Abstract: A printing apparatus is provided with a transport mechanism section that transports work, a printing mechanism section that has multiple nozzle groups, which perform printing by discharging an ink onto the work as liquid droplets, and control section that controls the actions of the transport mechanism section and the printing mechanism section. In addition, the printing mechanism section includes a first nozzle row that forms a first printing region, a second nozzle row that forms a second printing region, and an overlapping section in which the first nozzle row and the second nozzle row overlap. Further, the control section prohibits overlapping of the first printing region with the second printing region on the work when forming the third printing region.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a head; a scanning section; and a transport section. A first region is formed in the head between a nozzle formed at a first end and a first nozzle that is a first predetermined distance away, in the sub-scanning direction, from the nozzle formed at the first end. A second region is formed in the head between a nozzle formed at a second end and a second nozzle that is a second predetermined distance away, in the sub-scanning direction, from the nozzle formed at the second end. When the head, the scanning section, and the transport section form an image on the medium, a moving-average nozzle usage ratio within a region between the first region and the second region changes at a lower rate than moving-average nozzle usage ratios within the first region and the second region.

Abstract: A printer cleaning device cleans an image receiving surface treated with a surface preparation material. The cleaning surface includes an applicator that receives fluid from a receptacle and applies a portion of the fluid onto the image receiving surface of a printer. A wiper engages the image receiving surface to remove a portion of dried aqueous ink and fluid from the image receiving surface. The applicator is rotated in a direction opposite to a direction of movement of the image receiving surface. The dried aqueous ink and fluid removed by the wiper are diverted to a conduit to enable a pump to move the dried aqueous ink and fluid through a filter before returning the filtered fluid to the receptacle so the applicator can absorb the filtered fluid.

Abstract: A device for printing on at least one region of a surface of a so-called 3D object, for instance a curved auto body part, includes a manipulator, for instance an articulated-arm robot with six degrees of freedom. The device also includes a system for vibration compensation for the print head. The system includes an active component and a passive component. Manipulator vibration which creates defects in a printed image may thus be effectively avoided.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus has a first quantization configured to quantize multi-valued data corresponding to the first ink to generate the first quantized data, the multi-valued data indicating intermediate density; and a second quantization unit configured to quantize multi-valued data corresponding to the second ink to generate the second quantized data, the multi-valued data indicating intermediate density. In a case where a satellite of the first ink is more conspicuous than a satellite of the second ink on the print medium, a first dot pattern printed on the print medium based on the first quantized data has higher dispersibility than a second dot pattern printed on the print medium based on the second quantized data.

Abstract: Printing layers and films for printing are disclosed. Methods for preparing such films also are disclosed.

Abstract: An environmental greeting card is constructed as a self-mailer and thus, eliminates the need for a separate envelope.

Abstract: Provided is a writing instrument suited to ballpoint pens, marking pens and the like in which a flow pressure of an ink applied to a pen tip is controlled to a fixed level to prevent an ink direct flow phenomenon reverse flow phenomenon. The above writing instrument comprises a pen tip disposed at a front part of an ink tank, an ink received in the ink tank, a follower filled at a rear part of the ink, and a capillary porous member provided with a capillary force, which is arranged at a space part between a rear part of the follower and a rear end part of the ink tank in a state in which the follower is filled, wherein the pen tip is sealed when a cap is put on the writing instrument.

Abstract: An embossing die is created by printing multiple ink layers (530, 540) in superposition thereby to build up a printed relief pattern (510) in accordance with received design data specifying a design to be embossed. The design data is modified after receipt to introduce into the printed relief pattern to be built, one or more channels (610) which extend depth-wise through multiple ink layers of the printed relief pattern (510) and serve to fully or partially segment the printed relief pattern.

Abstract: A method of making pre-grouted mosaic panels, wherein each panel (1) is formed from a plurality of mosaic tiles (2) each having a upper surface (4) and a lower surface (5), the tiles (2) being laid over a substantially horizontal support base (S) in mutually spaced positions, to define a plurality of grooves (3). The method includes a step of placing a first thermoformable polymeric sheet element (10) on the upper (4) and lower (5) surfaces of the mosaic tiles (2) and a later step of thermoforming the first sheet element (10) for the latter to at least partially fill the grooves (3) when it is thermoformed. A pre-grouted mosaic panel that can be obtained by such method.

Abstract: A wheel with flexible spokes, including a rim and hub, and spokes between the rim and hub made of fibrous material that causes the spokes to be both lighter in weight and stronger than comparable steel spokes. The spokes are also flexible and resilient such that they can bend while retaining their integrity and strength.

Abstract: An irrigation wheel traction lug, comprising a lug having a bent-paddle, a base and a one or more chains. Said bent-paddle comprises a first side, a second side and a front portion. Said bent paddle comprises a substantially “V” shape when viewed from above. Said first side and said second side flare backward away from a front portion of said base portion toward a rear edge. and Said lug selectively attaching to an irrigation wheel, having a tread pattern and a rim, by placing said base on said treat pattern, wrapping said one or more chains around said irrigation wheel between said rim and said tread pattern, and securing said lug to said irrigation wheel with said base and said one or more chains.

Abstract: A bearing device for a wheel includes a bearing. The bearing includes outer and inner members and double-row rolling elements. The bearing has a constant velocity universal joint coupled thereto in a torque transmittable manner by fitting a stem section of an outer joint member to a shaft hole of a hub wheel, in which the stem section of the outer joint member is press-fitted to the shaft hole of the hub wheel, and shapes of only the circumferential side wall portions of each of a plurality of convex portions are transferred to the shaft hole, to thereby define a convex and concave fitting portion in which close contact is achieved at an entire contact portion between the plurality of convex portions and the plurality of concave portions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a structure and a method for coupling a wheel bearing that include a wheel hub for mounting a vehicle wheel, a hollow inner ring press-fitted into an end portion of the wheel hub, an annular outer ring disposed at a radial exterior of the wheel hub and the inner ring, and rolling elements disposed between the wheel hub or the inner ring and the outer ring, wherein the wheel hub and the inner ring are splined to each other and the inner ring and the joint member are coupled through facial spline. According to the present invention, driving torque of a constant velocity joint may be stably delivered to the wheel hub and noise may be reduced.

Abstract: A bicycle axle assembly has a nut, a main body member and an adjustment structure. The nut includes a bore having an internal thread. The main body member includes a nut bore. The nut is disposed in the nut bore. The adjustment structure adjustably couples the nut to move axially with respect to the main body member.

Abstract: A luggage article may include a plurality of walls together defining an outer structure of the luggage article, a wheel bracket attached to and extending from one of the walls, and a wheel attached to the wheel bracket. The wheel bracket may comprise first and second elongate arms extending along a common side of the wheel. The first and second arms may be vertically-spaced apart from one another over at least a portion of the length of the first and second arms. The configuration of the wheel bracket may result in higher shock absorption and reduced wheel noise comparative to conventional wheel brackets, and offer an improvement and alternative to conventional luggage wheel brackets.

Abstract: A coaxial multi-member mechanism for using as the front axle and the rear axle in an electric vehicle is presented to allow the wheels of the vehicle changing the track widths from a wide track to a narrow track or vice versa in vehicle moving condition. The wide track mode is for safer high speed driving and more collision protection from the four wheels. The narrow track is used on the other hand for narrow street and slow speed driving and for easy parking in a narrow space.

Abstract: A tire having a crown reinforcement formed of at least two working crown layers having unequal axial widths, a layer C of rubber mixture being positioned between at least the ends of the said at least two working crown layers, and the crown reinforcement having at least one layer of circumferential reinforcing elements positioned radially between two working crown layers. The distance d between the end of the axially narrowest working layer and the working layer separated from the axially narrowest working layer by the layer C of rubber mixture is such that 1.1ø<d<2.2ø, ø being the diameter of the reinforcing elements of the said at least one layer of circumferential reinforcing elements, and, in a meridian plane, the thickness of the layer C of rubber mixture is substantially uniform.

Abstract: A tyre for a motor vehicle includes a tread and two shoulders. The tread includes a circumferential row of blocks between first and second circumferential grooves. Each of the blocks is delimited by a section of the first circumferential groove and by first and second transverse grooves that terminate at a common vertex spaced from the second circumferential groove. The common vertex is separated from the second circumferential groove by a continuous circumferential tread rib. The second transverse groove delimits one of the blocks and is separated from the first transverse groove that delimits a circumferentially adjacent block by a solid tread portion. The solid tread portion extends from the first circumferential groove to the continuous circumferential tread rib. The common vertex of each block is located at a position axially intermediate the first circumferential groove and a portion of one of the transverse grooves that delimits the block.

Abstract: A heavy duty pneumatic tire includes a tread portion provided with circumferentially extending zigzag shaped main grooves, a plurality of land portions separated by the main grooves, and a plurality of lateral grooves to form a plurality of block elements on each land portion. Each land portion comprises a number of pitches in a range of from 40 to 50, wherein each pitch consists of one block element and one lateral groove adjacent to the concerned block element. Each block element has a length in a range of from 85% to 95% of a length of the pitch. The main grooves include a crown main groove, a shoulder main groove, and a middle main groove. The middle main groove has a zigzag amplitude larger than those of the crown main groove and the shoulder main groove.

Abstract: A pneumatic tire has a tread portion provided with a center land portion defined between two crown main grooves 3 extending continuously in the tire circumferential direction. The widthwise center line of the crown main groove is made up of successively-arranged circular arcs all oriented toward the same axial direction. The center land portion is provided in its both sides with sloping-surface portions each defined by a sloping surface extending from the radially outer surface of the center land portion to the axially inner groove-sidewall surface of one of the crown main grooves. Each of the sloping-surface portions includes, in its circumferential extent, the circumferential position of one of axially outermost points of the widthwise center line of the adjacent crown main groove.

Abstract: A tire pressure maintenance device is shown and described. The tire pressure maintenance device may include a sensor mechanism configured to detect at least one predetermined condition of a vehicle. The tire pressure maintenance device may also include a control mechanism operatively coupled with the sensor mechanism, the control mechanism applying a predetermined pressure to a tire of the vehicle in response to the predetermined condition.

Abstract: A tire-based system and method for estimating a radially outward tire surface temperature of an identified tire supporting an identified vehicle includes a temperature sensor to measure a tire inner liner temperature. An algorithmic prediction model is empirically trained to correlate inner liner tire temperature to tire radially outward surface temperature for the tire/vehicle combination. The empirically trained algorithmic prediction model receives a steady state temperature-based model inputs including the tire inner liner temperature and an ambient temperature measurement and transient behavior vehicle-based inputs. Based upon the steady state inputs and the transient behavior inputs, a radially outward tire surface temperature estimation is made.

Abstract: A method, apparatus and program product to monitor a vehicle for wheel related issues based at least in part on temperature data collected for tires of the vehicle. Received temperature data for each of a plurality of tires of the vehicle may be received and analyzed to determine whether a status of each tire is normal. Responsive to determining that a status for at least one tire is not normal, wheel related issues present for the vehicle may be detected based at least in part on the temperature data.

Abstract: A truck towing system is described. The truck towing system provides for a first truck to tow a second truck in a back to front relationship, i.e., the front portion of the second truck (the towed truck) is connected or attached to a rear portion of the first truck (the towing truck). The truck towing system includes an upper member to connect with a first truck. A middle member joins the upper member and a lower member in a fixed engagement. The lower member supports a front portion of a second truck. A beam member is engaged to the lower member, and the beam member extends and retracts from an interior of the lower member. The beam member connects to a rear portion of the second truck.

Abstract: An extendable compartment assembly having a first compartment and a second compartment each having opposing sidewalls and a ceiling, a first frame coupled to the first compartment, a second frame coupled to the second compartment, and a slide assembly coupling the first frame to the second frame such that the second compartment is slideable relative to the first compartment between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the second compartment is at least partially disposed within the first compartment and in the second position the second compartment is at least partially disposed outside the first compartment. A hitch assembly comprising a base arm having first and second ends, a first mating arm coupled with the first end, a second mating arm coupled with the second end, and a bias member coupling the first mating arm to the second mating arm.

Abstract: A wiring connector for connecting the lighting system wiring of a first vehicle to the lighting system wiring of a second vehicle so that lights on the first vehicle are activated when corresponding lights on the second vehicle are activated. The connector includes a plurality of terminals configured for coupling with corresponding terminals on a mating connector on the second vehicle; a plurality of wires each having one end electrically coupled with one of the terminals and another end for electrically connecting to the wiring of the first vehicle lighting system; a wire-retaining ring; and a housing formed around the terminals, the wires, and the wire-retaining ring, the housing including a central opening within the wire-retaining ring.

Abstract: The invention concerns a suspension element for self-propelled machine comprising: a suspension fork (100) secured to the chassis of the machine and comprising two parallel arms (120, 130), a motor (400), secured to two sleeves (200, 300) each comprising at least one bearing (210A, 210B, 310A, 310B) adapted to slide in translation on the arms (120, 130), the suspension element being characterized in that the two sleeves (10) (200, 300) are separate parts, the motor (400) comprising a casing (410) adapted to form a supporting frame allowing the ensured rigid connection between the two sleeves (200, 300) and for this purpose comprising connecting means designed to ensure the connection between the supporting frame of the motor and each of the two sleeves over a center distance range of the sleeves while withstanding the forces applied by the chassis on the casing.

Abstract: A suspension arm for multi-link suspensions of automotive vehicles, comprising a body formed by a hollow extruded profile the cross-section of which has a closed outer contour formed by side walls and comprising at least one inner partition internally splitting the profile into at least two inner cavities, the extruded profile having the length of the arm to be obtained, according to a longitudinal axis of the arm, where a central section of the arm is machined in at least one side wall having no inner partition extending therefrom without the machining ever reaching an inner partition, and where the side walls having the at least one inner partition extending therefrom comprise an end opening in each end area of the arm, between which the central section is arranged, and a method for making the suspension arm.

Abstract: An air spring includes a bellow at least partially delimiting at least one working chamber that is constructed and arranged to be filled with compressed air. A guide tube surrounds at least a portion of the bellow. A bonding agent solely fixes a portion of the bellow to the guide tube. A piston is associated with the bellow. The bellow is constructed and arranged to roll with respect to an outer surface of the piston and an inner surface of the guide tube.

Abstract: An end member assembly (204; 404) that is dimensioned for use in forming a gas spring assembly (200; 400) can include an end member body (248; 448) that is dimensioned for securement to a flexible spring member (206; 406) of the gas spring assembly (200; 400). The end member assembly (204; 404) can also include a compliant support structure (250; 450) that is operatively connected to the end member body (248; 448) to support the end member body in spaced relation to an associated structural component (SC2). The end member body (248; 448) can include a side wall (256; 456) that extends in overlapping (OL1; OL2) relation with at least a portion of the compliant support structure (250; 450). The end member (204; 404) can also form at least one chamber (296; 508) within the end member body (248; 448) and compliant support structure (250; 450). A gas spring assembly (200; 400) and a suspension system (118) are also included.

Abstract: A damper includes a polarized capacitor electrically connected to an electromagnetic motor. The surface area at a first fluid chamber side of a piston head is different from the surface area at a second fluid chamber side of the piston head in a cylinder. A positive electrode side of the polarized capacitor is connected to the electromagnetic motor at a side at which output voltage from the electromagnetic motor is positive when the piston head is displaced toward the first fluid chamber side.

Abstract: A suspension system capable of improving maneuverability and stability, the suspension system including a force generation mechanism and a controller. The controller, which controls each of shock absorbers, includes a main control calculation unit, a longitudinal force reaction force calculation unit, a lateral force reaction force calculation unit, an addition unit, and a suspension reaction force consideration unit. The controller subtracts an output from a vertical force calculation unit including the longitudinal force reaction force calculation unit, the lateral force reaction force calculation unit, and the addition unit from an output from the main control calculation unit by the suspension reaction force consideration unit, thereby succeeding in calculating a vertical force applied between a vehicle body and each wheel as a value in consistency with an actual behavior of a vehicle.

Abstract: When a clipping member is fitted onto the outer peripheral surface of a sealing member, the tightening margin for elastic fitting is provided to the sealing member by the fastening force of the clipping member. In this case, the clipping member includes an opening portion formed to have a partial separation in the circumferential direction and is formed from a metallic material approximately in a C shape having an inner diameter smaller than the outer diameter of the sealing member. Also in the case where a permanent set occurs in the rubber elastic body (the sealing member) as time passes, the clipping member is reduced in diameter by the elastic restoring force of itself. Accordingly, the tightening margin for elastic fitting to the stabilizer bar can be continuously provided to the sealing member.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide a refrigeration trailer air distribution chute. The chute includes a first air director attachable to a ceiling of a refrigeration trailer spanning a refrigeration unit and a side wall of the trailer, and a second air director attachable to and extending along the ceiling proximate the side wall to the rear of the trailer. The first air director is attachable to the ceiling along two lines of attachment, causing the first air director to have a cross section of a first shape regardless of whether the chute is in an unexpanded or an expanded state. The second air director is attachable to the ceiling along one line of attachment, causing the second air director to have a cross section of a second shape when the chute is in the unexpanded state and a third shape when the chute is in the expanded state.

Abstract: A vehicle air conditioner includes an evaporator configured to cool air, a heater core provided on a downstream side of the evaporator, a plurality of doors provided between the evaporator and the heater core, and a central air path formed on the downstream side of the evaporator. The central air path is provided with a first door of the plurality of doors, and a first side air path formed on a first side of the central air path. The central air path is further provided with a second door of the plurality of doors, a second side air path formed on a second side of the central air path, and a third door of the plurality of doors. A sub-casing is configured to form the central air path, and a first division casing and a second division casing are configured to sandwich the sub-casing.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes an air conditioning apparatus comprising an air conditioning case defining an airflow passage, an evaporator accommodated in the air conditioning case, a first blower located at an upstream side of the evaporator creating a first airflow in the airflow passage, a second blower located at an upstream side of the evaporator creating a second airflow in the airflow passage, and a controller electrically connected to the first blower and the second blower. The controller controls the first blower and the second blower based on a target total airflow amount. The first airflow and the second airflow are mixed at the upstream side of the evaporator. The air conditioning apparatus further comprises means for preventing the first airflow from being directed into the second blower.

Abstract: A method is provided for determining an air flow in a vehicle air conditioning system that comprises an inlet; a plurality of outlets; at least one air duct for guiding air from the inlet to the outlets, each air duct being characterized by a predetermined flow resistance coefficient; at least one flap characterized by a flow resistance based on a degree of opening of the flap; and a fan for creating an air flow from the inlet to an outlet. The method comprises determining a total equivalent flow resistance between a predetermined location in the system and an interior of the vehicle, wherein flow resistances are treated as resistances in an electric circuit, and a total equivalent flow resistance is determined. Treating a pressure drop as equivalent with a voltage drop, the air flow can be determined, as the pressure is equal to the resistance times the flow squared.

Abstract: A method of operating a vehicle includes receiving a radio frequency signal and determining that the radio frequency signal has at least one characteristic indicative of the vehicle entering a tunnel. A setting of a vehicle system is automatically modified in response to the determining step.

Abstract: A vehicle heater includes a first housing arrangement (12), a second housing arrangement (14) connected with the first housing arrangement (12) in an adjoining area (32), and at least one sensor (54) with a holding area (62). The holding area (62) is held in the adjoining area (32) in a support path between the first housing arrangement (12) and the second housing arrangement (14).

Abstract: Embodiments for heating a vehicle cabin are disclosed. In one example, a method for heating a vehicle cabin comprises closing an exhaust throttle while diverting at least a portion of throttled exhaust gas through an exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) cooler coupled upstream of the throttle, and transferring heat from the EGR cooler to a heater core configured to provide heat to the vehicle cabin. In this way, exhaust heat may be directly routed to the cabin heating system.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for thermally conditioning a fluid for a motor vehicle, comprising: at least one heat module comprising a core and a shell defining a circuit for guiding the fluid that is to be heated or cooled between the core and the shell, a fluid inlet box (209a) and a fluid outlet box, the inlet box (209a) having at least one fluid inlet canal (225a, 225b) communicating with the fluid guiding circuit. According to the invention, the fluid inlet canal (225a, 225b) has at least one substantially curved portion which is configured to generate a swirling movement in the fluid. The invention also relates to a heating and/or air conditioning apparatus comprising such a device.

Abstract: A housing for a vehicle HVAC system includes a case and a drainage port that drains fluid from the case of the housing. The drainage port includes a spout and defines a first fluid passage and a second fluid passage. An outlet of the first fluid passage and an outlet of the second fluid passage may be adjacent to each other at the spout. The first fluid passage fluidly couples a first region of the case to the spout, and the second fluid passage fluid fluidly couples a second region of the case to the spout. Based on the pressure of the first region and the second region, fluid flowing through the first fluid passage or the second fluid passage accelerates at the outlet of the respective passage to form a vacuum at the spout.

Abstract: A soft window storage unit may comprise a fabric storage roller and a window storage roller mounted to a base or built into a vehicle. A soft fabric may be coupled to and wrapped around the fabric storage roller. A method of storing a soft window of a vehicle may include unrolling a length of fabric from a fabric storage roller and wrapping at least a portion of the length of fabric onto a window storage roller; then wrapping a soft window around the window storage roller while wrapping the fabric around the window storage roller. The method may further include wrapping the soft window between layers of fabric into the window storage roller. The method may further include removing the soft window from storage by wrapping the fabric back onto the fabric storage roller while simultaneously unwrapping the fabric and the soft window from the window storage roller.

Abstract: There are provided an openable roof capable of covering over a passenger cabin, a back window provided in back of the openable roof to be apart from a rear end of the openable roof which is in a state in which the openable roof covers over the passenger cabin, a link mechanism connecting the openable roof and the back window to a vehicle body such that the openable roof and the back window swing relative to the vehicle body, a storage room provided in back of the passenger cabin to store the openable roof and the back window, and a shielding member to shield a gap between the openable roof and the back window which are in a state in which the openable roof and the back window cover over the passenger cabin. This shielding member is provided not to be storable in the storage room.

Abstract: A door system for a vehicle comprises a first vehicle door (16) hingedly mountable to a vehicle for articulation about a pivot axis (123) between a closed position and an open position, the door comprising a cavity; an actuator mechanism (100) disposed within the cavity, the actuator mechanism being pivotally coupleable to the vehicle at a position offset from the pivot axis; and drive means for driving the actuator mechanism to articulate the first vehicle door between said closed and said open positions.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a cross-member and a hinge. The cross-member has a horizontal surface converging with a vertical surface. The vertical surface has a generally flat profile and defines at least one curved recess proximate to a hinge support area located on the horizontal surface. The cross-member has a yield strength that is greater proximate to the curved recess relative to the remaining generally flat profile. The hinge is secured to the hinge support area.

Abstract: A roof system for a vehicle having a roof opening with a movable closure. A stationary guide rails guide operating mechanisms that operates the closure. The operating mechanism comprises a first device configured to move a rear edge upwardly and rearwardly and a second device including a lever to move a front edge of the closure. A guiding slide in the guide rail is coupled to the first device and the second device so as to move the closure. The lever has a pivotal connection to the closure and, remote from the pivotal connection, a sliding connection to the guiding slide by a first guide member and a sliding connection to a first stationary guide curve by a second guide member during movement of the closure. A third guide member on the lever of the second device engages a second stationary guide curve during movement of the closure.

Abstract: Systems for altering vehicle functions are provided. A system for altering a vehicle function includes one or more processors, one or more memory modules communicatively coupled to the one or more processors, and machine readable instructions stored in the one or more memory modules. When executed by the one or more processors, the machine readable instructions may cause the system to determine a presence of a roof mounted article on a vehicle and disable at least one movable roof member function in response to the determination. In some embodiments, in response to determining that the vehicle is proximate a structure and determining the presence of the vehicle mounted article on the vehicle, the system may generate a notification pertaining to the vehicle mounted article. In some embodiments, the system may provide navigation assistance based on the determination that the vehicle mounted article is present on the vehicle.

Abstract: A rear vehicle-body structure of a vehicle comprises a storage compartment for storing an openable roof and a back window portion, a deck cover provided to cover over the storage compartment, the deck cover comprising a pair of right-and-left cover side wall portions which are provided to be spaced apart from each other in a vehicle width direction and stand upward and a header portion which is provided to interconnect respective upper ends of the cover side wall portions at a position close to, in a vehicle longitudinal direction, the roof, a cover opening/closing mechanism provided to move the deck cover upward, and a pair of right-and-left front-lower regulation structures provided to regulate positions of respective lower portions of the cover side wall portions relative to the vehicle body.