Abstract: A printing apparatus having a first zone for receiving a supply of image receiving tape and a second zone for receiving a supply of thermal transfer ribbon, means for identifying the nature of the image receiving tape and the thermal transfer ribbon located in the first and second zones, and means for implementing a compatibility check to determine whether said image receiving tape and said thermal transfer ribbon are compatible, and to generate an incompatibility indication if the the compatibility check fails.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a seat rail for vehicles. The seat rail of this invention eliminates gaps between a lower track and an upper track in horizontal and vertical directions, and distributes a load transmitted through the upper track, thus improving overall durability. The invention reduces the number of parts required, thus reducing the cost of a product and the working hours, realizing a light product, reducing fuel consumption, improving operational performance, reducing operational noise, and improving operating sensation. Further, the invention secures strength sufficient to support bending moment of the upper track, which is a concern during a head-on collision or a rear-end collision, thus maximizing the safety of passengers.

Abstract: Disclosed is an antioxidant fermenting microorganism agent and a polyurethane foam including the same. The antioxidant fermenting microorganism agent is used to generate a substance that is capable of reducing an amount of volatile organic compounds generated from the polyurethane foam and has an antimicrobial ability. The polyurethane foam containing the antioxidant fermenting microorganism according to the present invention can be used as the material for the interior of a vehicle to protect humans from noxious substances causing sick car syndrome.

Abstract: A supply of image receiving medium for a label printer, said image receiving medium arranged to receive an image and comprising a magnetic layer, wherein said magnetic layer is anisotropic.

Abstract: A manual transmission includes an input shaft operatively connected to a source of motive power and a countershaft in axially parallel relationship with the input shaft. The manual transmission also includes an output shaft in axially parallel relationship with the counter shaft. The manual transmission further includes a plurality of gear set pairs disposed between the input shaft and the counter shaft such that the gear sets provide different gear ratios for transferring torque from the input shaft to the output shaft, each of the gear sets including a driver gear operatively supported by the input shaft such that the driver gear receives only torque from the source of motive power.

Abstract: A printing apparatus that receives a supply of an image receiving medium and includes a platen arranged to feed the image receiving medium selectively in one of a forward and reverse direction. A print head arranged to print an image on the image receiving medium while the medium is fed in the forward direction and an arcuate guide portion partially encasing the platen and movable relative to the surface of the platen. The guide portion having an inoperative position in which it is spaced from the print head to permit a supply of image receiving medium to be received and an operative position wherein the guide portion is moved to be proximate to the print head whereby the guide portion in the operative position restricts movement of the image receiving medium in a direction perpendicular to the forward and reverse direction.

Abstract: An actuator for selectively causing axial compression of friction elements in a clutch is disclosed. The actuator comprises a pair of beveled wedge washers and a bearing race supported between the washers. The race supports conical bearing rollers in a generally radial orientation. An actuator plate is mounted for rotation relative to the bearing race and includes bearing ramp surfaces that are operable to move the conical bearing rollers radially inwardly thereby forcing the washers to move apart axially and to thereby cause compression of and torque transfer through the friction elements. A clutch including the actuator is well suited for inclusion in a transfer case.

Abstract: A direct thermal printing material having at least one planar layer containing thermally activatable materials, wherein said planar layer forms an image upon application of laser light.

Abstract: A power take-off unit includes an input shaft for operative connection to a source of motive power and a first drive gear operatively mounted to the input shaft and having a first set of drive teeth. The power take-off unit also includes a second drive gear having a second set of drive teeth and a first set of bevel teeth, the second set of drive teeth being meshingly engaged to the first drive teeth. The power take-off unit further includes an output gear mounted transversely to the second drive gear and having a second set of bevel teeth meshingly engaged to the first set of bevel teeth to transfer torque transversely from the input shaft to drive a set of wheels of a vehicle.

Abstract: A label printer comprising a cassette-receiving bay, said cassette-receiving bay having a base, a top opening opposite the base, a locking mechanism, and an ejector mechanism extending from said base, said ejector mechanism having an ejector part having an upper surface for cooperation with a cassette, said ejector part being movable in a first direction towards said base and biased in a second direction towards said top opening such that a force on the ejector part directed towards said base causes the ejector part to move in the first direction and wherein said ejector part is biased to move in said second direction when the force is removed, said ejector mechanism being arranged whereby when a cassette is inserted into the cassette receiving bay, said ejector part extends through an opening in a base of the cassette.

Abstract: A system for monitoring tire pressure and producing a first signal in the event that a low tire pressure condition has been sensed and a second, different signal in the event that a low tire pressure condition has not been sensed and a third signal in the event that the system is not operable. The system comprises a sensor for each tire and an associated transceiver antenna coil. Each sensor comprises a pressure switch and a circuit that has a first resonant frequency when the pressure switch is in a first state and a second, different resonant frequency when the switch is in a second state. An excited circuit associated with each transceiver antenna coil generates an AC electromagnetic field across the transceiver antenna coil and a detector circuit is operable to demodulate information communicated passively by the sensor that reflects its resonant frequency.

Abstract: This invention relates to a cassette comprising a supply of image receiving tape, said cassette having at least one portion arranged to be in contact with said image receiving tape as said tape is drawn out of said cassette, said at least one portion have a surface with a coefficient of friction less than 0.4.

Abstract: A system for monitoring tire pressure and producing a first signal in the event that a low tire pressure condition has been sensed and a second, different signal in the event that a low tire pressure condition has not been sensed and a third signal in the event that the system is not operable. The system comprises a sensor for each tire and an associated transceiver antenna coil. Each sensor comprises a pressure switch and a circuit that has a first resonant frequency when the pressure switch is in a first state and a second, different resonant frequency when the switch is in a second state. An excited circuit associated with each transceiver antenna coil generates an AC electromagnetic field across the transceiver antenna coil and a detector circuit is operable to demodulate information communicated passively by the sensor that reflects its resonant frequency.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a seat rail for vehicles. The seat rail of this invention eliminates gaps between a lower track and an upper track in horizontal and vertical directions, and distributes a load transmitted through the upper track, thus improving overall durability. The invention reduces the number of parts required, thus reducing the cost of a product and the working hours, realizing a light product, reducing fuel consumption, improving operational performance, reducing operational noise, and improving operating sensation. Further, the invention secures strength sufficient to support bending moment of the upper track, which is a concern during a head-on collision or a rear-end collision, thus maximizing the safety of passengers.

Abstract: A tape printer for use with a tape cassette and an ink ribbon cassette, the printer comprising a housing and a printhead having a line of printing elements thereon, wherein said printer comprises at least one cassette receiving portion in said housing for receiving the tape cassette and the ink ribbon cassette, such that the cassettes are receivable in a direction which is substantially perpendicular to the line of printing elements on the printhead when the printhead is in a printing position.

Abstract: An electronic gearshift device of a transfer case assembly for a four wheel drive vehicle is provided. The electric gearshift device comprises a motor, a camshaft rotatably driven by the motor, a rail member separated from the camshaft by a predetermined distance and positioned parallel to the camshaft; first and second forks installed on the rail member such that they are spaced apart from each other, and a cam fitted around and supported by the camshaft to selectively operate the first or second forks on the rail member to thereby effect gearshift.

Abstract: A new transfer case with a new and improved clutch actuator and operator is disclosed. The operator is operably connected to a first element of a ball ramp type transfer case clutch actuator that can be rotated, relative to a second element of the clutch actuator, to effect or release compression in the disk pack of the transfer case clutch. The operator comprises a moving coil linear actuator having a stationary magnet and a coil that is mounted adjacent to the stationary magnet for reciprocating movement which is controlled by controlling the flow of current through the coil. Linear movement of the coil is translated into rotational movement of the first element of the clutch actuator by a connecting rod.