Abstract: A multifunction vehicle seat reduces the impact peak and decreases the transfer of acceleration and deceleration forces to all regions of the occupant's body during frontal, rear-end and lateral collisions at high and low speed impacts or when collision becomes inevitable. The seat is isolated from the structural integrity of the vehicle by an anti-friction ball and a plurality of stabilizers. The anti-friction ball is adapted for universal movement over a movable base plate to reduce the transfer of kinetic energy to the seat and to the occupant. The stabilizers are interlocked and engaged with the seat support assembly to delay the response of the seat to the impact until a pulley system is activated. The pulley system is activated electronically or manually to deform the seat cushion, seat back and headrest during and before impact.

Abstract: A chair comprising a supporting structure (12) having a pair of front legs (20a) and a pair of rear legs (22) and carrying a seat (14) and a backrest (16). The supporting structure (12) comprises a transverse element (18), a first pair of bars (20) fixed to the ends of the transverse element (18) and forming the pair of front legs, and a second pair of bars (22) fixed to the ends of the transverse element (18) and forming the pair of rear legs.

Abstract: Adjustable seats and components thereof are detailed. The seats, particularly (although not exclusively) useful in commercial aircraft, permit substantial angular recline without the corresponding rearward linear movement necessarily occurring in conventional seats. The seats additionally may have discontinuous, or non-integral, seat bottoms, with the heights of the forward portions of the bottoms being adjustable mechanically. Tray tables optionally associated with the seats further omit any central slot and may define one or more pivot axes in locations different than exist in conventional seats.

Abstract: One embodiment of the invention relates to a vehicle seat. The vehicle seat comprises a seat back coupled to a vehicle by a base bracket or directly to the vehicle. A seat base is coupled to the seat back and configured to rotate from a seating position to a stored position. A leg assembly is coupled to the seat base and configured to rotate from a deployed position to a retracted position. An indicator is coupled to the seat base to indicate a predetermined condition of the seat base.

Abstract: A passenger seat with privacy shell, including a seat base and seat bottom with a seat back carried by the seat base. A recline unit is provided for controlling movement of the seat back and locking the seat back in a desired recline position. An occupant-activated seat back recline control is provided for permitting movement of the seat back a desired position between an upright position and a recline position. A privacy shell is positioned on opposing lateral sides of the seat back and mounted for movement between a retracted position wherein the shell permits unimpeded lateral vision by the passenger seated in the seat, and a deployed position wherein the shell impedes lateral observation of the passenger seated in the seat, thereby providing privacy when desired by the passenger.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an overload protection mechanism for a cable actuated feature on an office chair. The overload protection device allows a person seated in the chair to move a handle to actuate the particular feature of the chair, for example, a reclining backrest, even when the seated person's weight on the backrest prevents the backrest locking mechanism from engaging or disengaging. The movement of the handle causes the cable to move even when the locking mechanism connected to the opposite end of the cable is unable to engage or disengage. The mechanism stores the motion of the cable in a spring device connected to the movement actuators by a rack and pinion gear system. When the binding is released from the actuators, the mechanism moves as originally intended, motivated by the force of the decompressing springs.

Abstract: In the case of a subassembly for a vehicle seat, in particular a fitting for a motor vehicle seat, having a first component (11) and having a second component (12, 21) which can move relative to the first component (11) and by means of regions (15, 17, 19) which are assigned to the first component (11) is mounted, guided and/or supported with respect to the first component (11) or interacts therewith in another manner, the first component (11) is at least partially hardened.

Abstract: A locking device for a vehicle seat, in particular a locking device in an adjuster of a motor vehicle seat, has at least two locking elements (12, 15) which can be moved relative to each other and can be brought into engagement where they are secured by at least one securing element (23) which is mounted in a manner such that the securing device can pivot about a rotational axis (25). The securing element (23) is mounted in a balanced manner.

Abstract: An adjustable head restraint assembly for enabling a head restraint pad (18) to be adjustably and lockably positioned with respect to a motor vehicle seatback (14) so that the head restraint remains in an adjusted position during a crash sequence after being set by a user. Associated with the head restraint pad is a pair of posts (20) that are provided with notches (52) for adjustment and one or more square securement notches (94) to prevent unintended separation of the head restraint pad (18) from the seatback (14).

Abstract: A seat back in a vehicle rear seat provided before a trunk includes a seat back frame structure in which a peripheral frame member is arranged along the periphery of a substantially rectangular panel frame member, and a reinforcing pipe frame member having opposite ends thereof coupled to an upper part and a lower part of the peripheral frame member and having an intermediate part formed to pass an external-force receiving portion of the panel frame member where an external force resulting from a possible movement of a luggage placed in the trunk is received. There can be provided a frame structure for the vehicle seat back having an improved strength against an external force exerted resulting from the movement of the luggage placed in the trunk.

Abstract: A harness arrangement for a seat, the arrangement including an occupant harness configured to be worn by an occupant of the seat, a separate seat harness securable to the seat, and the seat harness being releasably connected to the occupant harness.

Abstract: A quick release assembly includes an axle, mounted to a hub, having an end, and a cam mounted to the end of the axle for pivotal movement. A fork is on the axle between the hub and the cam, and a follower is on the axle between the fork and the cam. A stop is movable between a first position detached from the end of the axle and a second position secured to the end of the axle inhibiting pivotal movement of the cam. A key and a detachably engagable keyway are also provided, in which the stop supports one of the key and the keyway. An extension of the follower projects into the fork preventing rotation of the follower relative to the fork.

Abstract: A method for controlling a brake system for automotive vehicles including a vehicle speed control unit permitting the adjustment of a predetermined vehicle speed by way of an automatic intervention into brake control, wherein upon a braking request of the vehicle speed control unit and, simultaneously, a braking request of the driver the function of the vehicle speed control unit is deactivated, wherein the pressure (Px) introduced into the wheel brake due to the braking request of the vehicle speed control unit is reduced according to a predetermined function upon the braking request of the driver, wherein preferably a resulting brake pressure (Pres) is adjusted in the wheel brake of the vehicle which is determined by the formula Pres=PF+PX[1]−(PF*PX[1])/constant Z.

Abstract: A detection device for detecting braking of a vehicle during cornering on a road surface where the coefficient of friction of the road surface on a wheel on the outside of a curve is lower than on a wheel on the inside of the curve includes a comparison device for comparing the brake force or the brake force reduction of at least one wheel on the outside of a curve with the brake force or the brake force reduction of at least one wheel on the inside of the curve, and a device for generating a detection signal or initiating appropriate measures when the brake force of at least one wheel on the outside of a curve is lower or reduced to a greater degree than the brake force of at least one wheel on the inside of the curve. A device for influencing yaw torques has a so-called detection device and a reduction device which reduces the brake force in a brake of a wheel on the inside of a curve.

Abstract: A coreless rubber crawler which cancels the difference in the amounts of deformation strains in the main body to improve the durability and which ensures transverse rigidity to prevent coming off of wheels, wherein a peripheral main cord and a reinforcing cord disposed on an outer periphery thereof are embedded in a main body having a thickness T, wherein an embedded depth H of the cord embedded in an outermost peripheral layer of the main body, the depth being measured from an inner peripheral surface of the main body, satisfies H≧½×T.

Abstract: A structure for standardizing at least one kind of part of an endless track so that parts can be used for the same size of construction vehicles of a plurality of construction vehicle makers, wherein (a) when the part is a link belt, each of a configuration and a dimension of each link, the pin and the bushing is unified over the same size of construction vehicles of a plurality of construction vehicle makers, and (b) when the part is a shoe including four coupling holes, each of a position, a configuration and a size of the four coupling holes is unified over the same size of construction vehicles of the plurality of construction vehicle makers.

Abstract: Anti-inclination and internal locking device for a cabinet, including a cabinet body, at least two drawers disposed in the cabinet body, a projecting body disposed on rear side of each drawer, a base seat fixedly disposed on inner side of a rear wall board of the cabinet body corresponding to each drawer, a slide seat slidably fitted in the base seat and movable between a first position and a second position and a first and a second connecting sections respectively disposed at one end of the base seat and one end of the slide seat. The projecting body has an activating section and a stop section. The slide seat is formed with an opening corresponding to the projecting body.

Abstract: A freezer tip out bin includes a stationary portion, a rotating portion pivotally coupled to the stationary portion, and a biased actuator coupled to the rotating portion.

Abstract: To control movement of a member to be driven by using a scale having a plurality of indices at a predetermined interval, and a sensor which is attached to the member to be driven along the scale and detects the indices, a time until the next index is detected is predicted on the basis of the output waveform of the sensor. Then, a signal concerning the current position of the member is generated on the basis of the predicted time. The current position of the member can be controlled with high precision even during acceleration/deceleration.

Abstract: A liquid container includes a liquid containing portion having an opening; a liquid supply portion, fixed in the liquid containing portion, for introducing the liquid from the liquid containing portion; an information memory medium accommodating portion, provided in the liquid containing portion, for holding an information memory medium storing information relating to the liquid container, wherein the information memory medium accommodating portion is adapted such that contact surface of the information memory medium held by the information memory medium accommodating portion is opposed to the liquid supply portion and that space is provided between the contact surface and a surface of the liquid containing portion.

Abstract: A label printer-cutter includes a frame and a print head assembly connected to the frame. The print head assembly includes a print head for printing to a label media. The label printer-cutter includes a cutting assembly connected to the frame, and the cutting assembly is for catting the label media. The printer-cutter also includes a controller in operative association with the print head assembly and cutting assembly. The controller can be programmed to control the print head assembly and the cutting assembly such that printing to and cutting of the label media does not occur simultaneously in the label printer-cutter. Printing by the print head is controlled to correspond to cutting assembly rollers being positioned in a non-cutting position. Advantageously, printing to and cutting of a label media in a single label printer-cutter unit is accomplished in an efficient and cost-effective manner.

Abstract: The liquid jetting apparatus includes a head member having a nozzle, a supporting member that that can support a medium, a scanning mechanism that can cause the head member to relatively move with respect to the medium, and a liquid jetting unit that can jet liquid from the nozzle. An area storing unit stores a relative area to which liquid can be jetted from the nozzle while the head member is caused to relatively move by the scanning mechanism. An out-of-jetting micro-vibrating-area setting unit can set out-of-jetting micro-vibrating areas before and after the relative area. A micro-vibrating unit causes liquid in the nozzle to minutely vibrate. An out-of-jetting micro-vibrating controlling unit causes the micro-vibrating unit to operate when the head member is located in the out-of-jetting micro-vibrating areas, while the head member is caused to relatively move by the scanning mechanism, based on the out-of-jetting micro-vibrating areas and head-position information.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed herein for capping one or more printheads in a printing device. Further characteristics and features of the present invention are additionally disclosed herein, as are exemplary alternative embodiments. This abstract is not to be used in the interpretation of any of the claims.

Abstract: An ink delivery device is provided for supplying ink via an ink conduit from an ink supply to a print head attached to a manifold, the manifold adapted to route ink into the print head and back to the ink conduit for routing to the ink supply. The ink delivery device comprises a pressure controller operating on the ink conduit between the print head and the ink supply, the pressure controller including a sealing device adapted to seal off the ink conduit and a cap adapted to selectably expose the pressure controller to ambient conditions. The pressure controller is adapted to purge the print head of ink between print jobs.

Abstract: An ink jet printer includes a print head, a cap member, a suction pump, a switching mechanism. The cap member is formed with partition walls. When the cap member and the print head are placed in intimate contact, the partition walls define partitioned chambers around nozzle rows of the print head, so the nozzle rows are isolated from each other. The switching mechanism has a switching member that, by rotating, selectively switches the suction pump into fluid communication with one at a time of the partitioned chambers and out of fluid communication with any partitioned chamber other than a selected partitioned chamber. The suction pump is driven to perform a purge operation on only the nozzle row in the partitioned chamber selected by the switching mechanism.

Abstract: An ink ejectability maintenance device maintains an ink ejectability of a recording head which ejects ink droplets to a recording medium. A viper has a first moving path extending in a first direction in which the recording medium is fed, to wipe a nozzle formation face of the recording head. A cap has a second moving path extending in a vertical direction to seal the nozzle formation face. An absorption member is disposed below the first moving path to receive and absorb ink therein. The first moving path is away from the second moving path in connection with a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. A first horizontal plane in which the wiper is placed and a second horizontal plane in which the cap is placed are away from each other in the vertical direction.

Abstract: A waste ink removal system for cleaning ink residue from an ink drop sensing belt in a printing mechanism is provided. The waste ink removal system has a base, an actuator coupled to the sensing belt, and an ink removal member, supported by the base, which removes ink residue from the sensing belt when the sensing belt is moved by the actuator. A method for drop detection, and a printing mechanism having such a waste ink removal system are also provided.

Abstract: A carriage guide for a carriage of an inkjet printer includes a chassis including a first chassis sidewall and a second chassis sidewall spaced from the first chassis sidewall, and a carriage track extending between the first chassis sidewall and the second chassis sidewall. The carriage track forms at least two support surfaces configured to support the carriage for movement along the carriage track.

Abstract: An ink jet printing apparatus forms a printed image on a print medium based on image data. The apparatus includes an ink jet print head having ink ejection nozzles in a nozzle array. Ink is ejected from the nozzles and onto the print medium as the print head scans across the print medium in a scan direction, thereby forming the image on the print medium. The nozzle array on the print head includes a first substantially columnar array of nozzles aligned with a print medium advance direction which is perpendicular to the scan direction. The first array has a first upper subarray pair that includes a first upper left and a first upper right subarray of nozzles. The first upper left and a first upper right subarrays each include a substantially linear arrangement of n number of nozzles having equal nozzle-to-nozzle spacings. The nozzle-to-nozzle spacing in the first upper right subarray is equivalent to the nozzle-to-nozzle spacing in the first upper left subarray.

Abstract: A printing device includes a plurality of print heads, each of which has a printing zone. An extension of this printing zone in a direction of printing defines a line height and an extention of this printing zone perpendicular to the direction of printing defines a column width. The printing heads are arranged in several parallel rows which are located at a distance from one another. The print heads in different rows are offset in relation to each other direction perpendicular to the direction of printing. A separation distance between the print heads in each row corresponds to the column width multiplied by the number of rows. The distance between the rows corresponds to the line height multiplied by the number of rows plus one.

Abstract: In an ink jet recording apparatus 1, a fixing signal output section 461 outputs a signal indicating that no ink drop is jetted as a mode fixing signal SP to a head driver circuit 50 for nozzle orifices 111 belonging to the group not used for recording, and a mode fixing circuit 18 of the head driver circuit 50 fixes the nozzle orifices belonging to the corresponding group to a condition of jetting no ink drops based on the mode fixing signal SP. Therefore, serial conversion and serial transfer of the data indicating that no ink is jetted (“0” data) as record data SI need not be executed for the group of jetting no ink drops, so that fruitless processing time can be eliminated.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for ink jet printing of wide format substrates such as textiles in a manner to simulate screen printing, in which image data in one or more acceptable formats is input, transformed into a suitable L*a*b* file format, further converted into a driver format for a printer, then communicated to such printer. Optionally, the color gamut of the image in the L*a*b* file format is checked against an estimated screen gamut of a screen printer, and limited to the estimated screen gamut as required.

Abstract: A printing technique wherein pixel locations that are requested to be marked with only black are identified, black is applied to the identified pixel locations, and non-black color is applied to a subset of the identified pixel locations that correspond to on-pixels of a reference pattern of non-black color pixels having an on-pixel population of at least 20 percent and a toner transfer efficiency of less than about 20 percent.

Abstract: A printhead assembly for a pagewidth drop on demand ink jet printer includes an array of printhead modules extending across the pagewidth. A flexible printed circuit board carries data and power to the modules and also extends across the pagewidth. A pair of busbars is electrically connected to the flexible printed circuit board to carry power to it. The busbars also extend across the pagewidth.

Abstract: A recording apparatus is arranged to mount on the main body thereof an ink tank provided with a component of electrical conduction and an ink supply port, and structured to make ink supply and electrical connection possible. With the structure thus arranged, the adhesion of ink to the electric contacts is prevented in order to secure the reliability of electrical connection. The contacts are arranged on the side opposite to the hollow needle with a supporting member of a connector that supports plural contacts on the connector as reference.

Abstract: An inkjet printhead constructed by micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) processing techniques includes a plurality of ink ejection nozzles, each nozzle defining a nozzle chamber. The printhead has a plurality of external thermal bend actuators. Each actuator has a proximal end anchored to a substrate and a distal end connected to an ink ejection paddle within a respective chamber. The external thermal bend actuator further comprises a series of layers and includes a planar conductive heating circuit layer which includes a first portion adjacent said proximal end forming a planar conductive heating circuit for heating said thermal bend actuator, and a second portion extending to said ink ejection paddle. The second portion being electrically isolated from said first portion by means of a discontinuity in said planar conductive heating circuit layer. The discontinuity is located external to said nozzle chamber.

Abstract: Printhead substrate for inputting a data signal (DATA) in synchronization with a clock signal (CLK). The printhead substrate comprises: input terminals inputting the clock signal and data signal; shift registers inputting and maintaining the data signal in synchronization with the clock signal inputted from the input terminals; and a time lag adjuster arranged between an input terminal and the shift register to adjust a time lag of at least one of the clock signal or data signal. By virtue of adjusting the time lag by the time lag adjuster, setup time and hold time between the clock signal and the data signal inputted to the shift register is ensured.

Abstract: A drop-on-demand ink-jet printing head provided with an array of a plurality of piezoelectric elements arranged at regular intervals and fixed at their one ends to a base, the other ends of the respective piezoelectric elements being free ends which are disposed in opposition to nozzle respective apertures, the piezoelectric elements being formed by cutting, at predetermined width, a piezoelectric plate obtained by firing a lamination of paste-like piezoelectric material conductive material stacked alternately in layers. Since each piezoelectric element is composed of a thin piezoelectric plate interposed between electrodes, if a voltage of only about 30 V, which is sufficient to drive the thin piezoelectric plate, is applied across the electrodes, it is possible to largely flex the whole of the piezoelectric element. By this transformation, ink between the top end of the piezoelectric element and the nozzle aperture is discharged to the outside as an ink drop.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for improving the reliability for operation of the eyelid associated with the ink jet printhead of a continuous ink jet printer. The eyelid actuation technique of the present invention solves the problem of ink jet fluid residue drying in or around the seal region between the eyelid and the catcher. This is accomplished by opening the eyelid at least once during the shutdown sequence of the printhead, while maintaining vacuum on the catcher throat. By opening the eyelid in this manner, the capillary forces that had held the ink jet fluid at the seal region are eliminated. The vacuum on the catcher throat then causes air to rush in through the gap between the catcher pan and the eyelid. Residual ink jet fluid at the seal region on both the eyelid and the catcher pan is then removed by the high velocity air moving through the gap.

Abstract: An ink-jet recording apparatus includes an ink tube and an air discharge tube which has a cylindrical shape and an inside diameter that is larger than an outside diameter of the ink tube. The air discharge tube is provided so as to surround the ink tube. Therefore, a circular enclosed space is provided around the ink tube, between the air discharge tube and the ink tube. A pressure reducing device is connected with the enclosed space to reduce pressure therein. By actuating the pressure reducing device, the pressure in the enclosed space is reduced. Thus, air contained in ink is sucked into the enclosed space, in which the pressure is reduced, through a wall of the ink tube, and thus, generation of air bubbles are restricted in the ink tube.

Abstract: An ink cartridge is detachably connected to a record head and has a plurality of ink storage chambers 11 (containing third ink storage chamber 17) for containing ink whose concentration gradient occurs and an ink flow passage 18 for making the ink storage chambers communicate with each other. The ink flow passage 18 is implemented as such an ink flow passage where ink in a high-concentration ink layer a formed in a lower area in the ink storage chamber 11 and ink in a low-concentration ink layer b formed in an upper area flow and merge as ink is supplied to the record head.

Abstract: An ink tank cartridge (A) includes a housing (10) having a bottom wall (28) and a plurality of side walls (12, 14, 16, 18) forming a cavity (20). A divider wall (22) is positioned within the cavity to divide the cavity into first and second chambers (24, 26). An ink supply port (42) projects from the bottom wall of the housing. A porous member (40) is accommodated in the chamber having the ink supply port. The other chamber is partially filled with ink. The divider wall has an opening (30) allowing ink to pass from one of the chambers to the other chamber. A cover (50) having a fill hole (94) is secured to the housing.

Abstract: An ink tank cartridge for an ink-jet type recording apparatus includes a housing with a plurality of walls forming a cavity and a bottom wall. A removable divider wall or spacer is inserted into the cavity which divides the cavity into first and second chambers. The spacer includes a wall section and a pair of legs extending from the wall which are spaced apart and are parallel to each other. The spacer is substantially U-shaped where the U-shape is formed by the legs and the wall section. A porous member is inserted into one of the chambers and resiliently abuts an opening of the supply port. The other chamber is at least partially filled with ink. The spacer has an opening to allow the ink to pass from the ink chamber to the foam chamber. The spacer is inserted into the chamber so that the opening is adjacent the bottom wall of the housing.

Abstract: An ink container comprising a negative pressure generating member accommodating portion for accommodating a negative pressure generating member for retaining therein pigment ink to be supplied to an ink jet head; an ink supply port for supplying the ink to the ink jet head; an air vent for fluid communication between the negative pressure generating member accommodating portion and an ambient air; and an ink non-transmitting portion for partly blocking flow of the ink in the negative pressure generating member toward the ink supply port, wherein fluid communication is enabled except for the non-transmitting portion, and a sectional area, across a general direction of the flow of the ink toward the ink supply port in the negative pressure generating member accommodating portion, of non-communicating portion is not less than 50%.

Abstract: An inner surface of a ceiling wall is provided at an angle of approximately 5 degrees to 10 degrees, with respect to a horizontal surface. An outlet to a second ink channel is disposed at a higher position of the ceiling wall than a first ink channel. An inlet connected to the first ink channel is provided such that an end of the inlet terminates near a bottom of a buffer tank. When a circulation purge operation is performed by circulating ink from a sub-tank to the buffer tank, through the first ink channel, and from the buffer tank to the sub-tank, through the second ink channel, air bubbles in the buffer tank move along the angled or inclined inner surface of the ceiling wall, to the outlet provided at a higher position. The air bubbles are smoothly discharged through the outlet. The air bubbles collected to the sub-tank are released into the atmosphere through an air releasing portion.

Abstract: To provide an ink jet head capable of performing proper image forming operations by easily removing air bubbles contained in ink. A manifold 13, 14 is formed with an ink supply channel 41. A plurality of openings 45 are formed at one edge of the ink supply channel 41. The openings 45 are fluidly connected to ink channels 31. The openings 45 have a smaller dimension toward the ink channels 31. During purging or flushing operations, an air bubble EB in the ink supply channel 41 is pulled toward the ink channels 31 while gradually changing it outer shape in the opening 45. In this way, the air bubble is smoothly and easily pulled into the ink channel 31, and ejected through a nozzle 16a.

Abstract: A method and system for masking a surface to be etched is described. A droplet source ejects droplets of a masking material for deposit on a thin-film or other substrate surface to be etched. The temperature of the thin-film or substrate surface is controlled such that the droplets rapidly freeze upon contact with the thin-film or substrate surface. The thin-film or substrate is then etched. After etching the masking material is removed.

Abstract: An ink jet ink set and recording element combination including A) a porous ink jet recording element having a 60° specular gloss of at least about 5; and B) a pigment based inkjet ink set including at least two inks; wherein the RGD value is less than 40% when 60° is used as the specular angle and the RGD value is calculated according to Equation (A): RGD ⁢   ⁢ % = ∑ I = 1 N ⁢ &LeftBracketingBar; Gloss ⁢  

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods of ink jetting oleophilic images onto a substrate. The composition includes an oleophilic polymer having polar moieties that is soluble in an organic carrier and adheres to a substrate. Compositions of the present invention may be used to form oleophilic image areas for lithographic printing.

Abstract: The invention provides a portable communication apparatus capable of minimizing the ink tank incorporated therein and easily and simply printing the data stored therein even while it is carried. For this purpose there is disclosed a configuration incorporating a printing mechanism and adapted to execute ink filling and waste ink collection for the printing mechanism at the battery charging operation of the portable communication apparatus.