Abstract: A wiping method for wiping a nozzle surface of a liquid discharge head includes the step of relatively moving the liquid discharge head and a wiper impregnated with a cleaning fluid. The cleaning fluid contains a lactone compound in an amount of 5% by mass or more. The wiper includes a first layer configured to contact the nozzle surface and one or more layers other than the first layer. The first layer has a thickness of t1, the one or more layers other than the first layer have a total thickness of t2, and t1 is smaller than t2. A void ratio of the first layer is smaller than a void ratio of at least one of the one or more layers other than the first layer.

Abstract: A method of controlling the operation in a factory of an A.G.V. which automatically travels along a predetermined route consisting of a plurality of production lines having different line contacts and adapted to perform parts assembly or packaging. Optimum travel speeds with respect to all the lines are previously stored in the A.G.V. When the A.G.V. enters one of the production lines, it is instructed from the outside to travel constantly at a previously stored speed assigned to this production line. Thus, operations of the production line are successively performed.

Abstract: When the center of gravity of the load put on the two prongs of a forklift is located to the right or left of the central position, the prongs are tilted. The invention is intended to prevent the prongs from tilting in this situation. Tilt sensors are mounted on the prongs. A computer calculates the tilt angles of the prongs, based on the output signals from the sensors. A driving device receives the output signals from the computer and brings the prongs into the horizontal.

Abstract: A guide device for an A.G.V. in which a magnetic field generated around a guide cable is detected by a pair of detection coils at both sides of the guide cable, and wheels are steered and driven in accordance with the detected output from the detection coils. A pair of detection coils are arranged to follow the movement of the wheels to be steered in such a manner that the detection coils are disposed away from each other at a predetermined distance from the guide cable when the A.G.V. runs a straight portion of a course, while the detection coils are positioned closer to the guide cable when the A.G.V. runs a curved portion. As a result, when the A.G.V. runs the straight portion, the sensitivity with respect to the deviation between the detection coils is kept low so that the carrier can run smoothly, when the A.G.V. runs a curved portion, the sensitivity with respect to the deviation between the detection coils is increased.