Abstract: An ink container includes an ink pack and a housing. The ink pack includes an ink containing section made from a flexible film and containing an ink therein, an ink supply port in communication with the ink containing section, and an engaging counterpart portion. The housing houses the ink pack. The housing includes a fitting portion that fits to the ink supply port of the ink pack and an engaging portion that engages with the engaging counterpart portion of the ink pack, and holds the ink pack in an ink filled state at a predetermined position in the housing through the fitting portion and the engaging portion. The engaging counterpart portion is slidable relative to the engaging portion according to lengthening of the ink pack accompanying consumption of the ink.

Abstract: A liquid-holding container includes a liquid container portion, a hollow vent plug, a first projecting portion, and a second projecting portion. The liquid container portion is flexible and configured to contain a liquid. The hollow vent plug is connected to the liquid container portion. The first projecting portion is connected to the vent plug and extends in a direction that intersects a face of the liquid container portion. The second projecting portion is connected to the vent plug on the opposite side of the vent plug from the first projecting portion. The length of the second projecting portion from a face that includes an axis of the vent plug is shorter than a length of the first projecting portion.

Abstract: There is provided a liquid storage container capable of keeping a negative pressure therein more reliably. An ink cartridge includes a negative pressure generation unit configured to generate a negative pressure in an ink storage chamber and a filter attached to an atmosphere communication channel opening and allowing air to pass from the outside to the inside of the liquid storage chamber depending on the negative pressure in the ink storage chamber. The ink cartridge has a capillary groove configured to supply ink from a portion in which ink is stored in the ink storage chamber to the filter.

Abstract: In a system of a data processing apparatus coupled to a printer, the apparatus sends a status information transmission request to the printer and, in response, receives status information from the printer. The status information includes cartridge identification information written in a memory device contained in a cartridge, device identification information identifying the printer in which the cartridge is installed, and ink usage amount information for use by the printer in calculating an ink usage amount.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides apparatus and method for supplying uninterrupted flow of solid-ink pellets to an image-forming device. The apparatus includes a container for retaining solid-ink pellets, and a selectably-inflatable bladder disposed within the container. Further, the apparatus includes a tube communicating the bladder with a pressure supply.

Abstract: A color-processing device includes a storage section which stores reference data including reference values set for respective representative color values selected within the range of a predetermined number of gradations of a predetermined color for each of representative output parts selected from a predetermined number of output parts, a first specifying section which specifies an output part corresponding to the input value, a second specifying section which specifies a representative output part corresponding to the specified output part, a third specifying section which specifies a representative color value corresponding to a color value indicated by the input value, an obtaining section which obtains reference values corresponding to combinations of the specified representative output part and representative color value, and a calculating section which calculates an output value corresponding to the input value by interpolation using the obtained reference values.

Abstract: A recording method includes applying and overcoating. A color ink is applied to a region on a medium. A clear ink is applied to the region. The applied color ink and the applied clear ink are overcoated.

Abstract: An inkjet printer is provided with a conveyor, a carriage movable in a scanning direction, and mounting a printing head and a sensor configured to output a detection signal based on absence/presence of the sheet, and a controller. The controller is configured to obtain image data representing an image to be printed on the sheet, calculate, based on the image data, an estimate margin value which is used to determine a margin width at an end, in a scanning direction, of the sheet, and detect end positions, in the scanning direction, of the sheet based on the detection signal during movement of the carriage in the scanning direction when the margin width estimated based on the estimate margin value is less than a threshold width, while the detection process is not executed when the margin width is not less than a threshold width.

Abstract: To provide a transfer apparatus in which a transferred image is not displaced during image transfer and further, finish is excellent on the rear end side of a recording medium subjected to transfer, in a transfer apparatus for nipping a transfer film 96 and recording medium K with a transfer roller 33 and transfer platen 31 to form an image on the recording medium, the transfer film 46 on the upstream side from the card rear end is sagged during transfer processing, and the sag of the transfer film 46 is eliminated by controlling rotation of a carry roller 49 for a period during which the transfer processing is finished and the card rear end arrives at a peeling pin 34b.

Abstract: A thermal head capable of decreasing the possibility of causing a blur in an image printed on a recording medium is provided. A thermal head includes: a substrate; a plurality of heat generating portions disposed aligned on the substrate; an electrode disposed on the substrate so as to be electrically connected to the heat generating portions; a driving IC electrically connected to the electrode; and a covering member which covers the driving IC and makes contact with a recording medium which is being conveyed. The covering member includes: a first protrusion extending in a direction away from the substrate; and a second protrusion which is spaced from the first protrusion, is located between the first protrusion and the heat generating portions, and extends in a direction away from the substrate.

Abstract: An optical scanner, which is included in an image forming apparatus, includes a light source including a recessed portion provided on an outer circumference thereof, and a housing configured to support the light source. The housing includes a positioning unit configured to position the light source in a vertical optical axis of the light source, and a cutout provided on an inner circumference of the positioning unit. The light source is positioned to the positioning unit with the recessed portion being disposed at the cutout and then is fixed to the housing. The image forming apparatus includes an image carrier configured to form an image on a surface thereof, and the above-described optical scanner.

Abstract: A drawing apparatus and drawing method to perform drawing on a drawing target region are shown. The drawing apparatus includes a drawing unit and a control unit. The drawing target region is a surface of a plurality of nails and the nails include unit regions in contact with each other to be drawn with ink in different colors. The control unit includes a nail specifying unit which judges whether each of the unit regions is a dried unit region, a non-dried unit region, and a non-drawn unit region. Then, the nail specifying unit extracts the non-drawn unit region which is not in contact with the non-dried unit region as a specific unit region. The control unit also includes a drawing control unit which controls the drawing unit to perform the drawing on the specific unit region.

Abstract: An ink-jet printing system (10) includes a generator (20) for in situ generation of a component of an inert atmosphere (an atmosphere that is depleted of oxygen). The system also includes a curing zone (16) in which the generated component (for example nitrogen or carbon dioxide) is distributable over ink that had been deposited on a substrate (12), and in which the ink is exposable to a curing agent (for example UV radiation).

Abstract: A print media moving apparatus includes a transport member positioned immediately upstream relative to a roller. The transport member has an operative surface with an arcuate profile, forming an air gap between the operative surface and the print media. An air clamp controls air flow in the air gap. The transport member includes three sections with the second section located between the first and third sections. The roller, having a diameter and rotational axis, includes three sections with the second section located between the first and third section and corresponding to the sections of the transport member. The diameter of the roller in the first and third sections is greater than in the second section. The transport member causes the print media, after leaving the transport member, to contact the first and third sections of the roller prior to contacting the second section of the roller.

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: An image recording apparatus executes: rotating a motor to cause a supply roller to supply a sheet; a conveyance processing for rotating the motor to cause a conveying roller and/or an output roller to convey the sheet; a recording processing for controlling a recording head to perform image recording while the conveyance processing is not executed; controlling the recording head and the motor to perform an image recording operation by executing the conveyance processing and the recording processing alternately; and a pre-discharge supply processing in the image recording operation at a time after a timing when a trailing edge position of a first sheet passes through the conveying roller and before all the recording processings on the first sheet are completed. The supply roller supplies a second sheet in the pre-discharge supply processing to the conveyance path, following the first sheet.

Abstract: A printing apparatus which includes at least a first tray and a second tray as a tray which accommodates a printing sheet, and can be mounted with a sheet supply unit which supplies the printing sheet by being switched to any one of the first tray and the second tray.

Abstract: A printing apparatus comprises a feeding unit which feeds a printing sheet stacked on a stacking unit, a conveyance unit which conveys the fed printing sheet, a printing unit which prints the conveyed printing sheet, and a control unit which controls conveyance of printing sheets so that a trailing edge of a preceding sheet and a leading edge of a succeeding sheet overlap each other, wherein based on an ink amount to be applied to an area of a predetermined range from at least one of the leading edge of the succeeding sheet and the trailing edge of the preceding sheet, the control unit decides an overlapping amount of an area where the trailing edge of the preceding sheet and the leading edge of the succeeding sheet overlap each other.

Abstract: A recording apparatus includes a delivery section that rotates and delivers a roll-shaped recording medium; a transport belt that transports the recording medium delivered from the delivery section; a slack sensor that detects a slackened state in the recording medium delivered from the delivery section to the transport belt; and a control section that performs low speed transport control for controlling the transport belt such that the recording medium is transported by decreasing a transport speed of the recording medium depending on the transport belt if the slack sensor detects a lack of slack of the recording medium in a period of a first time or more.

Abstract: The advantage of the invention is to provide a medium feed device and the like for intermittently feeding a recording medium in which meandering can be securely corrected without the occurrence of wrinkles in the recording medium. The medium feed device has a meandering detection sensor which detects position displacement of a recording medium in a width direction, and a control section which controls driving of a width movement unit based on detection results by the meandering detection sensor. The control section stops driving of the width movement unit when stopping feeding of the intermittent feeding.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a cartridge body for a cartridge for providing media to a printer includes a first part and a complimentary second part, the first part and the second part formed of post-consumer-material; a hinge integrally connected to the first part and the second part and adapted to close the first part and the second part together over the media and contain the media therein; and an opening formed by the closed first part and second part for dispensing the media to the printer. A cartridge is also disclosed.

Abstract: A label printer includes a receiving area configured for receiving a cartridge that includes a roll of media for printing labels thereon, the receiving area also including features for aligning a plurality of differently sized cartridges with a printing mechanism; and components configured for adjusting label sizing to provide virtual label sizes.

Abstract: A back tension mechanism includes: a shaft to be connected to an axle of a medium roll; a rotation transmitting member connected to the shaft via a torque limiter and having an engaging portion; a first rotating member having a first engaged portion configured to, when the rotation transmitting member rotates in a first direction, engage with the engaging portion to receive a rotational force; a second rotating member having a second engaged portion configured to, when the rotation transmitting member rotates in a second direction opposite to the first direction, engage with the engaging portion to receive a rotational force; an urging member for urging the first rotating member in the second direction and the second rotating member in the first direction; and a base for limiting a range of rotation of the first rotating member and a range of rotation of the second rotating member.

Abstract: A printer includes a discharge portion, a platen, a support portion, a female screw, an adjusting member, an engaging member, and a spring. The discharge portion discharges a liquid. The platen has a platen hole, is disposed to face the discharge portion, and supports a printing medium. The support portion is disposed on the opposite side of the platen from the discharge portion and faces the platen. The adjusting member is rotatably attached to the platen by being inserted into the platen hole, and screws into the female screw provided on the support portion. The engaging member is disposed between the platen and the female screw, and engages with the adjusting member. The spring is disposed around the circumference of the adjusting member, between the engaging member and the female screw. The spring generates a restoring force when the spring compressed between the engaging member and the female screw.

Abstract: An ink jet printer includes a transfer unit transferring a sheet of paper along a transfer path surface, a printer head ejecting ink towards the sheet of paper, and an air blowing unit blowing air towards ink ejected from the printer head. The sheet of paper may be a postal matter (e.g., letter, postcard, parcel) and the printer head may be used to print barcodes or the like on the sheet of paper for purposes of subsequent sorting and routing.

Abstract: The disclosure discloses a printer and a method and device for controlling the same. The method for controlling the printer comprises: detecting the number of heating units of a currently mounted printing head; acquiring a resolution, corresponding to the detected number of the heating units, of the printing head; and setting a printer parameter according to the acquired resolution of the printing head. The problem of high error rate after the resolution of the printing head of the printer is changed is solved.

Abstract: A control system for controlling execution of calibration on a printing apparatus includes an acquiring unit configured to acquire, from a printing apparatus to be controlled, first sheet type information representing information regarding a common calibration sheet type used when the most recent common calibration is executed, where a result of common calibration executed using the common calibration sheet type is applied to other sheet types, a determination unit configured to determine whether the state of the printing apparatus for the first sheet type satisfies a predetermined condition in accordance with a print volume of the printing apparatus, and a control unit configured to cause the printing apparatus to execute calibration using the first sheet type if the determination unit determines that the predetermined condition for the first sheet type is satisfied.

Abstract: A printer apparatus comprises a paper conveyance path on which a paper is conveyed; a carrier which moves in a direction orthogonal to conveyance direction of the paper conveyed on the paper conveyance path; a dot matrix print head which includes head pins arranged in the carrier; an ink ribbon cassette which stores an ink ribbon; a photo sensor which is arranged at the external side of the movement direction of the carrier in the printing area of paper and at the downstream side in the paper conveyance direction of the dot matrix print head; a concentration detection pattern printing module which prints a predetermined concentration detection pattern with the head pins; and an exchange necessity determination section which determines whether to exchange the ink ribbon cassette according to the value obtained by detecting the printing created by the concentration detection pattern printing module through the photo sensor.

Abstract: A self-inking stamp with a stamp housing, in which a type unit, which is coupled via a turning axle device to an actuating bow that is upwardly and downwardly displaceable relative to the stamp housing, is arranged such that it can be moved between an upper inking position when it is in contact with an ink pad and a lower printing position turned by 180° with the help of a turning mechanism, wherein the type unit includes two type unit parts arranged one within the other, namely an outer and an inner type unit part, wherein the inner type unit part thereof is accommodated in an inner receiving space in the outer type unit part and is releasably connected to the outer, bow-shaped type unit part, wherein the turning axle device includes two separate, outer axle elements, each extending through an opening in a leg of the actuating bow, through a slot in the stamp housing to and into the outer type unit part and being connected thereto.

Abstract: There is provided an apparatus for forming a thermal transfer printing sheet. The apparatus includes: a release sheet feeder that feeds a release sheet having a release surface; a first image forming section that transfers an image, which is to be thermally transferred and printed on a transfer medium, onto the release surface of the release sheet; a second image forming section that forms a thermoplastic resin pattern corresponding to the image as a transfer base material and transfers the thermoplastic resin pattern onto the release surface of the release sheet; and a fixing section that fixes the image and the thermoplastic resin pattern onto the release surface of the release sheet in a film shape, through heat and pressure.

Abstract: The present invention provides polymeric particles comprising a polymeric matrix comprising one or more water-insoluble polymers and a laser-sensitive system encapsulated in the polymeric matrix. It also provides a process for the preparation of the polymeric particles, a composition comprising the polymeric particles, a process for the preparation of this composition, a process for forming a laser-sensitive coating layer on a substrate using this composition, a coated substrate obtainable by the coating process, a process for preparing a marked substrate and a marked substrate obtainable by the marking process.

Abstract: An optical device projecting one or more synthetically magnified images that has been laser marked with one or more static two dimensional (2D) images is provided. The static 2D image(s) laser marked on or within this device and the synthetically magnified image(s) projected by this device help determine the authenticity of a document (e.g., passport data page) or product that employs it. Several embodiments of the inventive device also offer increased resistance to tampering or alteration and wear.

Abstract: A safe, integrated dye sublimation transfer printer apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus is configured to print one or more images onto transfer media, then align the transfer media onto a substrate. A selected product to receive the sublimated image is positioned on top of the transfer media, and one or more heating platens then engage the transfer media to sublimate the image. The heating platen is configured to sublimate one or more opposing sides of a product substantially simultaneously in a single thermal cycle. In some embodiments, the apparatus may be incorporated into a fully-enclosed vending machine to provide on-demand personalized sublimated products and accessories for a consumer.

Abstract: A decal printing paper for ceramic surfaces has a base paper coated with a water-soluble release layer, an image transfer layer made of liquid cover coat with glass/ceramic flux added, and a printed image layer. The glass/ceramic flux contains glass frit with a relatively low melting point to provide a one-step printing paper with a glass/ceramic flux that delivers the required adhesion, as well as reducing the firing temperature. The image transfer layer can also include a dye colorant to provide a visual indication of a functional characteristic of the decal printing paper.

Abstract: Provided is an adhesive fabric paper that is used in color printers for personal computers, printing machines for indoor and outdoor advertisement, wide format printers, plotters, and so on to print colored images. In the invention, the rear side of the fabric is not subjected to gray coating and white coating, and the front side of the fabric is coated with a coating solution containing at least one fixation-strengthening agent selected from among titanium dioxide, silicon oil, silicon dioxide, polyoxyethylene sorbitan trioleate, and polyvinyl alcohol. The adhesive fabric paper shows the same functions as those of the rear side coating layer and can be manufactured by a simpler process at reduced costs.

Abstract: A decorative film includes a base film, a colored layer formed of UV curable ink, and an ink-absorbing layer. The ink-absorbing layer is formed between the base film and the colored layer, provided with voids therein, and contains filler made of photorefractive material.

Abstract: In a method or system for monitoring of printed data in a printing system, a monitoring code for a respective page to be printed of a recording medium is generated. The monitoring code is printed on the respective page. The printed monitoring code is automatically read and evaluated such that monitoring numbers that are not contained in numerical succession in a monitoring list are used as the monitoring codes.

Abstract: A photo book includes a cover and a structural unit integrated with the cover. The structural unit includes an electronic memory element and a connection element connected to the memory element. The cover includes a body element and a flexible sheath surrounding the body element. The body element has a peripheral edge and a through passage that opens out along the peripheral edge of the body element. The structural unit is insertable into the through-passage so that the connection element opens out along a peripheral edge of the cover.

Abstract: A ring binder mechanism that includes a housing, first and second hinge boards positioned in the housing that cooperate to define a slot having a closing edge and an opening edge. The hinge boards are pivotable between open and closed positions. A plurality of pairs of semi-rings include first and second ring members mounted on the first and second hinge boards, respectively. A travel bar is positioned below the hinge boards and moveable with respect to the housing and the hinge boards between an open position and a closed position. The travel bar includes at least one top bar extending from a top surface thereof that includes inclined opening and closing surfaces. The top bar extends through the slot in the hinge boards and is biased toward the open position. The inclined opening surface of the top bar contacts the opening edge of the slot to pivot the first and second hinge boards to the open position.

Abstract: Provided are: an oil-based ink composition for a ball-point pen having a favorable feeling of writing, the favorable deepness of a written trace, favorable light resistance, favorable ink stability over time, and favorable pigment dispersibility; and an oil-based ball-point pen refill using the oil-based ink composition. An oil-based ink composition for a ball-point pen comprising at least a dye, a pigment, and an organic solvent, wherein the dye is at least one salt-forming dye selected from the group consisting of salt-forming dyes of alkylbenzene sulfonic acids and xanthene-based basic dyes, salt-forming dyes of alkylbenzene sulfonic acids and triarylmethane-based basic dyes, and salt-forming dyes of alkylbenzene sulfonic acids and azomethine-based basic dyes.

Abstract: A writing instrument is provided. The writing instrument includes a bifurcated body extending along a central axis. The body has a distal writing tip located on a first side of a tubular bifurcation and a proximal end located on a second side of the bifurcation, distal from the distal writing tip. The distal writing tip has a frustoconical end and a tubular portion extending proximally from the frustoconical end. The tubular portion has a circumferential ridge adjacent the frustoconical end. The bifurcation has a diameter larger than the diameter of the tubular portion. The proximal end includes a plurality of fingers extending proximally from the bifurcation. Each of the plurality of fingers is biased toward the central axis. A method of using the writing instrument is also provided.

Abstract: In an information recording medium, in which an information recording medium has diffraction grating cells arranged therein, a plurality of types of the diffraction grating cells make up one information recording area. At least one type of the diffraction grating cells included in the diffraction grating cells making up the information recording area are information recording elements, while the other types of the diffraction grating cells included in the diffraction grating cells making up the information recording area are information hiding elements. The information is recorded by two-dimensional arrangement of the diffraction grating cells constituting the information recording elements in the information recording area.

Abstract: A vehicle wheel, which is divided in an axial direction of a tire into two pieces which are an in-side half wheel and an out-side half wheel that are connected to each other and fixed to an axle hub, includes wheel coupling bolts joining a mating surface of the in-side half wheel and a mating surface of the out-side half wheel together, and hub bolts joining the out-side half wheel and the axle hub together. The wheel coupling bolts and the hub bolts are respectively screwed into nuts from the out-side half wheel side.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a non-pneumatic tire with a reinforcing member. The non-pneumatic tire includes a tread part which comes into contact with the ground, a rim part which is coupled to an axle, an outer annular band part which forms an interface with an inner surface of the tread part, an inner annular band part which forms an interface with the rim part, a spoke part which is disposed between the outer annular band part and the inner annular band part and functions as a support, a connector which connects spokes of the spoke part to each other, and a reinforcing member which has a plate wire structure. The non-pneumatic tire can effectively and sufficiently withstand the weight of a vehicle. Further, the performance of the tire is balanced with respect to the contact area, the displacement extent and the resistance to rolling.

Abstract: A wheel hub includes a hub barrel and a hub mounting portion positioned concentrically around the hub barrel. The hub mounting portion includes a number of flange holes adapted to receive a number of corresponding wheel studs. A number of drum pilots are positioned one each between the hub barrel and the hub mounting portion and are concentric with the hub barrel. The drum pilots are radially aligned with the flange holes so that each of the flange holes has a corresponding drum pilot.

Abstract: A central control braking system includes: a pedestal; at least one caster mounted at a bottom portion of the pedestal; a brake transmission shaft for controlling the caster; a plate girder movably connected to the pedestal; a pedal fixed to the plate girder; and a reversing rotary assembly connecting the plate girder and the brake transmission shaft, wherein the reversing rotary assembly enables the brake transmission shaft to rotate in reverse under the control of the pedal.

Abstract: A diene rubber composition for tires based on at least (i) one diene elastomer, (ii) one reinforcing inorganic filler and (iii) one coupling agent which provides the bonding between the inorganic filler and the elastomer. The inorganic filler comprises at least one silica capable of being obtained by the preparation process of the type comprising the reaction of a silicate with an acidifying agent, whereby a silica suspension is obtained, followed by the separation and the drying of this suspension. The reaction of the silicate with the acidifying agent is carried out according to the following successive stages: (i) an aqueous suspension of precipitated silica, exhibiting a pH of between 2.5 and 5.3, is brought into contact (mixing) with acidifying agent and silicate, in such a way that the pH of the reaction medium is maintained between 2.5 and 5.3, (ii) silicate is added to the reaction medium obtained, so as to increase the pH of the reaction medium up to a value of between 4.7 and 6.3.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for producing a resin-extended isoprene rubber comprising (A) a rubber component containing a natural rubber and/or a synthetic isoprene rubber and (B) a thermoplastic resin, wherein a resin slurry liquid prepared by dispersing the component (B) described above in water is mixed with a latex of the rubber component (A) described above, and then the mixture is coagulated and subjected to drying treatment, a rubber composition containing the resin-extended isoprene rubber obtained by the above process and a pneumatic tire prepared by using the above rubber composition for a member for a tread, and provided are a process for producing a resin-extended isoprene rubber in which a natural rubber and/or a synthetic isoprene rubber and a resin are used and in which the above resin is highly dispersed, a rubber composition which contains the resin-extended isoprene rubber obtained by the above process and which can secure a fracture characteristic and the like and a pneumatic

Abstract: Provided is a pneumatic tire for a motorcycle which does not produce a failure such as early wear or uneven wear and which has improved grip while turning. The pneumatic tire for a motorcycle is a pneumatic tire for a motorcycle including a ring-shaped tread portion. The tire has, inside in the tire radial direction of the crown portion, at least one spiral belt layer having a width narrower than the width of the tread portion; at the shoulder portion of the tread portion, an inner layer rubber having a smaller modulus at 300% elongation at room temperature than that of a surface layer rubber is arranged; the inner layer rubber extends to a buttress portion; and the range of the ratio of the moduli between the inner layer rubber and the surface layer rubber is from 0.3 to 0.9.

Abstract: A pneumatic radial tire including a carcass composed of at least one carcass layer extending toroidally between a left-and-right pair of bead cores; a tread portion which is arranged on the outside in the tire radial direction of a crown region of the carcass to form a ground contacting portion; and a belt composed of two belt layers which is arranged between the tread portion and the crown region of the carcass to form a reinforcing portion. A reinforcing material constituting the belt layer is a bundle formed by arranging two cords in pairs; and, letting the diameter of a filament constituting the cord a (mm), the interval between the adjacent bundles as an expected value is increased by a/4 (mm) or larger compared to the interval represented by using the circumcircle of the cord.