Abstract: A highback includes a wing-shaped leg support adjustably extending therefrom that cooperates with a rider's leg to transmit forces from the rider's leg to the highback. The support is movable between a plurality of positions relative to the highback so that the position of the support may be selectively adjustable by the rider to accommodate the rider's particular riding preferences. The adjustable support facilitates the selection of desired force transmission to the board and may enhance board control.

Abstract: An airbag module is shown for an occupant restraint system of a motor vehicle. The airbag module has a housing in which a folded inflatable airbag is accommodated. A part of the housing is designed as a covering which is movable into the vehicle interior and which supports the knees of the occupant during the unfolding of the airbag. The airbag is designed in such a manner that it can be unfolded through an opening at the housing past the covering and into the vehicle interior when the covering is at least partly moved into the vehicle interior.

Abstract: An airbag arrangement in a motor vehicle, the air bag arrangement comprising an inflatable element including fabric and a gas generator component adapted to inflate the inflatable element in response to the sensing of predetermined conditions. The inflatable element is initially stored in a non-linear recess, channel or housing provided in the motor vehicle extending above a door opening of the motor vehicle. The inflatable element includes an upper edge provided with anchoring means connected to points within the recess, channel or housing, the inflatable element having a first chamber adjacent to the upper edge thereof adapted to be inflated, and also having a second discrete chamber adjacent to a lower edge thereof. The second chamber is of elongate form and associated with anchoring means to anchor opposite ends of the second chamber to fixed points in the motor vehicle.

Abstract: A system and method for enhancing the interchangeability, cost effectiveness, and protective capacity of side impact, inflatable curtains is disclosed. An inflatable curtain module may have multiple cushions attached together by a separately manufactured inflatable tension coupling. The tension coupling may be attached to the cushions prior to folding of the cushions by, for example, sewing one end of the tension coupling to each cushion. The tension coupling may also be attached to the cushions after the cushions have been folded. The cushions may each have one or more tabs positioned to extend inward toward the tension coupling; the tabs may protrude from the folded cushions so that the tension coupling can be attached to the tabs after the cushions have been folded.

Abstract: An airbag, particularly for the knee or head region of a vehicle occupant, has a substantially cylindrical main region. The airbag comprises a substantially cylindrical fabric tube whose lateral ends are stitched after folding the tube into a predetermined pattern having at least two looped segments. The fabric tube can be formed by joining the lateral edge of a rectangular fabric blank.

Abstract: A shock absorbing type steering column apparatus including a collision energy absorbing mechanism for absorbing a secondary collision energy of an occupant upon a collision of a vehicle, comprises an energy absorption quantity adjusting device for changing an absorption quantity of the secondary collision energy absorbed by the collision energy absorbing mechanism, at least one of operation state detecting sensors for detecting a state of the occupant or of the vehicle, a collision detecting sensor for detecting the collision of the vehicle, and an electric control device for controlling a drive of the energy absorption quantity adjusting device on the basis of a result of the detection by the operation state detecting sensor at the point of time when the collision detecting sensor detects the collision of the vehicle.

Abstract: A miniaturized motor vehicle includes a frame, a rear axle supporting a pair of rear wheels including a drive wheel, a motor mounted to the frame and coupled to the rear axle, and a front axle supporting a pair of front wheels. A steering assembly is rotatably mounted to the frame for steering the front wheels. The steering column assembly is readily removable. A seat is mounted to the frame and is adjustable in height to accommodate drivers of various sizes. The seat assembly is readily removable. A pair of footrests is mounted to the frame to provide a platform on which the driver can rest his feet and to more easily shift his weight. The motor is coupled to the rear axle, the rear axle is a live axle, and the rear axle is rigidly fixed to one of the rear wheels and is rotatably mounted to the other of the rear wheels. The steering assembly includes a steering bar and a steering column that is rotatably coupled to the frame at a point between the steering bar and the seat.

Abstract: A clamp for relieving the tension in a seatbelt. An air operated actuator is activated by the passenger at a location remote from the clamp to lock the clamp to the seatbelt. The clamp is slidable on a track with a first endstop and an opposite second endstop. The clamp can be initially secured to the seatbelt at the first endstop. Subsequent movement by the passenger results in the clamp moving along the track. Upon reseating by the passenger, the clamp will be supported at a support position intermediate of the first and second endstops, resulting in increased slack in the shoulder portion of the seatbelt, reduced tension in the shoulder portion, and increased comfort for the passenger.

Abstract: A ski pole handle with a possibility of adjusting the effective length of a strap (3) fastened to the handle (1), said handle (1) having in its upper portion a throughgoing cavity (9) through which the strap (3) is threaded, and an element (12) is adapted to be pressed down into the cavity (9) in order to clamp the strap (3) against the walls of a downwardly tapering portion of the cavity (9). The element (12) is situated on a control knob (4) which is mounted at the top of the handle (1) and which can be pushed down and raised relatively to the handle (1), for fastening and releasing the strap (3), respectively, said knob (4) having a throughgoing aperture or apertures (8) for the strap (3).

Abstract: Both ends of a bellows-type outer cylinder [31] capable of axial expansion and contraction are connected in a leakproof manner to a pair of connection passage ends [20], thereby constituting an expansion passage [30]. A cylindrical resin film [33] having no permeability to fluid is arranged in an interior of the bellows-type outer cylinder [31], and the axial ends thereof are connected in a leakproof manner to said connecting passage end regions. The cylindrical region [34] positioned in the intermediate region of the cylindrical resin film [33] covers the inner surface of said bellows-type outer cylinder [31] in a leakproof manner.

Abstract: A cartridge concentrically received within a bushing fixed to the end wall of an air reservoir tank. The bushing includes a retaining groove for receiving a snap ring engageable with a retaining surface on the cartridge, thereby securing the cartridge within the end wall of the tank. The cartridge includes a fluid passageway which may be provided with a plurality of components, including push-to-connect tube or hose fittings, inlet check valves, pressure relief valves, or the like, by which the cartridge provides for communication with the interior of the air reservoir tank.

Abstract: A lock component comprises a mounting plate (50). An intermediate resilient element (56) is mounted on the plate and has a peg (59) engaging a recess (53) on the plate to prevent rotation of the intermediate element. The intermediate element presents a collar (60) and projection (61) having an outer periphery configured to snugly engage an aperture (64) in an arm (62) which carries a lockable element (68). A connecting element (74) has a shaft (76) passing through a central aperture in the intermediate element (56), thus also extending through the aperture (64) in the arm (62). The shaft is connected to an aperture (55) formed in the mounting plate (50). The lockable element (68) has at least one degree of freedom of movement, which may be a rotational movement about the axis of the connecting element (74), or which may be a lateral movement. When the lockable element (68) is engaged within the locking arrangement, the intermediate element (56) is deformed.

Abstract: A lock for a swinging door comprises a lock casing having a fore-end and at least a first side wall. A first bolt is spring-loaded for engagement with a stationary engagement member of a door case or the like and is movable between a locking position in which it does not extend beyond the fore-end, and an open position, in which it is retracted into the lock casing. The lock casing has an opening in its fore-end and its first side wall, said opening enabling engagement between the stationary engagement member and the first bolt in its locking position.

Abstract: A motor vehicle door lock with a lock mechanism including actuation mechanism which is manually-actuated to actuate a trigger mechanism to a coupled position via a coupling mechanism. A coupling element is engaged by a displacement mechanism which is manually or electronically actuated from the coupled position into an uncoupled position and vice versa when the actuation mechanism is not actuated. When the coupling element is in the uncoupled state and the actuation mechanism is actuated, the coupling element is moved into an intermediate storage position by actuating an adjustment mechanism. A spring element tensions the coupling element into the storage position when the coupling element is shifted. A structural simplification is achieved with the same functionality in that the spring element is an integrated component with the coupling element.

Abstract: A bolt assembly is used in combination with a door-post surface formed with at least one centering recess and a motor-vehicle door latch having a pivotable latch element. The assembly has a mounting plate having an inner face engaging the door-post surface and an opposite outer face, a bolt projecting from the outer face and engageable by the latch element, and at least one centering formation projecting from the inner face and engaged in the door-post surface. Friction-increasing surface formations are also provided on the inner face engageable with the door-bolt surface. They can be bumps or ridges formed on the inner flange face. When the flange is formed of a metal core with a plastic covering over the core, the formations are formed by the plastic covering.

Abstract: A silicon carbide cantilever paddle for use in semiconductor wafer processing is disclosed. The cantilever paddle is characterized in that it exhibits acceptable deflection characteristics over the entire range of weight loads with which it may be used, and that it is compatible with existing clamp systems. This is achieved by providing a “two-stage” handle having a large diameter section and a small diameter section, the sections being separated by a handle transition zone.

Abstract: An end-effector includes multiple vortex chucks for supporting a wafer. Vortex chucks are located along the periphery of the end-effector to help prevent a flexible wafer from curling. The end-effector has limiters to restrict the lateral movement of a supported wafer. In one example, the end-effector has a detector for detecting the presence of a wafer. The detector is mounted at a shallow angle to allow the end-effector to be positioned close to a wafer to be picked-up, thereby allowing detection of deformed wafers contained in a wafer cassette. The shallow angle of the detector also minimizes the thickness of the end-effector. Also disclosed is a wafer station with features similar to that of the end-effector.

Abstract: An idler wheel axle for single-axle or double-axle chassis of rail vehicles having individually mounted wheels and U-shaped, dropped-framed vehicles with lateral carrying legs, wherein each wheel is rotatably mounted on the inside of the associated carrying leg, and on an axle stub of the carrying leg via a wheel mounting, and wherein each wheel is torsionally connected on an inside thereof to a shaft that extends outward through orifices within the wheel and the carrying leg.

Abstract: A soundproofing cover absorbs noises, produced by a vehicle. It is fastened to a plurality of vehicle-side installation portions, and includes a cover body, composed of a polymer foamed substance, and a plurality of brackets, held integrally to the cover body. The respective brackets have an installation portion and a holding portion. The installation portion is to be fastened to the vehicle-side installation portions. The holding portion is held and fastened integrally to the cover body. At least two of the installation portions constitute a datum bracket, connected by one of the holding portions shared commonly. The positioning accuracy can be improved in the installation of the soundproofing cover to the vehicle-side installation portions so that the installation operability can be upgraded. In addition, the increment of the weight can be kept minimum so that the lightweighting requirement can be satisfied.

Abstract: An accessory, such as a bench, is attached to a vehicle's tailgate. When the tailgate is in an open or down position, the accessory can be simply unfolded from the tailgate. The accessory may comprise a retractable folding bench that may be attached to the inside of the tailgate of a pick-up truck, sport utility vehicle, trailer or any vehicle equipped with a tailgate. The accessory may comprise a retractable folding bench that may be attached to the inside rear floor portion of a “sports utility vehicle” that has “barn doors” and are not equipped with a tailgate.

Abstract: A vehicle roof which can be adjusted between a closed position and an opening position has an adjusting device and at least one side window which during the transfer between the closed and opening position can be pivoted via a rotational joint by an actuating element. The actuating element is coupled on one side to the side window at a distance from the side-window rotational axis and is connected on its opposite side to an element of the adjusting device.

Abstract: A door for a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, having a face designed to be orientated towards the interior of the vehicle or interior face, and a face designed to be orientated towards the exterior of the vehicle, or exterior face. The door permitting the installation of one or more fittings at least partially located, in particular, between the interior and exterior faces. The door is constituted by a reinforcement, capable of supporting the fitting or fittings, and by means for cladding the reinforcement, defining with the reinforcement, on either side thereof, interior and exterior compartments enabling the fitting or fittings to be accommodated.

Abstract: A trailer including an inner frame that is made of metal, an outer shell that is made of a non-metal and that at least partially surrounds the inner frame, and at least one wheel rotatably secured to the inner frame. In a preferred embodiment, the outer shell is made of a plastic. The inner frame includes a lower frame portion with which the at least one wheel is rotatably secured, and an upper frame portion that supports at least a portion of the weight of the outer shell. Preferably, the upper frame portion includes a middle support member that extends upwardly from the lower frame portion, and a first bar assembly that is hingedly connected to the middle support member. In another embodiment, a second bar assembly is hingedly connected to the middle support member.

Abstract: A front body structure is provided to disperse an impact load transmitted from a tire retreating while changing its direction, into a vehicle body effectively and also effect a great absorption of an impact energy. Forming a body framework on the lateral side of a vehicle cabin, a body side frame includes a side-frame inner panel inside the vehicle cabin and a side-frame outer panel outside the vehicle cabin. Extending from the vicinity of a joint between a side member and a dash panel to the body side frame, a torque box includes a torque-box inner panel inside the vehicle cabin and a torque-box outer panel outside the vehicle cabin. In arrangement, a front tire and a wheel are arranged on the side of the torque-box outer panel of the torque box. The body side frame is connected with the torque box so that a surface of the side-frame outer panel connects a surface of the torque-box outer panel.

Abstract: A sliding roof for a roof opening in a vehicle has a light-transparent cover and solar modules arranged on the cover for energy generation, wherein the solar modules are light-transmissive. At least one auxiliary energy generator is provided on the sliding roof and operates independently of a motor of the vehicle. At least one additional energy storage device is arranged in direct vicinity of the solar modules.

Abstract: An open roof construction for a vehicle having an opening in its fixed roof comprises a stationary part to be fixed to the roof, which stationary part includes a guide rail present on at least one side of the roof opening. A panel supported by the stationary part is adjustable between a closed position, in which it closes the roof opening, and an open position, in which it has been moved to a position above the fixed roof. This is effected by an operating mechanism present between the panel and the guide rail, which operating mechanism includes a supporting part which supports the panel and a first slide which is capable of sliding movement along the guide rail. The supporting part of the operating mechanism slidably supports the panel, while a second slide is provided, which is capable of moving the panel with respect to the supporting part by a connecting part. Preferably, the panel and the supporting part are guided with respect to each other by a roller guide.

Abstract: An openable motor vehicle roof with at least one cover which selectively closes the roof opening by means of a raising and displacement mechanism (crank path, crank pin, drive carriage) and at least partially clears it by raising or lowering its rear edge and by displacement along a guide rail, with a locking element which locks an element connected to the cover with the guide rail in the closed position and the raised position. For reliable and low-wear interlocking of the cover mechanism in the closed and raised position, with a simple structure, it is provided that, in a sliding and lifting roof with a cover which can be lowered and can be pushed under the fixed vehicle roof, there is a locking element on the locking lever which is pivotally located on a component (cover carrier) which is connected to the cover being disengaged from the guide rail toward the end of the lowering motion of the cover which precedes the displacement motion.

Abstract: An automotive seating assembly (10) having a seat cushion (22) which is selectively stowed within a floor (14) of a vehicle. A rear support bracket defines a rear portion (36) of the seat cushion (22) and moves between a use position supporting the rear portion (30) above the floor (14) and a stowed position disposed within the floor (14). A front beam (40) defines a front portion (32) of the seat cushion (22) and moves between a use position supporting the front portion (32) above the floor (14) and a stowed position disposed within the floor (14). A flexible mesh material (56) is secured to the front beam (40) at one end (58) and is secured to the rear support bracket (36) at the other end (60) to define a seating portion (34) of the seat cushion (22). The mesh material (56) moves between a support position extending between the front (32) and rear (34) portions above the floor (14) and a retracted position collapsed below the floor (14).

Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, a shock-absorbing bicycle seat mount, including: a post fixedly attached to a bicycle seat at a proximal end of the post, a distal end of the post being inserted into a bicycle seat tube for axial movement therein; biasing apparatus disposed within the seat tube to support the post and provide a cushioning action for the post and the bicycle seat; and apparatus to prevent rotational movement of the post within the seat tube.

Abstract: A unitary seat assembly for mounting a pair of seats on a bicycle includes a central longitudinal bar portion and a first and second vertical bar portion having different lengths which extend from the central bar portion. Bicycle seats are mounted on the ends of said first and second bar portions, one of said seats being above the pedals of the bicycle while the second seat is positioned either behind or in front of the first seat. The first seat is set at a height to permit the full downward extension of the rider's legs when pedaling while the second seat is set at a height low enough to permit the rider's legs to comfortably reach the ground.

Abstract: The present invention involves a vehicle seat and headrest arrangement for use with a seat having a seatback in a vehicle. The vehicle seat and headrest arrangement comprises a headrest arrangement including a headrest, at least one impact target, and at least one of a guide member and a follower. The seatback has at least one of the other of a guide member and follower. The guide member has a guideway and the follower engages the guideway of the guide member such that upon impact to the vehicle a rearward load by the occupant upon the impact target will cause the follower to engage the guideway in such a manner as to cause the headrest to be moved in a first manner and a second manner so as to support the head of an occupant.

Abstract: A plastic cover is provided for covering and enclosing the tray of a child's high chair, while the tray is disposed over the arms. The cover preferably comprises a water resistant material forming an enclosure, which has an open end and an interior which is accessible through the open end. The tray is disposed within the interior of the enclosure. Use of the plastic tray cover prevents soiling of the tray, simplifying significantly the clean-up process. After use, the cover is removed from the tray and easily washed, or discarded.

Abstract: A powered lumbar support device includes a panel having a first end and a second end. The panel is biased in a forward direction for providing an arch in a seat back. A lumbar frame extends downwardly from a support element for slideably supoprting the panel. A first cable is affixed to one of the ends of the panel and to an arching rack of a first gear box. Linear movement of the arching rack transfers motion to one of the ends to change the distance between the ends by moving the first cable. The powered lumbar support device includes a second gear box having a moving rack and a moving pinion for vertically shifting the lumbar support device. The second gear box may also be used to actuate additional support features, such as a bolster.

Abstract: An automobile seat includes a seat frame; a backrest swivel mounted on the seat frame which can be folded forwards towards the seat surface; a longitudinal guide with which the seat frame can be moved in the longitudinal direction of the seat in order to regulate the longitudinal position of the seat; a fixing device for locking the seat frame in a previously regulated seat longitudinal position; an operating element for unlocking the fixing device; a coupling mechanism which unlocks the fixing device when the back rest is folded forwards towards the seat surface; a memory device by means of which the seat frame can automatically be stopped in a predeterminable seat longitudinal position (memory position); a regulating device of the memory device with which the memory position can be regulated in the longitudinal direction of the seat; a locking device of the memory device for locking a regulated memory position; and a switching device with which the locking device can be unlocked in order to be able to adjus

Abstract: A backrest elevator device has a main plate, an adjustment panel, a driven block, a spring, and a cover plate. The main plate has a hollow interior, a corrugated slot, and a plurality of serrations. The adjustment panel has a chamber and a guide groove communicating with the chamber. The driven block has a protruded block. The driven block is inserted in the chamber. The spring is disposed between the adjustment panel and the driven block. The cover plate is disposed on the adjustment panel to cover the chamber. The adjustment panel engages with the main plate. The protruded block engages with two of the serrations.

Abstract: A vehicle seat has a back mounted to pivot on a seat proper by a locking mechanism, and urged forwards by a torsion bar formed by a metal wire which has two ends fixed respectively to the back and to the seat proper. The metal wire constituting the torsion bar forms at least one spiral comprising a plurality of adjacent turns.

Abstract: The present invention involves a method of providing head support with a movable headrest of a vehicle seat to a vehicle occupant head during impact of the vehicle. The method includes moving the headrest toward the head of the occupant in a first manner upon impact of the vehicle and moving the headrest toward the head of the occupant in a second manner different from the first manner. The first and second manners may include first and second velocities and first and second trajectories of the headrest.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a headrest support rod includes bending a cylindrical steel rod into a desired shape including first and second legs. The bent steel rod is then placed into an injection mold, and first and second plastic sleeves are injection molded over the first and second legs, respectively, to complete the headrest support rod. Accordingly, weight of the headrest support rod is minimized. Preferably, the first and second plastic sleeves include lock slots formed therein.

Abstract: A dismantleable chair comprising a back member, leg members and a seat member all formed from generally two-dimensionally shaped materials such as plywood, and the like. The back member is somewhat arcuately shaped in both the horizontal and vertical cross-sections to provide superior seating comfort and strength. The arcuate shape also provides for a unique curved compressively pre-loaded joint design among the chair members, which substantially increases the strength and rigidity of the chair. The compressively preloaded joints are protected from bending and rotational loads by their respective positioning, and the presence of other spaced apart joints. The chair can be assembled and disassembled numerous times without loosing strength and rigidity.

Abstract: In a fastening device (101) for a child's seat on a vehicle seat, in particular on a motor-vehicle seat, having at least one fastening element (109) which can be moved between an operational position and a parking position and which can be secured in the operational position, an interlocking element (113) is provided which locks the fastening element (109) in the operational position.

Abstract: A portable seat belt assembly for school buses and the like which includes a belly pack with a seat belt secured thereto. A student wearing the belly pack approaching a school bus seat opens the belly pack, unwinds the seat belt wrapping it around the back of the seat, turns around, sits down and closes the seat belt buckle assembly. When leaving the bus, the student unbuckles the buckle assembly releasing the belt from the seat, folds the belt back into the belly pack and closes the belly pack. Another embodiment includes a seat belt arrangement carried in the belly pack including a pair of straps each having large hooks with spring clasps for attachment to the seat frame. The student must attach these hooks to the seat frame then sit down and close the buckle assembly. Other embodiments include retractors on the seat belt to assist the student in retrieving the belt after use and a camera case for housing the seat belt.

Abstract: Regenerative braking systems and methods for use in an electric vehicle, such as a battery-powered vehicle, a fuel cell vehicle, and a hybrid electric vehicle, including an electric motor system operable for generating torque to drive and control the electric vehicle, a traction controller operable for controlling the electric motor system, a brake system operable for generating torque to drive and control the electric vehicle, and a brake controller operable for controlling the brake system. Traction functions are strictly allocated to the traction controller, braking functions are strictly allocated to the brake controller, and the brake controller is subordinated to the traction controller. The regenerative braking systems and methods also including a communications system operable for transferring information between the traction controller and the brake controller.

Abstract: An idler wheel assembly, which supports and guides an endless track and provides sound suppression, and a method for providing sound suppression of an undercarriage of a machine. The idler wheel assembly includes a hub having a first side surface and a second side surface onto which a plurality of segments are connected. Each of the plurality of segments has a first flange positioned adjacent the first side surface of the hub, and a second flange positioned adjacent the second side surface. At least one isolation device may be mounted between the hub and at least one of the plurality of segments to provide sound suppression.

Abstract: A system for ink short protection for signaling to inkjet printheads includes a differential signaling driver having a first and a second terminal, a differential signaling receiver having a first and a second terminal, a first capacitor in series between the first terminals, a second capacitor in series between the second terminals, and circuitry for reducing charge accumulation on the capacitors. A method for ink short protection and a printing mechanism having such an ink short protection system are also provided.

Abstract: An ink jet printer (100) ejects ink drops from a plurality of nozzles and drops the ink drops on paper P, thus recording information including a character and/or an image in the form of dots based on the ink drops. The ink jet printer (100) has a line head (120) having a driving element for ejecting ink drops from the nozzles. The ink jet printer (100) causes the line head (120) to scan the same portion on the paper P only once in one print and drives the line head (120) to modulate the diameter of a dot by the number of ink drops, using one or a plurality of ink drops for forming one dot.

Abstract: A system and method of printing allows mapping between an input print data file and an output dot grid data file, wherein the resolution of the resolution of the dot grid is not an integer multiple of the print data. A method includes forming an input print data group of pixels within the print data file and forming an output dot grid group of a different number of pixels within the dot grid data file. The pixels within the input group are associated pixels within the output group by a mapping function. By varying the number of pixels within the two groups, the printhead nozzle firing frequency and the rate of ink deposition per unit area of media may be controlled. Accordingly, print output quality may be maximized given the constraints of the hardware available.

Abstract: A liquid discharge head records by generating thermal energy to discharge ink from a discharge port onto a recording medium. The head is provided with a heat dissipating substrate positioned substantially parallel and adjacent to a discharge portion substrate, and a space, which communicates with the outside air, positioned at a surface of the heat dissipating substrate which is opposite the surface of the heat dissipating substrate facing the discharge portion substrate. The space extends in the scanning direction so as to facilitate air flow through the head during carriage movement in order to dissipate heat generated by the head during recording. A cooling fan may be provided to increase the air flow and the consequent heat dissipation.

Abstract: In a printer of the present invention, an EEPROM that carries out sequential access and has a relatively small storage capacity is applied for storage elements mounted on both black and color ink cartridges, which are detachably attached to the printer. Pieces of information relating to each ink cartridge, for example, pieces of information on remaining quantities of respective inks in the ink cartridge, are stored in the storage element of the ink cartridge. A format of addressing adopted in the storage elements of the ink cartridges Is different from that adopted in an EEPROM incorporated in a printer main body of the printer. A control IC provided in the printer accordingly converts the storage format of addressing, before writing the information into the storage elements of the ink cartridges. In the printer, a RAM is mounted with the control IC on a carriage, and the pieces of information to be written Into the storage elements of the ink cartridges are temporarily registered in the RAM.

Abstract: A printing device includes a print unit for printing data. In each printing procedure, the printer separates at least a printing division from a path that the print unit passes through in the printing procedure and determines if the path includes a non-printing division according to the print data. The printer controls the print unit to move at a first velocity and print the document when the print unit passes through the printing division. If the path includes a non-printing division, the printer controls the print unit to stop printing the document and to move at a second velocity within the non-printing division when the print unit passes through the non-printing division.

Abstract: A recording apparatus wherein a recording head which has been mounted can be identified more precisely by measuring characteristics of the recording head to obtain information for defining a drive condition of the head and storing the characteristics as ID information of the recording head.