Abstract: A disc storage system performing an in-situ test on a MEMS accelerometer, in a disc drive. The circuit includes a control circuit that establishes a desired self test condition conducive to the in-situ test during a self test interval. The circuit includes a stored reference representing at least one characteristic limit of an integrity output of the, MEMS accelerometer. The circuit includes a test circuit that receives the integrity output value and the stored reference during the in-situ test interval and that generates an in-situ test output representative of integrity of the MEMS accelerometer. Damaged or degraded MEMS accelerometers can be diagnosed in-situ.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are provided for a non-invasive bubble measuring instrument operable for detecting, distinguishing, and counting gaseous embolisms such as bubbles over a selectable range of bubble sizes of interest. A selected measurement volume in which bubbles may be detected is insonified by two distinct frequencies from a pump transducer and an image transducer, respectively. The image transducer frequency is much higher than the pump transducer frequency. The relatively low-frequency pump signal is used to excite bubbles to resonate at a frequency related to their diameter. The image transducer is operated in a pulse-echo mode at a controllable repetition rate that transmits bursts of high-frequency ultrasonic signal to the measurement volume in which bubbles may be detected and then receives the echo. From the echo or received signal, a beat signal related to the repetition rate may be extracted and used to indicate the presence or absence of a resonant bubble.

Abstract: A method for automatically conducting a leak test for a vacuum system includes receiving a process status input representing the completion of a manufacturing cycle. On determining that the process status is in a complete state, the vacuum system isolation valve is closed. In one embodiment, the first pressure input is measured at the beginning of the leak test and compared to a second pressure input measured at the expiration of timer. If the difference between the first and second pressure measurements are greater than the configurable threshold pressure, then the vacuum system is determined to be leaky. In another embodiment, the vacuum system is determined to be leaky if at least one of a series of pressure measurements exceeds the threshold pressure value. In response to the determination of the leak, an interlock signal to disable the operation of the vacuum system is activated.

Abstract: The current invention provides a method for determining the rheology of a mixture of gelled hydrocarbon and liquid carbon dioxide. The method of the current invention precludes the negative impact of the Weissenberg effect when determining the rheology of a non-Newtonian fluid. Additionally, the method of the current invention produces a homogenous mixture without generating the Weissenberg effect.

Abstract: Methods and systems for ascertaining the roughness of a print media surface are described. In one embodiment, a print media roughness detection mechanism comprises a surface-engaging member that is configured to physically engage a print media surface. A reflective member is provided and is joined with the surface-engaging member. One or more light sources are provided in operable proximity to the reflective member and are configured to project light energy toward the reflective member. A position detector is mounted in operable proximity to the reflective member and is configured to receive light energy that is reflected from the reflective member. The surface-engaging member is configured for displacement by the print media's surface in accordance with variations in the roughness of the surface sufficiently so that light that is reflected by the reflective member and received by the position detector can be utilized to ascertain a measure of the print media's roughness.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling the operation of a “lean-burn” internal combustion engine in cooperation with an exhaust gas purification system having an emissions control device capable of alternatively storing and releasing an exhaust gas constituent, such as NOx, when exposed to exhaust gases that are lean and rich of stoichiometry, respectively, wherein a measure of the efficiency of the device to remove the exhaust gas constituent from engine exhaust gas is determined, and a purge event for releasing previously-stored NOx is initiated when the efficiency measure falls below a threshold value.

Abstract: A low tire pressure monitoring device that is affixed to a tire valve stem and methods of using the same. The monitoring device comprises a housing having a counter-pressure chamber, a main pressure chamber, and a flexible membrane that separates the two chambers. The monitoring device is calibrated by trapping the tire's initial air pressure in the counter-pressure chamber. The air pressure within the main pressure chamber is equivalent to the air pressure within the tire. Over the course of time, the air pressure within the tire and concomitantly the air pressure within the main pressure chamber decreases. When the pressure in the counter-pressure is greater than the pressure within the main pressure chamber, the flexible membrane touches and completes an electrical circuit and a warning signal is emitted.

Abstract: In a method of measuring the throughflow of a gas mixture, the gas mixture flows past a flow sensor which includes a heating device and a first temperature probe reacting to the temperature of the heating device. A temperature, which is characteristic of the temperature of a liquid above which the gas mixture stands as vapor, is measured with a second temperature probe. A first measurement signal characterizing the composition of the gas mixture and thus its heat dissipation capacity is produced using the known vapor-pressure curve of the liquid and the temperature of the liquid. A second measurement signal characterizing the throughflow of the gas mixture is produced using the heating power supplied to the heating device, the temperature of the first temperature probe and the first measurement signal. The method can be used when monitoring the gas return to a filling system and when controlling the gas pump used therein.

Abstract: A flowmeter includes a heating resistor and a resistive element for detecting the temperature of the heating resistor. The heating resistor is controlled so that the temperature detected by the resistive element approaches a reference temperature determined based on the temperature of the fluid flow. As a result, the temperature of the upstream side of the heating resistor becomes lower than the reference temperature, while the temperature of the downstream side of the heating resistor becomes higher than the reference temperature. Another resistive element is arranged on the upstream side or the downstream side of the heating resistor for detecting the rate of the fluid flow, and the rate and the direction of the fluid flow are detected by comparing the temperature of the resistive element with the reference temperature. This flowmeter is immune to variation in the resistance of the heating resistor.

Abstract: A device for measuring a fill level of liquid in a container includes a measuring tube arranged inside the container and an ultrasonic sensor arranged outside the container such that a portion of the wall of the container is arranged between the measuring tube and the ultrasonic sensor. The ultrasonic sensor therefore has no contact with the liquid located in the container.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device in a level gauging system comprising an antenna using radar waves to gauge a level of a surface of a fluid kept in a container. The antenna is arranged above the fluid surface and comprises a plane surface facing the fluid surface and being substantially parallel with the fluid surface. The plane surface has means for transmitting radar waves towards the fluid surface and means for receiving reflected radar waves from the fluid surface in order to gauge the fluid level. The antenna comprises a radome which at least partially covers the plane surface and is shaped such that condensed fluid is directed away from the antenna by force of gravity. A thermally insulating filling material is provided between the radome and the plane surface.

Abstract: Water-resistant preformed resilient bags are applied to a porous material specimen having a coarse external surface to provide for more consistent measurement results in water displacement tests. The preformed bag is configured to collapse and substantially conform to the material specimen's external surface and to provide planar collapsed portions extending away from the specimen. The preformed bags are precision manufactured and each applied to a respective specimen in a manner in which the bag consistently displaces the same volume of water when used in water displacement tests over many specimens. The volume of the bag can be accounted for when obtaining the volume of the specimen. The method of sealing the specimen includes inserting the specimen into a preformed bag and collapsing and sealing the bag such that is conformal to the external surface of the specimen.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a resonator gyroscope comprising a resonator including two bodies, each with a center of mass and transverse inertia symmetry about an axis that are substantially coincident and each supported by one or more elastic elements and wherein the bodies together forming two differential rocking modes of vibration transverse to the axis with substantially equal frequencies and wherein the two bodies transfer substantially no net momentum to the baseplate when the resonator is excited. The gyroscope further includes a baseplate affixed to the resonator by the one or more elastic elements and sense and drive elements each affixed to the resonator and baseplate.

Abstract: A method for rotating a combdriven device about an axis uses applied bias force along with applied voltage between first and second comb fingers to controllably rotate the device about one or two axis. One mode of the present invention includes measuring the position of a rotating element and providing feedback to control the angular position thereof by changing bias force and/or drive voltage. The present invention can be employed with prior-art staggered combdrives, single layer self-aligned combdriven devices, and in a broad range of applications in optical telecommunication switching, video, biomedical, inertial sensors, and in storage magnetic disk drives.

Abstract: An acceleration sensor housed in a confined space can detect rotational acceleration with great accuracy. The acceleration sensor has first and second piezoelectric elements with electrodes for outputting a charge produced by strain deformation. Each of the first and second piezoelectric elements has at least one piezoelectric body and a support block for supporting the piezoelectric body. The electrodes are provided on opposite sides of the piezoelectric body. One surface of the first piezoelectric element and one surface of the second piezoelectric element are substantially parallel to each other.

Abstract: These objects are achieved by a method of acoustically inspecting a one-piece bladed wheel in which the wheel is driven in rotation; each blade of the wheel is subjected to mechanical excitation; its acoustic response is picked up and a corresponding electrical signal is generated; its frequency response is determined by computing a FFT; the electrical signal and the associated frequency response are stored; the characteristic frequencies of each blade of the wheel are identified; and a wheel is rejected or accepted depending on whether or not the frequency distribution obtained in this way matches a predetermined set of forbidden frequency distributions. Advantageously, an additional step is provided in which the defects of a blade are determined by comparing its frequency response with predetermined frequency responses that are characteristic of various types of defect.

Abstract: A method for quality control monitoring of laser shock peening a surface of a production workpiece during which laser beam pulses form a plurality of corresponding plasmas. An acoustic signal of each laser beam pulse during a period of time during a duration of each corresponding one of the plasmas is monitored and an acoustic energy parameter value for each of the acoustic signals for each of the corresponding laser pulses is calculated. A statistical function value of the workpiece based on the acoustic energy parameter values is calculated and compared to a pass or fail criteria for accepting or rejecting the workpiece. The criteria may be based on a pre-determined correlation of test piece statistical function data such as high cycle fatigue failure data of test pieces. The statistical function value may be an average of the acoustic energy parameter values of the laser beam pulses.

Abstract: A gauge or differential pressure sensor has a base portion having walls which define a cavity within the base portion and a diaphragm portion positioned over the cavity. The base portion comprises silicon; the diaphragm portion comprises silicon; the substrate has a passageway from a surface of the substrate into the chamber; the walls of the cavity form an angle with the diaphragm of no more than ninety degrees; and the chamber has a depth of at least about 5 microns. Preferably, the pressure sensor has a lip within the passageway which prevents an adhesive used to glue the sensor to a base from flowing to the diaphragm and fouling it. The pressure sensor is made by forming a cavity in a first wafer, fusion bonding a second wafer over the first wafer in an oxidizing environment, and using the thin oxide formed when fusion bonding the wafers as an etch stop when opening the cavity to the atmosphere. Etch conditions are selected to form the preferred lip in the passageway.

Abstract: A test specimen holder for holding a test specimen in a material testing machine includes a base member having a piston chamber, a valve chamber fluidly coupled to the piston chamber, a port fluidly coupled to the valve chamber and an end couplable to a material testing machine. A piston is movable relative to the piston chamber. A pair of first and second jaw assemblies are supported by the base members so as to be opposite each other. The jaw assemblies are operably coupled to the piston. A valve is disposed in the valve chamber and a valve stem is coupled to the valve. The valve stem is supported by the base member and is twistable to operate the valve. A user operable knob is coupled to the valve stem.

Abstract: In a method for determining the flow rate of a fluid flowing in a channel (2), the fluid being constituted by a liquid or a gas, two pulse shaped, oscillating signals are sent through the medium with one signal directed against (14) and the other signal directed with (12) the flow direction (4) of the fluid. The transmitted signals are received and the flow rate is determined by means of the phase shift between the received, pulse shaped signals caused by the flow of the fluid. The phase shift (20) between the signals is determined while compensating for the dwell time of the pulse shaped oscillating signals in the fluid.

Abstract: A liquid measuring device is described for carrying out the assay using a gas or vapor permeable but liquid impermeable membrane barrier to control the volume of liquid to be measured or transferred. The membrane may be used in any instance where a fixed volume of liquid needs to be measured.

Abstract: A cardiac phantom is provided for simulating a dynamic cardiac ventricle. The phantom comprises two concentrically-disposed, fluid-tight, flexible membranes defining a closed space between the walls of the membranes. A pump is operatively connected to the inner membrane for reciprocally delivering a volume of fluid to the inner membrane to inflate and deflate both membranes in simulating systole and diastole of a heart. A medium is disposed within the closed space defined between the walls of the membranes for maintaining a uniform distance between the walls of the membranes during inflation and deflation. The phantom is provided for evaluation of medical imaging systems. A method, computer system and a computer-readable medium are also provided for controlling the phantom.

Abstract: A tractor includes a frame, an engine, a transmission for selecting a number of vehicle speeds, and a device for transmitting power from the engine to a PTO mechanism. The tractor has a mechanism forming part of the device by which the tractor speed can be selected to be higher than any speed selectable by means of the transmission.

Abstract: A first slider moves along a guide rail extending in a Y-axis direction and includes a beam extending in an X-axis direction, a T-shaped section, and an arm member. The T-shaped section moves along the guide rail at an end of the beam. The arm member extends in the Y-axis direction at the other end of the beam. A second slider moves in the X-axis direction along the beam. The first slider is supported on the base by static pressure air bearing pads disposed at two positions on the lower surface of the T-shaped section, at at least one position on the lower surface of the beam at the central portion thereof and at the two positions on the lower surface of the arm member. The second slider is supported on the base by static pressure air bearing pads disposed at three positions on the lower surface thereof.

Abstract: The invention relates to an adjustable pedal for vehicles and implements, comprising the pedal tread and the pedal arm together with devices for holding connections for the actuating links and for mounting the pedal on the pedal bracket, in which the pedal on the pedal bracket comprises a plurality of parts which can be moved relative to one another and by which the distance between the pedal tread and the mount can be adjusted. The pedal tread is mounted and held displaceably on the pedal by means of a pedal guide comprising two sections, one of which can be displaced into the other. The solution according to the invention enables the pedal tread to be adjusted in a simple manner with a high degree of safety for the driver with the cost in terms of material and weight being small.

Abstract: The lever body 17 includes a recess (receiver) 66 defined by an upper plate 70 and the projections 65a, 65b, as shown in FIG. 7. A notch 67 is formed in the upper plate 70 (see FIG. 1). The notch 67 permits the first locking piece 61 to move from its retreating position to the operating position in the recess 66. The dimension of the notch 67 in the Y direction (the width of the notch 67) and the dimension of the notch 67 in the notch X direction (the depth of the notch 67) are both shorter than the corresponding dimensions of the recess 66. The upper plate 70 functions as a prohibiting member.

Abstract: A controllable, multi-mode, bi-directional overrunning clutch assembly and a mode shift system are adapted for use in a transfer case for transferring drive torque from a primary output shaft to a secondary output shaft so as to establish four-wheel drive modes. The clutch assembly includes a first ring journalled on a first rotary member, a second ring fixed to a second rotary member, and a plurality of rollers disposed in opposed cam tracks formed between the first and second rings. The first ring is split to define an actuation channel having a pair of spaced end segments. An actuator ring is moveable between positions engaged with and released from the end segments of the first ring. The shift system includes a moveable clutch actuator which controls movement of the actuator ring for establishing an on-demand four-wheel drive mode and a locked or part-time four-wheel drive mode.

Abstract: An elongated stock material for use in manufacturing shaving razor blades, the material including an elongated, flat strip of metal having a front edge and back edge extending along its length, a sharpened cutting edge portion extending along the front edge, a weakened portion between the front edge and the back edge, a blade portion between the cutting edge portion and the weakened portion, and a removable portion between the weakened portion and the back edge. Also disclosed are blades and cartridges made from the material, and methods and apparatus making and using the material.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a bi-center drilling tool adapted to fit within and drill through a casing shoe without damage to the surrounding casing. In one embodiment, the tool comprises a bit body having a proximal and a distal end where the distal end defines a pilot bit and an intermediate reamer section, where each the pilot and reamer sections define a bit face including primary and secondary cutting blades and cutting elements disposed on said blades. In this embodiment, the cutting or wear elements disposed on the one or more cutting blades which extend to or are proximate to the pass-through gauge define a selected angle between the line of contact on the cutting or wear elements and the material to be drilled.

Abstract: A reversible ratchet wrench includes a handle having a driving head defining a driving chamber, a receiving chamber defined in the handle, a retaining recess defined in the driving chamber and connecting to the receiving chamber, and a driving member secured in the driving chamber and provided with a plurality of tooth-shaped first retaining portions. A direction control device includes a direction control member rotatably mounted in the receiving chamber, a retaining member pivotally mounted in the retaining recess and having a first side provided with a plurality of tooth-shaped second retaining portions meshing with the tooth-shaped first retaining portions, a pressing member rotated by the direction control member and slidably rested on a second side of the retaining member for pivoting the retaining member, and an elastic member urging the pressing member on the second side of the retaining member.

Abstract: A hand tool device 10 with opposing first and second drive ends 14 and 30, and storage for multiple tool bits 24 includes a handle portion 12, concentric first and second recesses 16 and 18 in the first end 14, a tool bit base member 22 that engages the first end 14, a plurality of preselected tool bits 24 removably secured to an inner wall 26 of the tool bit base member 22, a shank 28 integrally joined to the handle portion 12 via the first end 14, a third recess 32 in the second 30, a biasing spring 34 snugly inserted into the first recess 16, and a fitting 36 removably joined to a distal end 38 of the shank 28 for removably coupling a preselected tool bit 24 to the shank 28.

Abstract: A trolley is provided for supporting and portably moving an on-car brake lathe. The trolley includes wheels for mobility and a pneumatic cylinder for height adjustment. The pneumatic cylinder includes a piston rod, piston, and air valve. The piston has an equalizing port for dampened movement throughout the cylinder's stroke. The air valve allows static height adjustment of the lathe.

Abstract: The present invention has for its object a device for assembling tools in a tool carrier by thermal expansion and preadjustment and measurement of the mounted assembly. The device is characterized in that it is essentially constituted by a support frame (1) provided with an interchangeable tool carrying socket (2), by at least one column (3) supporting a dimensional measuring arm (4) and an induction heater (5), by a console (6) for displaying measurements, by a control panel (7) and by a device (8) for precise adjustment of the outwardly extending length of the tool. The invention is more particularly applicable to the field of the environment of machine tools, in particular digitally controlled machines, machining centers, machines or line transfer, for high speed machining or for which high dimensional precision and concentricity are required.

Abstract: A valance includes central and end members formed from a single piece of extruded stock, with the central member having mitered corners at each end, and with each end member having a mitered end and a square end. The extruded stock has an inner surface including upper and lower attachment slots and an outer surface including upper and lower trim strip receiving slots. An “L”-shaped corner bracket connects each end member with the central member, extending within the upper and lower attachment slots. A decorative trim strip having heat-formed corners extends within the trim strip receiving slots of the end members and the central member. After the extruded stock is cut to a predetermined length, end sections are cut using a saw, with each end of the stock placed against a first stop within a mitering fixture.

Abstract: A cutting mat comprises a cutting mat body and a lock assembly arranged to secure the cutting mat to a rotary anvil. The lock assembly comprises male and female locking members formed at opposite ends of the cutting mat and integral therewith. There are no metal frames or other components welded or otherwise secured to the male or female locking members. The female locking member slips into an axial channel on a rotary anvil. The cutting mat is wrapped around the rotary anvil, and the male member is inserted into the axial channel in locking relationship with the female locking member. Further, the axial edges of the cutting mat are formed in mating, complimentary serpentine shape to prevent a cutting blade from slipping into the seam between adjacent cutting mat surfaces.

Abstract: A hole-forming device includes a base member having a hole-forming projection facing a bottom of a can. The hole-forming projection is formed on an upper surface of the base member. The base member is slidable upward to the upper part of a case by pushing a pressing member. The hole-forming projection is normally held in the case for safety.

Abstract: A cutter wheel for forming scribe lines on a brittle plate has a disk with two side planes. The disk has an edge formed at the outer periphery of the disk and a shaft hole formed at the center of the disk for inserting a rotational shaft. Further, at least one groove is formed to extend from a surface of one of the side planes along the shaft hole.

Abstract: The method of making a non-lead hollow point bullet has the steps of a) compressing an unsintered powdered metal composite core into a jacket, b) punching a hollow cavity tip portion into the core, c) seating an insert, the insert having a hollow point tip and a tail protrusion, on top of the core such that the tail protrusion couples with the hollow cavity tip portion, and d) swaging the open tip of the jacket.

Abstract: The technical field of the invention is that of devices for connecting and separating objects such as microsatellites with respect to a structure. More specifically, the invention relates to a separation device (1) intended to release a screw (8) which holds two subassemblies of a structure together, this release taking place through the movement of a release ring (5) by virtue of the gases produced by a gas generator (3). The main feature of the separation device (1) according to the invention is that a damping device, achieved by pressurizing a space (19) with the gases emitted by the generator (3), is created in order to decelerate then halt the release ring (5) before it can produce a mechanical shock at the end of its travel.

Abstract: A high efficiency not polluting engine comprises at least a cylinder and at least a piston movable therein, the cylinder including, alternately, a pre-chamber in the cylinder head and/or a chamber for a direct injection mode of operation, the pre-chamber forming a plenum chamber having a size proportional to the swept volume of the engine and to the power to be obtained, the pre-chamber of the chamber being continuously supplied from the outside by pressurized air at a variable pressure controlled by at least two adjustment controls.

Abstract: A control system, method and apparatus are provided in which a wobble plate assembly is adjustably mounted on a piston and cylinder stroke control assembly. The wobble plate assembly is adjustable through various positions relative to the base, thus providing an adjustable tilt angle to the wobble plate assembly and different strokes for the pumping pistons. In another embodiment the wobble plate assembly is affixed to a clearance volume control assembly, thus providing for simultaneous, independent adjustment of piston stroke and clearance volume of the axial device.

Abstract: A pneumatic brake booster (10) has a booster housing (12), the interior of which is subdivided by at least one movable wall (14) into a vacuum chamber (16) and a working chamber (18). Along an axis (A) a control valve (20) for controlling a pneumatic pressure difference acting upon the movable wall (14) projects into the booster housing (12). The movable wall (14) is workingly connected to the outside of a substantially cylindrical control valve housing (22), in that a collar (34) of a plate (30) associated with the movable wall (14) is deformed along its periphery at least in sections radially into the control valve housing (22). In order to simplify manufacture of the brake booster (10), in the portion (36) of the control valve housing (22) overlapped by the collar (34) of the plate (30) a plurality of recesses (40) are provided, which are spaced apart from one another in peripheral direction and into which the collar (34) of the plate (30) is radially deformed.

Abstract: Smart brewery equipment mainly comprises a frame, at least a storing barrel, a ferment tun and a distilling barrel, where the ferment tun has a ferment cask with a filter and a compression apparatus. The compression apparatus is employed to secure air seal between the top lid and the ferment cask to ensure the successful process of fermentation. The distilling barrel constitutes a distilling cask, a compression apparatus and a cooling piping. The compression apparatus is designed to ensure the air seal between the top lid and the distilling cask. The top lid has a space inside to receive the cooling piping which cools down the steam wine into the finished wine, which flows out, to the storing barrel ready for drinking.

Abstract: A cooking appliance includes a cooking vessel to receive ingredients to be heated, stirred and cooked, an electric heater associated with the cooking vessel to heat the ingredients, and a drive motor and stirring blade. The appliance also includes provision for maintaining a tilted configuration of the cooking vessel during cooking and stirring. The appliance is particularly suited to unattended cooking of stir-fry and also for stirring of sauces and soup.

Abstract: A juicer having a safe power connection function includes a motor seat, a fixing ring, a container, an electric wire, a conductive switch, and a top cover. Thus, when the top cover is not mounted on the top of the container rigidly and stably and when the press member of the conductive switch is not in contact with the conductive member of the conductive switch, the motor will not be driven to operate, so as to prevent the cutter blades from being rotated due to unintentional touch of the control switches, thereby preventing the user from being injured, and thereby protecting the user's safety.

Abstract: Apparatus for preparing parbaked food products, such as pizza crust shells, and dough formulation used therein, and the product produced thereby and/or therefrom. The apparatus operates on a starting material dough including flour, sugar and water, and preferably also a leavening agent such as instant yeast. The dough is rounded, first proofed, panned, pressed and second proofed in the apparatus. The prepared dough piece is then steam hydrated in the apparatus under conditions sufficient to cause moisture absorption and a resultant increase in moisture content throughout the dough. Then the hydrated dough piece is immediately sequentially parbaked until gelatinization of the starch is complete.

Abstract: A slide driving device for a press machine is driven by a first and second upper toggle link mechanisms pivotably mounted above a slide. The upper toggle links include first links connected at a connecting link along a common tangent line. The connecting link is driven by a connecting rod receiving eccentric movement from a crank shaft. The upper toggle links also include second links, each connected to lower toggle links. The lower toggle links operate a plunger and drive a slide. Alternative embodiments allow adaptive positions of the upper toggle links and crank shaft along with multiple lengths for the first and second links. A dynamic balancer, is not necessary for operation, but may be added to minimize vibration. Together, these embodiments provide a slide driving device with minimized vibration and simplified construction.

Abstract: When thermally perforating a thermoplastic resin film of heat-sensitive stencil material by the use of a thermal head, supply of energy to the thermal head is cut at a time the diameter of the perforations becomes not smaller than 65% and not larger than 95% of a target diameter of the perforations.

Abstract: A device is designed to sealingly close an end of a chambered doctor blade (K). The chambered doctor blade (K,) has an elongate frame (K1) and two elongate doctor blades (K6, K7), which are arranged on the frame (K1) and define, together with the latter, an elongate chamber (K10), which is adapted to hold, for instance, ink. The chambered doctor blade (K) has an elongate opening (K11) for abutment, in an operative position of the chambered doctor blade (K), against a rotatable cylinder (V) included in a printing unit. The end sealing device comprises first and second sealing sheets (20, 30) which are mountable to at least partially overlap each other and sealingly close an opening (K11) in one end of said chamber (K10).

Abstract: This ink pump control apparatus has a mechanism for controlling the operation of ink pumps by inputting data corresponding to the printing image ratio of an area to which ink is fed, detecting the printing speed of the printing press and outputting a printing speed signal corresponding to the printing speed, judging changes in printing speed based on the printing speed signal, storing in a memory section first correction coefficients determined by printing image ratios and third correction coefficients determined by acceleration and deceleration of printing speed, fetching from the memory section coefficients determined based on the printing image ratios and speed change judgement result, calculating an ink feed correction coefficient from these coefficients and the printing speed, and outputting a signal to operate the ink pumps so that an amount of ink corrected by the ink feed correction coefficient can be fed.