T.sub.1 -t.sub.2) in the range of from 8.degree. to 15.degree. C.

Abstract: A multicolor image forming apparatus of the present invention includes a first image forming condition controller for reducing the amount of toner to deposit on a photoconductive element, and therefore the amount of toner to deposit on character images. This reduces the fall of a transfer electric field ascribable to a toner layer. After an upstream image forming devices with respect to the direction of rotation of the photoconductive element has formed a toner image on the element, a second image forming condition controller again charges the toner image before transfer by use of a charger included in a downstream image forming device. This increases the amount of charge to deposit on the toner image without resorting to any extra device. A third image forming condition controller means increases a voltage or a current to be applied to a contact type transfer device, thereby enhancing desirable transfer of the toner image.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus comprises an image bearing member for bearing an image, an image forming means for forming the image on the image bearing member, a movable member which can be shifted along a transfer station of the image bearing member and onto which a first image and a second image on the image bearing member are successively transferred in a superimposed fashion, and a shifting speed switching means for switching a shifting speed of the movable member between a first shifting speed during a transferring operation and a second shifting speed slower than the first shifting speed, after the first image was transferred to the movable member and before the second image is transferred onto the movable member.

Abstract: An image recording apparatus comprises an image carrier (1); a latent image forming means (2); a plurality of developing means (3: 3a, 3b, 3c and 3d); a transfer drum (5) having a sheet holding surface (A); a transfer means (6); a sheet feed means (11); a sheet type discriminating means (12) for discriminating whether or not the surface rigidity of the recording sheet (4) stacked on the sheet feed means (11) is higher than the reference surface rigidity; a curl deforming means (14) arranged in a conveyance passage of the recording sheet (4) from the sheet feed means (11) to the transfer drum (5), for forcibly curling the recording sheet (4) in accordance with a radius of curvature of the transfer drum (5) when it is discriminated by the sheet type discriminating means (12) that the recording sheet (4) is highly rigid; a sheet holding control means (19) for holding the recording sheet (4) on the same sheet holding surface (A) of the transfer drum (5) irrespective of the result of discrimination conducted by th

Abstract: A five cycle color electrophotographic printing architecture in which the transfer station is located downstream of the cleaning station.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a rotary image forming body; a charger provided around the image forming body for charging the image forming body; a plurality of imagewise exposure devices for imagewise exposing the charged image forming body to form respective latent images thereon; and a plurality of developing devices for developing the respective latent images formed on the image forming body to form respective toner images. A plurality of different color toner images thus formed by the respective chargers, the respective imagewise exposure devices and the respective developing devices are superimposed on the image forming body, thereby a color toner image is formed. The image forming apparatus further includes a transfer device for transferring the color toner image on the image forming body onto a transfer member; a cleaning device for removing a residual toner on the image forming body; a support member for supporting the plurality of exposure devices.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming a color image is disclosed which provide simply and stably color duplicates of high accuracy and high quality without color shear and color images excellent in storage stability. A method of forming color images comprising applying a compound (S) which contains a fluorine atom and/or silicon atom to the surface of electrophotographic light-sensitive element, forming a peelable transfer layer on the surface of electrophotographic light-sensitive element, forming at least one color toner image by an electrophotographic process on the transfer layer and transferring the toner image together with the transfer layer to a receiving material and an apparatus used therefor are disclosed.

Abstract: An electrostatographic printing apparatus is provided, suited for single-pass sequential multi-color duplex printing, characterized in that the printing proceeds by depositing and fixing toner particles on a final substrate (1) in web form. The apparatus includes two printing systems arranged in succession on opposite sides of the final substrate (1). Each of the printing systems includes an intermediate rotatable toner-receiving member (3), a device for rotationally driving the intermediate toner-receiving member (3), a device for superimposing color separation images in registration on the intermediate toner-receiving member (3), and a device for simultaneously transferring the superposed color separation images from the intermediate toner-receiving member (3) onto the final substrate (1).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming a desired image on a receiver are disclosed. The method comprises transferring marking toner particles from an intermediate transfer member to a receiver in the presence of an electric field which urges the marking toner particles toward the receiver. When transferring the marking toner particles to the intermediate transfer member, the surface of the intermediate transfer member contacts non-marking toner particles in some areas which receive marking toner particles. The intermediate transfer member comprises a blanket layer having a Young's modulus of about 10.sup.8 Newtons/m.sup.2 or less.

Abstract: A method of developing an electrostatic latent image produced on a surface of a movable intermediate carrier by electrically-charged dielectric color particles which are transported through a gap between the surface of the intermediate carrier and a surface of a developing device includes loosely filling most of the gap with color particles, and successively producing, along the transport path of the color particles through the gap, the following voltage differences between the surface of the developing device and non-image regions on the surface of the intermediate carrier: a first voltage difference substantially equal to zero, so that the color particles are not electrostatically attracted or repelled, in substance, by the surface of the developing device and by the non-image regions, respectively; a second voltage difference providing an electric field between the surface of the developing device and the non-image regions, the color particles in the non-image regions being completely separated from the su

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing high quality folded greeting cards or the like is described as is a package of receiver sheet stock used for making such cards. A toned image is formed on an image supporting member using preferably an electrostatographic recording apparatus. A discrete receiver sheet is fed into engagement with the image supporting member to transfer the image to the receiver sheet. The receiver sheet is of a card stock of the type having a weight of no less than 28# bond. The grain of the sheet is in the grain short direction and the receiver sheet is fed into transfer relationship with the image supporting member by movement of the sheet in a direction coincident with the direction of the longer edges of the sheet. The receiver sheet is further characterized by one or more scoring lines which extend generally parallel to and intermediate the shorter edges of the sheet to facilitate folding of the receiver sheet after formation of an image thereon.

Abstract: A system of improved duplex color printing by reducing copy sheet feeding jams due to first side color printing sheet curl by feeding and printing a first plural color image on a first side of a copy sheet with the copy sheet in a first orientation, then automatically rotating the copy sheet by 90 degrees from the first orientation into a second orientation and feeding and printing a second plural color image on the second side of the copy sheet with the copy sheet in the second orientation. Additionally disclosed is, in coordination therewith, automatically rotating the image for the second side of the copy sheet by 90 degrees from the first plural color image for the printing of the second plural color image on the second side of the copy sheet with the copy sheet in the second orientation, so that commonly oriented images are provided on the first and second sides of the copy sheet. The first printing pass orientation of the copy sheet may be long edge first, and the second short edge first.

Abstract: A digital copying machine provided with a device for forming color images by the formation, superposition of the images for each color in the order of the color face including a device for coding, compressing of a plurality of image signals separated in color by one page portion of the document so as to store in memory, a device for decoding, extending a plurality of compressed image signals stored in the memory, a color correcting device for converting a plurality of extended image signals into the color image signals for image formation so as to make the memory capacity smaller.

Abstract: First and second toner images are formed electrophotographically on first and second photoconductive imaging members, respectively. The first toner image is transferred to the second photoconductive image member in registration with the second toner image to form a combined toner image which may be in two colors. To improve the transfer between the two photoconductive image members, at least one of the photoconductive image members is preferably compliant.

Abstract: While a holding unit to hold a recording material is rotated at a first rotational speed, an image is recorded on the recording material held. The image on the recording material is fixed by a fixing unit. A fixing speed of the image formed is changed in accordance with the recording material such as normal paper, thick paper, OHP sheet, or the like. In an image forming apparatus according to the invention, after the image was recorded to the recording material on the holding means which is rotated at the first rotational speed, the rotational speed of the holding means is changed to a rotational speed corresponding to a fixing speed. After that, the recording material is separated from the holding unit and is conveyed to a fixing unit which is provided near the holding unit.

Abstract: A color image forming method which comprises forming a mono-color or multi-color toner image on an electrophotographic photoreceptor having a releasing surface by an electrophotographic process; forming a releasable transfer layer on the photoreceptor having the toner image formed thereon; transferring the toner image together with the transfer layer onto a primary receptor; and transferring the toner image together with the transfer layer from the primary receptor onto the final receiving material, and an apparatus for carrying out the image forming method.

Abstract: A method of forming a color image comprising providing a first peelable transfer layer 12 on an electrophotographic light-sensitive element 11 whose surface has releasability, forming one or more color toner images 3 on the first transfer layer by a conventional electrophotographic process, further forming a second transfer layer 13 on the toner images 3, and transferring the toner images 3 together with the first transfer layer 12 and the second transfer layer 13 to a receiving material 16 is disclosed. The method is excellent in transferability of toner image and provides simply and stably color images of high accuracy and high quality without color shear. The transfer layer has good releasability from an electrophotographic light-sensitive element and good adhesion to a receiving material. A color duplicate formed has good retouching property, sealing property and storage stability.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an image bearing member; recording material carrying member for carrying a recording material, wherein the recording material carried on the recording material carrying member is urged to the image bearing member while an image on the image bearing member is transferred, in a transfer station, onto the recording material carried on the recording material carrying member; a rotary fixing member which is coated with a parting agent, and is contacted with an unfixed image on the recording material; and a backup member for forming a nip in conjunction with the rotary fixing member, wherein the recording material is conveyed through the nip to fix the image onto the recording material; wherein after fixing the image on the first surface of the recording material, the apparatus is capable of forming the image on the second surface, which is the opposite surface to the first surface and a separating device for separating the image bearing member and the recording material carrying

Abstract: An apparatus for producing a color image on a sheet member including an electrographic master having a representative of at least two color components of the color image. A transfer system is provided for transferring at least two color components of the color image from the electrographic master to a sheet member. A development system is provided for sequentially developing said at least two color components of the color image in a predetermined alignment on the electrographic master.

Abstract: A color electrophotographic apparatus for forming color images has advantages of compact and simple construction, easy positioning of an exposure position and easy inspection. The apparatus includes a plurality of rotatable image forming units corresponding to the number of colors, each of the units including a pivotable photosensitive member on which a toner image is formed and a developing device containing a color toner. The apparatus further includes an exposure device for exposing a toner image by emitting a signal light from outside of the image forming units and a mirror for reflecting the signal light to an exposure position, the mirror being placed in the neighbor of a rotation axis.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an electrophotographic photosensitive member; a charger for charging the photosensitive member to form an electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive member; an exposure device for exposing the photosensitive member to image light; a developing device for developing the latent image with toner; a transfer member contactable to the photosensitive member at a transfer position, the transfer member comprising an electrically conductive base, a high resistance surface layer, and a low resistance or intermediate resistance conductive layer between the conductive base and the surface layer; and transfer voltage applying device for applying a transfer voltage to the transfer member; wherein Ws>Wt>Wp>W1 is satisfied, where Ws is a width of a photosensitive layer measured in a direction perpendicular to a movement direction of the photosensitive member, W1 is an image exposure width of the exposure device, Wp is a width of a transfer material usable with the image form

Abstract: An image forming apparatus has an image bearing member bearing images thereon and movable, and a transfer medium bearing member provided in pressure contact with the image bearing member and bearing a transfer medium thereon and rotatable. The transfer medium bearing member has a sheet member for bearing the transfer medium thereon, and an elastic layer supporting that area of the sheet member bearing the transfer medium thereon from the inside of the sheet member. A voltage is applied to the transfer medium bearing member to transfer the images on the image bearing member to the transfer medium born on the sheet member. The sheet member has an area not fixed to the elastic layer. The transfer medium bearing member is rotated with a potential difference created between the image bearing member and the sheet member before the operation of transferring the images on the image bearing member to the transfer medium born on the sheet member is started.

Abstract: This invention relates to a color image forming apparatus for forming a color image with dry developer, capable of preventing deterioration of image quality, resulting from contamination of optical components by the non-magnetic developer scattered from the developing unit. For this purpose there are provided, along the moving direction of an image bearing member effecting endless movement, charging means, optical means, first developing means utilizing developer containing a magnetic component, second developing means utilizing non-magnetic developer of a color different from that of the developer of the first developing means, and transfer means maintained in contact with or close to the image bearing member for transferring a developed image from the image bearing member to a recording material such as paper. A space containing the second developing means is enclosed by the shape of the first developing means, transfer means and image bearing member.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes image bearing member or members for bearing an image; charging member for sequentially charging a surface of the image bearing member or members to form an image thereon; a voltage source for applying an oscillating voltage to the charging member, the oscillating voltage including a first frequency and a second frequency which is different from the first frequency during charging by the charging member.

Abstract: A rear end plate having openings is bonded to a rear end portion of a transfer film through urethane sponge. To attach the rear end portion of the transfer film to a coupling member of a frame of a transfer material carrying body, restricting portions of respective restricting members are fixed to the coupling member through the respective openings of the rear end plate. The restricting portions of the restricting members abut the top face of the rear end plate so as to restrict a radial movement of the rear end plate and allow its circumferential movement.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an image carrier for carrying an image, and a transfer medium bearing member for bearing and conveying a transfer medium to a transfer unit of said image carrier. The transfer medium bearing member is able to bear multiple transfer media concurrently. The apparatus includes transfer device for transferring the image of the image carrier onto the transfer medium borne on the transfer medium bearing member in the transfer unit, and a plurality of transfer media capable of being borne on the transfer medium bearing member concurrently, wherein in consecutively transferring the image onto the transfer media of the number not divisible by the maximum sheet bearing number by which said transfer medium bearing member is capable of bearing the transfer media concurrently.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a scanner to scan an image of an original, a reading unit such as an image pickup device to read the image of the original which is scanned by the scanner, a memory to store the image of the original read by the reading unit, an image forming unit to form a visible image onto a recording medium on the basis of the image signal from the reading unit and the image signal from the memory, a holding member which can hold a plurality of transfer sheets and is used to transfer the visible image formed on the recording medium onto the transfer sheets held, and a controller for controlling in a manner such that in case of transferring the same image onto each of the plurality of transfer sheets, the plurality of transfer sheets are held to the holding member at irregular intervals and the visible image is formed for the first transfer sheet on the basis of the image signal from the reading unit and the visible image is formed for the second and subsequent transfer sheets on the bas

Abstract: A method of reproducing multiplex images wherein an electrostatic image is formed on an image retainer by using a common electrostatic image forming device, the electrostatic image formed on the image retainer is developed, the steps of the above are repeated to superpose a plurality of toner images on the image retainer, and the toner images is transferred on a recording paper by one step. The developings other than the first time developing are carried out in such a manner that the surface of a developer layer on a developer feeding carrier does not contact with the surface of the toner image on the image retainer.