Abstract: A pull-out desk unit for a mobile vehicle. The pull-out desk unit has a cantilevered dual surface table component. The cantilevered dual surface table offers truckers a legless table for eating and general tasks, as well as desk area that keeps their belongings as they leave them eliminating the need to clean up or put things away. The innovation in this product lies in the memory foam lid. Once the table is pulled out, the lid (top surface for eating/general table) can be unlatched and fold back revealing a desk area lower than the surface of the eating/general table. On the under side of the lid is relatively thin low density memory foam. This foam can compress easily inch allowing it to conform to anything left on the table.

Abstract: An article housing device for a small-sized vehicle allows an occupant to easily insert and remove an article while seated on a seat, and is capable of preventing a liquid spilled from a housing portion from dropping down to a floor on which the occupant places his/her foot. A dashboard includes a lateral extended portion and a protruding portion protruding rearward from the lateral extended portion, in which a plurality of housing portions allowing articles to inserted into and removed from above the housing portions are formed in the protruding portion, and at least two of the housing portions are aligned in the vehicle longitudinal direction.

Abstract: A raised floor sleeper for an over the road tractor for pulling a trailer. In order to effectively utilize the upper space in a sky-rise sleeper cab, one must first be able to reach it, which is the fundamental reason for the raised floor. Beyond bringing the upper space to the driver, raising the floor offers many other advantages. A combination stool and coffee table provides options that are enabled by the raised floor. The stool offers additional seating for socializing. The stool also functions as a freestanding table leg for the coffee table. The coffee table has a female indent on the bottom that mate with the stool. Two legs fold out supporting the other side of the table.

Abstract: An equipment console for use in a vehicle having a driver compartment including a dashboard, floor and driver seat. The equipment console has a console body for supporting equipment in a location accessible to a person seated in the driver seat. The front of the console body includes a front portion configured to receive and support the equipment. The console body also has a back generally opposite the front of the console body. The back of the console body may be integrated with the dashboard by providing the back with a profile that conforms at least partially to a contour of the dashboard. In addition, the console body may be adapted to cover an area of the dashboard in which climate controls were originally installed, with an upper portion of the console body being adapted to receive and secure the climate controls in a relocated position so that they may be operated from the front of the console body.

Abstract: The invention comprises a retractable cover system comprising: a flexible cover. A plurality of supporting bows support the cover. A semi-rigid member having first and second ends is secured to the cover section. The semi-rigid member is capable of flexing laterally outward if the system is retracted. This outward action allows the cover or cover sections to consistently fold in the same way and prevents the cover or cover sections from getting caught in the load or in the cover system componentry. The invention also comprises a segmented tube secured to the bottom portion of the cover between the bows.

Abstract: A roof bow adapted to support a roof skin of a trailer and be affixed to spaced apart top rails of the trailer. The roof bow includes an elongated channel and a pair of end pieces affixed to opposite ends of the elongated channel by clinching. When viewed in cross section transverse to its general extent, the channel includes a substantially flat central portion and extending end portions defining support surfaces offset vertically from the central portion. The support surfaces are adapted to support the trailer sheet skin. Each end piece includes a substantially flat flange and an angled arm extending away from the flange. The angled arm adapted to be affixed to a respective one of the trailer top rails. For each of the pair of end pieces, a plurality of clinch joints affix the flange to the central portion of the channel.

Abstract: A vented transport cover is disclosed for use in protecting vehicles, cargo and other objects during transport. The vented transport cover includes at least one venting member secured within the cover. Each venting member includes a downwardly extending, recessed body portion having an exhaust aperture oriented at the front of the venting member. The venting member includes an upwardly extending air diffuser that disrupts the oncoming stream of air during transport of the object. The air diffuser stabilizes the vent by preventing the vent from flapping during travel. Due to the recessed nature of the exhaust aperture, the air pressure at the exhaust aperture is less than that of the high speed airstream passing over the covered object. Negative pressure at the exhaust aperture induces exhaustion of air from within the cover and causes the cover to conform closely to the surface of the covered object.

Abstract: A windshield molding for insertion in the space between a windshield glass panel and a window opening of a vehicle body panel. The windshield molding structure includes a clasp portion, a bendable portion, and a channel lip portion. The clasp portion conformingly adheres to the edge of the windshield glass and the bendable portion engages the periphery of the window opening wherein the bendable portion bends and folds under the channel lip portion to provide an air-tight compression seal between the window glass and vehicle body panel, thereby minimizing undesirable air flow whistling and collection of dirt or other debris within the windshield molding structure. A windshield molding is also provided with a water drain channel which guides rainwater along the edge of the molding structure to prevent the water fluid from being sprayed onto the side windows.

Abstract: There is provided a mounting structure of an automobile, wherein a belt line outer weather strip and a center pillar garnish are mounted on a door panel via an end cap mechanism. The center pillar garnish comprises a concave groove in a lower end portion thereof. The concave groove opens in a down ward direction. The end cap mechanism comprises a roughly U-shaped gripping groove in an upper portion thereof and a clip portion in a lower portion thereof. The gripping groove of the end cap mechanism holds a cut upper end portion of the belt line outer weather strip and an upper concave groove portion of the center pillar garnish as well as an upper pass hole portion of the center pillar portion. The clip portion is inserted into a mounting hole of the door panel.

Abstract: A door apparatus includes a door having a hole and configured to be slidable with respect to a vehicle body, a member configured to open and close the hole, a first detector configured to detect a position of the member relative to the hole to determine an openness of the hole, a second detector configured to detect a position of the door relative to the body, and a unit configured to be activated to project from one to another of the body and the door, so as to abut on the another such that the door is stopped from sliding in an opening direction, when the openness is greater than a threshold, and the position is between a full-closed position and a midway position.

Abstract: A fender for absorbing forces generated from an impact includes a depending attachment flange which comprises a vertically aligned section depending from an exterior portion of the fender and a horizontally aligned section depending from the vertically aligned section adapted for mounting to a vehicle wherein the vertically aligned section includes a plurality of contoured portions for enhancing the stiffness of the vertically aligned section.

Abstract: A shock tower support structure utilizes a hydroformed tubular member that extends horizontally along the upper vehicle frame rail and wraps around the front edge and upper portion of the shock tower assembly to join into the lower vehicle frame rail. The shock tower support member is welded to the upper vehicle frame and also to the lower vehicle frame. The loading of the spot welds is in shear to provide improved stiffness in the support of the vehicle shock tower assembly. The support structure also provides increased crash resistance for front impacts into the vehicle. The front apron in conventional shock tower supports can be replaced by a plastic panel that has associated components pre-assembled thereon to be installed into the vehicle as a module.

Abstract: A vehicle seat assembly includes a seat bottom and a seat back pivotally attached to the seat bottom. The seat bottom includes a track having a longitudinal track axis. The seat assembly further includes a head restraint moveably attached to the track such that the head restraint is moveable longitudinally along the track from a use position to a stowed position. An actuation device is associated with the head restraint for moving the head restraint from the use position toward the stowed position when the seat back pivots toward the seat bottom.

Abstract: Systems and methods for a wheelchair tray may include providing a tray portion and a connecting portion attached thereto. The connecting portion may be configured to attach to a wheelchair. The connecting portion may provide the tray portion with a first rotation in a plane substantially parallel to a plane of rotation of a non-pivoting wheel of the wheelchair and a second rotation in a plane substantially perpendicular to the plane of rotation of the non-pivoting wheel. The first rotation of the tray portion may be between a first storage position in which at least most of the tray portion is disposed rearward of an axle of the non-pivoting wheel, a second storage position in which at least most of the tray portion is disposed forward of the axle of the non-pivoting wheel, and a position between the first and second storage positions in which the second rotation is permitted.

Abstract: A tray attachment for a wheelchair. In an embodiment, the tray attachment includes a mounting tube for mounting the tray to a wheelchair. Further, a slider extension tube is disposed within the mounting tube for supporting the tray. In addition, a first ball knob assembly is mechanically coupled to the slider extension tube for supporting the tray. Moreover, a second ball knob assembly is mechanically coupled to the slider extension tube for supporting the tray. In the present aspect, the slider extension tube rotates as the tray is moved from a stored position to a utilization position, such rotation places the first ball knob assembly adjacent to an edge of the tray and the second ball knob assembly beneath the tray, thereby providing lateral and vertical support to the tray on the attachment side.

Abstract: A feeding chair or highchair apparatus having a first seat assembly for an infant or child and a second seat assembly for an adult or caregiver connected to and housed inside and preferably under the first seat assembly when not in use. In one embodiment, the adult seat assembly is detachable from the child chair assembly and positionable in relation thereto. In a further embodiment, the adult seat assembly is operatively connected to the child chair assembly and moveable to a plurality of positions in relation thereto.

Abstract: A retractable seat back protector is provided for a motor vehicle seat. The protector includes a retractable roller with a first end of a flexible sheet fixedly attached thereto. A second end of the sheet is pulled in a direction away from the roller such that the sheet covers the seat back when the protector is in the extended position. The second end may have at least one fastener that allows the second end of sheet to be attached to the seat back. The protector is mounted onto the seat back proximal to a head rest area or a floorboard area, or may be mounted within the seat back or underneath the seat.

Abstract: A slip covered sofa having removable seat cushions which are separately slip covered by a single bag-like cover into which the seat cushions are inserted and which has excess material extending beyond the cushions, the excess material being and folded under the cushions at each end to hold the material on the upper surface of the cushions taut when the cushions are in place on the sofa.

Abstract: A reclining chair, in particular a passenger chair, for use in a vehicle such as an aircraft, bus or mobile home. The chair includes a base assembly, a seat frame located above the base assembly, a seat attached to the seat frame, and a seat back connected to the seat frame. In various embodiments, the chair includes features such as an energy absorbing base assembly, an adjustable arm rest, a fully reclining seat back and a seat that increases its angle with respect to the horizontal as the seat back reclines, thereby forcing one back into the chair. The seat and seat back is also capable of achieving a fully horizontal position when the seat back is fully reclined.

Abstract: A vehicle seat includes a lower seat part that includes a seat cushion and a backrest, the backrest connected to the seat cushion such that the backrest can rotate about a first axis. The seat cushion is configured for movement between a use position and a loading position by rotating the seat cushion through approximately 180° about a second axis parallel to the first axis. The seat further includes a first lever and a second lever for defining the movement between the use position and the loading position. The first lever and second lever are coupled to the lower seat part at a first location and a second location. The first location is closer to the front in relation to a direction of travel as compared to the second location and the first lever is positioned essentially identically both in the use position and in the loading position.

Abstract: A distance adjustment device for a chair includes a guide rail, a movable plate slidably mounted on the guide rail, a movable handle pivotally mounted on the movable plate and having a first end detachably engaged with the guide rail, and a fixed handle secured on the movable plate and located opposite to a second end of the movable handle. Thus, the user only needs to hold the push portion of the movable handle and the grip portion of the fixed handle by his one hand to unlock and move the movable plate, so that the distance adjustment device is operated by the user's one hand.

Abstract: A device used for threading a seat belt through a child safety seat includes an elongated, double-ended threader member which is connected to the seat belt tongue and to webbing at a location spaced from the tongue. The webbing is then folded over to cover the threader member and the threader member is employed to push the tongue through a passageway in the child safety seat.

Abstract: The wear sleeve in the present invention comprises a rearward split ring portion and an intermediate cylindrical ring portion adjacent a forward shoulder portion. The outer diameter of the wear sleeve intermediate portion and rearward split ring portion is uniform. The wear sleeve is inserted into the bit holder's stepped bore aperture. The split ring portion is radially compressed by the smaller diameter opposite portion end as the sleeve is hammered and axially displaced into the bit holder. The split ring portion forms frictional contact with the opposite end portion of the aperture. The wear sleeve friction fit can be easily removed manually in the field. The bit holder and cooperating support block are designed to limit the amount of relative yaw between the two members during operation to reduce the overall wear there between.

Abstract: A retainer for use in conjunction with a cutting bit wherein the cutting bit includes a shank that contains a recess therein. The retainer includes a generally cylindrical retainer body that has opposite ends and a central longitudinal axis. The retainer body has a generally arcuate shape that defines an arc between the opposite ends thereof. The retainer body further includes at least one ear that projects in a radial outward direction. The retainer body is made from a material that has a grain direction wherein the direction of the grain runs generally parallel to the central longitudinal axis of the retainer body.

Abstract: A wheel mountable car wheel cover provides a design element that is visible while the wheel is rotated. A circular rotation case has a liquid filled floating chamber. A bearing for mounting the rotation case to a wheel is provided on the rotation case. A disk-type design plate is disposed floating in the floating chamber, and a weight disposed on a lower side of the design plate causes the design plate to remain in a stable, upright position despite rotation of the rotation case. A surface of the rotation case is transparent such that a surface of the design plate is visible through the surface of the rotation case. Thus, a picture or logo disposed on the surface of the design plate is visible through the surface of the rotation case. In one embodiment, the rotation case is disposed within a protection case which is mountable on a wheel.

Abstract: A spinner apparatus for the adornment of a wheel on a roller skate. The spinner apparatus includes a cone, a first disc and a second disc. The cone is connected to the wheel and connected to the first disc by locating a lip on its periphery in groove on the periphery of the first disc. Radial openings that extend from an axial opening in the first disc to define a first plurality of spokes while radial openings extend from an axial projection in the second disc define a corresponding second plurality of spokes therein. The axial opening receives the axial projection to position the second disc adjacent the first disc. The first disc rotates with the wheel while the second disc independently rotates such that the first and second spokes interrupt the transmission of light to provide an illusion that the wheel is rotating faster than is actually occurring.

Abstract: A motorcycle hub adapter for shaft driven motorcycles that permits a user to mount any custom wheel to a shaft driven motorcycle assembly. The adapter includes a housing that has a substantially hemispherical shape with a convex side with an opposite relatively flat opposite side. The adapter includes a central through opening extending from a round flattened end on the convex side with cooperative dimensions to receive the axle therethrough. Several peripheral annular surfaces are provided with holes to mount the brake disk rotor assembly at the farthest possible distance form the rim while other components of the motorcycle are also mounted to make them compatible with the rim assembly.

Abstract: An electrohydraulic brake system where brake pressure is controlled by the combined action of an apply valve and a dump valve by the implementation of a method of controlling the voltage applied to the apply and dump valve. The EHB pressure control system receives a desired wheel pressure command and, with a caliper pressure feedback signal, implements an algorithm to compute one voltage command for the apply valve and another for the dump valve, corresponding to a requested flow from the hydraulics. The voltage command drives current control electronics. The electronics in turn power the solenoids of the proportional apply and dump poppet valves to control flow in or out of the brakes and modulate wheel pressure as required. Use of the algorithm to control the electromagnetic poppet valves achieves the commanded pressure at a vehicle's brakes reliably and with good control in all states of flow through the valve.

Abstract: Vibration or the like is prevented for long-term use by normalizing, with operation continuing, a tread of a crawler belt link through grinding in an early stage where uneven wear such as corrugated wear occurs. With a crawler belt of a crawler vehicle wound, an abrasive plate for grinding the tread of the crawler belt link is disposed to contact the tread. While the crawler vehicle does normal traveling work, the abrasive plate corrects the tread of the crawler belt link for the uneven wear. The vibration of a vehicle body can thus be prevented during travel with no uneven wear produced.

Abstract: A mounting/demounting construction relates to a mounting/demounting construction of a heavy unit and so on, and can heighten safety of mounting and demounting thereof. The mounting/demounting construction has a mountable/demountable apparatus unit which is slidably supported in a shelf, and a locking mechanism, providing a lock arm part engaging with the shelf to the apparatus unit, which engages the lock arm part with the shelf and regulates the apparatus unit in a predetermined drawing-out range, and prevents a separation of the apparatus unit from the shelf. By a composition like this, a locking state by the locking mechanism can be released by an operation of the lock arm part different from a drawing-out operation of the apparatus unit.

Abstract: A telescoping slide rail assembly including interconnected mounting, intermediate and stationary slide rails movable relative to one another to extend and retract the mounting and intermediate slide rails relative to the stationary slide rail between fully extended and retracted positions. The intermediate slide rail includes a latching mechanism for interconnecting the intermediate and stationary slide rails in the fully extended position and the mounting slide rail includes an alignment device to maintain orientation between the mounting slide rail and the intermediate slide rail.

Abstract: A method of determining and applying a protective ink amount to be printed in addition to a plurality of colored ink amounts to make colored pixels in an image including determining the protective ink amount such that the sum of the protective ink amount and the colored ink amounts is greater than or equal to a minimum ink amount necessary to provide adequate durability for the image, and applying using an inkjet printer the colored ink amounts and the protective ink amount to make the colored image pixels.

Abstract: The image recording apparatus comprises: a full-line recording head in which a plurality of image-recording elements are arrayed across a length corresponding to an entire width of a printing medium; a conveyance device which conveys at least one of the recoding head and the printing medium in a direction substantially orthogonal to a width direction of the printing medium so as to move the recording head and the printing medium relatively to each other in a relative conveyance direction; and a recording control device which performs recording control so that when recording is carried out with respect to a solid area of a recorded image with a substantially uniform density, diameter of dots in the solid area recorded on the printing medium with the image-recording elements is made greater than an array pitch of the image-recording elements projected so as to be aligned in a main scanning direction substantially orthogonal to the relative conveyance direction.

Abstract: There is disclosed a solid semiconductor element which very efficiently detects information about a liquid and bidirectionally exchanges the information with the outside. The solid semiconductor element is disposed in a liquid container, and includes at least energy converting unit, information acquiring unit, and information communicating unit. The energy converting unit converts an electromotive force from the outside to a power, and operates the information acquiring unit and information communicating unit. The information acquiring unit acquires the information about the liquid in which the solid semiconductor element is disposed from the liquid, and the information communicating unit transmits the information acquired by the information acquiring unit to the outside.

Abstract: A driving apparatus for at least one recording head comprises a first waveform signal receiver, a first drive signal provider, a first delay circuit, and a second drive signal provider. The first waveform signal receiver receives, through signal lines, a plurality of waveform signals representing various recording modes. The first drive signal provider generates drive signals on the basis of the plurality of waveform signals received by the first waveform signal receiver, and supplies the drive signals to one of recording element groups included in the at least one recording head. The first delay circuit delays the waveform signals received by the first waveform signal receiver. The second drive signal provider generates drive signals on the basis of the waveform signals delayed by the first delay circuit, and supplies the drive signals to another recording element group.

Abstract: Recording data is produced from first image data corresponding to each pixel with a first number of gradations so as to supplied to a recording apparatus, which expresses each pixel with a number of gradations smaller than the first number of gradations. Second image data is produced by converting the first image data into a color space that can be output by the recording apparatus. Third image data is produced based on a second number of gradations of the second image data so that the third image data has a third number of gradations. The recording data is produced by applying a halftone process to the third image data. The third number of gradations of the third image data is adjusted to be equal to or larger than the second number of gradations of the second image data in accordance with a number of colors for each pixel used in the second image data.

Abstract: A novel method and system for calibration of paper feed in an ink jet printing system is used to remove overfeed bands and underfeed bands from an image. The method begins by feeding print media into the ink jet printing system. A color density test target is formed by simultaneously applying an on/off pattern print mask to print numerous print swaths while incrementing paper feed values. Each paper feed value corresponds respectively to each print swath. The color density test target reveals shifts from light to dark to light in order to identify a maximum optical density region. The paper feed value from the color density test target corresponding to a maximum optical density region on the color density test target is selected and entered into the printing system. The entered value calibrates printing system in order to minimize the presence of overfeed bands and underfeed bands while printing.

Abstract: A method of testing a micro electro-mechanical device of a type having a support structure, an actuating arm that is movable relative to the support structure between a rest position and an operating position under the influence of heat inducing current flow through the actuating arm. A movement sensor is associated with the actuating arm that is activated by movement of the actuating arm to a predetermined position beyond the operating position. The method comprises the steps of: passing a series of current pulses of varying magnitude and/or duration through the actuating arm; determining the minimum magnitude and/or duration of the current pulse required to move the actuating arm to the predetermined position, and comparing the determined magnitude and/or duration with a desired magnitude and/or duration characteristic.

Abstract: Disclosed is a handling device which comprises a lid, which may be arranged to cover at least partially a surface of a replaceable consumable of a printhead service station, engagement members for engaging the lid to the consumable, and a hand grip. The consumable may be replaced by engaging the handling device with the consumable while the latter is still in the service station, and removing the consumable from the service station with the handling device. The risk of getting ink on the user's hands when replacing a consumable is reduced.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a wiper apparatus and method for cleaning a printhead are provided. In one embodiment, the wiper apparatus includes a wiper having a leading contact surface, a trailing contact surface, and a capillary passageway that extends at least partially along an axis that intersects the leading contact surface and the trailing contact surface.

Abstract: A printhead assembly includes an elongate support structure that has a base portion and at least a pair of longitudinally extending side wall portions. One side wall portion extends from each edge of one side of the base portion a plurality of carriers is mountable, end-to-end, on the support structure so that each carrier engages a respective wall portion. A printhead segment is mounted on each carrier. Each printhead segment has a plurality of ink supply holes. At least one printed circuit board is mountable on an opposite side of the base portion. A plurality of tape automated bonding films are connected between the printed circuit board and each respective printhead segment.

Abstract: To provide an inkjet recording head in which a high ink repelling property is kept even against the repeated use and which is excellent in film strength and abrasion resistance and is excellent with respect to printing quality of the resulting image, the inkjet recording head includes a nozzle having: a hole for discharging a recording liquid including an ink; and a portion capable of repelling the ink at the periphery of the hole, wherein the portion includes a cured film formed from a composition having a block copolymer, and the block copolymer includes a unit A and a unit B, wherein the unit A represents a block polymer (A) having at least one of a fluorine-containing polymer and a siloxane-containing polymer having a specific structure; and the unit B represents a block polymer (B) having a polyester polymer.

Abstract: A printhead for ejecting ink includes a substrate defining a plurality of ink supply channels. A plurality of nozzles is operatively mounted to the substrate. Each nozzle defines a respective ink chamber in fluid communication with a respective ink supply channel and an aperture through which ink can be ejected. A plurality of elongate actuators each have a thermally actuated arm with one end fixed to the substrate and a free end extending into a respective ink chamber. Each actuator configured to move on receipt of an electrical signal to eject ink from the ink chamber through its corresponding aperture. Each arm has a heater element. A drive circuitry layer is positioned on the substrate. The drive circuitry layer includes a plurality of drive transistors connected to the heater elements of corresponding respective actuators. The drive transistors are interposed between their associated actuators and the substrate.

Abstract: The ink jet recorder serves to record an image corresponding to image data on a recording medium using the ink jet head which discharges ink containing colored fine particles. The ink jet head includes a discharge opening substrate through which discharge openings through which the ink is discharged are bored, a head substrate which is disposed at a predetermined distance from the discharge opening substrate so as to define an ink passage between the discharge opening substrate and the head substrate, and a discharge control portion which controls the discharge of the ink through the discharge openings. An ink guide groove is formed in a surface of the discharge opening substrate on a side of the ink passage so as to lead from an upstream side of an ink flow to the discharge opening.

Abstract: A thermally-driven ink-jet printhead includes a substrate having an ink chamber to be filled with ink to be ejected, a manifold for supplying ink, and an ink channel for providing flow communication therebetween. First and second sidewalls are formed to a predetermined depth from an upper surface of the substrate and define the ink chamber to have a substantially rectangular shape. A nozzle plate including a plurality of material layers is formed on the substrate. A nozzle passes through the nozzle plate and is in flow communication with the ink chamber. A heater is disposed between the nozzle and one of the first sidewalls above the ink chamber. A conductor is electrically connected to the heater. The conductor and the heater are disposed within the nozzle plate. A shifting feature moves cavitation points beyond an outer edge of the heater.

Abstract: An inkjet printhead comprises an array of nozzles each having an ink chamber and a nozzle opening through which ink is ejected. A paddle moves within the chamber between first and second positions to cause ink ejection, the paddle being actuated by a thermal actuator having a resistive heating member of relatively high Young's modulus operatively connected to a passive member of relatively low Young's modulus such that heating of the resistive heating member by electrical current from drive circuitry causes deformation of the passive member and subsequent movement of the paddle.

Abstract: There is disclosed an ink jet printhead that has a plurality of nozzles 3 each defining a nozzle aperture 5 with a nozzle axis extending through the center of the nozzle aperture 5 and normal to the nozzle aperture. An ejectable liquid inlet 31 for establishing fluid communication between the nozzle aperture 5 and an ejectable liquid supply, the inlet having a central axis substantially parallel to the nozzle axis. A bubble forming chamber 7 corresponding to each nozzle respectively. At least one heater element 10 disposed in each bubble forming chamber 7 to heat a bubble forming liquid 11 to a temperature above its boiling paint to form a gas bubble 12 therein. The generation of the bubble 12 causes the ejection of a drop 16 of an ejectable liquid (such as ink) through an ejection aperture 5 in each nozzle 3, to effect printing. The heater element is configured to nucleate the gas bubble at a point that is laterally offset from the inlet.

Abstract: A liquid jet head includes a passage-forming substrate including pressure generating chambers communicating with nozzle orifices, and piezoelectric elements provided on one side of the passage-forming substrate, with a vibration plate between the elements and the plate. The piezoelectric elements include lower and upper electrodes, and a piezoelectric layer. In the liquid jet head, pressure generating chambers are arranged in a width direction. The lower electrode is continuously provided from a region facing the pressure generating chambers to a region facing compartment walls. The liquid jet head includes a lead electrode for lower electrode, which is drawn out from the lower electrode in the region facing the compartment walls, and which includes a first lead electrode, having a width equivalent to or narrower than that of the compartment wall, and a second lead electrode formed on the first lead electrode and wider than the first lead electrode.

Abstract: A vibration plate is joined to a substrate so as to form a part of a pressure generating chamber. A first piezoelectric element is disposed on a part of the vibration plate facing the pressure generating chamber. The first piezoelectric element includes a first electrode disposed on the part of the vibration plate, a first piezoelectric layer laminated on the first electrode, a second electrode disposed on the first piezoelectric layer, a second piezoelectric layer laminated on the first piezoelectric layer while covering the second electrode, and a third electrode disposed on the second piezoelectric layer and electrically connected to the first electrode. A second piezoelectric element is disposed on the vibration plate, and including at least the first piezoelectric layer, the second electrode, and the second piezoelectric layer, such that an electrostatic capacity of either the first piezoelectric layer or the second piezoelectric layer is adapted to be measured.

Abstract: An ink delivery system delivers ink from a stationary ink supply to a print cartridge on a movable carriage. The system comprises an ink container, a reservoir, and a flexible tubing connecting the reservoir to the print cartridge. The ink container has an internal cavity not open to atmosphere holding a supply of ink, and an air inlet channel and an ink exit channel. The ink reservoir has fluid channels to mate with the air inlet channel and ink exit channel on the ink container, and an air opening on the upper portion to connect the internal space of the reservoir to atmosphere and an ink exit port. The ink level in the ink reservoir is controlled by allowing the ink to rise to a level where the ink blocks the air channel into the ink container thereby preventing air to flow there through.