Abstract: A steering apparatus has a column 46, a column 42 fitted to the column 46 and able to make collapsing movement or move, a bracket 21 attached to a vehicle body in such a way that it can be detached with the column 42 by an impact force of a secondary collision, a guide bracket 61 fixed to the column 46 and having a guide groove 63, and a pin 71 fixed to the bracket 21 and movable with the bracket 21 while being guided by the guide groove 63. The guide bracket 61 has a flat plate portion 61d that is not contact with the bracket 21. A guide groove 63 is provided in the flat plate portion 61d. The pin 71 has a head portion 713 at the top having a diameter larger than its shaft portion. The apparatus has a gap setting portion that is in abutment with the upper surface of the bracket 21 when the pin 71 is fixed to the bracket 21 to set the distance between the lower surface of the head portion 713 and the upper surface of the bracket 21 to a predetermined value.

Abstract: A steering system for allowing an operator to control the direction of travel of a vehicle propelled on wheels. The steering system comprises a steering input device configured to include a handle pivotally coupled to a linkage assembly configured to swivel, wherein the handle is configured to move in the fore and aft direction, wherein the steering input device generates input data based on the position of the linkage assembly and/or the handle. The steering system further comprises a communication device to communicate the input data received by the steering input device to a lower steering system, wherein the lower steering system is configured to receive the input data from the steering input device and control the direction of the wheels based on the input data received.

Abstract: [PROBLEMS] The present invention provides a protecting structure for a power source apparatus capable of suppressing the action of an external force on the power source apparatus when a vehicle is subjected to a shock. [SOLVING MEANS] A protecting structure for a power source apparatus, has a frame unit in which a plurality of frames (21a to 21h) are connected to each other and surround the power source apparatus (30) mounted on a vehicle; and an abutting member (22) connected to the frame unit and extending in a direction in which the abutting member abuts on a vehicle body. The abutting member is arranged so as to extend in a direction in which an external force in a predetermined direction acts on the vehicle.

Abstract: An apparatus for mounting a seat belt to a vehicle body, may include a wire integrally having on a first end thereof a belt insert ring, an end of the seat belt being inserted into the belt insert ring, a wire installing unit coupled to a second end of the wire and secured to the vehicle body, and a belt restraining unit coupled to the vehicle body while slidably receiving the seat belt so as to restrain movement of the seat belt which may be inserted into the belt insert ring.

Abstract: A wheeled riding device has a body with an elongate front arm, a turning tail, and a joint part pivotally connecting the turning tail and front arm relative to one another. A front wheel is carried by a forward end of the front arm. Rear wheels are carried by a rear end of the turning tail. A standing platform is supported over the front arm and turning tail. The rear wheels and turning tail can pivot laterally side to side relative to the front arm. The front wheel and front arm can pivot vertically up and down relative to the standing platform. The front wheel, during a turn, is cambered inward into the turn. The device is controlled by the rider using body movements and skills required to ride a snowboard.

Abstract: A chemically etched two dimensional matrix symbol is provided on a substrate. The substrate may be metal or plastic. A process is described for forming a plurality of two dimensional matrix symbols at the same time in batches. The two dimensional data matrix symbol includes a substrate, a plurality of grooves and a plurality of raised areas, and a plurality of ink spots disposed in the grooves according to a predefined code. The matrix is readable by a scanning device.

Abstract: Connection devices for a moulding core for producing a fibre composite component are provided. Such a connection device can include a base element for receiving a coupling portion of the moulding core for subjecting the moulding core to a medium, a clamping element for fixing and sealing the coupling portion of the moulding core on the base element, and a locking mechanism for locking the clamping element with respect to the base element and the coupling portion of the moulding core.

Abstract: Internal collars and external saddle taps can be used to install taps on a main duct in a manner that maintains duct section joint integrity. A saddle tap assembly may include an external slip tap, internal tap collar, a duct section, and adhesive. The external slip tap and the internal tap collar may each have a flange. The flanges may be curved. The flange of the internal collar may have a sheared portion permitting the flange of the internal collar to pass through an opening in a section of duct. The duct may have an opening with one or more notches. A method of installation can be more efficient and more cost-effective than prior solutions. An installation tool can be used for installing saddle tap assemblies while an adhesive cures.

Abstract: A door lock transmission structure includes two inserts and a link component installed in a case, and the two inserts are driven by a key and a door handle respectively. The insert driven by the door handle includes two driving elements for driving one of the inserts to operate, such that the two inserts are driven for a synchronous operation when one of the driving elements is operated, so as to constitute the door lock transmission structure.

Abstract: An opening/closing structure for a thin plate-conveying container has engagement recesses with which engagement projections are engageable. The engagement recesses are formed facing the engagement projections formed on a cover member of a lid of a rotation plate, both at an engagement rotation position and at a disengagement rotation position. The engagement rotation position is the position of the rotation plate for engagement of an engagement section of a lock member with a container body, and the disengagement rotation position is the position of the rotation plate for disengagement of the lock member from the container body.

Abstract: A structure for electrical locks comprises two rotational members, a latching assembly, and a controlling means. The two rotational members are respectively secured to two handles of a door. The latching assembly includes a cartridge, a sliding element, and a dividing rod. The dividing rod is fitted in the cartridge to define two lateral zones respectively corresponding to two recesses of the rotational members. The sliding member is slidably fitted in one of the lateral zones of the cartridge. The controlling means includes a pushing assembly and a solenoid. When the solenoid is de-energized, the pushing assembly can be moved forward to lock a respective handle. When the solenoid is energized, the pushing assembly can be moved back to free the respective handle. The structure can be easily applied in a door where one handle can be freely operated while the other handle can be electro-selectively operated.

Abstract: A lock device is adapted to unlock a lock by transferring a lock catch from a locking position to a releasing position. The device has an electric motor mechanically connected to an axle by means of at least one transmission means, and rotation of said axle actuates the lock catch. The device is characterized in that it comprises means for monitoring the current consumed by the electric motor.

Abstract: A magnetic door stop/latch contains a first magnet mounted on or within a door and a second magnet mounted on or within a structure opposing the door, such as a wall, door jamb, door frame or baseboard. When the door is moving towards the opposing structure, the magnetic door stop may used to prevent the door from slamming into the opposing structure by virtue of the repulsive forces of the magnets. The magnetic door stop may be switched from repulsive configuration to an attractive configuration that holds the door in position.

Abstract: The invention relates to a handle configuration for a door, in particular for a motorized vehicle door, with an outside handle (1) mounted such that it can pivot, which is arranged on the outside on the type of exterior door fuselage (3) that has a concave external handle recess (2), where the outside handle (1) has a first (10) and a second bearing arm (20) arranged on the inside with the first bearing arm (10) mounted around a rotational axis (11), the outside handle (1) has face surfaces (5) in each of the areas of the first (10) and the second bearing arm (20) which face the exterior door fuselage (3) and with a gap (4) that exists between the face surface (5) and the exterior door fuselage (3).

Abstract: A removable ladder handle allows a user to carry a ladder comfortably with one hand or a shoulder strap. The removable ladder handle has a bar, one or more compression springs and one or more spring clips that have a concave downward shape. A middle section of each spring clip is coupled to the bar. The compression springs are coupled to the bar facing downward. Both end sections of each spring clip have inside hooks that face inward and upward. The spring clips and inside hooks are configured to fit over one of the side rails of a ladder and snap on to inner edges of the side rail when the removable ladder handle is engaged to the ladder by a user pushing the removable ladder handle down onto the side rail.

Abstract: A synthetic roundsling which has an endless load-bearing core with a plurality of loops of synthetic fibers for use in harsh environments. A tubular cover is provided for loosely containing the load-bearing core so that the fibers in the core are movable relative to each other and to the cover. The cover is waterproof to prevent the core from absorbing liquid. The core is prevented from increasing in weight and decreasing in flexibility due to liquid being absorbed by the core, thereby insuring that the roundsling will stay light and flexible even in harsh environmental conditions. A second, outer cover may provide additional protection to the core to protect the core from physical damage.

Abstract: A sucking device includes a tubular body and an engaging member. The tubular body includes a through hole and an air distributing portion received in the through hole and engaged with an inner surface of a sidewall of the tubular body. The air distributing portion is arranged adjacent to a distal end of the tubular body, and includes a central air passage and a number of peripheral air passages surrounding the central air passage. The engaging member includes a bottom plate received in the through hole at the distal end and an engaging portion extending from the bottom plate and being insertably engaged in the central air passage. A gap is maintained between a circumferential outer surface of the bottom plate and the inner surface of the tubular sidewall, and the gap is in communication with the through hole through the peripheral air passages.

Abstract: A center console comprising a manipulable structural component, such as a pivotal lid, sliding armrest, tambour door, or pivotal cup holder, and at least one active material actuator including an active material element operable to undergo a reversible change, drivenly coupled to the component, and configured to autonomously cause and/or enable the component to be manipulated as a result of the change.

Abstract: A vehicle interior trim assembly comprises first, second and third trim members. The first trim member has a first surface which includes a first mounting structure. The second trim member is positioned adjacent to the first trim member such that a first peripheral edge of the first trim member faces a second peripheral edge of the second trim member. The third trim member is more elastic than the first and second trim members and is coupled to and at least partially overlays the second trim member. The third trim member has a second surface including a second mounting structure, and a third peripheral edge of the third trim member extends beyond the second peripheral edge of the second trim member such that the second mounting structure of the third trim member engages the first mounting structure of the first trim member.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a convertible space system that is integrated into a floor of an interior cargo area. The convertible space system includes a pair of panels that are moveable between a stowed position and a deployed position. When in the deployed position, the pair of panels are extended and integrally positioned on the floor to define a primary load bearing surface. When in the stowed position, the pair of panels are collapsed and positioned on the floor to define vertically extending lateral boundary walls for the cargo area, and to expose a secondary load bearing surface disposed below the primary load bearing surface, thereby increasing the effective height of the interior cargo area.

Abstract: A coin box assembly having an anti jamming feature for a vehicle. The coin box assembly can have a coin box with a back wall with a top end, a front wall, and a pair of side walls extending between the back wall and the front wall. The coin box assembly can also have a cover that encloses the coin box when box is in a closed position. The back wall is dimensioned such that the top end is a predefined distance from the cover, the predefined distance providing a clearance. The clearance allows the coin box to pivot between the closed position and an open position, and yet prevents a small object such as a coin from being located between the back wall top end and the cover and thereby preventing the coin box from pivoting.

Abstract: A sun visor can appropriately expand its light shielding area without requiring any auxiliary sun visor or the like and hence can be provided at low cost. The sun visor includes a sun visor main body section 101 including a container section 102 having a first width and an aperture section 103 having a second width greater than the first width and held in communication with the container section 102, and a translucent light shielding plate including a light shielding plate main body section 111, a pair of upper projections 112 arranged at the upper lateral ends of the light shielding plate main body section 111 and a pair of lower projections 113 arranged at the lower lateral ends of the light shielding plate main body section, and the width between the pair of upper projections 112 is greater than the second width.

Abstract: A cover assembly and a method of covering a cargo bed for a truck having a separate cab uses a raised structure with removable side panels, constructed and arranged in sections of successively smaller width and height dimensions, the cover sections being slideably mounted within grooves on side rails that are secured to the sides of the cargo bed so that the smaller sections can be either extended, with the smallest section is toward the rear of the cargo bed or retracted into the largest section, and locking pins are provided to secure the cover sections in the desired locations, the method of installation and removal being to install the cover sections in order of size with the smallest sections installed first and the largest sections removed first.

Abstract: A cabriolet top (8) for a cabriolet (1) has a roof (10) which, in a closed position (ST) of the cabriolet top, upwardly bounds a vehicle interior (9) and, for an open position of the cabriolet (1), is movable into a storage position (AS) in a storage space (21). The roof (10) has a main roof part (11) and closing roof parts (12, 13) which, in the closed position (ST), form a continuous roof surface. The main roof part (11) has at least one open-edged cutout (24, 25) that is closed by the closing roof part (12, 13) in the closed position (ST). However, the closing roof part (12, 13) is displaced relative to the main roof part (11) and opens the cutout (24, 25) in the storage position (AS).

Abstract: A rear aerodynamic device for a vehicle and vehicle equipped with such a device are provided. The aerodynamic device can be fastened under a rear end of a vehicle frame of a cargo body of an industrial vehicle, behind the wheels. It includes a nozzle having an inlet positioned on a lateral external face of the device and capable of canalising air flowing along the vehicle and an outlet positioned at the rear part of the device and capable of ejecting the air flow underneath a vehicle rear face.

Abstract: A compartment includes a plurality of side walls and a floor configured to define a storage area. The compartment also includes a panel operatively connected to the floor or to at least one of the plurality of side walls. The panel is configured to selectively expand and restrict access to the storage area. The compartment additionally include a torque rod having a wall thickness, a hollow interior, a first end fixed relative to the storage area and a second end fixed relative to the panel. The torque rod is configured to store energy by being twisted when the panel is pivoted in a first direction relative to the storage area and release the stored energy when the panel is pivoted in a second direction that is opposite to the first direction to thereby assist operation of the panel. A vehicle employing such an enclosure is also provided.

Abstract: Wide brackets of door impact beams are formed in a Z shape such that beam contact parts are extended horizontally in one direction above oblique force support parts and wide overlap parts are extended horizontally in the opposite direction below the oblique force support parts. Therefore, while an overlap section of a door with respect to a B pillar is further widened, a body frame and a B pillar of a 2-door coupe vehicle exhibit the same safety performance as a body frame and a B pillar of a 4-door sedan vehicle.

Abstract: An attachment mount for the front end of a truck, which can fit trucks with full-width or tapering chassis. The attachment mount may include a front member for supporting a front-end truck attachment, and a distribution member. The distribution member may be attached to the vehicle chassis and to the front member, so that the attachment mount spreads stresses originating from downwardly-directed forces exerted on the front member by the attachment, to the front portion of the vehicle chassis.

Abstract: A stowable vehicle seat with improved operability is configured so that a stowing and restoring operation can be performed by rotating seat support parts and provided on the rear end part of a seat cushion in the front and rear direction around the rotating center. The seat support part is provided with a rotating shaft provided on the seat cushion side, a rotating shaft bracket pivotally supporting the rotating shaft on the vehicle body floor side, and spiral springs one end part side of which is always locked to the rotating shaft side and which urges in the restoration rotating direction. The other end part side of the spiral springs is locked to the vehicle body floor side at different predetermined angles of the seat cushion.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus, in particular for attaching to the back of a seat. The apparatus comprises a plate with a flat recess and an insert which is removably mountable in the flat recess of the plate and is configured to receive an information medium which is viewable when the insert is mounted in the flat recess of the plate. For releasably fixing of the insert on mounting of the same in the flat recess, the insert has the following: at least one tongue on a first border area of the insert for engagement in at least one correspondingly shaped groove in the plate, and at least one releasable fixing that is present in or on at least one second border area of the insert and that is operable by twisting and/or sliding at least one component.

Abstract: A deployable cup holder including linkage arranged such that a portion of the linkage is movable between a folded configuration positioned within a space defined in a seat, and a deployed configuration positioned forming a closed loop defining an opening between the linkage, the linkage including a ground link, first and second grounded links, and a coupler link, wherein the ground link and the coupler link are pivotably connected to each of the first and second grounded links to define a closed loop.

Abstract: The magnetically suspended chair device provides cushioned seat suspension above the base, as well as a unique aesthetic appeal. As proximity of the magnets increases repulsive forces, the second electromagnet of the seat bottom will not contact the first electromagnet of the seat base. Depending upon the seat bottom and seat back design, and the load imposed by a user thereon, the electromagnets are either centrally or off-center disposed. The arm assemblies guide the seat assembly in upward and downward movement away from and toward the base.

Abstract: An infant support includes a seat and an upright portion that extends from the seat. A tray has a first member, a second member, and a third member. The first member of the tray is configured to be removably coupled to the upright portion. Additionally, the second member of the tray is configured to be removably coupled between the first member and the third member.

Abstract: Follow-up performance to respiratory movements is made higher than that of the prior art without obstructing movements of the pelvis of a person. A configuration is adopted that a cushioning member arrangement frame for a seat back 34, 140 and a cushioning member arrangement frame for a seat cushion are displaced according to load fluctuation to a cushioning member for a seat back 40, 150 or a cushioning member for a seat cushion 20. That is, such a configuration is adopted that the cushioning member arrangement frame for a seat back 34, 140 or the cushioning member for a seat cushion 20 not only moves according to load fluctuation but also frames themselves supporting them move via tension structure members spread over the frames (a cushioning member for a seat back and a cushioning member for a seat cushion).

Abstract: A chair having a seat, a first support base and an upright elongated support element. The upright elongated support element has a first point and a second point, with the first point connecting to the seat and the second point connecting to the first support base. The first support base is bolstered by a resilient component since the resilient component is disposed beneath the first support base. The resilient component is capable of providing cushioning to the first support base is also capable of providing a full axial rotation to said upright elongated support element.

Abstract: A nesting chair includes a base having a transverse member. A backrest and seat are interconnected with the base. A seat rotation mechanism is configured to allow the seat to rotate from an initial seating position to an upwardly rotated nesting position. The seat rotation includes a first bearing area defined by an underside of the seat, and a second bearing area defined by a separate bearing member. The first and second bearing areas are located on opposite sides of the transverse member. A retainer arrangement is used to secure the bearing member to the seat with the transverse member therebetween. The seat is rotatable about the transverse member from the initial seating position to the upwardly rotated nesting position to enable the nesting chair to be nested with a plurality of like chairs. The transverse member is provided with a stop engageable with the seat for maintaining the seat in the seating position.

Abstract: To be able to produce a scissors-type frame of a vehicle seat in a quick and easy manner, the present invention is directed to a scissors-type frame for a vehicle seat, in particular for a motor vehicle seat, comprising a first scissors element and a second scissors element, wherein the scissors-type frame is height-adjustable by means of the two scissors elements, and wherein the scissors-type frame is characterized in that one of the two scissors elements passes through the other of the two scissors elements.

Abstract: A fitting (10) for a vehicle seat, in particular for a motor vehicle seat, includes a first fitting part (11), on which a ring gear (17) is formed, a second fitting part (12), on which a gear (16) is formed, which gear meshes with the ring gear (17), whereby the two fitting parts (11, 12) are in a transmission connection with each other, and a rotating eccentric (27, 35) for driving a relative rolling motion of the gear (16) and the ring gear (17). The eccentric is driven by a carrier (21), wherein the eccentric (27, 35) is rotatably supported in a collar (38), which is associated with one of the two fitting parts (11, 12), or in a bushing (28) sitting in said collar (38) in a rotationally fixed manner. A blocking element (50) for the eccentric (27, 35) is operative at least at times between the eccentric (27, 35) and the bushing (28).

Abstract: In at least one embodiment, the present invention relates to a vehicle seat assembly comprising a seat frame made of structural foam and having a main body portion having a forward portion and a rearward portion, and a wire attachment bracket having a front attachment tab, a rear attachment tab, and a connecting portion extending between the front and rear attachment tabs. The front attachment tab can be securable to a vehicle floor pan to secure the forward portion of the seat frame to the vehicle floor pan, and the rear attachment tab can be securable to a vehicle floor pan to secure the rearward portion of the seat frame to the vehicle floor pan. In at least one embodiment, the vehicle seat assembly further comprises a cushion supported on the frame, with the cushion being softer than the seat frame, and a trim material disposed over the cushion.

Abstract: A valve containing portion (35) is formed behind a bit containing portion (34) which opens at the front surface of a main cutter spoke (21). A rotary valve (39) is rotatably disposed in the valve containing portion (35). A bit case (41) containing a roller bit (31) is moved so as to protrude from an attachment/detachment path (39) formed in a rotary valve (38) into the bit containing portion (34), and is fixed by a cotter (38) to support an excavating reactive force. Thus, the sliding gap of the rotary valve (39) is disposed in the bit containing portion (34) and the valve containing portion (35) to be covered with the bit case (41).

Abstract: A quick change type bit holder for use in a bit assembly for road milling, road planing, trenching and mining equipment wherein a bit shank extends completely through an axially oriented bit holder bore includes a slotted shank having an outwardly tapered bit holder bore wherein insertion of the bit shank in a bit block acts to slightly collapse the shank which collapses the tapered bore to a generally cylindrical configuration that preferably snugly retains the bit shank rotatably therein.

Abstract: The various embodiments herein provide a system for reducing friction in vehicles operating on agricultural and muddy lands. The system includes a polous placed on a board fastened to the circular base, an arched piece connected one shaft in each of the two hydraulic jacks attached to the board, a plurality of bushings fastened to a wheel ring attached to the polous, a rotating helm attached to one end of a bushing shaft attached to each of the bushings, a guide bar attached to the bushings and bushings shaft and a spring arranged over the guide bar. The movement of the vehicle wheel causes the rotating helm to come in to contact with the arched piece which in turn stroke the bushing shaft resulting in a reciprocal movement inside the bushings thereby providing traction between the vehicle wheel and a land surface.

Abstract: A wheel and rear hub gearbox assembly for single-sided mounting to a bicycle frame, with the gearbox mounted to the frame by a bearing situated intermediate the axial extent of the gearbox casing. The wheel is detachably mounted to the gearbox casing by cooperating mounting formations on the wheel and at one end of the casing. The wheel is positioned relative to the gearbox such that when the wheel is mounted to the gearbox casing, the bearing is central, in the axial direction, relative to the wheel.

Abstract: An electronically controlled braking device of a towing vehicle-trailer combination, which includes at least a generating arrangement (FBM) for generating at least one brake request signal, an electronic towing vehicle brake control unit associated with the towing vehicle for generating brake pressure setpoint value signals for at least one electro-pneumatic pressure control module of the towing vehicle as a function of the brake request signal, a data link between the towing vehicle and the trailer, at least one electro-pneumatic pressure control module associated with the trailer for controlling a trailer brake pressure, in which the data link is for direct communication between the towing vehicle brake control unit and the at least one electro-pneumatic pressure control module of the trailer, and in which the towing vehicle brake control unit and the data link are for directly inputting control signals into the at least one pressure control module of the trailer for generating the trailer brake pressure at

Abstract: The invention relates to a brake system which comprises an actuating device (26), especially a brake pedal (30), and a control/regulation device (22). Said control/regulation device (22) controls at least one electromotive drive device (7a, 7b, 8) in response to the movement and/or position of the actuating device (26). The drive device adjusts a piston (1, 1a, 1b) of a piston/cylinder system via a non-hydraulic transmission device, thereby adjusting a pressure in the working compartment (4?, 4?a, 4b?) of the cylinder. Said working compartment is connected to a wheel brake (15, 17) via a pressure conduit (13, 13a). A valve (14, 14a, 15, 15a, 14?, 14a?) is interposed between the brake cylinder of the wheel brake and the working compartment of the piston/cylinder system. The control/regulation device opens the valve for pressure suppression or pressure build-up in the brake cylinder and closes it in order to maintain the pressure in the brake cylinder.

Abstract: A track assembly for a machine includes a track having inner track seals, a rotatable track engaging element such as an idler or drive sprocket and a contact interface for protecting the seals during guiding the track about the rotatable element. The contact interface may include sacrificial wear material on the rotatable element and sacrificial wear material on corresponding track links. The contact interface may have a configuration based on a location of the seals, and is adapted to inhibit wear of the track links in regions adjacent the seals. In another aspect, the contact interface is a guide interface.

Abstract: A stackable footwear storage cabinet is provided that includes a plurality of components forming a cubic arrangement inclosing an interior space for a drawer with dividers to store footwear in a vertical fashion. Two or more units capable of being interlocked in a vertical stack, counter weighted to prevent tipping over when the fully loaded drawers are extended open.

Abstract: An enclosure includes a chassis, a side panel and a knob structure. The chassis includes a rear panel in which a latching hole is defined. The knob structure includes a mounting member, a sliding member engaged in the mounting member, a positioning member secured to the side panel and a resilient member elastically engaged between the sliding member and the positioning portion. The mounting member is secured to the side panel. The sliding member includes a hook. The sliding member can slide from a first position to a second position; when the sliding member is in the first position, the hook engages in the latching hole, when the sliding member is in the second position, the hook disengages from the latching hole; the resilient member elastically deforms to bias the sliding member to slide from the first position to the second position.

Abstract: A control mechanism for a drawer slide assembly which includes a first slide member and a second slide member. The control mechanism includes an adjustment member and a pair of stop members. The adjustment member is rotationally connected to the second slide member, and the pair of stop members are connected to the adjustment member and each have a stop portion located corresponding to the first slide member. The first slide member includes a catch portion which is located corresponding to one of the stop portions. The pair of the stop members are moved by rotation of the adjustment member. When the second slide member is retracted relative to the first slide member, the first and second stop portions are respectively adjusted and are engaged with the catch portion of the first side member to position the second slide member.

Abstract: A liquid ejection apparatus includes a valve which adjusts the flow rate of a recording liquid in a return passage connecting an outflow opening with a tank, a pump which supplies the recording liquid from the tank to the internal passage via the supply passage, a detecting unit which detects an operating state of the pump, and a calculating unit which calculates the viscosity of the recording liquid. The calculating unit calculates the viscosity of the recording liquid based on the operating state of the pump detected by the detecting unit, while the recording liquid in the tank circulates so as to serially pass through the supply passage, the internal passage, and the return passage.