Abstract: A post hole digger for producing a hole in the ground comprising a first handle pivotally coupled to a second handle and a first blade coupled to the first handle and a second blade coupled to the second handle. The first handle and the second handle extend along a plane defined generally by a longitudinal axis of the first handle and a longitudinal axis of the second handle when the first blade and the second blade are in the open configuration. The first blade and the second blade are generally parallel to the plane and spaced apart from the plane when provided in the open configuration.

Abstract: Apparatus 10 discloses an improved hoisting sling specially for palletized 28 loads comprising a pair of skids 12, 14 having opposing ends, each with a channel 16 terminating in a puck-shaped cavity 18 forming means of engagement of lengths of load bearing members 20 having mating puck-shaped members 30 thereon. The load bearing members 20 extend from distal ends of a spreader frame 22 extending between and having means for engaging the load bearing members. Depending from the intersection of the spreader arms 22 an anchor line 24 extends to a common load bearing member 26 serving as terminus for load bearing members extending to the terminal ends of the spreader arms and also serving as point of attachment for a user selected hoisting device.

Abstract: A gripping device for gripping work pieces which is connectable to a robotized manipulating system includes a box-shaped body for supporting a first and a second gripping member, at least one of which being angularly movable, and a linear actuator operatively connected to the movable gripping member by a toggle-lever mechanism. The toggle-lever mechanism in turn includes a first and a second articulated connecting link, angularly movable with respect to each other, pivotally connected to a control rod of the actuator, respectively to the angularly movable gripping member. The device also includes a guiding element for guiding the angular movement of the second connecting link, and a limiting element for limiting the relative angular movement between the first and the second connecting link.

Abstract: A method of conducting an electronic repair business employing a mobile laboratory comprising converting a preexisting mobile vehicle of the van type into a mobile electronic laboratory and repair shop by first stripping all of the preexisting components in the van rearward of the existing front seats to provide a relatively flat floor from the front seats to the rear doors of the vehicle, the resulting floor being 10 to 12 feet wide, 16 to 18 feet in longitudinal direction and having a work space approximately 6 feet above the resulting floor, providing a transverse bulkhead arranged vertically behind the front seats, so that the space behind the bulkhead constitutes a work space, and fitting the work space into an electronics diagnostic and repair laboratory by adding the necessary work components and electronic components.

Abstract: A control panel assembly for a vehicle includes a moveable panel having a primary face and an edge face. The moveable panel movable between a first position and a second position. A first control device is mounted on the primary face of the moveable panel. The first control device is generally exposed when the moveable panel is in the first position. A second control device is mounted on the edge face of the moveable panel. The second control device is generally exposed when the moveable panel is in the second position.

Abstract: A storage container adapted to be mounted to the bed of a pick-up truck. The container is designed to house golf paraphernalia, especially a golf bag (including a full array of clubs) and other golf equipment such as shoes. The container is securely mounted to the bed of the pick-up, but can be quickly and easily slid over the tailgate to allow for easy access. The container is fabricated from hard plastic or similar light-weight, rigid, weatherproof material. A hinged cover allows easy access to the interior of the container. The tailgate end of the bottom half of the container is provided with a hinged section to allow for easy loading and unloading of the golf paraphernalia. Wheels are mounted on the bottom of the container to permit portability if desired.

Abstract: A pickup truck cargo box includes a cargo floor and a panel being movably mounted with respect to the cargo floor. The panel is movable between a stowed position and an upright position, in which the panel extends higher into a cargo area to form a compartment within the cargo area. The panel prevents the shifting of cargo during transport when upright, and is stowable to maximize the uninterrupted cargo area available.

Abstract: A tailgate seatback and accessory holding system includes an elongated member that has a first end and a second end. Each of the first and second ends has a slot extending therein. The slots are each configured to releasably receive one of a pair of locking members attached to opposite side walls of a pickup bed. The locking members are positioned in the slots so that the elongated member extends between the side walls of a pickup bed.

Abstract: An occupant seat is disclosed for a vehicle having a seat riser bracket and a floor with a footwell. The seat includes a seat bracket operatively connected to the vehicle floor and/or the seat riser bracket. A seat back is pivotally connected to the seat bracket, the seat back selectively rotatable between a seating configuration and a cargo configuration, the cargo configuration having the seat back substantially coplanar with the vehicle floor. A seat is cooperatively connected to the seat bracket and to the seat back, whereby when the seat back is rotated from the seating configuration to the cargo configuration, the seat is substantially simultaneously translated and rotated into a stowed configuration whereby the seat is at least partially within the footwell.

Abstract: A closing unit for a flap of a motor vehicle includes at least two hinges which can pivot about a pivot axis between an open position and a closed position; a single drive including a motor, a clutch, and a gear mechanism; and at least two transmission elements extending between the single drive and respective the hinges for pivoting the hinges.

Abstract: In a soft top vehicle roof which is movable between a closed position and an open storage position and comprises a vehicle roof cover material which is supported by a roof linkage, at least one linkage element of the roof linkage is provided with a reception space in which a seal element and a material web connected to an end portion of the roof cover material are firmly engaged and form-fittingly locked by clamping hooks extending from the inner walls of the reception space through openings in the material web and into recesses in the seal element.

Abstract: A device used to facilitate the insertion of objects under a folded roof in the boot of a motor vehicle. The roof includes a rear element which is equipped with a finger bar that is designed to slide along a rail comprising a storage section, which is intended to guide the roof between a deployed position and a folded, stored position, and a raised section, which is intended to guide said roof between a folded, stored position and a folded, raised position. The device comprises a raising member which moves the above-mentioned finger along the length of the raised section. Moreover, a locking member is mounted to the raising member between an unlocked position and a locked position in which it blocks the auxiliary roof element in relation to the rear element when the roof is moved toward the folded, raised position thereof.

Abstract: A traffic collision cover is disclosed which restricts the view of physical damage to one or more vehicles involved in a traffic accident to passing motorists and pedestrians who may slow down and obstruct traffic while observing an accident scene. This invention allows emergency personnel to quickly cover one or more vehicles or parts of vehicles with fabric to hide the damage done in an accident. As a result, this invention helps prevent traffic congestion and increase traffic flow at accident scenes.

Abstract: An improved vehicle box assembly with an upright front panel part and a horizontal floor panel part defined by a monolithic one-piece roll-formed steel sheet member having a desired three-dimensional configuration. The sheet steel member is roll-formed in the lengthwise direction thereof to define a plurality of parallel stiffening ribs. The roll-formed member is thereafter transversely bent to define both front and floor panel parts.

Abstract: There is disclosed a system and method of employing a porous container for sealing, baffling, reinforcing or a combination thereof. According to the method, a porous container having one or more openings is provided. An expandable material is associated with the container and is preferably placed within the container. Thereafter, the expandable material is expanded to contact and adhere to a structure of an article of manufacture (e.g., an automotive vehicle).

Abstract: A working vehicle with a cab is disclosed. The working vehicle comprises a vehicle body for supporting said cab; ground-engaging means for supporting said vehicle body; and a cab frame provided to said cab, said cab frame including right and left front posts, right and left rear posts, and right and left upper frames extending fore and aft between upper end regions of said front posts and upper end regions of said rear posts, respectively; wherein at least part of said cab is curved to bulge outward.

Abstract: A method and article of manufacture for an automotive grille facing. Tracks or grooves are formed in the fins of a radiator grille on the exterior side of the grille. The track is adapted to receive an insert having a bead that fits within the groove.

Abstract: The invention contemplates a body structure for a vehicle. The body structure includes a roof panel and a side frame. The attachment flange of an outer body side panel includes a roof mounting portion with a dual angle, a glass mounting portion at an angle that matches one of the dual angles, and a transition area where the dual angle of the roof mounting portion tapers to the glass mounting portion with the single angle.

Abstract: A motorcycle seatback and glove box assembly includes a mounting post having a lower end portion adapted to seat in a receptacle in a motorcycle seatback cushion member mounted on the upper end portion of the mounting post. The cushion member has a frame, cushioning material extending about the front and sides of the frame, and a flexible cover disposed over the cushioning material. A glove box is secured to the rear of the frame of the cushion member and includes a receptacle having an opening thereinto, a cover configured and dimensioned to cover the opening, and a hinge pivotally mounting the cover on the receptacle. Fasteners secure the receptacle to the frame of the backrest cushion.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention has a headrest restraint incorporating a remote-controlled, video monitor with a monitor safety cover and concealed video input and power supply cable. It can serve as an OEM headrest or as an after-market headrest replacement. This embodiment of the invention maintains headrest safety requirements and meets vehicle manufacturers' specifications, unlike headrests specially modified to incorporate a rearward facing video monitor. The monitor safety cover protects rear seat occupants from impact with the monitor. The abstract is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. 37 CFR 1.72(b).

Abstract: A hydraulic vehicle seat adjustment system for providing positional adjustment of at least two seat adjustments of a vehicle seat. The system comprises a common source of hydraulic fluid, and a control unit which selectively controls and directs hydraulic fluid from the common source of hydraulic fluid to respective first and second actuators to adjust the respective different seat adjustments, for example fore and aft position of the seat, and seat back angle. The system may further also comprise a seat position determining unit connected to the control unit and to a common fluid flow sensor to determine the flow of hydraulic fluid from the common source of hydraulic fluid to the respective first and second actuators and to thereby determine the adjusted position of the respective actuators and so of the respective seat adjustment.

Abstract: A back for a patient chair having a back shell with a substantially rigid central S-shaped central portion and laterally extending wing portions which have sufficient flexibility to allow deflection in the direction of the front surface upon imposition of a force. The back consists of a formed back shell, a cushion layer laid thereover and an upholstery layer covering the cushion, with the upholstery layer adhered to the cushion and having edge margins wrapped around the outer edge margins of the cushion. The cushion and upholstery material are secured to the back shell through adhesive applied between the wrapped over edge margin portions of the upholstery material and the back shell.

Abstract: A vehicle seat includes a seat back frame of a rectangular shape having a pair of side frames, upper and lower seat springs mounted between the side frames, and a flexible cushion plate in the form of a single plate attached to the seat springs. The cushion plate has a lower wide section supporting the vicinity of ilia (S) of a seated occupant (P), and a narrow middle section for reducing hold performance for the vicinity of a waist of the seated occupant (P). The cushion plate has an upper edge projecting slightly higher than a ninth dorsal vertebra (R) of the seated occupant (P).

Abstract: A vehicle wheel comprises a rim (172) and a disk section (171) separate from the rim. Since the disk section is separate from the rim, the freedom of designing the disk section is improved. The rim comprises an outer rim (178) and an inner rim (181) separate from the outer rim. The outer and inner rims are attached to the outer periphery of the disk section at the same place by welding.

Abstract: A bicycle rim is provided that includes a tire attachment portion, a spoke attachment portion and a plurality of reinforcement members. The spoke attachment portion is fixedly coupled with the tire attachment portion. The spoke attachment portion includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced attachment openings. The reinforcement members are fixedly coupled to the spoke attachment portion at the attachment openings to effectively increase the thickness of the spoke attachment portion of the rim at the attachment openings. Each of the reinforcement members is bonded to the spoke attachment portion. The through openings are aligned with the attachment openings.

Abstract: A brake system for a vehicle is comprised of a first brake system that mechanically applies a braking force to wheels according to a master cylinder hydraulic pressure outputted from a master cylinder which receives a brake manipulation force of a driver, and a second brake system that apply a braking force to other wheels according to at least a braking state of the first brake system.

Abstract: Braking system including a power-operated hydraulic pressure source operable to deliver a pressurized working fluid, a brake including a hydraulically operated brake cylinder, and a flow-rate changing device disposed between the power-operated hydraulic pressure source and the brake cylinder and operable to change a rate of flow of the pressurized working fluid into the brake cylinder, which rate corresponds to a given rate at which the pressurized working fluid is delivered from the power-operated hydraulic pressure source.

Abstract: A computer back panel which can be quickly assembled or disassembled is installed at a rear side of a computer casing by extending inverted hooks of the back panel into hook holes of the casing, and pushing up the back panel, which enables a locking slot at a top end of the back panel to be locked and positioned by a locking hook from a slope of the locking hook of a push member. On the other hand, when disassembling the back panel, a user only needs to press the push member to release the locking hook from the locking slot of back panel, and then the inverted hooks of back panel will be released downward from the hook holes of casing to uninstall the back panel. Therefore, the back panel is provided with a function of easy and quick assembling or disassembling.

Abstract: A device for detecting the presence or absence of a liquid, which is installed on an ink-jet recording apparatus, is configured to determine the presence or absence of ink in the ink flow path by detecting the reflection of light from a light transmission portion by irradiating light thereon. The light transmission portion is formed on at least a part of the ink path wall that forms the ink flow path for supplying ink to the recording head. As a result, it becomes possible for responding to consumer demands of designing a smaller version of the ink tank, a cost effective production thereof, and the like in addition to provide images with excellent image qualities.

Abstract: A printer includes: a print head including a plurality of nozzles capable of printing dots of different sizes; a test-pattern forming section that forms test patterns each have only one dot size; a test-pattern printing section that prints the test patterns formed by the test-pattern forming section for each nozzle of the print head; an output-density reading section that optically reads the test patterns printed by the test-pattern printing section to determine the output densities of the test patterns; an input and output density-characteristic information generating section that generates input-and-output density information indicative of the relationship between the output densities read by the output-density reading section and the input densities of each test pattern formed by the test-pattern forming section; an input-density correcting section that corrects the input density of each nozzle of the print head on the basis of the input-and-output density information generated by the input and output-dens

Abstract: A variation in a discharge characteristic among respective nozzles of an inkjet printer is corrected. A color correction table generating section 48, (1) based upon error information (nozzle classes) representing errors of color values of outputs due to errors in ink weights for three types of dots (large, middle, and small) respectively for multiple types of ink colors (CMYK), determines a second correspondence between tone values of color-converted image data and combinations of respective recording ratios of the three types of dots so that the error is approximately zero, and (2) determines combinations of a first tone value and a second tone value so that a total ink discharge quantity according to a first correspondence (SML table recording section 44a) of the first tone value representing color-converted image data and a total ink discharge quantity according to a second correspondence of the second tone value representing the color-converted image data are approximately equal.

Abstract: A printing apparatus which is capable of printing an image on a printing medium by a print head having a nozzle that is capable of creating two or more types of dots varied depending on size, and a printing module that prints the image on the medium by the print head based on the printing data.

Abstract: A printer (1) comprises a motor driver (34) for driving a carriage motor (20) and a paper feed motor (22). The motor driver (34) has a thermal shutdown circuit (43). If internal temperature T of the motor driver exceeds threshold value Ta, the thermal shutdown circuit shuts down the power of the motor driver. The motor driver has an internal temperature detection circuit (45). If the internal temperature T exceeds threshold value Tb (<Ta) before thermal shutdown processing operates, the internal temperature detection circuit outputs a HW signal. A CPU (29) executes heat generation stop processing based on the HW signal and controls the motor driver to stop the carriage motor and the paper feed motor for a predetermined time.

Abstract: A printhead driving method in a power source device to output a printhead driving voltage, for generating an optimum voltage for a characteristic of the printhead attached to a printing apparatus, without controlling an output voltage with high accuracy. The printhead is provided with a reference voltage source to set an output voltage of a head driving power source. A head driving power circuit incorporated in the printing apparatus compares a value obtained by dividing the reference voltage with a value obtained by dividing the output voltage from the power circuit and performs control so as to eliminate an error. Further, the printhead is provided with a non-volatile memory, and data to supply driving energy to optimize a discharge characteristic of the printhead is obtained upon final test of manufacturing process by using a test device having a similar construction to that of the head driving power circuit incorporated in the printing apparatus. The data is written into the non-volatile memory.

Abstract: An ink jet printer having: a main tank to store ink; a recording head to form an image on a recording medium by jetting the ink from a nozzle; an ink supply path to supply the ink to the recording head from the main tank; a sub tank to temporarily store the ink supplied from the main tank, the sub tank being provided in the middle of the ink supply path; an ink supply valve to control to supply or stop supplying the ink from the main tank to the sub tank by an opening or closing the ink supply valve, the ink supply valve being provided between the main tank and the sub tank on the ink supply path; and a control unit to measure a cumulative time in which the ink supply valve becomes an opened state, and estimate a remaining ink amount in the main tank.

Abstract: An ink jet recording apparatus, including: (1) a recording head to eject ink which is hardened by irradiation of ultraviolet rays; (2) an ultraviolet ray irradiation section to harden the ink ejected from the recording head; and (3) a recording head maintenance device, including, (3-1) a maintenance section for carrying out maintenance of the recording head; (3-2) a coupling section to make the recording head maintenance device to come into close contact with the recording head; and (3-3) a cover section to cover the maintenance section, on which an opening section is formed to make the coupling section to project beyond the maintenance unit cover, including a light shield section to shield the coupling section from the ultraviolet rays emerging from the ultraviolet ray irradiation section.

Abstract: An ink-jet recording apparatus capable of high-quality recording without smudging recording media and the interior of the recording apparatus even when a frameless recording operation using reactive ink that coheres with each other when mixed together is performed. The ink-jet recording apparatus includes a recording head having a first nozzle array and a second nozzle array, and an ink absorbent facing the nozzle arrays. The first nozzle array discharges a first ink, and the second nozzle array discharges a second ink. The first and second ink is a reactive ink that coheres with each other when mixed together. During the frameless recording operation on a front edge of the recording medium, some of the first and second ink discharged from the respective nozzle arrays of the recording head adheres to the front edge, and some of the ink adheres to separate positions on the ink absorbent.

Abstract: A printhead module including at least one row of printhead nozzles, at least one row including at least one displaced row portion, the displacement of the row portion including a component in a direction normal to that of a pagewidth to be printed.

Abstract: A printhead is provided for an inkjet printer. The printhead includes a wafer substrate assembly defining a plurality of spaced apart groups of ink inlet channels. Groups of ink ejection nozzle arrangements extend from the wafer substrate assembly and are in fluid communication with respective ink inlet channel groups. Each group of ink ejection nozzle arrangements include a two dimensional array of ink ejection nozzle arrangements arranged in rows and ranks so that the rows and ranks are obliquely aligned with respect to each other.

Abstract: An ink jet recording apparatus and an ink jet recording method to prevent both of adjacent ejection orifice groups from operating at high duties. The method includes distributing image data such that the ejection duty of one of the adjacent ejection orifice groups is lower than a predetermined threshold in one scan and the ejection duty of the other ejection orifice group is lower than the predetermined threshold in another scan.

Abstract: When conveying tables for conveying the printing medium are selected to perform interlace printing, the occurrence of unevenness in an image which results from switching of the tables is prevented. It is determined whether a phase of the conveying table is a transfer inhibition phase in transfer to a printing area. In the case of the transfer inhibition phase, the switching is not made to a new table, but the previously used table is used. Thus, the switching can be made to a conveying table so as not to make a shift amount +1/2N or ?1/N continue. Consequently, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of unevenness in an image which is caused by 1/N deviation of a printing position in a sub-scanning direction with regard to print data at the time of transfer from a rear end area to the normal area or the normal area to the rear end area.

Abstract: An inkjet print assembly for high-volume pagewidth printing is attached to a support structure within a printer. In use the print assembly is positioned operatively with respect to a platen assembly also located in the support structure, the platen assembly defining a pagewidth printing zone. The print assembly includes a chassis that is mounted on the support structure to span the printing zone. A plurality of printhead modules is positioned on the chassis. Each printhead module has a carrier, a printhead chip mounted on the carrier and a flexible printed circuit board connected to the chip to provide the chip with control signals. The printhead modules are positioned so that the printhead chips overlie the printing zone. A plurality of printed circuit boards is mounted on the chassis. Each printed circuit board has control circuitry that is connected to a predetermined number of printhead chips.

Abstract: A printhead assembly includes a carrier that spans a printing zone. An elongate ink distribution assembly is mounted to the carrier and defines at least one ink inlet and includes a laminated stack of structural layers. A first layer is in fluid communication with the, or each, ink inlet. A last layer defines at least one mounting slot for a respective printhead integrated circuit positioned in a central region. Intermediate layers define converging ink passages connecting the, or each, ink inlet and the, or each, mounting formation. A control circuitry component is mounted on the elongate ink distribution assembly. At least one flexible data and power connecter is attached to the control circuitry component at one end and sandwiched between two of the structural layers and connected to the at least one printhead integrated circuit at an opposite end.

Abstract: The image quality deterioration due to the collection of dots of low-lightness by the preliminary ejection is prevented, in the case of performing the ink ejection for preliminary ejection during the printing onto printing paper. More specifically, the preliminary ejection pattern is set as a pattern in which the distance between a cyan dot of relatively low-lightness and a magenta dot is longer than a distance between a yellow dot of relatively high-lightness and a cyan dot nearest the yellow dot among low-lightness colors. Closely forming dots of low-lightness that would be perceived as a group of collected dots can be prevented, thereby performing printing that will not deteriorate the printing quality due to the paper preliminary ejection.

Abstract: A micro-electromechanical integrated circuit includes a substrate. Drive circuitry is positioned on the substrate. A plurality of elongate actuators is fast at one end with the substrate. An opposite end of each elongate actuator is displaceable relative to the substrate on receipt of an electrical signal from the drive circuitry. The drive circuitry includes registers, gates and drive transistors such that each actuator covers the registers, gate and drive transistor for operation of that actuator and each drive transistor includes traces oriented substantially at right angles to its associated actuator.

Abstract: A method of making flow feature structures for a micro-fluid ejection head. The method includes the steps of laser ablating a nozzle plate material to provide an elongate fluid chamber and fluid supply channel therein for connecting the fluid chamber with a fluid supply. The fluid chamber has a first length and a first width. An elongate nozzle hole is laser ablated in the nozzle plate material co-axial with the fluid chamber. The nozzle hole has entrance dimensions having a longitudinal axis dimension and a transverse axis dimension such that the longitudinal axis dimension is from about 1.1 to about 4.0 times the transverse axis dimension.

Abstract: An inkjet printing apparatus includes a mechanism for opening and closing an ink supply route between an ink tank and a printing head and capable of attaching and removing the ink tank by a horizontal movement. More specifically, a moving member 60 and the communication pipe 51 engaged therewith are moved upward by moving an operation member 70 upward. As a result, the communication pipe 51 moves into an ink lead chamber 16 and a communication channel 52 of the communication pipe 51 comes into communication with the ink lead chamber 16 through its opening. In this way, the ink lead chamber 16, namely, an ink storage chamber 12 comes into communication with a liquid chamber 50 of a printing head 20. An ink supply route is opened in this manner. The ink supply route is closed by the reverse operation to that mentioned above.

Abstract: A printhead assembly for an inkjet printer includes an elongate carrier. A number of printhead modules are mounted on the carrier. Each printhead module includes an ink delivery assembly and a printhead chip mounted on the ink delivery assembly. Flexible printed circuit board assemblies are attached to the carrier and to respective printhead modules for carrying data and power to said modules. A pair of busbars is electrically connected to the flexible printed circuit board assemblies for carrying power to the flexible printed circuit board assemblies. The carrier has a bearing surface and a biasing structure for individually urging the printhead modules against the bearing surface and maintaining the electrical connection between the flexible printed circuit board assemblies an the pair of busbars.

Abstract: An ink jet printhead chip includes a substrate that defines a plurality of ink inlet channels. Drive circuitry is positioned on the substrate. A plurality of nozzle arrangements is positioned on the substrate. Each nozzle arrangement defines a nozzle chamber in fluid communication with a respective ink inlet channel and a nozzle opening in fluid communication with the nozzle chamber. A plurality of ink ejecting mechanisms is connected to the drive circuitry and is arranged to eject drops of ink from respective nozzle openings on receipt of suitable signals from the drive circuitry. A guard is positioned on the substrate and is spaced from the nozzle arrangements. The guard defines a plurality of passages in alignment with respective nozzle openings. The passages have a length dimension that exceeds a bore size of the respective nozzle openings such that misdirected drops of ink are inhibited from passing through the passages.

Abstract: Heater chips for use in printing devices, such as those including one or more ink vias and one or more heater arrays, where at least a portion of at least one the ink vias is associated with at least portions of at least two heater arrays. The first heater array can be adjacent to one side of at least a portion of the ink via and a second heater array can be adjacent to another side of at least a portion of the ink via. The heater chip can also include a bondpad supplying power to at least a portion of the first heater array and to at least a portion of the second heater array.