Abstract: A medium holding apparatus detachably is attached to a medium feeding section of an image forming apparatus. A supporting section supports the medium thereon. A side guide is mounted to the supporting section. The side guide extends in a direction parallel to a first direction in which the medium is advanced to the medium feeding section, and is movable in a second direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction. The side guide abuts the side edge of the medium to guide the medium toward the medium feeding section. A guide unit is mounted to the supporting section, and holds the medium in a gently curved position. When the medium is fed to the image forming apparatus, the guide unit guides the medium to the supporting section.

Abstract: A sheet reverse conveyance device has a control part which controls so that the forward conveyance rotation member pair is set into a contact condition and the reverse conveyance rotation member pair is set into a detachment condition until a rear edge of the sheet which has entered the reverse conveyance path and is conveyed by the forward conveyance rotation member pair passes through an entrance of the discharge path, and in order to convey the sheet to the discharge path by the reverse conveyance rotation member pair, the forward conveyance rotation member pair is set into the detachment condition and the reverse conveyance rotation member pair is set into the contact condition after the rear edge of the sheet conveyed by the forward conveyance rotation member pair passed through the entrance of the discharge path.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus is disclosed that includes a substantially flat top face and a slanted front face, the bottom side of which recedes backward. The image forming apparatus may includes a paper discharge tray disposed at a lower portion of the slanted front face, the paper discharge tray protruding forward. The paper discharge tray may be tiltable upward and downward. Because the bottom side of the slanted front face recedes backward, the flat top face can be provided, and simultaneously, enough space for the feeding and discharging of paper can be secured.

Abstract: A sheet processing apparatus of the invention has: an ejecting unit that is capable of receiving a sheet on which a toner image has been heated and fixed, and ejecting the sheet for a predetermined normal ejecting time; and a processing unit that processes the sheet ejected by the ejecting unit according to obtained sheet information, wherein the ejecting unit ejects the sheet for an ejecting time longer than the normal ejecting time.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a scanner section, an image forming section, and a functional unit. The scanner section is configured to read image information by scanning an image bearing side of a document sheet. The image forming section is located above or below the scanner section with a space section provided therebetween and is configured to perform image formation processing on a recording medium based on the image information read. The space section has at least one open vertical side. The functional unit is removably fitted into the space section through the open side.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus including an image reading portion operable to read an image on an original, to obtain image information, an image-information outputting portion operable to output the image information to an external device, an image recording portion operable to record an image on a recording medium, on the basis of the image information obtained by the image reading portion, an original-size specifying portion operable to specify a size of the original, a recording-medium-size obtaining portion operable to obtain a size of the, recording medium, and an image-reading-area setting portion operable to set an image reading area of the image reading portion, on the basis of the size of the original specified by the original-size specifying portion, upon operation of the image-information outputting portion, and to set the image reading area, on the basis of the size of the recording medium obtained by the recording-medium-size obtaining portion, upon operation of the image recording portion.

Abstract: In an image forming device comprising an image forming part forming an image on a recording sheet, a sheet ejection part provided above the image forming part and stacking the recording sheet on which the image is formed by the image forming part, and an image reading part provided above the sheet ejection part and reading an image of an original document, the sheet ejection part is provided with a cover which is capable of being opened or closed to the sheet ejection part.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a housing formed with a discharge port, a printing device mounted in the housing, a discharge reverse unit to reversely move paper passing through the printing device, and a discharge unit to convey the paper, moving reversely by the discharge reverse unit, to the discharge port. The discharge reverse unit includes a guide member to guide the paper passing through the printing device to the discharge unit, and a lifting part to lift the guide member up and down. The image forming apparatus can prevent jams in a paper discharge device even when increasing a discharge speed in a discharge path, through which a printed printing medium is discharged in such a state that a printed surface of the printing medium is directed in a down direction.

Abstract: Disclosed is an image forming system comprising: an image forming device; a post-processing device comprising a sheet ejection tray; and an operating section to select either a producing mode for prioritizing a productivity of an image forming or a loading mode for prioritizing a loading accuracy of printing sheets, wherein the producing mode and the loading mode are operation modes for a series of operation from the image forming performed by the image forming device until a loading of the printing sheets for which the image forming is performed, on the sheet ejection tray by the post-processing device.

Abstract: An image-forming device includes: a main device body; a plurality of process cartridges; a fixing unit; a tray; a switchback conveying path; and a reverse conveying unit. The plurality of process cartridges are detachably mounted in the main device body. The process cartridges are arranged in a row in the main device body when the process cartridges are mounted in the main device body. Each process cartridge has an image-carrying member that transfers a developer image carried thereon to a sheet by opposing the sheet. The fixing unit is provided in the main device body and fixes the developer image to the sheet after the image has been transferred thereto. The tray is provided in the main device body and supports the sheet after the developer image has been fixed thereon. The switchback conveying path is provided in the main device body and guides the sheet from the fixing unit to the tray, while switching a conveying direction of the sheet.

Abstract: A paper-discharging guide unit for guiding a printing paper to be discharged outside a wet electrophotographic image forming apparatus and for absorbing volatile organic compound gases soaked in the printing paper comprises a guide frame forming a discharge passage for the printing paper, a plurality of guide ribs formed in pairs of slanted lines symmetrical with respect to a centerline of the discharge direction of the printing paper of the guide frame inside the guide frame and guiding the printing paper, and an air-absorbing portion disposed below the guide frame and absorbing air from a plurality of spaces between the guide frame and the plurality of guide ribs.

Abstract: In a recording medium output apparatus that is assembled to an image forming apparatus and outputs a sheet-like recording medium being transported onto a stack tray on which recording media are stacked, the recording medium output apparatus includes an output unit and a drive unit. The output unit is free to move in a recording medium width direction intersecting the transport direction of the recording medium being transported and outputs the recording medium toward the stack tray at a position higher than that of the stack tray, and the drive unit moves the output unit in the recording medium width direction before and after the trail edge of the recording medium to be output from the output unit leaves the output unit.

Abstract: A medium ejection device includes an ejection member, a stacking member and a rib. The ejection member ejects a medium toward a medium ejection direction. The stacking member stacks the medium ejected from the ejection member. The rib is disposed in a substantially up and down direction, and is contacted by a tailing end of the medium ejected from the ejection member. The rib includes a convex portion protruding toward the stacking member in an upper portion thereof.

Abstract: An image-forming apparatus includes a first sheet output tray, an image-reading unit, and an image-forming unit provided below the image-reading unit. The image-reading unit and the image-forming unit form a sheet output space in which the first sheet output tray is provided, and the first sheet output tray includes a top board and a retractable plate provided on a top surface of the image-forming unit. The image-forming apparatus in accordance with the present invention is capable of enhancing sheet alignment capabilities in the case where only a single sheet output tray is used, providing additional sheet output trays having a layer structure, and further providing a sheet-transporting unit.

Abstract: An ejection tray includes a container that contains a recording sheet printed by a printing unit of an image forming apparatus, and a cover mounted on the container. The cover has a display for displaying information, and the display displays an information screen corresponding to information that can be printed on the recording sheet.

Abstract: A charge neutralization according to one aspect of the invention is equipped with a charge neutralization which performs charge removal as it is brought in close proximity to or into contact with a major surface of a sheet when the sheet passes it in moving in a prescribed first direction, and escape portions located at edge confronting positions of the charge neutralization that are to be opposed to edges of the sheet in a second direction that crosses the first direction, for reducing abrasion due to contact with the sheet.

Abstract: A data reading apparatus for reading and/or scanning data from a first and second scanned medium comprising a first transportation path P1, along which the first scanned medium is conveyed and a second transportation path P2, along which the second scanned medium is conveyed and wherein the first and second transportation paths each have a common mutually shared middle transportation path through which both scanned media must pass and a common data reader reading data from each scanned medium respectively. Checks S are conveyed on the first transportation path P1, cards C are conveyed on the second transportation path P2 at a different transportation height from that of the first transportation path P1 with data read from the respective media as they are being conveyed. Because the transportation heights differ, scanned media can be transported on different transportation paths without involving special switching devices.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a cover member that is capable of being opened and closed, wherein the cover member includes a discharge tray that is capable of holding printed recording medium, and an automatic document reader that is provided above the discharge tray, wherein when the cover member is opened to a predetermined position, the automatic document reader supports the printed recording medium placed on the discharge tray so that the printed recording medium does not fall therefrom when the cover member is open.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a children's copying machine for copying two- and three-dimensional objects. The copy machine includes a slidable art tray for receiving two dimensional objects and or creative drawing on an erasable surface. The art tray surface is supported on springs and depressible for further receiving three dimensional objects. Special effects are provided such as image storage into memory, combining of selected images for printing, warping of images and overlay functions. A spin tray is further incorporated into the art tray for providing rotational motion to objects during the copying process.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus, an image forming system, and a control method therefor. The image forming apparatus includes at least one tray, a manual feed tray, a setting unit to set the at least one tray and the manual feed tray to be out of search, an acquiring unit to acquire tray information of the at least one tray when the at least one tray is set to be subject to the search and of the manual feed tray irrespective of whether the manual feed tray is set to be out of search upon receipt of an acquisition request from a request source, and a reporting unit to report the tray information to the request source.

Abstract: A sheet processing apparatus that performs processing for sheets such as sorting or stapling of the sheets after image formation includes a motor that controls a rotating position of a sheet pushing member. When a leading end of a sheet passes, after the leading end of the sheet reaches a pivoting roller, a rotating position of the sheet pushing member is controlled according to a conveyance condition during the passage of a trailing end of the sheet. The sheet pushing member is rotated and, when the trailing end of the sheet passes, the sheet is conveyed while a charge removing brush is pressed against the sheet.

Abstract: An image-forming apparatus includes a body casing having on upper surface thereof a paper ejection tray on which a sheet of paper ejected after formation of an image is stacked; a side cover capable of opening and closing a side surface of the body casing on the downstream side in the direction of ejection of the sheet of paper so as to cover the side surface of the body casing; and an extension tray being attached to an upper portion of the side cover. The extension tray is capable of extending to the downstream side in the direction of ejection of the sheet of paper with respect to the paper ejection tray so as to support an end portion of the sheet of paper.

Abstract: An image-forming apparatus includes a body casing having on upper surface thereof a paper ejection tray on which a sheet of paper ejected after formation of an image is stacked; a side cover capable of opening and closing a side surface of the body casing on the downstream side in the direction of ejection of the sheet of paper so as to cover the side surface of the body casing; and an extension tray being attached to an upper portion of the side cover. The extension tray is capable of extending to the downstream side in the direction of ejection of the sheet of paper with respect to the paper ejection tray so as to support an end portion of the sheet of paper.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus is disclosed wherein an image reading portion is provided in spaced relationship with a top surface of an image forming portion. Further, in the apparatus: a supporting column portion is standingly provided on the image forming portion for supporting the image reading portion in a cantilevered manner; a tubular duct portion is provided inside the supporting column portion with an axial direction being substantially a vertical direction; an exhaust port is provided at the supporting column portion for exhausting air of the duct portion; and an intake port is provided below the exhaust port for delivering air from inside the image forming portion to the duct portion.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus ejects the sheet to witch image processing unit perform to an ejection tray or a staple stacker by a pair of ejection rollers and the like. A sheet path for guiding the sheet to the ejection rollers is opened and closed in conjunction with slide movement of the ejection tray when the ejection tray is attached to a main body of the apparatus, and the sheet path is opened and closed in conjunction with the slide movement of a staple stacker when the staple stacker is attached to the main body of the apparatus.

Abstract: A multi-functional peripheral device is provided including a printing unit which develops images that are read from a document. A scanning unit is installed on the printing unit so as to rotate and read document images of the document. A loading unit loads the printing media and includes a plurality of portions configured to separate from each other when the scanning unit rotates.

Abstract: An exit tray of an image forming apparatus having printing and scanning functions is adapted to stackably receive sheets of printed paper and scanned documents exiting from the body. The exit tray is insertable in and removable from the body of the image forming apparatus. The exit tray includes a first plate that is insertable in the body. A second plate is separable from the first plate by a predetermined distance, and may approach the first plate. Printed sheets of paper exiting from the body are stacked on either the first plate or the second plate. Scanned documents exiting from the body are stacked on the plate not receiving the printed sheets of paper.

Abstract: A sheet-discharging device includes an upper discharging roller, a lower discharging roller, and a protruding member. The protruding member allows discharging of a sheet to outside from the nip between the upper discharging roller and the lower discharging roller, and prevents taking-in of a sheet that has already been discharged.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus comprising a main body having a copy function of printing an image read from a document on a paper sheet, a printer function of printing an externally input image on a paper sheet, and a paper ejection port to eject a printed paper sheet. The apparatus also includes a paper ejection unit which has a first tray and a second tray for receiving a paper sheet ejected from the paper ejection port, and moves the trays selectively to the positions corresponding to the paper ejection port. The apparatus also includes a control panel for setting an operating condition of the apparatus, and a state key provided on the control panel and configured to operate when holding the trays at current positions.

Abstract: An image formation device includes an image formation unit, a paper feed unit, a paper discharge unit and a guide unit. The image formation unit prints an image on a recording paper conveyed along an image formation path. The paper feed unit feeds the recording paper to the image formation unit along a paper feed path. The paper discharge unit discharges the recording paper along a paper discharge path. The guide unit is disposed adjacent to a branching point where the paper feed path and the paper discharge path diverge. The guide unit includes a first guide portion and second guide portion. The first guide portion is disposed above the paper feed path and below the paper discharge path and guides the recording paper along the paper feed path and the paper discharge path. The second guide portion is disposed above the paper discharge path and guides the recording paper along the paper discharge path. The first guide portion and the second guide portion are formed integrally.

Abstract: This invention relates to a cover attached to an output device that is connected to an imaging device. The purpose for this cover is to avoid output motion and media movement detection in high security areas, such as banks, insurance companies or the like. Such structures of this type, generally, provide an alert mechanism to the imaging device to forward the printed output to the covered output device.

Abstract: The color image forming apparatus comprises a transfer belt device which feeds a transfer member such as a paper and a plurality of image forming units. The image forming units are disposed facing toward the transfer belt device. The transfer belt device, at least in a portion in which the image forming units have been disposed, is arranged such that it is inclined with respect to the ground. Each of the image forming unit forms a desired image and sequentially transfers the formed image on the transfer member fed by the transfer belt device.

Abstract: A recording device includes a feed tray for storing sheets, a first conveying path, an arm having one end attached to a pivot, and a roller attached to the other end of the arm. The roller feeds the sheet to the first conveying path. A recording unit is positioned in the first conveying path, and records an image onto the sheet. The recording device also includes a second conveying path between the pivot and the feed tray, and a path changing unit. The path changing unit moves between a first position, where it discharges the sheet, and a second position, where it conveys the sheet to the second conveying path. The arm moves between a third position where the roller contacts the sheets in the feed tray, and a fourth position where the roller is above the second conveying path.

Abstract: A drive unit for changing the driving rate of paper ejection rollers for ejecting sheets of paper after fixing is installed, and an image forming apparatus has an option, and when ejecting the sheets of paper to an intra-body paper ejection unit, after the sheets of paper pass a fixing device, the paper ejection rate of paper ejection rollers 24 is increased, and the ejection force of the sheets of paper P is increased, and paper jamming at the time of paper ejection to the intra-body paper ejection unit is prevented.

Abstract: A post-processing apparatus includes: a compile tray; a post-processing member; a stacker tray; a sheet conveying path including a discharging path, a waiting path and a discharging-path switching member; a sheet conveying member; an one-end alignment medium conveying member; a discharging member; and a discharging-member controlling section.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a reverse conveyance path, a straight conveyance path, a duplex conveyance path, and two branch boards. The reverse conveyance path is used to output a recording sheet face down. The straight conveyance path is used to straight output a recording sheet face up. The duplex conveyance path is used to output a recording sheet on both sides of which images are formed. The two branch boards sandwich the straight conveyance path. At least one of the two branch boards swings at a time to switch to any one of the reverse conveyance path, the straight conveyance path, and the duplex conveyance path.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes: an image recording device having an eject tray on a top thereof, and recording an image on a recording medium corresponding to input image data and discharging the recording medium onto the eject tray; an image reading device mounted over the image recording device to read the image, thereby converting the image to image data, and output the image data to the image recording device; at least one support member supporting the image reading device to keep a predetermined interval between the eject tray and the image reading device; and a pivot unit to pivotally support one end of the support member.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a photosensitive drum for transferring an image onto a sheet and an image roller and a pressure roller for fixing the image transferred onto the sheet to the sheet. A conveying portion and a guide plate constitute a sheet conveyor portion positioned between the photosensitive drum, and the image roller and pressure roller. The image forming apparatus includes a first spur disposed at a position opposed to the guide plate and a second spur disposed at a position opposed to the guide plate downstream in a sheet conveying direction of the first spur and closer to the guide plate than the first spur.

Abstract: In a housing in which a printing unit is provided, a printed-paper storing unit that stores paper printed by the printing unit is provided to be removable to the outside. This printed-paper storing unit can be brought into a lock state in which removal to the outside of the housing is physically prevented by a fixing mechanism. When a print job sent from a user side designates internal storage of printed paper, the printed-paper storing unit is fixed in the housing by the fixing mechanism and locked. An unlock number of a number selected at random is notified to the user side to perform printing. After the printing is finished, the finish of the printing is notified to the user side and the lock state is released according to input of the unlock number to make it possible to remove printed paper to the outside.

Abstract: A sheet processing apparatus is featured in that a waiting tray comprises an extensible tray set to enable projection of a transported sheet in a distal end direction and retraction into a distal end direction, wherein, in the case where a size of a sheet transported to the waiting tray exceeds a size set on the waiting tray, an extensible tray drive roller is driven to project the extensible tray in a transport proximal end direction of the sheet.

Abstract: A discharge system for printed media sheets and a printer which utilizes such a discharge system, the discharge system including a tray for the media sheets; rotating transport elements forming a discharge nip for discharging the sheets onto the tray; a guide plate having a surface for guiding the sheets to the discharge nip; and a rotating wheel containing bristles for guiding the sheets towards the discharge nip; the wheel facing said surface of the guide plate. At least one driven transport belt forms one of the transport elements defining the discharge nip, and the guide plate passes in approximately a one-half turn around two pulleys around which the transport belt is passed.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an image reading part configured to read image information on an original document, an image forming part configured to form an image on a sheet according to the image information, a sheet discharge part configured to discharge the sheet on which the image is formed from a front side to a backside of a main body, a sheet stack part onto which the sheet is discharged, and first and second supporters located outside the sheet stack part along a sheet discharge direction. The sheet stack part is located between the image reading part and the image forming part. The first and second supporters form a space between the sheet stack part and the image reading part. The second supporter is smaller than the first supporter in the sheet discharge direction.

Abstract: A waiting tray comprises left and right lower face support members for supporting both sides of a sheet and a distal end lower face support member for supporting a distal end lower face, wherein, even if a sheet is easily bent, the sheet is reliably retained on the waiting tray, and when a standby state of the sheet is released, release of the support of the left and right lower face support members and release of the support of the distal end lower face support member are carried out.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus is provided with a box-shaped apparatus main body internally including an image forming assembly; an image reader arranged atop the apparatus main body; an operation unit arranged before the image reader for giving specified operation information on an image forming operation; a discharge unit arranged between the apparatus main body and the image reader, including a discharge tray to which a sheet after image formation is discharged and being open at least at front for sheet removal; and a supporting column arranged at a lateral side of the discharge unit for supporting the image reader and formed with a discharge port through which a sheet is discharged to the discharge tray. A clearance is formed between the operation unit and the supporting column, extends to the front end of the image reader and enables a part of the discharge tray to be seen.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus including: a first driven roller that forms a first nip portion with a driving roller; a second driven roller that forms a second nip portion with the driving roller at a downstream side of the first nip portion; a first transfer passage into which the sheet passed through the first nip portion and sent from the second nip portion is transferred by a forward rotation of the driving roller; a second transfer passage into which the sheet passed through the first nip portion is transferred by the forward rotation of the driving roller without passing through the second nip portion; and a third transfer passage into which the sheet is transferred by a reverse rotation of the driving roller after a rear end of the sheet has passed through the first nip portion by the forward rotation of the driving roller.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus is provided having a printing unit including a detachable developer cartridge. The apparatus prints an image on a sheet using an electrophotographic process. A tray is provided to receive a sheet discharged after the completion of printing. An auxiliary tray is pivotably installed on the tray and has a first position folded over the tray and a second position to increase the length of the tray. The auxiliary tray pivots to the second position when the developer cartridge is mounted in the printing unit.

Abstract: The present invention holds the source document feeding direction downstream edge of a printed sheet ejected above a source document feed tray by means of a top ejection platform functioning as a printed sheet holding section in an area apart from source document feed rollers functioning as a source document feeding section. As a result, a printed sheet ejected onto top ejection platform is not fed automatically by source document feed rollers. Therefore, a printed sheet that has undergone image formation can be ejected without obstruction above source document feed tray of an automatic document feeder, checking and removal of a printed sheet are facilitated, and convenience is improved.

Abstract: A sheet processing apparatus that can position a sheet on the front side apart form the back side even if the apparatus is mounted in any opening region of a first image forming apparatus for discharging the sheet into the opening region from right to left and a second image forming apparatus for discharging the sheet into the opening region from left to right. The sheet processing apparatus is mounted in the opening region into which the image forming apparatus discharges the sheet having the image formed by the image forming apparatus. The sheet processing apparatus includes a sheet stacking unit on which the sheet having been discharged into the opening region is stacked; and a position changing unit causing the sheet to position on the front side apart from the back side of the sheet stacking unit based on type information of the image forming apparatus.

Abstract: An image forming device comprises an image-processing unit which performs a predetermined image processing of an input image data. An output unit prints an image on a copy sheet based on the image data after the image processing. A Z-folding device is connected to the output unit and performs a Z folding of the copy sheet. A control unit controls the image-processing unit and the Z-folding device so that the image data is rotated in a direction conforming to a Z-folding direction specified by a user, and the Z folding of the copy sheet is controlled with the rotated image data.

Abstract: An electrophotographic imaging device comprises generally, an image transfer station configured to transfer a toned image to a substrate, a fuser assembly configured to fuse the toned image to the substrate and a transport device configured to transfer the substrate from the image transfer station to the fuser assembly. The device further includes a controller for controlling a first process rate of the image transfer device and a second process rate of the transport device. The controller has a mode of operation wherein the first process rate is different from the second process rate when a hand off is performed to pass the substrate from the image transfer station to the transport device.