Abstract: A vacuum cleaner comprises a hair collection assembly having a hair collection element adapted to collection hair from a surface. The hair collection assembly can be mounted to the cleaning head of the vacuum cleaner for movement between a use position in which the hair collection element is in contact with the surface and a second position in which the hair collection element in spaced from the surface. The hair collection element can further be configured to collect hair from the surface when the cleaning head is moved in a first direction and to not collect hair from the surface when the cleaning head is moved in a second direction. A method of removing hair from a surface is also described.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a telescopic vacuum cleaner suction tube (1) with an outer tube (2), an inner tube (3) with snap-in depressions (7) that is telescopically arranged in the outer tube, an antitwisting mechanism (4d; 16) and an interlocking device with a snap-in element (15) that is disengaged from a snap-in depression (7) by an actuating element (5) situated about diametrically opposite thereof, wherein the interlocking device consists of a bow spring (6) that positively encompasses at least the inner tube (3) and once again engages the snap-in element (15) into the nearest snap-in depression (7) of the inner tube (3) in the telescoping direction under the prestress of a spring.

Abstract: A waterproof grommet, includes an elastic grommet body which is provided with a flange portion to be mounted to a panel; an annular wall which is provided on a first face of the flange portion; a lip portion which is provided on a second face of the flange portion, the second face being opposed to the first face; an annular reinforcing portion which is provided on the second face of the flange portion, and disposed inwardly of the lip portion; and a plurality of wire-passage tubular portions which are provided on the reinforcing portion through respective flexible portions, and are disposed within the annular wall. Proximal ends of the tubular portions are interconnected at a thick wall through the flexible portions. The reinforcing portion is adapted to be inserted into a panel hole of the panel.

Abstract: A caster buffering device is provided and may include a fixing element for coupling with a truck, a supporting element with a supporting piece, vertical pieces and a base piece. The caster buffering device may also include a working element having an end provided with a wheel and the other end connected to the vertical pieces via a connection shaft, a supporting shaft penetrating a through-hole of the working element and the base piece and connected to a coupling nut at an end and buffering elements penetrated by the supporting shaft and having a top surface elastically supported by an elastic piece of the supporting shaft and a lower end elastically supported by the base piece. The buffering element may be formed of at least two or more portions having different elasticities.

Abstract: An improved hubless castor wheel construction, particularly for a furniture article and the like, comprises a rotary element which is pivotably supported by a support element to be associated with a furniture article, said support element comprising two half-shells which can be coupled to locking means and are designed for defining an upright which can be engaged with connecting means to be connected to the furniture article, and an annular attachment for said rotary element.

Abstract: A door hinge adapted to provide vertical and depth adjustments of an engaged door with a door frame. The hinge features a first hinge member adapted for fixed recessed engagement to a side edge of a door jam which is rotationally engaged with a support member extending from a second hinge member adapted for engagement to the door. Adjustment of height and depth of the door inside the door jam is easily achieved by rotation of adjustment screws accessible from a single surface that is visible when the second hinge member is engaged to the door.

Abstract: An embodiment of a hinge has a first part with a pin, the pin defining a longitudinal axis, and a second part with a receptacle for the pin. The first and second parts are arranged to rotate relative to one another about the axis with the pin in the receptacle. Mutually cooperating formations on the pin and receptacle are arranged to permit separation of the first and second parts along the axis in a first position of relative rotation of the first and second parts and to obstruct separation of the first and second parts along the axis in a second position of relative rotation of the first and second parts.

Abstract: A hinge assembly for mounting a shutter onto a vertical wall comprises two or more pintel hinges, each comprising a pintel having an upper end and a lower end, where the lower end is affixed to a base for attachment to the wall; one or more right-hand L-hinge; and one or more left-hand L-hinge, wherein each L-hinge comprises a socket to mate with a pintel to form a hinged connection and a strap for attachment to the shutter. Methods for making and using the hinge assembly are also described.

Abstract: A hinge includes a shank, a rotation bracket adapted to securely connect to a display of a laptop computer, a fixed bracket adapted to securely connect to a base of the laptop computer and at least one friction bracket securely connected to the fixed bracket and having friction pads provided on opposite sides of the at least one friction bracket. Each of the friction pads has an aperture so defined that after the threaded portion of the shank extends through the apertures of the friction pads, the friction pads pivot together with the shank to generate holding force with the fixed bracket for holding the display in position.

Abstract: A hinge includes a first connector, a second connector and a third connector. The first connector includes a first section and a second section extending from the first section at the right angle. The second connector includes a sleeve and a plate secured to the second section of the first connector. The third connector includes a pivot inserted in the sleeve and a plate extending from the pivot.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an arrester device for closing apparatus, such as doors, comprising a worm gear rotationally fixedly connected to an output shaft serving as a winding shaft and a self-locking worm which is in communication with an input shaft. In accordance with the present disclosure, an auxiliary worm gear is seated on an eccentric region of the output shaft with clearance, with the auxiliary worm gear having an eccentricity of the same amount as the output shaft and being assembled such that the eccentricities are cancelled with respect to the axis of the output shaft, with the auxiliary worm gear being able to follow the movement of the worm gear without load via its toothed region.

Abstract: A handle (2; 4) for a hand-held power tool (6) includes a support member (20; 36) for securing the handle grip element (28; 48) to the hand-held power tool (6), and a decoupling device (24; 34) for at least partially vibration-decoupling of the grip element (28; 48) from the support member (20, 36) and including at least three, spaced from each other and extending parallel to each other pin-shaped decoupling elements (30; 44) for connecting the grip element (28; 48) with the support member (20; 36) and for guiding the grip element (28; 48) relative the support member (20; 36), without a position stability of the grip element being affected.

Abstract: A handle (2) of a hand-held power tool (4), includes an outer sleeve (10) to be gripped by a user, a support element (22) extending at least partially within the outer sleeve (10) along a longitudinal axis (A), a pivot attachment element (6) which at least partially is rotatable with the support element (22) and can be fixed via the handle (2) on the hand-held power tool (4), an elastic vibration-reducing device (24) which encompasses support element (22) and holds the outer sleeve (10) in a radially spaced relationship relative to the support element (22) which has an outer profile (36) with radial outer profile elevations (38) which, at least at the axial height of the vibration-reducing device (24), are arranged at a level of the radial inner profile elevations (44) of an inner profile (50) of the outer sleeve (10).

Abstract: A hands-free system for connecting and disconnecting a tool from an adjustable length extension pole. The system includes first and second slidably interconnected elongated members, a tool-holding assembly releasably coupled to the second elongated member, and a locking assembly disposed between the first and second elongated members. The relative sliding of the first and second elongated members can be selectively restrained by rotating the first and second elongated members relative to one another. The tool-holding assembly can be disconnected from the second elongated member by sliding the first and second elongated members together.

Abstract: The invention relates to a comfortable handle, which includes a central rod connecting with a soft shell and liquid therein. A top cap and a bottom base can be connected with the central rod to engage the soft shell firmly at the same time. Thus, the handle can be assembled very easy and simple and then can be applied on products for comfortable use to increase the utilization.

Abstract: Provided is a cap (41) for a button, of which material is a polygonal plate. The cap (41) includes a main surface covering portion (42) formed substantially at the center of the polygonal plate and a plurality of holding piece portions (44) formed by bending corners of the polygonal plate from an outer peripheral end of the main surface covering portion (42) to a rear surface side of the main surface covering portion (42). Provided between the main surface covering portion (42) and the plurality of holding piece portions (44) is a lateral side covering portion (43) around the outer peripheral end of the main surface covering portion (42).

Abstract: The invention concerns a link element (12) including one strand (14) which extends longitudinally in a horizontal plane and one front end of which (22) includes a device for attachment to a watch (10), the attachment device including: a casing (24) which is secured to the front end (22) of the strand (14); two coaxial securing pins (26) of transverse axis (A) which are received in two associated lateral housings (28) of the casing (24), a free end of each pin (26) being pivotably received about the transverse axis (A) in one of the two opposite orifices of the watch (10), characterized in that the casing (24) includes a bottom plate (32) and a top back plate (34), and in that the front end (22) of the strand (14) includes a holding pin (44), which is fitted vertically into a sink (46) of the bottom plate (32), the top back plate (34) being secured to the bottom plate (32) trapping the front end (22) of the strand (14) such that the casing (24) is secured to the strand (14).

Abstract: A zipper and method of manufacturing the same are disclosed. The method comprises steps of coating a first liquid polymer on the surface of a pair of strips to the extent that the first liquid polymer is infiltrated into the pair of strips, solidifying the first liquid polymer to form a water-repellent layer, and molding a second liquid polymer on the surface of the water-repellent layer to form a predetermined profile so that the pattern of the surface of the zipper can be changed easily and the zipper is made more attractive.

Abstract: A fastening member has an inboard end and an outboard end and a panel region, an end region, and a fastening element. The panel region has a proximal edge and a distal edge. The panel region is disposed adjacent to the inboard end and is more extensible than the end region. The end region is disposed adjacent to the outboard end. The end region has a fastening element zone having a first stiffness and an intermediate zone having a second stiffness. The first stiffness is greater than the second stiffness. The intermediate zone is disposed between the fastening element zone and the panel region adjacent to the distal edge. The fastening element is disposed in the end region and defines the fastening element zone.

Abstract: A dual action canopy release for releasably holding a parachute harness securement strap in a buckle. The canopy release may be activated by a forward movement of a lever arm or a rearward movement of the lever arm. The lever arm cooperates with an actuating lever having a first position, wherein the actuating lever holds a latch in a locked position, and a second position, wherein the actuating lever releases the latch thereby allowing the latch to move to an unlocked position. Either the forward movement or the rearward movement of the lever arm causes the actuating lever to move to the second position. In the unlocked position, the latch allows parachute harness securement strap to be withdrawn from the buckle.

Abstract: A steamatory is used to prepare a body for burial. A stainless steel cylindrical vessel is supported by a brace, and has a door at a first end of the cylinder for entry and exit of the body. The vessel includes a chamber having dimensions of four feet in diameter by ten feet in length to accommodate a body weight up to 400 lbs. A plurality of wire mesh layers provide a support structure of the body. The plurality of wire mesh layers is disposed on rollers and capable of sliding independently in and out of the chamber through the door. The plurality of wire mesh layers has graduating sizes of mesh openings from 0.5 inches to 0.125 inches and 2.0 inches of clearance between each of the plurality of wire mesh layers.

Abstract: The felting needle according to the invention comprises a working part (12) with two partial sections (15, 16), each of which is preferably embodied with straight edges. The two partial sections are twisted slightly, relative to each other. Each partial section is provided with at least one ring of indentations with the indentations arranged offset to each other in axial direction. As a result, all notches are oriented uniformly in the direction of the longitudinal axis (14), despite the slight twisting of the section between the two partial sections (15, 16). The felting needle can thus be used to produce fleece materials and needle-punched felt materials, which have a nearly uniform tearing resistance in longitudinal as well as lateral direction.

Abstract: A fiber laminate for use as an absorbent cleaning cloth is made by first preconsolidating by calendering at least one spun-bond web of filaments and then applying at least one fiber layer of hydrophilic natural or converted cellulose fibers to the pre-consolidated spun-bond web. The two layers are then hydrodynamically consolidated into a two-layer laminate, and a surface of the hydrodynamically consolidated two-layer laminate is embossed.

Abstract: A powder compaction press having opposed rib and channel punches which are interleaved and a production method are used to produce capacitor elements having a uniform compaction density and which are free of surface imperfections.

Abstract: A tool used for removing and installing Schrader-type valve cores on all mounted or dismounted rims especially dual mounted rims. Tool consists of a handle portion that has a chamber which snaps over a valve stem, the forked shaft enters the valve stem and extracts the core simply by rotating the handle. Tool works for the inward pointed valve stem found on the outer rim of a dual. Tool can also extract at the opposite forked end of shaft which extends from the top of the handle and works for the inner mounted rim of a dual or any other Schrader-type valves.

Abstract: An automated pallet inspection and repair apparatus comprises an inspection station and a repair station. The inspection station comprises a laser that illuminates a pallet, a camera that collects the reflected light and a computer system. The computer system analyses the output of the camera and acquires the pallet's geometry and topography. The design of the pallet is determined by the computer software. A decision to repair the pallet is made by comparing acquired pallet data against the design criteria. If the pallet needs repair, a recipe of repair steps is constructed by inspecting each of the pallet's elements. The recipe is transmitted to the automated repair station.

Abstract: Techniques for attaching a retaining ring to a carrier head so that the bottom surface of the retaining ring is orthogonal to a central rotational axis of the carrier head are described.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for fixing a chute to a powder-product-feed hopper of an electrolytic cell. According to the invention, the chute (4) is fixed to the base of a hopper (3) or a similar powder-product-feed apparatus. The hopper (3) comprises chute-support and fixing means consisting of at least one hook element (7) having an essentially-horizontal support area which is solidly connected to the hopper, while the body of the chute (4) is provided with at least one hook (9) which is articulated around a horizontal axis and which is intended to be hooked onto the hook element (7) of the hopper. The simple structure of the inventive device greatly improves on existing technology, enabling the rapid mounting and removal of powder-product-feed chutes in electrolytic cells during the operation thereof, in full safety for the operator.

Abstract: In making a component part of a reclining device that is used to adjust an inclination of a seat back with respect to a seat cushion, after the component part has been prepared, a predetermined portion of the component part is selectively heated up to a temperature greater than a transformation point of a material of the component part, and the component part is then cooled. During this heat treatment, portions of the component part other than the predetermined portion are left as a base material to thereby selectively increase the strength or the wear and abrasion resistance of the component part.

Abstract: Using a jig having on its outer circumference a holding groove group formed by a plurality of slit-shaped holding grooves with pitches of integral multiple pitches of a slot of a stator core, one side of each coil is projected outside the jig, the other side of each coil is inserted into the holding groove group, an auxiliary member having a plurality of blade portions are provided at the end surface of the jig, the jig is inserted into the inner circumference of the stator core from the auxiliary member side, one side of each coil is pushed into a corresponding slot of the stator core, thus the jig is rotated and positioned such that the holding groove can match the corresponding slot of the stator core, and the push out device inserts the other side of each coil into a corresponding slot.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a digital magneto-optical signal write/read head (1) including a thin-film in-plane magnetic coil (3) disposed on an outwardly directed surface (5A) of a coil substrate (7). Coil lead in and coil lead out sections (11,15) of the coil (3) are extended to an interconnection part (9A) of the side surface (9) of the coil substrate (7) and first and second spaced interconnecting conductors (21,23) are deposited on the side surface (9) of the coil substrate (7) in electrical connection with the lead in and lead out sections (11,15) of the magnetic coil (3) for contacting the external lead in and lead out lines (25,29). Alternatively first and second contacting conductors (29,31) may additionally be deposited on a top surface (5B) of the coil substrate (7) in electrical connection with the first and second interconnecting conductors (21,23) on the side surface (9A) of the coil substrate (7) for contacting the said external lead in and lead out lines (25,27).

Abstract: A plate member includes a frame portion (51) provided in a state of coupling both one end portion and other end portion and mounting terminal portions (44) protruding from the one end portion and the other end portion of said frame portion (51) to approach each other, from which a PCB joint portions (46) to be a mounting portion to a PCB are formed by cutting and bending when manufacturing a magnetic element. Further, a winding number adjustment means (41), which is capable of selecting joint portions with ends of a coil and adjusting the winding number of the coil in accordance with the selection, protrudes from the one end portion and the other end portion to approach each other farther as compared to the mounting terminal portions (44).

Abstract: A method for loading single head in a hard disk drive includes the following steps: mounting a head assembly (30) in a baseplate (10) of a hard disk drive, the head assembly comprising an actuator arm (32), a suspension (34) and a HGA, the baseplate engaging a motor (110) and the HGA is positioned close to the motor; biasing the suspension by a mounting tool (50) from the original position, the mounting tool comprising a cantilever arm (52), a pressing head (54) and a supporting rod (56), wherein, the mounting tool rotates to the suspension and gets down to press the suspension; mounting a disk (90) on the motor in the baseplate; and releasing the pressing head from the suspension, loading the HGA of the head assembly to a parking zone of the disk.

Abstract: A mono-diameter wellbore casing. The mono-diameter wellbore casing is formed by plastically deforming and radially expanding a first tubular member within a wellbore. A second tubular member is then plastically deformed and radially expanded in overlapping relation to the first tubular member. The second tubular member and the overlapping portion of the first tubular member are then radially expanded again.

Abstract: There is provided a method for preventing a cylindrical body from buckling in externally curling edges of both side portions by pressing by curling dies in an axial direction after molding the cylindrical body having a drop portion whose outer diameter is small and the both side portions whose outer diameter is large by enlarging a cylindrical material made of aluminum alloy by electromagnetic molding. In curling the edges of the both side portions, a buckling preventing die restrains an outer periphery of the drop portion of the cylindrical body. Because the buckling preventing die receives the axial compression force of the curling dies, it can prevent the cylindrical body from buckling and deforming. The buckling preventing die is what a split die disposed on the side of an outer periphery of the cylindrical material in the electromagnetic molding is used as it is.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for fabricating continuous cathode collecters for use in lithium/thionyl chloride and lithium/sulfuryl chloride cells is described. The preferred electrically conductive material is acetylene black mixed with a polytetrafluroethylene (PTFE) binder in a dry, powderized form. The collector substrate is a nickel or stainless steel foil that has been expanded into a mesh or otherwise provided with perforations. A centering adjustment of the collector substrate controls loading of the electrically conductive mixture onto each side thereof. The dry, powdered electrically conductive mixture is then continuosly fed into the calender and formed into a collector structure by locking to itself through the collector substrate perforations before being cut to size.

Abstract: A tweezers type cable connector handling tool features two levers in guiding interaction via respective guiding faces to increase angular lever stiffness. The handling tool features also a central cable receiving channel to hold the extending cable of a connector clamped at the gripping end of the tool and to keep the cable bend radius from being bent more than standards provide for. The connector may be permanently clamped via a ratchet closure, a latching pin lock or a lever rotation joint lock such that the clamped connector may be conveniently handled via the handling tool without need to simultaneously apply a manual damping force. The handling tool may also feature an integrated flash light approximately tangential pointing towards the tool's gripping end. The flash light's housing is integrated in a bending stress communicating fashion while keeping the overall contour of the respective lever continuous.

Abstract: A circuit board element (11) and production thereof are disclosed, whereby a noble metal (16) is applied to a structured conductor layer (13) on a circuit board substrate (12), comprising said conductor layer (13). The conductor layer (13) is roughened on the surface, preferably after the structuring thereof and the noble metal applied as a layer (16), essentially on all of the structured roughened conductor layer (13), whereupon the noble metal layer surface is given a corresponding roughness (8?).

Abstract: In a method for manufacturing a wiring board in which two base members 10 made of metal are pasted in a manner that one side surfaces thereof are opposed and pasted to each other, then a wiring board formed by plural layers is formed on the other surface of each of the base members 10, then both the base members 10 are separated from each other, and the base members 10 are removed thereby to obtain wiring boards separately, in the case of pasting the two base members 10, a mold release agent in a liquid state is coated or printed on a portion except for the peripheral portion of the one side surface of each of the two base members 10, and an adhesive agent resin sheet 11 is disposed between the two base members 10 thereby to paste the peripheral portions of the base members 10 being attached with no mold release agent to each other by the adhesive agent resin sheet 11.

Abstract: A capacitor components embedded substrate structure comprises a substrate, capacitor components, a first and second dielectric layers, and a circuit layer. The substrate includes a first surface, a second surface, and a hole penetrating the first and the second surfaces. The capacitor components whose surface is pretreated with a roughness process is received in the hole of the substrate, such that at least one surface of the capacitor components is disposed with a plurality of electrode pads. The first and the second dielectric layers are formed on the surface of substrate and the surface of the capacitor components respectively such that the capacitor components are secured in position in the hole of the substrate. The first and the second dielectric layers have a plurality of openings to expose the electrode pads of the capacitor components.

Abstract: This document discusses, among other things, a flexible circuit or other laminate comprising a first conductive layer and a second conductive layer disposed over the first conductive layer. An insulator is disposed between the first and second conductive layers. A conductive via extends through the insulator and electrically connects the first and second conductive layers. The laminate includes a channel in the insulator. In one option, the channel extends at least part way around the via. In another option, the channel extends at least part way between the first and second conductive layers. In another example, a method comprises providing a laminate including at least first and second conductive layers and an insulator disposed therebetween. A via is formed through the insulator. A channel is formed in the insulator at least part way around the via. The channel extends between the first and second conductive layers.

Abstract: A method for producing a printed circuit board is described. A substrate having a via is provided with the via being coated with a conductive layer defining a perimeter of the via. The conductive layer defining an open via hole. The open via hole is filled with a non-conductive filling material. Then, the substrate is planed to remove any residue of the filling material on the surface of the substrate. Then, at least two holes are formed in the substrate with each hole overlapping the perimeter of the via and thereby removing a portion of the conductive layer and the filling material whereby the two holes in the substrate cooperate to form at least two electrically isolated segments in the conductive layer.

Abstract: A cylinder block has a metal film on an inner circumferential surface of each cylinder. The film is constituted by a first sprayed layer formed on the inner circumferential surface of the cylinder and a second sprayed layer formed on the inner circumferential surface of the first sprayed layer. The hardness of the second sprayed layer is lower than the hardness of the first sprayed layer. It is preferred that the second sprayed layer have a Vickers hardness of 50 to 200. It is preferred that the first sprayed layer have a Vickers hardness of not less than 350. It is preferred that the first sprayed layer have a thickness of 400 ?m to 500 ?m. A method of manufacturing a cylinder block includes the step of casting a cylinder block, which involves casting the cylinder in the cylinder block, the step of forming the first sprayed layer on the inner circumferential surface of the cylinder, and the step of forming the second sprayed layer on the inner circumferential surface of the first sprayed layer.

Abstract: Motors with high power densities and ignition pressures, for example diesel motors, require crankshafts with combined gear wheels, which can withstand high stresses, especially in their connection areas. As a consequence, forged steel crankshafts, to which tempered gear wheels are fixed by means of screws or welding, are usually employed. The aim of the invention is to provide a method comprising fewer method steps for producing a crankshaft with a combined gear wheel and to provide a crankshaft that has been produced according to said method. To achieve this, the crankshaft comprising the combined gear wheel is cast in one piece. Tempered ductile iron is used as the starting material. The strength and wear resistance is increased locally by peening, or by the application of coatings containing carbide.

Abstract: A method of jointly fitting or removing a piston (1) and a cylinder liner (6) in or from an engine block of an internal combustion engine, wherein during the fitting or removal operation the cylinder liner (6) is supported or held on a contact shoulder (16) which is arranged at a connecting rod (3) of the piston (1) or at the piston (1).

Abstract: A method for producing a honeycomb body having a honeycomb structure disposed in a housing, includes at least forming a honeycomb structure, inserting the honeycomb structure into a housing, carrying out a heat treatment operation on the honeycomb structure having the housing, contacting outer regions with a molding, at least during the inserting step or the heat treatment step, and reproducing a desired outer contour of the housing with contact faces of the molding. A molding and an exhaust gas treatment unit produced with a thin housing in a dimensionally accurate manner, are also provided.

Abstract: There is provided a method of manufacturing an ink-jet head comprising a passage unit, a piezoelectric actuator, and a wire member. The passage unit has a surface on which a pressure chamber is provided in a form of a recess. The piezoelectric actuator includes a piezoelectric body that closes the recess, an electrode that is formed on the piezoelectric body, and a conductive land that is formed on the electrode. The wire member includes a wiring provided thereon with a terminal electrically connected to the land. The method comprises the steps of forming on the electrode a land made of a resin paste, bonding the passage unit and the piezoelectric actuator to each other by pressing the land except a part thereof in a state where the electrode is opposed to the pressure chamber, and electrically connecting the land to the terminal by bringing the part of the land not pressed in the step of bonding into contact with the wire member.

Abstract: A manufacturing method of an ink jet head has: a step of forming a flow path hole on each of first plates to be flow path plates; a step of laminating one or plurality of said flow path plates on which said flow path hole is formed and a second plate to be a nozzle plate to each other; a step of laminating a protective film to said second plate; a step of laminating said plurality of flow path plates on which said flow path holes are formed to each other; a step of forming a nozzle hole on a region where the protective film is laminated, in said second plate to which the protective film is laminated; and a step of removing said protective film from said nozzle plate, after the step of laminating said plurality of flow path plates and said nozzle plate to each other.

Abstract: A method of producing an ink jet printhead is provided so that the printhead has a structure with a plurality of nozzles, each having a nozzle opening through a single surface layer of the structure, with the areal density of the nozzles being greater than 10 nozzles per square centimeter of the surface layer. In the method, the structure is formed in-situ on an underlying substrate so that the surface layer has a thickness of ten microns or less and so that each nozzle opening is defined as a hole through the surface layer. The substrate has at least one heater element corresponding to each of the nozzles respectively. The heater elements thermally contact a bubble forming liquid to heat at least part of it above its boiling point thereby forming a gas bubble to eject a drop of the liquid through the nozzle openings in a predetermined direction.

Abstract: A method of producing a printhead to have a structure of a plurality of nozzle openings defined through a single surface layer is provided. In the method the structure is formed in-situ on a substrate having heater elements for heating bubble forming liquid so that the surface layer has a thickness of ten microns or less and so that each nozzle opening is defined as a hole through the surface layer in association with at least one of the heater elements. The nozzle openings are formed so that gas bubbles in the liquid formed by heating causes ejection of drops of the liquid through the nozzle openings in a predetermined direction. The heater elements are configured to require less than 400 nanojoules of heating energy to form the gas bubbles.