Abstract: A sexual intercourse chair is fabricated from bent steel tubing, channeled metal, compression springs, and two uniquely shaped upholstered foam seats (primary and sedentary). The frame is designed for strength and functionality and powder-coated for beauty and durability, and should support approximately five hundred pounds. The primary seat is mounted in plural compression springs and has a back that can incline so that it can accommodate either prone, supine, or sideline positions. The specially designed springs mount the adjustable seat to the metal frame such that the seat can achieve motion in both horizontal and vertical directions. The assisted motion produced by the springs enhances the movement efforts of the participants. The secondary seat provides a comfortable option for a variety of sexual positions.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for moving a lumbar support through a cycle of repeated movements between a more curved position and a less curved position. The movement reduces muscle fatigue by pumping lactic acid out of peri-spinal muscles and by massaging those muscles.

Abstract: An inflatable lumbar support arrangement includes a pump unit for selectively inflating a bladder whereby the bladder is located in the lumbar region of the backrest. The pump unit is connected to the bladder and includes a pump and a release valve. The pump unit further includes a single actuator handle which projects sidewardly from below the seat and is movable vertically in opposite directions. The actuator handle operatively cooperates with both the pump and the release valve which are thereby operated by movement of the actuator handle in the opposite directions. As such, the pump is operated to inflate the bladder by repetitive movement of the actuator handle in one direction, while the release valve is opened by movement of the actuator handle in the opposite direction.

Abstract: The invention relates to a chair, especially an office chair, having a seat part and a downward-slanting guide track for furnishing a combined downward and rearward motion or a combined upward and forward motion for the seat part. The seat part accordingly slides along a predetermined guide track, in many cases in cushioned fashion, to the rear and downward. To improve the ergonomics of such a chair, a swiveling device with an at least horizontal pivot shaft can be provided for pivotably disposing the seat part; the swiveling device is disposed between the seat part and the guide track, and the swiveling device is disposed so as to be movable together with the seat part along the guide track. As a result, a combined motion of the seat part can be generated, which is composed of the cooperation of the predetermined guide track and the swiveling motion about the pivot shaft of the swiveling device.

Abstract: The invention relates to a vehicle seat, especially for aircraft, comprising a seat part (10) and a backrest (12) that can be displaced relative to each other by means of at least one adjustment device (14). The respective adjustment device (14) is provided with a plurality of articulation points (16) that are at least partially interconnected via a bar-type supporting frame (18) with individual bar elements (26, 30, 32, 36 and 40). Said supporting frame raises and supports the seat part (10) relative to the vehicle or cabin floor and eftects a displacement movement by means of an actuator device (20) in such a manner that the seat part (10) can be brought from an initial position (I) into at least one further position (II, III) and back.

Abstract: An automobile seat includes a seat back that is mounted on the seat body that pivots forward about a pivot axis, and two parallel seat rails on which the automobile seat is connected with the chassis so that it may be displaced longitudinally. Each of the seat rails includes base rails attached to the chassis and a slide rail that may be displaced longitudinally with respect to the base rail. The slide rail may be displaced via an electrical spindle drive that includes a drive motor, a drive spindle, and a spindle nut mounted thereon. The spindle nut is formed in two parts along the rotational axis of the drive spindle, and its parts may be moved into and out of engagement with the drive spindle via an actuation device. By means of the separation of the two parts of the spindle nut via the actuation device, they are not engaged, so that the slide rail is free to slide along the base rail.

Abstract: The invention concerns a management system for the movements of the parts of at least one vehicle seat, which at each connection (11, 12, 13) positioned between a first and a second seat part, comprises an actuating means (A1, A2, A3) of the first part relative to the second part, associated with memorisation and control means (R1, F1; R2, F2; R3, F3) of the end positions of each part and of the limit transmission forces of the actuating means.

Abstract: An articulated footrest assembly for a seating unit comprises a footrest member moveable between a retracted position and an extended position, a telescopic linkage for extending and retracting the footrest member between the retracted and extended positions, and an actuating linkage. The footrest member comprises proximal and distal portions while the telescopic linkage comprises a stationary support member mounted to the seating unit, a first telescoping arm, and a second telescoping arm. The first telescoping arm has a distal end connected to the proximal portion of the footrest member through a first pivot. The second telescoping arm has a distal end connected to the footrest member between the proximal and distal portions through a second pivot spaced apart from the first pivot. The actuating linkage comprises a first linkage portion interposed between the stationary support member and the first telescoping arm and a second linkage portion interposed between the first and second telescoping arms.

Abstract: The invention relates to a vehicle seat for aircraft and motor vehicles, comprising a backrest (10) and a seat part (14), fixed to a seat frame support (20), which may be connected to a vehicle floor. Said support has at least one support arm (40), with pivoting combined foot (42) and leg supports (44), as separate surfaces of a support piece (45), arranged on the one free end thereof. Said support arm (40) is coupled to the seat frame support (20), at the other free end thereof in a pivotable manner and may be adjusted detent-wise through preset positions. The foot (42) and the leg support (44) are arranged on opposite faces of the support piece (45).

Abstract: A raisable legrest for a wheelchair, the legrest comprising: a frame, to support a user's lower leg, the frame being attachable to the wheelchair, the frame being movable between a lowered position and a raised position about a pivot point when attached to the wheelchair; and a pivot point position adjustor, located between the pivot point and the wheelchair, for adjusting the position of the pivot point in at least a vertical direction; wherein the pivot point can be positioned by the pivot point position adjustor to be coaxial with an approximate center of rotation of a knee of the user.

Abstract: An improved seating system that includes a seat back assembly (10) that is fabricated to include a seat back (12) with first and second wall portions (14,16), and which may include an integrated reinforcement structure (18). The seating system is capable of either or both of withstanding without rupture at least about 11000 Newtons in the direction in which the seat back (12) faces in a plane, parallel to the longitudinal centerline of the vehicle or, upon rapid acceleration up to at least about 20 g, substantially no fragmentation of the seat back with at least a 30 kg mass placed behind the seat back.

Abstract: The invention provides an industrial truck with a driver's seat (1) and a safety belt (2). The safety belt (2) has a belt buckle and a belt buckle sensor (7) that detects the status of the belt buckle. The belt buckle sensor (7) is connected with a control unit (11). A presence sensor (8) is connected with the control unit (11) and detects the presence of a person in the driver's seat. The control unit (11) is realized so that the status and/or changes in the signals generated by the belt buckle sensor (7) and the presence sensor (8) are continuously monitored and evaluated in the control unit (11). The control unit (11) has at least one signal output (12) which reports the proper or improper use of the safety belt (2) as a function of the result of the evaluation of the signals.

Abstract: A mining machine (7) is provided which moves from side-to-side in sequential passes across a seam of material to be mined. The machine (7) is carried on rail means (19) and co-ordinate positions of the rail means (19) are measured at locations along the length of the rail means. A trailing part of the rail means (19) is then moved by rail moving means (25) to a new position for a next pass, and the distance of moving is determined from the co-ordinates of the positions previously measured. By knowing the co-ordinates of the positions, the rail means (19) can be moved to assume a desired profile, so that a desired profile of the face of the seam can be achieved on the next pass of the machine (7). Desirably the profile is a straight line.

Abstract: A hubcap, i.e., a wheel cover, to be clamped on a wheel rim, includes a spring (1) configured in the form of an at least a nearly regular polygon. At least a portion of the vertices (9) or vertex zones of the polygonal spring (1) is affixed to radially elastic supports (14) of the hubcap (11) for the purpose of keeping in snap-in manner the hubcap in an illustratively annular recess against the wheel rim. The vertices or vertex zones (9) rest in rotatable manner on the supports (14) and/or the polygonal spring is discontinuous at least at a portion of the vertices or vertex zones, in order that, when an external force acts radially on the vertices or vertex zones, there may be, besides the resulting radial inward displacement of the polygonal spring (1), also an additional displacement of the polygonal spring, i.e., of the individual segments between the vertices or vertex zones of the polygonal spring.

Abstract: A towed vehicle brake actuation system featuring an adjustable inertia switches, each in series with a relay with a solonoid coil.

Abstract: A combination valve assembly provides dual functionality within a single valve housing. In one example, the valve operates as a combination inversion valve and quick release valve. In another example, the combination valve operates as an inversion valve and a relay valve. The valve is particularly useful for controlling the operation of a spring applied, air release brake actuator in a heavy vehicle braking arrangement. A valve designed according to this invention preferably also provides anti-compounding features.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a filter fitted into a flow connection of a controlled brake system. The brake fluid is very viscous at low temperatures. Therefore, great pressure loss is encountered at the filter, adversely affecting the control behavior of the brake system. The present invention discloses bridging the route of the brake fluid flow at low temperatures via the filter at least in part, which is done by means of a temperature-responsively controlled valve.

Abstract: An intelligent input push rod assembly for applying an input force from a brake pedal to a power booster of a brake system. The input push rod assembly includes a sensor that is capable of generating an electrical output having a magnitude that varies with the amount of force applied to the input push rod by the brake pedal. Preferably, the sensor generates an output voltage signal that is generally proportional to the input force applied to the input push rod. A shunt is provided so that springs associated with the sensor operate in a generally linear force-deflection range of the springs. The output signal generated by the sensor is applied to a brake light control system that is supported by the input push rod assembly. The brake light control system uses the signal generated by the sensor to determine whether the vehicle brake lights should be illuminated and also to cause direct illumination of the brake lights during a braking operation.

Abstract: The invention provides a braking servomotor, comprising an actuating piston for a master cylinder, a resiliently returned control rod, sliding in the piston as a function of an input force, the end of said rod bearing a plunger on which a finger (52) is slidingly fitted so as to bias a reaction disk of the actuating rod and transmit the reaction of the piston to the control rod, and including a unidirectional clutch device, comprising a key (60) and a sleeve (58) incorporating the finger (52), said sleeve being slidably mounted on the plunger and capable, when the control rod is actuated at a given speed, of being locked in relation to the moving piston, independently of the control rod, characterised in that the sleeve (58) comprises a first and a second adjustable parts (104, 106) which can be axially plastically deformed for an adjustment of the servomotor prior to its assembly.

Abstract: The invention relates to a pneumatic operating unit for compressed-air brakes, having a housing, having at least one piston, having at least one piston rod, having at least one valve body, having at least one valve seat, that housing having at least one exterior compressed-air connection device.

Abstract: A brake by wire system is integrated with a brake transmission solenoid interlock (BTSI) unit to prevent a vehicle transmission from being shifted out of a park mode into a drive mode until a brake system operational state is determined. The BTSI is activated by a supplemental brake control unit, which receives a transmission release signal from a brake system controller upon receipt of a brake intent signal from one or more brake pedal sensors after a diagnostic program has determined the brake system operational state. The supplemental brake control unit includes a switch responsive to the transmission release signal to close the BTSI activating circuit and permit release of the transmission. In a split brake system with two brake controllers, the supplemental brake control unit may include a switch controlled by a logic (OR, AND) circuit or a pair of switches in an equivalent logical circuit configuration.

Abstract: A rolling wheel support structure for crawler traveling apparatus includes rotary shafts rotatably supporting rolling wheels which roll on a ground contacting side of an inner circumferential surface of an endless crawler, a track frame supporting the rotary shafts thereon, and a buffer member formed of an elastic material and provided between the track frame and a rotary shaft.

Abstract: An electric power line is wired with a loop shape and from this electric power line a power supply for a load is supplied, and according to another system against this electric power line, a control system power supply is supplied. One shutdown means is provided in a module which is connected to the loop shape power supply supplying line, when the electric power line and the load become a short, by separating using the shutdown means, only a fail point can be separated. Further, during a sleep time, by stopping the power supply supplying to the load, a consumption current can be restrained. According to a detection a ground short and a fail on a connection of a connector, an over-current prevention of an electric power line a simple construction can be improved and a low consumption current can be realized.

Abstract: A car door safety device is formed by serially connecting a car-door-opened alarm device with an alarm switch and then is parallelly connected to an ignition control circuit. Two ends thereof being connected to a positive and negative polarities of a power source. The ignition control circuit is formed by a single shooting switch, a ignition control switch and a high voltage ignition coil. The ignition control switch includes a plurality of parallel-connected switches. When the car is being driven or is to be driven while the car door is not closed, other than the car-door-opened alarm device will be actuated to alert the driver, and the engine will turn off. Therefore, the present invention has the functions of promise and control so as to improve the safety of cars.

Abstract: Disclosed is an automatic electric transfer switch arrangement for connecting an alternate power source, which may be a standby generator to a residential unit in the event of a utility power outage. A control disposed in a sub-panel allows for the pre-selection of high power loads to reduce the total utility demand during peak demand periods. When the utility power is restored, the standby generator is disconnected and the utility power is reconnected. During a power outage, the high power load items that were pre-selected are disconnected from the generator to prevent the system requiring from more capacity than the generators capability. The load shed mode can be automatically activated remotely, via a wireless transceiver. Further disclosed is an ATS system that can monitor the power level at both the utility meter and standby generator due to it unique placement between the utility meter and the house breaker.

Abstract: Apparatus, methods, and systems for centrally and uniformly controlling the operation of a variety of devices, such as communication, consumer electronic, audio-video, analog, digital, 1394, and the like, over a variety of protocols within a network system and, more particularly, a control system and uniform user interface for centrally controlling these devices in a manner that appears seamless and transparent to the user. In a preferred embodiment, a command center or hub of a network system includes a context and connection permutation sensitive control system that enables centralized and seamless integrated control of all types of input devices. The control system preferably includes a versatile icon based graphical user interface that provides a uniform, on-screen centralized control system for the network system.

Abstract: A system for distributing power in a compact peripheral component interconnect (CPCI) computer architecture is provided. A CPCI computer architecture comprises a plurality of CPCI systems each having respective backplanes. The backplanes further having respective local power rails providing power for a corresponding one of the plurality of CPCI systems. The power distribution system provides power to the backplanes, and comprises a common power rail connected to each one of the local power rails of the backplanes. A plurality of power supplies is connected to the common power rail of the power distribution system. Power taken from any one of the plurality of power supplies is available to any one of the backplanes.

Abstract: An uninterruptible power supply includes a multipurpose data port that facilitates a plurality of communication methods including USB, serial and other communication methods, between the uninterruptible power supply and a host computer system. The multipurpose data port is configured to prevent interference if a user mistakenly connects a phone line or other similar but inappropriate line to the uninterruptible power supply. The multipurpose data port reduces the machine footprint needed to support multiple communication ports.

Abstract: An alternating current filter circuit for a BiCMOS differential amplifier has a circuit that computes a base current of the BiCMOS differential amplifier and a circuit that generates an offset current based upon the computing.

Abstract: An automated airbag deployment system employs an additional switch that is utilized to prevent inadvertent triggering of the gas discharge initiator mechanism. The additional switch member is placed in parallel with the airbag initiator triggering device. This is a normally closed switch which effectively short-circuits the two electrical contacts of the airbag initiator triggering member. This short-circuit effectively prevents inadvertent triggering of this mechanism of the device through static electricity or some other undesired electrical event. The short-circuit mechanism may be utilized to provide improved safety throughout the manufacturing process as well as after the product has been incorporated into a passenger compartment. The resultant product that incorporates this device is much more stable and provides an additional margin of safety.

Abstract: A rush current suppression circuit is used with a power supply circuit which includes a common line and an input voltage detection circuit and supplies power from an input power supply via a switching circuit. There is provided a smoothing capacitor coupled to an output end of the power supply circuit, and a rapid discharge and delay circuit coupled to the input voltage detection circuit and carrying out a rapid discharge and a time delay and controlling the switching circuit. The switching circuit includes two FETs which are coupled in series to the common line, and the two FETs have sources which are coupled to each other and gates which are coupled to each other and driven by the rapid discharge and delay circuit.

Abstract: A circuit arrangement is disclosed for controlling the electric power to be supplied from a direct-current source to a load, particularly to a fan or heater in a motor vehicle, the circuit arrangement comprising a field-effect transistor to be connected in series with the load to be controlled and a control circuit for controlling the field-effect transistor. The field effect transistor has a second field-effect transistor connected in series therewith, and a resistor is connected in parallel with one of the field-effect transistors. The control circuit is adapted to control the two field-effect transistors in the sense of a fadeover between two final states in each of which one of the field-effect transistors is off and the other is on.

Abstract: The invention concerns a control circuit for controlling a power switch by means of a galvanic insulation transformer, the transformer being produced in the form of planar conductive windings on an insulating substrate (20) whereon are integrated passive components constituting a high frequency excitation oscillating circuit for a primary winding of the transformer, the transformer substrate being directly mounted on a wafer (24) whereon is mounted a circuit chip (40) integrating the power switch.

Abstract: A system for simultaneous bi-directional transmission of signals over transmission lines between devices having interface ports includes a first circuit for generating the output signal and a second circuit having first and second terminals. The first terminal is coupled to the first circuit and the second terminal is coupled to the interface port. A signal level at the first terminal corresponds to a first combination of the input and output signals, and a signal level at the second terminal corresponds to a second combination of the input and output signals. A third circuit is coupled to the first and second terminals of the second circuit for determining the input signal based on the first and second combinations of the input and output signal levels.

Abstract: A varying signal, which may be a feedback signal, is combined with a control signal to control the actuators (117 and 119) of a switch. The method compensates for varying temperature conditions as well as variations in the manufacturing process of the actuators (117 and 119) and a member (101) of the switch that is attached to the actuators (117 and 119), which member (101) changes positions to change the state of the switch. The varying signal, in combination with the control signal, determines a pulse width, during which time energy is applied to the actuators (117 and 119).

Abstract: A power manager for managing power delivered to a battery operated peripheral device is disclosed. The power manager includes an input current limiter arranged to suppress a power surge associated with an insertion event by a power cable arranged to provide an external voltage. A voltage converter unit coupled to the input current limiter converts the received external voltage to a supply voltage that is transmitted by way of a main bus to a voltage sensor unit coupled thereto. During the insertion event, a comparator unit coupled to the voltage sensor, sends a first switching signal to a switchover circuit that responds by connecting the peripheral device and an uncharged battery to the main bus such that the supply voltage is provided thereto. When the battery is substantially fully charged, the switchover circuit responds by electrically disconnecting the battery so as to not overcharge the battery.

Abstract: A computer having a main casing, a first bracket mounted on the main casing and accommodating a first peripheral device, and a second bracket removably combined to the first bracket and accommodating a second peripheral device. With this configuration, the computer has a computer casing which is compact without blocking hardware components with respect to each other.

Abstract: A pulse signal generator comprises a magnetic element (1) capable of producing large Barkhausen jumps; a generating unit for generating a magnetic field, which is changed by the object to be detected (5) to cause the magnetic element to produce the large Barkhausen jumps; the generating unit consists of a pair of elongated magnet/yoke combinations (3,6 and 4,7) provided on opposite sides of the magnetic element (1) such that their poles are oriented in opposite directions, forming a detecting area at an end thereof (3A, 4A); a detecting unit (2) for detecting the large Barkhausen jumps to produce a corresponding pulse signal; the magnetic element (1) having a first length between a second length of the magnet/yoke combinations and a half of the second length and provided toward the detecting area; and an adjusting yoke (8) movable along one of the elongated magnet/yoke combinations (3, 6).

Abstract: Cooling oil passes through a cooling oil passage (28) in the inside of an iron core (7), and cools the inside of the iron core (7). Further, cooling air passes through a cooling air passage (31) in the inside of the iron core (7) and a clearance (5) between the internal periphery of the iron core (7) and the external periphery of a rotor (4), and cools the inside of the iron core (7) and the rotor (4). Therefore, it is possible to effectively cool the internal periphery side of a stator (6) and the rotor (4). When a cooling oil is sprayed from the cooling oil passage (28) into the cooling air passage (31), it is possible to obtain a more effective cooling effect by utilizing the latent heat of vaporization of the mist of the cooling oil.

Abstract: An alternator system having an alternating current (ac) voltage source includes a switched-mode rectifier (SMR) coupled to the ac voltage source and having an output port coupled to an output of the alternator system, and a controller coupled to said switched-mode rectifier so as to provide a controlled pulse sequence synchronized with an angular rotor position of the (ac) voltage source to activate and deactivate the switched-mode rectifier. The controller further includes a PWM generator having a first input to receive a total duty ratio signal synchronized with an angular rotor position of the (ac) voltage source. The switched mode rectifiers are controlled to increase power output levels at lower speeds near idle. The controller combines improved idle speed power output levels with load matching improvements from PWM control for more efficient operation when compared to circuits using conventional control or PWM load matching control alone.

Abstract: An electrical rotating apparatus is provided that has variable impedance. This is achieved by connecting one of the polyphase components of the apparatus in a mesh connection. The spanning value, L, of such a mesh connection may be varied by changing the harmonic content supplied by an inverter component. Also provided is a method for connecting an inverter to a motor, wherein a switching arrangement permits the simple alteration between various mesh connections of different span value, changing thereby the Volts/Hertz ratio of the motor.

Abstract: A shaft bearing structure of spindle motor, which holds a rotor rotationally by a shaft bearing and a bearing holder fixed on a motor base of a stator, the rotor is fixed with a spindle shaft and confronted with the stator, an oil cycle material retains and re-flows lubricating oil circulating around the spindle shaft in the shaft bearing, wherein the oil cycle material is placed in the gap between the inner circumference of the bearing holder and the periphery of the spindle shaft, and placed at least contiguous to one edge of the shaft bearing in axial direction of the spindle shaft.

Abstract: A rotary electric machine for a vehicle has a rotor with a rotor shaft, a pair of rotor cores, a field winding and an annular core made of a stack of core sheets. The rotor core has a boss, a disc portion and a cylindrical part. The cylindrical part is connected with the disc portion and is continuous along the rotor shaft. The cylindrical part is formed with projections and recesses which are disposed alternately in a circumferential direction on the outer periphery thereof. Permanent magnets may be disposed in the recesses. The annular core is connected with outer peripheries of the projections of the cylindrical parts. By adopting the cylindrical parts and the annular core, diameter of the boss is enlarged.

Abstract: One current passing circuit board is constituted by one metal plate in which a continuous current passing pattern that is to be separated in a plurality of current passing patterns is formed, and molded resin in which the metal plate is inserted. The current passing circuit board is pressed to eliminate the unnecessary portions of the above mentioned current patterns, thereby the one current passing circuit board is formed in a state where the current passing pattern continuously formed is separated in the normal forms.

Abstract: A spin-roll formed one-piece field core shell formed from a blank disc of sheet metal. The one-piece field core has an outer annular ring integral to and encircling a center axis of the disc and extending from a bottom external surface in a direction that is perpendicular to the bottom surface of the disc and parallel to the center axis of the disc. The core has an inner annular ring integral to and encircling a center axis of the disc, the inner annular axis is spaced radially inward from the outer annular ring and extends from the bottom external surface in a direction that is perpendicular to the bottom surface of the disc and parallel to the center axis of the disc. The one-piece field core also contains a mounting flange that encircles a center axis of the disc and extends in a perpendicular direction to a top external surface of the disc and parallel to the center axis of the disc.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electrical machine comprising one or several stators (2) edified by one or several statorpackages (21) that consists of one or several statorsections (22). The core (23) of the statorpackage is arranged to cooperate with a coil (24) which winding axis (2) of the machine to obtain axially directed magnetic flux. Further, the machine comprises one or several rotordiscs (11) that are arranged on the rotary axis (2).

Abstract: In an alternating current generator, a rotor is provided radially inside a stator core. A rotor core has a cylindrical boss press-fit around a rotor shaft, disc portions extending from an outer periphery of the boss in a radial direction, and claw pieces in connecting with the disc portions radially outside the boss. A field winding is provided between the boss and claw pieces. An annular core is provided on an outer periphery of the claw pieces. The annular core is made of a stack of core sheets and has slits formed in the radial direction. Iron loss is decreased and leaks of magnetic fluxes in the annular core are suppressed by the slits.

Abstract: A method to safely, efficiently, compactly, and economically convert quantum energies of photons and particles of unstable, excited, and disassociating radioactive elements directly into usable amounts of electric power without going through costly, bulky, and expensive heat extraction, or through multiple transducing steps, by exciting radioactively-transformed circuit components with periodic and non-periodic electromagnetic waves of various frequencies and bandwidths, and collecting the resulting enhanced and amplified currents and voltages for human use.

Abstract: An electrostatic actuator has: an upper structure that is connected, via an arm, to a supporting base provided on a substrate and is supported in a space existing over the substrate; a lower structure that is provided in a substrate position in such a way as to oppose the upper structure; an inclination structure that is provided with respect to either one of the upper structure and the lower structure so as to make small the distance between the upper structure and the lower structure; and one or more electrodes that are provided with respect to the other structure in corresponding relationship to the inclination structure.

Abstract: The present invention provides a piezoelectric thin film element with superior piezoelectric properties in which the condition of the crystal of the piezoelectric thin film is appropriately controlled, and a manufacturing method thereof, as well as a inkjet recording head, inkjet printer, or other liquid ejecting apparatus employing the same. The piezoelectric thin film element 40 comprises a top electrode 44, a bottom electrode 42, and a piezoelectric thin film 43 formed between the top electrode 44 and the bottom electrode 42, wherein the piezoelectric thin film 43 is structured so as to comprise a first layer 431 located nearest to the bottom electrode and second layers (433-436) that are located nearer to the top electrode than the first layer and that have thicknesses greater than that of the first layer 431.