Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a developing unit to form a visible image on a printing medium using developer, a fixing device to fix the developer to the printing medium, and a heat plate placed between the developing unit and the fixing device such that heat generated from the fixing device is absorbed by the heat plate, and transmission of heat to the developing unit is restricted.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus which reads an image on a target includes a first housing, a transparent member which is provided on the first housing and has a placement face on which the target is placed, a positioning member on which the transparent member is placed, a second housing which is assembled on the first housing and biases the positioning member, and an engagement member which is provided on the second housing and engages with the positioning member. In the image reading apparatus, when the second housing is assembled on the first housing, the engagement member biases the positioning member so as to fix the transparent member to an attachment position.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus is provided with an image bearing member for bearing a toner image while rotating, a toner image forming device for forming the toner image on the image bearing member, a neutralizer for neutralizing electric charges on the image bearing member by irradiating light to the charged image bearing member after the toner image formed on the rotating image bearing member is transferred to a transfer material, and a frame for supporting the neutralizer. A first clearance is present between the neutralizer and the frame.

Abstract: A heater assembly heats media substrate in a printing system prior to imprinting a desired image on the substrate. A plate member engages the substrate and communicates thermal energy thereto for the heating. A laminar assembly is adhered to the plate member and includes a trace pattern for converting electrical energy to the thermal energy. A thermal storage member is interposed between the plate member and the trace pattern for distributing thermal energy throughout the thermal storage member. Two thermal fuses are serially connected, one at each end of the trace pattern and disposed relative to the thermal storage member for detecting an undesired temperature increase in the laminar assembly sufficient for opening the fuses and electrically isolating the heater assembly against a consequential thermal run-away causing insulation degradation and an electrical short between the trace pattern and the plate member.