Abstract: The invention is a bolt-type seal lock for use with shipping containers or similar kinds of applications where seal locks are needed. The seal includes a bolt and a separate locking body. The locking body holds a locking mechanism that engages with an end of the bolt when it is inserted into the locking body. The locking body houses a flash memory or equivalent electronic storage device that stores shipping or transportation data relating to the contents of the shipping container. The seal also has a locking mechanism that can be released by a special tool through a lateral access opening. The lateral opening is covered by an identification tab that serves as an identification mechanism for indicating seal tampering and as a barrier to access to the locking mechanism. The identification tab is replaceable which makes the seal recyclable and reusable by shipping companies having a need for large numbers of bolt-type seal locks.

Abstract: In a door strike for captivating and releasing a door bolt, the combination comprising a longitudinally elongated carrier, a longitudinally elongated solenoid supported by the carrier, the solenoid having a longitudinally movable plunger, a trip lever pivotally supported in or on the carrier, a laterally extending actuating arm pivotally supported in or on the carrier to be pivoted as the plunger moves longitudinally in response to solenoid energization, thereby to pivot the trip lever, a generally longitudinally extending blocking arm or arms pivotally supported in or on the carrier to be released for pivoting when the trip lever is pivoted, and a door bolt retainer or retainers pivotally supported in the carrier to be released for pivoting when the blocking arm or arms are released for pivoting, thereby to release the door bolt from captivation, for movement with the door.

Abstract: A storm shutter stud fastening mechanism that includes a quick release for fast and easy removal of conventional storm shutters from a window or door from the inside of a structure in the event of an emergency by allowing occupants of the building to manually disengage a fastening stud from an anchor. The stud mechanism includes an anchor body that receives an actuating arm having prongs at one end that engage and fasten the stud to the anchor body. However, when the arm is when rotated or pivoted from one side to the other, the engaging prongs are spread by stops inside the anchor body, thereby expanding the prong distance, releasing a stud secured between them.

Abstract: A truck mounted attenuator (TMA) is constructed to minimize length during use in a horizontal position and height in a vertical transport position, as well as to minimize wind resistance and buffeting at highway speeds. A modular construction is employed, so that only damaged portions of the TMA can be removed and replaced in the field after a vehicle impact. The TMA comprises a plurality of outwardly curved tubular structural members which are designed to buckle upon application to the TMA of forces resulting from vehicular impact. The rigid tubes buckle at a high initial force, then proceed to crush at a lower force once the sides have buckled outwardly sufficiently to protect vehicle occupants during the critical first two feet of travel after impact. This design also provides increased protection for errant vehicles which impact the TMA device from an angle (i.e. “coffin corner” impact).

Abstract: A multi-positionable storage arrangement with removable front and top panels that can be configured in a number of ways between two side panels to form a variety of both secured and open storage spaces. In the preferred configurations, the front, top, and side panels of the arrangement combine with the rear deck and tailgate of the vehicle to enclose a securable storage space. In use, the front panel can be slid substantially vertically into one of three sets of grooves in the side panels. One or more of the top panels can thereafter be slid horizontally in grooves in the side panels until the forward most top panel abuts and overlaps the front panel. The closed tailgate then abuts the rearward most top panel securing the top and front panels in place. Additional grooves are provided in the side panels immediately adjacent the front panel and when not in use, the three top panels can be conveniently and compactly stored immediately adjacent the front panel and each other.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a seat part and a backrest which together are configured to be pivoted about a generally vertically aligned pivot axis from a use position into an entry position and from the use position into a cargo position. The seat part is configured to be substantially perpendicular to the backrest in the use position and the entry position. The seat part is configured to be substantially parallel to the backrest in the cargo position. The seat part and the backrest are configured to be pivoted at least approximately 30 degrees from the use position into the entry position. The seat part and the backrest are configured to be pivoted approximately 90 degrees from the use position into the cargo position.

Abstract: A motorcycle having a storage compartment structure having an improved outward appearance by avoiding exposure of one or more fasteners utilized in connection with the storage compartment structure to a driver's side of the motorcycle. A storage compartment comprises a leg shield and plates separate from the leg shield. The plates are detachably mounted to the leg shield by one or more clamping members or fasteners, such as screws, which are inserted into the leg shield in a direction from the front of the motorcycle toward the rear of the motorcycle.

Abstract: A visor support assembly mountable to a vehicle having a headliner and adapted to secure a portion of a sun-visor includes a support adapted to securedly receive the portion of the sun-visor. The support includes a surface which engages the headliner and an insert which projects through a hole in the headliner. A retainer includes a generally flat body and an aperture sized to fit around the insert. The retainer may further include a plurality of tabs extending inwardly from the body. The tabs engage the insert holding the headliner securely between said surface and said retainer body.

Abstract: A pickup truck topper is provided that has a retractable rear door that can be stored in a closed position and an open position. In the open position the topper rear door is stored in a horizontal position just under the roof of the topper. In the closed position the topper rear door is fastened on the rear of the pickup topper above the tailgate of the pickup. The topper has two horizontal tracks mounted on the inside of topper near the roof. The topper rear door has two rollers fasten thereon. The rollers glide in the tracks when the door moves between the closed and the open position. The topper rear door can be locked in closed position and the topper door can be locked in the fully open and retracted position.

Abstract: A convertible vehicle (1) with at least one flexible roof area (10) supported by way of transverse hoops (12; 13; 14; 15; 16) lying in succession over its longitudinal course that can be shortened for opening it by displacement of transverse hoops (12; 13; 14; 15) with a movement component in vehicle longitudinal direction is designed in such a way that one longitudinal guiding aid (23; 24; 25) is assigned to a transverse hoop (13; 14; 15) for cooperation with a longitudinal guiding projection (30; 27; 28) of another transverse hoop (12; 13; 14) pointing in its direction (FIG. 2).

Abstract: A sealing or weather strip for attachment to a convertible top of an automotive vehicle, the strip having an upwardly facing, generally C-shaped channel for receiving water from the top during rainy weather or during washing of the vehicle. The strip further has an upwardly extending leg of substantial longitudinal extent and an outwardly projecting bump of limited longitudinal extent on the leg to position other portions of the leg away from the convertible top. The bump is spaced from the channel and vertically above at least major portions of the channel, thereby requiring capillary action to cause water to flow along an outside portion of the leg into the channel. The leg forms a pocket for sealingly receiving an upper edge of a window of the vehicle.

Abstract: A convertible top device for a vehicle includes a main frame support pivotally attached to a vehicle, a forward support pivotally attached to the main frame support, a rearward support pivotally attached to the main frame support and a top extended over the forward support, main support and the rearward support. At least one strap is interconnected between the forward support and a forward end of the vehicle and the rearward support and the rearward end of the golf cart. The top device is convertible between an open position and a stowed position at the rearward end of the vehicle.

Abstract: Vehicle including a door frame alongside a position in a passenger compartment of the vehicle normally occupied by a driver, a driver door having a first, closed position arranged in the door frame and a second, fully open position outside of the door frame, and an infinite door check mechanism which enables the door to be moved between the first and second positions and to any open position therebetween. The infinite door check mechanism includes a motor arranged to move the door between the first and second positions and to any of the open positions therebetween. A control mechanism controls the motor to initiate movement of the door and stop the movement when the door is in any one of the different open positions and maintain the door in the stopped position in the absence of applied force to hold the door in the stopped position.

Abstract: An air guiding system for a vehicle, particularly for a passenger car, is arranged in a rear area of the vehicle and has a main air guiding element that can be displaced from a moved-in inoperative position into a moved-out operative position. Viewed in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, the main air guiding element, while forming at least two main air guiding element sections, is divided such that, when the main air guiding element is displaced from the inoperative position into the operative position, at least lateral main air guiding element sections can be moved transversely to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle.

Abstract: Disclosed is a vehicle front structure, which comprises a bumper fascia 2, a lower shroud member 3b, a subframe 5 including a first shock-absorbing module 7, and a second shock-absorbing module 10 having a stiffness less than that of the first shock-absorbing module 7. A subframe body 6 is formed in an approximately rectangular shape and disposed on a rear side of the lower shroud member 3b. The first shock-absorbing module 7 includes an energy-absorbing section 8, 8 and a beam member 9. The energy-absorbing section 8, 8 has a configuration which extends frontwardly from respective front end regions of the subframe body 6 located on laterally-opposite sides thereof, along respective opposite lateral surfaces of the lower shroud member 3b, and the beam member 9 has a configuration bridging between respective front ends of the energy-absorbing section 8, 8, at a height position approximately equal to or adjacent to that of a lower edge of the lower shroud member 3b.

Abstract: An operator cab for heavy construction equipment is disclosed to prevent a sliding door from rocking or rattling due to a shock or vibration applied to the cab in a state that the sliding door slidably mounted on the cab is opened or closed.

Abstract: Vehicles, such as all terrain vehicles, can be provided with a frame and a fender assembly. The fender assembly can have layered fender panels attached together with a bolt and T-nut. A channel can be formed between the fender panels to facilitate passage of fluid along a predetermined pathway. A seat includes a compression surface for sandwiching the fender assembly with respect to the frame. Front and rear fender assemblies can be attached to the frame by a midpoint fastener passing through respective apertures in each of the front and rear fender assemblies, through a grommet, and into the frame. A stay assembly attaches a mudguard to the fender assembly, and can involve a swivel clip. Methods are also provided.

Abstract: The motor vehicle structural element (3) comprises a cross-member (4) and, at at least one end (5) of the cross-member, a first nut (10) presenting a tapped bore (14) for receiving a screw (11) for fastening the cross-member to an upright (2) of the vehicle, the axis of the tapped bore being substantially parallel to the director line (L) of the cross-member. The element further comprises a first cage (20) for preventing the nut (10) from turning about the axis of its tapped bore, the first cage (20) being mounted at said end (5) of the cross-member, and the nut (10) being capable of moving in the first cage in translation substantially perpendicularly to the axis of its tapped bore.

Abstract: In a sealing arrangement, e.g., for sound-insulating sealing of a gap between a windscreen of a vehicle and instrument panel, a first sealing element is arranged between the instrument panel and the windscreen, below the first sealing element a second sealing element is arranged between the windscreen and a base component, the sealing arrangement including openings through which air may flow into a passenger compartment of the vehicle. As a result, both a defrosting of the wiper system and also sound insulation may be provided.

Abstract: In a guide tube-fixing structure for sunroof device 1 that includes cables C1, C2 for opening and closing a roof panel 4 by push-pull operation; guide rails 5, 5 for guiding opening/closing of the roof panel 4; sunshade rails 20, 20 for opening/closing of a sunshade panel, guide tubes P1-P4 for the cables C1, C2 are disposed along a rear portion of the sunshade rails 20, 20 each extending further rearward from the rear end portion of the guide rail 5 and the guide tubes P1-P4 are fixed to the rear portion of the sunshade rail 20.

Abstract: A three point integrated seatbelt assembly incorporated into a cantilevered stowable seat with an improved dump locking mechanism. The cantilevered stowable seat can be mounted to a vehicle, where space may be selectively provided for positioning a wheelchair or other article adjacent to the stowed seat, which includes a frame attached to the support member, a cantilevered seatbase, and a seatback. The seatback assembly allows for easy storage of the seat and safe transportation of a passenger. The seatback is rotatably associated with the cantilevered seatbase by the improved dump locking mechanism, whereby the improved dump locking mechanism enables the seat to remain in the deployed position when inertial forces are placed on the seatback.

Abstract: A multi-function, transportable, recreational folding chair, includes a plurality of storage compartments therein. In a preferred form, the chair is a lightweight chaise-lounge arranged in a backpack for ready transport of both the chair and paraphernalia stored therein.

Abstract: A portable stadium seat having a base and a back for use on bleacher or hard plastic seating is disclosed which has heated seat and backrest members and a self-contained, rechargeable electrical power source for operating an electrical heating element contained in each of the seat and backrest members. The backrest member is hingedly mounted on the seat member, such that it may be folded flat onto the seat member for ease of portability and storage, and the portable heated stadium seat includes a carrying strap to enhance the portability of the portable heated stadium seat. An external recharger is used to charge the batteries prior to use, with the portable heated stadium seat thus being useable in locations where electrical power is not easily accessible.

Abstract: A vehicle seat headrest with a carrier structure including at least one bar and a supporting member in a normally utilization position. In the event of an accident, the supporting member leaves the utilization position and assumes a crash position, in which the supporting member is located in front of the utilization position at least in the x-direction. An expandable container is disposed between the bar and the supporting member in a normally non-expanded state. A source of pressurized gas is connected to the container. A trigger device releases the gas in the event of an accident so that the expandable container is filled with gas and is in an expanded state so that the supporting member is in the crash position.

Abstract: This infant chair comprises an independent seat (4) being related to a headrest (5) being fit to be positioned at different heights, the seat thus adopting different in-depth positions, the lifting of the headrest to a higher position bringing about a bigger depth for the seat's position. The seat is formed by an assembly of two plates (6 and 7) being transversally linked to each other in a pin-jointed connection, said assembly being linked in a pin-jointed connection to a lower support (9) being in its turn linked in a pin-jointed connection to a third plate (11), this latter being the one that is related to the headrest (5).

Abstract: A longitudinal adjuster for a vehicle seat includes a displacement sensor (21), which can interact with a seat rail, and a control signal emitter (41), which can be displaced in relation to the displacement sensor (21). The relative movement of the signal emitter (41) in relation to the displacement sensor (21) reproducing, from a starting position, the longitudinal displacement carried out. The control signal emitter (41) is subjected to a control torque, at the latest once the stored longitudinal position of the seat has been reached, and then controls at least one blocking element (73) which interacts with the seat rail by way of a control spring (51). A control bearing (45) is arranged between the control signal emitter (41) and the control spring (51), which guides the control signal emitter (41) and which supports the control spring (51).

Abstract: An armrest includes a longitudinal core body having a substantially planar bottom surface, a non-planar top surface, and two opposite lateral surfaces. The non-planar top surface rises upwardly from the lateral surfaces to a middle of the top surface of the core body. A top veneer layer has a top surface, and a bottom connecting surface adhered to the top surface of the core body. Each of the top and bottom connecting surfaces of the top veneer layer has substantially the same outline as that of the top surface of the core body. Two lateral veneer layers have top end faces connected to the bottom connecting surface of the top veneer layer, and inner lateral surfaces adhered respectively to the lateral surfaces of the core body.

Abstract: An improved seat back construction is presented herein, so that the frame can easily be produced by metal rammed and bent into shape, which is relatively inexpensive for producing shapes of differing design without huge quantity. Coupling with a wood frame of same shape, a fabric is then overlaid onto the combined frame and tightened/wrapped around by leather, which is sewed to the fabric/wood frame on one side and zipped to the fabric on the other side, producing a nice-looking outer edge of leather, while allowing the construction of elastic and comfortable seat back to be made at low cost, responding to changing design needs, shorter life cycle of products.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a drop-in seat unit as well as a method of manufacturing the drop-in seat unit that does not require the worker to affix one end of the spring to a frame rail and stretch the spring from one of the frame rails to the other frame rail. The ends of the spring are affixed to the frame rails while the springs are in an un-stretched state. Once the plurality of springs is attached to the two frame rails, the rails are mechanically pulled away from each other, thus creating a larger open area between the frame rails and thus extending the springs. Once the rails are properly positioned in this extended state, support members are positioned between the two frame rails and one end of each support member is affixed to each frame rail, traversing the space or gap between the two frame rails. The support members fix the distance between the two frame rails.

Abstract: A bridge that is attached to a wheelchair such that the bridge allows a wheelchair user to have support for ingress into and egress from the wheelchair without assistance and without the need to rely primarily on arm strength alone. The bridge is a generally L-shaped member that has a pair of aligned slits located on a lower portion thereof such that respective connection members pass through each slit and attach the bridge to a frame of the wheelchair the connection members allowing the bridge to be pivoted out of the way when needed.

Abstract: In a scraper device for a milling drum (2) mounted in a construction machine, with a scraper blade (10) arranged in a height-adjustable manner behind the milling drum (2) when seen in the direction of travel, which can glide on the surface (3) milled or to be milled by the milling drum (2), where the scraper blade (10) is guided in lateral guides (12) in a height-adjustable manner relative to the milling drum (2), and where first centering devices (14) are provided which center the scraper blade (10) between the guides (12) with small lateral play of movement when in a raised position, and which allow a greater lateral play of movement of the scraper blade (10) when the scraper blade (10) is in a lowered working position, it is provided that the second centering devices (20) act upon the upper end (16) of the scraper blade (10), restricting the lateral displacement of the scraper blade (10) at the upper end (16) in case of a lateral movement of the scraper blade (10) in the guides (12).

Abstract: A mining device for subsurface extraction of raw materials off rocks includes bracing means for the reversible bracing of the mining device in a hollow space, a frame, and tunneling means stationarily connected with the bracing means, whereby the frame is movable by the tunneling means in a predefined direction. A rotatable roller is arranged on the frame, at the circumference of which cutting tools and clearing devices are arranged such that a rectangular mining cross-section can be created and such that the mining device and also the frame of the mining device is movable into a mining tunnel created by these cutting tools.

Abstract: A replacement wheel, wheel disc or object is adapted to substantially replicate a mounting pad pattern of a wheel, wheel disc or object to be replaced. An annular arrangement of raised mounting pads provides a pattern of mounting pads proximate a circle of a given diameter to substantially replicate the mounting pad pattern of the to-be-replaced wheel disc or objects Mounting pads may be provided on an annular member having an inner diameter less than the given diameter of a circle at which the mounting pad pattern of the to-be-replaced wheel disc or object is located and having an outer diameter greater than the given diameter. Mounting pads may be provided by inserts.

Abstract: A hub cap is provided for boat trailer wheel hubs that includes an air valve. The valve may take several different forms. A hub cap employs a security air valve that is inserted through an aperture formed within the hub cap body. The valved hub cap allows the hub cavity to be temporarily pressurized when a boat trailer is partially submerged during the launch and recovery of a boat. Additional features may be incorporated in the hub cap, including a pressure release valve, which prevents damage to the hub seal, an O-ring groove in the hub cap body, which seals the cap to the hub and may also secure the hub cap to the wheel hub body. A separate spring retainer clip is also provided, which secures the hub cap to the hub body.

Abstract: A method for electric braking of a vehicle trailer and a device for vehicle trailers is provided. The vehicle trailer has a rigid hitch or drawbar arrangement (7) and is braked by the overrun forces generated as a result of braking of the tractor vehicle (2). The brake device (1) has a force measuring arrangement which can be mounted at the rigid hitch arrangement (7) and statically records the compression and tension forces acting axially on the hitch arrangement (7) using tensometer strips (24, 25) to determine the wheel brake force needed for braking via a controller that correspondingly actuates the electrical wheel brakes.

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

Abstract: A multifunction machine includes cartridge accommodation portions provided at different positions. Each of the accommodation portions accommodates multiple ink cartridges. If the ink remaining amount of at least one of the cartridges is smaller than a threshold value, a display control section determines that the cartridge requires replacement and operates a display to display an ink-end screen. The ink-end screen displays a message requiring the cartridge be replaced and information regarding the position of the accommodation portion corresponding to the cartridge requiring replacement.

Abstract: A method of modulating a peak power requirement of an inkjet printhead is provided. The printhead comprises a plurality of first nozzles and a plurality of second nozzles supplied with a same colored ink. The first nozzles and second nozzles are configured in a plurality of sets, wherein each set of nozzles comprises one first nozzle and one corresponding second nozzle. Each nozzle in a set is configurable to print a dot of the ink onto a substantially same position on a print medium. The method comprises the steps of: (a) selecting a firing nozzle from at least one set of nozzles, the selection being on the basis of modulating the peak power requirement; and (b) printing a dot onto said print medium using said firing nozzle.

Abstract: There is disclosed a drive circuit of a driver device for a recording head of a recording apparatus, which receives a print data signal so as to drive each of a plurality of recording elements of the recording head in accordance with the print data signal. The print data signal including a selecting signal for selecting one of a plurality of waveform signals representing respective recording modes, and a non-selecting signal. The drive circuit comprises an outputting portion which outputs the selecting signal included in the print data signal, with the selecting signal associated with the corresponding recording element, and a non-selecting signal utilizing portion which uses the non-selecting signal for a purpose other than the selection of one of the waveform signals.

Abstract: The liquid droplet ejection apparatus comprises: a plurality of ejection ports which eject droplets to form dots on a recording medium to form an image on the recording medium; and a droplet ejection control device which, if a time interval during which one of the ejection ports does not eject any droplet exceeds a prescribed time period, and if an effect on the image, when a dot that is to be formed by a droplet ejected from the one of the ejection ports after the prescribed time period has elapsed is a defective dot, exceeds a tolerance limit, then causes the one of the ejection ports to perform an additional ejection of a droplet to form a corrected dot, in such a manner that the droplet is correctly ejected to form the dot of which the effect on the image would exceed the tolerance limit.

Abstract: This invention can perform inkjet printing operation which can reduce density irregularity and reduce deterioration in image quality without causing any deterioration in graininess. The invention relates to an image correction method or inkjet printing apparatus which divides the scanning area of a printhead into a plurality of count areas and printing areas in the scanning direction, counts the number of dots printed in each count area, and forms an image by modifying image data in the next printing area in accordance with the counted number of dots. Image data is modified by counting multilevel image data. The modified multilevel image data is converted into binary data. The binary data is then printed.

Abstract: A printing device that prints an image onto a printing medium using a printing head that includes a plurality of nozzles each being capable of dot formation to the printing medium.

Abstract: Each of a plurality of driver ICs, which drives an associated print head, includes an analog voltage provider, which provides an analog voltage which is inversely proportional to a temperature of the driver IC, a reference temperature provider, which provides a digital value corresponding to a reference temperature, a D/A converter, which converts the digital value into a corresponding analog value, and a comparator, which compares the analog voltage with the analog value and outputs a comparison signal indicating whether the analog voltage is higher than the analog value. A temperature detector determines whether the temperature of at least one of print heads is higher than the reference temperature in accordance with the comparison signal.

Abstract: An ink jet recording apparatus, including nozzles each of which ejects a droplet of ink toward a recording sheet and which are arranged in one or more arrays in a first direction; pressure changing devices each of which changes a pressure of the ink to be supplied to a corresponding one of the nozzles so that the one nozzle ejects the droplet of ink, wherein the pressure changing devices are grouped into two groups arranged in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction; two flexible wiring cables which are electrically connected to the two groups of pressure changing devices, respectively, and which extend from the two groups of pressure changing devices in opposite directions, respectively, parallel to the second direction; two driver circuits which are provided on, and electrically connected to, the two wiring cables, respectively, and each of which outputs respective drive signals to drive the respective pressure changing devices of a corresponding one of the two groups; and a heat sink includ

Abstract: A printer luminescent ink sensor for a printing device including a radiant energy source; and a photodetector located downstream from a print head of the printing device. The photodetector is adapted to detect luminescent energy from an indicium printed by the print head, upon exposure to radiant energy from the radiant energy source, substantially immediately after the indicium is printed.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an alignment pattern and an alignment pattern detector that detects the alignment pattern. The alignment pattern is formed in such a manner that a line image of a reference color and a line image of a color other than the reference color are superposed on each other with a predetermined shift amount. An acceptance width of the alignment pattern detector is determined so that the acceptance width satisfies a relation with a writing density of the image forming apparatus and a line width of the alignment pattern, as follows: [acceptance width]>[line width]/(5.0627×[writing density(dpi)]?0.5331).

Abstract: An image forming apparatus is provided which suppresses a change in posture of a carriage at the time of forming an image without using a biasing force of a spring. The image forming apparatus includes an image forming portion that forms an image on a recording medium by traveling of the carriage with a recording head mounted thereon along a guide portion in a main scanning direction while moving the recording medium in a sub-scanning direction, a posture change detector that detects a change in posture of the carriage, an actuator that corrects a tilt of the carriage with respect to the guide portion, and a control device that suppresses the change in posture of the carriage by driving the actuator according to the change in posture of the carriage detected by the posture change detector.

Abstract: A method of removing ink flooded across an ink ejection face of a printhead is provided. The method comprises the steps of: (a) providing an elastically deformable pad having a contact surface for sealing engagement with an ink ejection face of the printhead; and (b) moving the pad from a first position in which the contact surface is sealingly engaged with the face to a second position in which the contact surface is disengaged from thee face. The movement causes the contact surface to be peeled away from the face during disengagement.

Abstract: A method of maintaining a printhead in an operable condition is provided. The method comprises the steps of: (a) providing an elastically deformable pad having a contact surface for sealing engagement with an ink ejection face of the printhead; and (b) reciprocally moving the pad between a first position in which the contact surface is sealingly engaged with the face and a second position in which the contact surface is disengaged from the face. The movement causes a contact angle hysteresis such that ink is wicked from the printhead onto the contact surface during disengagement, but remains substantially in or on the printhead during engagement.

Abstract: A carriage is automatically and accurately stopped at a wiping position, so that a nozzle surface of a recording head is accurately wiped clean independently of the accuracy of the stop position of the carriage. An inkjet recording apparatus includes a wiping member for wiping clean a nozzle surface of the recording head and a carriage position control member which defines a movement range of the carriage by abutting the carriage on the carriage position control member. The wiping member wipes clean the nozzle surface while the carriage is caused to abut on the carriage position control member (that is, while a carriage motor causes the carriage to abut on the carriage position control member).