Abstract: Simple and rigid attachment of a child seat to a vehicle seat that is not degraded by the seat's cushioning is provided by a head rest fixture and two latch anchor fixtures combined by an operationally rigid frame structure. The frame structure has horizontal and vertical telescopically adjustable and lockable features to fit the system to varying dimensions of vehicle seats, head rests and child seat latch anchors. The child seat may be attached to the system via an object connecting structure that is combined with the frame structure via an in between damping element. The damping element opposes vehicle vibration eventually induced via the latch anchors on the operationally rigid frame from reaching the child seat.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a compact base for a seat with a suspension for a vehicle driver, for use in buses, heavy vehicles or special use vehicles, including excavation vehicles or foresting equipment, in which the operator or driver is subject to vibrations. The present invention provides total independence of the suspension properties, including stiffness, damping and range of travel, with height adjustment. In order to accomplish this, the compact base for the seat is divided into parts including a suspension and a seat height adjustment mechanism. These parts have no common component including balloons, dampers or guiding systems. In this manner, the suspension properties of the seat are not affected by the seat height adjustment. Moreover, the invention provides a compact seat base through the use of structures and balloons that fit one within the other.

Abstract: A driving posture adjusting device comprises a slide rail (39) disposed in a forwardly raising posture on a floor portion of a vehicle body; a seat slider (44) disposed in a lower front portion of a seat cushion (35) of a driver seat and slidably supported along the slide rail (39); a seat driving mechanism (40) for moving the driver seat in forward and backward directions by driving the seat slider (44); a guide plate (51) formed with a guide groove (53) of a predetermined path and fixed on the vehicle body; and a guide member (52) provided in a rear portion of the seat cushion (35), the guide member including a guided portion (52) supported along the guide groove (53), where a rear end portion of the seat cushion is raised by sliding the guided portion along the guide groove of the guide plate in response to an operation of moving the driver seat toward a front side of the vehicle body by driving the seat slider by the seat driving mechanism.

Abstract: A seat height adjustment mechanism is provided, which includes a backward link element, a ratchet-type drive mechanism operable by an operating lever to cause vertical movement of the backward link element to adjust height of seat, and a locking mechanism. The backward link element is normally locked by the locking mechanism to reinforce the backward link element itself. When the operating lever is rotated during an idle stroke S) inherently given in the ratchet-type drive mechanism, the locking mechanism is actuated to unlock the backward link element, thereby allowing the backward link element to be vertically displaceable through operation of the ratchet-type drive mechanism by further rotation of the operating lever.

Abstract: A reclining mechanism for a vehicle seat is disclosed with a guide plate pivotally connected to a pivotal plate, which has two internal gear segments. A cam pivotally connects to the pivotal plate, and has a pair of pawls. Two lock elements cooperate with the guide plate, and have an external gear segment to cooperate with the internal gear segments. When the cam rotates, the cam engages the cam pawls with one of the engagement elements unlocking the external gear segments from the internal gear segments. Springs cooperate with the guide plate and the cam for locking the mechanism. A bushing cooperates with the cam and receives a shaft for connecting the reclining mechanism to another reclining mechanism. The cam engages each lock element at two contact points to drive the external gear segments into the internal gear segments when the reclining mechanism is in a locked position.

Abstract: Vehicle seat includes seat frame longitudinally adjustable on an upper rail relative to a lower rail affixed to the chassis. Seat frame is held in place in its longitudinal positions by a longitudinal locking mechanism, releasable by a rail release mechanism. A backrest with a backrest frame is pivotably attached to seat frame, locked in place on seat frame by a stop adjustment mechanism, and, once released by a release lever, can be folded forward from an upright use position to an easy-entry position. Easy-entry manipulation device actuates release lever, a seat cushion adjustable relative to seat frame, with a seat cushion frame, which is shifted forward longitudinally in a coupled adjustment motion when backrest frame is folded forward to easy-entry position. When vehicle seat is in easy-entry position the seat cushion frame can be shifted rearwardly relative to the backrest frame and seat frame.

Abstract: A pair of cantilevered armrests are mounted on a juvenile seat. Each armrest includes an arm and a support mount appended to the arm and coupled to the seat back. The support mount extends above and below the arm to embrace the seat back. One fastener lies above the arm and is coupled to an upper portion of the support mount. Another fastener lies below the arm and is coupled to a lower portion of the support mount.

Abstract: An arrangement for enabling post-assembly tension adjustment in an elastomeric material application. The arrangement can have a frame structure and a panel of elastomeric material, such as elastomeric mesh, retained to span from a first side to a second side of the frame structure in tension. A tension adjustment assembly enables a post-assembly, selective deflection of the panel of elastomeric material and thus the tension in the panel of elastomeric material. The tension adjustment assembly can, for example, employ a selectively inflatable bladder, an extension and retraction arrangement with a biasing portion, a pivoting member, a laterally slidable member, a roller with a non-concentric pivot axis a deflection member with a tip portion disposed to an outer surface side of the panel of elastomeric material, or a deflection member slidable on an inclined surface in relation to the panel of elastomeric material.

Abstract: As an occupant releases the latching between a buckle and a tongue, a seat belt retractor winds up the seat belt at a winding-up speed S1 as a first high speed. Accordingly, the seat belt moves away from the occupant immediately. As a time period (T1-T0) elapses from the buckle release, the seat belt retractor winds up the seat belt at a winding-up speed S2 as a low speed. Accordingly, the seat belt is slowly wound up so that the tongue is less likely to strike and thus scratch an interior panel. As a time period (T2-T1) further elapses, the seat belt retractor winds up the seat belt at a winding-up speed S3 as a second high speed. Accordingly, the winding of the seat belt is promptly completed so that the seat belt is less likely to be caught by a door when the occupant gets out of the vehicle.

Abstract: The invention relates to a by-wire brake system. There is a need for a trailer brake control circuit for a by-wire brake system. A brake control circuit for trailer brakes in a by-wire brake system includes a hydraulic pump or a supply of pressurized air, a hydraulic reservoir or an air vent, a pair of solenoid operated proportional valves for controlling communication between the pump, the reservoir and the trailer brakes, and a pair of solenoid operated shutoff valves, each controlling communication between the trailer brakes and a corresponding one of the proportional valves.

Abstract: A normally closed secondary solenoid opening/closing valve 36 is provided along a secondary branched fluid pipe 35 establishing a communication between an accumulator 11 and a reservoir 8 through a fluid pressure input side to a fluid pressure output side of a regulator valve 3, and in the event that a fluid pressure supplied to the regulator valve 3 decreases down to or lower than a predetermined range due to something abnormal occurring in the accumulator 11, the state of the secondary solenoid opening/closing valve 36 is changed over from a closed state to an opened state, whereby a residual pressure in the accumulator 11 and a residual pressure in the output fluid pressure chamber 15 can be released through the reservoir 8 which is in communication therewith through an output fluid pipe 31 and the secondary branched fluid pipe 35 along which the secondary opening/closing valve 36 is provided.

Abstract: A collapsible storage arrangement for hanging files with a storage housing that retains a pivotable framework that can be pivoted between an upright configuration for enabling access to file folders and a collapsed configuration for storage. The pivotable framework can include first and second pivotally retained frame structures in combination with first and second support rails that have first and second ends pivotally connected to the first and second frame structures. The storage housing can have first and second end walls, first and second side walls, and a bottom. A lid can selectively seal the storage housing. A guide arrangement, which can comprise a flexible member, a guide panel, or a fixed inclined surface, can guide file folders toward a reclined position as the pivotable framework is pivoted from an upright configuration to a collapsed configuration.

Abstract: An extension and retraction arrangement with a trolley structure retained for axial extension and retraction relative to a rail arrangement and a control system with an actuating arrangement and a mechanism for selectively controlling a travel of the trolley structure. In a manual control system, the trolley structure can be mechanically engaged and disengaged in extended and retracted configurations by first and second locking projections respectively. An actuating rod can be actuated by a trigger to pivot the locking projections into and out of engagement with the trolley structure. The trigger can additionally enable a selective release of first and second doors from closed positions. A motorized control system can propel the trolley structure and open and close the doors. A lock and key, an access card and access card reader, or a remote control and remote control receiver can selectively enable operation of the control system.

Abstract: A slide rail structure for industry-used computers comprises a pair of slide elements mounted on two opposite lateral sides of a computer chassis, each having a stepped inner surface with an elongated hole, and a pair of rail mounted on two opposite lateral inner walls of a computer cabinet, each being capable of being inserted into a corresponding elongated hole, whereby inner stepped surfaces of the slide elements and the rails will be smoothly engaged. Therefore, the slide elements, moving together with the computer chassis, will slide along the rails.

Abstract: A body for a refrigerator device, includes a front side that is open towards the interior of the body, whereby the opening on the front side is defined by vertical edge strips and horizontal front strips. At least one edge strip, together with a side wall, is a component of a side part formed from a slab of flat material. The side part has a clamp-type joint element that is joined to the front strip. The front strip, which is inserted into the joint element, exerts a force upon the edge strip, working towards an expansion of the angle at which the edge strip is connected to the side wall thereof.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling the pressure in an ink reservoir of an ink jet printer which includes at least one ink reservoir of an ink jet printer, a pressure applying device for applying a pressure in the ink reservoir, the pressure applying device communicating with the ink reservoir via a first conduit, a buffer reservoir communicating a gasteous medium with the ink reservoir via a second conduit different from the first conduit, a detection system for monitoring the actual pressure in the ink reservoir, the detection system including at least one electronic pressure sensor, and a controller for controlling the pressure applying means dependent on the actual pressure monitored by the detection system.

Abstract: An ink supply control apparatus includes: a driver, operable to drive a selector provided between a recording head and an ink tank to control an ink supply from the ink tank to the recording head; a detector, operable to detect that the selector is disposed in a predetermined position between two positions of at least two control positions; and a controller, operable to control the driver so as to stop the selector in one of the two positions in a predetermined time after the detector detects that the selector is disposed in the predetermined position.

Abstract: An ink ejection device, an image forming apparatus having the same, and a method thereof. The ink ejection device includes a print head including at least one head chip in which a plurality of nozzles is arranged to eject ink on a printing medium at a predetermined angle inclined with respect to a printing line extending along a widthwise direction of the printing medium, and a gap controlling unit to control a gap size between the printing medium and the plurality of nozzles.

Abstract: A printing device for printing a plurality of dots on a medium used for printing includes: a print head having a plurality of print elements for forming dots disposed respectively in a row direction, which is a direction of relative movement thereof with respect to the medium, and in an array direction, which is substantially orthogonal to the row direction, the print elements being capable of printing dots at positions which can be regarded as the same positions on the medium in the row direction; print element selecting unit that selects any one of the print elements being capable of printing dots at positions which can be regarded as the same positions on the medium in the row direction as a usable print element for each row in the row direction of the print head; print head controlling unit for controlling the print head so that only the usable print element selected by the print element selecting unit is used; and printing unit for executing printing using the print head controlled by the print head cont

Abstract: A printhead module capable of printing a maximum of n of channels of print data, the printhead being configurable into: a first mode, in which the printhead is configured to receive print data for a first number of the channels; and a second mode, in which the printhead is configured to receive print data for a second number of the channels, wherein the first number is greater than the second number.

Abstract: A method of controlling the firing of nozzles within overlapped segments of a printhead is provided, in which temperatures of adjacent segments are measured to determine an overlapped region of the adjacent segments and a half toning firing pattern of a continuous tone image for coextensive nozzles of the adjacent segments within the determined overlapped region is adjusted such that VA+VB is greater than V, where VA and VB are respective independent dither matrix values of the adjacent segments and V is a continuous tone value to be represented.

Abstract: Misalignments of dot forming positions are adjusted by selectively using a position adjustment value for a used bi-directional print mode out of a plurality of position adjustment values that are respectively suitable for a plurality of bi-directional print modes including a first bi-directional print mode and a second bi-directional print mode that are made available by changing ink types.

Abstract: The velocity of a printhead scanning across a sheet of paper or other print medium is varied on the basis of whether masking patterns for selectively activating nozzle of the printhead include activations in consecutive pixel locations of the masking pattern. The pixel locations are “firing opportunities” as defined by the maximum firing frequency assigned to the nozzles when the printhead is scanned at a particular velocity. The printhead is moved at that velocity when a masking pattern includes activation in consecutive pixel locations. On the other hand, a higher scanning velocity is available when a constraint is enforced to prevent occasions of firings in consecutive pixel locations. In one embodiment, the constraint is not enforced, but masking patterns are analyzed on a pattern-by-pattern basis to detect those patterns which satisfy the constraint, so that the scanning velocity can be increased during the suitable masking patterns.

Abstract: A liquid ejection head having a plurality of ejection elements with liquid ejecting nozzles arranged in a matrix along a row direction and in a column direction which is substantially parallel to a sub-scanning direction along which either the head or a liquid ejection receiving medium is moved. Each group of ejection elements forming each column of the matrix having a heating element that is as long as the length of that column and that can heat the liquid prior to ejection. A prediction device predicts a number of the ejection elements to be driven in each of the column groups according to ejection data and a heating control device independently controls the heating elements of each column group according to the number of the ejection elements to be driven in that column group as predicted by the prediction device.

Abstract: A method for printing a coordinate pattern on a medium includes assigning a pattern to the medium. The pattern is formed on the medium with fixer. A method of calculating a position of an object in relation to the medium using the pattern is disclosed. A predetermined wavelength of electromagnetic radiation is projected onto the pattern and a presence of absence of emittance from the fixer of the pattern is detected. A medium including a substrate having a coordinate pattern overlying at least one side of the substrate is further disclosed. The coordinate pattern includes a means for fluorescing when subjected to a predetermined wavelength of electromagnetic radiation. In another embodiment, a system for forming a substantially invisible coordinate pattern on a medium is disclosed.

Abstract: Embodiments of creating a density profile associated with an image, predicting a highest expected temperature associated with a printhead using the density profile prior to printing the image, and delaying printing the image prior to beginning the printing of the image in response to the highest expected temperature exceeding a threshold are disclosed.

Abstract: Various fluidic techniques can employ ducting structures, such as microstructures, that extend between other components, such as plate-like structures. A ducting structure can, for example, include an inlet opening toward or near one plate-like structure, an outlet opening toward or near another plate-like structure, and a duct in which fluid flows after being received through the inlet opening and before being provided through the outlet opening. In some implementations, a ducting structure is photo-defined, such as by exposing a photoimageable structure and then removing either exposed or unexposed regions. In some implementations, a ducting structure is a freestanding polymer microstructure. In some implementations, ducting structures are microstructures that extend approximately the same length between first and second plate-like structures, and have a ratio of length to maximum cavity diameter of approximately two or more.

Abstract: In an inkjet printing apparatus which performs printing on a printing medium using an inkjet printhead for discharging ink, preliminary discharge, where ink discharge irrespective of printing is performed at the time of print execution, is performed under a predetermined condition to obtain information regarding a discharge state of the printhead. Based on the obtained information, an execution condition of the preliminary discharge is controlled. By virtue of this control, an execution condition (parameter) of the preliminary discharge can appropriately be controlled in accordance with the discharge state of the printhead, in which the ink drying state and the increased viscosity state of ink vary depending on individual differences, usage environment, usage histories (durability) and so on.

Abstract: The image forming apparatus comprises: an ejection head which ejects liquid onto a recording medium to form a desired image on the recording medium; a conveyance device which moves at least one of the recording medium and the ejection head so as to move the recording medium in a conveyance direction relatively to the ejection head; a liquid removal device which performs liquid removal to remove the liquid on the recording medium and is arranged on a downstream side of the ejection head in the conveyance direction; a determination device which determines a state after the liquid removal is performed by the liquid removal device; and a liquid removal control device which implements control to adjust a liquid removal capability of the liquid removal device according to determination results of the determination device.

Abstract: A printhead of a mobile telecommunications device with an array of nozzles for printing a media substrate; a capper assembly movable between a capped position coveting the nozzles and an uncapped position spaced from the nozzles; wherein, the capper assembly is held in the uncapped position by the media such that it moves to the capped position upon disengagement with the media.

Abstract: For an ink jet printer, a maintenance unit having a simple mechanism that ensures a stable well-closed condition is provided. According to the present invention, rigid contact portions are provided in order to maintain a distance between an ink jet head and a cap in the perpendicular direction when the ink jet head is attached to the cap.

Abstract: An ink-jet recording apparatus includes a first carriage, a second carriage, and a carriage-moving mechanism. The first carriage is reciprocally movable in parallel with an ink ejection face of an ink-jet head. The second carriage is separate from the first carriage and reciprocally movable in the same direction as a movement direction of the first carriage. The carriage-moving mechanism selectively moves the first carriage and the second carriage. The first carriage is mounted with at least one of a wiper that wipes off ink adhering to the ink ejection face, a sheet that receives ink ejected from the ink-jet head, a cap that seals the ink ejection face, and a shutter that is disposed to confront and protect the ink ejection face. The second carriage is mounted with at least one of the wiper, the sheet, the carriage, and the shutter except the one(s) mounted on the first carriage.

Abstract: A printhead assembly is provided having at least one printhead module, at least one controller and a casing in which the printhead module and controller are removably mounted. The module is a unitary arrangement of a support member, at least two print nozzle integrated circuits, at least two fluid distribution members each mounting the print nozzle integrated circuits to the support member, and respective electrical connectors. The controller is configured to process print data and to communicate the processed print data to microprocessing circuitry of at least one of the print nozzle integrated circuits via the respective electrical connector so as to control the printing operation of the print nozzle integrated circuit(s) to print the processed print data.

Abstract: A printer cradle is provided having a recess with an inclined face for receiving and removably locating a print cartridge, a retainer for removably retaining the print cartridge within the recess, and resilient members arranged to act against the print cartridge as it is located by the inclined face and to bias the print cartridge against the retainer once located within the recess. The print cartridge has a pagewidth printhead, a printing fluid supply and a fluid connection between the printhead and the printing fluid supply.

Abstract: A method of fabricating an ink jet head and an ink jet head fabricated thereby. The method includes preparing a substrate having a flow path region, a flow path structure region to define the flow path region, and a pad region disposed at edge portions of the substrate. At least one pressure-generating element to eject ink is formed on the substrate of the flow path region. An inserting material layer is formed on an entire surface of the substrate having the at least one pressure-generating element. The inserting material layer is patterned to form an inserting layer on the flow path structure region. A mold layer is formed on the substrate having the inserting layer to cover the flow path region. Next, a nozzle material layer is formed on the entire surface of the substrate having the inserting layer and the mold layer.

Abstract: A spliced ink-jet head including head chips, each of which is capable of discharging inks of two or more colors, and which are spliced in a staggered manner which restrains the occurrence of splice streaks, white streaks caused by deflection at ends or uneven colors attributable to different landing orders of ink droplets in spliced portions of different colors when one-pass recording is carried out. The head chips is arranged such that, in a relationship between two adjoining head chips, at least one discharge port of one head chip and one discharge port of the other head chip for the same color tone ink in end portions overlap on a line in a recording material feeding direction, while discharge ports for different color tone inks do not overlap.

Abstract: A printhead assembly includes an elongate ink distribution assembly defining elongate ink ducts from which ink transfer ports extend. The ink distribution assembly further defines a recess in which a laminated stack structure is received in fluid communication with the ink transfer ports. The laminated stack structure has layers between which ink channels in fluid communication with the ports are interleaved. The laminated stack defines at least one cavity in which respective ink ejection print head integrated circuits (ICs) can be received in fluid communication with the ink channels.

Abstract: The present invention provides an ink-jet recording head. The ink-jet recording head includes a nozzle that ejects an ink droplet; an ink flow path member that includes the nozzle; a beam member connected to the ink flow path member or which includes the ink flow path member; a first drive component connected with and set at the beam member and which bends the beam member; and a second drive component that deforms the beam member so as to become convex from concave in the ink droplet discharging direction. The second drive component deforms the beam member so as to become convex from concave in the ink droplet discharging direction and the first drive component bends the beam member. Thereby, the beam member is buckling reverse deformed with the second drive component.

Abstract: A nozzle arrangement for an inkjet printhead includes a substrate that defines an ink supply channel. Drive circuitry is arranged on the substrate. A nozzle chamber structure is mounted on the substrate and defines a nozzle chamber in fluid communication with the ink supply channel and a nozzle rim defining an ink ejection port in fluid communication with the nozzle chamber. A post extends from the substrate. A thermal actuator mechanism having an actuator arm extends from the post and into the nozzle chamber. The actuator mechanism includes a pair of spaced conductive layers mounted on opposite sides of the actuator arm with an active one of the layers being connected to the drive circuitry. The drive circuitry for supplying an electrical current to the active layer is interposed between the substrate and the actuator arm.

Abstract: A fluid ejection device includes a fluid chamber, a fluid restriction communicated with the fluid chamber, and a fluid channel communicated with the fluid restriction. The fluid restriction has a fluid restriction parameter defined as (2*W+2*H)*L/(H*W), wherein W is a width of the fluid restriction, H is a height of the fluid restriction, and L is a length of the fluid restriction. As such, the fluid restriction parameter is in a range of 1.5 to 5.75.

Abstract: A nozzle arrangement for an inkjet printhead includes a substrate that incorporates drive circuitry and defines an ink inlet channel. At least one wall extends from the substrate. A roof is fast with the at least one wall and defines an ink ejection port which is in fluid communication with an ink chamber defined by the roof, the at least one wall and the substrate, the ink chamber being in fluid communication with the ink inlet channel. An ink ejection member is interposed between the ink inlet channel and the ink ejection port such that reciprocal movement of the ink ejection member causes ejection of ink from the ink ejection port. An actuator is connected to the drive circuitry at a fixed end and is configured so that a free end is displaced reciprocally with respect to the substrate on receipt of an electrical signal by the actuator from the drive circuitry.

Abstract: An ink jet recording head has sufficient and uniform ink refill for all orifices and separate flow paths even though the substrate has high rigidity by dividing a supply port into a plurality of ports. The substrate of the ink jet recording head has a plurality of separate flow paths corresponding to discharge pressure generating elements, a common flow path communicating with the separate flow paths, an ink supply port communicating with the common flow path and supplying ink to the common flow path, and a plurality of beam portions dividing the ink supply port. A recess is formed on the common flow path, extending to the separate flow paths formed nearest to the beam portion.

Abstract: In a liquid jet recording head, a liquid is prevented from eroding a substrate, significant deformation of a discharge port forming member caused by absorption of the liquid is prevented even in long-term use, and reliability is improved in a discharging operation of a liquid droplet. The liquid jet recording head includes a substrate in which a plurality of heaters are formed; a plurality of discharge ports which are formed corresponding to the heaters, the discharge ports discharging liquid droplets; a liquid flow path; and a supply port. The liquid flow path is communicated with each discharge port, and a heater is provided in an inner wall surface of the liquid flow path. The supply port pierces through the substrate while communicating with the liquid flow path. All the inner surfaces of the supply port and a part of the inner surface of the liquid flow path are covered with the same protective layer.

Abstract: A cavitation structure for a print head has a first dielectric layer overlying at least a first portion of a substrate. A second dielectric layer has a first portion overlying at least a second portion of the substrate and a second portion, different from the first portion of the second dielectric layer, overlying at least a portion of the first dielectric layer. A cavitation layer has a first portion in contact with the first dielectric layer and a second portion in lateral contact with the second portion of the second dielectric layer. A third dielectric layer is disposed on only the first portion of the second dielectric layer.

Abstract: A multi-nozzle ink jet head using piezoelectric elements and a manufacturing method thereof are disclosed. A head (1) has a nozzle member (10) in which a plurality of nozzles (12) are formed, a pressure chamber wall member (14) in which a plurality of pressure chambers (15) are formed, and piezoelectric type actuators that have a diaphragm (18) and a plurality of piezo elements (19) and apply pressure to each of the plurality of pressure chambers for ejecting ink from the nozzles. A rigid coating member (23, 25) is provided on inner surfaces of the pressure chamber walls or on parts of the diaphragm in contact with the pressure chamber wall member, thus increasing the rigidity of the pressure chamber walls.

Abstract: The present invention is directed at a liquid discharge device having reduced crosstalk, which slows the rate of change of liquid discharge speed, and is suitable as a printing head. The liquid discharge device includes a piezoelectric actuator and a flow passage member. The piezoelectric actuator has a plurality of driving electrodes from on a piezoelectric ceramic layer, and a plurality of piezoelectric displacement elements is disposed longitudinally and laterally with regularity. In the flow passage member, a plurality of liquid compressing chambers is formed with liquid outlet orifices. The piezoelectric actuator is placed on the flow passages member, so that the driving electrodes correspond in position to the liquid compressing chambers.

Abstract: A piezoelectric element including an upper electrode, a piezoelectric and/or electrostrictive material and a lower electrode, characterized in that the piezoelectric and/or electrostrictive material is a composite oxide constituted by ABO3 as general formula and the piezoelectric and/or electrostrictive material has a twin crystal.

Abstract: A piezoelectric actuator of an ink-jet head as a liquid transporting apparatus includes a vibration plate which also serves as a common electrode, a piezoelectric layer arranged on the vibration plate on a side opposite to pressure chambers, and individual electrodes arranged on a surface of the piezoelectric layer on a side opposite to the vibration plate, at areas each of which overlaps in a plan view with an edge portion of one of the pressure chambers. Recesses are formed on a surface of the vibration plate on the side opposite to the pressure chamber, at areas each of which overlaps with a central portion of one of the pressure chambers, and a stiffness of the vibration plate is reduced partially. Therefore, the vibration plate can be deformed substantially at a low drive voltage. Accordingly, a liquid transporting apparatus which includes the piezoelectric actuator having excellent drive efficiency is provided.

Abstract: An inkjet printhead is disclosed which includes nozzles for ejecting ink droplets; a cavity unit incorporating pressure chambers; and an actuator in the form of a laminate of sheets. The actuator includes individual electrodes and a top sheet having bonding terminations. The inkjet printhead is bonded at the bonding terminations to a flexible flat cable. The bonding terminations include surface electrodes formed on the top sheet. The top sheet includes through holes, each of which is filled with a conductive material locally communicated with a corresponding one of the surface electrodes at a communication portion thereof. The top sheet includes external conductive areas, each formed on a surface of a corresponding one of the surface electrodes, and each having a thickness larger than that of the corresponding surface electrode. Each of the external conductive areas overlays an open end of the corresponding through hole located in the communication portion.

Abstract: A method and printing system are provided. The printing system includes a liquid drop ejector, a fluid passage, and a fluid flow. The liquid drop ejector is operable to eject liquid drops having a plurality of volumes along a first path. The fluid passage includes a temperature gradient in the passage. The fluid flow source is operable to cause a fluid to flow in a direction through the passage, wherein interaction of the fluid flow and the liquid drops causes liquids drops having one of the plurality of volumes to begin moving along a second path.