Abstract: A method for detecting the presence of eye disease in a human eye. A test subject is presented with a fixation target positioned on a colored planar surface. The test subject focuses a test eye on the fixation target and positions the test eye a sufficient separation distance from the fixation target and aligns the test eye relative to said fixation target so that the test subject's central and peripheral visual health can be tested. Additional marks are presented on the planar surface for detection by said test subject using the peripheral vision of the test eye. The additional marks are primarily the same level of black-white contrast as the planar surface but different in hue to create color contrast symbols, and are presented within the field of vision of an eye not afflicted with the disease for which testing is being conducted. In this way, the presence of eye disease can be detected if the additional marks are not visible to the test subject.

Abstract: A motion picture camera head tie-down device and method for securing a motion picture camera head to a camera mount, such as the Mitchell mount. The camera head tie-down device includes a first disk concentrically attached to a second disk. The first disk is contoured to receive a motion picture camera head and the second disk has a plurality of radially extending grooves. A rotatable knob having a spiral thread on a flat surface is positioned such that the spiral thread engages with threads on retractable jaws that are mounted in the grooves of the second disk. A threaded screw passes through the central bores of the first disk, the second disk, and the knob and into a tapped hole in the motion picture camera head. To secure the camera head to the camera mount, the knob is rotated to extend the jaws for engagement with the camera mount.

Abstract: A liquid crystal projector comprises a light source (4), a first lenslet array (6) comprising a plurality of first lenslets (10), a second lenslet array (14) comprising a plurality of second lenslets (12) and being con-focal with said first lenslet array (6), and at least one liquid crystal panel (26, 30, 36), wherein said first and second lenslet arrays (6, 14) are non-identical.

Abstract: The present invention is a projector having a photosensing means for detecting light entering the optical system from outside the optical system, wherein the photosensing means is capable of detecting only the light reflected from within a predetermined area on the screen. According to one aspect, the projector of the present invention includes a linear CCD as a photosensing means resulting in a long, thin area on a screen being detectable by the photosensing means.

Abstract: An image projecting apparatus comprises an optical element including a first end surface, a second end surface and a reflection surface for connecting the first and second surfaces and constructed so that light beams are incident on the first end surface, and at least some of the light beams are reflected by the reflecting surface and emerge from the second end surface. The apparatus also comprises a reflection type optical modulating device for modulating the light beams from the second end surface, and a projection optical system for projecting an image of the reflection type optical modulating device on a screen. The first end surface of the optical element is supplied with a light source or a light source image. A position of the first end surface of the optical element and a position of a stop of the projection optical system are set in a conjugate relationship.

Abstract: A power control apparatus is described that includes a power level adjusting circuit (11) for adjusting an input signal to a desired power level in accordance with a control voltage to output a obtained result; a control voltage generating circuit (12 to 18) for comparing a current output power of the power level adjusting circuit (11) with a target power level to generate the control voltage based on a result of comparison; a low-pass filter (19a) operating in accordance with either a first time constant or a second time constant which is smaller than the first time constant, for filtering the control voltage generated by the control voltage generating circuit (12 to 18) to be supplied to the power level adjusting circuit (11); and filter controlling means (19b) for causing the low-pass filter (19a) to operate in accordance with the second time constant at a first transition of the output power of the power level adjusting circuit (11) and for causing the low-pass filter (19a) to operate in accordance with t

Abstract: A periphery or a section close to a periphery of a collimation mirror is supported by a supporting section of a pressing board from a rear side of a mirror holder without fixing it, and also the collimation mirror is supported by a supporting section of the mirror holder from the front side at a position closer to the center than to a supporting position of the pressing board, so that a pressure is applied to the pressing board from the rear side by a pressurizing means such as an actuator or the like. A peripheral section of the collimation mirror is indirectly cooled by a cooling plate.

Abstract: A door mirror stay which has a mount plate which is fixed along a door panel, a mirror support which is supported by the mount plate and which supports a mirror unit, and a porous member which is integrally formed with the mount plate, the porous member covering a mount surface of the mount plate. This integrally formed porous member has a function to seal and protect the mount surface. The number of parts of the stay and in turn the number of working steps can be decreased, so that the manufacturing cost can be more lowered than the conventional. In the present invention, the door mirror stay can be a one-piece type stay, or a two-piece type stay. In two-piece type stay, an air flow is prevented from entering the automobile through the gaps between each pieces, so that the wind noise can be lowered.

Abstract: A belt having rechargeable batteries thereon and connected to a light to be worn on the cap of the hunter as well as a flood light to be carried by the hunter and also a third light which may be used to illuminate the walking area. The first two lights provide different levels of illumination.

Abstract: A socket wrench having an angular adjustment of a light-emitting device of the socket wrench. The angular adjustment includes a conductive tension element, a conductive ring member, a conductive cylindrical member, a press control element, and a rotation frame. The illumination of the light-emitting device can be adjusted in angular position in accordance with the position of the socket of the socket wrench.

Abstract: A tool having a handle assembly, a workpiece assembly extending from the handle assembly. The handle assembly is a flashlight mechanism, the front end of which is transparent so that lighting the flashlight will emit light through the transparent front end. The workpiece assembly has a pickup assembly associated therewith and includes a tube assembly extending from the handle assembly with the pickup assembly removably mounted within the tube assembly. The pickup assembly is extendable beyond the front end of the tube assembly and has a pickup mechanism at its front end.

Abstract: A luminaire design for suspended ceilings, which permits improved packing density for the warehousing and shipping. The assembled luminaire comprises three or four parts: a reflector, a ballasted-socket, a lamp, and an optional diffuser or lens. The tapered design of the reflector allows the reflectors to be stored and transported with one reflector nested within another; therefore, a stack of a dozen luminaires take up only slightly more volume than one conventional luminaire. When the luminaires are installed at the job site, a ballasted-socket is clipped into a mounting hole in the reflector, a lamp is inserted into the socket of the ballasted-socket, this assembly is placed into the ceiling grid, and the ballasted-socket is connected to a power source. If a diffuser or lens is desired, it is merely placed in the ceiling grid before the rest of the assembly.

Abstract: A lighting apparatus for use in air conditioning systems for textile weaving machines utilizing supports (A) carried on the overhead ducts in longitudinal spaced relation between support columns for the ducts wherein a florescent lamp (C) is positioned within an elongated aligned housing (B) to project light evenly through a lens (D) which extends below and on one side of the duct with light being directed by a downwardly extending reflector leg (E) to distribute light in a pattern including cross-directional light evenly across the weaving machines. A cusp (F) comprising downwardly inclined converging surfaces has an apex directly over the florescent lamp (C). The method contemplates positioning a single elongated florescent lamp asymmetrically on one side of the elongated housing, and configuring the reflector asymmetrically to reflect light in a cross-directional pattern so that illumination of obstructed parts of operating machines is achieved.

Abstract: The present invention proposes a multifunctional decorating light, which comprises a CD case, a light stand, and an illuminating lamp. The foldable CD case is formed with two case shells pivotally joined along one side thereof. An accommodating channel is installed on the CD case. A foldable light stand is pivotally installed in the accommodating channel. A sideward retractable frame is installed on the light stand to be pivotally connected to an illuminating lamp. Thereby the assembled light with the unfolded light stand can be levelly placed on a desk to be used as a desk light. It can also be inserted in the top slot of a CD box to be used as a CD box light when the light stand is folded in the accommodating channel. It can be used as a wall light if the CD case is erectly hung on a wall. Moreover, it can be used as a photograph frame light when the two case shells are opened with insertion of a photograph in one of them.

Abstract: An illumination device that can use a white light diode in a flexible arm plugs into, and is powered through, a utility power jack of a portable computing device or a utility port of a portable computing device.

Abstract: Portable lighting apparatus includes heavy-duty light formed with a pouch and a small light that can be inserted into or withdrawn from the pouch. The two lights can be used together or separately. Each of the lights can assume multiple configurations, and the two lights can be used together or separately.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electric lamp, provided with a metal-plastic cap, for a motor vehicle headlight, which has a pressing-on spring (100) which is arranged laterally on the lamp cap and serves to mount the lamp in the reflector opening, constructed as lamp holder, of the headlight. The lamp cap has a metal holder part for the lamp bulb, a metal annular carrier sleeve (14b) connected thereto, and a plastic cap part (15) in which the carrier sleeve (14b) is anchored. According to the invention, the annular carrier sleeve (14b) has two inwardly angled lugs (14d) between which the pressing-on spring (100) is arranged with a clamping fit, and which are crossed with the ends (104a) of the pressing-on spring (100).

Abstract: An assembly of decorating lamps is formed by a string of decorating bulbs mounted on a substrate. The string of decorating bulbs are formed by a plurality of connected bulbs, lamp heads, and lamp seats, conductive wires, a plug, a tail plug, and a controller. Fixing devices are formed on the substrate to enable a plurality of lamp seats or conductive wires to be fixed to the substrate and arranged as a predetermined pattern or character so as to attain an effect of decoration.

Abstract: Provided a vehicle exterior lamp capable of illuminating the ground surrounding a vehicle. When returning to a predetermined position of a parking lot, a road or the like where a vehicle has been parked, a switch of a transmitter is operated. By doing so, the vehicle is illuminated in a predetermined color and a selected mode, and the vicinity of a door of the vehicle is illuminated by this light, so that the condition of the ground can be confirmed. Particularly, the color of the light, emitted from a light-emitting source, can be arbitrarily set, and the setting can be made, taking the brightness and the saving of the energy into consideration. Even if discriminating information, such as a code, is not provided between the transmitter and a receiver, the color of the illumination of the vehicle can be discriminated from that of other vehicles.

Abstract: The present invention 10 discloses an illuminated celebratory device having a confetti blower housing 22 with LED digital display 14 and other visual and sound effects 24, 26, 28, 30, and 32 mounted on top of a vertically standing pole 20 having tracks 18 thereon upon which a movable ball 12 is slidably mounted. The ball 12 also has digital displays 15, 16 and lamps 36 thereon. The pole 20 is mounted on a base stand 46. In operation, at a predetermined time, the ball 12 begins its descent from atop the pole 20 and as it descends pole lamps 38 illuminate and the LED's 14, 15, 16 show the appropriate time. When the ball 12 reaches its destination at the bottom of pole 20, the LED's indicate the appropriate time and all celebratory features of the device activate.

Abstract: A retractable truck light assembly for trucks that provides increased lighting and visibility when a truck is towing a trailer. The truck light assembly includes a retractable light housing that is affixed to the truck bed side wall. The housing further includes a pivotal mount whereby the truck light housing swivels outward from the truck body to an extended position and swivels inward to the truck body to a retracted position. The truck light assembly also includes an adjustable rod attachable to the truck bed side wall. The adjustable rod includes a concave receptor shaped and positioned to receive the truck light housing in its retracted position such that the truck light housing does not substantially protrude beyond the aerodynamic plane of the truck bed side wall. In the preferred embodiment, the truck light system includes a pair of truck light assemblies for positioning on the driver and passenger sides of the truck, respectively.

Abstract: A compact illuminator includes a housing having open ends configured to receive waveguides. A reflector is positioned within the housing. The reflector has open end portions, a central portion between the end portions, and a light source positioned within the central portion. Side walls extend between the end portions and at least partially enclose the central portion. The side walls protrude inward toward the light source. The reflector is shorter in length than the housing so that the waveguides fit within the housing and abut the end portions of the reflector.

Abstract: A vehicle headlamp device is designed to provide the feeling that sufficient light quantity exists in the high beam (H-beam) mode despite the use of a single discharge light source. The headlamp can be produced at low cost and by simple construction without the need for installing an auxiliary reflective part on the reflective member. The vehicle headlamp device can include a discharge lamp light source, a switching device for switching between the high beam and low beam, and a lighting device which supplies electric power to the discharge lamp. The lighting device can be controlled such that the electric power supplied to the discharge lamp is increased only when the beam is switched to the H-beam mode by the switching device.

Abstract: A vehicle lamp includes: a reflector having a rear surface and an aiming screw coupling portion; a lamp body having an inner surface, for containing the reflector tiltably; an aiming screw extending in a substantially longitudinal direction coupled to the aiming screw coupling portion of the reflector and the lamp body; a first projected portion formed near the aiming screw coupling portion on the rear surface of the reflector; and a second projected portion formed on the inner surface of the lamp body in a place behind the first projected portion. When the reflector is tilted up to a predetermined angle position, the first and second projected portions are brought into contact with each other within a plane substantially perpendicular to the axial direction of the aiming screw.

Abstract: A light source arrangement for a battery-powered light source unit of an endoscope comprises a cylindrical housing, a base disposed at one end of the housing, a plurality of LEDs connected to a flexible circuit board supported on the base and a focusing lens. A light guide for directing light emanating from the LEDs. The light guide comprises a reflective surface formed on an inner wall of the housing, a reflector having a concave reflective surface which is disposed at one end of the housing so as to surround the LEDs or a micro-lens array disposed in front of the LEDs with each micro lens aligned with the LED.

Abstract: A description is given of a mixing apparatus for the treatment of viscous substances which comprises a heatable housing 1 with a product inlet 6 on one side of the vessel and a product outlet 8 on the other side of the housing 1 and, if appropriate, an exhaust vapor nozzle 7, which comprises two or more mutually parallel counter-rotating shafts 2, 2′. Located thereupon there are paddles 3, 3′ extending in the circumferential direction and blades 4, 4′, 5, 5′ extending along the axial direction. The apparatus permits the active axial conveyance of the mixed substance, the moving internals fully cleaning themselves kinematically during operation of the apparatus.

Abstract: An hourglass that includes a mechanism for varying the amount of time measured with the hourglass. The hourglass includes a pair of reservoirs connected a constriction in a conventional manner, and includes a bypass duct that provides fluid communication between the reservoirs.

Abstract: A sample and a scanning probe microscope system are used as the detector for an infrared spectrometer to circumvent the diffraction limit of conventional infrared microscopy, and to provide spectroscopic images with a greatly improved spatial resolution, potentially as low as a few tens of nanometers. The beam from an infrared spectrometer is directed at the sample. The sample is heated to the extent that it absorbs infrared radiation. Thus the resulting temperature rise of an individual region depends upon the particular molecular species present, as well as the range of wavelengths of the infrared beam. These individual temperature differences are detected by a miniature thermal probe. The thermal probe is mounted in a scanning thermal microscope. The scanning thermal microscope is then operated used to produce multiple surface and sub-surface images of the sample, such that the image contrast corresponds to variations in either thermal diffusivity, surface topography or chemical composition.

Abstract: A method for testing an electronic module to evaluate solder joint failures caused by thermally induced stress includes determining a thermal shock endurance test profile that represents field temperature conditions, estimating time/cycles to failure of solder joints in the module using numerical simulation techniques, selecting a design life duration for the module, comparing the design life duration of the module with the estimated time/cycles to failure of the weakest solder joint in the module, determining between robust, marginal, and non-robust module designs based on the design life duration of the module and the estimated time/cycles to failure of the at least one solder joint in the module, and determining an accelerated thermal shock endurance test specification having a test duration for testing the electronic module upon determining a marginal module design.

Abstract: According to an embodiment of the present invention, an isocenter of an image may be found by using a multi-leaf collimator. According to this embodiment, a center leaf is projected into the center of the x-ray field with all other leaves retracted. An image is acquired. A line through the center of the center leaf is identified. This line is also a line through isocenter. Another method according to an embodiment of the present invention for finding isocenter uses an accessory. The accessory according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a metal marker in the center of the accessory with metal markers interspersed away from the center at a predetermined interval. An image may be acquired through the accessory, with the patient on the table. The resulting image may be analyzed to identify the position of the metal markers to determine isocenter.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of manufacturing packaging bags having lateral bellows, the method being characterized by the fact that it comprises the steps of forming respective cutouts (150, 160) in each of the two lateral, bellows-forming zones of a packaging bag sheet (100) so that the bag has only two thicknesses superposed at the mouth of said bellows, at least over a portion of its width; and heat-sealing (184, 186) the adjacent edges of the sheet to the peripheries of the cutouts (150, 160) to close the bag. The invention also provides apparatus for implementing the method and bags obtained thereby.

Abstract: A guide rail (21) has an upper surface (26) with a pair of upper rolling paths (23) and side surfaces (70) with a pair of side rolling paths (24). The upper rolling paths (23) are concave surfaces inclined downward toward a longitudinal middle portion with respect to width of the guide rail (21) and extending along arcs of a circle. A moving block (22), provided with a groove (39) receiving the guide rail (21) therein, is mounted on the guide rail (21) so as to straddle the rail. A plurality of upper rollers (35) are supported in rows on the moving block (22) so as to roll along the upper rolling paths (23). The upper rollers (35) each has a convex side surface (35a). A plurality of side rollers (36) are supported in rows on the moving block (22) so as to roll along the side rolling paths (24). Even if a lateral force acts on the moving block due to a positional error in the guide rail, the rollers are able to roll smoothly and the smooth traveling of the moving block is insured.

Abstract: A gas dynamic foil bearing comprises a plate (13) attached to a base (10), support members (14) fixed on the plate (13) at predetermined intervals, elastic foils (15) fixed to the support members (14) at one end thereof to overlap each other, a thrust disk (11) connected to a rotating rotor and placed on the elastic foils (15), and bent springs (17) interposed between the elastic foils (15) and the plate (13) in the overlapping area of the elastic foils (15) for supporting the elastic foils (15).

Abstract: A lubricant drainage circuit outside a roller bearing is fitted such that an output draining through a drained ring is controlled by providing drainage channels crossing the ring and having different inclinations in a circumferential direction of the drained ring.

Abstract: An object is to exert the intended fretting-preventive effect without being influenced by the size of variation in rotation (variation in speed) or the size of vibration. An arrangement comprising a main shaft gear 1 having a raceway surface 1c on its inner peripheral surface, a bearing inner ring 2 having a raceway surface 2a on the outer periphery, tapered rollers 3 disposed between the raceway surface 1c of the main shaft gear 1 and the raceway surface 2a of the bearing inner ring 2 and held at predetermined circumferential intervals by a cage 4, an imbalance means which produces a circumferential weight imbalance in the assembly of the tapered rollers 3 and cage 4, wherein the roughness of the cone back face 2b of the bearing inner ring 2 is 0.01-0.04 &mgr;mRa, and the roughness of the large end faces 3b of the tapered rollers 3 is 0.01-0.

Abstract: The invention concerns a rolling bearing cage (1, 21) made of a resilient plastic and comprising at at least one peripheral point, an axially extending gap (2) formed by a first cage end (4) and a second cage end (3) which is spaced from the first cage end (4), each of the first and the second cage ends (4, 3) comprising at least one projection and at least one recess, said recess and projection having complementary shapes, and as viewed in axial direction, the recess and the projection partially engage each other, and as viewed in peripheral direction, the recess and the projection partially overlap each other.

Abstract: A fiber optic cable is terminated to a ferrule in a conventional fashion, polished and completed as would ordinarily be done, but the entire assembly or at least the termination/connector portion is coated with a conformal coating such as MIL-I-46058 XY conformal coating, also known as Parylene. The conformal coating provides an effective moisture barrier without restricting the flexibility of the cable. In addition, the conformal coating protects the polished connector/terminus interface, in case of a butt joint connection, protecting it from damage prior to installation, at which time the conformal coating on the mating face can easily be peeled off because of the polished condition of the mating face.

Abstract: Just after resist solution is coated on a substrate, it is dried substantially in a non-heating state. In reality, inertia gas or the like is blown from a shower head to the substrate. Thus, the resist solution coated on the substrate is dried. Consequently, transfer marks that cause the film thickness of resist film to be unequal and the line width of a circuit pattern to fluctuate can be prevented.

Abstract: An apparatus and method technique to secure smooth transporting of a recording medium in a printing device. A gap between the print head and the platen is included in a transport path for another purpose, e.g., reading of magnetic ink character recognition (MICR) characters on the recording medium, through use of a platen which is rotatable between two positions: a support position and a guide position. The gap adjacent the platen is minimized in the guide position.

Abstract: A thermal label printer includes an actuation mechanism and follower for facilitating loading of stock (e.g., label stock). A pivotable printer head pressure plate includes the actuation mechanism which cooperates with the follower coupled to a peeler roller. As the pressure plate is moved from a closed position proximate a platen to an open position for loading of stock or for cleaning the printer head, the peeler roller is automatically translated from the platen. The resulting roller gap and displaced printer head provide unrestricted access for threading of the printer. The printer also includes a programmable device in the printer electronics for reconfiguring the printer to accommodate a variety of thermal print mechanisms.

Abstract: Printing apparatus and print control method for efficiently utilizing buffer memories. In a case of performing printing operation by controlling scanning of a printhead and four buffer memories where K, C, M and Y color image data are temporarily stored respectively, the color component data is inputted to the buffer memories while monitoring the data storage, and based on the monitoring result, discrimination is made as to whether or not at least one of the buffer memories has become full. Also, a print width, a conveyance amount of a print medium, and color component data to be cleared upon printing are dynamically determined based on a printable width of the printhead and the contents of the inputted color component data (monochrome image, color image, mixture of monochrome and color image).

Abstract: A portable printer is provided which provides active cooperation between a computer and the portable printer unit. A number of different features are introduced into the printing unit which allow greater responsiveness from the computer responsive to actions taken at the printer unit.

Abstract: A printer for printing information on images on a substrate such as an identification card in multiple colors has an intermediate transfer film or web on which a reverse image is printed. The printer has a lamination station where the image is transferred to a substrate, such as an identification card. The intermediate transfer film or web is moved back and forth, the intermediate transfer film or web has slack occurring in it between the printing station and the lamination station. The slack is taken up with spring loaded rollers to permit operation of the printer head and the lamination station at the same time. Additionally, the printer is made into modules that are movable for easy access to interior components and to expose film or web paths that permits installing both the print film or web and the intermediate transfer film or web without threading it through enclosed openings.

Abstract: A portable printer comprising a door pivotally coupled to a main body of the portable printer at a back end, a printing medium roller support rotatably mounted on the door of the portable printer, a platen rotatably positioned at a front end of the door, a door locking mechanism having a pair of door locking latches respectively positioned at opposite ends of the platen, a roller movably and rotatably coupled to the door locking mechanism and positioned parallel to the platen, a pair of levers movably coupled to the door locking mechanism for pressing the roller against the platen when the door is closed to the main body, a support frame positioned within the main body, a print head pivotally coupled to the support frame, a pair of coil springs coupled between the print head and the support frame such that the print head is essentially floating against the support frame, a body locking mechanism having a pair of body locking latches for latching with respective door locking latches, a gear system coupled to t

Abstract: A lotion applicator includes a flexible handle capable of being oriented in one of a plurality of positions. The handle is interconnected to a rigid plastic applicator head. The applicator head is provided with a plurality of indentations extending below an outer surface area of the applicator head. The indentations are capable of storing a predetermined volume of a viscous fluid.

Abstract: A roller ball pen that permits a user to adjust the bias force that biases a roller ball cartridge out of the pen to suit the user's particular writing style. The pen has a body having distal and proximal ends, a roller ball cartridge disposed in the body, a cap removably disposed on the proximal end of the body, a nut slidingly disposed in the cap, a spring attached to the distal side of the nut and abutting the roller ball cartridge, and a drive rod engaged with the nut. Rotation of the drive rod moves the nut distally or proximally, thereby adjusting the bias force applied by the spring to the roller ball cartridge.

Abstract: A multi-functional pen has a tapered tube head connected to a lower pen tube which houses a rotary device. The rotary device projects from the lower pen tube at one end. An upper pen tube is connected to the projecting end of the rotary device so as to complete the pen when the tube head, lower pen tube, rotary device and upper pen tube are assembled together. A refill is disposed within the pen and can be replaced by unscrewing any one of the tube head, the upper pen tube or the lower pen tube.

Abstract: A device for packaging and applying a substance that is in liquid, semiliquid, or powder form, in particular a cosmetic, the device comprising a receptacle that is open at one end and suitable for containing said substance, and an applicator comprising a stalk provided at one end with an applicator element and at its other and with a handle member, the applicator element being inserted into the receptacle and being withdrawn therefrom in contact with an elastically deformable wiper member. Said wiper member is constituted at least in part by foam comprising at least 5% of open cells.

Abstract: A writing instrument with sound and illumination functions has a case with an ink cartridge. A chamber is mounted on the case. A buzzer and an IC board are installed in the chamber. The IC board has an LED mounted on the upper surface and two battery seats with a battery in each seat mounted on the bottom surface. When writing, the circuit consisting of the buzzer, the LED, the IC board and the batteries is completed so that the LED emits light and the buzzer makes a sound or plays music.

Abstract: In a free-ink type low-viscosity water-based ball point pen, the low viscosity water based ink 17 contains 40% or more of water as a main solvent and has a viscosity of 1.5 cps to 60 cps at a normal temperature. A collector 6 has a slender, slit-like ink groove 16 and an air vent groove 14. In a zone covering from a collector air-venting portion 15 to an outside air with which the collector air-venting portion 15 is communicated the collector 6 has a mouth piece 5 having provided therein the thin and elongate air vent groove 14. The maximum amount of ink stored in the collector 6 is made 15% or more of the capacity of an ink tank 9. The ink tank 9 is made detachable and has its main body formed of transparent or semi-transparent synthetic resin, the main body therefore enabling a residual amount of ink 17 to be visually recognizable from outside.