Ricoh Company, Ltd.

Hiroshi Komai

Hideo Aoki

Masaru Kaneko

Shigeru Yamazaki

Yasuhiro Sagawa

Akihiko Motegi

Masaki Narita

Hisao Ishizu

Tomobumi Shibano

In an image forming system, an image forming apparatus with an optional main box having a plurality of bins prevents the cover of each bin from being locked in its closed position unless papers output to all the bins are taken out. Hence, all the bins are empty when they are used later, and can be used by any users. This implements a mail box which can be efficiently used by many users.

Image forming system

In a laser printer or similar electrophotographic image recorder of the type having a photoconductive element subunit including a photoconductive drum and an upper and a lower unit which are hinged together and each is loaded with a different group of structural parts and elements inclusive of the subunit, a device for screening the drum includes a screening member which is movable in interlocked relation to opening and closing motions of the upper unit. The screening member covers the drum when the upper unit is opened and uncovers it when the upper unit is closed. When the image recorder is in operation with the upper unit being closed, the drum is uncovered to allow a laser beam to reach the drum. When the image recorder is out of operation with the upper unit being opened, the screening member covers the drum in response to an opening motion of the upper unit so as to screen the drum against external light.

Device for screening a photoconductive element unit from external light

An electrostatic recording appartus having a thermally fixing apparatus and an image forming case adapted to accomodate a unit having a toner container disposed adjacent to a thermally fixing apparatus. An open space is provided between the wall of the image forming case and the wall of the toner container. At the upper and lower portions of the open space, vent ports are preferably provided. Heat insulating material is effectively applied to the walls defining the open space.

Electrostatic recording apparatus having a cooled and insulated waste

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Yokohama, Japan

Hiroshi Komai