Abstract: A latching mechanism for a pedestal closure assembly has a pair of substantially channel-shaped slots, each slot having two arms, a flanged base and first and second ends. Each flanged base has a cam-like edge and is connected to the second end of each respective slot. The cam-like edge interconnects the upper and lower surfaces of the flanged base. A pair of legs adapted to be received by each slot are also included in the claimed latching mechanism. Each leg has a limiting edge and includes an end portion adapted to limit the motion of the legs when they are received in the respective slots. At least one flexible latch arm adapted to engage the flanged base of at least one of the slots is connected to one of the legs. Each latch arm includes a finger element beyond the end portion of the limiting edge of the leg. The finger element includes an engagement portion which abuts the lower surface of the flanged base of the leg when the leg is received in its respective slot.

Abstract: A door latch assembly for preventing unwanted entry into a hotel room, apartment, dwelling, or the like. In certain embodiments, the door latch assembly includes an approximately L-shaped member which is selectively pivoted between locking and non-locking positions. In certain embodiments, the latch may not be readily utilized to prop open a door, as a closing door will cause the latch to move from a locking position to a non-locking position during door closure.

Abstract: A truck mounted attenuator includes an adjustable tailgate mount having a frame, and a hanger adjustably mounted to the frame such that the hanger is movable to any of a plurality of vertical positions with respect to the frame to adjust the tailgate mount for a specific truck. The hanger is shaped and configured to support the frame at the rear of the truck. A crash cushion is secured to the frame, and the crash cushion includes at least first and second bays containing respective first and second energy absorbing elements. The first and second energy absorbing elements are shorter than the respective bays by differing amounts.

Abstract: An improved energy management device comprises a substrate body and at least one permeable insert sheet disposed in the substrate body. The shape and orientation of the sheet may be varied. In the various embodiments, the insert sheet has a wall substantially transverse to the energy absorbing surface of the energy management device. The substrate body and the at least one energy absorbing insert sheet are engaged with respect to one another. This may be achieved by having at least a portion of the substrate body disposed in the permeable portion of the insert sheet thereby “locking” in place the insert sheet. It has been discovered that such a combination of a substrate body and an insert sheet surprisingly and unexpected results in improved energy management properties when compared to the independent energy management properties of the substrate body and the insert sheet. The energy management device is useful, for example, in the construction of a vehicular bumper.

Abstract: The ice gripping device is provided with hand and wrist straps and is designed to be worn on the hand or glove of the wearer. It includes an elastic hand strap designed to fit over the hand. It also includes a non-elastic heavy duty wrist strap having a pair of end portions, with one end portion folded over itself and having the end thereof secured by stitching to an intermediate portion of the wrist strap. A buckle is retained by the folded over end portion of the wrist strap and is engageable with the tab end of the strap to secure the wrist strap on the wrist or over the glove of the wearer. The hand and wrist straps are connected by a non-elastic connecting member having a pair of ends, with one end in surface-to-surface contact with the wrist strap. A generally flat metal plate has one or more perpendicular tines extending therefrom for gripping the ice. The other end of the non-elastic connecting member overlies the hand strap and the metal plate.

Abstract: A gripping device including a suction tube connected to a suction source and a tublar nozzle which surrounds a portion of this tube so as to be movable along the tube while delimiting therewith a tubular calibrated gap which generates a laminat effect moving the nozzle towards an external stop position where no object is gripped by the nozzle so as to be deteced by an opto-electronic fork.

Abstract: A wafer transfer arm made from a machineable material for picking up and delivering a semiconductor wafer from one location to another, includes a blade body with a longitudinal channel extending along one surface, and a coverplate adapted to matingly fit into the channel for defining a vacuum conduit therein. The vacuum conduit provides fluid communication between an inlet at one end of the blade body and an outlet at the other end, for suctionally retaining the semiconductor wafer by vacuum pressure or suction.

Abstract: A retrievable bridge plug having an internal bypass passage and external retrieving lugs, and a retrieving tool therefor. When the bypass passage is sealed, both the top and bottom openings of the bypass passage are closed, preventing debris from entering the bypass passage through either opening. A directing shroud is provided adjacent the top opening of the bypass passage, such that when the bypass passage is opened, part of any fluid flowing uphole through the bypass passage is directed over the retrieving lugs, clearing them of any debris and facilitating latching by the retrieving tool. The shroud also prevents debris from packing around the top opening of the bypass passage. A retrieving tool is also provided, which retrieving tool, through cooperation of a sleeve having a “J” shaped slot, and an inner latch sleeve having a straight slot, locks the retrieving tool onto the retrieving lugs.

Abstract: A material-handling device is disclosed, particularly for use as grappling apparatus for the loading and unloading of balled trees and shrubs in the nursery industry. By providing hydraulically powered rotational mechanism in the vertical plane coupled to and in front of hydraulically powered rotational mechanism in the horizontal plane, an arrangement is provided which is capable of rotating a load by a full 190° about a vertical axis and tilting the load vertically in a range of about 100°, while developing greater lifting power and economic advantages over similar apparatus employing pivot rotary actuators.

Abstract: A compact robotic hand 10 includes a palm housing 16, a wrist section 12 and a forearm section 16. The palm housing supports a plurality of fingers 18, 20, 22 and one or more movable palm members 24, 25 that cooperate with the fingers to grasp and/or release an object. Each flexible finger 18, 20, 22 comprises a plurality of hingedly connected segments, including a proximal segment 16 pivotally connected to the palm housing. The proximal finger segment 16 includes at least one groove 122 defining first and second cam surfaces 126, 128 for engagement with a cable 60. A plurality of lead screw assemblies 54 each carried by the palm housing are supplied with power from a flexible shaft 92 rotated by an actuator 91, and output linear motion to a cable 60 move a finger. The cable 60 is secured within a respective groove 122 and enables each finger to move between an opened and closed position.

Abstract: A passenger carrying motor car with a stowage space includes a movable endless belt disposed at a floor of the stowage space. The belt is carried by a rigid supporting member which has a semicircular arc shaped belt guide surface at one end and a belt and driving shaft at the other end. The maximum diameter of the belt during shaft is no greater than the thickness of the supporting member. A second endless belt can be carried by a backrest of a folding seat bordering the stowage space.

Abstract: A storage and retrieval assembly for a vehicle cargo area is disclosed. The storage and retrieval assembly includes a base support structure mounted in the vehicle cargo area, a first tray moveably connected to the base support structure and a second tray attached to the first tray. The attached first and second trays are movable into and out of the vehicle cargo area through an opening thereof. A storage and retrieval system for a vehicle cargo area is also disclosed. The storage and retrieval system may include the described storage and retrieval assembly in combination with a shelf assembly mounted in the vehicle cargo area and/or a shelf mounted on the wheel well of the vehicle in the cargo area.

Abstract: A combination for a hinge assembly having first and second hinged leafs movable about a common axis. The combination has a first hinge leaf with an integral plastic camming surface positioned eccentrically about the common axis, a second hinged leaf with an integral plastic cam follower surface positioned about the common axis to engage the camming surface with increasing friction as the camming surface is cammed thereagainst, and structures for increasing the frictional engagement between the camming surface and cam follower surface in response to weight added to either of the hinged leafs to control the rate at which the leafs rotate relative to each other.

Abstract: The depositing possibilities of a depositing space of a center console between seats of a motor vehicle are improved by configuring the overall depositing space so that it has a first depositing space and a second depositing space formed by a depositing tray situated within the first depositing space. The depositing tray can be pushed out of the first depositing space in the sliding direction of the lid.

Abstract: The device for the detachable connection of a vehicle seat with the vehicle floor with a rear fixing hook open in the travel direction and in which a fixing bolt on the vehicle floor can engage, and a front slide guide for supporting the vehicle seat on the front fixing bolt as well as a rotatably mounted claw-like locking lever biased by a spring force to lock the front fixing bolt in the slide guide wherein the rear fixing bolt is associated with a swivel mounted claw-like primary locking element biased by a spring force against the locking position, wherein the position of the primary locking element on reaching the locking position can likewise be locked by a secondary locking element, is characterized in that the front primary locking element and the rear secondary locking element are coupled together by a coupling element, preferably a coupling rod.

Abstract: A support (10) for the bonnet (6) of a motor vehicle (5) in which a plastic hinge member (11) is snap fitted into an elongate aperture (21, 22) in a structural member (20) of the motor vehicle (5). The invention therefore provides a simple and quick to fit support for the bonnet of a motor vehicle.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a vertically and horizontally collapsible truck bed cap including a planar platform attached to the truck bed adjacent the cab. Vertically depending from the upper surface of the platform are a plurality of extendable hydraulic cylinders which support a rigid cover member. The cover member has a substantially inverted U-shaped vertical cross section with top and front walls and two parallel spaced side walls vertically depending therefrom which rest on the hydraulic cylinders. A canopy member is received within the cover member a portion of which is peripherally attached thereto while the remaining portion is extendable therefrom. The canopy is supported in an extended or retracted position by a frame structure including a plurality of spring loaded, horizontally telescoping rods attached to the cover member front wall. The rods may be locked in a retracted position by a release button and key lock mechanism in communication therewith.

Abstract: A vehicular slide door apparatus includes a slide door that is movable along a lengthwise direction of the vehicle body for opening and closing an opening area formed in the lateral side of the vehicle body, a rail secured to the lateral side of the vehicle body to extend in the lengthwise direction of the vehicle body, and a driving device for moving the slide door. The rail possesses first and second side walls and a roller operatively connected to the slide door is slidably fitted in the rail. A guide pipe extends along the rail and is secured to a surface of one of the side walls of the rail to strengthen the rail. A cable passes through the guide pipe in a movable manner and includes one end connected to the driving device and an opposite end connected to the slide door.

Abstract: A resin molded object 1 that may be used as a sunroof has a reinforcing rib 3 around the periphery of a window body 2 that is disposed inside a car. The window body 2 is molded using a fixed die 7 and one molding surface 8a of a first movable die 8, then the reinforcing rib 3 is molded on the window body 2 using the fixed die 7 and a second molding surface 8b of a second movable die 8 to thereby to fabricate a double-molded resin window.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sliding roof for motor vehicles with reduced sliding roof buffeting noise. It comprises a sliding roof opening, as well as a movable sliding cover (7) for covering the sliding roof opening, whereby, depending on the actual position of the sliding cover (7), a resulting clear sliding roof opening (3) is formed. Pursuant to the invention, the geometry of sliding roofs with an essentially rectangular or trapezoidal, resulting clear sliding roof opening is modified due to the partial or complete covering (5) of at least one of the, as seen in the driving direction, rear corner regions of the resulting clear sliding roof opening (3).

Abstract: A bicycle seat with a base having a front which broadens towards a rear that has a notched groove. A connector is attached to the base.

Abstract: A motor vehicle seat has a seat part and a backrest part, as well as protection devices which contain a backrest adjusting device which can be released in the event of a rear impact and which, after its release, controls the backrest part such that the latter counteracts an occupant's sliding-up along the backrest part as the result of the rear impact. In addition, an operating process for a motor vehicle seat with a seat part and a backrest part is provided. In the event of a rear impact, the backrest part is controlled into a protective position so that it counteracts an occupant's sliding-up along the backrest part as the result of the rear impact.

Abstract: A chair-raising and folding construction is simple in construction and reduced in weight, and is also capable of, when using a moving stand with lower stages of decks protracted, effectively preventing spectators, etc. from entering into non-used decks protracted. The moving stand telescopically accommodates and protracts a plurality stages of decks (1,2). Each of the decks (1,2) has a plurality of raisable and foldable chairs (3). A leg portion (5) of the chair (3) is hinge-connected to a base frame (4) disposed on the deck (1). A crank member (10), comprising a swing arm (12) protruding upward from the base frame (4), and a hook (13) protruding forward from a lower end portion of the swing arm (12), is rotatably supported at a corner portion thereof. The swing arm 12 has such a protruding length such that a distal end portion thereof abuts against a front end surface (2a) of the upper stage-side deck (2).

Abstract: The rocking chair includes a ground-resting base, a seat support frame and rocking arms rockably mounting the seat support frame to the base. A seat, defining a front end portion and a rear end portion, is pivotally mounted on the support frame at its front end portion allowing limited up and down movement of its seat rear end portion between an upper position and a lower limit position. A stop is carried by said seat support frame and engages the seat rear end portion in its lower limit position. A spring continuously forces the seat towards said upper position, and the weight of a person seated on the seat rear end portion will effectively lower the seat rear end portion to its lower limit position against the bias of the spring. The rocking chair also includes a unidirectional two part ratchet locking device having a ratchet wheel carried by one of the rocking arms, and a pawl pivotally carried by the seat support frame.

Abstract: A chair ergonomically designed to cause its occupant to assume a sitting posture that acts to distribute the load imposed by the sitter's upper body weight so as to relieve stress on the musculature of the lower back, thereby obviating lower back pain. The seat of the chair is slidable along a track that is upwardly inclined at a fixed angle relative to the structure on which the chair is supported. Hinged to the seat is a backrest that is supported at the rear of the chair. When an individual sits down to place his buttocks on the seat, he then slides the seat along the track until the backrest assumes an angle with respect to the seat at which it is comfortable to the sitter, and the seat is then latched to maintain this orientation.

Abstract: An upper rail (5a) carrying a seat cushion (2) is driven to slide on a lower rail (5b) fixed to a stationary base (B), with a power-controlled drive mechanism (D) including a gear box (7) fixed to the upper rail, a lead screw (8a) extending from the gear box, a nut member (10) fixed to the lower rail and screwed on the lead screw, and a bracket (13) as a rigid member fixed to the upper rail at a different position from the gear box and engaging with the lead screw in an axially secured manner.

Abstract: This concerns a vehicle seat including a back pivoting mounted on a seat part by means of a locking mechanism able to be activated by a user to unlock the seat back, the seat comprising additionally an inertia safety device adapted to drive the locking mechanism into its locked position in the event of the vehicle being subjected to an impact. This safety device includes an input component which is driven by the pivoting of the seat back and which is connected to the locking mechanism by means of an inertia clutch.

Abstract: A wheelchair including a chassis (2) and an articulated height adjustment structure (12) with a seat, foot rest and back is disclosed. The articulated structure is made up of two symmetrical and lateral articulated systems, each having a first folding quadrilateral (17) with upper and lower bars (18, 19), pivoted at the front to the chassis and at the back by a spacer (20), and a second folding quadrilateral which helps to support the foot rest and connects the chassis at the front to the first quadrilateral. Each spacer is in the form of a triangular plate connected to the upper and lower bars (18, 19) by fixing nuts which can be set in adjustable positions on the bars. The spacers on opposite sides of the wheelchair are connected by a crosspiece.

Abstract: A seat belt retractor may be spaced from and mounted at an attitude to the vertical that is different than the attitude of the retractor; and a mechanical connection therebetween operates the retractor to block belt protraction from the retractor reel when the vehicle and/or seat belt experience an acceleration or deceleration above a predetermined amount. Preferably, the retractor is of substantial conventional manufacture, and the remote actuator uses the same kind of proven inertia-sensitive components to provide a low-cost and proven system. Preferably, the remote actuator is connected mechanically by a cable to the retractor, and the cable actuates the retractor to its blocking position to stop belt protraction.

Abstract: In a hewing or cutting roller (1) of variable cutting width, in which two pivotable tool carriers (4, 5) for receiving cutting or hewing tools are arranged on at least one lateral end face (2) of the roller transverse to the axis of the hewing or cutting roller (1), one of the tool carriers carries a locking pin (10) which cooperates with a hook-shaped locking member of the other tool carrier in the extended position of the tool carriers (4, 5).

Abstract: A toolholder for securing a cutting tool used for mining and construction applications whereby the holder has a recessed groove to provide access to the underside of a flange on the cutting bit to promote removal of the cutting tool from the toolholder.

Abstract: A tire as provided with a circumferential portion for contacting a road surface. Edge segments thereof include studs and an inflatable chamber at the edge segment is inflated and deflated to extend and withdraw the edge segments for engagement and disengagement with the road surface.

Abstract: An improved bicycle wheel is disclosed in which spokes (22) and spoke bores (18) are paired at the flanges of the hub (12) and the circumferential distance between adjacent pairs is grater than the distance between the spokes and the bores in a given pair, providing improved torque transmission and reduced spoke stresses at spoke crossover points. Such a wheel may be constructed to have reduced dish by comparison with a conventionally laced wheel. In this case, the wheel is one which, when laced conventionally, would be dished such as a rear wheel with at least one sprocket or a front wheel with a brake disk. In a rear wheel embodiment, the spokes extend from inside to outside, through a proximate hub flange and along the outside to inside through the opposed hub flange. In a front wheel embodiment, the spokes extend from inside to outside through the proximate hub flange along an inside or disk surface thereof.

Abstract: A spun light alloy rim that substantially duplicates the strength and light weight of a cold forged alloy rim and incorporates through its method of manufacture appearance features and the relatively low cost of a cast alloy wheel.

Abstract: In the wheel structure according to the invention, at least one and preferably several profile elements (2.1) are used for the transmission of forces between hub (1) and rim (3). The parts (1.2, 1.3) are combined or combinable into an intrinsically stiff structure. The structure is particularly suitable for car wheels.

Abstract: A method and a device for the open-loop control of a vehicle hydraulic braking system having an anti-lock braking system, the vehicle having two axles to which wheels are attached and having wheel brakes that are coupled to a pedal-actuated master brake cylinder via hydraulic lines in which valve devices are provided. When the anti-lock system is triggered at at least one wheel of an axle, an active brake-pressure buildup is carried out at the wheel brakes of the other axle in order to attain a fully developed deceleration of the vehicle. The initial pressure between the master brake cylinder and the valve devices is used as the control criterion for the active brake-pressure buildup. In response to the fulfillment of a switch-off condition for the fully developed deceleration, the fully developed deceleration is switched off using a delay ramp.

Abstract: A hydraulic actuator for a brake system which includes a housing having a hydraulic circuit in which brake oil flows, a control unit being attached on one side of the housing, and similarly, a motor being attached on the other side thereof. A first terminal connected to the motor extends through a hole formed in the housing. A connector for the motor, having an outside portion that is made of an electrical insulating material is fitted into the hole. The inside portion is adapted to retain the first terminal that is electrically connected to the motor. A connector for the control unit, which has and inside portion for retaining a second terminal that is electrically connected to the control unit, and also has an external portion that can be plugged into the connector for the motor. When the motor, the motor connector, and the control unit connector are mated, the first terminal and the second terminal will establish connector between the motor and the control unit.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for controlling a brake system, the brake pressure of at least one wheel brake being controlled electrically as a function of at least the braking request of the driver. The brake system includes a high-pressure reservoir, whose pressure is detected and taken into consideration in controlling the brake system. In case of failure of the reservoir pressure detection system, the reservoir pressure is estimated on the basis of a model, and the estimated reservoir pressure is taken into consideration in controlling the brake system.

Abstract: A method and a device are described for traction control in a motor vehicle that is equipped with an anti-lock system. When the brake pedal is depressed and an unallowable slip occurs on at least one driving wheel, the brake pressure built up by the driver is controlled in the wheel brake associated with this wheel by setting the associated valve arrangement for traction control. This brake pressure control only takes place if at least one of the following criteria is met: the driver has actuated an additional switching element, the vehicle speed is less than a predefined threshold value, a predefined time period has not elapsed, and/or the gas pedal has been depressed.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a brake control system for an electrically operated vehicle, which is adapted to reduce a regenerative braking torque and add a hydraulic braking force. A motor control unit is provided for controlling an electric motor to apply a rotating force to a wheel and apply the regenerative braking torque to the wheel. A pressure control device is provided for controlling a hydraulic braking pressure generated by a pressure generator in response to operation of a manually operated braking member, and supplied to a wheel brake cylinder, which is operatively mounted on the wheel for applying a hydraulic braking force to the wheel. The regenerative braking torque is reduced in response to a braking condition monitored by a monitor. A pressure difference is detected between the hydraulic braking pressure of the brake fluid discharged from the pressure generator and the hydraulic braking pressure in the wheel brake cylinder.

Abstract: A fail-safe system 2, in which the position of an actuating device 4 is measured by three sensors 8, 10 and 12 that operate independently of one another. The sensor 8 is directly supplied with energy by a first energy source 20, and the sensor 12 is directly supplied with energy by the second energy source 22 of the system 2. The sensor 10 is supplied with energy by the first energy source 20 or by the second energy source 22 via a diode circuit 14, 16 such that, if one of the energy sources 20 or 22 fails, two of the three sensors 8, 10 and 12 are still supplied with energy. A majority decision can be carried out in the microprocessors 32 or 34 if the signal of one sensor is lacking, wherein it can also be determined which of the energy sources 20 or 22 has failed.

Abstract: A negative pressure control apparatus for a brake booster for controlling a negative pressure in a negative pressure chamber of the brake booster is provided. The apparatus is applied to a system having a booster charge mechanism for generating a fluid pressure by using the negative pressure in the negative pressure chamber and a fluid pressure control mechanism for controlling a brake fluid pressure by using the fluid pressure generated by the booster charge mechanism as a fluid pressure source. The apparatus includes a negative pressure controller for controlling the negative pressure in the negative pressure chamber to be at least a predetermined target negative pressure. A temperature detector detects information relating to a temperature of brake fluid. A target negative pressure setting part sets the predetermined negative pressure based on the temperature of the brake fluid.

Abstract: An array and method for standardizing the location of cartridges within a data storage library are provided. The array includes at least one storage cell for receiving at least a portion of a cartridge, where the storage cell includes a first side wall and a second side wall substantially parallel to the first side wall, and the first side wall has a resilient member that is mountable thereon. Upon insertion of a cartridge into the storage cell, the resilient member is operable to engage a first side face of the cartridge and dispose a second side face of the cartridge in contact with the second side wall, defining a reference width position. Depending on the dimensions of the cartridge, either a back abutment or at least one stop extending generally perpendicularly from the first or second side wall preferably engages a back face of the cartridge to limit its depth within the storage cell, such that a reference depth position forward from the storage cell is established.

Abstract: An integrated anti-rebound mechanism with stop feature for a rail assembly. Two stop/anti-rebound pieces are individually attached at the forward end of a first rail and a second rail of the rail assembly. The stop/anti-rebound pieces engage one another when the first and second rails are in a closed position to prevent the first and second rails from moving beyond a closed position from an extended position. The stop/anti-rebound pieces also cooperate to resist movement of the first and second rails from a closed position. A third rail may be included in the rail assembly including a stop mechanism and an anti-rebound mechanism. The stop and anti-rebound mechanisms cooperate with on of the stop/anti-rebound pieces of the other rail to prevent the third rail from moving beyond a closed position, and to resist movement of the third rail from a closed position in relation to the other rail.

Abstract: A plurality of members, which are to be attached to each other, having protruding points of attachment, an assembly formed of such members, a method for attaching members to each other using such attachment points, and a method for creating an assembly by attaching such members to one another.

Abstract: Detecting a quantity of a product remaining in a reservoir subjected, during use of the product, to a driving movement. The reservoir is driven in accordance with reference signals representing target movements. The reference signals including at least one test reference signal. The position of the reservoir in response to the test reference signal is detected. The quantity of product remaining in the reservoir is determinable from the detected position. Alternatively, a change in temperature caused by moving the reservoir in response to the test reference signal is detected, and the quantity of product remaining in the reservoir is determinable from the change in temperature.

Abstract: The purpose is to provide a high quality halftone recording with a reduced grainy feeling without lowering the true resolving power. Provided is an apparatus for making a halftone recording by employing three or more types of color materials, each of which has at least one grade of concentration, wherein each type of the color materials having the lowest concentration provides, when recording on a recording medium having a first lightness, a recorded region having its own lightness, and wherein a difference between the first lightness and the lightness of the recorded region is not more than 35, the lightness being measured according to the definition of CIE 1976 psychological measurement lightness using a standard illuminating light D65 as a light source.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for optical determination of turn-on energy and operational printhead energy for ink-jet printing includes a computerized method for using reflectance readings from a test pattern generated by a printhead under test. The test pattern includes regions (|1|−|N|) generated by applying to the printhead ink drop generators firing pulses having a pulse energy substantially equal to a predetermined reference pulse energy at a predetermined pulse frequency starting with a pulse energy substantially equal to the predetermined reference energy and incrementally changing the pulse energy of the firing pulses such that firing pulses of increasing or decreasing pulse energies are sequentially applied to the drop generators.

Abstract: An ink protection device for an inkjet printhead comprises a flap member associated with the printhead and extending generally parallel to the ink ejection surface of the printhead so that when the printhead is mounted in the carriage the flap member extends between the carriage and a face of the printhead, particularly the electrical interconnect face. The device may be in a two part laminar form attached to the bottom of a carriage of the printer and having a flexible part for contacting all four faces of the printheads and a stiff part for support. Both parts having openings aligned with the openings in the carriage through which the printhead snout passes.

Abstract: An ink jet printer of the present invention includes a recovering device for repeating, at the time of recovery from defective ink ejection, the suction of ink a plurality of times while varying a suction pressure acting on the ink. This successfully reduces the amount of bubbles and reduces the number of times of suction to thereby obviate the wasteful consumption of ink at the time of recovery. A printing method practicable with the ink jet printer and a storage medium storing the printing method are also disclosed.