Abstract: My invention is a portfolio to contain small papers in an orderly fashion with index tab dividers that enables categorical filing of coupons and receipts or any other small paper documents. The invention is constructed of polypropylene material and is generally the size of a large standard and/or small standard envelope of which size is generally 4 inches by 9 inches and 4 inches by 6 inches respectively.

Abstract: A connection device for making a tight connection between two ends of tubes is provided. The connection device includes a body having two symmetrical and opposite portions for engaging ends of respective tubes, and each of the portions has a hooking element to keep the tube in the connection, and a sealing element for the connection. The hooking element of each portion includes: a truncated chamber arranged in each portion; a longitudinal rib projecting into the truncated chamber; and a split ring whose ends are located on either side of the longitudinal rib. The ring is provided with an internal threading, so as to cause a blocking of the tube by any traction on the tube in a direction opposite to its direction of engagement. The ring is placed free in the truncated chamber, on one hand, and is elastically deformable, on the other.

Abstract: The invention relates to a swivel adapter-coupler that is to be positioned between a conventional fixed drop elbow on the end of a hose of a tanker truck for an underground storage tank. The other end of the swivel adapter-coupler attaches to the pipe adapter (either the fill pipe or the vapor pipe) of the underground storage tank, in the conventional quick-connect type connection. The swivel adapter-coupler permits loops and kinks in the hose to be removed by rotating the swivel adapter-coupler in the proper direction. Likewise, the invention relates to a rotatable drop elbow to replace the conventional fixed drop elbow at the end of a hose on a tanker truck. The rotatable drop elbow eliminates loops and kinks in the hose by merely rotating the drop elbow in the proper direction.

Abstract: A power steering apparatus (10) includes a housing (22) defining a chamber (25) for holding power steering fluid. The housing (22) has an opening (62, 153, 213) defined by a projection (64, 152, 212) integrally formed on the housing. A conduit (50) extends into the opening (62, 153, 213). A connector assembly (60, 150, 210) connects the conduit (50) with the projection (64, 152, 212) on the housing (22). The connector assembly (60, 150, 210) includes a member (68, 160, 218) engaging the conduit (50) and the projection (64, 152, 212) to connect the conduit with the projection.

Abstract: A plug portion 23 which engages to a socket 13, to which a liquid transport hose and a gas transport hose 7 are connected, is provided to a plug 12 which closes an aperture portion which is formed in a container. A liquid conduit 26 on the side of the plug 12 which is communicated to a liquid conduit 56 on the side of the socket 13 is formed on the inner side of the plug portion 23, while a gas conduit 41 on the side of the plug 12 which is communicated to gas conduits 52 and 63 on the socket side is formed on the outer side of the plug portion 23. By this construction, it is possible to anticipate simplified and reduced cost manufacture for a connector which excels in convenience due to having a plurality of conduits.

Abstract: A fabricated connector for oval shaped cross section ducts is provided. The fabricated connector has two oval shaped connector elements, each of which are formed from two semi-circular rings to which universal connectors are permanently affixed on each end of the semi-circular rings by the manufacturer. The semi-circular rings with universal connectors attached are then shipped to the field where angle pieces are inserted and fixed between the universal connectors of the two semi-circular rings to form the precise shape of oval connector desired.

Abstract: A clamshell coupling for a conduit system is provided. The clamshell coupling may comprise at least one longitudinal housing having first and second ends adapted to receive sections of conduit. A restraint system may be disposed on an interior surface of the longitudinal housing. The restraint system operates to actively engage at least one conduit and resist a longitudinal load between the clamshell coupling and the conduit. A coupling system may be used to secure the longitudinal housings to the tubular members.

Abstract: Provided is a highly reliable leak-proof pipe joint which is superior in workability, inexpensive and Light, superior in resistance against chlorine and oxygen contained in hot water or vapor, resistive against hydrolysis in hot water, superior in mechanical strength and impact resistance, and thereby capable of withstanding deformation due to water pressure or water hammer phenomenon. This pipe, joint has a main body and a connector or connecting the main body to a pipe, wherein at least either the main body or connector is formed from one type selected from a group consisting or resin in which thermoplastic elastomer is added to polyphenylene sulfide, polysulfone, polyphenyl sulfane, polyphthalimide and polyetherimide, and the main body and connector are formed integrally.

Abstract: The invention relates to a lock that can be used with a flap, comprising a rotary unit that is made up of a rotary spagnolet that interacts with a closing element (10) and a rotating latch (22). In order to improve operational performance, the rotary unit is provided with a rigid catch (23) that preferably has two counter shoulders running in opposite directions. The output member (35) of a motor (40)—driven gear mechanism is also provided with two corresponding counter shoulders. This enables the motor to provide assistance with closing and, optionally, opening, whereby the rotary unit can be guided in a closing, tilting direction or an opening, tilting direction until the flap is fully closed or opened. The motor (40) comprises a gear mechanism with a group of gears that can be displaced between an engaged position and a separated position. The detent pawl (16) which interacts with the rotating latch (22) is disabled in the separated position, should an emergency arise.

Abstract: A device and method for extracting wadded documents from a track of a document processor is provided. The device has a longitudinal body portion with surfaces defining an extraction aperture. The body portion also has ends defining an opening in the extraction aperture and surfaces defining a channel, wherein the channel extends between the ends. The extraction device further includes a tension member disposed within the channel and extending across the opening in the extraction aperture. The body portion further includes a securing member for placing the tension member under a desired tension such that damage to the track is avoided.

Abstract: A weeding tool with a combination of attachments integrated with a fulcrum to remove specific types of weeds based on their root structure. The attachments remove weeds whose roots are characterized as lengthy single-type roots, medium-depth bushy-hair type roots and near-surface vine-type roots. A fulcrum slidably attached to the tool handle ergonomically assists the gardener in extracting weeds by limiting angular rotation of the handle. The fulcrum may be used to apply foot pressure in penetrating hard soil. The fulcrum slides on the tool handle with respect to the end of the lifting blade to vary its penetration depth and is used for extracting single-type weed roots at different depths. The multiple-tine rake rotatably attached to the fulcrum is snapped into position and spring-biased to remain in position for extracting weeds having medium-depth bushy roots. The cultivator bar rotatably attached to the fulcrum is snapped into position for near-surface weed removal or general soil tilling.

Abstract: This invention provides an actuation system for a highly underactuated gripping mechanism with ten degrees of freedom, which requires only two actuators, one for actuating the opening and closing of three fingers and the other for the orientation of two rotatable fingers with synchronization. Underactuation between the fingers is provided by a one-input/three-output differential which is associated with an orientation mechanism so that an orientation-fixed finger is deactivated when the two orientatable fingers are rotated to face each other for a pinch grasp. Each finger is enabled to be self-locked in its closing and opening action when the power is off. This feature is important, especially for the fingers actuated by a differential mechanism for the underactuation between the fingers. In one embodiment of the invention, planetary gearing system is used for the differential.

Abstract: An electrically driven gripper has a housing, a gearmotor attached to the housing, a cam engaged to the gearmotor, a pair of opposing jaws slidingly mounted to the housing, a cam follower secured to one of the jaws and in sliding contact with the cam; and a spring configured to impart a force to the jaws such that the jaws are pulled toward each other. The gearmotor drives the cam to force the jaws to a maximum open position. Continued rotation of the cam allows the spring to pull the jaws closed to grasp an object with the jaws. Sensors mounted to the housing determine whether the jaws are in an open or closed state. A simple circuit on a printed circuit board mounted to the housing is used to control the electric gearmotor.

Abstract: An installation structure of a mid-gate of a sport utility truck that can significantly secure stability and strength of a part where a mid-gate is mounted onto a vehicle body, the structure including: a rear floor panel; a deck floor panel positioned with a predetermined interval over the rear floor panel; a closing panel directly connecting the front portion of the deck floor panel with the rear floor panel; and a mid-gate mounting panel with its rear end being connected with the closing panel, its front end being connected with the rear floor panel and a mid-gate hinge being fixed at its upper surface, thereby reinforcing the mid-gate installed part and restricting the occurrence of twists at the rear cargo loading portion of the vehicle body.

Abstract: A recreational vehicle having an extendable slide-out controlled by an actuator assembly is provided with a damage avoidance system. The damage avoidance system determines if the slide-out is in an adverse state and, if the adverse state is detected, inhibits the actuator assembly from moving the slide-out. The slide-out is in the adverse state if (a) a collision between the slide-out and a nearby object is imminent, (b) a collision has recently occurred, or (c) a resistive force is acting on the slide-out which substantially inhibits the actuator assembly from moving the slide-out. The damage avoidance system comprises a sensor module for monitoring the state of the slide-out and for providing an override signal to the actuator assembly, wherein the override signal is indicative of the slide-out being in the adverse state.

Abstract: A luggage compartment structure allows a tray to be detachably placed on a floor surface of the luggage compartment on which a luggage mat is spread, or detachably placed on the undersurface of an upper back panel of the luggage compartment. Further, the luggage compartment structure allows the tray to be accommodated in a recessed storage portion provided in a floorboard member. As a result, the tray can be effectively placed on, over or under the luggage mat of the luggage compartment as required to accommodate various luggage loading configurations.

Abstract: A hinged connector assembly for truck toppers for allowing a truck topper to be pivotally coupled to a truck bed side wall. A hinge is mounted adjacent to each side stake hole of the truck bed side wall. Each hinge has a topper plate coupled to the topper which is pivotally coupled to a side wall plate. The side wall plates are mounted on the truck bed side wall through the side stake holes in conjunction with a respective securing plate by a threaded bolt fastening assembly. For enhancing the stability of the topper on the truck, the securing plates include a plurality of spacer tabs that are disposed within each of the side stake holes.

Abstract: A structure for wiring circuits on a panel of a vehicle body, consists of a panel board separate from the panel of the vehicle body, which has conductors laid in a desired wiring pattern for constituting the circuits; and a receiver space provided in the panel of the vehicle body for receiving the panel board, wherein the panel board is mounted in the receiver space to wire the circuits on the panel of the vehicle body. Preferably, the conductors are at least partially exposed for electric connection to an auxiliary to be mounted on the panel of the vehicle body. The structure enables an easy wiring of circuits and gives an improved configuration flexibility for the panel, reliably retains circuit-constituting conductors, provides an improved workability, and is better adapted for connecting to an auxiliary.

Abstract: A portable two-piece motorcycle windshield assembly includes an upper windshield panel having a lower edge and a lower windshield panel having an upper edge with a shape complementary to the shape of the upper windshield panel defining the lower edge. Connector rods are provided for releasably connecting the upper windshield panel and the lower windshield panel together. The lower edge of the upper windshield and the upper edge of the lower windshield mate together in edge-to-edge aligned registration with each other to collectively form a two-piece windshield. A pair of connector brackets are carried adjacent a bottom edge of the lower windshield panel for releasably attaching the assembled windshield to handlebars of a motorcycle.

Abstract: For vehicles with a rear cargo space and a cargo space enclosure, a sliding hatch is provided that is designed to fit over an opening in the roof of the enclosure above the cargo space. The opening forms a part of the same opening provided when the rear window and rear door of the enclosure are opened. The sliding hatch is mounted to enable it to slide forward and above the passenger compartment of the vehicle to provide a vertical clearance in the cargo space for objects being hauled and loaded. The sliding hatch is designed to be water tight through the design of a rain duct with a raised lip disposed around the opening. The sliding hatch is designed to receive a rear window in a pocket in the underside of the sliding hatch for convenience and ease of use.

Abstract: A collapsible truck box cover for providing protective shelter for the outdoors person. The collapsible truck box cover includes a frame assembly being adapted to be removably mounted upon a truck box and including curved elongate support members and also including elongate cross members; and also includes a plurality of connectors interconnecting the elongate support members and the elongate cross members; and further includes a sheet of material being securely and removably fastened about the frame assembly.

Abstract: A passenger compartment cover for a convertible vehicle for screening out debris, sunlight glare, and insects from the users in the passenger compartment of a convertible vehicle. The passenger compartment cover for a convertible vehicle includes sheets of mesh material being securely attached to one another and being adapted to cover a passenger compartment of a convertible vehicle; and also includes pieces of mesh material being fastenable to the sheets of mesh material and forming windows therein; and further includes fastening members being attached to the sheets of mesh material and the pieces of mesh material for fastening the sheets of mesh material and the pieces of mesh material to the convertible vehicle.

Abstract: Roof (1) of a convertible, divided into three substantially rigid roof sections, a forward roof section (2), a middle roof section (3) and a rearward roof section (4), hinged on each other in succession in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle and arranged to be movable between a closed position (I) and an opened position (II). The rearward roof section (4) is pivotally connected to the body so as to be turnable by means of a main actuator (7). The middle roof section (3) is pivotally connected to the rearward roof section (4) and connected via a mechanical pivoted lever system (8) to the body and the rearward roof section of the convertible so that the middle roof section is turned by positive control together with the rearward roof section when the roof is being turned between the closed position (I) and the opened position (II).

Abstract: A hatchback lid for a motor vehicle with a top and a bottom hatchback lid part (5, 6) displaceably mounted in relation to each other. The top hatchback lid part (5) is jointed with the bottom hatchback lid part (6) in such a way that the two hatchback lid parts (5, 6) can be folded together into a completely open position.

Abstract: A refrigerated trailer includes a floor and a pair of sidewalls which extend upwardly from the floor. Each sidewall is formed of inner and outer skins and a plastic core provided therebetween. A plurality of posts are also provided between the inner and outer skins. The posts have predetermined heights which vary along a predetermined pattern along the length of the trailer.

Abstract: A lower fender extension brace for mounting on truck hood fenders to prevent lower fender breakage and cracking. Lower fender extension brace comprises brace attachable to the inside of a hood fender of a truck or van to provide support to the front, corner, and side of said hood fender to reduce breaking and cracking in the hood fender. Lower fender extension brace that can be attached to the inside of a hood fender of a truck or van using rivets, nuts and bolts, molecular bonding, or high strength bonding tape.

Abstract: A foot rest for a reclining beach chair or lounger having either 1-piece or 2-piece fabric seat liner constructions, including a pair of forwardly extending tubular arms fastened to front pad connectors of such casual seating, and secured together along their lengths in defining the foot rest which receives the fabric liner constructions.

Abstract: A climatized seat utilizing a vortex tube is provided. The vortex tube separates compressed air into hot and cold air streams, which are used to heat and cool the seat. In a preferred embodiment, the seat includes a vortex tube, communicative passageways connected to the ends of the vortex tube and the seat, and one or more valves for regulating airflow from the ends of the vortex tube and the environment surrounding the seat. A system for regulating seat temperature is also provided. In one embodiment, the system comprises one or more seats, one or more vortex tubes, various communicative passageways and valves, a source of compressed air, and an accumulator for storing compressed air.

Abstract: A unique construction for a base of an infant's restraining cushioned seat providing a slide for supporting the cushioned seat, a laterally pivotal guide for the slide, a lateral pivot position and longitudinal slide position locking device for the guide, whereby the slide and cushioned seat attached thereto can be moved to a rearward position adjacent the back of a vehicle seat and locked into position thereon, wherein the locking device can be released and the slide moved to a forward position on the vehicle seat, and whereby thru pivoting of the guide the cushioned seat can be aligned with and positioned adjacent a door opening of the vehicle for providing easy and safe access to the cushioned seat by a person standing substantially outside the vehicle.

Abstract: In a height adjuster (11) for a vehicle seat, in particular an automobile seat, with a rocking arm (9) connected to a seat frame (10), the rocking arm mounting a toothed segment (15), and with a connector with a mounting point (28) for a belt lock arranged on the seat frame (10) for rotation about an axis of rotation (30) relative to the seat frame (10), wherein the connector (16,22) comprises an engagement mechanism which cooperates with the toothed segment (15) in the case of a crash, and the axis of rotation (30) is arranged between the engagement mechanism and the mounting point (28) for the belt lock.

Abstract: An automobile vehicle seat includes two hinge mechanisms, each with a center of rotation through which a common pivoting geometrical axis passes. The hinge mechanisms are connected in rotation by a connecting bar extending, in a range between coaxial and parallel, to the pivoting geometrical axis. The connecting bar including a plurality of flattened zones offset axially relative to one another and located along the bar, the flattened zones are positioned at respective angular planes in relation to the bar axis and serving to increase bar flexibility in the flattened zone thereby reducing stress in the mechanisms.

Abstract: A passive restraint system in an aircraft utilizing a seat structure of the aircraft to store a source of pressurized gas or solid fuel necessary to expand the passive restraint is disclosed. The seat structure of the aircraft comprises multiple hollow tubes, and these hollow tubes can be utilized to either store pressurized gas or solid fuel directly, or to house a vessel that stores pressurized gas or solid fuel. Thus, no additional aircraft seat space is required to house a pressurized gas vessel. By using the existing seat structure to house the source of pressurized gas or solid fuel, significant space and weight savings can be realized, both of which are important factors in aircraft seat design.

Abstract: The frameless end dump fifth wheel trailer includes a cargo container. A rear axle and wheels support the rear portion of the cargo container. A hydraulic cylinder is pivotally attached to the front portion of the container. A piston rod of the hydraulic cylinder is pivotally attached to a kingpin plate assembly. A kingpin is secured to the plate assembly. A tension frame assembly is pivotally attached to the plate assembly and to the center portion of the container. Two mast members are secured to the plate assembly. A pair of kingpin plate control arms have forward ends each of which is pivotally attached to one of the masts and rear ends pivotally attached to the center portion of the cargo container. A flat bottom surface of the kingpin plate is held in a substantially horizontal position by the plate control arms.

Abstract: A softwall mining method and device. Each of a plurality of mining devices comprise a supporting portion, an earth moving portion and a coupling mechanism for advancing the earth moving portion into a mining face, and for advancing the supporting portion toward the earth moving portion. Supporting portions of the devices are locked together to anchor movement of the earth moving portions, and earth moving portions of the devices are separately locked together to anchor the movement of the supporting portions.

Abstract: Two brake circuits (1, 2) each comprise at least one wheel brake (VL, VR, HL, HR), a fluid control module (38, 42, 44; 40, 46, 48; 24) for fluid pressure control at the at least one wheel brake, and at least one brake line (50, 52; 54, 56) for connecting the fluid control module to the at least one wheel brake, such that only one brake line is connected to each wheel brake. In order to increase the safety of the vehicle brake system during braking with only one intact brake circuit, according to the invention in the vehicle brake system a sensor arrangement (58) for determining failure of a brake circuit is provided, and the fluid control modules in the event of failure of a brake circuit are capable of controlling the fluid pressure at the at least one wheel brake of the intact brake circuit in such a way that the gradient of a developing yawing moment (G) of a vehicle provided with the vehicle brake system does not exceed a predetermined maximum value.

Abstract: In a vehicle braking system with electronic brake distribution the threshold level of slip of the rear wheels is increased when the front brake temperature is estimated to have increased to a level where brake fade will occur. This allows more braking torque to be applied to the rear wheels to counteract the brake fade at the front wheels. This increase in threshold slip is, however, overridden if the vehicle is cornering, as detected by a lateral accelerometer or a wheel speed difference across the vehicle, to avoid a reduction in vehicle stability during cornering.

Abstract: A clip for use on a track of a snowmobile of the type having a suspension system equipped with one or more elongated slide runners, the track consisting of an endless body having an outer face with transverse ground engaging profiles spaced longitudinally thereof and inner surface adapted to receive, on portions of the lower run thereof, a slide runner of the suspension system. The clip has an inner wall and a pair of side walls engaging the body of the track. The inner wall includes a flat face receiving a slide runner thereon during use of the snowmobile. The flat face displays a series of holes whereby snow or ice over which the snowmobile travels, when lodged in these holes during use, provides lubrication for the sliding contact of the slide runner on a clip and cooling of the clip body from heat generated by the frictional contact of the slide runner on the clip.

Abstract: A track for a snow vehicle is described herein. The track is provided with a lug arrangement defined by two different rows of lugs that together define a generally smooth convex profile. The lugs of the first and second rows are staggered, thereby allowing an adequate traction even when the vehicle is severely tilted, without defining a ski-like outer profile that could cause the snow vehicle to slide sideways.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cleat assembly for drive tracks for tracked vehicles, in particular those used for grooming ski slopes. The cleat assembly has a cleat member that includes, in cross section, a U-shaped body as a connection shank and two U-shanks connected with the connection shank via a flex rim that fit together and end opposite to the connection shank by forming an end piece of the cleat member. The flex rim includes a roll bead that is positioned projecting essentially outward from the connecting shank and bent upward toward the end piece.

Abstract: An entertainment center system comprises a cabinet having a planar bottom, a top panel, side panels, an open back with vertical edges, a front formed of an opening extending there through with horizontal shelving there within supporting electronic entertainment equipment. A pair of similarly configured generally rectangular pivotal plates each have a front face, a rear face, an interior edge and a parallel exterior edge. Hinges are coupled to the rear face of each pivotal plate adjacent to the interior edge and are also coupled to an associated vertical edge of the cabinet.

Abstract: A computer drive sled with a center mount release mechanism eliminates lateral protrusions on the sled. The sled housing mechanism includes a latching means that secures the sled in position when it is inserted into a modular tray for computer components. A release trigger retracts the latch when the trigger is compressed so that the sled can be removed from the tray. The natural elasticity of the latching means returns the latching means to the locking position when the applied pressure on the release trigger is removed.

Abstract: A storage rack with vertically arranged, horizontal drawers movable by a crank mechanism is provided. Each individual drawer of the storage rack has a gear mechanism which is connected to a drive shaft with wheels. A crank handle is provided to engage the gear mechanism of any individual drawer and provide motive force to the drive shaft. The rotation of the crank causes the drive shaft to rotate and, in turn, rotates the wheels. The wheels travel along respective track members attached the storage rack to move a drawer in and out relative to the storage rack.

Abstract: An electroluminescence device and process, the device including a metal electrode and a light-emitting layer. The light-emitting layer includes a light-emitting interface for emitting primarily light having a wavelength of &lgr;.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing pieces of mail includes mail handling assemblies; and a printing module connected to the mail handling assemblies and having a first printing position, a second printing position, a moveable carriage for moving to and from the first printing position and the second printing position, and a first printhead cartridge mounted at a first location on the moveable carriage and including a first printhead having a first path of movement with the moveable carriage at and through the first printing position and the second printing position. The printing module also includes a second printhead cartridge mounted at a second location on the moveable carriage for increasing a width of a swath printed by the first printhead cartridge and the second printhead cartridge. The second printhead cartridge includes a second printhead having a second path of movement with the moveable carriage at and through the first printing position and the second printing position.

Abstract: Liquid is discharged at a high frequency in a consecutive manner with a liquid discharge head having a movable member. A bubble formed for discharge a first discharged droplet grows large into a discharge port side by the movable substantially closing a common liquid chamber side in a bubble forming procedure, and disappears fast at the common liquid chamber side by the movable member releasing the common liquid chamber side of a flow path in a bubble disappearance procedure, and reaches a state to remain at the discharge port side of a heat-generating body. Under this state, since the bubble disappears at the common liquid chamber side, a constant liquid is refilled to reach the discharge port side, and the bubble does not yet completely disappear, a meniscus is disposed comparatively closer to a liquid discharge face. Under the circumstances, if discharge of a second discharged droplet is arranged to start from this state, the liquid can be discharged well at a short interval in a consecutive manner.

Abstract: A printhead having a temperature detection circuit on its substrate capable of temperature detection with higher accuracy and at a lower cost, and a printing apparatus using the printhead. In the printhead, the temperature detection circuit is integrated on the substrate where a printhead driving circuit is integrated. The temperature detection circuit generates and amplifies a temperature-independent bandgap voltage as a reference voltage, generates a thermal voltage proportional to an absolute temperature, compares the thermal voltage with the reference voltage, and outputs the result of comparison as digital binary data.

Abstract: A method of generating with an inkjet printer system a halftone image from image data comprising a plurality of contone data values, the system comprising a printhead arranged to print drops on a print medium whilst moving relative to the print medium in first and second directions, the method comprising the steps of: generating a first plurality of halftone data, each of the first halftone data being generated from a first proportion of a corresponding contone data value; generating a second plurality of halftone data, each of the second halftone data being generated from a second proportion of a corresponding contone data value; printing drops corresponding to the first plurality of halftone data in the first direction; and, printing drops corresponding to the second plurality of halftone data in the second direction.

Abstract: A method providing for the exercise of one or more nozzles of an inkjet print head and simultaneously forming fiducial registration marks on a sheet of print medium. The exercising and forming of the fiducial registration marks both occur in the course of forming inkjet printed images on the sheet of print medium so that the prints and fiducial marks are in registry. Preferably exercising of the nozzles occurs at the beginning and end of each pass of the print head so that there are two such fiducial marks, one along each lateral edge of the image. A segment of a print medium including printed images and a fiducial mark composed of the exercise of the inkjet print head nozzles is also disclosed.

Abstract: A recording apparatus and method of controlling the apparatus includes a recording head for ejecting liquid ink for recording by heat energization, a temperature change rate detecting device for detecting the temperature change rate of the recording head in a normal state, a storage device for storing the temperature change rate information, a determining device for determining the average ejection duty cycle from recording data, an obtaining device for obtaining information relating the temperature change rate in the normal state to the average ejection duty cycle, and a discriminating device for discriminating an abnormality of the recording head determined by the information relating the temperature change rate in the normal state to the average ejection duty cycle, and the temperature change rate detected by the temperature change rate detecting device.

Abstract: An ink-jet printer capable of reducing temperature rise of an ink-jet head to the utmost. The printer comprises a long ink-jet head in which a plurality of ink-discharge nozzles are arrayed in a lengthwise direction and a plate auxiliary member attached to the ink-jet head along the lengthwise direction. The auxiliary member has a predetermined volume to increase the thermal capacity of the ink-jet head, and has a plurality of warp correction portions provided at positions corresponding to different positions in the lengthwise direction of the ink-jet head, to provide a function to correct warp of the ink-jet head.