Abstract: A printhead including a fluid ejector chip having an electrical interface. The electrical interface includes one or more inputs for receiving respective primitive address data and heater address data corresponding to each of one or more address cycles, at least one of the one or more inputs being switchable to a deactivated state, and one or more shift registers, a total number of shift registers being adjustable so that each of the one or more shift registers corresponds to a respective one of the one or more inputs that is not in a deactivated state, the one or more shift registers receiving the respective primitive address data and heater address data from the one or more inputs that are not in a deactivated state to allow for selective application of electrical signals to the heating elements so that fluid is ejected from the fluid ejector chip in accordance with image data.

Abstract: An inkjet printer has a printing head, a sheet conveying mechanism, a carriage mounting a printing head and configured to be reciprocally movable in a printing area and non-printing area. A cap is provided to be movable between a capping position an uncap position. A controller of the inkjet printer is configured to execute a printing process, a standby process, and a capping process in which the controller causes the carriage to move to the non-printing area and moves the cap from the uncap position to the capping position. The controller causes the carriage to move into the printing area when the next printing command is received after the standby process is finished and before the carriage moving process has been completed.

Abstract: There is provided a liquid jetting apparatus including: a liquid jetting head including first and second nozzles from which the first and second liquids are jetted, respectively; a head driving unit; a flushing receiving part including first and second landing positions; and a controller. The controller causes the first and second liquids to be jetted from the first and second nozzles such that the first and second liquids land on the first and second landing positions respectively, in a case that a flushing process is performed in a state that a liquid-jetting process is performed. The controller controls the liquid jetting head to move during a period between jetting of the first and liquids land on the second landing position, in the case that the flushing process is performed in a state that the liquid-jetting process is not performed.

Abstract: There is provided a liquid discharge apparatus, including: a liquid discharge head; a wiper; a wiper cleaner cleaning a liquid adhering to a first surface of the wiper and including a first contact part, which makes contact with the first surface of the wiper, and a second contact part, which is disposed to face the first contact part and makes contact with the second surface of the wiper; a movement mechanism moving the wiper and the wiper cleaner relative to each other, and a space expansion part expanding a space between the first contact part and the second contact part.

Abstract: A replacement assisting liquid having a lower specific weight than an ink is introduced into a recording head filled with a preservative solution containing at least a moisturizing agent to discharge the preservative solution out of the recording head. Next, the ink is introduced into the recording head to discharge the replacement assisting liquid out of the recording head.

Abstract: In one example, a structure for supporting a printhead includes: a substrate having a first side and a second side; an inlet tower through which liquid may be introduced into the structure; an opening through the substrate near the inlet tower; and an air channel along the substrate connecting the opening in the substrate to the atmosphere.

Abstract: Cartridges 4 and 5 are configured, such that first convex ribs 428a and 528a abut against second wall surfaces 762 of cartridge engagement wall surfaces 760 inclined with respect to a bottom wall 712 of a cartridge attachment structure 7 and move in friction with the second wall surfaces 762. Such abutting and moving causes contact portions of terminals 412 and 512 of circuit substrates 410 and 510 of the respective cartridges 4 and 5 to come into contact with electrode assemblies 810 of a carriage 8. This configuration enhances the reliability of electric connection between a contact portion, such as a circuit substrate, of a liquid supply unit and an electrode assembly, such as contact pins, of a carriage in the course of attachment.

Abstract: Cartridges 4 and 5 are configured, such that first convex ribs 428a and 528a abut against second wall surfaces 762 of cartridge engagement wall surfaces 760 inclined with respect to a bottom wall 712 of a cartridge attachment structure 7 and move in friction with the second wall surfaces 762. Such abutting and moving causes contact portions of terminals 412 and 512 of circuit substrates 410 and 510 of the respective cartridges 4 and 5 to come into contact with electrode assemblies 810 of a carriage 8. This configuration enhances the reliability of electric connection between a contact portion, such as a circuit substrate, of a liquid supply unit and an electrode assembly, such as contact pins, of a carriage in the course of attachment.

Abstract: A liquid-consuming apparatus includes: a tank including a liquid storage chamber which stores a liquid, an inlet formed in a surface of the tank, and an outlet through which the liquid from the liquid storage chamber flows; a cap which is movable between a first position and a second position; a cover which is movable relative to the tank between a closed position and an open position; and a holding member which is connected to the cap and which holds the cap at the second position. The cap at the second position or the holding member is configured to obstruct a movement of the cover from the open position to the closed position.

Abstract: A light emitting portion of an ink tank emits light after a delay time in accordance with a mounting speed of the ink tank has elapsed after connecting second electrode pads on an ink tank side and a second contact on a holder side.

Abstract: An ink supply system, inkjet printer, and ink loading method are provided. The ink supply system includes an ink head comprising a nozzle; first and second ink containers; a first ink supply passage; a second ink supply passage; an ink amount detecting device configured to detect an amount of ink in the first ink container; and a notifying device to provide a notification when the detected amount of ink is less than or equal to a threshold amount.

Abstract: An inkjet printer includes: a positive pressure space for a positive pressure for circulating ink along a circulation path to be applied; a negative pressure space for a negative pressure for circulating the ink along the circulation path to be applied; a positive-pressure-side air opening valve configured to selectively open and close the positive pressure space to a positive-pressure-side air opening path; a negative-pressure-side air opening valve configured to selectively open and close the negative pressure space to a negative-pressure-side air opening path; and a control unit configured to, when terminating circulation of the ink in the circulation path, drive the positive-pressure-side air opening valve to open the positive pressure space to the positive-pressure-side air opening path and then drive the negative-pressure-side air opening valve to open the negative pressure space to the negative-pressure-side air opening path.

Abstract: An inkjet printer includes: an inkjet head including a nozzle configured to eject ink; a positive pressure tank configured to store the ink to be supplied to the inkjet head; a negative pressure tank configured to receive the ink not consumed by the inkjet head; an ink deliverer configured to deliver the ink from the negative pressure tank to the positive pressure tank; a pressure regulator configured to regulate pressures of the positive pressure tank and the negative pressure tank; and a controller configured to control the ink deliverer and the pressure regulator such that an ink delivery operation by the ink deliverer and a pressure regulation operation by the pressure regulator are performed separately in time.

Abstract: Ink jet printing on a liquid medium can be performed using liquid inks having a thermo inversion gelling property. The liquid ink can include a hyperthermogelling component having a gelling temperature. When the liquid ink is jetted on the liquid medium, the liquid ink can gel to form gel dots. The gel dots can resist against liquid dispersion, allowing the formation of a high resolution image on the liquid medium.

Abstract: An image recording apparatus includes: a recording section configured to record an image on a sheet conveyed in a conveyance direction in a conveyance route; and an abutment member having a plurality of abutment portions which are arranged apart from each other in a width direction orthogonal to the conveyance direction so that the plurality of abutment portions abut against the sheet convened in the conveyance route respectively, and a connecting portion connecting adjacent abutment portions among the plurality of abutment portions. The connecting portion twists so as to rotate with the width direction as a rotation axis, under a condition that the plurality of abutment portions abuts against the sheet.

Abstract: A liquid ejecting apparatus includes an ejecting unit which can eject liquid in an ejecting region: and a medium support unit which can support a medium on a downstream side in a transport direction of the medium compared to the ejecting region, in which the medium support unit has a first region which has at least one face, and a second region which is located between the ejecting region and the first region, and has a plurality of bent portions, and in which the length of a face between the bent portions in the second region in the transport direction is shorter than the length of a face included in the first region in the transport direction.

Abstract: An image recording apparatus, including a tray, a chassis defining a first conveyer path and a second conveyer path, a base member including a guiding section that forms a part of the second conveyer path, a recording unit, and a conveyer roller to convey the sheet in the first conveyer path in a first conveying direction, is provided. The second conveyer path guides an inverted sheet from an upstream of the recording unit with regard to the first conveying direction to the first conveyer path through a curved path. The guiding section includes a first guiding plane, which forms a part of the second conveyer path on an upstream of the curved path with regard to the second conveying direction, and a second guiding plane, which adjoins the first guiding plane along a widthwise direction and is formed to dent with respect to the first guiding plane.

Abstract: There is provided an image recording apparatus, including: a conveyance unit configured to convey the sheet in a sheet conveyance direction; a recording unit configured to record the image on the sheet conveyed by the conveyance unit; a support member having a first surface and a second surface which is opposite to the first surface, the first surface being configured to support the recording unit; a contact member including an engaging part configured to engage with the first surface and a contact part configured to make contact with the sheet on a downstream side of the engaging part in the sheet conveyance direction; and an biasing member configured to bias the contact member toward the second surface of the support member between the contact part and the engaging part in the sheet conveyance direction, and thereby making the contact member contact with the second surface.

Abstract: An image recording apparatus includes: a recording section which records an image on a sheet conveyed in a conveyance direction in a conveyance route; a first abutment member having a plurality of first abutment portions arranged apart from each other in a width direction orthogonal to the conveyance direction, and configured to abut against the sheet conveyed in the conveyance route; a first supporting member which supports the first abutment member; and a plurality of second abutment members which are supported by the first supporting member at both sides in the width direction, respectively, of the first abutment member, at a distance from the first abutment member, and each of which has a second abutment portion capable of contacting with the sheet conveyed in the conveyance route.

Abstract: A printing apparatus includes: a transport unit that transports a medium in a transport direction; a medium support that supports the medium; a medium pressing unit that has a first regulation section that regulates bending of an end portion of the medium from the medium support in a width direction intersecting with the transport direction and a second regulation section that regulates moving of the end portion of the medium to an outer side in the width direction; and a printing unit that performs printing on the medium supported on the medium support.

Abstract: A medium holding member that is attached to a medium supporting portion includes a fitting portion that is fit into the medium supporting portion and that is located at each of at least one portion in an upstream side edge portion of the medium holding member in a medium transportation direction.

Abstract: A printing system for printing on a print medium is disclosed. The printing system comprises two lineheads disposed opposite a first side of the print medium, wherein the two lineheads have a common orientation relative to a horizontal direction. At least one roller is disposed under each linehead and in contact with a second side of the print medium. At least one vacuum assembly is disposed under each linehead, each vacuum assembly having a vacuum manifold disposed opposite the second side of the print medium, where the vacuum manifold outputs a vacuum force proximate to the second side of the print medium such that at least a portion of the second side of the print medium is deflected away from the two lineheads.

Abstract: A printing unit comprises: a head unit including a head block having a thermal head provided therein; a platen unit including a platen roller configured to feed a recording sheet, the platen unit being separably combined with the head unit, wherein the head unit includes: a head frame including the head block removably mounted thereon, the head frame being configured to support the head block so that the head block is pivotable in a direction approaching and separating from the platen roller; an urging member interposed between the head frame and the head block, the urging member being configured to urge the thermal head toward the platen roller; a cutter mechanism mounted onto the head frame so as to be removable therefrom; and lock portions locked to the head block, which are configured to restrict a pivot of the head block toward the platen roller.

Abstract: There is provided an ink-jet printer including an ink-jet head, a conveyance section, and a controller. The ink-jet head includes a plurality of nozzle groups. Between the plurality of nozzle groups, the nozzles forming the nozzle groups are positioned in conformity with each other, respectively, in a second direction. The controller causes the conveyance section to convey the recording medium between a first pass and a second pass such that the respective nozzle groups have partly overlapped scanning areas, and causes the ink-jet head to print separately between the first pass and the second pass in the second direction. The controller sets usable bordering positions in the overlapping range with respect to the passes. The controller sets the usable bordering positions based on one of such conditions as a duty of printing on the recording medium and a type of the nozzle groups to be used in printing.

Abstract: A liquid ejection apparatus includes: a liquid ejection head; a conveying mechanism; a holding mechanism for holding at least one recording medium between its first and second surfaces; a moving mechanism for moving the first surface; a reception tray disposed under the holding mechanism; and a controller. The controller is configured to: separate recording media to be recorded throughout one recording job, into recording-medium groups; control the conveying mechanism to convey the recording medium to a space between the first and second surfaces in each recording-medium group; acquire a waiting time in which each recording-medium group is to wait in the holding mechanism; and control the moving mechanism to move the first surface from a support position to a non-support position when a time elapsed from a timing when each recording-medium group has been conveyed to the holding mechanism reaches the waiting time.

Abstract: A conveyer device, including a chassis defining a first conveyer path and a second conveyer path; a pair of path members opposing to each other to form a part of the first conveyer path; a flapper configured to be pivotable among a first condition, wherein the flapper blocks the first conveyer path, a second condition, wherein the flapper allows the sheet conveyed in the conveying direction to pass thereby, and a third condition, wherein the flapper is separated from an opposing member; an urging member to urge the flapper; and a movable member movable between a first position, wherein the flapper in the first condition is contactless from the movable member, and a second condition, wherein the movable member contacts the flapper, is provided. The movable member separates one of the pair of path members from the other when moving from the first position to the second position.

Abstract: A drive device includes: connection gears connected to driving objects; a movable gear movable between the connection gears; a drive source for rotating the movable gear; and at least one estimator each provided for a corresponding one of at least one of the connection gears and configured to: estimate a reaction-force estimate value, as an estimate value of a reaction force acting in a power transmission system from the drive source to the driving object, based on control input, control output, and a model of the power transmission system; and output the reaction-force estimate value. The model is configured such that the reaction-force estimate value falls within a set range in a state in which the movable gear is meshed with the connection gear. A controller detects mesh and/or separation between the movable gear and the at least one connection gear based on the reaction-force estimate value.

Abstract: A recording apparatus includes: a mount base having a mount surface on which a sheet discharged through a medium discharge outlet is mounted, the mount surface facing the recording surface of the sheet; a projection rib that is provided in the mount base, is projectable from the mount surface, and extends along a discharge direction of the sheet discharged through the medium discharge outlet, through a center of the sheet in a width direction crossing the discharge direction of the sheet; and a projection mechanism that causes the projection rib to project from the mount surface to a rib height according to a dimension of the sheet in the width direction discharged through the medium discharge outlet.

Abstract: A mounted apparatus includes a base portion and a caster provided to the base portion. The caster moves along an installation surface, whereby the mounted apparatus is detachably attached to a mounting apparatus; in a state where the mounted apparatus is attached to the mounting apparatus, the base portion is disposed in a region where the base portion overlaps with a base portion of the mounting apparatus with respect to an mounting direction; and the base portion of the mounted apparatus is disposed at a position that does not interfere with the base portion of the mounting apparatus in a height direction.

Abstract: Provided is an inkjet printing apparatus discharging ink droplets onto a print medium to be transported successively for forming an image. The apparatus includes a print unit discharging the ink droplets onto the print medium to form the image, a heating roller disposed downstream of the print unit and winding the print medium for drying, and a downstream skew correcting device disposed downstream of the print unit and upstream of the heating roller, and correcting skew of the print medium.

Abstract: An image recording apparatus, including: a carriage configured to reciprocate in main scanning directions composed of a first direction and a second direction; and a lever member having a lever arm; and a first guide member for guiding the lever arm that protrudes into a movement region of the carriage, wherein the first guide member has an elongate hole through which the lever arm passes and which is defined by first and second edge portions extending in the main scanning directions, the second edge portion located more distant from the carriage than the first edge portion extending outward, in a direction orthogonal to the main scanning directions, from a carriage region over which the carriage passes, the second edge portion having a guide portion inclined such that its downstream end in the second direction is closer to the carriage region than its upstream end in the second direction.

Abstract: A flexible manufacturing system for an article of footwear includes a printing system for printing graphics onto the footwear. The flexible manufacturing system includes a first display device that is transparent and which may be used to superimpose graphics over an article to align the article with the printing system. An optical device and a second display device provide a fixed viewing angle for a user aligning the article under the first display device.

Abstract: A printer includes a printing portion, a display, and a processor. The printing portion includes a plurality of heating elements arrayed in a specified direction. The printing portion is configured to perform printing on a print medium. The display is configured to display an image. The processor is configured to cause the display to display a first image, the first image being an image that shows the plurality of heating elements, receive specification of a check range, the check range being a range that includes a heating element to be checked among the plurality of heating elements, check, in a case where the specification of the check range is received, a state of the heating element included in the check range, and cause the display to display a check result of the state of the heating element.

Abstract: A liquid discharging apparatus includes a discharging unit that includes a nozzle row that discharges a liquid, and that is able to reciprocate in a first direction that intersects the nozzle row; a transport unit that transports a medium in a second direction that intersects the first direction; and a reading unit that reads the liquid discharged from the discharging unit to the medium. The liquid discharging apparatus is configured to execute an adjustment pattern forming operation for forming a first adjustment pattern for adjusting a landing position of the liquid discharged from the discharging unit in the first direction and a second adjustment pattern for adjusting the landing position of the liquid discharged from the discharging unit in the second direction on the medium, and an adjustment pattern reading operation for reading the first and second adjustment pattern with the reading unit according to a single command.

Abstract: The subject invention more specifically discloses compounds which are particularly useful as a developer for thermal recording media. These compounds include p-(p-{3-[p-(p-hydroxyphenoxy)phenyl]ureido}phenoxy)phenol, m-(p-{3-[p-(p-hydroxyphenoxy)phenyl]ureido}phenoxy)phenol, o-(p-{3-[p-(p-hydroxyphenoxy)phenyl]ureido}phenoxy)phenol, p-(p-{3-[m-(p-hydroxyphenoxy)phenyl]ureido}phenoxy)phenol, and p-(m-{3-[o-(p-hydroxyphenoxy)phenyl]ureido}phenoxy)phenol.

Abstract: A thermochromic ink composition includes, in a liquid medium, known as solvent, a dispersion of thermochromic microcapsules incorporating at least one leuco-dye and a thermoplastic binder selected from the group containing polyacrylic polyesters, polyurethanes and copolymers thereof. The composition is characterised in that the solvent is aprotic. A a method for producing a card and such a card incorporating at least one thermochromic pattern produced with a thermochromic ink composition are also described.

Abstract: [Object] To provide a thermal transfer sheet capable of inhibiting occurrence of kicks as well as inhibiting occurrence of printing irregularities by satisfying the slidability of the back face layer upon image formation in the low gradation area and the halftone gradation area. [Means for achieving the Object] The above object can be achieved by providing a thermal transfer sheet 10 in which one or both of a color material layer 3 and a protective layer 4 is provided on one surface of a substrate 1, and a back face layer 5 is provided on another one surface of the substrate 1, the thermal transfer sheet being characterized in that the back face layer 5 is contained with (i) a cured acrylic polyol resin in which an acrylic polyol resin is cured by a curing agent, and (ii) a glycerin fatty acid ester or a polyglycerin fatty acid ester.

Abstract: A sheet folding apparatus includes a retract path that is positioned on the upstream side of a stacker section for collecting sheets and that branches off from a transport path to enable a sheet carried in the stacker section to be transported in a direction opposite to a carry-in direction, an adhesion unit that is positioned in a junction position of the transport path and the retract path to bond sheets by applying an adhesive, a staple binding unit that binds sheets collected in the stacker section with a staple, and a folding processing section that folds sheets bound with the unit. The retract path is a path for retracting an application position of the preceding sheet with the adhesive applied, in carrying a next sheet in the stacker section, and the staple binding unit is disposed in the stacker section between the adhesion unit and the folding processing section.

Abstract: A method for the secure protection of a portion of the surface of an official document bearing markings, in which: a transparent security layer (17) is selected, the layer including at least one semi-transparent printed image including at least one transparent binder and at least one thermochromic pigment (14, 13, 12, 11); the semi-transparent printed image reveals at least one semi-transparent visible pattern in a first non-activated state at least a first temperature, such that the markings can be seen through the image, the pattern not being visible in a second activated state at least a second temperature different from the first temperature. A device for the secure protection of a portion of the surface of an official document and such an official document are also described.

Abstract: A multiple-image display body includes a spacer layer, a line tone barrier layer stacked on the first surface of the spacer layer, and a multiple-image formation layer stacked on the second surface of the spacer layer. The line tone barrier layer includes first regions, which transmit electromagnetic waves, and second regions, which absorb electromagnetic waves. The multiple-image formation layer includes images that are visible when observed from specific angles over the first regions of the line tone barrier. The image is formed by a contrast resulting from an area ratio of the third region, which scatters electromagnetic waves, and the fourth region, which absorbs electromagnetic waves.

Abstract: A sheet includes a folding line along which the sheet is to be folded, and a mark with reference to which the sheet is placed on an image forming apparatus in a specific manner. The mark is provided in a portion that is positioned on an inner side when the sheet is folded along the folding line.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a grip positioning device that includes a tool receptacle that forms a loop, the loop delineating a tool opening through which a tool may be extended, and a plurality of digit receiving elements each forming a loop, the loops each delineating a finger opening through which a digit of a user may be extended, the digit receiving elements coupled to and positioned about the tool receptacle. The tool receptacle and the digit receiving elements may be constructed from a unitary piece of material and the grip positioning device may further include separators that partition the digit receiving elements from the tool receptacle.

Abstract: A multi-functional portable pen structure comprises a pen barrel and a pen cap to be capped onto the pen barrel, wherein the pen barrel is for storing retractable chopsticks disposed with pen refills and sheaths. In the pen cap is installed a control circuit whereon are disposed a laser element, LED, temperature detector, liquid crystal display, and a plurality of manipulating keys. The laser element, LED, liquid crystal display, and manipulating keys separately protrude from the pen cap, and the temperature detector is disposed on the clamping bar of the pen cap. The portable pen is easy to carry around and provides the functions of laser pointing, illumination, temperature measurement, eco-chopsticks, and writing instrument.

Abstract: A stamping machine is configured for stamping with a stamping head onto an article, The stamping machine includes a camera and a computer system. The computer system includes a display. The computer system is configured to capture from the camera an image of the article prior to the stamping and presents the image on the display. A user selects a symbol using the computer system prior to the stamping onto the article. The user using the computer system, positions the selected symbol as a displayed symbol superimposed on the image of the article.

Abstract: A paint brush storage and protection device includes a base having an upstanding wall, the upstanding wall being continuous from a first side of an open stem area to a second side of the open stem area, the first side and second side of the open stem area being generally parallel to one another along a longitudinal length of said device. The device also includes a top adapted to close against said upstanding wall and at least one latching mechanism. The at least one latching mechanism can be two latching mechanisms associated with either side of the open stem area.

Abstract: A vehicle wheel hub assembly including: an axle assembly that is rotationally stationary about an axial axis; a hub shell rotatable about the axle assembly and about the axial axis; and a frame member to interface with the hub assembly. The axle assembly is secured to the frame member by means of a multi-lead threadable engagement. This threadable engagement may be manipulated between a threadably engaged arrangement to provide a retaining means to retain the hub shell to the frame member and a threadably released arrangement serving to remove the retaining means.

Abstract: An assembly tool for assembly and replacement of bolts on a wheel hub is revealed. The tool includes a first tool set and a second tool set. The first tool set has a base and a fastener. The base is a circular body with a receiving part. A pad is disposed on the receiving part and a bearing is arranged under the pad. The fastener includes a hexagonal head, an enlarged part, a cylindrical part and an axial hole arranged with a thread. The second tool set has a first arm and a second arm pivotally connected to each other. A wheel bolt is pressed into the wheel hub by the first tool set while the wheel hub is positioned by the first and second arms of the second tool set fastened with the wheel bolts of the wheel hub for convenient assembly of the wheel bolts.

Abstract: A mobile component having a roller bearing unit, in particular a mobile component having a steering roller, a roller, in particular a drive roller, being rotationally braced in a pivot unit, which is supported via a pivot bearing on the frame of the mobile component, the axes of rotation of the two pivot bearings in particular being aligned perpendicularly with respect to each other, the axis of rotation of the pivot bearing for pivoting parallel to the direction of the normal of the normal of the driving surface of the mobile component touched by the roller, a drum brake being developed on the roller, the actuation of the drum brake being able to be brought about by an electromagnet, which is connected on the frame of the mobile component, the drum brake being able to be actuated by the electromagnet via a spline gear.

Abstract: A system for preventing aquaplaning in a vehicle, said system comprising: a tank suitable for containing a fluid; sensor means configured to reveal the conditions of the vehicle and/or the environment in which the vehicle is found, and in particular, the conditions of a street surface; injector means configured to generate a jet of fluid on said street surface, said injector means being associated with at least one wheel of the vehicle; a control unit associated with sensor means and configured for controlling said injector means according to the conditions revealed by said sensor means.

Abstract: An insert for a pneumatic tire including an annular member adapted to contact at least 10% of an interior surface of the pneumatic tire and provide an outward pressure thereagainst. An insert for a pneumatic tire including an annular member adapted to contact at least 10% of an interior surface of the pneumatic tire and provide an outward pressure thereagainst, and an inflatable bladder disposed adjacent to the annular member. A tire assembly including a pneumatic tire having an interior surface and an annular member contacting at least 10% of the interior surface and providing an outward pressure thereagainst.