Abstract: A knee protection device for a motor vehicle, is arranged in the area of a control panel and comprises a knee impact wall having a foam material pad, which knee impact wall extends adjacent to knees of vehicle occupants. The knee impact wall has an inner shell and an outer shell which bound a cavity accommodating the foam material pad and are assembled at connection zones as well as mutually connected by suitable measures.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and apparatus that improves the adjustment of energy absorbing properties of the steering column of a vehicle. The method includes the step of disposing a first steering column member for axial movement along an extension path between an extended position and a retracted position relative to a second steering column member. The first steering column member is also disposed for pivoting movement along a pivot path between a tilt-up position and a tilt-down position relative to the second steering column member. The method includes the step of absorbing energy associated with relative movement between first and second steering column members along the extension path at a first rate with a first device. The first device can be any type of energy absorbing arrangement known in the art, such as an arrangement including a strap and an anvil. The method includes the step of adjusting the first rate of energy absorbed during said absorbing step with a second device.

Abstract: A swing down tank bracket for supporting a fuel tank mounted onto a vehicle includes a frame immovably mounted onto a vehicle, a cradle operatively connected to the frame and arranged to support a fuel tank, a hinge that pivotally connects a first end of the cradle to a first end of the frame, and a latch having a first portion disposed on a second end of the frame and a second portion disposed on a second end of the cradle. The first portion of the latch is releasably engaged with the second portion of the latch so that after the latch is disengaged, the cradle is rotationally maneuverable between a retracted position and an extended position in a single stage. The cradle may be maneuvered between the retracted position and the extended position by simultaneously rotating outwardly and downwardly in relation to the vehicle.

Abstract: An adjustable book cover (10) comprising a front cover (12) and a rear cover (30) that is integrally attached to the front cover (12). A front cover retaining pocket (48) is attached to the front cover's inner surface (24), and a rear cover retaining member (70) is attached to the rear cover's inner surface (42). Attachment means (92) are located on the rear cover's inner surface (42) and the retaining member's outer surface (80). The book cover (10) is dimensioned so that when the book cover (10) is placed on a book (100), the rear cover's left edge (36) can be folded inward, which allows the attachment means (92) on the rear cover's inner surface (42) to interface with the attachment means (92) on the retaining member's outer surface (80). The rear cover's left edge (36) can be folded inward various distances to accommodate books of different thickness.

Abstract: The invention relates to a concrete pipe having a corrosion-resistant inner lining consisting of plastic whose one end is made as a pipe spigot end piece and whose other end is made as a pipe socket end piece to receive a pipe spigot end part of the following pipe, with the plastic pipe projecting by an overhang at the pipe spigot end part, with an all-round peripheral groove being arranged at the pipe interior of the plastic pipe to accept an elastomer seal and with the overhang which extends in a straight line and is insertable into the pipe socket end part being so long that it covers the peripheral groove. In accordance with the invention, the inner lining consisting of plastic also lines the pipe socket end part of the concrete pipe.

Abstract: A premium threaded tubular connection including, on at least one threaded element, a distal abutment surface at the free end of a threaded element, and a lip sealing surface at a given distance from the threading. The lip includes an appendix that extends the lip towards its free end beyond the lip sealing surface so that the lip has both high radial stiffness and low axial stiffness. This results in enhanced performance as regards the seal of the threaded connection under pressure and/or under tension, and other advantages of precision of real makeup torque, mechanical strength in axial compression, a shock barrier effect, and tolerance in engaging the threaded elements.

Abstract: A Bimini knot tying assist device having a line twister for twisting together in a pre-designed manner portions of a standing line section and a tag line section of a Bimini knot to form a twist or spiral segment, a movable compression element for axially, proximally, linearly compressing the segment and holding it at a predetermined axial distance from the twister, a slide structure for mounting the twister on an elongated support for allowing limited axial movement therealong of the twister during formation of the knot by an operator wherein the operator applies a forward pulling force on the line sections, and a retraction component connected to the support and to the twister for applying a retraction force to the twister against the forward pulling force applied by an operator to the line sections.

Abstract: A simplified oven door lock reduces the number of components subjected to fatigue from repeated tensile movement. The oven door lock includes a mounting plate, an actuator having an output shaft and the actuator being coupled to the mounting plate, a cam having a mounting hub at its center and an offset hub displaced from the mounting hub, the mounting hub of the cam being coupled to the output shaft actuator so the actuator rotates the cam with respect to the mounting plate, a lock pin extending upwardly at a first position from the mounting plate, an unlock pin extending upwardly at a second position from the mounting plate, a latch mounted to the offset hub of the cam so the latch extends between the lock pin and the unlock pin so that opposing sides of the latch plate slide against the lock pin and the unlock pin as the latch moves in response to the actuator rotating the cam.

Abstract: A child safety lock for a lever door handle is rotatably mounted on a first side of a door and is biased in a first position. The child safety lock has a holder adapted to engage the door handle so that rotating the door handle rotates the holder. A cover is pivotally mounted on the holder and is shaped to cover the holder. A lock assembly is disposed in a vicinity of the door handle. The lock assembly selectively engages the cover for preventing rotation of the cover.

Abstract: An extendable pole with an attachment mechanism on its distal end for receiving a selective tool from a set of selective tools. The set of tools includes a push plate for pushing a load slidably in a vehicle such as in a truck bed; a hook for retrieving a load slidably from deep into the vehicle; and a brush head each attachable transversely on the pole distal end to operate nearly vertically with the pole nearly horizontal.

Abstract: End-effectors may be used to grasp microelectronic workpieces for handling by automated transport devices. One such end-effector includes a plurality of abutments and a detector adapted to detect engagement of the edge of the workpiece by at least one of the abutments.

Abstract: The present teachings describe a method and system for deploying and retracting recreational vehicle slide-outs. The recreational vehicle includes a vertical movement member positioned in a recessed region formed in an exterior wall of the recreational vehicle so as to be adjacent the lower portion of an opening formed therein. At least a portion of the floor of the slide-out glides along the vertical movement member during retraction so as to lift the slide-out housing to the second level and glides along the vertical movement member during deployment so as to lower the slide-out housing to the third level.

Abstract: A force connection strut (1) of a chassis of a passenger car or utility vehicle is provided for the non-positive connection between a chassis and a wheel carrier, preferably an axle strut or a chassis control arm. An elongated basic body (G) and at least two end-side mount supports (5) are provided for introducing and leading out forces.

Abstract: A vehicle seat lift speed variable switch system basically has a lift-up mechanism, a control unit and an interface. The lift-up mechanism is configured to selectively lower and lift a vehicle seat between a first position inside a vehicle occupant compartment and a second position outside the vehicle occupant compartment. The control unit is configured to control lowering and lifting movements of the vehicle seat via the lift-up mechanism. The interface is configured to transmit a command signal to the control unit. The interface includes a lift switch and a lift speed variable switch. The control unit is further configured to operate the lift-up mechanism to move the vehicle seat at a predetermined speed when an input is received from only the lift switch, and at a different speed from than the predetermined speed when simultaneous inputs are received from the lift speed variable switch and the lift switch.

Abstract: A soft top tonneau cover is formed from a plurality of hinged frame sections that are foldable between overlaying positions and extended positions. Camlock clamps are integrated into the frame so as to provide a stable, quick release latch to the walls of the bed with a minimum of spacial intrusion into the bed. The hinge between the frame sections has a double pivot so as to automatically tension the top when folded open. Strap clamps are integrated into the frame so as to permit the sections to be secured when folded closed.

Abstract: A convertible top for a vehicle includes a folding top frame. The folding top frame has a transversely extending front bow and a pair of oppositely disposed first and second side rails. The front bow has first and second ends. The folding top frame is movable between a closed position in which the folding top frame is longitudinally extended and a stored position in which the folding top frame is folded. The convertible top further includes first and second rotary joints each having a transversely extending swivel axis. The rotary joints respectively link the ends of the front bow to the side rails such that the front bow swivels about the transversely extending swivel axes of the rotary joints as the folding top frame moves between the closed and stored positions in order to reduce space requirements in the stored position of the folding top frame.

Abstract: The invention concerns a retractable roof consisting of at least two elements (1, 2) for a vehicle comprising a passenger compartment (7) and a rear deck (6), said roof including a front element (2) and a rear element (1) mobile between a first position wherein they cover the passenger compartment (7) and a second position wherein they are superimposed horizontally in the rear deck (6), the displacement of the rear element (1) towards the rear deck (6) being driven by at least an arm articulated (5) at one first of its ends to the chassis, and the front element (2) being linked to the rear element (1) via two levers (13, 14) articulated each at one first (15, 16) of its ends to said front element.

Abstract: A rear hatch arrangement of a motor vehicle is proposed which comprises a first, upper rear hatch part (15) which is attached via a coupling means (16) to a body section (11) and can be pivoted around an axis which runs in the transverse direction of the vehicle, and a second, lower rear hatch part (15) with an upper edge which in the closed position borders the lower edge of the upper rear hatch part (14) and which lower rear hatch part can be pivoted out relative to the upper rear hatch part (14) by means of at least one articulated mechanism. As claimed in the invention the articulated mechanism (19) is guided in at least one guide rail (23) so that the lower rear hatch part (15) in the outwardly pivoted state can be translationally shifted relative to the upper rear hatch part (14).

Abstract: A tractor cab roof with integral HVAC air ducts includes an upper roof member and a lower roof member. The upper roof member includes a top panel, downwardly depending side edges, and a downwardly depending rear edge. The lower roof member includes a central panel, left and right side panels below the central panel, a rear panel below the central panel, sloping side walls, and a sloping rear wall. Conditioned air ducts are between the upper roof member and the left and right side panels, with conditioned air outlet apertures in the sloping side walls. An evaporator/heater core is mounted on the rear panel, with an air mixing chamber to the rear and a conditioned air discharge cavity in front. Recirculating air intake apertures are provided where the sloping rear wall joins the rear panel. A pair of blowers move conditioned air from the conditioned air chamber into the conditioned air ducts. The flow of conditioned air crosses over the recirculating air in a figure eight pattern.

Abstract: The invention relates to an open roof construction for a vehicle, as well as to a vehicle fitted with such an open roof construction, in particular a folding roof. More in particular, the invention relates to special features which make it possible to swing down the folding roof (1) into the boot (5) of the vehicle together with a rear window structure (2) so as to provide a convertible-like vehicle.

Abstract: A foldable chair includes a rear leg connected pivotally to a front leg, a carrier frame retained pivotally on the rear leg, a locking seat provided on the front leg and formed with first and second engaging portions, and a slide member mounted to a front arm part of the carrier frame and movable to selectively engage and disengage the first and second engaging portions. The slide member engages the first engaging portion to lock the carrier frame to the front leg for holding the foldable chair at an unfolded state. The slide member is disengaged from the first engaging portion so as to permit pivoting movement of the carrier frame and the front and rear legs for disposing the foldable chair at a folded state, and engages the second engaging portion when the foldable chair is disposed at the folded state.

Abstract: A modular multi-functional portable seating device that provides individual telescopic legs to accommodate varied and uneven surfaces, the seating device further provides a firearm support which is both removable and adjustable. The frame and other components are durable and light weight. Detachable saddlebags are provided for additional convenience and item storage. A removable footrest is provided. Additional cushions and a strap for securing the seating device to an object are also provided. X-braced legs provide sturdy support.

Abstract: A portable apparatus for use as an armrest and for holding a beverage container. The apparatus comprises an elongated generally hollow member having each of a predetermined configuration a predetermined depth and formed of a predetermined material. A foam material is disposed within the elongated generally hollow member. At least one cup like member having an open end is disposed adjacent an upper surface of such elongated member and a closed end is disposed within such elongated member and surrounded by the foam material for use as a holder for a beverage container. There is a means for closing such elongated member after the foam material has been added and also a means for securing the cup like member to such elongated member.

Abstract: A motor vehicle seat assembly has a seat body including a seat base portion and a seat back portion. A swivel mechanism moves the seat body between a first position for entering or exiting the vehicle and a second position for operating or traveling in the vehicle and includes a weight sensor and a motor for rotating the seat body. When a vehicle door is opened, the motor rotates the seat body into the first position and when the weight sensor detects the presence of an occupant, the motor rotates the seat body into the second position and a seat belt is moved into a position to secure the occupant in the seat body. A pulse sensor triggers an alarm if it detects a pulse rate indicating that the occupant is falling asleep. The assembly further includes a massage system, a heating unit and a cooling unit.

Abstract: A glider chair includes a glider frame and a seat, swingably suspended by a plurality of hangers from a base disposable on a support surface. The seat is pivotable with respect to the glider frame between an upper position and a lower position, and biased to the upper position. An automatic locking mechanism is coupled between the seat and at least one of the plurality of hangers. The automatic locking mechanism moves as the seat pivots to engage the at least one of the plurality of hangers to resist motion of the glider frame relative to the base when the seat is in the upper position.

Abstract: A backrest of a chair has a recess for receiving an angle adjustable lumbar support. The lumbar support has a lower projection including a pair of cylindrical protrusions at both sides with resilient and metal gaskets put thereon, an outer gear formed around one of the pair of protrusions, and a through hole through the protrusions. A shaft assembly has inner teeth inserted into the through hole and secured by a washer and a elastic element. The lumbar support is secured to a plate of the chair, and the shaft assembly is movable on a sliding member by operating a lever of a manipulation assembly. Thus, the lumbar support is adjustable by manipulating the lever so as to cause the inner teeth to be disengaged from the gear. The lumber support is positioned by releasing the lever so as to cause the shaft assembly to force the gear and the inner teeth to be engaged together due to the expansion of the elastic element.

Abstract: A chair includes a base which includes two facing sides and each of the facing sides has two grooves and both of which extend in a horizontal direction and a vertical direction. A seat has four engaging members which are movably engaged with the four grooves in the two facing sides of the base so that the seat can be moved in horizontal and vertical directions relative to the base.

Abstract: A seat reclining apparatus includes: a base plate fixed to a seat bottom or a seatback and including a plurality of guiding portions extending in a radial direction of the base plate; a gear plate fixed to the seat bottom or the seatback, the gear plate rotatably assembled at the base plate and formed with internal teeth; a lock gear assembled at the base plate and guided by the guiding portions of the base plate to be movable in the radial direction, the lock gear being formed with external teeth engageable with the internal teeth of the gear plate. At least one external tooth, which is positioned at a front end or a rear end from a rearward tilting direction of the seatback, has a radius of a pitch circle being smaller than a radius of a pitch circle of the internal teeth of the gear plate.

Abstract: A two-part seat (10) providing full body support that is specific for each crew member (30) on an individual basis. The two-part construction for the seat (10) can accommodate many sizes and shapes for crewmembers (30) because it is reconfigurable and therefore reusable for subsequent flights. The first component of the two-part seat construction is a composite shell (12) that surrounds the crewmember's entire body and is generically fitted to their general size in height and weight. The second component of the two-part seat (10) is a cushion (20) that conforms exactly to the specific crewmember's entire body and gives total body support in more complex environment.

Abstract: A seating unit includes a perimeter frame, a flexible seating surface supported by the frame, and parallel elongated resilient force-distributing members coupled to the seating surface to control a contour of the seating surface when supporting a seated user. The resilient force-distributing members are bendable along their length and are sufficient in number and distribution to substantially reduce localized deflection of the seating surface and thereby reduce pressure point contact felt by the seated user. The resilient force-distributing members can be wire rods, long strips, or other resilient material with memory.

Abstract: A bicycle wheel rim having a circular base portion including a proximal surface and a distal surface, and a pair of integral sidewalls extending generally radially outward from an intersection region of the proximal surface and the distal surface. The distal surface of the rim has a central hump, a trough contiguous with the central hump extending axially outward from the hump, and a flat shelf immediately adjacent, contiguous with, and extending axially outward from the trough. Another embodiment of the invention is directed to a bicycle wheel including the embodied rim, a plurality of spokes engaged at respective ends thereof with the rim and a hub engaged with the plurality of spoke members at opposite ends thereof. Another embodiment of the invention is directed to a bicycle wheel assembly comprising the embodied wheel and a tube and/or tire mounted on the rim.

Abstract: An air supply system for a vehicle air braking system includes an air dryer and a reservoir assembly including a downstream section and a purge reservoir. The downstream section may be a supply or service reservoir or a multi circuit pressure protection valve. A passage extends through the purge reservoir between the air dryer and the downstream section. A delivery valve is in the passage. A purge passageway is on the reservoir assembly between the air dryer and the delivery valve and in fluid communication with the passage. In one embodiment, the reservoir assembly is remote from the air dryer, and only one air line connects the air dryer and the reservoir assembly.

Abstract: A hydraulic pressure controller is provided which includes a hydraulic unit for controlling hydraulic pressure and an electronic control unit. The hydraulic unit includes a block in which are mounted electric actuators. The electronic control unit controls the electric actuators by applying electric signals thereto to control hydraulic pressure produced in the hydraulic unit to external elements in a controlled manner, thereby controlling the behavior of the vehicle. The electronic control unit includes a housing in which are mounted a circuit board and other electronic and electric parts, and a fitting portion provided on the housing so as to face one side of the block. At least one end portion of the block is received in the fitting portion and is engaged by a seal. The controller further includes a fastener for joining the block to the fitting portion.

Abstract: A system for controlling brakes on a rail or light rail motive power unit, in which the brakes are provided with a pneumatic braking system including a pneumatic main pipe and a pneumatic brake pipe. The system includes a control unit, manually operated actuating devices, a relay valve interposed between the pneumatic main pipe and the brake pipe, an electro-pneumatic control unit operable under the control of the unit to supply a variable braking control pressure, pneumatic back-up devices operable under the control of the actuating devices to supply a pneumatic back-up pressure which can be used to control the braking, and an enabling valve which can be switched between a normal operating condition and a back-up operating condition in which it can connect a control inlet of the relay valve selectively to the outlet of the electropneumatic unit or to the back-up devices.

Abstract: A traction system for a vehicle has a support frame that defines a circular track belt support that is revolvable about an axis at its center, a flexible track belt; and a track belt stretching assembly comprising one or more track belt stretching rollers. The system has one traction configuration in which the flexible traction belt is held on the support track forming a substantially circular, wheel-like traction surface, and can change to a stretching state in which the rollers engage the belt. In the stretched state, the rollers stretch the belt from its state in the one traction configuration to a stretched state to define one or more other traction configurations of the system.

Abstract: A refrigeration appliance with a cabinet having a front wall, a rear wall, side walls and a top enclosing a refrigerated space. A front panel in the front wall is openable to provide access to the refrigerated space. The cabinet walls are sized to fit below a standard countertop height in a domestic kitchen. The top for the cabinet, which is arranged to be sealingly engaged with the cabinet, has at least a portion thereof which is transparent to allow a user to view at least a portion of the refrigerated space without opening the panel. In an embodiment, a removable cover may be provided which is sized to overlie the cabinet top.

Abstract: A shelving system for displaying audio visual components that may be configured into multiple positions is disclosed. The system includes a base that supports a center platform disposed between right and left platforms. The center platform and the right and left platforms all may assume multiple positions for displaying and demonstrating different audio visual components of varying sizes. In a first upright position, the right and left platforms provide an open three walled platform for holding a large speaker or other component in an inclined position. In second inverted positions, the right and left platforms are useful for supporting a component, such as a smaller speaker, in an elevated position above the base. In a first upright position, the center platform provides an elevated platform for a larger component, such as a monitor with or without other components such as a DVD player and a video cassette recorder.

Abstract: A storage module for a refrigeration appliance that includes a base including opposing side supports and a rack coupled to the side supports by a plurality of hooks, wherein the rack includes at least two opposing cross members.

Abstract: At first, a plurality of detection modes are applied in sequence to a brushless DC motor, such that with respect to each of the detection modes a composite magnetic field generated by a motor current flowing through motor coils points in a different direction. Then, each of peak values of the motor currents generated by the detection modes is compared with respect to one another so as to select, from the plurality of detection modes, one detection mode which generates a largest one of the peak values of the motor currents. An initial position of a rotor is determined on a basis of a direction of a composite magnetic field generated by the detection mode which generates the largest one of the peak values of the motor currents. Based on the initial position of the rotor, the brushless DC motor is driven to start rotating.

Abstract: A postcard printing system is provided which combines a digital camera and a supply of print media. The digital camera has an image sensor device for sensing an image, processing means for processing the sensed image, a pagewidth print head for printing the sensed image, an ink supply means for supplying ink to the print head. The sensed image is printed onto the supply of print media by the print head. The supply of print media is premarked with tokens designating that postage has been paid so that each image printed out on the print media has one such token associated with it.

Abstract: A liquid-drop-ejecting recording head carries out image recording by applying a jetting pulse having a binary digital driving waveform to a piezoelectric element, providing a vibration wave to liquid accommodated in an accommodating chamber, and ejecting a liquid drop from a eject opening. The liquid-drop-ejecting recording head classifies each pixel in accordance with density data thereof. When recording a pixel belonging to a high density range, plural jetting pulses, whose pulse width is ½ times a natural vibration period of a liquid flow at a flow path of the liquid, are applied within a single printing cycle at an interval which is set in advance in accordance with density data of the pixel.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus includes: a color paper/color ink register registering information on m kinds of color papers and information on n kinds of color inks, both which are usable for multicolor-printing a multicolor original image, in a color paper/color ink list; a color combinator listing up all combinations of k kinds of color papers, arbitrarily selected from the m kinds of color papers, and l kinds of color inks, arbitrarily selected from the n kinds of color inks; a color image creator creating color images colored in given image data corresponding to the multicolor original image for each combination; and a coloration selector selecting a coloration of a color image, selected by a user from among the color images, as a coloration for actually multicolor-printing the multicolor original image.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus can form a high-quality image while acquiring a stable conveyance performance. A conveyance belt (21) conveys a recording medium (12) by attracting the recording medium (12) by an electrostatic force. A recording head (7) discharges liquid droplets toward the recording medium (12) being conveyed by the conveyance belt (21). Alternating positive and negative electric charges are applied onto the conveyance belt (21). A conveyance speed is controlled in accordance with a charge period length of the alternating positive and negative electric charges applied onto the conveyance belt (21).

Abstract: The inkjet recording apparatus comprises: a plurality of full-line recording heads provided for a plurality of ink colors, each of the plurality of full-line recording heads having one or more rows of nozzles in which a plurality of nozzles for discharging ink are arrayed across an entire width of a printing medium in a direction substantially orthogonal to a conveyance direction of the printing medium; and a plurality of image-reading devices provided for the plurality of ink colors, the plurality of image-reading devices reading an image formed on the printing medium with ink ejected from the plurality of recording heads provided for the colors, the plurality of image-reading devices being arranged on a downstream side in the conveyance direction of the printing medium with respect to the recording heads of the respective corresponding colors.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an image forming range varying system of an image forming apparatus, and an image forming range varying method, the system is mounted on the image forming apparatus comprising at least two head rows in which ink heads arranged as predetermined overlap in end portions, in a scanning direction of the ink head with respect to a conveying direction of an image forming medium, and an image of the conveyed image forming medium is detected by an image sensor, both ends shapes of the conveyed image forming medium are detected, and an address of an ink nozzle is set/driven in accordance with the shape of an image to be formed to thereby form the image.

Abstract: An inkjet image forming apparatus is provided. The image forming apparatus includes an inkjet printhead that prints an image by ejecting ink on paper and has an ink refill hole through which the inkjet printhead is refillable with ink. A cover is disposed over the ink refill hole. A door covers part of a housing when closed and exposes the covered part of the housing when opened so that the inkjet printhead is accessible. A sensor detects whether the door is open or closed and outputs a door open signal or a door closed signal based on the detection results. An electrical actuator is coupled to the cover and lifts up or down the cover in response to the door open signal or the door closed signal.

Abstract: The image forming apparatus comprises: a line type recording head in which a plurality of nozzles ejecting ink are arranged through a length corresponding to a full width of a recording medium; a recording medium conveyance device which supports and conveys the recording medium in a direction of conveyance of the recording medium and causes the recording head and the recording medium to move relatively to each other, the recording medium conveyance device including a medium supporting part which supports the recording medium, a plurality of opening sections being formed in the medium supporting part, the plurality of opening sections being arranged in a staggered matrix in such a manner that at least one of the plurality of opening sections is present throughout a whole width of a nozzle region of the recording head when the plurality of opening sections are projected so as to be aligned in a direction substantially orthogonal to the direction of conveyance of the recording medium; an ejection control device

Abstract: A liquid ejection head including a reusable nozzle cap and head cap unit that prevents ink from leaking during transport and storage. When the liquid ejection head is in use, the nozzle cap can be readily detached from the liquid ejection head without damaging an ejection surface of a nozzle sheet from which ink is ejected. The liquid ejection head can also be used with a large nozzle sheet. The nozzle cap is incorporated in the liquid ejection head that ejects ink in an ink reservoir through nozzles in the nozzle sheet. Stoppers are disposed below the ejection surface of the nozzle sheet to cover the nozzles, thereby preventing ink from leaking. The stoppers are composed of a resilient material that does not adhere to the nozzle sheet and that inhibits ink from passing therethrough.

Abstract: A printer is disclosed which comprises: (a) a pagewidth printhead assembly having a pagewidth printhead and a plurality of nozzles located along the printhead for delivering ink onto print media as it is transported past the one printhead, and (b) a capping mechanism having—(i) a capping member having a length corresponding substantially to that of the printhead, (ii) a first actuating mechanism arranged to move the printhead in a arcuate first direction from a first to a second position and (iii) a second actuating mechanism arranged to move the capping member in an arcuate second direction opposite to that of the first direction to effect nozzle capping engagement of the at least one printhead when the printhead is in the second position. The capping mechanism is also disclosed in relation to a printer having a printhead assembly with two pagewidth printheads.

Abstract: A head cartridge and a liquid ejection apparatus are provided in which cleaning performance of cleaning means is improved using a liquid absorbing force of a wiping member produced along with restoration of temporarily increased elastic displacement of the wiping member. An elastic displacement h (height of a projection) of a cleaning roller temporarily produced by the projection arranged at a position in the foreground of ink ejection nozzles in the cleaning direction of a nozzle surface is established to satisfy the following condition: h>(Vu/Vr)(L+n/2??/2), where the restoring speed of the elastic deformation of the cleaning roller is denoted as Vu; the moving speed of the cleaning roller is denoted as Vr; the movement distance of the cleaning roller from a restoring initiation point of the elastic deformation to the center of the liquid ejection nozzles is L; the contact width between the cleaning roller and the nozzle surface is n; and the diameter of the ink ejection nozzle is ?.