Abstract: A lower electrode, which partially constitutes a piezoelectric element, is patterned such that at least one end face thereof is located in a region facing a corresponding pressure generating chamber. A piezoelectric layer includes a plurality of layers of ferroelectric films. A first ferroelectric film, which is a lowermost layer of the plurality of layers of ferroelectric films, is provided only on the lower electrode such that an end face thereof is aligned with the end face of the lower electrode. The end face of the first ferroelectric film and the end face of the lower electrode are sloped at an angle of 10° to 50° with respect to a vibration plate. Other ferroelectric films formed on the first ferroelectric film are provided in such a manner as to overlie the sloped end face of the lower electrode and the sloped end face of the first ferroelectric film.

Abstract: Pressure chambers arranged in the form of a matrix along a plane form first and second pressure chamber columns arranged alternately in the plane and having nozzles connected on opposite sides respectively. Two adjacent pressure chamber columns constituted by a first pressure chamber column and a second pressure chamber column are arranged opposite to each common ink path. First connection holes formed in the pressure chambers of the first pressure chamber column and connected to nozzles and second connection holes formed in the pressure chambers of the second pressure chamber column and connected to nozzles are arranged side by side on opposite sides of a corresponding common ink path. Between two adjacent common ink paths, first connection holes and second connection holes are arranged on a column.

Abstract: A single-pass print head has multiple orifice plates each serving some but not all of the area to be printed.

Abstract: An ink-jet head includes a base member provided with a plurality of channel grooves separated from each other by channel walls and connecting front and rear ends together, a cover member arranged in contact with the base member and opposed to a surface provided with the plurality of channel grooves of the base member, an electrode arranged as a drive electrode on at least a part of inner surfaces of the channel grooves, and conductive resin arranged at the rear end to fill inner spaces of the channel grooves and electrically connected to the drive electrode. The rear end of the channel groove is shallower than the front end of the channel groove.

Abstract: A metallic cavity unit is formed with liquid flow passages respectively continued from a common liquid reservoir to nozzle orifices via pressure chambers. In an actuator unit, a plurality of piezoelectric elements are supported on a fixation plate in a cantilevered manner. A resin casing is formed with a first face onto which the cavity unit is bonded, and an actuator chamber which accommodates the actuator unit therein such that free ends of the piezoelectric elements are abutted onto the cavity unit. A metallic reinforcement member is integrally molded with the casing such that at least a part thereof is buried in the casing at the vicinity of the first face.

Abstract: Since two polarizing external electrodes sandwich a portion of a sheet-stacked piezoelectric body that is located between first and second internal electrodes, that portion of the stacked piezoelectric body is polarized in a direction perpendicular to a direction in which the first and second internal electrodes are opposed to each other, when a polarizing voltage is applied to the two polarizing electrodes. Subsequently, the two polarizing electrodes are electrically connected to the second internal electrodes. Thus, the sheet-stacked piezoelectric body can be manufactured without needing to remove the polarizing electrodes. When a drive voltage is applied to the first and second internal electrodes, intermediate piezoelectric sheets of the stacked piezoelectric body are deformed in a “shear” mode, i.e., are curved toward a pressure chamber in which ink is accommodated.

Abstract: A liquid charging method for charging a liquid container with a liquid, the liquid container being provided with a piezo-electric device for detecting a consumption condition of the liquid in said liquid container, the piezo-electric device being provided with a cavity connecting to an inside of the liquid container, has the steps of: reducing a pressure in the liquid container to a pressure lower than atmospheric pressure; and charging the liquid container with the liquid. The liquid container requiring no complicated seal structure for precisely detecting the consumption condition of a liquid by using the piezo-electric device is charged with a liquid without internally leaving air bubbles.

Abstract: Provided is a liquid injecting apparatus equipped with a liquid injecting head, which is mounted on a carriage and moved reciprocally in a widthwise direction of a target, and a valve unit, which is mounted on the carriage to be supplied with liquid via a supply passage from a liquid retainer and to supply liquid to the liquid injecting head. The valve unit has a pressure chamber connected to the liquid retainer via the supply passage; a valve, which opens or closes the supply passage to supply liquid to the pressure chamber; and a flexible film member, which is displaced based on a negative pressure generated as liquid in the pressure chamber decreases to thereby operate the valve.

Abstract: A printhead module for a printhead assembly is provided as a unitary arrangement of a support member, at least two printhead integrated circuits, each of which has nozzles formed therein for delivering printing fluid onto the surface of print media, at least one fluid distribution member mounting the at least two printhead integrated circuits to the support member, and an electrical connector for connecting electrical signals to the at least two printhead integrated circuits. The support member has at least one longitudinally extending channel for carrying the printing fluid for the printhead integrated circuits, with a plurality of apertures extending through a wall thereof arranged so as to direct the printing fluid from the at least one channel to associated nozzles in the printhead integrated circuits.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an ink tank; and an ink supplying path for supplying the ink from the ink tank to a print head, wherein the ink supplying path therein includes a filter, which generates negative pressure when the ink is supplied, the negative pressure being smaller than ink absorbing pressure of a nozzle of the print head. Further, the ink tank therein includes, for example, a porous ink absorbing body for retaining ink.

Abstract: A print cartridge includes a manifold that is molded from a polymer including at least one thermally conductive filler material, and a fluid ejector die module attached to the manifold. A method of manufacturing a print cartridge includes molding a manifold at least partially from a polymer including thermally conductive fillers, forming a fluid ejector die module, and attaching the manifold to the fluid ejector die.

Abstract: A printer cartridge for an inkjet printer including a printing fluid storage, a printhead in fluid communication with the printing fluid storage, and an assembly auxiliary to the printhead arranged to selectively blot cap or provide a platen for the printhead. A multi-function maintenance station allows the cartridge to be easily inserted and removed as single unit. With the printhead maintenance facility manufactured with and incorporated into the cartridge, the capping, blotting and printing gap between the nozzles and media is better controlled. Also disclosed is an ink refill system for the cartridge.

Abstract: A casing (9, 10) for a cartridge (5) which is adapted for supplying print media (12) and an ink to an inkjet printhead with which the cartridge (5) is engaged, the casing (9, 10) including: a core (6) rotatably mounted inside the casing (9, 10) which is adapted to support a roll of print media (12); an ink supply inside the core (6); and at least one ink outlet at one end of the core (6) for establishing fluid communication between the ink supply and the printhead.

Abstract: An ink cartridge component comprises a body member having a sump portion for supporting a print head and a peripheral wall portion extending from the sump portion. The peripheral wall portion and the sump portion define a volume forming an ink chamber of the ink cartridge. A recessed region is defined at a junction between the peripheral wall portion and the sump portion, the recessed region, in use, underlying a carrier carrying the print head. The recessed region facilitates flexing of the carrier when an ink cartridge including the component is inserted into a cradle of an ink cartridge carriage.

Abstract: Active enzymes are incorporated into inks to prevent clogging. These may be just cellulase or cellulase and protease, to attack the most prevalent materials. The enzymes decompose the materials they are specific to, which degrades or solubilizes them to prevent clogging at nozzles and other flow features of a printhead.

Abstract: A discharging apparatus has a substrate holding part 32 which holds a substrate S; an discharging head 34 which discharges a liquid material onto the substrate S; an ion producing device 38 which provides an ionized wind on the substrate S; an exhaust device 40 which is placed on a direction where the ionized wind from the ionized wind producing device 38 is blowing, and the ionized wind is provided toward the liquid material on the substrate S, at least, immediately after discharging the liquid material onto the substrate S.

Abstract: Diffractive lenses for vision correction are provided on a lens body having a first diffractive structure for splitting light into two or more diffractive orders to different focal distances or ranges, and a second diffractive structure, referred to as a multiorder diffractive (MOD) structure, for diffracting light at different wavelengths into a plurality of different diffractive orders to a common focal distance or range. In a bifocal application, the first and second diffractive structures in combination define the base power for distance vision correction and add power for near vision correction of the lens. The first and second diffractive structures may be combined on the same surface or located on different surfaces of the lens. The first diffractive structure may have blazed (i.e., sawtooth), sinusoidal, sinusoidal harmonic, square wave, or other shape profile. A sinusoidal harmonic diffractive structure is particularly useful in applications where smooth rather than sharp edges are desirable.

Abstract: A subjective optometric apparatus comprises: right-eye and left-eye examination units, each including a test window and optical elements that are manually selectively disposed in the test window; an indicator provided in each examination unit, the indicator being arranged to indicate information on the optical element disposed in the test window and generate fluorescence by ultraviolet light; and an illumination unit which includes a light source and illuminates the indicator with the ultraviolet light.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for quantifying the extent a cataract impairs vision in an eye having a pupil, an ocular lens, and a retina. The method includes illuminating a localized region of the retina such that light is reflected from the localized region and is transmitted through the ocular lens. A portion of the reflected light is scattered by the cataract associated with the ocular lens. Light reflected from the localized region of the retina is collected, and the amount of scatter is measured so as to quantify the extent the scatter impairs vision of the eye.

Abstract: A system for visualizing one or more images to one or more viewers in motion, comprises: (a) an extended span of screen; (b) a sequence of projectors mounted along the screen; (c) at least one device for receiving a series of images; and (d) a computer for dividing the frame of each image in the series of images into a number of sub-images and shifting the dividing lines on the frame of each image, frame by frame, according to a function of the moving velocity of the viewers, such that the series of images are split into a number of series of shifted sub-images; and (e) projectors for projecting each series of the shifted sub-images on the screen separately by one of the corresponding projectors, such that the images are displayed on the screen, and the display positions move on the screen according to a function of the velocity of the viewers.

Abstract: A color separating-combining optical system is configured to separate illumination light into a plurality of color spectrums, guiding these color spectrums to respective image display elements, and combining the color spectrums modulated by the image display elements. The system includes a first polarization separating optical system that reflects the first color spectrum from the separating optical system to a first image display element and transmits the first color spectrum from the first image display element to the combining optical system. Similarly, a second polarization separating optical system is provided that reflects and transmits the second color spectrum. The degree of linear polarization of a reflected color can be maintained higher than that of another, and/or an antireflection element can be included in the path of reflected light.

Abstract: A projector having a cross-dichroic prism (260) synthesizing three kinds of red, green, and blue light emitted from liquid crystal panels (250, 252, 254); and a projection lens (270) projecting the synthesized light and also having polarizing plates (251, 253, 255) disposed on the optical paths between the corresponding liquid crystal panels (250, 252, 254) and the cross-dichroic prism (260) includes a lens element (256), serving as an optical element for compensating chromatic aberration of magnification, which is formed on and integrally with one surface of the polarizing plate (251) disposed on the light path of the red light and which adjusts the size of the projected image screen of the red light extending along at least a predetermined direction so as to be nearly equal to those of the projected image screens of the other kinds of color light extending along the predetermined direction.

Abstract: Described herein are display devices that provide projection-type video output and use diode lasers to generate light. For example, one set of diode lasers may produce red light, while a second set produces blue light. Optics are employed to expand laser light from its small generated or transmitted flux area to a size suitable for transmission onto the optical modulation device. Another aspect of the invention relates to a redundant laser set to generate light. A redundant laser set includes more lasers than that needed to produce the desired amount of light.

Abstract: Aspects of the invention can provide a projector can include an illumination device that outputs illumination light, a color separation system that divides the illumination light output from the illumination device into blue light, red light, and green light and guides the blue light, red light, and green light to first to third optical paths, respectively, and first to third light modulation devices disposed in the first to third optical paths to be illuminated by the blue light, red light, and green light. In the projector, a distance from the illumination device to the third optical modulation device can be longer than a distance from the illumination device to the first optical modulation device and a distance from the illumination device to the second optical modulation device, a relay system having a first lens disposed at the light incident side, a second lens disposed at the light exit side, and a third lens disposed between the first and second lenses can be provided in the third optical path.

Abstract: A microcomputer performs image drawing processing of a projection video for adjustment by an OSD (On-Screen Display) circuit when it detects the press of an adjustment command key. The projection video for adjustment is an image having a black-and-white area high in contrast formed therein. The projection video for adjustment is picked up by a CCD line sensor in a sensor. A microcomputer has its input an image pick-up signal from the CCD line sensor, to make focusing adjustment and trapezoidal distortion correction on the basis of the image pick-up signal.

Abstract: Projector bulb life is managed to achieve desired performance parameters, such as a maximum life mode or maximum brightness mode, by sensing bulb luminance and applied the sensed luminance with a luminance feedback controller to drive the bulb to achieve the desired performance parameter. For instance, in maximum life mode the luminance feedback controller reduces power applied to the bulb to restrict bulb luminance to a maximum luminance setpoint when greater luminance is available with a newer bulb. In maximum brightness mode, the luminance feedback controller increases power applied to the bulb to increase bulb luminance if the sensor senses luminance below a threshold due bulb wear. Bulb life management improves project image illumination to display information in a variety of projector types, including digital mirror devices and liquid crystal displays.

Abstract: A manipulation button of a first attitude adjusting mechanism is located at a corner on a front side of a lower case. The manipulation button is operated with fingers of one hand while both corners of the front side of the lower case are supported with both hands in controlling the attitude of a projector. With the projector being stably supported it is unlikely for an inclination to occur in right and left directions approximately orthogonal with front and back direction of the projector. Workability during attitude adjustment processes of the projector are thus improved.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to lamina(e) comprising cube corner elements, a tool comprising an assembly of laminae and replicas thereof. The invention further relates to retroreflective sheeting.

Abstract: The present invention relates to retroreflective elements and retroreflective articles such as pavement markings comprising retroreflective elements, methods of making retroreflective elements, and laminates.

Abstract: A contrast enhancement filter for a display device includes a plurality of connected sloping surfaces acting as a plurality of beam splitters, and a plurality of light absorbers, each arranged between adjacent beam splitters, so that light incident into an area on the side of the absorber is partly reflected by the beam splitters into adjacent absorbers. Light entering from the opposite side is partially reflected towards the absorbing walls located on either side of the pointed shape. The remaining light is transmitted through the filter.

Abstract: An antireflection film having a hard coat layer prepared on one side of a transparent substrate directly or through other layers, and further an antireflection layer laminated on a surface of the hard coat layer, wherein the antireflection layer is formed by a dry cured film obtained from a solution comprising a siloxane oligomer (A) obtained by condensation polymerization after partial hydrolysis of a hydrolyzable alkoxy silane that contains a tetra alkoxy silane represented by a general formula (1): Si(OR)4 (where R represents methyl group or ethyl group) as a principal component and a compound (B) having a fluoro alkyl structure and a polysiloxane structure, is excellent scratch-proof property, stain resistance, and cured in a short period of time at comparatively low temperature.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a parabolic dish-shaped electromagnetic wave front concentrator composed of a plurality of petal like identical interchangeable segments. The segment are comprised of an anterior concave layer made of a reflective material, an anterior skin made of ferrous material, an inner core made of a low density foam material and a posterior skin made of ferrous material covered by a protective coating such as zinc. The present invention further discloses a method of manufacturing the segments, by means of sandwich construction, of the parabolic dish-shaped electromagnetic wave front concentrator. The manufacturing method applies predetermined amount of uniformly distributed pressure by means of a vacuum membrane placed on the posterior surface of the segment which is positioned on an exact male mold surface. The components constituting the sandwich construction are mutually affixed by means of adhesive coats.

Abstract: The Blind Spot Curved Mirror reflector has a constant radius curve from top to bottom, and straight from left to right sides, as a section of a cylinder. The outer shell has a section removed for installation alignment on an original equipment outer shell. The removed section form's a basic alignment for a vehicle driver's blind spot area. The blind spot curved mirror will image the same area as a larger flat mirror with a smaller profile. The smaller profile will restrict less vision area than a larger flat mirror. The blind spot curved mirror with it's outer shell may be attached to an existing side mirror as an auxiliary mirror or included in an original equipment mirror outer shell with the original flat mirror and give the same blind spot effect.

Abstract: A rearview mirror for motor vehicles having a layer substrate and a coating applied onto the back thereof, includes a reflective mirror coating and an intermediate layer, which may be made of a semiconductor material, arranged between the reflective mirror coating and the layer substrate. The value of the coloring parameter C=?{square root over (a02+b02)} is greater than 5 and the color change ?E resulting from a tilting of the rearview mirror by 45° from the perpendicular viewing angle as a function of the magnitude of the color value a0 according to CIE is not greater than ?E?½·(|a0|?8) wherein a0??20, ?E?6 wherein ?20?a0?0, and ?E?½·(a0+12), especially ?½·(a0?3), preferably ??·(a0?3), advantageously ??·(a0?3), wherein a0?0. The intermediate layer may be made of semiconductor material.

Abstract: A backlight module includes a planar light plate with planar illumination for providing a planar light, the backlight module further including a light plate base and at least one side retaining frames that can be assembled/detached. The light plate base is disposed on one side under the light plate, and two opposite sides thereof extend upward to form two side frames for retaining two opposite sides of the light plate. The side retaining frame is sleeved on the lateral side of the opening end of the light plate base, for retaining the light plate in the light plate base.

Abstract: Described is an apparatus for a motion activated decorative light connectable to a predetermined article. A housing connects the light to the article. A power source is positioned within the housing for energizing a light source. A switch is connected to the power source and to the light source so as to energize the light source responsive to motion. The housing comprises a material which allows light from the light source to shine through so that it may be seen by a person observing the moving vehicle, and preferably includes a fluorescent material excited by an LED which emits ultraviolet light. The light may comprise an ornamental shape for forming a visually perceptible light image when the light source is energized.

Abstract: A light holder for a brimmed helmet of the type worn by firefighters. The holder has an aperture for receiving the barrel of a light. A mounting slot extends angularly with respect to the aperture so when the slot is engaged with the brim, the light is maintained at eye level disposed below the brim and in an out-of-the-way position to minimize the possibility of snagging. Set screw or other fasteners may be provided for securement of the light to the holder and the holder to the helmet.

Abstract: An after-market shade for a strip light, typically containing several bare bulbs, either clear or frosted. The shade is a molded mainly one-piece translucent shade, or a translucent shade with two end caps for mounting. The shade is not attached to the fixture but to the wall, or possibly ceiling, on which the strip light is mounted. The shade is typically curved or half cylindrical. Translucent sheets with decorative patterns or colors may be mounted on the inside or outside of the shade to produce decorative effects and coordinate with room decor.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an LED package for a backlight unit. The LED package includes a plurality of LEDs, a die bonding part, a wire bonding part and a body. The die bonding part, on which the plurality of LEDs is arranged, allows the first electrodes of the LEDs to be electrically connected to an external circuit. The wire bonding part is spaced apart from the die bonding part by a predetermined distance to be insulated from the die bonding part and allows the second electrodes of the LEDs to be electrically connected to the external circuit so that the LEDs are operated. The body has a molding cup which is used to fill a space above the LEDs with transparent resin and a base on which the die bonding part and the wire bonding part are arranged.

Abstract: A reflector device for a luminaire, said reflector device comprising a pair of resilient sheets positioned one to either side of a spine in the manner of the pages of a book, said sheets when in an unbiased condition lying substantially in two planes intersecting at an obtuse angle and when flexed and retained against the bias of their normal resilience having a doubly arched configuration which forms a reflective surface.

Abstract: A luminaire optical system (10) for an indirect light source including a tubular lamp (12) having a longitudinal axis (22), a first reflector assembly (14) extending parallel to and radially spaced directly above said lamp and a second reflector assembly (16) parallel to and radially spaced from said lamp directly below the lamp. Each of the assemblies includes symmetrical reflectors (22; 24; 30; 32) joining in an apex (26; 34) directly below and above the lamp. The bottom reflector (16) further may include two segments (30a; 30b; 32a; 32b) on each reflecting surface, the segments marking a sharp change in reflecting angle. Most such luminaires will typically also include perforations to maintain useful light profiles. The luminaire according to the present configuration increases the lighting efficiency by minimising any reflections passing back into the tube and ensuring an even spread of light throughout an area being illuminated.

Abstract: A projector desk lamp employs a base for supporting components of said desk lamp on a flat surface. A stem with one end forming an adjustable articulated joint with said base that can be swung between a horizontal position and a vertical position freely and can be locked in intermediate positions. A lock knob mechanism is used for quickly releasing and locking said stem during adjustment. A bracket is formed on the other end of said stem. A lamp head which is adjustably articulately joined by said bracket can be swung in more than 180 degrees and can be locked in intermediate positions. A lamp head comprises a bulb, a reflector, an adjustable lens assembly and a disc-shaped slide. Therefore, this lamp can be used as a projector for enlarging images of the slide projected on any surface with a selectively adjustable ratio. It can also be used as a desk lamp to illuminate an area with adjustable beam-angle and brightness.

Abstract: A vehicle headlight system including a light source, digital beam forming optics optically coupled to the light source, and a memory storing a plurality of light illumination patterns. The memory is electrically coupled to the digital beam forming optics. The digital beam forming optics is adapted to output light from the light source in the form of at least one of the light illumination patterns in response to at least one vehicle operating condition.

Abstract: A vehicle lamp 10 comprises a light source portion 50 and a plastic decorative member 60 in a lamp chamber 40 constituted by a body 20 and a lamp cover 30 for covering the front of the body. The decorative member has a skin layer 64 and a core layer 65 which are formed by sandwich molding; and the core layer is located in at least a portion that requires heat-resistance in the decorative member and formed of resin material greater in heat-resistance than resin material for the skin layer.

Abstract: A vehicle headlamp includes a projector-type lamp unit that performs two types of light distribution. The lamp unit is configured with a projection lens disposed on an optical axis Ax extending in an longitudinal direction of a vehicle, and a first light-source unit and a second light-source unit, both disposed to the rear of the projection lens. A low-beam light distribution pattern having sharp cut-off lines at an upper end portion is formed upon illumination of the first light-source unit. An additional high-beam light distribution pattern spreading upward from the cut-off lines is additionally formed upon illumination of the second light-source unit. Accordingly, a high-beam light distribution pattern is formed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a headlamp for a motor vehicle, comprising a housing enclosing a light source, fixed on a chassis, together with means for connecting the housing to the chassis, these means being deformable in a plastic way and capable of absorbing at least part of the energy of an impact on the headlamp.

Abstract: A surface light source device includes a light-emitting element which generates light, and a light guide plate which, causes light emitted from the light-emitting element to be incident from an end face, causes the light to be reflected between opposite plate surfaces to guide the light along the plate surfaces and make the light emerge from the plate surfaces, and transmits light incident from one plate surface toward the other plate surface. A first optical element is placed on one plate surface side of the light guide plate, transmits part of light emerging from one plate surface of the light guide plate toward a front side, and returns the remaining light to a rear side. A second optical element is placed on the other plate surface side and transmits at least part of light emerging from the other plate surface side.

Abstract: A light diffusive sheet of the present invention comprises a transparent polymer sheet provided with a light diffusion layer 3 on one side and an uneven surface 4a having arithmetical mean deviation of 0.5 ?m or less and mean spacing of 80 ?m or narrower on the opposite side. Such an uneven surface can be made by forming a backcoat layer 4 including a mixture of particles having particular mean diameters in a particular proportion to a binder resin on the transparent polymer sheet. An area light source element 7 of the present invention is produced by laminating a prism sheet 6 on a light guide plate 5 so that the prism surface 61 of the prism sheet 6 is opposed to the light-emitting surface 51 of the light guide plate 5 and laminating the light diffusive sheet on the prism sheet 6 so that the uneven surface (backcoat layer) of the light diffusive sheet is opposed to the surface opposite of the prism surface.

Abstract: A light guide plate (10) of a preferred embodiment includes: an incident surface (12) for receiving incident light beams from a corresponding light source; an emitting surface (16); and a bottom surface (11) opposite to the emitting surface. The bottom surface defines a plurality of V-shaped grooves. A side (17) of each V-shaped groove is a curved surface, and at least one part of the curved surface is wave-shaped. The light guide plate can improve the utilization of light beams, reduce wastage of light beams and configure the uniformity of luminance.

Abstract: A direct type backlight unit includes a metal housing having a base, at least one metal supporting pin and a buffer element. The metal supporting pin is formed integrally on the base and protrudes upwardly therefrom for supporting an optical film disposed upon the backlight unit, and the buffer element is disposed between the metal supporting pin and the optical film so as to prevent the metal supporting pin from damaging the optical film.