Abstract: An assembly to pivotally connect an external vehicle closure panel to a vehicle body includes a first hinge member that is constructed to be mounted to one of the external vehicle closure panel and the vehicle body, a second hinge member that is constructed to be mounted to the other of the external vehicle closure panel and the vehicle body, a shaft that is constructed to pivotally connect the first hinge member to the second hinge member, and a viscous rotary damper. The damper includes a cover, a rotor, and a viscous material. The shaft connects to the rotor such that rotation of the external vehicle closure panel between a closing position and an opening position causes relative motion between the rotor and the cover of the viscous damper to provide a resistance for controlling the velocity of the external vehicle closure member.

Abstract: An improved structural reinforcer is provided, some embodiments comprising expansible material disposed on a carrier, the carrier having a plurality of chambers arranged longitudinally, with locking slots and shutoffs that lock a portion of the expansible material to the carrier, and a channel that permits the flow of liquids within a structural member in which the structural reinforcer is disposed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a working vehicle which can improve a workability of a maintenance, inspection and the like with respect to a portion around an engine, and can tilt up a rear hood together with a tilt-up floor. An upper side of an engine (not shown) can be covered in a rear end portion side of a floor (35). A hinge mechanism (38) is arranged between a front end portion of the floor (35) and a rev-frame (25), and the floor (35) can be tilted up via the hinge mechanism (38). A rear hood (32) is coupled by hinge to a first support column (15) of a mounting bracket (4) supporting the floor (35), and is structured so as to be freely opened and closed. It is possible to tilt up the floor (35) in a state of attaching the rear hood (32), by canceling a fixed state of the mounting bracket (4) to a supporting and fixing member such as a counter weight (2) or the like.

Abstract: A headliner and bracket cooperate to define a trim edge around a vehicle sunroof. The bracket may include a lip the wraps around an edge of the headliner and trim associated with the headliner.

Abstract: A seating unit comprises: a base; a seat; a backrest; at least one ottoman; a reclining mechanism attached to the base, seat, backrest and ottoman; an ottoman power unit attached to the base and to the reclining mechanism; and a backrest power unit attached to the base and to the reclining mechanism. The reclining mechanism is configured to move the seating unit from the upright position to a TV position, in which the ottoman is generally horizontally disposed in front of the seat, and from the TV position to a fully reclined position, in which the backrest is reclined relative to the seat. The ottoman power unit is configured to drive the seating unit between the upright and TV positions. The backrest power unit is configured to drive the seating unit between the TV and fully reclined positions.

Abstract: A high chair is convertible into multiple operative configurations to provide flexibility in utilization. The high chair includes a youth chair having a seat member affixed to a Z-shaped frame. A booster seat including a reclining seat back is mountable on the seat member such that the seat member is nested within the booster seat. A latch mechanism carried by the booster seat secures the booster seat to the seat member. A separate base member can also be nested into the bottom of the booster seat so that the booster seat can be utilized on a standard chair. The tray is mountable into the booster seat so that the tray can be utilized therewith irrespective of whether the booster seat is used in a high chair configuration or a booster seat configuration. The Z-frame incorporates telescopic support legs to define height adjustment for the high chair.

Abstract: A vehicular seat including: a seat back; a temperature regulation unit which regulates temperature of an air blown from a surface of the seat back and has a heat exchanger; and an exhaust passage which exhaust waste air discharged from the heat exchanger toward the outside of the seat, wherein: the heat exchanger and the exhaust passage are disposed inside the seat back; the exhaust passage has an exhaust portion which opens toward the outside of the seat back; and the exhaust portion is provided on a side of the seat back so as to be oriented downward, the side facing a side wall of the vehicle.

Abstract: An adjustable bicycle seat assembly includes an adjusting unit which includes a top end member connected to the seat post and an adjusting tube is connected to a lower end of the top end member. An inner space is defined in the adjusting tube and an outer space is defined between the adjusting tube and the seat post. A path is defined between the adjusting tube and the top end member so as to communicate with the inner space and the outer space. An axle is movably received in the path and removably seals the path. An anti-rotation device is located between the seat post and the seat tube so as to prevent the seat post from rotating relative to the seat tube.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a side airbag module intended for holding back, in the event of an impact, the occupant (13) of the seat (15) of an automotive vehicle with a reclining backrest (19) by means of suitable means including an adjustment knob (31), comprising a cushion (11) configured for being vertically deployed between the protection area required for the occupant (13) and the body of the vehicle when inflated with the gas provided by a gas generator and a distance piece (21) joined at one of its ends (23) to the cushion (11) and at the other end (25) to the reclining means of the backrest (19) such that its length is reduced when the inclination of the backrest (19) is increased so that the deployed cushion (11) can be properly positioned no matter what the required inclination of the backrest (19) of the seat (15) may be.

Abstract: A vehicle seat includes a seat body having a seat back, a pair of left and right legs, a headrest coupled to the seat back at above the seat back through the pair of legs, load detecting means provided on the seat back and having a movable part that displaces in a predetermined direction upon undergoing a load from the front of the seat back; a first interacting member mechanically coupled to one leg of the pair and to the movable part of the load detecting means, to move one leg of the pair in conjunction with a displacement of the movable part caused upon undergoing the load, thereby displacing the headrest frontward, and a second interacting member mechanically coupled to the other leg of the pair and to the first interacting member, to move the other leg of the pair in conjunction with a movement of the first interacting member caused upon moving the one leg of the pair, thereby displacing the headrest frontward.

Abstract: Structure of seat back is provided, which comprises: a seat back frame; and an upholstery cover assembly including a forward upholster cover element and a backward upholstery cover element. Those two upholstery cover elements cover respective forward and backward sides of the seat back frame, with an upper region thereof secured on top portion of the seat back frame by a headrest stay holder element. Outer peripheral ends of those two upholstery cover elements are engaged together by an engagement element, so that substantially a whole of the seat back frame is covered with the upholstery cover assembly, thus forming a seat back.

Abstract: A juvenile seat includes a seat base mounted for up-and-down movement on an underlying foundation. A lock is provided to set the elevation of the seat base relative to the foundation.

Abstract: A gas spring adapted for automatically re-adjusting to a predetermined position, the gas spring incorporating a delay mechanism so that the automatic re-adjustment is delayed by a predetermined amount of time, and articles incorporating such a delay gas spring, such as a height adjustable chair. In one embodiment, the delay mechanism comprises a delay valve.

Abstract: A high chair incorporates a swivel feature and a height adjustment feature that permits the seat member to be positioned to the convenience of the caregiver. The high chair includes an H-shaped base member having a vertical pedestal member that houses a gas cylinder that provides height adjustment for the seat member and that supports the seat member for rotational movement relative to the pedestal. The H-shaped base allows the high chair to be positioned close to the caregiver. A swivel lock includes an actuation lever that has handles positioned on opposing sides of the seat member for actuation from either side of the high chair. The pivoted actuation lever also includes a spring-loaded stop member that is engagable with a toothed gear plate affixed to the pedestal to secure the rotated position of the seat member by positioning the stop member between teeth on the gear plate.

Abstract: A seat reclining apparatus for a vehicle, including a stationary bracket and a movable bracket provided integral with a seat cushion and seat back, respectively. The movable bracket is equipped with a driving device. A speed-reduction unit is provided including an input shaft, a stationary member and a movable member. A forward-inclination mechanism is provided including a lock plate, an engaging-disengaging device and a restrictive device. The engaging-disengaging device is adapted to bring the lock plate and the movable bracket into one of an engagement state and a disengagement state. The movable bracket is connected to the stationary bracket through the speed-reduction unit and the forward-inclination mechanism. The seat reclining apparatus is further provided with a limit switch for powering off the driving device when the movable bracket and the lock plate are brought into the disengagement state.

Abstract: Rear backrest frame for a rear backrest component of a vehicle seat, with at least one main plate, one left and one right lateral hat-shaped section extending vertically, one upper and one lower hat-shaped section extending in a transverse direction, and the hat-shaped sections are welded to the front surface of the main plate. The rear backrest frame has cushion channels on its lateral edges and its upper and lower edges, for attachment of a cushion and/or cover. In order to enable a secure mounting of the backrest cushion and/or cover and a cost-effective, flexible production with a wide range of possible variants, it is provided that the hat-shaped sections are rectilinear in configuration, the lateral hat-shaped sections are welded to the hat-shaped sections that extend in a transverse direction, and the lateral cushion channels are formed on the lateral hat-shaped sections. Further, a corresponding production process is provided.

Abstract: This invention relates to a harness for securing a person to a supporting structure. The harness includes a pair of straps each having a first and second end, a back portion, a front portion, and a chest portion. The first end is looped over the front portion of each strap and attached to the front portion to form a first loop. The first loop is attached near each second end of both straps. A coupler is near the second end and spaced from where the coupler is attached to the straps. The coupler is separable and may be separated to allow said straps to be separated at the chest portion. The harness goes over both shoulders of a toddler, behind the back and the coupler fastens across the toddler's chest. This prevents a toddler from standing up when wearing the harness.

Abstract: A hub apparatus for a bicycle wheel with improved aerodynamic mechanism is provided. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a hub body having a parabolic shape. The hub body is disclosed approximately about a center plane of the bicycle wheel and has a plurality of retaining holes for retaining one end of bicycle spokes.

Abstract: A quick release device includes a cam portion and a lever connected to the cam portion, a cooperation unit with which the cam portion is pivotably engaged, a rod having a first threaded section at a first end thereof and the threaded section extending through the cooperation unit and into the cam portion and threadedly connected with a pin which transversely extends through the cam portion, a second end of the rod including a second threaded section which extends through a biasing unit and is connected with an adjustment member in the biasing unit. The biasing unit pulls rod in a direction away from the operation member. The biasing unit is a tubular member which accommodates the spring and the adjustment member therein.

Abstract: A hydraulic brake apparatus for use in a vehicle having wheels and a brake operating member manually operable by a driver, the apparatus including a manual pressure source including (a) a hydraulic booster which boosts an operating source applied by the driver to the brake operating member and produces a first hydraulic pressure corresponding to the boosted operating force, and (b) a master cylinder which produces a second hydraulic pressure corresponding to the boosted operating force as an output of the hydraulic booster; a power pressure source which produces, by utilizing a power, a third hydraulic pressure irrespective of whether the brake operating member is operated; hydraulic brakes which are provided in association with the wheels, respectively, and include respective brake cylinders, and each of which, upon supplying of a hydraulic pressure to a corresponding one of the brake cylinders, applies a hydraulic braking force to a corresponding one of the wheels; a hub portion which is connected to each o

Abstract: An electrically powered brake system capable of performing a self-diagnosis of elements of the electrically brake system to diagnose a failure before a vehicle is driven is provided. The electrically powered brake system having a parking brake having a conversion mechanism 6 converting a rotary motion of a motor 2 into a linear motion, propelling a piston 7 according to the rotation of a rotor 2A of the motor 2 by the conversion mechanism, pressing brake pads 3 and 4 against a disc rotor 5 by the piston to generate a braking force, and retaining the braking force by a locking mechanism 10 has a control unit 20 performing a diagnosis of elements constituting the system during actuation of the parking brake. The control unit performs a diagnosis of a fail safe relay 26 receiving the supply of electric power of the motor, and performs diagnoses of a braking force sensor 8, a rotation angle detecting sensor 9 and a current sensor.

Abstract: A first vehicle autonomous brake-apply system includes a vehicle hydraulic brake assembly, a vacuum booster assembly operatively connected to the vehicle hydraulic brake assembly, a solenoid valve operatively connected to the vacuum booster assembly, and an automatic controller including an output signal operatively connected to the solenoid valve. A second system uses a lateral-acceleration-sensor assembly in place of the automatic controller. A third system includes a braking controller, an electrical braking device, and at least one distance sensor. A method for assisting driving of a vehicle includes applying a braking force to stop the vehicle before the vehicle strikes an obstacle whose distance to the vehicle is measured using at least one distance sensor.

Abstract: A track shoe fastened on a chain of the caterpillar vehicle includes a body and a buffer block. The body includes an first surface adjacent to the chain, a second surface opposite to the first surface, a third surface, a fourth surface opposite to the third surface, a groove defined on the second surface and through the third surface and the fourth surface, and the holes defined through the first surface and the second surface to communicate with the groove. The buffer block includes an embedded portion capable of being embedded within the groove of the body, and multiple lock holes defined through the buffer block to respectively communicate with the holes of the body. The buffer block is secured on the body through the embedment between the embedded portion and the groove, and secured on the chain by the fastening members within the holes and the lock holes.

Abstract: A medical treatment cart includes two compartments, each housing five individually slidable drawers which can be closed and locked by vertically pivoted doors in turn carrying individual and distinct locking mechanisms, such as different keys for associated locks or different combinations for combination locks. At least some of the drawers include patient baskets containing appropriate treatment supplies and medications with each patient basket being identified by name and room number with all odd numbered patient rooms being located on one side of the medical treatment cart and all even numbered patient rooms being located on another side of the medical treatment cart. Preferably, two nurses or like care-givers utilize opposite sides of the medical treatment cart to treat patients on opposite sides of the corridor in a typical medical facility.

Abstract: A liquid ejecting apparatus including a pressure generating unit capable of changing a pressure of liquid contained in the pressure chamber, a liquid ejecting head capable of discharging liquid droplets from a nozzle opening by actuating the pressure generating unit, a passage extending from a common liquid chamber through a pressure chamber to the nozzle opening and a driving signal generating unit that repeatedly generates a plurality of driving signals causing the liquid droplets to be discharged by actuating the pressure generating unit. In order to prevent the vibration resulting from a first driving pulse sent to a first pressure generating unit from interfering with the discharge in an adjacent pressure chamber, a second driving signal including a second discharge pulse, is generated at a period of time after to the first discharge pulse corresponding to a characteristic vibration period of the liquid contained in the pressure chamber.

Abstract: The image forming apparatus in which image is formed on a recording medium by ejecting droplets onto the recording medium comprises: a plurality of ejection ports through which the droplets are ejected; a line head in which the ejection ports are aligned along a length corresponding to an entire width of the recording medium; a head recovery device which performs a head recovery processing to recover from a defect of the ejection ports in the line head; a head retracting device which moves the line head to a retracted position for performing the head recovery processing; and an auxiliary head which is movable in a direction substantially perpendicular to a conveyance direction of the recording medium, wherein the auxiliary head records the image onto the recording medium while the head recovery processing is performed to the line head in the retracted position.

Abstract: An inkjet printer correction device and method. A correction device having a first circuit generating a first processing signal composed of a first and second pulse signal according to a first and second phase signal produced by an encoder, a second circuit generating a second processing signal based on the position change variation of either the first or second phase signal, a third circuit generating a third processing signal based on the position change variation of either the first or second phase signal, a selector selecting one of the first, second, or third circuits according to the first processing signal. The present invention provides one of the first, second, or third processing signals to control the speed and position of motor of the inkjet printer.

Abstract: When an actually measured voltage Vsu detected by a voltmeter 58 is within an inspection permissible range, a print head inspection apparatus 50 performs an inspection as whether or not ink has been normally ejected, on the basis of a changes in voltage that occur in an inspection area 52 as a result of ejected ink droplets. On the one hand, when the actually measured voltage Vsu is less than the inspection range, the apparatus increases a relative distance between a nozzle plate 27 and the inspection area 52 by separating the capping member 41 from the print head 24, by then bringing the capping member 41 and the print head 24 into contact, and after a suction pump 45 performs a separated-suction process, by then gradually separating the capping member 41 from the print head 24 until the actually measured voltage Vsu is within the inspection permissible range.

Abstract: A method for use with an ink jet printhead having a plurality of nozzles, each of the plurality of nozzles having associated therewith a respective heating element, includes printing with the plurality of nozzles a test pattern while varying an energy of a respective heater pulse used to energize each respective heating element at each of a plurality of printhead carrier positions; scanning the test pattern with a reflectance sensor to generate reflectance data associated with the energy of the respective heater pulse used to energize each respective heating element at each of the plurality of printhead carrier positions; and determining an optimal non-nucleating heater pulse for use with the ink jet printhead based on the reflectance data.

Abstract: A method for forming an image with at least one linear array of imaging elements. Defective ones of the imaging elements associated with a particular color are detected. A first defective imaging element compensation operation is performed for portions of the image data that are associated with a first predetermined number or fewer adjacent defective imaging elements. A different second defective imaging element compensation operation is performed for portions of the image data that are associated a second predetermined number or more adjacent defective imaging elements.

Abstract: There is provided an inkjet printing apparatus which executes a proper recovery operation in accordance with the demounting time period of an ink tank and information of the ink tank. In the inkjet printing apparatus of this invention, the demounting time period and information of the ink tank are used as parameters for determining the condition of a recovery operation after the ink tank is once demounted and thereafter mounted again. Since recovery is done in consideration of the degrees of ink evaporation and an increase in viscosity, wasteful ink consumption can be suppressed while a necessary recovery operation is performed.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and computer program for calibration of a printer having a printed head with multiple dies creates linearization tables that compensate for different drop weight uniformities printed by die-to-die boundaries. The linearization tables are provided to a calibration routine to create an actual linearization table for ink printed by a die-to-die boundary of the print head. The calibration routine creates an actual linearization table by determining a measurement related to drop weight uniformity when the die-to-die boundary of the print head prints the ink. Based on this measurement, a pre-built linearization table is selected for compensating output drop weight and for allowing printing with a substantially uniform drop weight across the die-to-die boundary of the print head.

Abstract: A method is provided for inspecting a recording head including a plurality of electrothermal conversion elements and a temperature detection element placed above or below each of the plurality of electrothermal conversion elements. The method includes driving the electrothermal conversion element, determining whether there is a change in slope of a temperature fall process in temperature detected by the temperature detection element during a predetermined time, if it is determined that there is a change in slope of the temperature fall process, obtaining a timing of the change in slope, and determining whether ink is discharged normally based on the obtained timing of the change in slope and a predetermined timing of a change in slope of the temperature fall process.

Abstract: A driving module utilized for driving a print head maintenance station. The print head maintenance station includes a capper and a wiper. The driving module includes: a first rotation unit having a first surface corresponding to a first profile; a second rotation unit having a second surface corresponding to a second profile; a first connection module for moving the capper according to the first profile of the first rotation unit; a second connection module for moving the wiper according to the second profile of the second rotation unit; a transfer module coupled to the first connection module and the second connection module; and a motor coupled to the transfer module for driving the first and second rotation units to rotate simultaneously according to the transfer module.

Abstract: An ink unit having: an ink utilized for an inkjet recorder; and a wetted member that contacts with the ink, wherein the ink includes a pigment dispersedly held in a medium, and the pigment contains particles having a size of 200 nm or larger in 2 volume percent or less, and wherein a principal component of the ink-wetted member is [1] a compound of specific hydrotalcite; [2] a fatty acid and/or a fatty acid derivative; [3 ] a phenolic antioxidant having an isocyanurate skeleton; or [4] a polyolefin including an alkyl-substituted benzylidene sorbitol.

Abstract: A removing member for use in an image forming apparatus removes foreign materials from a nozzle face of a discharge head provided in the image forming apparatus. The removing member includes a base material, and fine particles disposed to the base material.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for wide format inkjet printing using conventional piezoelectric inkjet print heads that each print at a native resolution. A plurality of inkjet print heads are disposed in a print head array to print an image on the substrate at the native resolution across an entire width of the substrate without scanning across the width of the substrate. The print head array may be shifted in a direction parallel to the width of the substrate, and the print head array may be used to print images on the substrate in multiple passes to form a composite image having a resolution equal to a multiple of the native resolution. Alternatively, a plurality of print head arrays may be provided, with adjacent print head arrays spaced apart to provide a composite print resolution equal to a multiple of the native resolution.

Abstract: A printhead assembly for a pagewidth printer arrangement includes a channel shaped member. A number of printhead tiles are located in the channel shaped member. Each tile has a printhead integrated circuit (IC) carrier member for receiving a printhead IC and an ink ducting member that mates with the carrier member and defines ink ducts for supplying the printhead IC with ink via the carrier member.

Abstract: Provided is a modular printer assembly which includes a housing having upper and lower covers, a first side wall and a second, opposed side wall, as well as a loading mechanism which includes a drive assembly with a traversing mechanism engaged with the drive assembly, and a pair of endless belts and roller assemblies operatively engaged with the traversing mechanism, so that actuation of the drive assembly displaces the traversing mechanism to push, or pull, the belt and roller mechanisms farther apart, or closer together, respectively. The printer assembly also includes a print engine having two opposed arcuate printheads each with a radius of curvature which approximates a radius of inlet rollers with each roller at least partially received in said curvature of each respective printhead, the print engine configured to print ink followed by a fixative onto the media operatively fed between the printhead.

Abstract: A user inserts one or more consumable enclosures into one or more corresponding slots of a printing device. The user engages a locking mechanism of the printing device into a corresponding feature of each consumable enclosure. The printing device detects user engagement of the locking mechanism. In response to the user performing a consumable enclosure-related action, the printing device substantially impedes user access to the locking mechanism and the consumable enclosures until the user has entered an unlock code.

Abstract: In one aspect, the invention features assemblies for depositing droplets on a substrate during relative motion of the assembly and the substrate along a process direction. The assemblies include a first printhead module and a second printhead module contacting the first printhead module, each of the printhead modules including a surface that includes an array of nozzles through which the printhead modules can eject fluid droplets, wherein each nozzle in the first printhead module's nozzle array is offset with respect to a corresponding nozzle in the second printhead module's nozzle array in a direction orthogonal to the process direction.

Abstract: A flexible circuit having improved corrosion resistance and method therefor. The flexible circuit includes, a polymeric support substrate, a conductive layer providing tracing attached to a first surface of the support substrate, and lead beams in electrical communication with the tracing for attaching the flexible circuit to a micro-fluid ejection head. A plasma polymerized layer is deposited on at least a portion of the conductive layer to reduce corrosion of the conductive layer. The plasma polymerized layer may also improve adhesion between the flexible circuit and an adhesive use to attach the flexible circuit to a structure.

Abstract: An ink cartridge for an ink jet printer includes a substratum and a cover attached to the substratum and having an aperture provided therein. A printhead is attached to the substratum and provided at least partially within the aperture. At least one connector extends from the printhead into the aperture, and an adhesive material covers at least a portion of the at least one connector. At least one barrier is provided for preventing the adhesive material from flowing to locations away from the at least one connector.

Abstract: Micro-fluid ejection devices, methods for making micro-fluid ejection heads, and micro-fluid ejection heads, including a micro-fluid ejection head. One such micro-fluid ejection head has relatively high resistance thin film heaters adjacent to a substrate. The thin film material comprises silicon, metal, and carbon (SiMC wherein M is a metal). Each thin film heater has a sheet resistance ranging from about 100 to about 600 ohms per square and a thickness ranging from about 100 to about 800 Angstroms.

Abstract: A micro-fluid ejecting device includes a semiconductor substrate, a plurality of fluid ejection elements formed on the semiconductor substrate, and a plurality of nonvolatile programmable memory devices for storing information related to the operation of the micro-fluid ejecting device. The programmable memory devices, which are at least partially embedded in the semiconductor substrate, each include a source region and a drain region formed in the semiconductor substrate. The source and drain regions have a conductivity type which is opposite the conductivity type of the semiconductor substrate. An insulative layer is formed on the semiconductor substrate over the source region and drain region. A floating gate region is formed on the insulative layer and is spatially disposed between the source region and drain region. The floating gate region is electrically insulated from the source and drain regions by the insulative layer. Electrical contacts are connected to the source region and the drain region.

Abstract: A droplet discharging head includes a first drive unit and a base coupled to the first drive unit. The base includes a portion defining a first cavity, a portion defining a first discharging port, and a portion defining a first through hole through which the portion defining a first cavity and the portion defining a first discharging port communicate with each other. The droplet discharging head also includes a plurality of first electrode branches and a plurality of second electrode branches. The plurality of first electrode branches and the plurality of second electrode branches are disposed alternately apart from each other on a periphery of the portion defining a first discharging port, and extend on a surface of the portion defining a first through hole.

Abstract: An ink jet recording head comprising: a nozzle orifice for jetting ink; an ink chamber communicating with the nozzle; a diaphragm for pressurizing ink in the ink chamber; a piezoelectric thin film on the diaphragm; and an electrode for the piezoelectric thin film wherein the piezoelectric thin film and the electrode are patterned to the same shape.

Abstract: A continuous liquid drop emission apparatus is disclosed comprising a liquid drop emitter containing a positively pressurized liquid in flow communication with a plurality of nozzles formed in a common nozzle member for emitting a plurality of continuous streams of liquid. A jet stimulation apparatus is provided comprising a plurality of transducers corresponding to the plurality of nozzles and adapted to transfer energy to the liquid in corresponding flow communication with the plurality of nozzles sufficient to cause the break-off of the plurality of continuous streams of liquid at a plurality of predetermined break-off times into a plurality of streams of drops of predetermined volumes.

Abstract: There is disclosed an ink cartridge including a cylindrical member having an ink port at one axial end thereof, a piston, a piston rod, and a thrusting portion. The piston rod is fitted in the cylindrical member air-tightly and slidably, and partially defines an ink chamber within the cylindrical member. The ink chamber is in communication with the ink port. The piston rod is connected to the piston on the side opposite to the ink chamber, and extends in the cylindrical member along an axial direction of the cylindrical member. The thrusting portion is at least partially positioned in the cylindrical member and configured to apply a thrust force to the piston rod and thereby move the piston along the axial direction. The thrusting portion comprises a driven portion drivable from the exterior of the cylindrical member.

Abstract: A droplet ejection apparatus has an ejection unit that ejects a droplet of liquid onto a target. The ejection unit is arranged in a multi-joint robot. The robot moves the ejection unit in a two-dimensional direction above the target. The ejection unit includes a droplet ejection head, a liquid tank, and an auto-seal valve. The auto-seal valve adjusts the pressure of the liquid supplied from the liquid tank to the droplet ejection head to a predetermined pressure. The auto-seal valve has a valve body that is movable between a closing position and an opening position in correspondence with the difference between the pressure of the liquid in the droplet ejection head and the pressure of the liquid in the liquid tank. The valve body is arranged such that the direction of acceleration that produces force capable of moving the valve body from the closing position to the opening position differs from the direction of acceleration of the ejection unit moving in the two-dimensional direction.