Abstract: A sealing assembly designed to co-operate with a screw provided with a tightening slot by being mounted therein in such a manner that once said assembly is sealed the tightening slot is hidden in a manner that is not reversible except by destroying the seal, and further comprising a breakable drive suitable when the sealing assembly is subjected to a tightening action, for driving the screw in a tightening direction inside a receptacle provided for this purpose and for breaking once the screw becomes blocked, so as to prevent any loosening action being applied via the breakable drive.

Abstract: A snap lock for securing to a sash of a sliding window or door by interacting with a striking plate and for securing to a frame of the sliding window or door. The snap lock comprises stationary lower and upper plates for sandwiching a rectilinearly mobile plate for locking the snap lock with respect to the striking plate. The snap lock includes as well: a three-point pivoting mechanism for interconnecting the foregoing plates to perform an unlocking operation; a springy feature for keeping, when relieved from tension, the rectilinearly mobile plate in an unlocked, retracted position, and when under tension, for keeping the rectilinearly mobile plate in a locked position, the springy feature being attached to the stationary lower and upper plates and being actuated by a contact with the striking plate; and a cover having an aperture for locating and accessing a button for acting upon the three-point pivoting mechanism.

Abstract: A fully adjustable bumper system that absorbs impact and thereby, avoiding damage to the bumper. The bumper system includes a bumper assembly mounted to a vertically pivoting assembly through horizontally and vertically adjustable assemblies. A stop assembly is attached to the vertically pivoting assembly and allows the bumper assembly to pivot away from an applied force and then causes the bumper assembly to return to its position with the force is removed. The bumper system can be bolted, welded or otherwise fixedly attached to either the frame or rails of a trailer or truck for ease of installation.

Abstract: A bumper comprises a hat beam (11) adapted to have its crown directed towards the vehicle body, a cover (20) attached to the side flanges (17, 18) of the hat beam and having a longitudinal recess (21) that extends into the hat beam, and an energy absorbing foamed body (22) that fills out the recess and extends with its major part out of the recess. If the foamed body widens out over the side flanges (17, 18) of the hat beam, these widened parts (25) should have recesses (31) that prevent these parts from being fully compacted before the part therebetween is compacted if the bumper hits a pedestrian's leg. A closed cross-section beam having a longitudinal recess can also be employed in the present invention.

Abstract: An active bumper assembly for mounting to a vehicle is disclosed. The active bumper assembly includes a bumper that may be hingedly connected to a vehicle. When the bumper is in the inactivated position it is disposed behind the outer edge of the vehicle. When activated, the bumper is moved to an activated position, which is lower with respect to the inactivated position and extends below the outer edge of the vehicle. A sensing system detects an impending collision and generates a signal to which an actuator responds, moving the bumper from the inactivated position to the activated position. A locking member, configured to be interconnected between the bumper and the vehicle frame, then secures the bumper in the activated position.

Abstract: A vehicle bumper system defined principally by outboard and inboard elongate beams which project transversely across the vehicle. The ends of the front and rear beams are joined by connecting points which function as energy-absorbing fulcrums or hinges, with the remainder of the front and rear beams initially being free of direct structural connection. The front beam is outwardly curved so that the center portions of the front and rear beams define a gap therebetween. The rear beam has connections to the vehicle at two points spaced transversely inwardly from the end connections, which connections define inboard fulcrum or hinge points. The front and rear beams are each formed as elongate monolithic structures, such as of high strength steel, and have configurations which enable them to nest one within the other in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle.

Abstract: A material holding implement including a material holding member adapted for holding a material. The material holding member is made of a thermoplastic resin. The thermoplastic resin is deformable to a material holding configuration at a temperature greater than a constant temperature, and fixable to form a material holding region adapted to apply holding forces on a circumference of the material in a using temperature range lower than the constant temperature. Furthermore, a method of changing a form of the material holding member is provided. The method includes softening the resin by increasing a temperature above the constant temperature, molding the resin into a flat plate by pinching together upper and lower dies having flat surfaces opposing each other, pinching the resin using the upper and lower dies to form a material holding configuration, and fixing the resin by decreasing the temperature below a softening point of the resin.

Abstract: A truck bed extension that is convertible into a truck bed separator to compartmentalize truck beds. The truck bed separator and extension are releasably attached to the truck bed lip at one end and to either the truck bed extension or the truck bed separator at the other end by a clamping assembly. The clamping assembly is comprised of a pair of mating jaw members for releasable attachment to a truck bed lip at on end and a fastener for releasable attachment to the hinge of the truck bed separator or extension at the other end.

Abstract: A hinge cup is adapted to be installed on an outer surface of a vehicle end gate. The hinge cup includes a hinge cup body constructed of a polymer material. The hinge cup body is attached to a surface of the vehicle end gate and has an outer surface that is operable to cooperate with a trunnion member extending outwardly from an end gate mounting location on a vehicle body. The hinge cup body cooperates with the trunnion member when the end gate is placed adjacent the end gate mounting location on the vehicle body.

Abstract: The Folding Tailgate Extension of the present invention is designed to provide a convenient and compact means to aid in loading and unloading pickup trucks. To attain this, the present invention essentially comprises a folding ramp assembly installed along the outer edge of an existing pickup truck tailgate that can extend downward to the ground behind the lowered tailgate. The Folding Tailgate Extension can be used as either a ramp or a step, and is easily folded and concealed inside of a pickup truck tailgate when not in use.

Abstract: A car body structure for a convertible car that has a folding roof and a transparent windshield covering an front window opening comprises a door opening and closing a door opening in a side body section and a pillar member extending almost vertically from the side body section so as to support each side of the transparent windshield. The pillar member is positioned behind the front window opening so that the transparent windshield extends near besides occupants sitting on a seat of the car.

Abstract: A prop assembly for vehicle bed covers and the like comprises an L-shaped lower arm and a straight upper arm, each of which have a spring mount disposed between opposite ends thereof. The upper and lower arms are pivotally interconnected at adjacent ends in a manner which positions the arms in a vertically aligned relationship. Brackets pivotally connect the lower end of the lower arm with the vehicle bed, and the upper end of the upper arm with the cover. A longitudinally extending spring is disposed in a vertically aligned relationship with the lower and upper arms, and has opposed ends thereof pivotally connected with the spring mounts, such that outwardly extending biasing force generated by the spring assists in lifting the cover from the closed position and retains the cover in the open position.

Abstract: A hydraulic actuating device, for a vehicle cover and an associated lock for locking the cover in the closed position, has a cover actuator and a lock actuator which each are provided with a first and second connection, which are respectively in communication with an associated first and second opening adjoining the actuator space. The cover actuator is provided with a third opening, which is connected to the second connection of the lock actuator. The first connection of the cover actuator and the first connection of the lock actuator are connected to a common connecting line with a single actuable valve, which in a first position connects the delivery port of the pump to the connecting line. The second connection of the cover actuator is in communication with the delivery port of the pump.

Abstract: A top for a convertible vehicle includes a lateral roof frame having at least one front roof frame (1) and one rear roof frame part (2), a front bow (3) held in a longitudinally displaceable manner on the front roof frame part (1), a bow element (3) held on the front roof frame part (1), and a front frame (8) of the convertible vehicle, to which the front roof frame part (1) can be releasably locked. A movement of the front bow (3) from a first opening position into a second opening position and unlocking of the front roof frame part (1) from the front frame (8) are coupled by a positive control.

Abstract: In a hardtop vehicle roof comprising a front, an intermediate and a rear roof part supported on a vehicle body so as to be movable between a closed position, in which the roof parts cover an interior vehicle space, and an open position, in which the roof parts are deposited in a storage compartment behind the interior vehicle space, wherein the rear roof part is pivotally supported on the vehicle body, the front roof part is movable under the intermediate roof part in parallel relationship therewith and the intermediate roof part is supported so as to be movable together with the front roof part into the storage compartment onto the rear roof part already pivoted into the storage compartment so as to form in the storage compartment a roof part packet with the rear roof part disposed at the bottom with its outer surface facing downwardly and the intermediate roof part disposed on top of the packet and the front roof parts is disposed between the rear and intermediate roof parts with the top surfaces of both th

Abstract: A plastic sun roof panel has a central portion formed in a maximum and uniform thickness. Further, a mounting portion having a minimum and uniform thickness is formed annularly along a peripheral edge portion. Between the central portion and the peripheral edge portion, there is annularly formed a tapered portion whose thickness is gradually reduced from the central portion toward the mounting portion. A reinforcing member is arranged so as to extend along the peripheral edge portion of the sun roof panel, and is fastened to the plastic sun roof panel by means of an adhesive. A flange of the reinforcing member is fitted into a weather strip. In the peripheral edge portion, the tapered portion is situated on the inner side of the mounting portion to which the adhesive is applied.

Abstract: A tailgate for a load carrying body, such as a dump trailer, is selectively openable to various positions, including left opening, right opening, swing up and swing down. Variable opening positions maximize flexibility for the owner/operator. A left or right swing opening is enable by removeable and storable hinge pins. An up or down opening is enable by latches, which are openable and operate as hinges when closed.

Abstract: A collapsible chair having a sling that may be used as a carry strap. When the collapsible chair is in an opened configuration, the sling retracts out of the way, but when the collapsible chair is in a closed or collapsed configuration, the sling can be pulled out and slung over the user's shoulder as a carry strap. When the collapsible chair is in the collapsed configuration, and the sling is extended, tension on the sling assists in maintaining the chair in the collapsed position.

Abstract: An audio system is provided for use with a child stroller or rocker, or with other child-carrying seats that use a canopy. The audio system is to be carried by the canopy of the child stroller or rocker. The audio system generally includes an audio source, speakers, and an electrical lead for connecting the audio source and speakers. The audio source and speakers are carried in pockets sewn to the outside of the canopy, and the components of the audio system can be easily removed from the canopy for repair or replacement.

Abstract: A travel wrap with a central portion for covering a seat structure, first and second wing members for selectively blanketing a seat occupant, and a cap portion for retaining the central portion relative to a seat. First and second apertures can receive seat belt straps to enable the seat occupant to be secured relative to the seat structure. Third and fourth apertures can enable the seat belt straps to be threaded through the travel wrap to allow the seat belt arrangement to be fastened exterior to a blanketed configuration of the wing members. The cap portion can have first and, possibly, second pockets for receiving the upper end of the seat back, and a pillow can be associated with one face of the travel wrap for enabling the travel wrap to be applied reversibly and to enable the selective provision of a pillow.

Abstract: The attachment 1 comprises the frame 6 having a seat side part 4, which faces a seat part 2a of a vehicle seat 2 and supports the backside of a seat part 3a of a child seat 3, and a back side part 5, which faces a back part 2b of the vehicle seat 2 and supports the backside of a back part 3b of the child seat 3; an first engagement part 8 made into engagement detachably with a second engagement part 7 provided on the back part 2b of the vehicle seat 2; and a fixing belt 9 fixing the child seat 3 to the frame 6.

Abstract: The objects of the present invention is to reduce a backlash at the time of locking of a seat back and to reduce clearance in the thrust direction of a worm so as to prevent generation of an abnormal noise with a simple structure suitable for mass production. Substantially cone-shaped recesses 15 and 16 are provided respectively on both end faces of the worm 4 pivotably attached on a seat cushion, and inside end faces of a pair of holders 13 and 14 to support these two end portions, and at the same time balls 17 are rotatably housed respectively in a pair of spaces formed in the recesses 15 and 16 facing each other to form a pair of bearings 11 and 12 which rotatably support the worm 4. A press means composed of a coil spring 25 and the like which presses the worm 4 to the worm wheel 5 is provided in a locking mechanism.

Abstract: A seat (1), notably for an aircraft, comprising a squab (2), a backrest (3), and a legrest (4) fixed in an articulated fashion to the structure of the seat so as to be able to adjust its inclination between a substantially vertical position (B) and a position (A) situated substantially in line with the squab, this legrest (4) carrying a footrest (5) able to move between a retracted position and an extension position situated in line with the legrest. The seat (1) comprises control means (6) consisting of an electronic circuit (7) for making the legrest (4) pivot between the two positions defined above and simultaneously controlling the mergence or progressive retraction of the footrest according to predetermined kinematics. The said electronic circuit (7) also cooperates with means (11) able to be actuated by the user in order to adjust the position of the legrest.

Abstract: An automatic actuated baffle for a dump box includes a baffle, a first actuating link, a second actuating link, and an actuation device. One end of the baffle is pivotally attached to a side wall of the dump box and the other end of the baffle is pivotally attached to one end of the first actuating link. The other end of the first actuating link is pivotally attached to one end of the second actuating link. The other end of the second actuating link is pivotally attached to the side wall of the dump box. Retraction of a fully extended actuation end of the actuation device causes the second actuating link to pivot, which causes the baffle to extend outward from the side wall of the dump box.

Abstract: A rugged demolition system, and method for its use, for pulling up horizontal structures such as concrete or asphalt and breaking them into pieces, pulling over and breaking up vertical structures such as retaining walls and house/building walls, pulling up vertically extending objects from the ground such as tree roots, and breaking up hard or compacted surfaces such as dirt for easier grading. The system has a spear mounted horizontally to the top of a downwardly curving pry hook assembly, a digging tooth and optional side hooks connected to the pry hook assembly, and the pry hook assembly optionally secured to a tubular support member depending perpendicularly from a plate. Although any position-controlling vehicle can be employed to cause the needed vertical, horizontal, and rotational movement of the plate during system use, the plate is configured for attachment to the standard mount of a skid steer loader.

Abstract: A cutting tool assembly having a holder block mounting scheme which effectively and accurately positions the cutting tip point at its designed angle of attack. The connection assembly limits undesirable shifting during attachment of the holder block to a cutting drum. The holder block connection assembly of the present invention includes a separate mounting plate that is positioned between the bit holder block and drum/pedestal for accurately aligning the bit holder block onto to the drum/pedestal. Once the bit holder block is aligned into position by the plate as designed the bit holder block is welded to the drum/pedestal.

Abstract: An assembly for mounting a cutter bit on a driven mechanism, the assembly comprising a bit having a bit tip, a bit sleeve including a holding portion adapted to receive the bit, a bore through the holding portion, and a bit holder. The assembly further includes a mounting base having a forward portion and a mounting base rear portion having an internal water passageway in communication with an upper opening for receiving an ignition control unit. The assembly further includes a rear surface having a spray nozzle cavity in the rear surface and open in a rearward direction. The spray nozzle cavity has an internal spray nozzle cavity water passageway-in communication with the mounting base rear portion internal water passageway. The assembly further includes a dust reduction unit including a spray nozzle comprising a base received in the spray nozzle cavity, the base having a spray nozzle base water passageway through the spray nozzle base and in communication with the spray nozzle receptacle water passageway.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a toothbrush with tapered bristles and method of manufacturing such toothbrushes. The toothbrush is characterized in that the tapered end of each bristle is 0.02 mm or less of diameter. The bristle is tapered starting at a position of 3.5 mm or less from an end, and is made of polyethylene terephthalate or polybutylene terephthalate. The method of this invention consists of the steps of dipping 3.5 mm portions from ends of monofilaments for toothbrushes into erosive chemicals such as sulfuric acid or sodium hydroxide until the dipped portions of the monofilaments are completely eroded, neutralizing the shortened monofilaments prior to rinsing and drying them, and implanting the shortened monofilaments on a toothbrush. Thereafter, the shortened monofilaments are ground using a 240# mesh paper at 2600 to 2700 rpm for 3 to 10 sec, a 320# mesh paper at same speed for 3 to 10 sec, and a 400# mesh paper at same speed for 3 to 10 sec.

Abstract: This invention relates to annular or endless elastomeric track 10 for use in vehicles for civil engineering, construction works and agricultural works. The track 10 has a thin belt 20 which includes a primary table 59 made of corrosion resistant galvanized steel. The track 10 further has a plurality of spaced rubber traction tread lugs 30, on the outer surface oriented generally inclined, transverse or substantially perpendicular to the circumferential direction and guide lugs 32 on the internal surface 31.

Abstract: A storage unit includes a first and second horizontal shelf member, at least one vertical panel disposed between the first and second horizontal shelf members, and at least one tie member. A bottom of the at least one vertical panel is supported by the first shelf member and the second shelf member is supported on a top of the at least one vertical panel. The at least one tie member extends between and connects the first and second horizontal shelf members, with the at least one panel clamped therebetween. In another aspect of the invention, a method for assembling a storage unit is provided.

Abstract: A display case security apparatus comprises a housing, a platform, an elevating mechanism, and a closure assembly. The housing includes a lower storage section and an upper display section disposed above the storage section. The storage section has an opaque exterior wall and the display section has an exterior wall which is at least partially transparent. The platform is disposed within the housing and includes a generally horizontal portion for supporting articles to be displayed. The platform is also configured to define a rearward facing recessed space. The platform is selectively movable between a first position, wherein any articles supported on the platform are displayed in the display section of the housing, and a second position, wherein any articles supported on the platform are stored in the storage section of the housing. The elevating mechanism is mounted within the storage section and connected to the platform.

Abstract: A computer enclosure includes a base (10), a hood (20), a pair of first locating plates (50), a pair of second locating plates (70), a pair of positioning plates (60), and a pair of connecting mechanisms (40) pivotably connecting the hood to the base. Each connecting mechanism has a first lever (44), a second lever (46), and a horizontal lever (42). One end of each first lever pivotably connects with the corresponding first locating plate. One end of each second lever pivotably and slidably connects in a slot (72) defined in the corresponding second locating plate. Each horizontal lever pivotably connects with the corresponding positioning plate and respective opposite ends of the first and second levers. The positioning plates are secured to opposite sides of the hood. The locking plates are secured to opposite sides of the base. Two locking devices (30) are secured to opposite sides of the hood.

Abstract: A single piece tub support and frame for a dishwasher has a unitary support member that includes a pair of laterally spaced U-shaped upright end portions and an intermediate inverted U-shaped upright portion. The intermediate portion fits over the top and sides of the dishwasher tub rearwardly adjacent the front flange portion thereof. When the U-shaped end portions clear the bottom wall of the tub, they resiliently spring inward into supporting positions under the bottom wall. The unitary support member greatly reduces the number of components required, reduces manufacturing time and cost, and maintains the tub in its designed shape.

Abstract: A latch arrangement for a drawer includes a latching mechanism having a latch element and a latching mechanism-receiving structure formed as part of a drawer. The structure includes two integral spring elements for biasing the latching mechanism upwardly. The latching mechanism and the drawer have cooperating, snap-engageable retaining features that allow the latching mechanism to move over a vertical range of movement but retain the latching mechanism on the structure. The structure and the remaining portions of the drawer can be molded as a unitary plastic part. The latching mechanism can be molded as a second unitary plastic part.

Abstract: A locking and release mechanism for a slide assembly comprised of multiple telescoping channel members interacting, opposing cantilever springs mounted on the telescoping slides or channel. The mechanism can be made of plastic, spring steel or other alternative materials. The mechanism can be used on ball bearing or friction telescoping drawer slide assemblies.

Abstract: A jacket for a lock latch, a lock latch incorporating such a jacket that allows a second slide member of a slide to engage and couple a first slide member of the slide without requiring manual manipulation of the lock latch, and a slide incorporating the same are provided. The jacket is slidably coupled to the lock latch which is coupled to the second slide member and is slidably moveable between a first position and a second position along the lock latch. When the second slide member is retracted relative to the first slide member during coupling of the second slide member to the first slide member, the jacket moves to the first position preventing the lock latch from interlockingly coupling with the first slide member. When the second slide member is extended relative to the first slide member, the jacket moves to a second position allowing for the interlocking coupling of the lock latch with the first slide member.

Abstract: A guide rail for a drawer includes a stationary rail, a movable rail and a ball device. The movable rail is received in the stationary rail and the ball device disposed between the stationary rail and the movable rail. The stationary rail at an outer end thereof integrally extends upward a hollow stopper on the flat intermediate side thereof and the movable rail at the inner end thereof integrally extends downward a projection so that the stopper can press against the projection to constitute the outward movement limit of the movable rail. When the movable rail is forced to pull outward, the projection is exerted with a foreign force along an inner side of the stopper to become deformed and passes over the stopper so that the movable rail can slide apart from the stationary rail.

Abstract: In an ink jet printer, a print head is provided with a plurality of nozzles. Each of piezoelectric elements is associated with one of the nozzles, and is provided with a drive electrode and a common electrode. A head driver generates a drive signal for driving the piezoelectric elements, and selectively supplies the drive signal to at least one of the piezoelectric elements to eject an ink droplet from at least one associated nozzle. A bias power source applies a bias voltage having a predetermined potential to the common electrode of each piezoelectric element.

Abstract: A liquid ejecting apparatus of the invention includes: a head having a nozzle, a main scanning unit that causes the head member to move in a main scanning direction relatively to a recording medium, a pressure-changing unit that causes pressure of ink in the nozzle to change, and a level-data setting unit that sets a selected level data from a plurality of level data based on each of ejecting data forming a row corresponding to a main scanning movement. The level-data setting unit is adapted to set a selected level data of relatively high density based on each of the ejecting-sequential data, to set a selected level data of relatively low density based on the anterior edge data, and to set a selected level data of relatively low density based on the posterior edge data.

Abstract: An ink-jet printing apparatus and an ink-jet printing method allow the printing of an image with high quality without causing a change in ink color formed on the printing medium while keeping the printing conditions constant regardless of changing of the number of nozzles to be printed and the amount of transferring of the printing medium. This printing is performed, for example, by restricting use of the number of nozzles, which belong to a nozzle row located on an upstream side in the sub-scan direction, before changing the amount of transferring of the printing medium; and restricting use of the number of nozzles, which belong to the nozzle rows located on a downstream side in the sub-scan direction, after changing the amount of transferring of the printing medium.

Abstract: A system for compensating for non-functional ink cartridge ink jet nozzles is provided. The system includes an ink jet compensation system that receives ink jet nozzle failure data, such as each nozzle that is clogged or damaged, and that generates nozzle correction data, such as a nozzle to fire instead of each failed nozzle for a given print pattern or a nozzle firing sequence that compensates for the failed nozzle, such as by printing at that location during a subsequent or previous printer head pass. An ink control system receives the nozzle correction data and image data and generates printer control data, such as by receiving image data in a standard format for printing and modifying the printer control data that would be generated if all ink jet heads were functioning properly to include the nozzle correction data.

Abstract: An image forming system and an associated method for correcting ink droplet placement errors across a printhead. By creating an ink droplet characterization of the printhead, the image forming system is able to time the firing of printhead ink ejectors to avoid drop placement errors caused by ink ejector velocity variations or printhead alignment errors.

Abstract: An image forming device has a first calculator applying any one of setting values for plural alignment patterns pre-set corresponding to magnitudes of feeding error values according to feeding amounts of a printing sheet of paper by feeding rollers and calculating first correction values for the feeding error values depending upon operation modes, a second calculator calculating second correction values for the feeding error values depending upon the printing sheet, and a controller controlling the feeding rollers to be driven to correct the feeding error values depending upon the operation modes and the printing sheet using the first and second correction values calculated by the first and second calculators. Accordingly, the image forming device can correct the feeding error values depending upon the operation modes, the printing sheet, and the printing position sections, thereby obtaining a best quality images in the respective modes.

Abstract: A compact optical sensing system is used in hardcopy devices for scanning and/or printing images, for instance, using inkjet printing technology in desktop printing or in photographic printers appearing in grocery and variety stores. Several light emitting diodes (“LEDs”) illuminate a sheet of print media, and one or more photodiodes receive light reflected from the sheet. The photodiode generates signals in response to the light received, and the hardcopy device uses these signals to adjust printing parameters for optimal print quality. Using a chip-on-board process, the bare silicon die for each component is wire bonded directly to a printed circuit board assembly, allowing at least four LEDs (blue, green, red and soft-orange) to be grouped closely together in a space smaller than that occupied by a factory-made, single-packaged LED. A calibrating system uses a white target covered for cleanliness by a windowed door which is opened/closed by a printhead carriage.

Abstract: It is an object of the invention to provide a technique for reducing the likelihood that cleaning will cause nozzle clogging. In periodic automatic cleaning of a printer that is not being used, the ejecting of ink droplets from each nozzle is tested prior to the cleaning to determine whether each nozzle is an operating nozzle capable of ejecting ink droplets or a non-operating nozzle incapable of ejecting ink droplets. The nozzles are only cleaned if non-operating nozzles are detected. The testing of the nozzles is also automatically carried out after cleaning.

Abstract: A printhead interposing maintenance method and apparatus are provided for maintaining a printhead assembly within a relatively tight space in an image producing machine.

Abstract: A curved wiper blade system is provided for an inkjet printing mechanism to remove ink residue from an inkjet printhead installed in the printing mechanism, here, ill as an inkjet printer. A pair of wiper blades each curve inwardly toward each other, and maintain this curvature during bi-directional wiping strokes. This configuration allows one wiper blade to receive an ink solvent from an applicator and apply the solvent to the ink-ejecting nozzles of the printhead when moving in one wiping direction. When wiping in the opposite direction, one wiper blade also removes ink residue from an interconnect portion of the printhead, as well as from the ink-ejecting orifice plate portion of the printhead.

Abstract: An improved shingle mask is provided for use on ink jet printers which use multi-pass printing (shingling) to form bitmap images. The shingle mask is derived from a shingle mask density distribution which exhibits a substantially trapezoidal shape; the shingle mask density distribution is derived from an accumulated shingle mask distribution (also referred to as a “banding profile”) having an overall shape of a plateau portion and a substantially smooth decreasing portion, which reduces the number of drops to be printed along the outermost edges of the mask on each swath. This shape reduces banding effects by effectively increasing a number of printed-density bands which are decreased in size, while at the same time not increasing the number of printhead passes over a given area on the print media (which otherwise would negatively impact printed throughput).

Abstract: A heater chip has a substrate with one inner and two outer ink vias adjacently arranged. Each via has a first and second longitudinal side. A plurality of heaters, formed by thin film layers, are grouped together in six rows where two of the six rows are arranged adjacent to the first longitudinal side of one of the two outer ink vias, two rows are arranged adjacent to either the first or second longitudinal side of the inner via, and two rows are arranged adjacent to the second longitudinal side of the other of the two outer ink vias. Each of the first, second, and third two rows have one row of near heaters and one row of far heaters. The near heaters are closer in distance to their respective ink via than the far heaters. Printheads containing the heater chip and printers are also disclosed.

Abstract: In a line-type printer head, a plurality of head chips are arranged side by side in a printing direction, and each of the head chips has a plurality of discharging portions aligned in the printing line direction so as to discharge ink droplets. A plurality of discharging portions of the adjoining head chips are placed in an overlapping section, and the landing interval between ink droplets discharged from the discharging portions in the overlapping section of one of the adjoining head chips and the landing interval between ink droplets discharged from the discharging portions in the overlapping section of the other head chip are different from each other.