Abstract: Provided is a liquid ejection head capable of stably ejecting a liquid at a practical liquid droplet velocity without separating minute liquid droplets before ejection of main liquid droplets in the case of reducing the amount of liquid droplets by reducing a nozzle diameter of the liquid ejection head. In a liquid ejection head including a nozzle for ejecting a liquid, a recess portion recessed relative to a nozzle inner wall surface is formed on a nozzle inner wall in a region having a nozzle inner diameter of 15 ?m or less.

Abstract: Features for various embodiments of a self-contained printhead unit, including an on-board fluidic system, quick-coupling electrical and pneumatic interfacing, in conjunction with the features of various embodiments of a kinematic mounting and air bearing clamping assembly, as well as contactless integration to a waste assembly, together provide for the ready interchangeability of a plurality of printhead units in a printing system during a printing process, while at the same time preventing cross-contamination of a plurality of end-user selected inks contained in each of a plurality of printhead units.

Abstract: Provided is an ink jet recording head, including a member provided with an ejection orifice for ejecting ink, in which the ink jet recording head further includes a water-repellent layer including a cured product of a condensed product obtained by condensation of a hydrolyzable silane compound having an epoxy group and a hydrolyzable silane compound having a perfluoropolyether group on a surface of the member on a side on which the ejection orifice opens.

Abstract: An inkjet head that is able to circulate ink. The inkjet head includes a diaphragm plate, a first restrictor plate, one or more chamber plates, a second restrictor plate, and an orifice plate. The orifice plate forms a plurality of nozzles. The chamber plates form a plurality of chambers corresponding with the nozzles, and also form a return manifold for receiving ink from the chambers when circulating the ink through the inkjet head. The diaphragm plate forms a diaphragm that seals the chambers. The first restrictor plate controls a flow of ink between the chambers and the return manifold to circulate the ink through the inkjet head. The second restrictor plate controls the flow of ink between a supply manifold and the chambers.

Abstract: An ink manifold for use with a heater chip in an inkjet printhead, including a first planar surface and a second opposite planar surface, a plurality of ink channels located on the first planar surface of the ink manifold for supplying ink to the heater chip, and a plurality of ink ports located on the second opposite planar surface of the ink manifold, each of the plurality of ink ports being in liquid communication with a respective one of the plurality of ink channels, each of the plurality of ink channels having a bottom wall defined by bottom wall portions that rise from each ink port within the ink channel to a maximum height at an angle of at least 12 degrees.

Abstract: An inkjet nozzle device includes a resistive heater element for ejecting ink droplets through a nozzle opening. The resistive heater element includes: an aluminide layer having a native passivating oxide and a tantalum oxide layer disposed on the native passivating oxide of the aluminide layer. The tantalum oxide layer is a relatively thin layer, which may be deposited using atomic layer deposition.

Abstract: A liquid ejecting head including a head main unit having L (L is an integer of 2 or more) nozzle rows parallel to one another in a first direction in which, for each nozzle row, in a case in which one side in a second direction that intersects the first direction at a predetermined angle in a range of 0 degrees to 90 degrees is the first side, the nozzle row furthest to the first side among the L nozzle rows does not have a nozzle positioned at a distance M or more further to the first side in the second direction than the nozzle furthest to the first side of a nozzle row neighboring in the second direction.

Abstract: A liquid ejecting apparatus includes a liquid ejecting portion provided with a nozzle opening area in which a plurality of nozzles ejecting liquid onto a medium are open; and a wiping portion that wipes the nozzle opening area in a first direction and a second direction opposite to the first direction, in which the nozzle opening area includes a first wiping target area and a second wiping target area which are at different positions in a direction intersecting with the first direction, and the wiping portion wipes the first wiping target area in the first direction, and wipes the second wiping target area in the second direction.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes: a lead screw that includes a first region formed with a spiral groove and provided in a central portion of the lead screw, and two second regions formed without a groove, one provided on an end-portion side of the first region and the other provided on another end-portion side of the first region; a cap mechanism that includes a first threaded portion threaded to the groove and that lifts a cap member that covers an ejecting surface of ink, and a first linking portion; a wiper member that includes a second threaded portion threaded to the groove and that wipes ink adhered to the ejecting surface of the ink, and a second linking portion that links with the first linking portion.

Abstract: An ink cartridge has an ink pack that holds ink and a case that holds the ink pack. The case has a case body forming an ink pack storage space R, and a cover that is removably attached to the case body. An ink supply opening is formed in the front wall of the case body, and a body-side pedestal protruding from the interior of the case body toward the cover inside the case is formed at the opposite end as the ink supply opening. When the cover is attached to the case with an ink pack inside, the back end part of the ink pack is held between a cover-side pedestal protruding from the interior of the cover and the body-side pedestal. The back side of the body-side pedestal forms an exterior recess on the case that can be used as a fingerhold.

Abstract: An inkjet head that is able to circulate ink. The inkjet head includes a diaphragm plate, a first restrictor plate, one or more chamber plates, a second restrictor plate, and an orifice plate. The orifice plate forms a plurality of nozzles. The chamber plates form a plurality of chambers corresponding with the nozzles, and also form a return manifold for receiving ink from the chambers when circulating the ink through the inkjet head. The diaphragm plate forms a diaphragm that seals the chambers. The first restrictor plate controls a flow of ink between the chambers and the return manifold to circulate the ink through the inkjet head. The second restrictor plate controls the flow of ink between a supply manifold and the chambers.

Abstract: A process for the manufacturing of surface elements is provided herein. The surface elements can include a decorative upper layer and a supporting core. A supporting core with a desired format can be manufactured by press molding and provided with an upper side and a lower side. The upper side of the supporting core can be provided with a structure by a momentary pressing operation using a surface structured matrix. A ground coating can be provided on the structured upper side of the supporting core. A digitally printed decor comprising inks of at least four colors can be applied directly on top of the ground coating by an ink-jet type printer. The structure of the supporting core can enhance the realism of the decor, wherein the decor can be selected from the group consisting of woods and minerals.

Abstract: An automatic, thermal print on demand labeler is provided. The thermal print head is placed above the axis of rotation of the rotary head, with a cylindrical platen mounted horizontally opposite the print head. A stripper pin is mounted below the platen; the pin is positioned very close to the print region of the print head. This positioning of components results in a label being printed and dispensed onto a bellow in one index of the multi-bellow rotary head. Independent direct gear drive trains are provided for the rotary head and label tape drive.

Abstract: In a method and a device for inkjet printing on containers, at least a first and a second subprint complementing each other in the printing direction so as to form a print image are joined. The first subprint is printed starting from a connection area or up to a connection area. Subsequently, the second subprint is printed with a feed towards the connection area such that the first and second subprints interleavingly overlap in the connection area. This allows a joining of subprints with unobtrusive transitions even in the case of dimensional tolerances and complicated cross-sections of the respective container.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for depositing a substance onto an article are disclosed, including apparatuses and methods of directly printing on three-dimensional articles, as well as the articles printed thereby or having a substance deposited thereon. In some cases, the apparatuses and methods involve creating a re-circulating relative motion between at least one article and a substance deposition device. In some embodiments, the articles can be conveyed in a closed loop path past one or more substance deposition devices. The articles can be conveyed past the substance deposition device(s) one or more times, and during each pass by the substance deposition device(s), a portion of a predetermined pattern may be applied to the articles by the substance deposition device(s).

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for depositing a substance onto an article are disclosed, including apparatuses and methods of directly printing on three-dimensional articles, as well as the articles printed thereby or having a substance deposited thereon. In some cases, the apparatuses and methods involve creating a re-circulating relative motion between at least one article and a substance deposition device. In some embodiments, the articles can be conveyed in a closed loop path past one or more substance deposition devices. The articles can be conveyed past the substance deposition device(s) one or more times, and during each pass by the substance deposition device(s), a portion of a predetermined pattern may be applied to the articles by the substance deposition device(s).

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for depositing a substance onto the surface of an article are disclosed, including apparatuses and methods of directly printing on and/or decorating three-dimensional articles, as well as the articles that have a substance thereon (such as printing) and/or are decorated thereby. In some cases, the apparatuses and methods involve providing a decorative effect on an article with a decorating device, and creating a re-circulating relative motion between at least one article and a substance deposition device. In some embodiments, the articles can be conveyed in a closed loop path past one or more substance deposition devices. The articles can be conveyed past the substance deposition device(s) one or more times, and during each pass by the substance deposition device(s), a portion of a predetermined pattern may be applied to the articles by the substance deposition device(s).

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for depositing a substance onto the surface of an article are disclosed, including apparatuses and methods of directly printing on and/or decorating three-dimensional articles, as well as the articles that have a substance thereon (such as printing) and/or are decorated thereby. In some cases, the apparatuses and methods involve providing a decorative effect on an article with a decorating device, and creating a re-circulating relative motion between at least one article and a substance deposition device. In some embodiments, the articles can be conveyed in a closed loop path past one or more substance deposition devices. The articles can be conveyed past the substance deposition device(s) one or more times, and during each pass by the substance deposition device(s), a portion of a predetermined pattern may be applied to the articles by the substance deposition device(s).

Abstract: A method for printing on an object, for instance on an object made of a foamed material, includes applying ink to a surface of the object in accordance with digital image information in an inkjet printing process and irradiating the ink by electromagnetic radiation, preferably containing an IR proportion, to cure or dry the ink. The ink is directly heated by the irradiation and the material of the surface is indirectly heated by the irradiation by thermal conduction from the ink, causing the material in a region to experience a volume change. In this way, it is possible to simultaneously print on the material and to provide the material with a relief structure/to digitally emboss it.

Abstract: A media height detection system is used in connection with an inkjet printer. A filament is disposed above the process path and transverse to the process direction. A displacement sensor mounted adjacent the process path has a connecting member extending outward. The filament is attached to the connecting member and anchored to the printer. A transducer in the displacement sensor generates an electrical signal in response to a force on the filament. The filament contacts the lead edge of the sheet in the event of sheet curl in excess of a predetermined curl range. This will cause the force in the filament, which is conveyed to the displacement sensor to generate the signal. The print head can be elevated in response to the signal, so that the sheet does not impact the print heads, causing damage. Alternately, the sheet can be discarded.

Abstract: When a paper jam occurs while printing, the control unit of a printer 1 retracts the head carriage 59 at a slow speed (initial retraction speed V1), and retracts the head carriage 59 at the slow speed to the target retraction position if the access cover 11 is not opened. If the access cover 11 is opened during retraction, the speed of head carriage 59 movement is changed to a faster retraction speed (high retraction speed V2). If the head carriage 59 is retracted quickly when the access cover 11 is opened, there is little chance of a user that wants to quickly restore printer 1 operation catching the stuck paper P on the printhead 22 and tearing the paper P. There is therefore little chance of problems resulting from torn pieces of paper being left inside the printer 1.

Abstract: A recording device and control method execute a printhead retraction operation at an appropriate speed when a paper jam occurs, make removing jammed paper easy, and prevent problems from pieces of paper left inside the recording device. The printer 1 retracts the head carriage 59 to the home position HP or away position AP when a paper jam occurs. The retraction distance is calculated, and a retraction speed determined based on a speed control table 100. If the retraction speed is low, there is little chance of pulling on the jammed paper P and making removal of the jammed paper P difficult. If the retraction distance is long, changing retraction speed to a high speed during the retraction operation shortens time of the retraction operation. Therefore, there is little chance of the user tearing the jammed paper P, and little chance of problems caused by pieces of paper left inside.

Abstract: An apparatus for cooling media sheets in a printer includes a number of cooling units, a conveyor having a first conveyor path adapted to feed the media sheets successively through the cooling units, and a switch adapted to deflect selected ones of the media sheets into a second conveyor path. The switch is disposed upstream of a last one of the cooling units and downstream of a first one of the cooling units. The second conveyor path bypasses the last one of the cooling units. The conveyor includes a decelerating mechanism configured to decelerate the sheets in the first conveyor path between the first one of the cooling units and the last one of the cooling units.

Abstract: Disclosed is an image forming apparatus including an image forming unit that ejects droplets from an image forming apparatus, and forms an image on a surface of a printing medium, a pre-processing unit that applies a pre-processing liquid to the surface of the printing medium before the image is formed by the image forming unit, and a post-processing unit that applies a post-processing liquid different from the pre-processing liquid to the surface of the printing medium after the image is formed by the image forming unit. The pre-processing unit applies an amount of the pre-processing liquid which is determined based on a type of the printing medium and the post-processing unit applies an amount of the post-processing liquid which is determined based on the type of the printing medium.

Abstract: There is provided a printing apparatus having a supply function and a winding function, in which a sheet is guided to a desirable position. To achieve this, the apparatus includes: a supply unit configured to hold a plurality of rolls of a wound continuous sheet; a printing unit configured to print an image on a sheet drawn from one of the rolls held by the supply unit; a storage unit configured to store a sheet printed in the printing unit; and a guiding unit configured to guide a sheet discharged from the printing unit to the storage unit, wherein the guiding unit is capable of switching between guiding the sheet discharged from the printing unit to the storage unit and guiding the sheet discharged from the printing unit to the supply unit so that the sheet is wound.

Abstract: A transportation apparatus includes a first velocity sensor that detects a first measure of the transportation velocity of a medium that is transported, and a second velocity sensor that detects a second measure of the transportation velocity of the medium. The first and second velocity sensors are positioned offset from each other in an intersecting direction that intercepts a transportation direction of the medium. A skew detection section calculates a velocity difference from the first and second measures of the transportation velocities, and determines a skew state of the medium on the basis of the velocity difference.

Abstract: A medium support unit includes a support unit having a support surface that can support a medium and an adjustment unit that can form a first state in which a recessed portion that is recessed with respect to the support surface or a protruding portion that protrudes with respect to the support surface is formed and a second state in which the recessed portion or the protruding portion is not formed with respect to the support surface. At least one of color and texture is different between the support surface and the adjustment unit.

Abstract: A transport mechanism is provided for transporting sheets of a print medium in a printing system. The transport mechanism include a first conveyor device having a first conveyor body which is configured to support a plurality of sheets of print medium, the first conveyor body being movable to convey the sheets along the transport path in the printing system; and a transfer system including a second conveyor device having a movable second conveyor body for supporting the sheets of print medium and conveying the sheets further along the transport path, the transfer system being configured to transfer the sheets of print medium from the first conveyor body to the second conveyor body in a transfer region. The second conveyor body is arranged adjacent or proximate to the first conveyor body in the transfer region, and the transfer system includes spacer means which is configured to maintain a predefined spacing between the first conveyor body and the second conveyor body in the transfer region.

Abstract: A sheet can be securely drawn out of a sheet roll irrespective of an outer diameter of the sheet roll, and then, can be conveyed. A driven roller moves according to the outer diameter of the sheet roll, so as to be brought into press-contact with an outer periphery of the sheet roll from under in a gravity direction irrespective of the outer diameter of the sheet roll. An arm member moves according to the outer diameter of the sheet roll, so as to guide a lower side of the sheet drawn through above the driven roller irrespective of the outer diameter of the sheet roll.

Abstract: A printing apparatus includes: a printing unit configured to perform printing on a sheet; a driving unit configured to apply a rotational force to a roll member that is rotatably held; and a pressing unit having a roller configured to apply a pressing force to an outer peripheral surface of a roll sheet wound around the roll member, wherein the pressing unit changes the pressing force in a sequence in which the driving unit applies a rotational force to the roll member and a sheet that has passed through the printing unit is wound.

Abstract: The disclosure is related to printing an image as a multi-layered textured image on a substrate. The printing system prints one or more layers of a texture of the image as a base layer on the substrate and the image above the base layer. The base layer includes one or more layers of the texture. The printing system prints the texture using the ink from the print heads of the printing system. The process of printing a multi-layered textured image can include printing one or more layers of texture as a base layer on the substrate, printing one or more layers of white ink above the base layer, and printing one or more layers of the image above the white layers. The printing system can also insert one or more blank layers between different types of layers, e.g., texture layers, white layers and image layers.

Abstract: A method for compensating failed printing nozzles in inkjet printing machines using a control computer, includes printing a test form for a material combination, evaluating the print and creating a look-up table having compensation probabilities for local surface density, detecting a failed nozzle, reading the size of the intended droplet to be compensated at the failed nozzle, calculating local surface density at the failed nozzle, reading a compensation probability from the table with the calculated local surface density, calculating a pseudo-random number for adjacent pixels right and left of the pixel to be compensated, increasing the droplet size for adjacent pixels if the pseudo-random number therefor is lower than the compensation probability from the table, calculating adjacent droplet sizes for all intended droplets at the failed nozzle and using the changed droplet sizes in printing data. The print job is carried out with changed printing data.

Abstract: A tape reel device includes a cartridge case (20) rotatably accommodating a spool (22b) around which an ink ribbon (22a) is wound, and a brake (3) for providing back tension to the ink ribbon (22a) unwound from the spool (22b). The brake (3) includes a sliding contact member (35) in sliding contact with end surface of the rotating spool (22b), a coil spring (36) urging the sliding contact member (35) in shaft direction of the spool (22b), and a rotation restrictor (37) for restricting rotation of the sliding contact member (35). The rotation restrictor (37) includes an engaging portion protruded from the cartridge case (20) to be inserted into the sliding contact member (35), and a to-be-engaged portion (44) which is protruded from inner circumference of the sliding contact member (35) and with which the engaging portion engages in rotation direction of the spool (22b).

Abstract: A printable recording media including a supporting base substrate having, on its image side, a pre-coating layer that contains inorganic pigments and polymeric binders, and a top ink-receiving layer that includes inorganic pigments, polymeric binders and non-film forming polymers; and, having a polymer barrier layer on its backside. Also described herein is a method for making the printable recording media, a method for forming printed articles, and the obtained printed articles.

Abstract: A paper sizing or coating composition is provided, which includes; a first binder resin, which is compatible with dry toner binder resin; a second binder resin, which is compatible with liquid toner binder resin, and which is different from the first binder resin; a first pigment, which has a BET surface area of from greater than zero to about 35 m2/g; and a second pigment, which has a BET surface area of about 35 m2/g or greater, and which is different from the first pigment. Recording sheets which include the composition, methods of making the composition and recording sheets, and methods for making an image are provided.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an erasing apparatus stores a first feeder unit and an erasing device. A casing of the erasing apparatus supports the first sheet stack and the erasing device slidably in a direction perpendicular to a direction of supplying a sheet from the first sheet stack to the erasing device. The first sheet stack and the erasing device are movable into and out of the casing.

Abstract: According to embodiments, an image processing apparatus includes a roller, an erasing unit, and a controller. The roller conveys a first plurality of media and a second plurality of media. The erasing device erases images from the first plurality of media, without erasing images from the second plurality of media. The controller is programmed to receive a setting of a quantity of the first plurality of media, stop erasing of the images when an error occurs in conveying at least one of the first plurality of media, and continue erasing until a value obtained by counting the first plurality of media conveyed to the erasing device, including the at least one of the first plurality of media for which the error occurs, equals the quantity of the first plurality of media.

Abstract: In accordance with one embodiment, a color erasing apparatus capable of erasing the color of an image formed with a color erasable material on a sheet comprises a color erasing section configured to erase the color of an image formed on the sheet; a control panel configured to set a reading area of the sheet; and a reading section configured to read the image of the area set on the sheet and determine the state of the image erased by the color erasing section.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus according to an embodiment comprises a first image forming section configured to form an image on a recording medium with a non-erasable material, and a second image forming section configured to form an image on the recording medium with an erasable material. The image forming apparatus further comprises a control section configured to separate image data according to attributes of the image data into first image data to be printed on the recording medium in the first image forming section and second image data to be printed on the recording medium in the second image forming section.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for making books, booklets and pamphlets (“bound publications”) with virtually any number of pages. In this method, the bound publications are configured to facilitate page turning for individuals with limited dexterity, such as older individuals and individuals with disabilities. In this method, the width of successive pages varies incrementally and progressively from the top sheet to the bottom sheet. The incremental widths between sheets can vary, for example, between 1/16 inch and ¼ inch. In order to enable the method to be used with bound publications of virtually unlimited page numbers, multiple sets of pages with incrementally varying widths, separated by spacers, for example, tab dividers, can be used to form a book. Each set of pages consists of a plurality of pages with successive pages having incrementally and progressively varying widths. Virtually any multiple of sets of pages can be used to form bound publications.

Abstract: A method of coating a substrate with an anti-counterfeit pattern is provided. The method includes at least following steps: providing a substrate; depositing a first particles on the substrate to form a first predetermined pattern; and depositing a second particles that are nanoparticles on the substrate to form a second predetermined pattern. The second particles are different from the first particles and repulsively interact with the first particles.

Abstract: A liquid applying tool is provided which can create pressurizing action with a simple structure and without any labor at the time of using the liquid applying tool, and allows liquid to be smoothly fed to a tip end of a liquid applicator member with the assistance of the pressurizing action.

Abstract: A system for marking artificial turf mats that allows for the obtaining of artificial turf mats with indelible motifs on any of the surfaces of said mats, comprising positioning means for at least one mat and printing means applicable onto at least one surface of said mat, so that said printing means are capable of producing at least one motif onto the surface of said mat.

Abstract: A bearing device for a wheel has a stem shaft of an outer joint member of a constant-velocity universal joint fit and inserted in a hole of a hub wheel, the stem shaft and hub wheel being coupled through an intermediation of a recess-projection fitting structure. Projections extending in an axial direction are provided on one of the stem shaft and an inner diameter surface of the hole of the hub wheel. The projections are press-fit into another of the stem shaft and the inner diameter surface of the hole along the axial direction. Recesses that adhere to and fit the projections are formed in the other. An end on an inboard side of the hub wheel is caulked to an outer diameter side to form a caulking section and preload is applied to a roller bearing by the caulking section.

Abstract: A single shell bicycle wheel hub described herein facilitates improved performance and reduced energy loss. A rear hub assembly includes a single shell that forms a non-drive-side spoke flange and a drive-side spoke flange. The drive-side flange is enlarged relative to the non-drive-side flange thereby improving the angle of the spoke attachment to the hub and facilitating more even spoke tensioning. For example, a drive-side flange diameter is at least 100 mm. The flanges are optionally tilted toward a wheel center line to more directly align the flange and spoke holes with the assembled spokes. The single shell hub is formed so as to receive three sets of bearings with two of the three sets of bearings mounted near the center line of the hub assembly.

Abstract: A brake mechanism for mobile currency vaults includes a braking gear coupled to a vault wheel to govern rotational movement of the wheel. An interference tab is biased to an interference fit between the gear's teeth to stop rotation of the wheel. Disengaging the gear is controlled near the handles of the vault, which also provide steering control, so that users must actively disengage the interference tab to allow the wheel to rotate. The brake mechanism also has a brake release for locking in a disengaged or engaged position. The brake release spans the mobile currency vault from a front wheel to a rear handle. The brake release also has a control, preferably at a rear end of the vault, requiring activation by a key and an indicator pusher.

Abstract: A hub assembly includes a retainer housing, a retaining member, a biasing element, and an occlusion. The retainer housing includes a wheel mounting sleeve and a pin sleeve. The wheel mounting sleeve includes an axle bore configured to receive an axle. The pin sleeve has a first end and a second end. The pin sleeve includes a conduit between the first end and the second end. The first end is in fluid communication with the axle bore. The retaining member and the biasing element are in the conduit. The retaining member is configured to engage a groove in an axle. The biasing element is configured to bias the retaining member towards the axle bore. The occlusion is proximate to the second end of the pin sleeve. The occlusion is configured to inhibit the retaining member from exiting the conduit at least prior to coupling the hub assembly to a wheel.

Abstract: A laminate comprising at least one layer of a first thermoplastic resin composition alternately stacked with at least two layers of a second thermoplastic resin composition so that the outermost layers are the layers of the second thermoplastic resin composition, wherein the first thermoplastic resin composition comprises at least one selected from the group consisting of ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer and modified ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymers, and the second thermoplastic resin composition has a different composition from the first thermoplastic resin composition, and wherein, in any adjacent pair of the layer of the first thermoplastic resin composition and the layer of the second thermoplastic resin composition, the layer of the first thermoplastic resin composition and the layer of the second thermoplastic resin composition have a specific tensile modulus ratio and a specific thickness ratio.

Abstract: A tire includes: a ring shaped tire frame member that is made of a resin with plural tire pieces joined along a tire circumferential direction; a joint portion reinforcing belt that is adhered to the tire frame member, that extends around the tire circumferential direction, and that covers a joint portion of the plural tire pieces; and a tread layer that is provided further to the tire radial direction outside than the tire frame member and the joint portion reinforcing belt.

Abstract: Tire having a predetermined direction of mounting on a vehicle. The tire tread (40) comprises a central rib (411-413) and two side ribs (421, 422), separated by circumferential grooves (141-144). The side ribs are made from a first rubber composition less than 50% filled with black. The central rib comprises a portion (4111, 4121) made from a second rubber composition more than 50% filled with black, the axial width (LP) of said portion being greater than or equal to 20% of the axial width LC of the central rib. The first rubber composition has a tan ?0 value which is less than the tan ?0 value of the second rubber composition, where tan ?0 denotes the tan ? value measured at a temperature of 0° C. and under a stress of 0.7 mPa.