Abstract: A Targa roof system for a vehicle includes a roof part (10) for spanning a compartment between a cross member (4), including the upper side of a windshield, and a traverse cross beam (8), which traversely spans a vehicle inner compartment and is spaced from the cross member (4). Guide elements (20, 22) are affixed in the rear area of the roof part (10) on both sides thereof, the guide elements being spaced from each other in the longitudinal direction of the roof part. The roof part (10) is pivotable from its closed position about the two guide elements (20, 22), which oppose each other with reference to the vehicle width, and subsequently is lowerable downwardly guided along the guide rails (24) into a stowed position by the forward guide element (20) and the rear guide element (22) without pivoting.

Abstract: A truck work office solution for a mobile vehicle. The work-station will take advantage of existing adjustability features on the passenger seat so that the height of the work-surface can be customized for each driver, and swivel to point toward the rear of the cab as well. The passenger seat itself converts into a work station. The driver seat may be swiveled to face the passenger seat that converts into an office area. The passenger's seat is normally a static element present in all cabs, and certainly in the case of single drivers it remains unused for its intended purpose. Because drivers are bound to the driver's seat, they use the close proximity of the passenger's seat to make peripheral tasks and items more convenient. The conversion provides a sliding work surface, storage, as well as power outlets.

Abstract: In accordance with the present teachings, an automotive vehicle open air system includes a pair of tracks connected to the vehicle, a flexible roof that is coupled to the tracks, one or more movement mechanisms that are integrated in the tracks and connected to the roof, an automatic actuator and a rear header that is connected to the roof and is movable with the roof. Other aspects of the teachings, the rear header may include a stop light that is mounted in the header or it may include a rear windshield wiper system.

Abstract: A foldable bench having at least a pair of seat sections pivotally connected together. Pivotally mounted to the other side of each seat section is a leg assembly that is movable from a folded position to an extended position. When the bench assumes an unfolded position a strut extends from a point to a respective leg assembly and when the bench carries a load each strut is held in compression. An interconnecting member connects the two leg assemblies and is generally held in tension when the bench assumes an unfolded position and carries a load.

Abstract: A flat spring member (40) mainly serving as a vibration absorptive function at a normal use is engaged with a supporting frame member (130) which displaces backward along with deformation of a seat back (20) by backward moment applied to the seat back (20), and the other end is engaged with a front edge frame (102) disposed in the vicinity of the front edge of a cushion frame. Therefore, when an impact force from front or back equal to or more than that prescribed is applied, the flat spring member (40) increases in tension by backward moment applied to the seat back (20), and serves as a function to increase again the intensity of the backward moment of the seat back (20), which was once lowered by deformation of the side frame (101) of the cushion frame.

Abstract: A juvenile vehicle seat includes a seat base and a backrest. The backrest is mounted on the seat base and includes a seat back that is retained in an upright fixed seat-forming position relative to a seat bottom included in the seat base.

Abstract: An ergonomic support mountable on various seat frames has a static portion (52) with anchors and mounts. The mounts adapt to fix said static portion to varying seat frames. An active portion (54) is operatively engaged with the anchors of the static portion such that the active portion can move in and out of a plane defined by the frame of the seat. The active portion has a pressure surface with a smooth base level (64). There are convexities (62) in the base level that impart a massage effect on a seat occupant. At least one actuator engages the active portion but only by an actuating linkage.

Abstract: A backrest adjusting device for office chairs comprising: a seat portion having a seat cushion and a stand for supporting the seat cushion; a back having a frame, a back cushion fixed on the surface of the frame, a connecting member for connecting the bottom of the back to a rear side of the seat portion, a hollow containing space formed at the middle section of the back, an n-shaped member being disposed in the containing space and extended backward; and a first attaching device installed on the n-shaped member of the containing space, thereby achieving the adjustment of the three-dimensional space of position, longitudinal buffer and angular rotation. Moreover, the back further includes a support member disposed at the top of the back, and a second attaching device installed on the support member and having a structure identical to the first attaching device. Meanwhile, the first attaching device has an attaching body made in compliance with the shape of a human waist to form a backrest bump.

Abstract: The invention provides a chair that the switching between operation and fixation of rocking may be operated with the height adjustment of the chair by one operation lever. A resilient member is interposed between a seat frame whose height is adjustable by a cylinder and a back frame rotatably fitted to the seat frame, wherein a joint member is rotatably fitted to the seat frame with a vertical shaft, an operation lever led to the outside of the seat frame and a pressing piece which touches and leaves a button for rod advancing and retreating of the cylinder are provided with a rocking member which is rockably assembled to the joint member with a horizontal shaft, and an interlocking regulating member is attached to an arm piece of the joint member so that the rotation of the back frame may be adjusted by moving the regulating member.

Abstract: A passenger seat includes a frame, a bottom, a back, and a headrest, and incorporates a cylindrical motion support member. The support member includes a stationary member carried by the passenger seat, including a concave surface having a cylindrical curvature. A moveable member has a convex surface with a cylindrical curvature disposed in contact with the concave surface, and a support surface for supporting at least a part of a passenger's body The moveable member is selectively positionable along the concave surface. In another variation, the seat back and/or seat bottom is moveable in a conical motion.

Abstract: A chair that can be mounted to a bleacher comprises a dual-pivot structure to enable movement of a seat between an up position, wherein the seat compactly fits within the bleacher envelope, and a down position, wherein the seat is substantially aligned with the bleacher and located at a suitable seating height. The chair includes single-piece, injection molded bleacher bases, which are composed of a “no-break”, fade-resistant plastic and include strategically positioned strengthening ribs. Additional embodiments of the chair comprise a clip-on bleacher base for removably mounting the chair to the bleacher and riser bases and floor bases that can be affixed to a riser portion and a floor portion, respectively, of a step structure.

Abstract: Apparatus for operation of a vehicle seat slider are disclosed. A disclosed apparatus includes a cable assembly having a first end and a second end. The first end of the cable assembly is configured to be operatively coupled to a slider mechanism of a vehicle seat. A release member is operatively coupled to the second end of the cable assembly so that the slider mechanism is urged toward a locked condition in the absence of a force being applied to the release member by a person.

Abstract: A headrest device, kit and associated method is disclosed for use in mounting the device onto a top part of a backrest of a chair in a vehicle. The device comprises a headrest post, a first swath of fabric, a plastic sleeve, a second swath of fabric, and a cushion. The headrest post has a generally U-shape configuration with a generally rectangular base and two substantially parallel prongs extending from the base of the headrest post for insertion into the backrest of the chair of the vehicle. The first swath of fabric is attached to the rectangular base of the headrest post and has an exposed surface. The plastic sleeve is detachably attached to the rectangular base of the headrest post. The second swath of fabric is attached to the plastic sleeve, and has an exposed facade. The second swath of fabric is detachably attached to the first swath of fabric when the exposed facade of the second swath of fabric contacts the exposed surface of the first swath of fabric.

Abstract: A mine scaling vehicle for use in removing loose materials from the roof and walls of underground mines includes an articulated frame with a turntable mounted on a forward portion of the frame and a drive system mounted on the back portion of the frame. The turntable rotatably supports an operators cab and a boom carrying a scaling pick, with the operators cab being located centered rearwardly of the boom to provide improved scaling visability for the operator. The drive system and a hydraulic control system of the mine scaling vehicle are mounted on the frame located below a plane of the turntable to provide a low center of gravity of the mine scaling vehicle.

Abstract: Connection device (10) for connecting a rim (20) to a wheel hub (30) presenting a peripheral connecting outline (11), which is integral with a support body (31) of the wheel hub (30), and a complementary connecting outline (12), which is obtained circumferentially along a mounting border (25) of the rim (20), and which presents a shape which is complementary to the peripheral connecting outline (11) in order to render angularly integral in relation to each other the rim (20) of the wheel hub (30); the peripheral connecting outline (11) and the complementary connecting outline (12) both presenting a radius (R) of angularly variable dimensions with continuity on a plane with is transverse to the rotation axis (A), and are both provided with at least one respective convex portion (13) (14) in relation to the rotation axis (A).

Abstract: A fitting structure for a vehicle wheel cover, having an open loop formed by a curved bar, an elongate connecting cover, an adjusting nut and a plurality of fitting seats mounted to the loop. The loop has at least one end terminated with a bent portion and the other end formed with external threads. The connecting cover movably covers the first and second ends, and the adjusting nut is engaged with the external threads of the second end. Each of the fitting seats has a seat member, a holding member extending from one side of the seat for holding the loop, and a buffer element mounted to the seat member at one side opposite to the holding member. The seat member includes a displacement slot allowing one end of the buffer element to extend through. The other end of the buffer member is configured to engage with a screw member extending through the wheel cover.

Abstract: A pump drive motor control apparatus controls a motor used for driving a hydraulic pump. Every time the supply of electricity to the motor is resumed (every time the motor control signal changes from a low level to a high level), the apparatus measures a time which the voltage generated by the motor requires to decrease by a predetermined amount, the time indicating the decreasing speed of the generated voltage. The apparatus normally sets the high-level maintenance time, in which the motor control signal is maintained high, to a base time. When a state in which the measured time is not longer than a reference time is detected a predetermined number of times (3 times) or more, the apparatus determines that the load of the pump is heavy. In such a case, the apparatus increases the average rotational speed of the motor by increasing the high-level maintenance time.

Abstract: An adaptation to a vehicle antilock braking system modulator to increase the initial displacement of the master cylinder, provide quicker system response and improved pedal feel. A solenoid assembly is added to the non fluid side of each of the low pressure accumulators in the ABS modulator. Upon the operator initiation of a brake apply, the solenoids are energized to immediately push upon the sump pistons and inject fluid from the low pressure accumulators into the brake system. This extra “shot” of fluid decreases the amount of fluid that the master cylinder delivers to the brake system. This improves pedal feel as it reduces the required initial pedal travel for a given brake system displacement. The low pressure accumulator pistons are spring balanced to ensure retention of fluid between brake applies and to allow normal ABS operation. During ABS operation, the low pressure accumulator displacer solenoids are de-energized to allow effective operation.

Abstract: A pattern drawing apparatus for forming patterns, that have a mirror image relationship to each other with respect to a substrate, on both sides of the substrate forms the patterns on both sides of the substrate by drawing the patterns directly on both sides of the substrate in accordance with prescribed data by using a direct drawing means such as a maskless exposure means or an inkjet patterning means.

Abstract: Printing systems are disclosed that produce homogenous, smooth edged printed patterns (such as integrated circuit (IC) patterns) by separating pattern layouts into discrete design layers having only parallel layout features. By printing each design layer in a printing direction aligned with the parallel layout features, the individual print solution droplets deposited onto the substrate do not dry before adjacent droplets are deposited. Therefore, printed patterns having accurate geometries and consistent electrical properties can be printed.

Abstract: A printing apparatus for performing printing by scanning a carriage capable of mounting an inkjet printhead discharging ink where correction of printing timing is performed for adjusting printing positions in the printing, and information on the correction, which can be obtained when the correction is executed, is stored in non-volatile memory means.

Abstract: An apparatus for adjusting the printhead-to-media spacing in an inkjet printer is disclosed. The apparatus includes a carriage rod that is fixed in position relative to a media support and a carriage for supporting at least one printhead. The carriage has a contact surface that abuts the carriage rod to allow the carriage to be supported thereon and moveable laterally along the length of the carriage rod. The apparatus further includes an actuating means that moves the carriage relative to the carriage rod along an axis transverse to a longitudinal axis of the carriage rod. During the movement, the contact surface of the carriage remains in abutment with the carriage rod to thereby allow the carriage to continue to be supported on the carriage rod. A method of printhead-to-media spacing adjustment, implementable using the apparatus, is also disclosed.

Abstract: A mask pattern is employed for multi-pass printing. The mask pattern is the sum of a first mask pattern, relative to a first location that includes areas wherein dots are to be printed when a density value is smaller than a predetermined value, and a second mask pattern, relative to a second location that includes areas wherein dots are to be printed only when the density value is equal to or greater than the predetermined value. Using multiple scans, up to one dot is printed in the first region, while two dots or more are printed in the second region. With this arrangement, since the first mask pattern, which greatly affects a low-duty image, and the second mask pattern, which greatly affects a high-duty image, can be independently designed, problems that occur with images prepared at individual duties can be coped with by the separate mask patterns.

Abstract: A method for searching for an optimal temperature of an ink jet chip of a printhead before printing includes controlling the printhead to print a swath of data according to a predetermined swath density, measuring the temperature of the ink jet chip after printing of the swath of data, and comparing the measured temperature with a target temperature.

Abstract: A handheld device for testing printer cartridges that interfaces with a computer for processing of test results is provided. Multiple testing devices may be coupled to the computer. In one embodiment, each testing device includes a base board and an adaptor board. The base board includes a host processor and a computer interface. The adaptor board comprises a cartridge-specific socket for retaining a printer cartridge to be tested and test circuitry. The adaptor boards may be interchanged. In another embodiment, the device obtains power from the computer interface. A computer program communicates with the test device and displays the results of the tests through execution of a suitable application or program. In a presently preferred embodiment, the application presents a pass/fail indication to a user and tallies the number of passed/failed cartridges.

Abstract: A liquid ejection head is caused to eject liquid droplets at a region where no target medium is placed, such that such that a first prescribed number of liquid droplets are flushed from each of the nozzle orifices in the nozzle arrays of the first group, and a second prescribed number of liquid droplets are flushed from each of the nozzle orifices in the nozzle arrays of the second group. At least a part of the first prescribed number of liquid droplets and at least a part of the second prescribed number of liquid droplets are flushed by alternately performing a first unit operation for flushing a third prescribed number of liquid droplets which is smaller than the first prescribed number and a second unit operation for flushing a fourth prescribed number of liquid droplets which is smaller than the second prescribed number.

Abstract: A printer cradle complementary to an inkjet printer cartridge of a type including a pagewidth printhead and a printhead auxiliary member arranged to selectively perform a number of different functions in respect of the printhead, said cradle including a transmission assembly arranged to selectively engage and drive the printhead auxiliary member.

Abstract: A pagewidth printhead assembly for an inkjet printer comprising: a body portion for receiving ink from one or more ink sources and distributing the ink along the length of the printhead assembly; one or more integrated circuits extending substantially the length of the printhead assembly, the or each integrated circuit having a plurality of nozzles formed thereon, each of the nozzles being arranged in use to deliver the ink onto passing print media; and an ink distribution member upon which the or each integrated circuit are fixed and which distributes the ink from the body portion to the nozzles of the or each integrated circuit; wherein the body portion has one or more connectors formed thereon for securing the printhead assembly to the one or more ink sources to facilitate ink flow therebetween.

Abstract: A multi-pass printing apparatus and a method thereof are provided. The print data is divided into multiple passes of print data. Each of the print passes is printed according to different delay position signals, such that a complete print output is achieved. Each pass of the print data to be printed corresponds to multiple pixels, and the pixels corresponding to each pass of print data to be printed are obtained by a complementary mask method, or by classifying the pixels with a same remainder got by dividing the horizontal positions of the print data with the number of the M passes into a same group.

Abstract: A print assembly (14) for a wide format printer (10) includes a carrier (187) that is mountable on a support structure (12) of the wide format printer (10) in an operative position with respect to a platen (106) of the wide format printer (10). A number of printhead chips (186) are positioned on the carrier (187), the printhead chips (186) together incorporating at least fifty thousand nozzle arrangements (210). The printhead chips (186) are positioned so that the printhead chips (186) are capable of ejecting ink drops into a printing zone (120) defined by the platen (106). Control circuitry (190) is also positioned on the carrier (187) and is configured to control operation of the printhead chips (186).

Abstract: A printer cartridge for an inkjet printer including a printing fluid storage, a printhead in fluid communication with the printing fluid storage, an air inlet and one or more conduits arranged to direct air from the air inlet over the printhead.

Abstract: A pagewidth inkjet printhead includes an elongate carrier which defines a longitudinal recess. A plurality of substantially identical printhead modules are received in the recess in an end-to-end orientation. Each printhead module includes an ink distribution assembly which comprises at least two ink distribution structures and an elongate printhead chip mounted on one of the ink distribution structures to receive ink from the ink distribution assembly. The elongate carrier is dimensioned so that the printhead modules are retained in the carrier with the printhead chips in operational alignment and respective ink distribution conduits in the ink distribution structures in fluid communication with each other.

Abstract: A printhead assembly for a pagewidth inkjet printer, having an array of printhead modules mounted to an elongate channel extending substantially across the pagewidth. A flexible printed circuit board carrying data and power to said modules and an elastomeric ink delivery extrusion are situated between the modules and the channel. More particularly, the flexible printed circuit board is sandwiched between the elastomeric ink delivery extrusion and the channel so that it extends around one edge of the extrusion to carry power and data to the printhead modules.

Abstract: An inkjet printer that has a fixative reservoir with at least one outlet formed in a wall section that partially defines the reservoir. The printer also has a pagewidth printhead having designated nozzles for printing the ink fixative. The fixative reservoir has fluid conduits at least partially defined in the wall section exterior such that the at least one outlet is in fluid communication with the designated nozzles. Forming the reservoir and the fluid distribution conduits to the printhead in the same component reduces the assembly time and complexity.

Abstract: A drop ejector includes a channel proximate a nozzle opening to control fluid flow.

Abstract: A compact liquid ejection recording head capable of forming high-quality images at high speed includes large nozzles for ejecting large droplets, medium nozzles for ejecting medium droplets, and small nozzles for ejecting small droplets. The large nozzles are arranged on one side of an ink supply port, while the small nozzles and the medium nozzles are arranged on the other side of the ink supply port. The number of the small nozzles is larger than that of the medium nozzles, and that of the large nozzles. This allows high-quality and high-speed printing using the small nozzles, high-speed photo printing using the medium and small nozzles, and high-speed printing using the large nozzles.

Abstract: A printhead assembly is provided having at least two printhead modules and a casing in which printhead modules are removably and adjacently mounted to extend across a pagewidth. Each printhead module has at least two printhead integrated circuits, each of which has nozzles formed therein for delivering printing fluid onto a surface of print media, a support member supporting and carrying the printing fluid for the at least two printhead integrated circuits, and an electrical connector for connecting electrical power signals to the at least two printhead integrated circuits from both ends of the printhead assembly.

Abstract: An inkjet printhead chip includes a wafer substrate (12). A CMOS drive circuitry layer is positioned on the wafer substrate. A plurality of nozzle arrangements is positioned on the wafer substrate and the CMOS drive circuitry layer. Each nozzle arrangement includes nozzle chamber walls and a roof wall that define a nozzle chamber and an ink ejection port (35) defined in the roof wall. A micro-electromechanical actuator (14) is connected to the CMOS drive circuitry layer. The actuator has at least one movable member (14) that is positioned to act on ink in the nozzle chamber to eject the ink from the ink ejection port on receipt of a signal from the drive circuitry layer. The movable member is spaced between 2 microns and 15 microns from the CMOS drive circuitry layer.

Abstract: There is disclosed an inkjet printhead which comprises a plurality of nozzles (3) and one or more heater elements (10) corresponding to each nozzle (3). Each heater element is configured to heat a bubble forming liquid in the printhead to a temperature above its boiling point to form a gas bubble (12) therein. The generation of the bubble causes the ejection of a drop of an ejectable liquid (such as ink) through the respective corresponding nozzle, to effect printing. The printhead has a substrate and each nozzle has a nozzle aperture opening through a surface of the substrate such that the areal density of the nozzle relative to the substrate surface exceeds 10,000 nozzles per square cm.

Abstract: A printhead having a monolithic semiconductor body with an upper face and a lower face. The body defines a fluid path including a pumping chamber, a nozzle flow path, and a nozzle opening. The nozzle opening is defined in the lower face of the body and the nozzle flow path includes an accelerator region. A piezoelectric actuator is associated with the pumping chamber. The actuator includes a piezoelectric layer having a thickness of about 50 micron or less.

Abstract: A drop deflector apparatus for a continuous drop emission system that deposits a liquid pattern on a receiver according to liquid pattern data comprising a plurality of drop nozzles formed along a nozzle array axis and emitting a plurality of continuous streams of a liquid that breaks up into a plurality of streams of drops having nominal flight paths that are substantially parallel and substantially within a nominal flight plane is disclosed. An airflow plenum having an evacuation end connected to a negative pressure source and an impingement end having an opening located adjacent the nominal flight plane into which ambient air is drawn for the purpose of deflecting drops in an air deflection direction perpendicular to the nominal flight plane is provided.

Abstract: An imaging device and associated circuit assembly for depositing ink onto moving media. The imaging device is flexible in that it allows the configuration of pens in a variety of ways to enable a user to increase the speed with which printing can be accomplished, vary the colors used in printing, change the orientation of the printing on the media, and/or print at multiple locations at the same time.

Abstract: An ink refill device and method for refilling an ink reservoir(s) of a printer ink cartridge. The ink refill device includes an ink container that defines an internal ink tank(s) containing ink, drain and vent members that are adapted and arranged to replenish the ink reservoir(s) with ink from the ink tank(s), and a pressure varying member configured to vary a pressure condition in the internal ink tank to create ink flow in the drain conduit.

Abstract: A printing fluid dispenser is provided for a printing fluid refill cartridge. The dispenser has a body which stores printing fluid and has an outlet through which the printing fluid is dispensed, and a selector arranged to select the amount of the printing fluid to be dispensed from the body.

Abstract: A printer shaped like a slim box includes a carriage which reciprocates in a main scanning direction on its front section. Ink cartridges separately from the carriage are detachably provided in an ink cartridge unit in a row in the main scanning direction above a main scanning area of the carriage. The ink cartridge unit is designed to retreat from an area in the vicinity of the main scanning area of the carriage by sliding in a backward direction of the printer, whereby maintenance work can be easily performed when a trouble (e.g. paper jam) occurs in a recording paper transfer path via an area below a bottom section of the carriage.

Abstract: An ink-jet head comprises a joint member having an ink outlet port out of which ink supplied from an ink supply source flows, and a passage unit having an ink receiving port that receives the ink flowing out of the ink outlet port of the joint member. A filter is disposed within a first ink passage inside the passage unit. The first ink passage extends in the same direction as an ink flow direction from the ink outlet port to the ink receiving port. In the first ink passage of the passage unit, a first space is formed between the ink receiving port and the filter, and a second space is formed contiguous to the first space with the filter interposed between the first and second spaces within the first ink passage. The cross-sectional shape and size of each space in a direction perpendicular to an ink flow direction are constant along the ink flow direction.

Abstract: An ink jet printer including a housing; a carriage which is movable in the housing relative thereto; an ink jet recording head which is mounted on the carriage and which has a plurality of ink supply channels; a damping device which is mounted on the carriage and which includes a plurality of damping chambers corresponding to the ink supply channels, respectively; an ink-tank supporting portion which is provided in the housing and which supports a plurality of ink tanks; and a plurality of ink supply tubes each of which supplies an ink from a corresponding one of the ink tanks to a corresponding one of the ink supply channels of the ink jet recording head via a corresponding one of the ink supply tubes and a corresponding one of the damping chambers. The damping device further includes a primary partition wall which separates at least one first damping chamber of the damping chambers, from at least one second damping chamber of the damping chambers.

Abstract: A black ink for inkjet recording having an aqueous medium containing a dye in which ?max of the absorption spectrum in an aqueous solution is in the region from 500 and 700 nm and the half-value width in the absorption spectrum of a dilute solution standardized to an absorbance of 1.0 is 100 nm or more. An object of the present invention is to provide an inkjet recording ink ensuring excellent discharge stability even after aging of the ink and also exhibiting excellent weather resistance.

Abstract: A system and method for drying a printed medium includes a heated roll and a transport mechanism which moves the printed medium against the heated roll to dry the printed medium.

Abstract: A method of forming a thin film by an ink jet method including the step of discharging a liquid containing thin film-forming materials and a solvent from liquid discharge ports to each position on a substrate while the liquid discharge ports are being moved relatively to the substrate, characterized in that subsequent droplets are arranged while a solvent vapor evaporating from droplets arranged previously on the substrate are compulsively removed from inside the substrate surface.