Abstract: A motor vehicle having a front roof region which has a roof opening which may be closed by a sliding convertible top, having a rear roof region which includes roof columns connected to one another via a body crossmember, and having sliding guidance of the sliding convertible top along lateral guides of the front and rear roof regions, the sliding convertible top being guided roughly horizontally rearwardly in the front roof region and so as to be lowered downwardly into a stowage position in the rear roof region by the guides. The guides in the rear roof region are arranged on a side of the roof columns which faces the interior space of the motor vehicle, the sliding convertible top being guided in front of the body crossmember of the rear roof region between the roof columns.

Abstract: A vehicle has a chassis providing a drier compartment and includes a door frame about an opening into the driver compartment. A door is cooperatively dimensioned and configured to close the opening, and is pivotably mounted on the door on the forward portion of the door frame by a hinge. The hinge includes a pivot pin having a pivot axis angled rearwardly and outwardly. The door pivots upwardly and forwardly about the pivot pin during opening movement. Upward opening of the door is facilitated by the inclusion of a spring arragement biasing the door into an open position.

Abstract: A window arrangement for a vehicle has a viewing window and a window support frame which is fastened to the interior side of the window facing a vehicle interior, the window arrangement also having a sealing strip for the window edge, which sealing strip is fastened by means of a fastening extension to the window support frame. In order to permit a fast mounting of the sealing strip on the viewing window, the window support frame has a receiving recess for the fastening extension of the sealing strip, the fastening extension being held by at least one clamping element in the receiving recess.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for manufacturing a vehicle door barrier or shield for attachment to an inner door trim panel mountable on a vehicle door in which the barrier self-seals the opening between the vehicle door and the interior passenger compartment. The barrier is formed of a resilient gasket material that is shaped or formed with a peripheral rail or spring attachment surface that is compressed as the interior vehicle door trim panel is fastened to the interior surface of the door sheet metal to effect a watertight seal about the periphery of the door. The attachment surface carrying a seal material is disposed in an interference position with the door inner panel when the joined inner door trim panel and the barrier are mounted on the door inner panel. The interference deflects the attachment surface to create a joining force to secure the seal material to the door inner panel.

Abstract: A dual-pivot hinge assembly for an endgate of a vehicle includes a body bracket for connection to a vehicle body of the vehicle. The dual-pivot hinge assembly also includes an intermediate bracket pivotally connected to the body bracket and for operative connection to the endgate and having a dual pivot to allow the endgate to pivot to a first open position and a second open position and to a closed position relative to the vehicle body. The dual-pivot hinge assembly includes a roller rotatably connected to the intermediate bracket to interface with a torque rod having a first portion for connection to the endgate and a second portion extending from the first portion and cooperating with the roller to counterbalance a weight of the endgate.

Abstract: A vertical wall formed by bending a front fender toward an engine room is connected with a front wheel apron through a supporting bracket. The supporting bracket is shaped into a U-channel configuration opening downwardly. In which, a front fender side vertical wall is formed on the front fender and an engine room side vertical wall is formed on the engine room side in such a manner as partitioning the front fender side vertical wall off. The front fender side vertical wall is secured at a lower end thereof to the front wheel apron. When an impact load is applied from above the neighborhood of the boundary between the front fender and engine room, a middle section shaped into arch of the front fender side vertical wall and a hole section provided on the front fender side vertical wall collapse to absorb the impact energy.

Abstract: A mounting system comprises a mount, a latch, an engaging member, a pin and a plate. The mount is mounted to a vehicle, defines a lateral axis and has a first portion of an object mounted thereto, for pivotal movement of the object about the axis to a design position, whereat the latch, which is connected to a second portion of the object, selectively engages with the engaging member, which is mounted on said vehicle. The plate presents a slot and, on opposite longitudinal sides of the slot, a pair of contiguous sockets. The pin is connected to the second portion and travels into the slot to a closed end of the slot during movement of the object to its design position. The sockets permit, through deformation of the object, longitudinal movement of the pin thereinto to a rearward limit position and a frontward limit position, respectively.

Abstract: The invention provides a lightweight vehicle flooring assembly, wherein a carrier layer (1) has a layered structure. This structure comprises a honeycomb-like core layer (7) which can be made of a suitably impregnated cardboard material and which is connected on both sides to a stiffening layer (8, 9). The inner stiffening layer (8) is made of an SMC-material, whilst the outer stiffening layer (9) is made of a needled, preferably open-celled or porous nonwoven, also suitably impregnated against humidity and dirt. The structure of the carrier layer (1) and, in particular, the sequence of the layers: skin, honeycomb structure, nonwoven is of particular significance for the mechanical stability of the carrier layer (1). The carrier layer (1) is provided with an inner and an outer lining, the inner lining comprising a PU-foam spring layer (10) and a rubber or latex mass layer (11).

Abstract: An automotive body includes inner and outer rocker panels, a floor pan joined to the inner rocker panel, and cross members extending laterally across a portion of the body. The cross members have energy-absorbing cross member extensions interposed between outboard ends of the cross members and the inner rocker panel, so as to provide a structure for absorbing impact loads imposed laterally upon the vehicle body.

Abstract: A wedge system for stabilizing a liftgate of a vehicle relative to vehicle structure of the vehicle includes a first member for mounting on one of the liftgate and the vehicle structure. The wedge system also includes a second member for mounting on the other of the liftgate and the vehicle structure. The wedge system further includes a third member disposed between the first member and the second member and being movable and adjustable relative thereto to accommodate a gap between the liftgate and the vehicle structure and to stabilize the liftgate by providing a load path from the liftgate to the vehicle structure when the liftgate is in a closed position.

Abstract: A structural assembly (1) for a dashboard comprising a metal cross-member (2) extending in a direction of elongation and a structural member (4). The structural member, made of plastics material, moulded on the metal cross-member, has a passage forming an air duct (20). Said air duct ajoins the metal cross-member relative to which it extends substantially parallel.

Abstract: Described is a vehicle roof for a passenger car or the like with a roof panel (1), whose longitudinal edges (2) can each be fastened to a frame side rail (3) of the roof frame of the vehicle body. On this vehicle roof it is provided according to invention, that the roof panel (1), on the longitudinal edge of each side, carries a leg (4) of an angle sheet (5) in a permanent fitting arrangement for additional support and for a fastening arrangement onto the frame side rails (3) of the roof frame and that its respective other leg (6) can be fastened to one of the frame side rails (3).

Abstract: A vehicle roof comprises a roof opening, a cover which can be raised and is provided for closing the roof opening, and a cover liner which can be positioned underneath the cover. The vehicle roof further comprises a linkage provided between the cover and the cover liner, by which the cover and the cover liner can be coupled to each other during raising the cover and by which a rear edge of the cover liner is lifted during raising the cover. The linkage has a drag lever which swivels during raising the cover. The drag lever is supported in a swivel bearing on the side of the vehicle roof and has a first bearing for connection with the cover as well as a second bearing for connection with the cover liner. The swivel bearing on the side of the vehicle roof and in the raised state of the cover lies underneath the first bearing for connection with the cover and is mounted to a guide by means of which the swivel bearing on the side of the vehicle roof is moved upwards during raising the cover.

Abstract: A sunshade device includes an elongated housing, a rotary shaft journalled in the housing, and a screen wound around the rotary shaft and movable between retracted and stretched positions. An elongated screen guiding member is mounted in the housing, and has a convex outer wall surface. The intermediate section of the screen extends along and is in contact with the convex outer wall surface such that the screen is curved and has a curvature conforming to that of the convex outer wall surface of the screen guiding member when extended past the screen guiding member. A curved end strip is mounted on the distal end of the screen, and has a curvature conforming to that of the convex outer wall surface of the screen guiding member.

Abstract: A rocking, reclining, foldable chair is disclosed. The invention comprises a curved rocker or rockers having a limiting extension; a leg or legs pivotally attached to said rocker; a seat pivotally attached to said leg or legs; a releasable support pivotally attached to any two of the aforesaid parts to prevent said chair from folding unexpectedly; a back pivotally attached to said seat or leg or legs; a pair of arms movably connected to said back; and a leg rest pivotally attached to said seat and said arms, said leg rest being movable between a rocking and a reclining position; and moving means for moving said leg rest, said back and said seat between said rocking and said reclining position.

Abstract: A vehicle seat including at least one pad (12) having an air-permeable surface area (16). In the region of the air-permeable surface area (16) of the pad, an air-permeable heating element (18) is arranged to heat the surface area (16) of the pad. A fan unit (24) blows air through the heating element (18) and the surface area (16) of the pad. A first temperature sensor (26) detects the temperature of the surface area (16) or of the heating element (18). A second temperature sensor (30) detects the temperature of the air aspirated by the fan (24). A fan regulator (32) regulates the volume flow of air as a function of the temperature detected by the second temperature sensor (30).

Abstract: A combined chair and object support for video equipment, telescopes, drawing boards and the like, includes a chair leg assembly, a seat member, an upright support post and a linking member. The chair leg assembly has an upper leg end, and a lower leg end opposite to the upper leg end and adapted to be placed on a ground surface. The seat member is mounted on the upper leg end of the chair leg assembly. The upright support post is adapted for mounting an object removably thereon. The linking member is formed with a first coupling end connected to the seat member, and a second coupling end connected to the support post, thereby forming a horizontal spacing between the seat member and the support post in a longitudinal direction.

Abstract: An apparatus for protecting seat material includes a reversible cover operable to protect a vehicle seat. The cover includes a first side, a second side coupled to the first side, and a storage compartment coupled to the first side and positioned along a upper portion of the reversible cover. The reversible cover further includes at least one support element coupled to the first side and the second side and operable to provide vertical support of the reversible cover. The reversible cover further includes a removable storage compartment that may be used internal and external to a vehicle.

Abstract: The washable highchair slipcover is a one-piece, flexible cover made from washable material and designed to cover the seating area and supports of a highchair, particularly highchairs used by the general public in restaurants. The cover has a generally square-shaped central base that serves as the seat portion and is cushioned to provide additional comfort for the occupant. Foldable front, rear, and side panels extend from the central base. The front panel is T-shaped having a crotch section and front flap. A plastic placemat for covering a highchair tray is connected to the front flap by snap fasteners. One or more straps connect to the front panel by snap fasteners and have mating patches of hook and loop fastening material for looping around and securing toys to the slipcover. A storage pocket is formed on the rear panel.

Abstract: Improved block of seats for airports, having a bearing structure (1), on which a cover (2) is incorporated which determines the consecutive surfaces of the seats and back-rests, where each section of the cover (2) is made up of a laminar structure (7) that is assembled between a pair of profiles (6), which are fastened with respect to the bearing structure (1) by means of fittings (5) which in the assembly establish a positioning of the profiles (6) determining a tightening of the laminar structures (7).

Abstract: A child car seat includes a child-car-seat shell and an armrest. The armrest is attached to the shell. The armrest is adjustable for height at least between a first position and a second position.

Abstract: A dimensionally adjustable booster seat for use in combination with a seat belt system, including a seat back and a plurality or set of optional seating planes that are stack-able to form a 3-dimensional trapezoid base, and a coupling mechanism for detachably receiving combinations of the optional seating planes to the seat back. In the preferred embodiment, the seat back is contoured to blend with different combinations of the optional seating planes to provide a plurality of seating surface dimensions and heights, as to where a smaller passenger can be positioned within an adult seat belt system without modifying the natural path of the seat belt system.

Abstract: A lumbar support for a seat includes an archable pressure surface having an upper region and a lower region and a force actuator such as an electric motor. The force actuator is held in a housing. The actuator housing is fixedly attached to said archable pressure surface in a compact design. A force transmission element such as a cable is connected to at least one of the upper and lower regions of the pressure surface and the force transmission element is also connected to the actuator. When force is applied by the force actuator to the cable, the pressure surface arches from a substantially flat position to an arched position.

Abstract: A seating apparatus for supporting a lower body region of an immobilized person for avoidance and relief of decubitus ulcers which provides regular intervals of seating pressure reduction below a predetermined seating pressure for a predetermined relief period. The seating apparatus includes a plurality of slats/cushions which may be displaced between a first support position wherein each of the slats/cushions is co-planar with a defined plane and a second displaced position wherein each of the slats/cushions is displaced a distance D from the defined plane for the predetermined relief period whereby capillary blood pressure is reduced below the predetermined seating pressure in the unsupported portion of the lower body region.

Abstract: A seat assembly for a vehicle includes a seat bottom and seat back which are movable to provide access to a third row seat. The seat bottom is movable between a seating position, wherein the seat bottom is in a generally horizontal position for supporting an occupant seated on the seat assembly, and a forward position. In the forward position, the seat bottom is in a generally vertical position such that a rear edge of the seat bottom is positioned above a front edge of the seat bottom. The seat assembly also includes a seat back movable between a seating position, wherein the seat back is in a generally vertical position for supporting an occupant seated on the seat assembly, and a second position. In the second position, the seat back is positioned upwardly and forwardly relative to the seating position of the seat back.

Abstract: A tilt adjustment mechanism for a seat back such as an automobile seat back includes a mechanism upper part and a mechanism lower part that are mounted in opposition about a common horizontal swivel axis so as to be free to move relative to one another. One mechanism part includes an inner-toothed surface while the other mechanism includes several outer-toothed blocking elements. The outer-toothed surfaces of several blocking elements mounted in the other mechanism part free to be radially displaced and are evenly distributed about a swivel axis. The outer-toothed surfaces of the several blocking elements are held engaged with the inner toothed surface against the force of a spring by means of a control surface of a rotatable cam device. The blocking elements rest entirely on support surfaces of adjacent blocking elements as are slidable relative to one another.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to minimize the dependency of the vibration characteristic exhibited by the sheet-shaped supporting member supported by the metal springs on the added load. In a plurality of metal springs 41 to 44 supporting a sheet-shaped supporting member 30, a third metal spring 43 provided on the position to support the vicinity of the greater trochanter of the seated person is provided in a manner that an engagement portion with a frame member is positioned lower than the engagement portion with the sheet-shaped supporting member 30 when no load is applied. Accordingly, the feeling of something foreign created by such a third metal spring 43 can be reduced, and within a predetermined range of the added load, the third metal spring does not work functionally because respective engagement portions 43a and 43b take their positional relationship to be substantially horizontal in a static seating state, while it works functionally when the added load exceeds the above-described range.

Abstract: A passenger restrain assembly (10) for school buses having a seat and seat back supported by a tubular support framework (100) wherein the restraint assembly (10) includes three different length strap members (30) (40) (60) or in the alternative (30′) (30″) and (40) each having one end provided with an anchor unit (11) (11′) (11″) that is connected to a portion of the tubular support framework (100) wherein the shortest strap member (40) is provided with the female component (51) of a bayonet style clip (50) one of the remaining strap members (30) or (30′) captively engages the seat back and the other of the remaining strap members (60) or (30″) is provided with the male component (52) of the bayonet style clip to form the chest strap and a portion of the lap strap of the restraint assembly (10).

Abstract: A dump rack for attachment to pickups and other vehicles that is used to haul materials, tools or supplies. The dump rack of this invention has a stationary frame that attaches on the sidewalls of a pickup box or other vehicle. The stationary frame has side members attachable to the top edge of the pickup bed sidewalls and a cross member that fits at and within the front of the bed. A pivoting frame is pivotally attached to the stationary frame. A front end of a dump rack is pivotally attached to the pivoting frame. The rear of the dump frame has rear pivot legs which are pivotally attached to the dump frame and to a rear end of the side members on the stationary frame. A lift mechanism operates on the pivoting frame to pivot the pivoting frame between a lower position and an upper position. As the lift mechanism lifts the front of the pivoting frame, the front of the dump rack is raised and the rear of the dump rack is pivoted rearward and downward.

Abstract: A refuse-hauling vehicle has a dumping bed for inclining containers carried on the bed. The bed pivots on a lateral axis forward of the rear end of the bed, the rear end of the bed moving downward as the forward end of the bed moves upward. A cylindrical roller is removably mounted to and between frame rails near the rear end of the bed, the roller being free to rotate on a lateral axis. The roller is installed by inserting a shaft in each end of the roller, the shafts being connected to mounting plates. Each plate is then attached to a bracket mounted on the frame rails. When installed, a lower portion of the outer surface of the roller is positioned to be the lowest point on the bed when the bed is in an inclined, or dumping, position. The roller contacts a support surface, preventing damage to the bed.

Abstract: A method of making spherical bath scrubbers includes the steps: setting up a first pillar, a second pillar, a third pillar and a fourth pillar in an upright and juxtaposed manner; slipping a first netting tube around the third and the fourth pillar; slipping a second netting tube around the first and the second pillar to surround the first netting tube from outside, and using a rope to tie and fasten the first and the second netting tube together between the third and the fourth pillar; and removing the first and the second setting tube from the four pillars in a progressive way to form a completed bath scrubber.

Abstract: An automotive wheel incorporating a selectively retractable foot step. The wheel has a wheel opening defined by a wheel opening periphery. Located at the opening is a pedestal having a disk, the periphery of which is rotatably interfaced with the wheel opening periphery. A step is pivotally mounted to the pedestal. The disk has a disk cut-out configured for receiving therein the step. The step is pivotal from a retracted position whereat the step is parallel to the disk and received in the disk cut-out, to a deployed position whereat the step is perpendicular to the disk. A retainer is used to selectively hold the step at the retracted position.

Abstract: In a tire-wheel assembly, in which a pneumatic tire is installed to a rim of a wheel, an auxiliary ring or auxiliary plate of which dynamic balance has been adjusted is attached coaxially with the wheel onto a rim flange on an outside of the wheel when the tire-wheel assembly is attached onto a vehicle.

Abstract: A spoke clip including a plate, spoke channel and at least two tie holes. The plate includes a front face, back face, sides, top and bottom. The sides of the plate define the thickness of the plate. The thickness being thin enough to allow the plate to fit between two spokes which cross each other. The spoke channel is part of the back face to receive a spoke of a wheel. The least two tie holes are through the front and back faces.

Abstract: A wheel end for use in a vehicle wherein the wheel end includes a side shaft wherein the side shaft having an appendage on one end thereof. The side shaft having a cylindrical cavity at a center point of the appendage. The wheel end unit also includes a spindle arranged around the appendage. A knuckle is arranged around a portion of the spindle and a portion of the side shaft. The wheel end also includes a fastener secured between the spindle and the appendage to ensure a robust connection between the spindle and the appendage.

Abstract: An axle end plug employs a magnet which attracts ferrous metallic debris from a cavity in a trailer axle wheel end. The axle end plug includes a vent hole which is substantially aligned with an aperture in the magnet. The vent hole vents the cavity in the trailer axle wheel end to the interior of the axle, rather than to the atmosphere. The arrangement prevents external contaminants such as dirt and water from entering the cavity. The magnet attracts ferrous debris which accumulates in the cavity from component wear or from manufacturing debris which remains in the axle interior. The magnet attracts and removes these particles from the trailer axle wheel end, minimizing the wearing of components.

Abstract: A wheel end assembly includes an output shaft mounted to a wheel hub for driving a vehicle wheel. The output shaft is driven by a gear assembly mounted within a gear housing and operably coupled to an input shaft. The gear assembly includes an input gear driven by the input shaft, intermediate gears in meshing engagement with the input gear, and an output gear in meshing engagement with the intermediate gears. A tube has one end press-fit into the gear housing with an opposite end extending into a wheel hub cavity. Bearings are mounted directly between the tube and the wheel hub to support the wheel hub for rotation relative to the tube. The output shaft is received within the tube with an inboard end in direct driving engagement with the output gear and with an outboard end directly mounted to the wheel hub.

Abstract: An interface system including locomotive and car electrical trainline terminals, locomotive and car brake pipe ports and a locomotive pressure supply port. A train brake pipe valve controls pressure on the train brake pipe port. A controller monitors pressure on the locomotive brake pipe port and controls the train brake pipe valve in response to pressure on the locomotive brake pipe port. The controller also provides ECP commands on the train electrical terminal in response to pressure on the locomotive brake pipe port and provides electrical power on the train terminal from the locomotive electrical trainline terminal. The car electrical terminal is connected to the ECP trainline for providing ECP commands and power to the ECP equipped train devices. The controller may also control an emergency valve to produce an emergency on the locomotive brake pipe port. A transition valve on the brake pipe port allows bi-directional connection of the interface system.

Abstract: A vehicle motion control device reduces noise resulting from operation of a vacuum booster when an automatic pressure control is performed by properly controlling the energization of a linear solenoid of a booster actuator. An automatic hydraulic pressure generator is controlled in accordance with the vehicle motion condition and a hydraulic pressure control valve device is controlled to perform the automatic pressure control. A target electric current of the linear solenoid for actuating the vacuum booster is instantaneously increased to a starting target value which corresponds to an electric current value immediately before starting the operation of the vacuum booster and which is less than a maximum value of the target electric current, and then is gradually increased approximately to the maximum value of the target electric current.

Abstract: A modular furniture system has a number of variously configured work surfaces, a number of variously configured support members, variously configured hutch units, and a number of couplers. At least two support members and a work surface are arranged and coupled together to construct a work station. The work surfaces have at least three sides with at least two of the sides being adapted to releasably couple with one of the support members. The support members may include leg supports and storage cabinet supports, each of which are adapted to couple with and support a work surface above a floor. The hutches are adapted to removably rest upon a work surface or a storage cabinet support member. Further, the hutches, the work surfaces, and the support members may be provided with cable passages to facilitate use of electronic equipment at a work station.

Abstract: A frame structure is provided for holding a plurality of display cases. Each of the plurality of display cases has an upper cavity viewable through the upper end. The frame structure is adapted to permit viewing of each of the upper ends of the plurality of display cases. The frame structure includes a first end wall and a second end wall. A pair of sidewalls extend between the first and second end walls. The end walls and sidewalls define a base cavity adapted to receive an associated base display case. The pair of sidewalls have upper portions that extend a selected distance beyond the top surfaces of the first and second end walls. A first pair of slide mechanisms is mounted on the upper portions of the pair of sidewalls. A first display case support is connected to the first pair of slide mechanisms and is adapted to carry an associated first display case.

Abstract: A storage lift includes two vertically extending tracks mounted to a wall surface such as a garage wall. The tracks guide associated sliding members through vertical motion up and down adjacent the wall. The sliding members are in turn hinged to a platform that serves in alternative embodiments as a storage platform base or a variable-height work surface, and which may also be folded compactly when not in use or during shipping. A full box framework is provided for most applications, and panels are slidable within framework grooves or brackets to fully enclose the platform. A cover may optionally be provided as required. In the preferred embodiment, an electric motor is provided within the storage platform base for motive power, and a key switch control is provided to safely actuate the motor. The electric motor in the preferred embodiment is attached to the tracks through a combination of cables and pulleys, though other techniques are contemplated.

Abstract: A panel for use in an air handling unit that conducts air along an enclosed path of travel. The panel includes a rectangular shaped frame made of a plastic material having a low thermal conductivity. The frame is closed by top and bottom cover plates having skirts that are contained in top and bottom channels that encircle the inside of the frame and thus establish an enclosed cavity within the panel. A curable polyurethane foam is injected into the cavity to fill the cavity. The foam sets to bond the covers to the frame and to provide a thermal barrier that impedes the flow of heat through the panel.

Abstract: The present invention provides a multi-resolution printing device, which includes a base-frequency clock generator and a control unit. The base-frequency clock generator is to generate only one base-frequency clock. The control unit includes a logic processor, a first frequency divider, a second frequency divider, and an external selector. Divisors of the first and second dividers are determined by resolution of the base-frequency clock and that of the desired printing clocks. While remainders of the base-frequency clock resolution divided by the desired printing clock resolutions are not zero, divisors of first and second frequency dividers are set to be the quotient and the quotient plus one; otherwise, divisors of first and second frequency dividers are all set to be the same quotient. The resolution of desired printing clock is obtained by executing the above procedure excursively.

Abstract: A host apparatus of an information processing system performs processing related to a printer operation. That is, the operation to be performed by a user is displayed on a display screen of the information processing system so the user performs the operation appropriately and easily. As a result, in the information processing system with an ink jet recording apparatus provided, the operation peculiar to the ink jet recording apparatus can be performed appropriately and easily by a user.

Abstract: An ink cartridge for supplying ink to a recording head is detachably mounted on a cartridge holder. A calculator performs calculation of an ink amount consumed by the recording head. A counter updates a residual ink amount in the mounted ink cartridge based on the consumed ink amount calculated by the calculator. A monitor monitors an ink amount contained in the mounted ink cartridge to judge at least an ink-end state in which the ink amount in the ink cartridge is a predetermined amount or less. A corrector corrects the way of calculation in the calculator based on the residual ink amount indicated by the counter, when the monitor judges that the mounted ink cartridge is in the ink-end state.

Abstract: A driving method for a liquid discharge head having a discharge port for discharging liquid; a pressure-applying portion communicating with the discharge port, for applying discharge pressure to the liquid; and a pressure generating device for generating the pressure. The method includes a step of applying first and second discharge pulses for discharging liquid, to the pressure generating device in a sequential manner in response to a one-dot discharge instruction. The pulse widths of the first and second discharge pulses and a rest time between the first and second discharge pulses are determined so that the volume of a first liquid discharged in response to the first discharge pulse is equal to or greater than that of a second liquid discharged in response to the second discharge pulse and the discharge speed of the first liquid is lower than the discharge speed of the second liquid.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for use in inkjet printing. The apparatus includes a memory, a heat accumulation calculation device, and an image separating device. The memory is used to store a heat weighting look-up table. When data representative of the image is fed into the heat accumulation calculation device, a heat weighting for the image can be calculated according to the heat weighting look-up table, which can be used to determine the degree of heat accumulation during printing. The image separating device then outputs pieces of image data representing sub-images according to the heat weighting for the image. Finally, the image is formed by printing the sub-images successively according to the pieces of image data. In addition, for some regions where serious heat accumulation is predicted, the densities of the pixels to be printed within the regions can be adjusted to reduce the degrading effect on the printing quality due to the heat accumulation during printing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a marking engine for use in a marking machine. The marking engine is responsive to control signals for selectively depositing marking material on media. The marking engine includes a housing associated with the marking engine. The housing is configured for docking with the printing system. The housing has an undocked position and a docked position wherein the housing is secured to a receiving station associated with the marking machine. Also included is a radio frequency linking device mounted to the housing so that there is substantially no relative movement between the radio frequency linking device and a corresponding radio frequency linking device associated with the receiving station when the marking engine is in the docked position with the marking machine. The radio frequency linking device provides a radio frequency link for transferring information between the marking engine and the marking machine.

Abstract: An ink jet head comprises a substrate bearing a liquid discharge pressure generating element for generating energy for discharging liquid from a discharge port, a flow path forming member adjoined to the substrate and forming a flow path communicating with the discharge port through a position on the liquid discharge pressure generating element, and an adhesion layer formed in at least a part between the substrate and the flow path forming member and having an adhesion force with respect to the substrate and the flow path forming member larger than an adhesion force between the flow path forming member and the base, wherein the adhesion layer is formed, in a portion where the stress in the flow path forming member is concentrated in a direction of peeling from the substrate, in an area wider than the adjoining area between the flow path forming member and said adhesion layer.