Abstract: A screen printing safety system is provided. The system includes a screen printing machine, and a plurality of zones in the vicinity of the screen printing machine. Each of the zones includes at least one sensor for sensing encroachment past a predetermined point. The sensors are adapted to stop operation of the screen printing machine when encroachment is sensed in at least one of the plurality of zones.

Abstract: A method of controlling a digital printer having a reciprocating print head with an array of printing elements, the printer being arranged to operate in a selected one of a plurality of print modes, the printer having a failure detection system arranged to detect malfunctioning printing elements and a failure compensation system arranged to compensate a malfunction of a printing element by activating another printing element, the method comprising the steps of: a) establishing a list of print modes sorted by decreasing productivity; b) selecting an initial print mode; c) simulating a print operation in the currently selected print mode; d) counting a number of incidents in which a malfunction of a printing element cannot be compensated; e) if the count result is below a given threshold value: keep the selected print mode; f) if not: select the next print mode in the list and repeat steps (c) to (f) for that print mode.

Abstract: A liquid ejecting apparatus includes an ejection unit group that is configured with a plurality of ejection units which receives a drive signal and ejects liquid; an ejection state inspection unit that inspects a state of the ejection units; and an inspection ejection unit designation data management unit that manages inspection ejection unit designation data designating the ejection unit which is an inspection target that is the ejection unit which is inspected by the ejection state inspection unit, in the ejection unit group. The inspection ejection unit designation data includes first data of a first data format that designates the ejection unit which is first inspected, and second data of a second data format that designates the ejection unit which is continuously inspected. The second data has a smaller size than the first data.

Abstract: An inkjet recording apparatus includes a calculation section, a selection section, and a recording head. The calculation section calculates respective densities of first regions in pairs included in the image. The selection section selects dot patterns corresponding to the respective first regions according to the respective densities of the first regions. The recording head ejects ink onto a sheet based on a dot pattern corresponding to a region of the image other than the first regions and the dot patterns corresponding to the respective first regions. The first regions in pairs corresponds to end portions in pairs among a plurality of end portions of the image that each extend in a conveyance direction of the sheet. The dot patterns corresponding to the respective first regions each have a density lower than a corresponding one of the densities of the respective first regions calculated by the calculation section.

Abstract: An inkjet head contains a piezoelectric member which alternately includes plural first grooves and plural second grooves respectively constituted by a pair of side surfaces and a bottom surface; a first electrode on at least one of a pair of the side surfaces of each first groove; a second electrode on the side surface to face the first electrode across the piezoelectric member of each second groove; and a driving circuit including plural first drivers for each first electrode and inputting a common first driving waveform to each first electrode, and plural second drivers for each second electrode and inputting a second driving waveform of each second electrode corresponding to print data to each second electrode.

Abstract: In an image processing apparatus, a controller generates print data using target image data. The print data represents dot formation states classified for respective pixels. Each dot formation state is classified into a one of a plurality of dot types. The controller determines a dot type from a plurality of dot types including a first type dot and second type dot. The first type dot is formed by a first process for supplying a pressure applying section with a specific signal. The second type dot is formed by a second process that is not for supplying the pressure applying section with the specific signal. The first type dot is to be formed in an edge printing area. The first type dot is not to be formed but the second type dot is to be formed in an interior printing area.

Abstract: An inkjet recording method includes applying one or more drive pulses to a pressure generating device of a recording head including a nozzle plate, a liquid chamber, and discharging droplets of ink from the nozzle. Also, the following conditions 1 and 2 are satisfied. 1. The ink has a dynamic surface tension 10 mN/m or more greater than the static surface tension of the ink when the surface life length is 15 ms and 3 mN/m or more greater than the static surface tension of the ink when the surface life length is 1,500 ms, as measured by maximum bubble pressure technique at 25 degrees C. 2. At least one of the drive pulses has a voltage changing portion to draw in the ink, the voltage changing portion having a changing time of one third or more of the resonance period of the liquid chamber.

Abstract: A method for forming a fluidic ejection device is described. The method includes depositing a first layer on a silicon wafer, the first layer including a first photoresist, and exposing, at a first energy level, a portion of the first photoresist. The method also includes depositing a second layer on the first layer, the second layer including a second photoresist that is more sensitive to light than the first photoresist, and exposing, at a second energy level, a portion of the second photoresist. The second energy level is less than the first energy level. The method also includes developing unexposed portions of the first photoresist and the second photoresist to form an enclosed firing chamber and a nozzle.

Abstract: A liquid discharge head includes a nozzle plate, a channel substrate, a common-liquid-chamber substrate, an adhesive, and a sealant. The nozzle plate includes a plurality of nozzles to discharge liquid. The channel substrate includes a plurality of individual liquid chambers communicated with the plurality of nozzles. The common-liquid-chamber substrate includes a common liquid chamber to supply the liquid to the plurality of individual liquid chambers. The adhesive bonds two of the nozzle plate, the channel substrate, and the common-liquid-chamber substrate. The adhesive faces a channel through which the liquid flows. The sealant surrounds the adhesive at an opposite side of the channel relative to the adhesive.

Abstract: An example provides a fluid ejection apparatus including a first firing resistor and a second firing resistor to selectively cause fluid to be ejected through a single nozzle, and a parasitic resistor arranged to add a parasitic resistance to the first firing resistor.

Abstract: A fluid ejection device, comprising: a first semiconductor body including an actuator, which is operatively coupled to a chamber for containing the fluid and is configured to cause ejection of the fluid; and a channel for inlet of the fluid, which extends in a first direction and has a section having a first dimension; and a second semiconductor body, which is coupled to the first semiconductor body and has an ejection nozzle configured to expel the fluid. The second semiconductor body further comprises a first restriction channel, which is fluidically coupled to the inlet channel, extends in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction and has a respective section with a second dimension smaller than the first dimension so as to form a restriction between the inlet channel and the chamber.

Abstract: A liquid jet head according to the present invention includes a partition separating adjacent grooves, a lower substrate fixing a lower portion of the partition, and an upper substrate installed on an upper end surface of the partition, the partition including an electrode layer on a surface lower than the upper end surface, the electrode layer including an outer surface approximately perpendicular to the upper end surface, and the outer surface continuing to the upper end surface through a first convex curved surface curving outward.

Abstract: A liquid ejecting head includes a plurality of stacked substrates that include a nozzle substrate having a nozzle from which liquid is ejected. A channel is formed in at least a part of the substrates and guides the liquid to the nozzle. The channel includes: a first channel that extends in an X direction intersecting a stacking direction in which the substrates are stacked; a curved section curved in a Z direction that intersects the X direction and contains a component of the stacking direction; and a second channel that extends from the curved section in the Z direction. A wall is formed in a corner portion inside the channel so as to intersect both the X and Z directions, and the corner portion is formed in the curved section between the inside walls of the first and second channels.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for preparing a nozzle surface provided with a coating having anti-wetting and anti-fouling property. The method is based, for example, on the self-healing property of the coating used in the method. Also disclosed is a nozzle surface having such coating and a print head having the nozzle surface.

Abstract: A printing apparatus includes a transport belt, a print head, a static eliminating section, and a wiping section. The transport belt electrostatically adsorbs a medium on an outer surface thereof and transports the medium in a transport direction.

Abstract: Provided are a wiping mechanism, a liquid droplet jetting apparatus, and a wiping method capable of preventing infiltration of bubbles into a nozzle when a nozzle surface is wiped by a wiping member. A wiping member (200) comes into contact with a nozzle surface (78) with a nozzle through which liquid droplets are jetted and is formed by weaving weft yarns (220) and warp yarns (210), in which the wiping member (200) in which the weft yarns (220) are further exposed to the nozzle surface (78A) side than the warp yarns (210) is moved relative to the nozzle surface (78A) along the warp yarns (210).

Abstract: Provided are a nozzle wiping sheet, a nozzle wiping unit, and an image forming apparatus capable of preventing occurrence of streaks during printing immediately after maintenance. A wiping member (120) wipes a nozzle surface (57K) of a jetting head (56K) provided with a nozzle through which liquid droplets are jetted, in which a shape of the liquid droplet added dropwise to the wiping member (120) after a cleaning liquid (108) is added to the wiping member (120) satisfies the following condition when an aspect ratio of the liquid droplet after 40 seconds after the addition of the cleaning liquid (108) is assumed to be R, and the R is 1.3 or more.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a printing head cleaning device, comprising a cleaning unit configured to spray cleaning liquid onto a nozzle of a printing head so as to clean the nozzle; and a drying unit configured to dry the cleaned nozzle.

Abstract: [Object] It is an object of the present invention to provide a liquid discharge head that is capable of holding a meniscus. [Solution] A flow channel member according to the present invention comprises a plurality of discharge elements 15 that discharges liquid; a plurality of first discrete flow channels 12, each allocated for each one of the discharge elements 15; a plurality of second discrete flow channels 14, each allocated for each one of the discharge elements 15; a first common flow channel 20 extending from one side D1a to another side D1b in a first direction D1 and connected commonly to the plurality of first discrete flow channels 12; a first opening 20a that connects the first common flow channel 20 and an outside; a second common flow channel 24 extending from the one side D1a to the other side D1b in the first direction D1 and connected commonly to the plurality of second discrete flow channels 14; and a second opening 24a that connects the second common flow channel 24 and the outside.

Abstract: A liquid supply unit is provided with a liquid supply part, an outer peripheral wall, contact portions and a positioning portion.

Abstract: An ink cartridge for an inkjet printer includes a bottom face and a front face; an ink interface on the front face of the ink cartridge for connection to a cartridge receiving structure; a guide interface in the bottom face for guiding the cartridge along a straight line during insertion into the cartridge receiving structure for connecting the ink interface; a latch track disposed in the bottom face of the ink cartridge to guide a latch of the cartridge receiving structure; a latch stop disposed in the latch track for engaging the latch, where the latch track comprises a locking track and an unlocking track to accommodate movement of the latch with respect to the latch stop, the locking track being at least partly separate from the unlocking track; and a latch guide for redirecting the latch towards the locking track, rather than the unlocking track.

Abstract: A technique of enhancing attachment of a liquid supply unit to a liquid ejection device is provided. A first ink cartridge 100a and a second ink cartridge 100b are attached to a carriage 27 of a printing device 10 via a holder structure 200. Each of the first and the second ink cartridges 100a and 100b includes a circuit substrate 130 having a plurality of terminals 151 to 159 which are electrically connected with a device-side terminal assembly 250 provided on the holder structure 200. Each of the first and the second ink cartridges 100a and 100b also includes a main engagement part 120 configured to engage with a lever member 230 of the holder structure 200 as an engaged part, such as to limit motion of the circuit substrate 130 away from the holder structure 200. The circuit substrate 130 includes a first terminal 151 and a second terminal 152 located on respective ends in an array direction of the terminals.

Abstract: A sealing member for an ink container includes a main body portion and a protruding portion. The ink container includes a refill port. The main body portion is configured to seal the refill port. The protruding portion is disposed on an upper surface of the main body portion and protrudes from the upper surface of the main body portion. The protruding portion extends at least through a central axis of the main body portion. A gravity of the protruding portion is offset from the central axis of the main body portion.

Abstract: The liquid storage container of the present invention includes a liquid storage chamber, a support part, and a rocking body configured to rock with the support part as a fulcrum. The rocking body has, on one hand, a float part that moves in accordance with the height of the liquid surface of the liquid within the liquid storage chamber, and on the other hand, a detection target part that is used to detect the amount of the liquid within the liquid storage chamber, and the detection target part is coupled to the supported part via an arm part. The low end in the vertical direction of a connection part at which the arm part and the supported part are connected is located on the lower side in the vertical direction than the top end in the vertical direction of a rotating area of the supported part.

Abstract: A liquid-consuming apparatus includes: a tank including a liquid storage chamber configured to store a liquid, an inlet through which the liquid is poured into the liquid storage chamber, and a liquid flow channel configured to let the liquid flow therethrough from the liquid storage chamber; a cap configured to be attachable to the tank to cover the inlet; a cover configured to be movable relative to the tank between a closed position where a surface, of the tank, in which the inlet is formed is covered and an open position where the surface of the tank is exposed; and a holder configured to hold the cap removed from the tank. The cover is prevented from moving to the closed position by the cap held by the holder to be positioned in a movement area of the cover moving from the open position to the closed position.

Abstract: Provided is a liquid ejection device including a liquid container tray that can suppress change in orientation and position of a liquid container on a support surface due to the difference in size of the liquid container. The liquid ejection device includes: a casing including a guide wall: a liquid container tray configured to support a liquid container: and a recording head that ejects liquid supplied from the liquid container that is supported by the liquid container tray to a medium. The liquid container tray is configured to be inserted to or removed from a casing along the guide wall, and includes a support surface that supports the liquid container and a movable wall configured to move in at least one direction on the support surface.

Abstract: A liquid container includes a liquid container body and a protection member that is attached to the liquid container body. The liquid container body includes: a liquid supply port; a plurality of contact parts that are to be in contact with an electrode part; a first engagement-target part; and a second engagement-target part. The protection member includes: a sealing part that faces the liquid supply port; a first engaging part that engages with the first engagement-target part; and a second engaging part that engages with the second engagement-target part. A first direction denotes a direction in which the sealing part faces the liquid supply port, a second direction denotes a direction that is orthogonal to the first direction and is a direction from the liquid supply port to the plurality of contact parts, and a third direction denotes a direction that is orthogonal to the first direction and the second direction.

Abstract: In one example in accordance with the present disclosure a printer cartridge and memory device containing a representation of a compressed multi-dimensional color table is described. The color table includes at least one low dimensional portion of the multi-dimensional color table storing color transformation information at a first resolution and a number of remaining portions of the multi-dimensional color table storing color transformation information at a second resolution. In the color table, the first resolution is greater than the second resolution and the at least one compressed multi-dimensional color table is to generate a high resolution uncompressed multi-dimensional color table the high resolution being at least as great as the first resolution.

Abstract: A liquid supply unit includes a first wall, a second wall that opposes the first wall, a third wall that intersects the first wall and the second wall, a fourth wall that intersects the second wall and opposes the third wall, a fifth wall that intersects the first wall, the second wall, the third wall, and the fourth wall, a sixth wall that intersects the first wall, the second wall, the third wall, and the fourth wall, and opposes the fifth wall, and a seventh wall that intersects the fifth wall and the sixth wall and is located between the first wall and the fourth wall. The direction from the third wall toward the fourth wall is a direction parallel to a moving direction in which the carriage moves back and forth. The seventh wall inclines relative to the gravity direction toward the third wall side.

Abstract: A liquid container can be mounted to an apparatus in which an optical sensor is installed. The liquid container has a reservoir storing a liquid, a detection chamber communicates with the reservoir and a displacement member displacing according to an amount of liquid stored in the reservoir. The displacement member has a light shielding part that moves in a first direction between a position where light of the optical sensor is shielded and a position where the light is not shielded and a regulating member regulating movement of the displacement member in a direction crossing the first direction. An inner wall of the detection chamber has a first area facing the light shielding part and transmitting the light of the optical sensor and a second area facing the regulating member. The first area and the second area are connected via a ridgeline having an inter-surface angle larger than 180 degrees.

Abstract: A liquid ejecting apparatus includes: an attachment unit to which a liquid container that contains liquid is attachable; a liquid ejecting head that ejects the liquid; and a connection portion that is provided on the attachment unit and is detachably inserted into a connection port of the liquid container. The connection portion has at least one opening of a first flow passage and at least one opening of a second flow passage separately. The first flow passage is a passage through which the liquid contained in the liquid container is sent to the liquid ejecting head. The second flow passage is a passage through which the liquid contained in the liquid container is sent, but not to the liquid ejecting head.

Abstract: A liquid ejecting apparatus includes a pressure-regulating mechanism which is provided in a liquid supply path in which it is possible to supply liquid to a liquid ejecting unit, and includes a liquid accommodation part which can accommodate the liquid internally, and in which a volume of the liquid accommodation part is changed depending on displacing of a diaphragm section, in which the diaphragm section includes an annular corrugated portion formed in a sectional waveform shape which is deformed when the diaphragm section receives pressure.

Abstract: A liquid ejecting apparatus includes a pressure adjustment mechanism including a liquid inflow portion, a liquid storage part in which an inner volume is changed depending on displacing of a diaphragm unit, a communication path which brings the liquid inflow portion and the liquid storage part into communication with each other, and an opening/closing valve which opens and closes the communication path; an opening valve mechanism which opens the opening/closing valve; a pressure mechanism which applies the pressure to the liquid; a wiping member which wipes a nozzle forming surface in which the nozzle is formed; and a control unit which is configured to open the opening/closing valve by the opening valve mechanism, applying the pressure to the liquid by the pressure mechanism to discharge the pressed liquid from the nozzle, and cause the wiping member to wipe the nozzle forming surface.

Abstract: A fluid ejection device including, at least, one recirculation system is disclosed. Such recirculation system contains, at least, one drop generator, recirculation channels that include an inlet channel, an outlet channel and a connection channel and a fluid feedhole that communicates with the drop generator via the inlet channel and the outlet channel of the recirculation channel. The recirculation channels can be asymmetrical with reference to the drop generator.

Abstract: Bidirectional error diffusion halftoning of data. Pixels are halftoned in one serpentine direction, and pixels are halftoned in an opposite serpentine direction.

Abstract: A thermal head includes a substrate; a heat generating section disposed on the substrate; an electrode which is disposed on the substrate and is electrically connected to the heat generating section; and a connector including a fixing ping electrically connected to the electrode, a movable pin which holds the substrate between the movable pin and the fixing pin, and a connection pin which connects the fixing pin and the movable pin. The movable pin includes a movable section which is bent or curved and a contact section making contact with the substrate. The movable pin is disposed so as to protrude from the connection pin beyond the fixing pin. The contact section is located closer to a connection pin side than a tip end of the fixing pin.

Abstract: A liquid ejecting apparatus includes a transport mechanism which transports a medium in a first direction; a pre-treatment liquid coating mechanism which coats a pre-treatment liquid on the medium; a liquid ejecting unit which includes a plurality of ink nozzles which eject ink; and a control unit which controls the pre-treatment liquid coating mechanism and the liquid ejecting unit, in which the pre-treatment liquid coating mechanism includes a first mechanism which is disposed in a first region A and a second mechanism which is disposed in a second region B positioned on an upstream side of the first region A in the first direction, and the plurality of ink nozzles has a portion which overlaps with respect to the first mechanism in a second direction which intersects with the first direction and a portion which does not overlap with respect to the second mechanism in the second direction.

Abstract: There are provided a medium conveying device and an image recording apparatus that can convey a medium without the generation of wrinkles and floating. Projections having the same size are regularly disposed on the peripheral surface of an image recording drum to form recessed portions and protruding portions on the peripheral surface of the image recording drum. An interval between the projections disposed in a middle region is set to be smaller than an interval between the projections disposed in both end regions. Accordingly, when a sheet is pressed against the peripheral surface of the image recording drum by a pressing roller, forces for pulling the sheet to the outside from the middle in a width direction can be generated. As a result, the sheet can be made to come into close contact with the peripheral surface of the image recording drum without the generation of wrinkles and floating.

Abstract: Provided herein is a media processing device including a printhead assembly, a frame, and a biasing element. The printhead assembly includes a printhead and a printhead bracket, where the printhead assembly extends in a longitudinal direction between a first end and a second end, and where the printhead bracket includes a biasing force receiving element. The frame may be configured to receive and support the printhead assembly, where the frame includes a first portion disposed adjacent to the first end of the printhead assembly, and a second frame portion is disposed adjacent to the second end of the printhead assembly. The biasing element may extend between the first frame portion and the second frame portion, where the biasing element may engage the biasing force receiving element of the printhead assembly.

Abstract: A printer apparatus includes a print head, a platen roller, and a frame, wherein printing is performed on recording paper situated between the print head and the platen roller, wherein a projection is formed at a side face of the print head, wherein a side face of the frame has a groove formed therein for receiving the projection, wherein the groove includes a first area constituting an entrance to the groove, a second area for positioning the projection and formed such as to extend in a direction intersecting with a direction in which the first area extends, and a slanted part formed between the first area and the second area, and wherein the slanted part is an edge of the groove and extends in a direction different from both a direction in which the projection moves in the first area and a direction in which the projection moves in the second area.

Abstract: A printing apparatus includes a transport drive roller that transports a medium, a roller support unit that supports the transport drive roller on one side in a first direction, a base member that supports the roller support unit on the one side in the first direction, and a first fulcrum portion via which the roller support unit and the base member are made to contact each other. The roller support unit is configured so as to pivot upon the first fulcrum portion about an axis oriented in the first direction.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus is provided including a drive source, a switching member, a drive force transmitter, a clutch, a controller, etc. The drive source drives a conveyer to rotate either normally or reversely. The switching member is swingable between an evacuation position and a striking position as a shaft rotates. The drive force transmitter transmits a drive force from the drive source to both the conveyer and the shaft. The clutch transmits the drive force to the shaft when being connected, and holds the switching member at the striking or evacuation position when being disconnected. The controller controls the drive source and the clutch such that the conveyer normally rotates to convey a manually-inserted recording medium from a manual conveyance path to an ejector and that the switching member swings from the evacuation position to the striking position, based on a signal indicating that the set position is wrong.

Abstract: A control device of a printing execution mechanism executing: first control processing including: conveying a sheet to a first position at which the sheet is held by an upstream holding member of the conveyance mechanism, is not held by a downstream holding member of the conveyance mechanism, and a downstream end of the sheet is located between the upstream and downstream holding members; and printing on a first surface of the sheet; and second control processing including: conveying the sheet to a second position at which the sheet is held by the upstream holding member, is not held by the downstream holding member, and the downstream end of the sheet is located at a more upstream side than the downstream end of the sheet located at the first position; and printing on a second surface of the sheet.

Abstract: The inkjet printing machine includes a controlling unit, an inkjet head including a plurality of nozzles, and a head elevating motor that causes the inkjet head to move up or down. The controlling unit causes, while the inkjet head is being moved in a main-scanning direction, the head elevating motor to move the inkjet head up or down depending on unevenness of a surface of a printing medium, selects a nozzle from the nozzles depending on a distance between the inkjet head and the surface of the printing medium at a position of each of the nozzles, and performs printing by using the selected nozzle.

Abstract: An inkjet printer includes a main body. An ink containing unit is disposed in the main body and is configured to contain ink to be supplied. The ink containing unit includes an ink refill portion through which ink is refilled and an ink level display surface disposed on a side surface of the main body. The side surface has an opening through which a jammed sheet is removed and a first cover configured to cover the opening. The ink level display surface and the first cover are juxtaposed on the side surface in a horizontal direction.

Abstract: An opening/closing structure of a cover includes a casing and a rotatable cover. A shaft part and a bearing part are formed to one and the other of the casing and the cover, respectively. One of the shaft part and the bearing part is formed with one of a protrusion and a relief part on a part of an end surface in an axial direction, and the other of the shaft part and the bearing part is formed with the other of the protrusion and the relief part on a facing surface facing the end surface. The protrusion circumvents contact with the surface having the relief part when the cover is closed. When the cover is opened, from the closed state, by a particular angle, the protrusion contacts the surface so as to be applied with a resistant force against rotation of the cover.

Abstract: When it is determined by the post-process determination unit that a received top job requires a bookbinding process (post-process) and that a received subsequent job does not require a bookbinding process (post-process), the sheet setting determination unit determines whether or not there is a match between the sheet size (sheet setting) of the top job and the sheet size (sheet setting) of the subsequent job, and when it is determined by the sheet setting determination unit that there is a match between the sheet size (sheet setting) of the top job and the sheet size (sheet setting) of the subsequent job, the execution management unit causes the printing machine to perform the printing process on the basis of the subsequent job during the warm-up of the bookbinding device.

Abstract: An aqueous dispersion resin composition contains a first polymer produced by polymerizing a first monomer component containing (meth)acrylamide and a second polymer produced by polymerizing a second monomer component containing a carboxy group-containing vinyl monomer, wherein at least a portion of the carboxy group in the second polymer is neutralized.

Abstract: Disclosed is a coated print media having a coating layer formed on at least one surface of a media substrate. The coating layer includes a binder and co-milled particles of precipitated calcium carbonate and zeolite. The specific zeolite used is either Zeolite A or Zeolite X, or combination of both. The co-milled particles are produced by milling precipitated calcium carbonate in the presence of zeolite, whereby the co-milled particles take on the form of aggregates.

Abstract: To make it possible to easily change a writing line width. A ballpoint pen chip that brings a front half part side of a transfer ball into contact with an inward annular protrusion on a front end side in a chip body from a backward side of the inward annular protrusion and receives a rear half part side of the transfer ball with a front end part of a receiving member. The receiving member includes, on a front end side thereof, a reduction part gradually reduced in a cross-sectional area forward. A front-most end part of the reduction part is disposed backward from the transfer ball. A portion of the receiving member further on a rear side than the reduction part is unretreatably fixed to the chip body and configured to elastically contract when a pressing force is received from the transfer ball.