Abstract: A quick connector (10) has a pair of waist segments (76 and 81), a shoulder segment (163), a body segment (72) with an aperture (156) therein, and a leg segment (78). The leg segment (78) is defined by a pair of projecting elements (163) which are at least partially compressible toward one another thereby causing the pair of waist segments (76 and 81) to move toward one another. Thus, a swivellable connection is made which has the equivalent length and diameter of a convention non-swivellable threaded coupling. The quick connector (10) may be released by hand or a snap ring tool inserted into holes (410).

Abstract: A socketless fitting for releasable connection of a pressurized line. The fitting has a housing body with a receiving opening to insert one end of the line, and an inner sleeve attached in the housing body in an arrangement that extends coaxially within the receiving opening for engagement into the inserted line end. The inner sleeve is fastened in the housing body media-tight around the periphery via connectors and preferably engages in the line media-tight around the periphery. Media-tight outward sealing is accomplished by sealing engagement of the essentially rigidly secured inner sleeve in the line, because the inner sleeve itself is also tightly joined to the housing body.

Abstract: A conduit connection joint is formed to connect a tube (10) and afitting body (12) in fluid tight relation. The joint is made by axially compressing the tube (10) in a bore (14) in the fitting body (12) so as to cause formation of a first bead (52) in a bead formation area. Further axial compression of the tube (10) causes the sequential formation of an additional bead (54) in the bore (14) so as to provide engagement between the tube (10) and the fitting body (12). The engagement of the fitting body (12) and the tube (10) may be further strengthened by axially compressing and radially expanding the beads (52, 54).

Abstract: Each of seal projections 7, 8 is positioned radially outward of an inner periphery 1a, 2a of abutting end face of each of joint members 7, 8 and has in section a contour which comprises a circular-arc portion 7b, 8b extending radially outward from the abutting end face, and a straight portion 7a, 8a extending from the circular-arc portion 7b, 8b. The circular-arc portion 7b, 8b has a center positioned radially inward of the point of intersection of the circular-arc portion 7b, 8b and the straight portion 7a, 8a. The straight portion 7a, 8a is inclined at 30 to 60 degrees with respect to the direction of axis of the joint member.

Abstract: A fitting assembly for joining a double containment pipe (DCP), including primary and secondary pipes, to a double containment fitting, including primary and secondary fittings, wherein the secondary fitting has a larger diameter than the secondary pipe. A sealing reducer has a larger diameter end for fitting over the secondary fitting and a smaller diameter end for fitting over the secondary pipe. The sealing reducer is fit over the secondary pipe, the primaries of the DCP and double containment fitting are joined, and then the sealing reducer is positioned over the primary joint and its smaller and larger diameter ends sealed, either by adhesive or a combination of interlocking threaded fitting components and O-rings, to the ends of the secondary pipe and secondary fitting, respectively.

Abstract: There is disclosed an improvement in a latch for a gate which comprises a latch bar and a cooperating latch mechanism. The latch mechanism has a frame with a flange base for attachment to a gate post and a tongue with a slot to receive the latch bar that is pivotally mounted on the frame. A lever arm extends from the tongue and a gate latch pull is attached to the lever arm and extended through a bore in the gate post to permit operation of the latch from the opposite side of the gate. The improvement of this invention is a gate latch pull that is formed of a flexible plastic having a flexural strength (modulus) no less than about 5,000 psi and a thickness sufficient to permit the latch pull to flex and follow the arcuate movement of the lever arm while retaining sufficient stiffness to permit the pushing of the lever to overcome interference in closing the latch. Preferably the latch pull is provided with a snap retainer to secure one end to the latch tongue lever, and with finger grips at each end.

Abstract: A reinforced implement such as a shovel is described having increased strength and resistance to deformation and/or fracture, especially in the area where the socket engaging the handle and blade are joined. Advantageously, the blade, socket, and reinforcement are formed from a single unitary piece of material having essentially uniform thickness.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a glass pane lifter apparatus includes a hollow handle which includes an access opening, an elbow member that includes a first elbow end that connects to the access opening of the hollow handle, and a suction cup unit that is connected to the elbow member. The suction cup includes a suction release tab. The elbow member is a right-angled elbow. The hollow handle includes a finger reception contoured region. A chisel member is connected to the hollow handle. The chisel member projects from the hollow handle at an end of the hollow handle opposite to the access opening. A container of lubricant retainable inside the hollow handle. In addition, a glass cutter is retainable inside the hollow handle. The glass pane lifter apparatus and the contained glass cutter and/or container of lubricant provide a kit for maintenance of fire extinguishers retained in fire extinguisher enclosures that include glass panes.

Abstract: A grasping apparatus (10) has multiple fingers (64) joined within slots (56) in the face of a moving piston (50) within a fluid cylinder (20). As the piston (50) moves, cams (62) joined to the fingers (64) are rotated so as to close or open the fingers (64) which are radially mounted. Once actuated the piston (50) is returned to its relaxed position by a spring (70) when fluid pressure is released.

Abstract: A support bracket kit, particularly for use with vehicles having a cargo storage area including sidewalls, a bottom wall, and a pair of wheel wells. The kit is comprised of at least one cross-beam for disposition generally between upper portions of the wheel wells. A plurality of corner support brackets are disposed between the sidewalls and the floor in each corner of the cargo storage area. The support bracket kit allows a cargo box of a pick-up truck to be adapted to receive, for example, four-by-eight-foot sheets of plywood or drywall which are supported above the wheel wells by the support bracket kit.

Abstract: A cargo anchoring and protection system is provided using various embodiments of bed liners some of which include storage compartments to make use of the space surrounding wheel wells in a pickup truck cargo bed. The bed liners can also include connector strips to facilitate using liners made up of several parts and also to provide for attachment of loads to the floor of the cargo bed of the pickup truck.

Abstract: A vehicle seat for use in a vehicle having a floor includes a safety belt system mounted to and carried by the vehicle seat, a lower seat structure mounted to the floor, a seatback frame, and a pivot assembly connecting the seatback frame to the lower seat structure such that the seatback frame may pivot with respect to the lower seat structure. The pivot assembly includes a bracket connected to the lower seat structure, and a pivotable connector member connected to the seatback frame and pivotally connected to the bracket. The bracket has first and second side portions that define an open bottom, and the first and second side portions are connected to the lower seat structure.

Abstract: A sunvisor attached to a vehicle. The sunvisor includes a sunvisor shell and a track assembly having a first portion and a second portion in angular relation to the first portion. A pair of blocks are provided, each block pivotally attached to the shell. The blocks slidably move within the track assembly through use of a belt that is attached to at least one block and that travels within the track assembly. A motor rotates a drive gear to move the belt in order to change the angular relation of the shell to the vehicle. The shell has an elongated opening with a support rod passing through the elongated opening. The sunvisor support rod has a clamp inside the visor shell compressing against the rod and capable of sliding forward and rearward in the elongated opening. The clamp also can rotate upon the rod thereby allowing the shell to be rotated into use. A further embodiment provides a sunvisor shell mounted to a bracket with a support rod. The support rod is rotatable in a collar hole in the bracket.

Abstract: A folding cover for a pickup truck bed includes an improved adjustable front hinge support for mounting the cover that permits the front panel to be opened and permits lateral, vertical, and longitudinal adjustment of the cover position. A wire spring latch fastens the front panel in a closed position and provides for vertical latch position adjustment. A rear panel side latch is opened with a depressible latch opener at the rear of the cover. An intermediate panel latch fastens the intermediate panels down at the side of the pickup truck bed. These latches release automatically when the cover is folded. Another intermediate panel side latch has a wire spring pin that can be manually or automatically disengaged. The cover also has wind deflecting sloped side edges integral with the panel frame and hinges integral with the panel frame. Novel seals seal the junctions between adjacent panels.

Abstract: A covering arrangement such as a soft top for a motor vehicle comprises a surface element such as a soft top element connected to another structural element which is in the form of a second surface element, or a roof channel or gutter, or a window pane member, or a frame linkage assembly member. The first-mentioned surface element and the other structural element are connected together by means of a strip-shaped PUR-casting resin bead element.

Abstract: A resin trim body is mounted on an inner door panel of a vehicle door. A flange is provided at a peripheral edge portion of the trim body and extends toward the door inner panel. A rib or ribs which extend between and integrally interconnect the flange and the trim body, are each formed with a structure which focusses stress and defines a rupturable portion at a front end edge thereof.

Abstract: A recreational travel trailer comprising a main housing which encloses a living space having multiple floor levels, and a two level extendable housing having a deployed configuration and an extended configuration. The extendable housing is movably positioned within an opening in the main housing so that a first floor of the extendable housing is positioned adjacent to a first floor of the main housing and so that a second floor of the extendable housing is positioned adjacent to a second floor of the main housing. In the deployed configuration, the extendable housing extends through the opening of the main housing so as to increase the enclosed space within the trailer. In the retracted configuration, the extendable housing is substantially positioned within the main housing so as to provide the main housing with a shape and size that is suitable for being towed on a public road. The trailer is further comprised of a two level actuator assembly which moves the two level extendable housing.

Abstract: A motor vehicle is provided with a rear-mounted air guide device having a rear spoiler provided on a hood at the rear and a connected rear airfoil. The rear airfoil is used only when needed to produce the necessary downforce so that no damage occurs to the air guide device when passing through an automatic car wash. For that purpose, the rear airfoil is movable by a drive device from a retracted resting position into an extended operating position and vice versa. The rear airfoil in the resting position is largely lowered into a groove-shaped receptacle provided on the top of the rear spoiler.

Abstract: An improved vehicle bed assembly with a floor pan having strengthening ribs extending longitudinally throughout the entire length of the floor pan so as to terminate at front and rear edges thereof. The rear edge of the floor pan has a downwardly extending rear flange to reinforce the rear edge. A rear cross rail supports the floor pan along the rear edge thereof directly adjacent the rear flange. The rear cross rail has rib projections which from below nest into and are fixedly secured to the ribs of the floor pan. The rear cross rail reinforces the rear part of the floor pan by increasing the thickness of metal at the rear part, i.e. the thickness at the rear part equals the combined thicknesses of the floor pan and rear cross rail, which increase thickness exists at the corner-like rear edge of the bed.

Abstract: A framework structure of an automobile body formed of a lightweight metal material is provided, wherein a press-molded member is placed at a joint part of a die casting member and an extrusion-molded member. In doing so, insufficient toughness of the die casing member is reinforced by the press-molded member, so that the impact energy absorption performance of a welded joint part of the die casting member and the extrusion-molded member is enhanced.

Abstract: A collapsible chair includes two front legs and two rear legs. Two stiles telescopically received in the rear legs and may be moved to an extended position to form a back of the chair. A collar is movably fit over each leg. A pair of pivoted links is connected between every two adjacent legs. Each link has a first end pivotally attached to one of the two legs and a second end pivotally attached to the collar of the other one of the two legs whereby the chair is collapsed by moving the collars along the legs and the legs converge together. A flexible sheet is releasably fixed to top ends of the legs for serving as a seat. The flexible sheet may be removed from the chair when the chair is collapsed and the collapsed chair may be wrapped by the removed sheet thereby significantly reducing the space occupied by the collapsed chair.

Abstract: A convertible foot stool including a pair of triangular padded sections hingedly coupled together for forming a footstool in a first orientation, a chair in a second orientation, and a recliner in a third orientation.

Abstract: A table for holding food and a container in a vehicle is swingably supported from the rear of a supporting member. A hook that is provided for the hanging of objects from the table is disposed so as to hang down from the region of the hole when the table is in a substantially horizontal usage position, and to be automatically stored within the hole when the table is in a storage position along the rear surface of the supporting member.

Abstract: The invention includes a pivot that is preferably attached to a child's seat and used to adjust the position of a canopy. The canopy pivot can be adjusted by pulling on the canopy frame to move the canopy to a desired position. No separate locking mechanisms are required for locking and unlocking the canopy at a plurality of different positions. The canopy pivot includes a flange member extending from the child's seat. The flange can have indents or nubs therein which mate with indents or nubs located on the canopy pivot member. The resiliency of the flange member at a specific location between the indents or nubs and the contact point of a retainer structure provides the necessary locking force for keeping the canopy pivot locked and for allowing it to unlock when a person pulls the canopy frame to pivot the canopy about the canopy pivot.

Abstract: A child seat has an upper base section (1) and a lower base section (201) for changing an inclination angle between these base sections. The upper base section 1 and the lower base section (201) are journaled rotatably about a common journal axis (201A) at the front portion of the base. At a rear end side, an inclination angle changing mechanism (200) is installed for adjusting a spacing between the upper base section (1) and the lower base section (201) opposite the journal axis (201A). This structure provides a child seat allowing adjustment of the angle of inclination of a support surface supporting a child even if the child supporting surface extends lengthwise of a passenger car seat to which the base formed by the two base sections 1 and 201, is attached. This leveling of the child supporting surface is possible if the child seat (2) is rotatable about a vertical axis relative to its base.

Abstract: A latching mechanism for use with a seat assembly having a separately movable seat cushion and seat back, the latching mechanism including a base member, a sector support for supporting the seat back and a lever. The sector support is pivotally coupled to the base member and includes an engagement surface. The lever is pivotably coupled to the base member, and includes a stop. As the seat cushion is moved to a seat forming position, the seat cushion will actuate the lever, the lever placing the stop into contact with the engagement surface and preventing the movement of the seat back.

Abstract: A chair includes a base and a seat each having two side tracks and a front track. Three pairs of pivotal bars have upper ends coupled to the tracks of the seat and have lower ends coupled to the tracks of the base. The bars may expand and fold when the seat moves up and down relative to the base. A tube is extended in the base, the seat includes a downward extending rod slidably engaging in the tube and threaded with a bolt. A motor is coupled to the bolt for driving the bolt and for moving the seat up and down relative to the base to adjust the height of the seat relative to the base.

Abstract: A seat assembly with a frame supporting a spring construction therein for providing resilient support to a user. The spring construction having parallel sinuous springs and plural coil springs connected together by upper stabilizer wires. Support wires are secured to the coil springs at their bottom turns by transversely laid stabilizer wires and tie wires.

Abstract: A tailgate operating assembly for a dump truck or dump trailer comprises a pair of hydraulic cylinders, one mounted horizontally on each opposite side wall of the cargo box adjacent the upper edge of the pivotally mounted tailgate, connected thereto by pivotal links for pivoting the tailgate toward its open position when the plungers of the hydraulic cylinders are extended and for pivoting the tailgate toward its closed position when the plungers are retracted. Each cylinder includes a pressure release mechanism to release internal pressure of each cylinder during retraction of the plungers and closure of the tailgate which enables the gravity weight of the tailgate to urge the plungers toward their retracted positions for more even and rapid movement of the tailgate to its fully closed position.

Abstract: A pick-style tool that includes an elongate tool body with an axially forward end and an axially rearward end, and a hard insert affixed to the tool body at the axially forward end is disclosed. The hard insert comprises a WC-cermet comprising tungsten carbide and about 5 wt. % to 27 wt. % Co—Ni—Fe-binder. The Co—Ni—Fe-binder is unique in that even when subjected to plastic deformation, the binder substantially maintains its face centered cubic (fcc) crystal structure and avoids stress and/or strain induced transformations.

Abstract: A full face wheel assembly comprises a full face disc and a rim. The disc is preferably cast from aluminum whereas the rim is rolled from aluminum strip stock. The full face disc comprises an outboard bead seat flange, an outboard bead seat and an outboard well side wall. The disc may also include lightener pockets or a continuous re-entrant channel adjacent the outboard bead seat. The rim comprises an inboard bead seat flange, an inboard bead seat, an inboard leg, and a deep well. The disc and rim are welded together in the deep well or bead seat regions by gas metal arc welding, electron beam welding or other suitable welding technique.

Abstract: The invention provides a vehicle suspension assembly in which an inadmissibly high axial bracing or rigging of the bearing assembly is avoided. For this purpose, the wheel support member is provided with an elastically or plastically deformable protruding rib in the region of the front face of the outer race of the rolling bearing.

Abstract: A blow-molded wheel including an axle retainer assembly. The retainer assembly includes a housing having transverse sleeves that support an axle and a spring biased retainer pin that mounts to an annular groove at the axle. The housing is supported in a cavity formed into a wheel spoke and a bore of a wheel hub and is retained upon the shrinkage of the plastic around the housing. An aperture of the pin sleeve facilitates retraction of the pin and release of the wheel from the axle.

Abstract: An actuation system includes a magnetostrictive pump assembly to operate a fluid ram such as a brake cylinder connected to an actuator such as a brake. A first accumulator is connected to an input of the fluid ram to store a fluid which actuates the fluid ram. A second accumulator is similarly connected to an output of the fluid ram to receive the used fluid after actuation of the fluid ram. The magnetostrictive pump assembly is connected between the first accumulator and second accumulator, to transfer the fluid from the second accumulator to the first accumulator such that the fluid is maintained at a high pressure for activation of the fluid ram. As the magnetostrictive pump assembly reacts essentially instantaneously, any delay between actuation or deactivation is practically eliminated. Further, although the displacement of the pump is relatively small, it can be cycled at extremely high frequencies to provide substantial pumping capacity for immediate brake activation.

Abstract: A simple hand held carbon dioxide applicator having a pressurized carbon dioxide cartridge is used to release spring applied hydraulically released brakes. The hydraulic line extending between the hydraulic pump and the brake control valve is provided with a first coupler of a quick coupling with the corresponding second coupler being hydraulically positioned between the hydraulic line and the pump. An auxiliary line is provided having an auxiliary coupler identical to the second coupler so that the auxiliary line can be attached to the first coupler. The auxiliary line is also provided with a gas check valve in the form of a schraeder valve to which the hand held carbon dioxide applicator is pneumatically coupled.

Abstract: A malfunction detection device for a wheel speed sensor includes a comparison circuit for comparing a wheel speed signal output from a wheel speed sensor with a predetermined voltage. A calculation circuit is provided for selectively increasing or decreasing a counter according to an output signal of the comparison circuit. A malfunction signal output circuit outputs a malfunction signal when the counter of the calculation circuit reaches a predetermined value.

Abstract: A brake force control apparatus having a pump for pumping up brake fluid from a fluid pressure passage connecting a master cylinder and a wheel cylinder is provided which can accurately detect an amount of brake operation intended by a driver during execution of a brake assist control. The brake assist control is achieved by supplying the brake fluid delivered by the pump to the wheel cylinder when an emergency brake operation is performed by a driver. The brake force control apparatus has a control signal generator and a fluid pressure controller. The control signal generator generates a control signal by compensating a decrease generated in the output signal when the pump pumps up the brake fluid from the fluid pressure passage. The fluid pressure controller performs the brake assist control by using the control signal.

Abstract: A rubber crawler has a rubber elastomer constituting a main body of the crawler, at least one metal core buried in the rubber elastomer and extending in a widthwise direction perpendicular to a running direction of the crawler, and at least one rubber lug formed on an outer peripheral face of the rubber elastomer. An element is applied to each widthwise end of the metal core to improve the durable life of the crawler.

Abstract: A computer desk module has a trapezoidal desk top with an opening. A transparent window plate is supported in the desk top so as to cover the opening. A pull-out keyboard shelf is supported under a front edge portion of the desk top. A computer monitor is suspended under the desk top so its screen is inclined upward to allow viewing of the screen through the window plate. A plurality of the computer desk modules are assembled end-to-end into various semi-trapezoidal clusters, S-shaped clusters, and straight line clusters. Overhead power and data bus cables are routed from a classroom ceiling into tubular legs supporting a decorative cover against the ceiling. The legs extend upward from a cabinet having a semi-octagonal shape that mates with a semi-octagonal cluster of the computer desk modules. The cables pass through the legs, through the cabinet, into the various computer desk modules forming the cluster, and to the monitor and a computer in each of the computer desk modules.

Abstract: A drawer interlinking system for a storage cabinet is disclosed herein. The cabinet includes a frame, a first sliding assembly, and a second sliding assembly. Each sliding assembly is movable between an extended position and a retracted position relative to the frame. The frame includes a flexible member coupled at a first end to the first sliding assembly. The line is directed by a first guide coupled to the frame in association with the first sliding assembly, a guide assembly coupled to the frame and spaced apart from the first guide, a glide assembly coupled to the frame by a tension member, and a second guide coupled to the frame in association with the second sliding assembly and spaced apart from the guide assembly. The flexible member is coupled at a second end to the second sliding assembly, so that when one sliding assembly is extended from the frame the other sliding assembly is retracted into the frame. The guide assembly can comprise a left pulley connected to a right pulley.

Abstract: A door for an outdoor cabinet such as those used in telephony or CATV systems. The door has a first gasketed section to provide a first area of the cabinet with an airtight seal for protecting components housed therein from the outside environment. This first section of the door also includes a multi-point compression latch. The door has a second ungasketed section which ventilates gases around its unsealed perimeter from a second area of the cabinet housing batteries. This second section of the door includes a slam latch that is automatically engaged when the compression latch on the first door section is engaged.

Abstract: An automated medication-dispensing cart includes a closed cart housing and a plurality of medication-containing bins which extend for substantially the length of the cart and which are supported within the cart housing. The support structure includes two spaced sets of sprockets positioned at both ends of the cart and endless chains which extend around the sprockets, with one of the sprockets being motor-driven. The bins are connected at opposing ends thereof to the spaced chains. The movement of the bins is controlled such that the bins can be stopped at a preselected position within the cart, in the vicinity of the top front edge of the cart. A plurality of doors is located in the top of the cart, such that when one or more of the doors is opened, a preselected portion of the bin in the preselected position and the medications therein are exposed.

Abstract: A method of producing, on a physical medium, a gradient tonal representation of an image and a printhead for producing the same. An input image is divided into first and second regions. First, continuously variable intensity level, continuous tone and second, discretely variable intensity level, half-tone portions of the representation which respectively correspond to the first and second regions of the image are then printed by depositing selected quantities of ink on the first and second portions of the physical medium such that each pixel thereof has an ink intensity level corresponding to the image intensity level for the corresponding one of the pixels of the first region of the image.

Abstract: A heater chip module is provided comprising a rigid carrier, a nozzle plate and a heater chip. The carrier is adapted to be secured to a container for receiving ink. The carrier includes an opening extending completely through the carrier. The opening has an outer periphery. A nozzle plate is coupled to the carrier and extends out beyond the outer periphery of the opening so as to substantially cover the opening. A heater chip is positioned within the opening and is coupled directly to the nozzle plate. The heater chip is coupled to the carrier only by way of the nozzle plate. Thus, the heater chip does not directly contact the carrier.

Abstract: The structure of the present invention effectively prevents banding and enables high-quality printing in a printer which carries out secondary scans in the interlacing manner and thereby prints an image. The printer of the present invention has a print head with a plurality of nozzle arrays formed thereon. Each nozzle array includes a plurality of nozzles arranged at predetermined pitches in the secondary scanning direction. The printer records an image by the interlacing method using part of the nozzles in each nozzle array. The nozzle block in the nozzle array used for formation of dots is changed in every primary scan, and the amount of feed in secondary scan is varied with the change of the nozzle block. Both the nozzle block and the amount of secondary scan are periodically changed in preset sequences. The variation in amount of secondary scan reduces the banding due to the accumulated errors in secondary scans.

Abstract: A printer control apparatus includes a rotary encoder for detecting the rotational position of a rotary drum around which printing paper is wound and outputting a timing pulse, a reference point pulse creating circuit for outputting a reference point pulse based on the timing pulse, an up-counter for measuring the passage time of the reference point interval based on the reference point pulse, a plurality of comparators for generating a train of print timing pulses in a time interval corresponding to and shorter than the passage time of the reference point interval measured, a multiplier circuit having a different up-counter for determining the total required time of the train of print timing pulses, a print timing correction circuit for correcting the print timing pulse train based on the driving frequency of the ink-jet print head, and a head drive circuit for driving the head according to the print timing pulse train from the correction circuit.

Abstract: In a nozzle plate production method and apparatus, a metallic sheet material is punched to form nozzle holes therein by using a press having punches. Each of the punches includes a tapered conical portion, a straight cylindrical portion, and a rounded interconnecting portion. The interconnecting portion smoothly interconnects the conical portion and the cylindrical portion. Nibs produced on a bottom surface of the sheet material at the nozzle holes by the nozzle hole punching are removed by use of a tape grinding machine. A top surface and the bottom surface of the sheet material are buffed to provide a predetermined level of surface roughness. Burrs produced on the top and bottom surfaces of the sheet material at the nozzle holes by the buffing are removed by ultrasonic cleaning.

Abstract: Formed between an opposing electrode and a toner support by a high voltage applied from a high-voltage power source is an electric field required for the toner carried on the toner support to jump toward the opposing electrode. A shield power source is provided to apply an identical voltage as the surface potential of the toner layer carried on the toner support.

Abstract: An inkjet printhead having a plurality of ink discharge nozzles that are served by respective ink supply conduits formed within a composite substrate includes ink discharge heaters respective to each of the nozzles, one or more substrate heaters for preheating an ink flow within the supply conduits and a plurality of resistors for monitoring the printhead quality during manufacture. The ink discharge heaters are in circuit with a first energy source connection and a common ground connection. The quality monitoring resistors are in series circuit with a second energy source connection and the common ground connection respective to the ink discharge heaters. At least one substrate heater is in circuit with a third energy source connection and the second energy source connection which, when the printhead is operatively connected for printing, is connected to ground.

Abstract: Alternative methods for refurbishing a single-use ink delivery container for a printing system are described. The refurbishing methods include electrical and mechanical reconfiguration or replacement of original elements on the ink delivery container. Each method utilizes an existing ink fluid outlet, electrical connector and an information storage device on the ink delivery container.