Abstract: A three-dimensional measurement apparatus for measuring three-dimensional information of an object with high speed and high accuracy is disclosed. A laser light is converted to a collimated light, which forms a stripe of light on an object through a projection unit. The projection unit is moved back and forth by a linear motor along the collimated light in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the stripe of light. Since the projection unit projects a light stripe of constant width on the object with constant reception of the collimated light, a plurality of stripes of light can be formed on the object by means of simple movement of the projection unit. The area on the object scanned by the plurality of stripes of light is captured by a CCD camera, and three-dimensional information is measured using the light-section method.

Abstract: In an ink jet printer, when a start print signal is input, an encoder outputs the position of a gutter, and the ink jet nozzles start jetting, beginning with the nozzles which are facing the gutter. Thereafter, all of nozzles start jetting, and then normal printing starts. Thereby, ink is saved, quality printing is obtained and the operator is freed from the uneasy feelings arising from abrupt purging or jetting actions. The invention may be provided in rotary ink jet printers using meltable solid ink.

Abstract: A method for connecting a nozzle tube of an ink jet nozzle of an ink jet printer with a piezoelectric element utilizing a bonding agent, which comprises steps of applying a coating of a material having a relatively low adhesive property to the bonding agent on at least a portion of the piezoelectric element being disposed adjacent to the nozzle tube, and securing the piezoelectric element to the nozzle tube with the bonding agent being applied between the coating and the nozzle tube. The degradation of the characteristics of the piezoelectric element due to the difference in the coefficient of thermal expansion of the piezoelectric element and the bonding agent can be avoided.