Abstract: A pipe joint comprising: a pin having a tapered male screw section formed on an outer circumferential face of an end of a pipe; a box having a tapered female screw section, which can be screwed to the tapered male screw section, formed on an inner circumferential face of an end of a pipe, wherein the tapered male screw section is screwed into the tapered female screw section, a top face of a male thread ridge of the tapered male screw section and a top face of a female thread ridge of the tapered female screw section have a predetermined width like a square screw thread, trapezoidal screw thread and buttress screw thread, and top faces of both thread ridges are inclined in a direction opposite to a tapered face of screw threads with respect to a face parallel to the pipe axis.

Abstract: The invention relates to a door lock for a motor vehicle. The principal design of the inventive door lock comprises a rotary lock (1), a lock pawl (2) an actuation lever system (3), a latching lever system (5) and a central locking drive (10a, 10b, 11) for a central locking element (8). The central locking element (8) comprises, in addition to the first forked arm (13), at least one second forked arm (14). Both forked arms (13, 14) project at least partially into the arc of rotation of an eccentric control pin (12) of the central locking drive (10a, 10b).

Abstract: A first column-like portion of a hook rod, substantially oval-shape in cross section, is fitted in hooks and then turned around its longitudinal axis by about 90°. Since a diameter in the vertical direction facing to a lower surface of the hook from the center of the first column-like portion having a substantially oval-shape in cross section increases with turning, pressing force becomes larger as the turning angle increases. Therefore, based on the pressing force an upper surface at a flange is pressed toward a flange of a case by a part positioned at the lower end in an outer peripheral surface. Based on the pressing force the flanges, an element peripheral portion sandwiched therebetween is elastically pressed to shrink, whereby the case and the cap are fastened by a simple operation of only fitting and turning the first column-like portion in recesses of the hooks.

Abstract: A latching mechanism that uses lubricant impregnated bearings to improve the operation, reduce the corrosion, ease the maintenance, and extend the life of the latching mechanism. The latching mechanism comprises a spindle rotatably disposed in a sleeve that is fixed to a frame (e.g., a door frame). Positioned in the annular space between the spindle and sleeve, the lubricant impregnated bearings separate dissimilar materials and provide a constant source of lubrication. To replenish the bearings, lubricant is introduced into the annular space through a channel in the spindle that communicates between an inlet opening in the end of the spindle and an outlet opening at the annular space. The lubricant impregnated bearings are grooved to enhance lubricant flow and distribution around the bearing surfaces. A shield is attached to the spindle and is disposed around the exterior of the sleeve to prevent debris from entering the annular space.

Abstract: A door security system utilizes a bar that spans the distance across a door and prevents the door from being opened. The bar combines an elastic, flexible hollow rod with a cable that is pliable but generally does not flex. The bar flexes when an individual attempts to force open the door against the bar. When the bar flexes it generates a force that acts to close the door.

Abstract: A shock absorbing member for a vehicle is designed to absorb the impact energy in a plastic deformation manner to absorb the axial compressive load. The shock absorbing member includes a hollow member whose cross-section is roughly constant and whose axis is adapted to extend forward and rearward of the vehicle. A flange is formed on the hollow member roughly along the axis of the hollow member and projects by an amount increasing gradually from one side toward the other side of the axis.

Abstract: The invention known as the “Frisbee golf disc retriever and more ” is a fold-up type of extension rod being comprised of several tubular sections having slip-joint type connections which are pulled together by an elastic type of cord being laced through the center of all the tubular sections and being anchored in a partially tensioned state at each end piece section of tubing by means of a knot or any feasible type of cord end device, a handle, a double ended coupler device which also houses a tie strap device, and a nail-head type hook device for retrieving Frisbee golf discs and the like. Other readily attachable tools include a J-hook device, a net device, a magnetic pick-up device, a feather duster device, an ornament hanger device.

Abstract: A double-stack tool rack is constructed to include a base having an upright pivot shaft, a plurality of tool boxes respectively pivoted to the upright shaft and arranged into two stacks, and a carrying handle coupled to the upright pivot shaft of the base at the top.

Abstract: A pull-out load platform truck cargo beds. The load platform has a frame with a base, a plurality of outriggers that extend therefrom, and a pair of rails that are aligned with the base. The outriggers and the rails are adjustable and have ends that are configured and arranged to engage surfaces of a truck body in a non-invasive manner, so that when the load platform is installed in a cargo bed of a truck, the base is prevented from moving relative thereto. A deck, onto which cargo may be placed, is operatively connected to the frame and movable relative thereto, preferably in a constrained manner. When the deck is pulled out relative to the frame so that it extends partially beyond the end of the base in a cantilever fashion, the deck is prevented from tipping by the operative connection between the frame and the deck.

Abstract: A vehicle seat stowing structure has seats provided on a floor. The seats are rotated rearwardly of a vehicle around a rotational shaft fixed to a vehicle body so that the bottom surface of each of seat cushions is directed to the inside of a passenger compartment. The seats are stowed in a recess formed in the floor. The floor is formed so that at least a part thereof extending between a portion provided forwardly of a place, at which the seats are installed, and a front edge of the recess is flat. A casing is provided at a place, which is located forwardly of the recess and faces the bottom surfaces of the seat cushions, on the floor.

Abstract: A vehicle seat assembly includes a vehicle floor having a stowage cavity formed therein, and a collapsible seat pivotally connected to the vehicle and positioned on the vehicle floor adjacent the stowage cavity. The collapsible seat is pivotable from an upright position into a collapsed position within the stowage cavity. The assembly further includes a sliding cover positioned on the vehicle floor and selectively slidable between a first position beneath the collapsible seat when the collapsible seat is in the upright position and a second position covering the stowage cavity. The sliding cover is operative as a vehicle load floor when in the second position.

Abstract: An instrument panel of a motorcycle includes several dials, one of which is a speedometer, and also includes a liquid crystal panel which displays characters and other graphical information. Either the dials or the liquid crystal panel includes a step. The surface of the liquid crystal panel is located in a lower position closer to the driver compared with the dials. Visors are used which project toward the driver for interrupting the incidence of external light onto the instrument panel in order to ensure easy viewing of the instruments. A first visor is provided for shading the dials, and a separate second visor is mounted between the dials and the liquid crystal panel. Because the liquid crystal panel is shaded by the second visor, the first visor for shading the dials can be decreased in the amount of projection toward the driver.

Abstract: A wiper assembly is attached at several positions to a motor vehicle body by means of a plate bar (10). The plate bar (10) is attached by means of at least one snap element (20, 26; 32, 36; 32, 38; 34, 40).

Abstract: A sun visor attachment which is constructed from generally planer, unitary plastic member that can be folded into the configuration of a sleeve which is adapted to slidably extend over the sun visor of a vehicle. When in position over the vehicle sun visor, the attachment can be slidably adjusted transversely, of the vehicle, to block sun rays entering the windshield of the vehicle at an angle between the driver side and passenger side sun visors. In one form of the invention, the attachment also includes a lower panel that can be folded from a stowed position into a downwardly extending position to effectively block sun rays entering below the vehicle visor and a generally fan shaped, side panel that is foldable out of plane to block sun rays entering through the driver side window.

Abstract: A convertible has a car body and a lid part arranged to the rear of the car body. The convertible top can be stowed under the lid part. The lid part can open and close for releasing a through opening for the top adjacent to a forward end of the lid part and for releasing a loading opening for luggage adjacent to a rearward end of the lid part. An auxiliary frame is arranged underneath the lid part in a closed position of the lid part. The auxiliary frame is connected pivotably on the car body and is pivotable transversely to the travel direction about a pivot axis. The pivot axis of the auxiliary frame, in the travel direction of the convertible, is arranged in front of the rearward end of the lid part.

Abstract: A supporting framework of a rear cover may be pivoted up about a front transverse axis and a rear transverse axis, of a rear compartment in a bodywork of a passenger vehicle having a fold-away roof, the rear compartment being used for accommodating a roof or roof part and luggage. Due to a special kinematic arrangement of the supporting framework, the rear cover executes a lifting movement before it pivots about the rear transverse axis.

Abstract: A portable shade canopy or awning is specially adapted for personal vehicles. Supporting members are made of strong, lightweight and inexpensive material such as aluminum alloy, plastic, or composite; and the canopy material itself preferably is either soft and paint protective or other inexpensive material with paint-protecting material on the underside and with four grommets disposed in a generally rectangular configuration. An easily detachable clip is installed on each of four windows in a generally rectangular configuration. This is easily accomplished through use of clips having recessed reliefs that fit on the tops of the window glass so that when the windows are rolled up (i.e., closed), each clip is set firmly in place. Four detachable legs are provided to provide principal support for the canopy. The bottoms of these legs are disengageably attached to mating parts of the clips and thus are firmly supported.

Abstract: An electromotively activated locking system for a motor vehicle door includes an outer door opener, at least one inner door opener, a lock mechanism that can be regulated by a motor drive and an element separating the wet and dry areas. The lock parts of the primary lock mechanism (3) are located in the damp area. An electrical device for determining the locking state of the primary and secondary lock mechanisms (3, 5) and the motor drive (2) are located in the dry area. For controlling the locking system, a logic alignment is carried out between the locking states of the primary locking mechanism and the locking states of the secondary locking mechanism and certain lock functions are then released or blocked for control in dependence on this logic alignment.

Abstract: A cap (10) is provided for the load box (16) of a vehicle, like a pickup truck (12), including a box-like structure sized and adapted to fit on the load box to form an enclosed area for the storage of personal items, camping equipment, tools, parts or the like. On the forwardmost corner of the cap there is included a door (40) in the form of three-sided box (53, 58, 60), i.e., a door that wraps both around the forward corner of the cap and into the roof. Hinges (50) are provided at the cutline with the roof so that the door opens upwardly. In the preferred embodiment, closable and latchable steps (28) are structurally integrated into the a side of a load box at its forwardmost end and the door of the cap is aligned with the steps forming a doorway for improved ingress and egress to the enclosed area under the cap.

Abstract: A load-bearing structure for motor vehicles has a load-bearing floor of lightweight construction merging at its front in a footwell region into an upwardly projecting end wall. The structure also has a front-end structure which forms a crumple zone, is supported in the region of the end wall, and includes lightweight structural panels running in the longitudinal and transverse directions of the vehicle. The footwell region is bounded laterally and at the top by a panel arrangement of lightweight construction which, together with the floor and the end wall, forms a supporting box for the front-end structure.

Abstract: A reinforcing structure is provided to attain sufficient reinforcing effect for a body frame without increasing a weight of a vehicle. The reinforcing structure includes a front pillar (3) whose peripheral wall has an outer panel (13) and a reinforcement (14) to provide a double wall structure, and an adjusting mechanism (15) for making a buckling-mode waveform of the outer panel (13) in a substantially-reversed phase to a buckling-mode waveform of the reinforcement (14). The adjusting mechanism (15) includes a plurality of beads (16) formed on a top wall of the reinforcement (14). Owing to the deformation of the outer panel (13) in a substantially-reversed phase to the deformation of the reinforcement (14), a resistance force due to contact between the outer panel (13) and the reinforcement (14) allows a deformation of the front pillar (3) to be is restricted to enhance reinforcing effect of the reinforcing structure.

Abstract: An impact energy absorber. The impact energy absorber is a flexible pipe made from a metal foil. The flexible pipe is provided with a substantially sequential spiral shaped concavities and convexes about the periphery of the pipe along a length of the pipe. The pipe defines a cross section that includes a flat segment, first and second side segments that extend from the flat segment, and a segment that connects the first and second side segments. The first and second side segments act as first and second supports. The segment that connects the first and second side segments defines an additional support between the side segments.

Abstract: A stabilized frame assembly 32 for a motor vehicle 10 including a pair 34 of forwardly directed brace members 36, 38. Each brace member 36, 38 of the pair 34 is coupled at a forward end 40 to an impact receiving assembly 46 such as a front bumper assembly. The brace members 36, 38 are coupled for support at a rearward end 42 to a respective one of a pair 48 of stabilized support arrangements 50, 52. Each of the stabilized support arrangements 50, 52 are configured to resist deformation under the influence of crash related impact forces having magnitudes in a manageable design range for the stabilized support arrangement 50, 52. Each of the pair of stabilized support arrangements 50, 52 are constructed to include a plurality of support legs 56 that are configured so that loads or forces transmitted from the supported brace member 36, 38 to the stabilized support arrangement 50, 52 are distributed as substantially axial loads in the plurality of support legs 56.

Abstract: An integrated vehicle structure combines the mechanical and electrical systems of the vehicle. The integrated vehicle structure generally comprises a vehicle support structure, a flatwire extending along the vehicle support structure, and an electronic site incorporated to the flatwire. Preferably, the electronic site is supported directly on the vehicle support structure, and is a flexible circuit board. Alternately, the electronic site can be a rigid circuit board. Most preferably, the electronic site is integrally formed with the flatwire. The vehicle support preferably comprises a cross-car beam, which includes both metal and plastic components.

Abstract: An air-conditioning duct structure is included in a vehicular dash beam member. Material for the duct is made of a heat insulating and sound absorbing material and is adhered onto the surface of a sheet material for the beam member which is then bent into a semi-tubular shape so that the material for the duct is positioned inside thereby forming beam member bodies. Beam member bodies are combined by joining their joining surfaces that face each other to thereby form a tubular closed sectional shape. Achieving vibration attenuation, noise absorption and the heat insulating functions with an inner surface sheet member of an air conditioning duct is achievable. An air conditioning duct extending across a vehicle's width is formed by joining a metal reinforcing member and a resin cover. The sheet member is put between the reinforcing member and the cover.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for a manually installable and removable sunroof system comprising a roof with an opening, a roof panel that is removeably secured in the opening, and an upwardly biased and retractable wind deflector assembly stowable within an area near the opening. During installation of the roof panel, the deflector assembly may be held into place by a pivoting and engagingly-biased latch. In one embodiment, as the roof panel is installed, an extension, protruding therefrom, confronts the pivoting latch, at which point the wind deflector is disengaged from the latch and thereafter held in a substantially retracted position by the roof panel. When the roof panel is next removed, the previously retracted wind deflector is automatically deployed into an operational position. In some embodiments, the deflector assembly may be fabricated from a flexible material and may be maintained in a retracted position and subsequently deployed using a manually actuated latch.

Abstract: A seat for a vehicle such as a bicycle comprises a clamp for engaging a seat post of the vehicle and a rigid frame supported by the clamp. The preferred rigid frame includes a first and second lateral bar portions; and a cross-bar portion connecting the lateral bar portions. The rigid frame preferably is mounted by parallel bracket plates pivotally supported by the clamp. In accordance with one preferred embodiment, the seat includes a support web which is coupled to the first lateral bar portion near a first edge, to the second lateral bar portion near a second edge, and to the cross-bar near a third edge. In accordance with another preferred embodiment, the seat includes at least one cushion which at least partially surrounds the lateral bar portions. The invention provides a sturdy, comfortable seat which can either be sold as original equipment or retrofit onto an existing vehicle.

Abstract: An adjustable child seat includes a seat body having a seat back and a seat portion. The seat portion has a first base and a second base movably mounted to the first base. The child seat further includes a seat adjusting mechanism for adjusting the length of the seat to customize to differently sized children. In addition, the child seat includes a recline mechanism connected to the first and second bases to selectively tilt the seat body. The child seat can also include two adjustable armrests, and adjustable headrest, and an adjustable shoulder belt clip.

Abstract: A base for an infant car seat includes a tilt adjustment mechanism that provides multiple vertical locking positions for adjusting the attitude of the attached infant car seat relative to a vehicle seat cushion. The base can have a storage compartment for one or more latch assemblies used to latch the base to the vehicle seat anchorages.

Abstract: A forward end part of an arm part (53) of a seatback frame is connected to a forward end part of a main frame (3) such that the forward end part of said arm part (53) can turn about a horizontal axis (61) extending leftward and rightward. A cam hole (71) is formed in a forward end part of the arm part (53). A shaft part (72) movably engageable with the cam hole (71) through a roller (73) is disposed at a forward end part of a seat frame (41). The cam hole (71), the shaft part (72) and the roller (73) constitute a positive motion mechanism (70) for causing a seat frame (41) to be tilted in accordance with the turning motion of the arm part (53).

Abstract: An improved chair having a simplified height-adjustable back arrangement. The back arrangement is defined principally by a back shell provided with support sleeves adjacent opposite sides thereof. The support sleeves are slidably supported on respective uprights which project upwardly adjacent opposite sides of the chair seat. A manually-releasable latching mechanism cooperates between each support sleeve and its respective upright whereby a seated occupant, by using right and left hands, can simultaneously release both latching mechanisms and effect vertical slidable displacement of the back shell to adjust the position thereof.

Abstract: A seat latch mechanism accommodating a plurality of seatback positions, comprising an upper housing and a lower housing whereby the lower housing includes a recess for a striker to pass therethrough when the latch mechanism is in an unlatched position. Further, a latch assembly is provided and is operably supported by the lower housing, whereby the latch assembly is operable between a latched position and an unlatched position, and an actuation assembly operably supported by the upper and lower housings and in operable communication with the latch assembly to selectively toggle the latch assembly between the latched and unlatched position.

Abstract: An all-terrain vehicle (ATV) includes various storage compartments so that the weight loaded onto the vehicle may be evenly distributed between the front and rear suspension of the ATV. The ATV is capable of hauling a variety of loads over various terrains. The ATV contains a rear storage compartment, at least two side storage compartments, a front storage compartment, and a front rack to enable the rider to carry or attach a wide variety of loads onto the ATV without causing the vehicle to overturn or flip up due to the additional weight. Additionally, the ATV may also include a tree guard positioned on each side of the ATV to protect the rear storage and side compartments and to prevent cargo on the rear storage compartment from being dislodged by trees that might protrude into the rider's path.

Abstract: A forage wagon is provided for loading and unloading material. The wagon generally comprises a pair of opposing sidewalls connected to a front wall and a rear wall, the walls extending vertically to define a storage chamber. Further, a bottom wall is formed by two bottom doors, each bottom door having inner and outer edges. The outer edges are pivotally connected to the opposing sidewalls. Notably, each of the two bottom doors is operable between a closed position for loading and an open position for unloading. The bottom doors rotate from the closed position to the open position under gravity. The closed position is defined by the inner edges mating to form a substantially continuous bottom wall, while the open position defined by the inner edges being spaced apart to form a large bottom opening for unloading material.

Abstract: A vehicle hydraulic brake apparatus includes a hydraulic pressure generator which generates a power pressure irrespective of operation of a brake pedal and a regulation valve which regulates the power pressure to a predetermined pressure corresponding to an operation force of the brake pedal and outputs it to an output chamber. A master cylinder generates a master cylinder pressure in a master cylinder chamber by forward movement of the master cylinder piston and a wheel brake cylinder is operated by the master cylinder pressure to apply braking force to a vehicle wheel. An auxiliary piston is located backward the master cylinder piston to define an auxiliary pressure chamber between the master cylinder piston and the auxiliary piston and to move the master cylinder piston forward by an auxiliary pressure in the auxiliary pressure chamber. A pressure modulating device decreases the predetermined pressure outputted from the output chamber to supply the auxiliary pressure to the auxiliary pressure chamber.

Abstract: To monitor the emergency braking capability of an electro-hydraulic braking system (EHBwherein, during normal operation, the brake pressure in the wheel brakes is generated by means of a pressure source comprised of a hydraulic pump, an umulator, and hydraulic valves, and wherein a switch-over to a hydraulic connection between a master cylinder and the wheel brakes is executed in the event of an emergency braking situation. With predetermined events, e.g.

Abstract: A tow ball (14) is mounted to a bracket (16) by means of a spacer (20) which incorporates transducers (24) to provide signals indicating forces existing between the towing vehicle and the trailer. A control system is described which is operable to apply braking to the trailer to modify the trailer behavior independently of operation of the vehicle brakes by the operator.

Abstract: A system for controlling the traction slip of a vehicle including identifying a start situation with a high coefficient of friction uphill or with a heavy vehicle load, and once the start situation is identified and traction slip prevails, reducing a brake control intervention and/or increasing the nominal engine torque.

Abstract: A method and system for braking a hybrid electric vehicle having an internal combustion engine and a traction motor coupled to a common output shaft, with the vehicle also having an energy storage battery. The method includes monitoring of the vehicle to determine if the vehicle's driver is operating the vehicle in a braking mode and if so, controlling the engine and traction motor so as to provide dynamic braking such that when the traction motor is operated regeneratively, the brake torque produce by the engine is reduced from a maximum contemporaneous brake torque value.

Abstract: A storage and display unit for prepaid telephone calling cards, collectible cards, and the like which is made, at least in a major part, of a substantially transparent plastic having a reasonable amount of impact resistance to breakage, the unit being combinable with other units to assemble larger units, the unit providing one or more bins holding cards that are for sale, with the cards in view through the transparent portions of the unit, and arranged to have a key-lockable cover to at least deter unauthorized removal of cards. The unit also provides for display of a card's face to indicate the type of card in each card bin. The display can be arranged to be on the front or back of the unit, or both. When on the back, the unit is best oriented so that the display card seen through the transparent unit back is facing customers, and the locked cover is facing the clerk or other salesperson who has a key and is authorized to remove cards for sale.

Abstract: In an electronic equipment, an equipment body includes a projection portion to be fitted into a depression portion provided in a front panel, a sector gear to be turned when the projection portion is fitted into the depression portion, a drive gear, a flange portion, an engaging member to be engaged with an engaging projection portion, which abuts against the flange portion and is provided in the front panel, and a spring for moving the engaging member to a place, at which the engaging member engages with the engaging projection portion, when the projection portion is fitted into the depression portion and when an abutting state, in which the engaging projection portion abuts against the flange portion, is canceled as the flange portion performs a turning operation.

Abstract: A track device. The track device includes a first track, a second track, and a third track. The first track includes a first stop and an engaging block. The second track is slidably received in the first track. The second track includes a second stop for abutting against the first stop of the first track. The second track further includes a first engaging member on an end thereof. The first engaging member includes an extension member, the extension member including an engaging section and a foot. The third track is slidably received in the second track. The third track includes a second engaging member for abutting against a third stop of the second track. The second engaging member includes an engaging edge and a leg. The leg is pressable to allow disengagement of the engaging edge from a protrusion on the third stop.

Abstract: A trash receptacle device includes a pair of railings. Each of the railings has an open side such that the open sides are positioned such that they face each other. Each of the railing is mountable to a bottom wall of the glove compartment. A housing has a lower wall, a first side wall, a second side wall, a third side wall and a fourth side wall. The first and second side walls are positioned opposite of each other. Each of the first and second side walls has an elongated slot therein positioned generally adjacent to and extending along the lower wall. A pair of carriages, each of the carriages is slidably mounted on one of the rails. Each of the carriages is removably attached to the housing such that said housing is extendable along said rails.

Abstract: In an ink-jet printing method and ink-jet printer for printing an image on a printing medium by driving print elements of a printhead and ejecting ink in accordance with an image signal, the timing of driving the plurality of print elements of the printhead is divided into a plurality of timings, and print elements, of the plurality of print elements, which are spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance are selected as one group at each of the plurality of timings. The print elements belonging to the selected group are energized and driven. The dispersed print elements are changed a predetermined period of time after the driving, and the changed print elements are driven. This driving operation is repeatedly executed for all the print elements of the printhead to print an image corresponding to the image signal.

Abstract: Provided is a recording head substrate on which are mounted energy generating elements that contribute to the formation of images by a recording head, and on which both light-receiving elements and light-emitting elements, or at least, light-receiving elements are mounted. In addition, provided is a recording head substrate on which are mounted energy generating elements that contribute to the formation of images by a recording head, and on which are mounted a plurality of head position detecting elements for detecting the position of the recording head.

Abstract: A printer with adjustable PPS is provided. The printer includes a printer frame structure, a carriage movable in the printer frame structure for movement across a print zone during printing operations, and at least one cartridge mounted on the carriage for printing on a medium in the print zone. The printer further has means for driving the cartridge relative to the printer between a first position in which the printer prints at a first PPS measured from a bottom surface of the medium, and a second position in which the printer prints at a second PPS.

Abstract: This present invention is embodied in a printing system and protocol for providing efficient firing, processing, thermal and energy control of a printhead of an inkjet printer. The printing system includes a controller, a power supply and a printhead assembly having a memory device and a distributive processor integrated with an ink driver.

Abstract: A printing head includes a first type nozzle groups for ejecting respective inks of a first ink group, and a second type nozzle group for ejecting respective inks of a second ink group. The second type nozzle group includes twice the number of nozzles in the first type nozzle group. On the forward passes of the main scanning, ink droplets are ejected from both the first type nozzle group and the second type nozzle group. On the reverse passes of the main scanning, ink droplets are ejected from only from the first type nozzle group. With respect to the first type nozzle group, the ejection timing of the ink droplets is corrected on the reverse passes of the main scanning on the basis of a specific correction value for dot misalignment.

Abstract: A method of driving an inkjet recording head designed to eject an ink droplet (67) via an ink nozzle (62) communicated to a pressure chamber filled with ink by generating a pressure wave in the pressure chamber by applying a driving voltage to a piezoelectric actuator of the inkjet recording head. The driving voltage waveform has a voltage rise portion (11) for contracting a volume of the pressure chamber (61) and a voltage fall portion (12) for expanding the volume of the pressure chamber. A rise time t1 of the voltage rise portion (11) and a voltage fall time t2 of the voltage fall portion 12 are set smaller than an inherent vibration period Ta of the piezoelectric actuator. An ink droplet having a smaller diameter can be produced, thereby improving the printing precision.

Abstract: An arrangement for printing a raster image organized into a plurality of scan lines on a recording medium, the arrangement including a memory and a printbar. The memory contains scan line data representative of said scan lines. The printbar includes a plurality of nozzles and a printbar circuit. The printbar circuit includes an output buffer and a serial data buffer. The serial data buffer is operably connected to receive serially the scan line data such that the serial data buffer includes scan line data corresponding to a first scan line. The output buffer is operably connected to receive the scan line data from the serial data buffer. The printbar circuit is further operable to cause the plurality of nozzles to print on the recording medium in accordance with the scan line data stored in the output buffer.