Abstract: An image transfer mechanism includes a pressure element and a lever system. The lever system has a load attachment point with a range of position that depends on the thickness of a print medium positioned between the imaging element and the pressure element. A load mechanism includes a load connector with a distal end attached to the lever system load attachment point so that displacement of the lever system attachment point causes longitudinal movement of the load connector. The load mechanism applies a load that is substantially constant throughout the range of position of the lever system load attachment point. The load mechanism includes a spring and a crank attached to the spring and to the proximal end of the load connector. The crank is configured so that a change in the spring force produces a lesser change in the load force at the distal end of the load connector.

Abstract: An image transfer mechanism includes a pressure element and a lever system. The lever system has a load attachment point with a range of position that depends on the thickness of a print medium positioned between the imaging element and the pressure element. A load mechanism includes a load connector with a distal end attached to the lever system load attachment point so that displacement of the lever system attachment point causes longitudinal movement of the load connector. The load mechanism applies a load that is substantially constant throughout the range of position of the lever system load attachment point. The load mechanism includes a spring and a crank attached to the spring and to the proximal end of the load connector. The crank is configured so that a change in the spring force produces a lesser change in the load force at the distal end of the load connector.

Abstract: A stowable video display system is provided for mounting in a passenger compartment of a vehicle, the display unit including a base, a display screen, a pivotal coupling structure, a first position-fixing member and a second position-fixing member. The display screen is pivotally coupled to the base, and is pivotal between a stowed position in which the screen is not visible to a viewer, and a deployed position in which the screen is visible to a viewer. The deployed position is selected from positions within a continuous range of possible deployed positions. The pivotal coupling pivotally couples the screen to the base, and includes a dampening mechanism adapted to dampen the deployment of the screen. The first position-fixing member is on the base. The second position-fixing member is on the pivotal coupling structure, and is adapted to contact the first position-fixing member when the screen is deployed to hold the screen in any position within the continuous range of possible deployed positions.

Abstract: An image transfer mechanism includes a pressure element and a lever system. The lever system has a load attachment point with a range of position that depends on the thickness of a print medium positioned between the imaging element and the pressure element. A load mechanism includes a load connector with a distal end attached to the lever system load attachment point so that displacement of the lever system attachment point causes longitudinal movement of the load connector. The load mechanism applies a load that is substantially constant throughout the range of position of the lever system load attachment point. The load mechanism includes a spring and a crank attached to the spring and to the proximal end of the load connector. The crank is configured so that a change in the spring force produces a lesser change in the load force at the distal end of the load connector.

Abstract: An image transfer mechanism includes a pressure element and a lever system. The lever system has a load attachment point with a range of position that depends on the thickness of a print medium positioned between the imaging element and the pressure element. A load mechanism includes a load connector with a distal end attached to the lever system load attachment point so that displacement of the lever system attachment point causes longitudinal movement of the load connector. The load mechanism applies a load that is substantially constant throughout the range of position of the lever system load attachment point. The load mechanism includes a spring and a crank attached to the spring and to the proximal end of the load connector. The crank is configured so that a change in the spring force produces a lesser change in the load force at the distal end of the load connector.

Abstract: An ink jet printer includes an ink supply system and a printhead with nozzles for ejecting ink drops. The printer determines the average size of the ejected ink drops by comparing the number of ink drops ejected in a predetermined time with the quantity of ink delivered through the printers ink supply system during that time. If the determined average ink drop size does not match predetermined ink drop size criteria, the printer adjusts the activation signals for the ink jet nozzles to alter the ink drop size. A solid ink printer determines the quantity of ink delivered through the ink supply system by counting the number of whole or partial ink sticks that pass a predetermined point in the ink supply system. The counter detects a sensing element formed on an external surface of the ink stick. Exemplary detectors include a mechanical arm, or a thermistor to detect a change in the printer melt plate temperature due to a change in the cross sectional area of an ink stick being melted.

Abstract: A support member includes a support panel and a retention element for use in mounting an associated component to the support panel. The retention element defines a bore for receiving an associated threaded fixing element which mounts the component to the support panel. A protrusion extends into the bore from a sidewall thereof. The protrusion assists in positioning the fixing member on reinsertion of the fixing member into the bore, such that the frequency of stripping of a thread of the bore is reduced.

Abstract: A stowable support system having an arm and an attachment member pivotal through a plurality of angular positions relative to the arm. The arm includes a follower assembly with a surface portion of a first contour, with the attachment member including a surface portion of a second contour that is cooperative to the first contour. A rest position is defined by at least one of the plurality of angular positions, in which the surface portions of the follower assembly and attachment member are in mating contact. The follower assembly and attachment member are biased toward engagement with each other, with at least one of the attachment member and the follower assembly being configured to be resiliently deformed when the attachment member is pivoted out of the rest position.

Abstract: The invention provides a ceiling-mountable display monitor system with an improved monitor retention system. The display monitor system includes a display monitor that is mounted on the ceiling portion of a vehicle by a mounting assembly. The monitor system includes a display surface and a retention system adapted to selectively engage a catch on the display monitor to retain the monitor in a stowed configuration proximate the ceiling portion of the vehicle. Upon actuation by the user, the retention system releases the monitor for pivotal or other movement away from the ceiling portion of the vehicle to a viewing configuration. In the viewing configuration, the viewing surface is oriented to viewing by passengers of the vehicle. The retention system includes a retainer pivotally mounted about a pivot axis and an actuator with a user-manipulable element adapted to selectively pivot the retainer relative to its pivot axis.