Abstract: A power supply of one embodiment of the invention is disclosed that includes a conversion mechanism and a feedback mechanism. The conversion mechanism is to control conversion of a first direct current (DC) signal from to a second DC signal provided to an electronic device by switching the first DC signal to vary the second DC signal. The feedback mechanism is to cause the switching control mechanism to operate in a nominal-power mode or a reduced-power mode according to a control signal received from the electronic device. The conversion mechanism is caused in the reduced-power mode to lessen at least one of the duty cycle and the frequency at which the first DC signal is switched until the voltage of the second DC signal decays to a first voltage level.

Abstract: A power-switching mechanism for an electronic device in one embodiment of the invention is disclosed that includes a control input and switching device. The control input is connectable to a conductor of a connection between the electronic device and a host device. The switching device is capable of coupling a power source to a power supply. The switching device is controlled by the control input, such that the switching device connects the power source to the power supply when a voltage is present on the conductor, and the switching device disconnects the power supply from the power source when the voltage is absent on the conductor.

Abstract: A power-switching mechanism for an electronic device in one embodiment of the invention is disclosed that includes a control input and switching device. The control input is connectable to a conductor of a connection between the electronic device and a host device. The switching device is capable of coupling a power source to a power supply. The switching device is controlled by the control input, such that the switching device connects the power source to the power supply when a voltage is present on the conductor, and the switching device disconnects the power supply from the power source when the voltage is absent on the conductor.

Abstract: A power supply of one embodiment of the invention is disclosed that includes a conversion mechanism and a feedback mechanism. The conversion mechanism is to control conversion of a first direct current (DC) signal from to a second DC signal provided to an electronic device by switching the first DC signal to vary the second DC signal. The feedback mechanism is to cause the switching control mechanism to operate in a nominal-power mode or a reduced-power mode according to a control signal received from the electronic device. The conversion mechanism is caused in the reduced-power mode to lessen at least one of the duty cycle and the frequency at which the first DC signal is switched until the voltage of the second DC signal decays to a first voltage level.

Abstract: The turn-on energy of a printhead is determined. The printhead is fired at a first firing frequency over an initial range of print energies to detect an approximate range of print energies in which the turn-on energy is located. The printhead is fired at a second firing frequency over the approximate range of print energies in which the turn-on energy is located in order to determine a value for the turn-on energy of the printhead. The second firing frequency is higher than the first firing frequency.

Abstract: An automotive vehicle has a door adapted to pivot about a generally horizontal pivot axis, with the door including a shell defining a space surrounded by the shell. The door is pivoted upon bearings located at each end of the door. A full floating torsion bar is provided and includes a first end rotationally grounded to the door shell and a second end engaged with and rotationally locked with a bearing inserts so that the torsion bar will be subjected to torsional loading as the door is pivoted. At least a portion of the torsion bar extends along an external recess defined by the door's inner and outer panels.

Abstract: An automotive vehicle has a door adapted to pivot about a generally horizontal pivot axis, with the door including a shell defining a space surrounded by the shell. The door is pivoted upon bearings located at each end of the door. A torsion bar lift assist is provided with a vibration and noise isolator and damper, which is engaged about a central portion of the torsion bar. The damper prevents objectionable noise which could otherwise result in the event that the torsion bar strikes the shell of the door because of road-induced vibration.

Abstract: The turn-on energy of a printhead is determined. The printhead is fired at a first firing frequency over an initial range of print energies to detect an approximate range of print energies in which the turn-on energy is located. The printhead is fired at a second firing frequency over the approximate range of print energies in which the turn-on energy is located in order to determine a value for the turn-on energy of the printhead. The second firing frequency is higher than the first firing frequency.

Abstract: An automotive vehicle has a door adapted to pivot about a generally horizontal pivot axis, with the door including a shell defining a space surrounded by the shell. The door is pivoted upon bearings located at each end of the door. A torsion bar lift assist is provided with a vibration and noise isolator and damper, which is engaged about a central portion of the torsion bar. The damper prevents objectionable noise which could otherwise result in the event that the torsion bar strikes the shell of the door because of road-induced vibration.

Abstract: An automotive vehicle has a door adapted to pivot about a generally horizontal pivot axis, with the door including a shell defining a space surrounded by the shell. The door is pivoted upon bearings located at each end of the door. A full floating torsion bar is provided and includes a first end rotationally grounded to the door shell and a second end engaged with and rotationally locked with a bearing inserts so that the torsion bar will be subjected to torsional loading as the door is pivoted. At least a portion of the torsion bar extends along an external recess defined by the door's inner and outer panels.

Abstract: The present invention includes as one embodiment a method of ejecting a fluid onto a print media. The method includes providing an ejection head having a nozzle that is coupled to a temperature sensor and a memory device. The method further includes measuring an uncalibrated temperature of the ejection head with the temperature sensor, recalling a correction value from the memory device, applying the correction value to the uncalibrated temperature to generate a calibrated temperature, and ejecting fluid from the nozzle onto the print media when the calibrated temperature is within a predefined temperature range.

Abstract: An automotive vehicle, such as a pickup truck, has a tailgate including a door adapted to pivot about a generally horizontal pivot axis, with the door including a shell defining a space surrounded by the shell. The door is pivoted upon bearings mounted upon bearing retainers located at each end of the door. A full floating torsion bar is provided and includes a first end rotationally grounded within the interior space of the door shell and a second end engaged with and rotationally locked with one of the bearing inserts so that the torsion bar will be subjected to torsional loading as the door is pivoted. Because of the full floating feature, the hinge function of the tailgate will not be impaired in the event that the torsion bar becomes fractured.

Abstract: An automotive tailgate includes a door adapted to pivot about a generally horizontal pivot axis, with the door including a shell defining an interior space. The door is pivoted upon bearings mounted upon bearing retainers located at each end of the door. A full floating torsion bar is provided and includes a first end rotationally grounded within the interior of the door shell and a second end engaged with and rotationally locked with one of the bearing inserts so that the torsion bar will be subjected to torsional loading as the door is pivoted. Because the torsion bar is full floating, the operation of the tailgate hinges will not be impaired even if the torsion bar were to become fractured.

Abstract: A storage container assembly for deployment either within, or adjacent to, an external surface panel of a pickup truck, is described. The storage container assembly is intended to be deployed either within, or adjacent to, the box side panel section, i.e., the area between the rear wheel housings and the cab, of the pickup truck. The storage container assembly is comprised primarily of a storage bin or container and a pair of spaced and opposed brackets that are rigidly mounted to at least one surface of the pickup truck. Each bracket is provided with an integral slot that cooperates with a pin located on an external surface of the storage bin, thus allowing the storage bin to be pushed, pulled, or rotated from a closed position (i.e., substantially flush with the external surface of the box side panel section) to an open position (i.e., extending outwardly away from the external surface of the box side panel section) and vice verse.