Abstract: A deck board includes a board body arranged in a luggage area of a vehicle so as to be capable of being moved between an upper position and a lower position. The board body in the upper position separates the luggage area into upper and lower areas. The deck board further includes a front support portion that is rotatably connected to the front end portion of the board body via a hinge portion so as to guide the board body being moved between the upper and lower positions. The end portion of the front support portion on the opposite side of the hinge portion is pivotally supported by the sidewalls of the luggage area via a support pin. Further included is a spring unit arranged to bias the board body and the front support portion to be drawn to each other across the hinge portion.

Abstract: A vehicle seat includes a seat part having a seat substructure. The seat part is displaceable along a transverse axis with respect to the seat substructure and the seat part is at least partially swivelably about the transverse axis. The seat includes a displacement element having a displacement length, a fixed lower part and an upper part. A first longitudinal movement of the seat part and a first transverse movement of the seat part occurs along a first section of the adjustment length. A second longitudinal movement of the seat part and a second transverse movement of the seat part occurs along a second section of the adjustment length. The ratio of the first longitudinal movement to the first transverse movement differs from the ratio of the second longitudinal movement to the second transverse movement.

Abstract: A vehicle seat is provided. The vehicle seat includes: a seat cushion and a seatback. The seat cushion includes a seating part, a front leg which is rotatably attached to and supports the seating part at a front side, and a pair of left and right rear legs which support a rear side of the seating part. The seatback is provided to the rear side of the seat cushion so as to be capable of falling rearward. The front leg is rotatably attached to a vehicle floor. The rear legs are detachably attached to the vehicle floor. The vehicle seat is adapted to be arranged from a seating mode into at least three of a plurality of modes including a table mode, a rear seat enter/exit mode, a storage mode, a foot rest mode, a flat luggage compartment mode, a rearward facing child safety seat mode.

Abstract: A rear seat passenger detection device comprising: a first switch which closes a contact thereof when a front seat door is opened; a second switch which closes a contact thereof when a seatback of a front seat corresponding to the front seat door is inclined and lowered to an angle with respect to a seat face equal to or less than a predetermined angle, and is connected in series with the first switch; and a control device which detects a passenger boarding in a rear seat when the first switch and the second switch are closed.

Abstract: A motor vehicle window panel has a peripheral trim molding formed by an extruded body of plastics material, and the body includes a mounting flange and a vehicle body sealing flange integrally connected by an intermediate connecting portion. The mounting flange carries a pressure sensitive contact adhesive tape which bonds to an inner surface of the window panel, and the intermediate connecting portion has an internal stabilizing strip and a durometer greater than the durometer of the mounting flange and of the sealing flange. The molding may be supported within a fixture for receiving the window panel or may carry a tear-off locating flange which slides against an edge surface of the window panel to locate the molding on the panel. The mounting flange may carry a spacer rib, and the mounting flange, sealing flange and connecting portion are located inwardly of the inner surface of the window panel.

Abstract: The invention proposes a wiper device (10), in particular for a motor vehicle. This device comprises a plate (22), a first fastening means (34) and a second fastening means (36) and also a third fastening means (44), which is arranged outside the axis between the first fastening means (34) and the second fastening means (36). The third fastening means (44) has adjusting means (46) for tilting about a tilting angle of the plate (22). According to the invention, the adjusting means (46) allows only predetermined tilting angles (?).

Abstract: A convertible soft top for a motor vehicle is provided. The convertible soft top has a front portion and a rear portion, the top also having and movable between an extended position and a retracted position. The top includes a fabric cover that extends across the front portion and the rear portion, the fabric cover forming a pair of spaced apart fins that extend from the front portion in a rearwardly direction when the top is in the extended position. The convertible soft top is dimensioned such that a motor vehicle with a conventional opening for heretofor convertible tops can be used with the soft top of the instant invention.

Abstract: A vehicle rear door articulating and sliding mechanism including an articulating hinge assembly having a hinge arm pivotally mounted to a vehicle C-pillar at one end thereof, and a vehicle rear door pivotally and slidably mounted to the hinge arm at an opposite end of the hinge arm. A guide track may be mounted to the rear door, and a slide block may be pivotally mounted to the hinge arm and slidably attached to the guide track. The hinge arm may be disposed at first and second angular positions relative to the guide track when the rear door is respectively disposed in closed and opened positions, and the slide block may be disposed at first and second positions along a length of the guide track when the rear door is respectively disposed in the closed and opened positions, to thus provide articulating and sliding movement of the rear door.

Abstract: Vanes are used for reducing drag on a moving vehicle having a substantially planar rear surface. The vanes are mounted to the vehicle using pliant material which creates no work for the driver of the vehicle during loading or unloading activities. The apparatus is extremely light weight, and includes a rigid vane of length L having a leading edge, a trailing edge, and an aerodynamic center positioned at a distance of between 0.15 L and 0.5 L from the leading edge. The vane has an inner surface facing the vehicle and an outer surface. Multiple pliant attachment devices connect the vane to the vehicle. The vane helps prevent or reduce formation of a zone of turbulent air behind the vehicle. The apparatus allows substantial reductions in fuel consumption and truck CO2 emissions during use.

Abstract: A truck skirting is provided for a trailer for use in tractor-trailer combinations. Skirting elements depend from both trailer sides. Braces are provided extending from the skirting elements to the trailer underside. Further, each skirting element has a longitudinal bracing bar.

Abstract: A method for constructing a wall structure for a bulk commodity carrying truck body or trailer is defined. The method includes arranging a plurality extruded aluminum panels to define a wall structure, wherein each of the plurality of panels includes a flat inner wall, an outer wall spaced-apart from the inner wall, and first and second end walls that extend between and interconnect the inner and outer walls. The arranging step includes locating the panels in a series with first and second end walls of adjacent panels abutted with each other and defining a seam. The method further includes fixedly securing the adjacent panels together by welding the seam and arranging the wall structure as part of the bulk commodity carrying truck body or trailer with each seam extending vertically. A wall structure and panel for same are also disclosed.

Abstract: There is disclosed a noise reduction member. Preferably, the noise reduction member is employed for sealing or baffling within a pillar or other structure of an automotive vehicle, although not required.

Abstract: A vehicle body rear structure, which includes a rear frame disposed on each side of a vehicle body; and a tank lower frame disposed beneath the rear frame and on the each side of the vehicle body. The rear frame has a load-displacement characteristic having a ratio F/S of load F to displacement S larger than the ratio F/S of the tank lower frame. A cross sectional deformation of the tank lower frame is suppressed so that the load does not rapidly decrease after reaching a maximum of a bending strength.

Abstract: A reinforced structure for a cabin of a working machine is disclosed, which comprises a cabin, a boom installed along the cabin, and a reinforcing member provided for the cabin. The cabin includes front pillars, upper pillars and rear pillars. The reinforcing member includes a first member located longitudinally between upper ends of the front and rear pillars located on the working apparatus side of the cabin, the first member being fixed to the upper pillar located on the same side, and a second member, one end of the second member being fixed to an intermediate position of the first member, and the other end thereof being fixed to the other upper pillar.

Abstract: An air ride system is provided for tractors and other agricultural vehicles to provide a smooth operator ride. The system includes a bracket mounted to the transmission housing beneath the cab. A pair of shock absorbers and a pair of air bags extend between the bracket and the cab so as to absorb forces generated during travel of the vehicle over the ground. A laterally extending control rod provides anti-sway for the cab. Stop members limit the upward and downward travel of the cab relative to the transmission housing. A compressor and air lines allow air to be supplied to or removed from the air bags to adjust the ride.

Abstract: A suspension arrangement for spring suspending a mass body (3) in relation to a substructure (1), for example, a driver's cabin (3) of a heavy goods vehicle in relation to the vehicle chassis (1) thereof. The suspension arrangement comprises a spring/damper arrangement (2) which is arranged between the mass body (3) and the substructure (1) and which is used to dampen thrusts and/or oscillations. The suspension arrangement in characterized in that it comprises at least one pantograph (6) which is used to reduce the freedom of movement of the mass body (3). The inventive suspension arrangement is constructively robust and can determine the provided freedom of movement of the mass body in a reliable manner and can dampen and/or prevent undesired movements in other spatial directions. The invention enables an economical and a reliable spring suspension, in particular, for a driver's cabin of heavy good vehicles, to be produced.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are embodiments of vehicles having table assemblies. One embodiment of a vehicle comprises a vehicle body structure, a support member, and a table member. The vehicle body structure defines at least a portion of a compartment and has an opening permitting access to the compartment. The support member is coupled to the vehicle body structure to move from an interior position in which the support member is substantially inboard of the compartment, to an exterior position in which at least a portion of the support member moves through the opening to a location outboard of the vehicle body structure. The table member is coupled to the support member to move from a first position in which the table member is located inboard of the vehicle body structure, to a second position in which the table member is located outboard of the vehicle body structure.

Abstract: A method for making machines includes selecting one of a plurality of types of suspension elements for coupling between a body component and a frame component of a machine. If the suspension elements are of a first type, they are coupled with mounting elements on the body component having a configuration corresponding therewith. If the suspension elements are of a second type, they are coupled with mounting elements on the frame component which have a configuration corresponding therewith. Adapter mechanisms having a first connecting interface corresponding to mounting elements on one of the body component and frame component, and a second connecting interface corresponding with the selected suspension elements, are used to couple the body component with the frame component.

Abstract: A lower grille assembly for connection with a front bumper structure of a vehicle includes a frame and a covering portion supported by the frame. A lower grille cavity filler extends downwardly beyond the frame. The lower grille cavity filler is sized and arranged to be received within a cavity formed by the front bumper structure and located below the lower grille assembly.

Abstract: A roof header structure which has a simple structure to allow effective reinforcement can be obtained. In an upper header panel 24, a bead 28 is formed which continues in the vehicle width direction, being the deepest in the central portion in the vehicle width direction, the depth being gradually reduced toward both ends in the vehicle width direction. The protruding end (the lower end) of the bead 28 is joined to the lower header panel 26 in the central portion in the vehicle width direction. The bead 28 reinforces the upper header panel 24, and further reinforces the entire front header part 22, thus with a simple structure, the front header part 22 can be reliably reinforced.

Abstract: A roof assembly comprises a closure moveable at least between a closed position closing the roof opening in the fixed roof of the vehicle and an open position in which the closure is slid under the fixed roof and at least partially opening the roof opening. A drain channel is positionable under the rear edge of the roof opening at least in a closed position of the closure. A drain channel operating mechanism is adapted to cause a vertical movement of the drain channel on the one hand and adapted to move said drain channel in the opening direction of the closure on the other hand. The drain channel operating mechanism is adapted to allow a relative movement between the drain channel and the closure during at least a part of the sliding movement of the closure. The drain channel operating mechanism includes a spring member acting upon the drain channel to keep the drain channel in engagement with a rear part of the closure in a vertical direction at least when the closure is in the open position.

Abstract: The invention relates to a mechanism for generating pivot motions and displacement motions of a chassis component (30), having a displaceable carriage (40) engaging with at least one first guide element (361) disposed on the chassis component by means of at least one second guide element (42, 44, 46). In order to simplify the mechanism according to the invention, the displaceable carriage (40) has at least two second guide elements (42, 44, 46) acting together with the first guide element (361) in the closed position and during the pivot motion of the chassis component (30), and acting together with a further first guide element (362) associated with the chassis component (30) during a displacement motion of the chassis component (30). The invention is in particular suitable for the panel of a sliding tilting sunroof of a vehicle.

Abstract: A recliner includes a folding frame including two arm rests, a chair frame coupling with the folding frame, and a locking mechanism. The chair frame includes a seat frame, a back frame, and a leg frame, wherein the chair frame is adapted to be selectively adjusted an inclination angle thereof to adjust the corresponding position of each of the seat frame, the back frame, and the leg frame in responsive to the sliding movement of the arm rest. The locking mechanism is provided at a bottom side of each of the arm rests to lock up the chair frame at the inclination angle.

Abstract: A seat temperature control system having a temperature controlled seat for use in a vehicle is disclosed. The temperature controlled seat may comprise a seat bottom, a seat back and an air conditioning system. The seat bottom includes a bottom heat exchanger fluid coil configured to direct a cooling fluid therethrough from a bottom inlet end to a bottom outlet end. The seat back includes a back heat exchanger fluid coil configured to direct the cooling fluid therethrough from a back inlet end to a back outlet end. The air conditioning system includes a coils inlet line in fluid communication with the bottom inlet end and the back inlet end, and a coils outlet line in fluid communication with the bottom outlet end and the back outlet end. The air conditioning system provides cooling fluid to the coils and receives cooling fluid from the coils.

Abstract: A vehicle seat is slidably mounts to rails secured to a vehicle chassis. The rails extend downwardly and away from the steering shaft of the vehicle at a substantial slope. Grooves formed in the rails receive posts secured to the seat to slidably mount the seat. A plurality of registration surfaces, such as a row of apertures, are secured to the rails and engage one or more locking pins. The locking pins are actuated by cables extending to a lever positioned near the edge of the seat. Springs urge the locking pins into engagement with the registration surfaces when tension is not applied to the cables. In an alternative embodiment, an air spring mounts between the seat and vehicle chassis. The amount of air within the air spring controls the position of the seat along the rails.

Abstract: A vehicle seat (1) having an active headrest mechanism (20) actuated by a lower lumbar mechanism (30). A seat back frame (10) mounts the active headrest mechanism (20) and the lower lumbar mechanism (30).

Abstract: A child restraint including a juvenile seat configured to be mounted on a seat base. The seat base includes a seat support and a LATCH system including first and second anchor belts for anchoring the seat support to the seat of a vehicle. The seat base includes a storage compartment for storing free ends of the anchor belts when the anchor belts are detached from the vehicle.

Abstract: A seat (1, 41, 61) for stadia, auditoria and the like is disclosed. The seat has a fixed backrest (2, 42) pivotable between a horizontal use position and a vertical standby position. A spring (33) or other resilient means urges the seat (5, 45) into the standby position. A damping mechanism such as a viscous grease damps the motion, preferably in both directions. Mounting straps (51, 52, 71, 72) enable a body (45) to be clamped to a spine (7, 47). By lightly tightening the straps, the position of the seat on the spine can be subject to small final adjustments before final tightening.

Abstract: A seat swivel for providing angular adjustment of a seat to an infinite number of rotational positions with respect to a seat base. The seat swivel includes a swivel assembly having a swivel plate rotatably supported between a pair of fixed plates, the swivel plate being adapted to be affixed to the seat and the fixed plates being adapted to be affixed to a seat base. The seat swivel further includes a brake assembly having a mechanism for releasably retaining the seat in any one of the infinite number of positions when the seat is subjected to a first dynamic impact loading, the mechanism being either mechanically or electrically actuated, the mechanism being adapted to withstand a dynamic impact loading of up to about 16 g in at least one rotational position of the seat.

Abstract: A connecting device may include first and second connecting elements that are axially oppositely coupled to each other so as to be rotatable relative to each other, and a retainer member that is arranged and constructed to clamp the first and second connecting elements. The second connecting element has a plurality of radially projected portions and a plurality of radially depressed portions that are respectively formed in a circumferential end surface thereof. The retainer member has a first retainer portion, a second retainer portion, a plurality of fixing portions and a plurality of supplemental retainer portions. The supplemental retainer portions are arranged and constructed to be axially supported by a support die of a crimping machine when the end peripheries of the fixing portions are crimped while the second retainer portion is axially supported by the support die.

Abstract: A connecting apparatus for rotatably connecting two object members of a vehicle seat relative to each other. The connecting apparatus may include first and second connecting members, a lock member and an operating member. The first and second connecting members are integrated to be able to rotate relative to each other. The lock member is able to lock the relative rotation between the connecting members by meshing outer peripheral teeth with inner peripheral teeth formed at the second connecting member. The operating member moves the lock member between a mesh state and a release state.

Abstract: When stowed, this leg rest lies flat on the floor partially under the passenger's feet and partially under the seat. The leg rest pivots up from the floor to a raised position so that the edge nearest the seat aligns with the front of the seat pan. In its raised position, the leg rest and seat together form a continuous support surface along the entire length of a passenger's body.

Abstract: A collapsible footrest for universal use with similarly collapsible outdoor chairs comprising a fabric footrest panel supported vertically by a first pair of crossed support members and supported horizontally in relation to a chair by a second pair of crossed support members affixed to the chair at its base. The ends of the second crossed support members are joined by bi-directional couplings and hinged couplings that allow the footrest to fold into and collapse with the associated chair for storage while also limiting the motion of the footrest during use such that the foot rest panel is optimally positioned in an upright position to comfortably support a seated user's legs.

Abstract: An improved bit assembly for road milling, mining, and trenching equipment includes a streamlined tip assembly that is a combination of conical and cylindrical in shape and devoid of protrusions or annular indentations that might impede the flow of removed material over and around the bit assembly or provide space for removed material to become clogged or imbedded on the tip assembly. The generally cylindrical hollow shank that mounts the bit holder to the bit block includes at least one axially aligned slot along its side wall that allows the side wall to bend supply radial force to maintain the bit holder in the bit block.

Abstract: An attack tool for degrading materials is disclosed which comprises a base segment comprising an attachment to a driving mechanism, a first wear-resistant segment bonded to the base segment, a second wear-resistant segment bonded to the first wear-resistant segment at a brazed joint opposite the base segment, and at least a portion of exterior surfaces of both the wear-resistant segments proximate the joint, the portion of exterior surfaces comprising a finish ground surface.

Abstract: A tension-spoke wheel including a rim, spokes, and a central hub, the exterior of the rim having a tire-receiving channel that defines a median plane, and an interior of the rim having spoke fastening zones that define a median plane for fastening the spokes, the hub having a median plane and two flanges for fastening the spokes, one of the flanges being closer to the median plane of the hub than the other, and at least the spokes fastened to the flange that is closer to the median plane of the hub lacking individual tensioning mechanisms. The spokes fastened to the flange that is closer to the hub median plane are fastened to the rim on the side of the median plane of the tire-receiving channel that is opposite the closer flange.

Abstract: An hydraulically activated internal locking apparatus is disclosed including an hydraulic fluid reservoir, an hydraulically activated locking system and a electronic control system, where the electronic control system is in electrical communication with the locking system and the reservoir is in fluid communication with the locking system so that the locking system can be transitioned from a locked state to an unlocked state when the electronic control system receives a unlock or lock code or instruction.

Abstract: In a vehicle control apparatus, a hybrid ECU automatically stops and starts an engine if a predetermined condition is met while the vehicle is stopped. A brake ECU controls the braking force applied to wheels. A hybrid ECU controls the brake ECU so that braking force is applied to the wheels at the time of startup of the engine if while the vehicle is stopped, the vehicle run position is not selected as a shift position of the transmission. This restrains vibration of the vehicle at the time of startup of the engine.

Abstract: A braking force maintaining apparatus executes hill-hold control in which braking force applied to each of wheels of a vehicle is maintained by a braking device even after release of a brake pedal. An electronic control unit determines whether the yaw rate of the vehicle is greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold value and whether the wheels are held in a locked state by the braking force applied by the braking device. If the wheels are held in the locked state and the yaw rate is greater than or equal to the threshold value, the electronic control unit controls the braking device in such a manner that the braking force acting on two or more of wheels including at least a specific wheel falls below the braking force at the start of the hill-hold control.

Abstract: A system and method of controlling a vehicle with a trailer comprises determining the presence of a trailer, determining a vehicle velocity, determining a steering wheel angle, and determining a rear axle side slip angle. When the rear axle side slip angle is above a predetermined value, the vehicle velocity is above a velocity threshold, and the steering wheel is about zero, brake-steer is applied to the vehicle.

Abstract: A case including a holding portion and a rotary part is used to fix a drawer device. A first sidewall of the drawer device has a first hole. The holding portion has a second sidewall and the drawer device is disposed in the holding portion. A second hole is located in the second sidewall. The position of the second hole is corresponding to the first hole. The rotary part is pivoted on an outer side of the holding portion through a first hinge portion and the first hinge portion is located between a first protrusion portion and a second protrusion portion. When the drawer device comes into the holding portion, the drawer device is in contact with the first protrusion portion, which makes the rotary part turn in a first rotating direction and the second protrusion portion pass through the second hole to be fixed in the first hole.

Abstract: A tool-free rapid assembly/disassembly slide rail device is characterized in that each of a front slide rail and a rear slide rail has an end inserted by rectangular or circular flange positioning blocks of a positioning element and is detachably assembled with a resilient retaining element, wherein the positioning element is retained by the resilient retaining element to allow rapid assembly and disassembly of the slide rail device.

Abstract: A pull-out drawer assembly for a refrigerator bottom freezer. The assembly includes upper and lower baskets slidably mounted one above the other. The bottom basket has a drawer face mounted to its front edge. The upper basket has a magnet which cooperates with an engagement device that is mounted on the lower basket and is attractable to the magnet so that, when the drawer is pulled out of the freezer compartment, both drawers travel as a unit. The upper drawer can then be pushed back to disengage the engagement device from the magnet and provide access to the lower basket.

Abstract: A shelf for a piece of furniture, or for a refrigerator or similar element, including a panel for supporting articles and at least one structure made of plastic on at least one region of the periphery of the panel. The structure is configured to allow the shelf to be installed in a frame of the piece of furniture. The structure supports, at least on one of its two faces situated in the plane of the panel, a mechanism of attaching an accessory intended to be placed, in a position of use, in a free space of the corresponding side of the shelf.

Abstract: Storage systems are provided with a first shelf and a drop-down shelf. In one example, the storage system includes first and second link members that are each slidably and pivotably attached with respect to the first shelf. Each of the link members is also pivotably attached with respect to the drop-down shelf. In another example, the storage system includes first and second stationary track guides that each extend away from the first shelf. The drop-down shelf includes first and second support structures that are each slidably received in a respective one of the stationary track guides.

Abstract: In an image recording apparatus, there are oppositely arranged an image recording section capable of recording an image all over the recording width of a recording medium, and a platen section which holds the recording medium and which conveys the recording medium perpendicularly to a width direction of the recording medium. A platen driving unit can vary a space between the image recording section and the platen section. Positioning pins of a carriage are engaged with slide hooks to set a space between the platen driving unit and the image recording section.

Abstract: A liquid discharge apparatus is disclosed that includes a liquid discharge head that discharges plural types of liquid droplets; a drive waveform generating unit that generates and outputs a drive waveform including a first drive signal group made up of one or more drive signals and a second drive signal group made up of one or more drive signals within one drive period; a control signal output unit that outputs first control signals for controlling selection of the drive signals of the first drive signal group and second control signals for controlling selection of the drive signals of the second drive signal group; and a drive unit that inputs the drive waveform, the first control signals, and the second control signals, selects one or more drive signals from the drive signals of the first drive signal group and the second drive signal group using the first control signals and the second control signals, and supplies the selected drive signals to the liquid discharge head.

Abstract: A method of operating an inkjet head to eject ink droplets, for an inkjet head including a pressure chamber that is contracted and expanded in a particular period, including: decompression-operating the membrane, such that the volume of the pressure chamber is increased, in correspondence with the period in which the pressure chamber is expanded; compression-operating the membrane, such that the volume of the pressure chamber is decreased, in correspondence with the time point at which the pressure chamber is converted from an expanded state to a contracted state; decompression-operating the membrane, such that the volume of the pressure chamber is increased, in correspondence with the period in which the pressure chamber is contracted; and compression-operating the membrane, such that the volume of the pressure chamber is decreased, in correspondence with the time point at which the pressure chamber is converted from a contracted state to an expanded state.

Abstract: A liquid droplet ejecting apparatus having: a liquid droplet ejecting head; and a drive pulse generating unit, wherein the head includes: a nozzle; a pressure chamber which communicates with the nozzle; and a pressure applying section which changes a pressure in the pressure chamber, wherein the generated drive pulse is applied to the pressure applying section so as to change the pressure in the pressure chamber to cause the liquid in the pressure chamber to be ejected from the nozzle, and wherein the drive pulse includes a rectangular expansion pulse which causes expansion and then contraction of the volume of the pressure chamber and in which the pulse width PW of the expanding pulse is set so as to satisfy the following conditional equation, PW = ? - ( tan - 1 ? 1 2 ? ? ? ? f ? ? ? ) 2 ? ? ? ? f ( 1 ) where f represents an acoustic resonance frequency of a pressure wave in the pressure chamber and ? represents a damping time constant of the pressure wave.

Abstract: A liquid discharging apparatus includes a discharging device, a liquid receiving device, a voltage applying device, an electrical change detection device, a driving signal generating device, and a control device. The discharging device discharges liquid from a nozzle to a target on the basis of discharge data. At the time of discharging, the control device controls the discharging device so as to perform discharging on the basis of the discharge data using a generated discharge data driving signal. At the time of the nozzle testing, the control device controls the voltage applying device so as to apply a predetermined voltage between the discharging device and the liquid receiving device and controls the discharging device using a test driving signal to determine on the basis of an electrical change detected by the electrical change detection device whether the liquid is discharged to thereby perform the nozzle testing.