Abstract: Systems, methods and media for reducing the aerodynamic drag of vehicles are disclosed. More particularly, embodiments may include at least one fan for directing air into a lower pressure region behind a vehicle in motion in order to reduce pressure drag. Embodiments may also include one or more internal air ducts for directing air from other parts of the vehicle to the at least one fan. In one embodiment, the operation of the at least one fan may be controlled based on sensed conditions, user control, or other means.

Abstract: A thermally expandable material is provided that, once expanded, has a Young's storage modulus E? between 0.1 MPa and 1000 MPa, a loss factor of at least 0.3 (preferably, at least 1) and preferably a shear storage modulus G? between 0.1 MPa and 500 MPa at a temperature between ?10 and +40 degrees C. in the frequency range 0 to 500 Hz. Such materials are useful in combination with a carrier to form a dissipative vibratory wave barrier that effectively reduces the transfer of vibrations from a vibration generator, as may be present in a vehicle.

Abstract: A wire collision sensor system for a vehicle, which includes a vehicle body, includes a bumper, a wire, a wire deformation sensor and a determination circuit. The bumper is mounted on a longitudinal end portion of the vehicle body. The wire, which senses a collision of the vehicle, is received in the bumper and extends along the bumper in a transverse direction of the vehicle. The wire is connected to at least one of the vehicle body and the bumper at both ends in such a manner that the wire is displaceable in a longitudinal direction of the wire. The wire deformation sensor electrically senses a physical quantity, which is associated with a deformation of the wire at a time of the collision. The wire deformation sensor transmits an output, which indicates the sensed physical quantity. The determination circuit determines a state of the collision based on the output.

Abstract: To provide a cab supporting structure capable of supplying a protection function with a simple configuration by using an attenuation mechanism commonly used for a controlled vehicle for protecting the cab or an operator from high impact force acting on the cab while absorbing vibration and shock on the cab in a normal condition when a construction machine falls down. The cab supporting structure is provided with an attenuation mechanism elastically supporting a cab against a frame. A regulation member, only when certain displacement is generated in the cabin the extension direction of the attenuation mechanism, regulating this displacement is provided separately from this attenuation mechanism. The regulation member regulates the displacement of the cab before a stroke end of the attenuation mechanism. Upon arranging a work equipment on the frame, the regulation member is provided at least at the opposite side of the work equipment.

Abstract: A floor covering product, process, and product by process provides protection for an electrical wiring harness of a motor vehicle routed through a passenger compartment on top of an interior surface of a contoured floor pan area with an adjacent kick plate body area portion extending generally upwardly along at least a portion of the interior contoured floor pan area. An aesthetic floor covering material is adapted to be sufficiently coextensive with the contoured floor pan area to be covered, and a contoured reinforcement member is associated with a portion of the aesthetic floor covering material, such that after installation, the contoured reinforcement member extends generally upwardly from the exposed floor pan area and extends generally toward the adjacent kick plate body area to define a crush resistant open conduit for receiving an electrical wire harness or duct work to be routed therethrough.

Abstract: Disclosed is a vehicle body structure, which comprises a body sidewall which forms a side portion of a vehicle body, a wheel house formed on a lower side of the body sidewall and provided with a mounting portion on which a rear suspension system mounts, a side pillar reinforcing member arranged in a side pillar located above the wheel house to extend in a vertical direction of the vehicle body so as to reinforce the side pillar, a rear pillar reinforcing member arranged in a rear pillar located rearward of the wheel house to extend in the vertical direction of the vehicle body to reinforce the rear pillar, a first connection member connecting the side pillar reinforcing member and a lower end of the wheel house, a second connection member connecting the rear pillar reinforcing member and a vicinity of the mounting portion of the wheel house, and a third connection member connecting the side pillar reinforcing member and the rear pillar reinforcing member, in a position above the wheel house.

Abstract: A structural assembly, such as for use as a rocker panel in an automotive vehicle and which includes an outer rocker cover and an inner attached and reinforcing member. The reinforcing member is constructed from a continuous steel grade and roll formed material and includes first and second spaced apart wall portions which converge at upper and lower extending ends. An integrally formed web interconnects the inner and outer portions at the lower extending end and exhibits a bulbous shaped configuration defined by an inner radius. Drainage holes are formed through bottommost facing locations of said web, at preselected distances along its length, and in order to evacuate water and paint.

Abstract: A movable roof opening-closing structure rotatively opening and closing a movable roof toward backward at an outside of a vehicle body through a linkage equipped with a first link bar and a second link bar, wherein the linkage is configured with an inequilateral four-bar linkage having a fixed bar at a vehicle body side, and wherein an instant center of the movable roof against the vehicle body when the movable roof is at an entirely closing position is located at one of positions where is ahead of a front end of the movable roof and behind of a rear end of the movable roof.

Abstract: A collapsible wheelchair frame having left and right side plates, each having an upper end, a lower end, and a forward end, each forward end forming a forwardly and downwardly and extending leg; left and right seat plates, each seat plate having proximal and distal ends, the proximal ends of the left and right seat plates being respectively hingedly attached to the upper ends of the left and right seat plates, the distal end of the left seat plate being hingedly attached to the distal end of the right seat plate; and left and right brace plates, each brace plate having proximal and distal ends, the proximal ends of the left and right brace plates being respectively hingedly attached to the lower ends of the left and right side plates, the distal end of the left brace plate being hingedly attached to the distal end of the right brace plate.

Abstract: An automatic ventilation device for chairs uses a movable plate that moves upwards and downwards along with a cushion. A reset spring is disposed on the movable plate. The upper side and lower side of movable plate each have a stretchable air bag. When the removable plate moves upwards and downwards, one air bag is extended while the other is compressed. The upper and lower air bags have one-way air inlets and outlets respectively while the air outlets are connected to the chair cushion and the chair back for blowing air to the chair cushion and chair back.

Abstract: A portable mounting device for mounting a mobile entertainment unit onto two spaced apart supporters includes an elongated housing, a fixture mounting unit and an entertainment mounting device. The fixture mounting unit includes two retention arms spacedly provided on the fixture mounting side of the elongated housing for detachably engaging with the supporters respectively, and an adjuster provided at the elongated housing to selectively adjust the retention distance between the retention arms. The entertainment mounting device provided on the holding side of the elongated housing for detachably holding the mobile entertainment unit in position so as to securely support the mobile entertainment unit by the supporters.

Abstract: An active headrest includes a panel inside a seat frame, a panel link supporting the panel and rotating in response to raising of the panel, and a frame which is raised by the panel. A self locking device of the active headrest includes: a guide cylinder in the seat back frame, defining a receiving indentation therein; a return spring in the receiving indentation; and a locking piston in the receiving indentation, a first end of the locking piston being coupled to the return spring, and a second end of the locking piston being exposed to outside the guide cylinder, wherein the locking piston is kept in the guide cylinder by the panel link at the non-operated position of the active headrest, and pressed outside of the guide cylinder by the return spring to restrain rotation of the panel link at the operated position of the active headrest.

Abstract: Children's safety seat comprising two seat sections, preferably a sitting section and a back section, which connected to each other and an adjustable carrying handle connected to the safety seat. The carrying handle is arranged to be moved between various positions relative to the safety seat. Tthe movement of the carrying handle between the various positions causes a reposition preferably an angular displacement of at least one of the seat sections.

Abstract: Synchronisation mechanism for chairs or armchairs, of the type provided with a base (1), on which at least one seat frame (2) and at least one backrest frame (3) are hinged, at least one stiffening spring (4) positioned between the base and the backrest frame, in addition to a device for adjusting the stiffness of the above-mentioned spring comprising means (5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10) to move one end (15) of the spring with respect to its other end (16). The above-mentioned means to move one end of the spring with respect to its other end comprise at least one cam element (5) hinged (6) to the base, so that the cam element acts, directly or indirectly, on the end (15) to be moved of the spring, the other end (16) of the spring being linked to the backrest frame.

Abstract: A swivel mechanism for a vehicle seat includes a base plate configured to be fixed relative to the vehicle and to provide support to the vehicle seat. The vehicle seat is mounted to a seat mounting plate having a first side configured to receive the vehicle seat and a second side opposite the first side, mechanically coupled to the base plate. The seat mounting plate and the base plate are mechanically coupled so that when the seat mounting plate is rotated about an axis of the base plate the seat mounting plate translates in a plane that is substantially perpendicular to the axis of the base plate. A locking recess is formed in one of the base plate or the seat mounting plate, and is adapted to receive a locking pawl pivotably mounted to the opposite one of the base plate or the seat mounting plate. The locking recess is biased toward the locking recess such that when the locking pawl and locking recess are engaged, the seat mounting plate is inhibited from movement relative to the base plate.

Abstract: A chair includes a positioning unit that is provided in a receiving portion of an armrest and that includes shorter and taller stop portions. A positioning member is retained movably on a rear side of a backrest, and has one end extending into the receiving portion to abut against a selected one of the stop portions. An operating unit is connected to and is operable to move the positioning member for selectively disengaging and engaging the stop portions. A safety mechanism is provided on the backrest and the operating unit, and is operable in either a limiting state, where the positioning member is unable to move past the taller stop portion, or a non-limiting state, where the positioning member is able to move past the taller stop portion.

Abstract: A buzz, squeak and rattle reducing stop rivet incorporated into at least one of first and second side locations of a seat assembly frame, the frame including a seat back pivotally actuated relative to a seat bottom. The stop rivet includes an elongated and substantially cylindrical shaped body exhibiting an annularly protruding, deformable and resilient O-ring, such as seated upon an annular recess defined about the body. The body is adapted to being secured to the seat back offset from its pivotal location relative the seat bottom and such that the O-ring member biases against a first location of the seat bottom at an upright position of the seat back as well as against a second location of the seat bottom at a folded floor position of the seat back.

Abstract: A seatback assembly including a frame exhibiting a side-disposed and arcuate edge. An arm is pivotally secured to the frame. A pawl is in turn pivotally secured to the arm and is biased in engaging fashion relative to the arcuate extending edge via alternating and mating teeth and recess configurations established between the pawl and along at least one of first and second spaced apart locations defined along the arcuate edge. A cam is mounted to a further location of the seatback arm and biases the pawl against the frame. The cam is actuated to cause the pawl to disengage from the first configured sector location, the seatback arm pivoting towards the seat frame, whereupon the pawl matingly engages the second location along the arcuate seat sector edge to lock the seatback in a forwardly rotated and stowed position relative to the seat frame.

Abstract: An article of furniture (10) includes a base having a front (14) and a rear (16) and a top (18) surface. A backrest assembly (20) has a front edge (22) and a rear edge (24) and is slideably arranged relative to the base (12) in a plane parallel to the top surface of the base to adjust a depth (D) of the base as measured between the front edge of the backrest assembly and the front of the base. Further it includes a locking mechanism having a displacement member (48) movably received in the housing (42), the displacement member being displaceable between a locking orientation and an unlocking orientation, when the displacement member is in its locking orientation the locking member (50) is urged partially out of the aperture (50) in the housing to protrude a predetermined extent through the housing to effect locking and, when the displacement member is in its unlocking orientation, the locking member is free to be at least partially withdrawn in the housing to effect unlocking.

Abstract: An adjustable headrest that provides both support and comfort to the user and one that can be used in connection with various types of passenger vehicles. The headrest includes slide means for permitting easy height adjustment of the headrest and also includes means for adjusting the headrest forwardly and rearwardly. Further, the headrest includes easily adjustable, wing-like, side-support members that are pivotally connected to a centrally located, vertically adjustable head support member by means of specially designed hinges.

Abstract: An ice resurfacing machine for small and medium-size indoor and outdoor ice skating rinks comprises a light towing vehicle, a resurfacing attachment, and a lifting and leveling assembly connecting them. To eliminate ruts in the ice, the machine removes only a thin layer of ice by scraping, fills the ruts with “snow” created by the scraping, skating, and precipitation, and adds water to fill the rut. The cold from the base ice and/or the atmosphere freezes the water and thus eliminates the rut. The machine may also be used to remove heavy snow or reduce the thickness of the ice.

Abstract: A method and a device for manufacturing a rotary brush for roll tooth brush capable of easily removing plaque, providing an excellent massage effect on gums, capable of being mass-produced, and capable of reducing a cost by uniformizing the density of the bristles of the rotary brush (11), the method for manufacturing the rotary brush comprising the steps of projecting, by a specified amount, a wire group (1) formed of a large number of resin wires (1a) assembled together in a bundle to the outside through an insert hole (2a) provided in a pedestal (2), inserting a cone (4) to the projected tip center of the wire group (1) to push open the wire group (1) in radial directions, welding the center portion of the wire group (1) in an annular shape with the push-opened wire group (1) fixed onto the pedestal (2), cutting the inside of the welded part to form a sheet-like brush unit (8) having a hub (81) at the center thereof and having a large number of bristles (wires) (82) projected from the hub toward the radial

Abstract: A mounting apparatus includes a chassis (10), a fixing member (50) and a bracket (30). The chassis includes a front panel (16), a side panel (14) and a mounting wall (18,19). An opening (20) is defined in the front panel. A fixing portion (28) is formed on the front panel close to the opening. The bracket includes a first sidewall (34) and a second sidewall (36,37,38). The fixing member pivotably secured to the bracket includes a body (52) and a retaining portion (54). An avoiding slot (56) is defined in the body at a bottom portion thereof. In assembly, the bracket slides in the chassis from the opening. The fixing member bestrides the front panel at a bottom of the opening through the avoiding slot. The fixing portion engages with the retaining portion. Data storage devices being received in the bracket are thus secured in the chassis.

Abstract: A cabinet having a frame, a plurality of posts and a plurality of connector assemblies. The connector assemblies adapted to connect the posts to the frame. The connector assembly is provided with a gusset fixed to the frame, and a clamp plate connected to the gusset and received in the post so as to be engageable with a portion of the post. The clamp plate being movable with respect to the gusset such that upon movement of the clamp plate toward the gusset the clamp plate clamps the post between the clamp plate and at least one of the gusset and the frame, and a clamp plate.

Abstract: A system rack configured to house rack-mount modules comprising a support structure; a rack-mount module slidingly mounted within the support structure; a carrier rail system slidingly supporting the module and comprising a pair of linear slides each secured to the support structure on opposing sides of the module, each linear slide comprising a stationary slide rail fixed to the support structure and one movable slide rail linear translatable relative to the stationary slide rail and fixed to the module; and a user-controllable latching mechanism operatively coupled to the module to releasably restrain the module in at least one position relative to the support structure.

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

Abstract: A liquid-supplying method includes the steps of controlling a magnitude of negative pressure generated by a negative-pressure generating member provided in each of first liquid-tank components included in a first liquid tank such that the magnitude of the negative pressure generated during a liquid-supply operation is greater than that in a state other than the liquid-supply operation, detecting an amount of liquid consumption in each first liquid-tank component, determining an amount of liquid to be supplied to each first liquid-tank component based on the detection result, and controlling the magnitude of the negative pressure generated by the negative-pressure generating member with respect to each first liquid-tank component based on the determined amount of liquid to be supplied to the first liquid-tank component.

Abstract: A controller of an ink jet head includes a waveform information storage section for storing waveform patterns concerning a plurality of types of drive signals capable of making positions of dots formed on print paper by ejecting ink from nozzles different from each other with respect to a predetermined direction orthogonal to a relative moving direction between the print paper and the ink jet head. The controller further includes a waveform selection section for selecting one drive signal from among the plurality of drive signals stored in the waveform information storage section so that the same type of drive signal is not selected n or more successive times (where n is a natural number of two or more) for each nozzle.

Abstract: An ink jet recording apparatus is provided that changes the adjustment temperature of a recording head depending on the number of recording media so that a favorable recording result can be maintained for any number of recording media and a time required for the recording can be reduced. Different adjustment temperatures T2 are used depending on the number of recording media. When the number of recording media is relatively small, T2 is determined to be low and, when the number of recording media is relatively large, then T2 is determined to be high. When the recording is started, when the head temperature is lower than the determined temperature T2, then ink is heated by a sub heater. Depending on the determined temperature, an interval with which a preliminary ejection is performed is changed.

Abstract: A printing method includes: (A) creating print data by rearranging an order in which a plurality of pieces of pixel data which make up image data are arranged; and (B) based on the print data, alternately repeating a dot-forming process for forming, on a medium, a row of dots along a movement direction by ejecting ink from a plurality of nozzles which move in the movement direction and a carrying process for carrying the medium in a carrying direction with respect to the nozzles, to form, on the medium, a plurality of the rows of dots arranged in the carrying direction.

Abstract: An inkjet recording apparatus including: a recording head; a recording medium moving section; a position information detecting section synchronized with a movement of the recording medium moving section; a mark recording section for recording a mark on the recording medium; a mark detecting section for detecting the mark recorded; an analog-to-digital conversion section for converting an output signal; and a control section for obtaining a reference mark position of the mark based on a signal outputted from the mark detecting section and the position information detected, and for determining the amount of recording medium movement on the basis of reference detection position of the mark; wherein analog-to-digital conversion is applied to the output signal from the mark detecting section to get a sampling data, in exact timing with an output of position information, and the control section calculates the reference detection position from the sampling data.

Abstract: Printing apparatus 20 comprises a contact detection terminal 101, a cartridge detection circuit M10a, a for-senor terminal 104 and a sensor driving circuit M20, wherein the terminal 101 contacts to detection terminal 116 of ink cartridge 70 when the ink cartridge 70 is attached thereto, wherein the circuit M10a detects contact or non-contact between the terminal 116 and the terminal 101, wherein the terminal 104 outputs high voltage, wherein the circuit M20 controls voltage outputted from terminal 104. The cartridge detection circuit M10a also has a function of shorting detector for detecting contact between the contact detection terminal 101 and the for-senor terminal 104. In the case that the shorting is detected, the sensor driving circuit M20 redeces or interrupts the voltage outputted from terminal 104.

Abstract: A liquid drop jet head includes a nozzle jetting a liquid drop, a liquid room connected to the nozzle, a common liquid room connected to the liquid room, a supply opening part supplying the liquid to the common liquid room, and a pressure generating part generating a pressure which pressurizes the liquid provided in the liquid room, wherein the common liquid room has a configuration in which a width of the common liquid room on a plane level is narrower as a point of the width is more remote from the supply opening part.

Abstract: An inkjet printer includes: a recording head which includes jet openings for jetting ink; a sensor for detecting a jet opening causing jetting failure among the jet openings; a sucking mechanism for sucking the ink from each jet opening; a comparing section for comparing number of the detected jet opening causing jetting failure with predetermined number; and a control section for performing a sucking process where the sucking mechanism performs a sucking operation, for performing an examination process to count the jet opening causing jetting failure by the detection of the sensor and by simulated jetting of each jet opening, for performing a comparing process where the comparing section performs a comparing operation after the examination process, and for re-performing the examination process without performing the sucking process when judged in the comparing process that the number of the jet opening causing jetting failure is more than the predetermined number.

Abstract: A capping mechanism is disclosed for a printhead having a plurality of nozzles arranged to deliver ink onto print media which is transported past the printhead. The capping mechanism comprises actuating means arranged to move the printhead in an arcuate direction away from a transport plane of the print media, from a printing first position to a capping second position, and a capping member which is arranged to engage in nozzle capping engagement with the printhead when the printhead is in the second position. Such a capping mechanism is also disclosed in relation to a pagewidth printhead assembly, and further disclosures are made in respect of a capping mechanism for a printhead assembly having two pagewidth printheads and in respect of an inkjet printer having the capping mechanism.

Abstract: A printer is provided which has a pagewidth printhead assembly and a capping mechanism. The printhead assembly has a pagewidth printhead and a plurality of nozzles located along the printhead for delivering ink onto print media as it is transported past the printhead. The capping mechanism has a capping member of a length corresponding substantially to that of the printhead, a first actuating mechanism arranged to move the printhead in an arcuate direction from a first to a second position, and a second actuating mechanism arranged to move the capping member in a direction normal to the printhead to effect nozzle capping engagement of the printhead when the printhead is in the second position.

Abstract: A capping assembly caps a pagewidth printhead of an inkjet printer by moving into and out of a body that has a surface opposite the printhead, The surface has a slot in it open to the interior of the body, The body is configured to extend the length of the printhead, and a capping element is housed within the body. The capping element has a rim portion adapted to cap at least a portion of said printhead and it is movable with respect to said body between a first and a second position. In the first position, the rim portion extends from the body, and in the second position, the rim portion is contained within the body.

Abstract: A printhead assembly arranged to impede printhead module nozzles from drying out. The printhead assembly comprises a plurality of the printhead modules arranged along an axis. Capping devices are provided to cap respective printhead modules. A positioning arrangement is also provided for positioning the capping devices relative to the printhead modules so that the capping can be moved between a printing position and a capped position. In the capped position, nozzles of the printhead modules are capped so as to impede the nozzles from drying out.

Abstract: An inkjet recording apparatus can reduce operations or time for preliminary discharge and reduce the influence of mist. A recovery mechanism portion is provided in which a slide member on which a cap is mounted is moved along cam surfaces following a movement of a carriage to cause the cap to abut against a recording head for capping. A first preliminary discharge position where ink is discharged from the recording head into the cap and a second preliminary discharge position where a distance between the recording head and the cap is shorter than the distance in the first preliminary discharge position are provided between a recording area where the recording head forms an image on a recording medium and a capping position.

Abstract: Included are a recording medium feeder which feeds a recording medium, a printer which carries out a printing for the fed recording medium by ink discharged from a nozzle surface formed on a print head, and a cleaner (50) which cleans the nozzle surface, wherein the cleaner (50) includes a wiper blade unit (70) which wipes the nozzle surface with a wiper blade (75), and a roller wiper unit (60) which absorbs ink on the nozzle surface by ink absorbers (61b, 62b). The cleaner (50) enables to clean the nozzle surface sufficiently, whereby a good print quality can be maintained.

Abstract: An interface device for attaching a printhead carrier to a carrier drive belt includes a belt holder attached to the carrier drive belt, and an isolator coupled between the belt holder and the printhead carrier. The isolator is configured to provide directionally dependent filtering of vibrations propagating to the printhead carrier.

Abstract: A method for variable velocity printing includes printing a first swath at a first velocity, and printing a second swath at a second velocity. Thus, different swaths of a single print job can be printed at different swath velocities. By varying the swath velocity between swaths, mechanical vibrations that can degrade or negatively impact the quality of the resulting printed product can be ameliorated.

Abstract: An inkjet printer cartridge including, a body including, a printing fluid storage, and a printhead including at least 20,000 printing fluid delivery nozzles in fluid communication with the printing fluid storage.

Abstract: An inkjet printer cradle complementary to an inkjet printer cartridge of a type including a pagewidth printhead, said cradle including an air compressor for producing air to be directed over the pagewidth printhead, a print media transport assembly arranged to convey print media across the printhead, a single motor; and a transmission assembly arranged to couple the single motor to the air compressor and to the print media transport assembly, wherein the transmission assembly includes a direct drive coupling from a spindle of the single motor to the air compressor and a geared coupling from the spindle to the print media transport assembly.

Abstract: A printhead that has a printhead integrated circuit (IC) (68) which is elongate and has an array of nozzles for ejecting ink. The printhead also has a support structure 176 for supporting the printhead IC and having ink outlets 186 for supplying the array of nozzles with ink. The ink outlets are spaced along the printhead IC such that the ink outlet spacing (210, 212) decreases at the ends of the printhead IC. By increasing the number of ink outlets near the end regions, the ink supply is enhanced to compensate for the slower priming of the end nozzles. This, in turn, makes the whole nozzle array prime more consistently to avoid flooding and ink wastage from early priming nozzles (or alternatively, unprimed end nozzles).

Abstract: The liquid droplet ejection apparatus comprises: a first color ink nozzle group in which a plurality of nozzles ejecting ink droplets of a first color are disposed; a second color ink nozzle group in which a plurality of nozzles ejecting ink droplets of a second color are disposed; and a treatment liquid nozzle group in which a plurality of nozzles ejecting droplets of a prescribed treatment liquid are disposed, the treatment liquid nozzle group being positioned on an upstream side of the first color ink nozzle group and the second color ink nozzle group in terms of a sub-scanning direction, wherein: the first color ink nozzle group and the second color ink nozzle group are disposed in displaced positions with respect to each other in a main scanning direction; and positions in the main scanning direction of the nozzles of the treatment liquid nozzle group lie between the positions in the main scanning direction of the nozzles of the first color ink nozzle group and the positions in the main scanning directio

Abstract: A liquid ejection head can eject very fine droplets on the order of sub-picoliters. The liquid ejection head is provided with an ejection port for ejecting liquid as liquid droplets and comprises an energy generating element arranged vis-à-vis the ejection port to generate ejection energy to be applied to the liquid. No head-constituting member exists in the space formed by translating the area of the energy generating element toward the ejection port. The meniscus surface of the ejection port receives impact energy from the energy generating element. With this arrangement, droplets of the liquid are ejected from the central part of the meniscus surface having an area smaller than the meniscus surface so that they break the meniscus section at or near the central part thereof.

Abstract: An improved photoimaged nozzle plate for a micro-fluid ejection head, a micro-fluid ejection head containing the nozzle plate, and methods for making a micro-fluid ejection head. The improved nozzle plate is provided by a photoresist nozzle plate layer applied to a thick film layer on a semiconductor substrate containing fluid ejector actuators. The photoresist nozzle plate layer has a plurality of nozzle holes therein. Each of the nozzle holes are formed in the nozzle plate layer from an exit surface of the nozzle plate layer to an entrance surface of the nozzle plate layer. Each of the nozzle holes has a reentrant hole profile with a wall angle greater than about 4° up to about 30° measured from an axis orthogonal to a plane defined by the exit surface of the nozzle plate layer.

Abstract: An inkjet printhead with nozzles 4 and liquid passages 31, 32 leading to each nozzle. The nozzles, ejection actuators 14, associated drive circuitry 22 and liquid passage 31, 32 being formed on and through a wafer 21 using lithographically masked etching technique, such that the wafer has a droplet ejection side and a liquid supply side. Each of the liquid passages is formed by etching a hole 31 partially through the wafer 21 from the droplet ejection side, and etching a passage from the liquid supply side of the wafer 21 to the hole 31. Etching a hole 31 into the wafer 21 from the droplet ejection side means the ink supply passage 32 can stop short of the interface between the dielectric 23 and the wafer 21. The plasma does not get the opportunity to track along the interface and damage the drive semiconductors. By making the liquid supply passage 32 wider than the hole 31 to account for the inherent tolerances of the etching process, a suitable fluid connection is assured.

Abstract: A micro-electromechanical fluid ejection device includes a substrate that defines a fluid inlet channel and incorporates a wafer and CMOS layers positioned on the wafer. A nozzle chamber sidewall and roof are positioned on the substrate to define a nozzle chamber in fluid communication with the fluid inlet channel and a fluid ejection port in the roof, in fluid communication with the nozzle chamber. An elongate actuator is anchored at a proximal end portion to the substrate to receive electrical drive signals from the CMOS layers and extends through the sidewall. The elongate actuator is configured to be displaced on receipt of said drive signals. A fluid ejecting member is positioned in the nozzle chamber and is fast with a distal end portion of the actuator such that displacement of the actuator results in movement of the fluid ejecting member, thereby ejecting fluid from the fluid ejecting port. The distal end portion of the actuator has an enlarged face.