Abstract: An ink jet recording apparatus includes an image forming unit that forms a first image containing a first liquid and a coloring material on an ink receiving medium; and a liquid absorbing member that includes a porous body which is configured to be brought into contact with the first image so as to absorb at least a portion of the first liquid from the first image, in which the porous body is a porous sheet in which a first layer which is configured to be brought into contact with the first image, a second layer including a second fiber and a third layer including a third fiber are laminated in this order.

Abstract: A system in an inkjet printer cleans components in a printhead cleaning system. The system includes a rectangular frame, an actuator configured with a bi-directionally rotating output shaft, a shaft connected to the rotating output shaft, a rinsing member pneumatically connected to a fluid source to enable a fluid from the fluid source to flow to the member and exit through openings in the rinsing member. Cords are connected to the shaft and the member to move the rinsing member from a first position at one end of the frame to a second position at another end of the frame as the output shaft of the actuator rotates in one direction. Fluid is released through the openings in the rinsing member to clean components of a printhead cleaning system as the rinsing member moves. The actuator is reversed to return the rinsing member to the first position.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus control the ejection of fluid from a nozzle by selectively actuating a fluid actuator that displaces and ejects fluid through an ejection orifice of the nozzle. The methods and apparatus at least partially closing the ejection orifice of the nozzle, while the fluid actuator is inactive, to reduce evaporation of the fluid.

Abstract: In an example implementation, a fluid supply assembly includes a printhead assembly and a fluid conduit interconnect to connect to a fluid conduit to communicate printing fluid from an off-axis printing fluid supply through the fluid conduit interconnect to the printhead assembly. The fluid supply assembly includes a carriage with a dual attachment mechanism to simultaneously attach the printhead assembly to the fluid conduit interconnect and to the carriage by a single user action.

Abstract: A method of authenticating a consumable or detachable element of a continuous inkjet printer comprising: the controller of the printer generating a 1st item of random information that is dispatched to an authentication circuit of the element; encrypting the 1st item of information by the authentication circuit using a 1st encryption algorithm and a 1st secret key to form a 1st item of encrypted random information; dispatching the 1st item of information to the controller; encrypting the 1st item of information by the controller using a 2nd encryption algorithm and a 2nd secret key to form a 2nd item of encrypted random information; comparing the 1st item of encrypted random information with the 2nd encrypted item of random information to authenticate the consumable element; and if the consumable element is authenticated, dispatching at least one part of a 3rd key, termed the shared key, by the element to the printer.

Abstract: The invention relates to an ink cartridge (30) for a CIJ type printer, such a cartridge including at least one volume (14) delimited by a shell, a sealed aperture (16) of the shell, a fluid ink (17) and magnetic means (15) movable with respect to the cartridge shell.

Abstract: A cartridge comprises a liquid container that is at least partly made of a flexible material and is configured to contain a liquid therein; a recess that is configured to be open toward a mounting direction of the cartridge to a liquid ejection apparatus; and a fluid receiving portion that is placed inside of the recess and is configured to receive supply of a pressurized fluid.

Abstract: The present invention provides an ink reservoir 5 including an ink supply interface 2, a duct 3 forming a connection between the ink reservoir 5 and the ink supply interface 2 and a back pressure system. The back pressure system comprises an anisotropic fibrous member 9 for retaining solvent-based ink located within the ink reservoir 5, wherein the fibrous member 9 is established by a plurality of fibers 8. At least some of the fibers are facing the duct 3 leading to the ink supply interface 2.

Abstract: A pigment dispersion containing a metal pigment, wherein the metal pigment contains plate-like particles, and in the case where the longitudinal diameter on the planar surface of the plate-like particle is X, the lateral diameter is Y, and the thickness is Z, the 50% average particle diameter R50 of a corresponding circle determined from the surface area in the X-Y plane of the plate-like particle is between 0.5 and 3 ?m, and the condition R50/Z>5 is satisfied.

Abstract: A method identifies at least one malfunctioning nozzle in a digital printing press, the digital printing press including a plurality of nozzles. The method includes printing a design on a substrate, acquiring at least one image of the printed design and identifying at least one artifact in the acquired image. The method further includes identifying the malfunctioning nozzle and classifying the at least one malfunctioning nozzle according to the at least one of the acquired image of the printed design, at least a portion of a nozzle pattern and at least a portion of a uniformity pattern.

Abstract: A method for managing printing of data by a thermal printer. The thermal printer includes a thermal print head. The thermal print head has a plurality of points, each point having an effective resistance rd, and is powered by a power source. The method includes the following actions: measuring a voltage U given by the power source of the thermal printer; measuring an internal resistance ru of the power source; and computing a duration t for heating a number n of points as a function of the voltage U of the power source, the internal resistance ru of the power source, at least one effective resistance rd of at least one point corresponding to a dot to be printed for the printing of the data and as a function of at least one value of parasitic resistance rp of at least one element of the thermal printer.

Abstract: Provided is an ink jet recording method including: discharging first ultraviolet curable ink of a radical polymerization reaction type which contains a radical photopolymerization initiator and a radical polymerization compound and in which transmittance at a wavelength of 395 nm is equal to or less than 1%, onto a recording medium; and curing the first ultraviolet curable ink which is landed on the recording medium by irradiating the ink with ultraviolet light, in which a light source which initially emits the ultraviolet light in the curing of the ink is an ultraviolet light emitting diode in which peak intensity of the irradiated ultraviolet light is equal to or more than 800 mW/cm2.

Abstract: A surface treatment system includes a holder configured to secure an object within the holder and a surface treatment device that is configured to treat a surface of the object within the holder with two types of surface treatments. The device is capable of producing a plasma or a flame at its nozzle for surface treatment. By controlling the materials supplied to the device and the way in which is operated, either a flame or plasma is produced. Thus, the surface treatment system is capable of treating a wide range of materials for printing by a direct-to-object printer.

Abstract: At least a part of a first liquid is absorbed from a first image on an ink receiving medium by a first surface of a porous body and gas is applied to extrude the absorbed liquid component from a second surface of the porous body and collect the liquid component.

Abstract: An image forming system includes a transport section that includes a support surface supporting a sheet-like medium and transports the medium while supporting the medium on the support surface, a first pressure generating section that generates pressure used to suck the medium supported on the support surface, and an image forming section that forms an image on the medium transported by the transport section. First suction holes that communicate with the first pressure generating section, first protrusions, and sealed portions that are disposed at positions where end portions of the medium in the medium width direction are supported and restrict inflow of air to regions, in which the first suction holes are arranged, from the outside of the end portions of the medium in the medium width direction are arranged on the support surface in a medium support region where the medium can be supported.

Abstract: An example disclosed media processing device includes an image processing unit; a first optical registration sensor; and a second optical registration sensor spaced apart from the first optical registration sensor along a first axis by a first distance associated with a gap between media units on a web.

Abstract: A transport roller for a printing apparatus transports a medium. The transport roller includes a shaft that extends in a direction intersecting a transport direction of the medium, and a wheel group in which a plurality of toothed wheels arrayed in the direction in which the shaft extends are held by holders. The toothed wheel includes non-formation portions having no teeth. The non-formation portions of the plurality of toothed wheels of the wheel group are arranged with an interval therebetween in a circumferential direction of the toothed wheels. The non-formation portions are cut portions that are formed when the toothed wheel is cut off from a base. The teeth other than the teeth adjacent to the cut portions are arranged away from each other at regular intervals in a circumferential direction of the wheel group.

Abstract: An apparatus (1) for controlled motion of one or more printing units (2) designed for printing images (I) on one or more faces (F) of a sheet material (M) that is designed to move in a feeding direction defining a longitudinal axis (L).

Abstract: Sealing assemblies for preventing water intrusion into the interior of a casing are provided. In one exemplary implementation, a water-resistant casing comprises a sealing element over-molded on a wall, wherein the sealing element includes a first feature and a second feature. The water-resistant casing includes a top section constrained in a lower position by the first feature of the sealing element. The water-resistant casing further includes a bottom section constrained in an upper position by the second feature of the sealing element.

Abstract: According to an example, a supply reel may contain a web material sheet and a take-up reel that is to pull the web material sheet from the supply reel. A static web material applicator may be positioned in a feed direction of the web material sheet from the supply reel to the take-up reel. The web material sheet may slide over the web material applicator as the web material sheet is fed from the supply reel to the take-up reel. In addition, the web material applicator may cause the web material sheet to wipe a surface of a fluid ejection device.

Abstract: A hand stamp with a use count mechanism and security elements for preventing unauthorized use. The use count mechanism includes a magnet mounted on an inner shell for relative movement with a stamp image platen carried by an outer shell, a magnetic field sensor carried by the outer shell for sensing movement between the magnet and the outer shell when the platen is moved to a stamping position, and an MCU for converting sensor signals to signals for a display. The security elements include print sensors mounted on the outer shell for sensing the finger prints of a user, with the MCU configured to convert these signals for transmission via a Bluetooth module to a smart phone containing finger print signals of an authorized user. If the fingerprint signals match, the smart phone sends an authorization signal to the MCU, which responds by unlocking the hand stamp.

Abstract: A film media kit includes a first part and a second part. The first part is a first transparent film element having a first film having front side and back sides, wherein the front side is a high gloss smooth surface and wherein the back side supports an image-receiving layer for receiving a mirror-reflected reversed image printed on top of the image-receiving layer. The second part includes a second transparent film element having a second film having front and back sides, wherein the front side supports an adhesion layer and the back side supports a light diffusion layer. The second part also includes a third film element having a third film/paper having front and back sides, wherein the back side supports an anti-block layer. A method of manufacturing the film media kit and a film media for both front-lit and back-lit viewing are also provided.

Abstract: Disclosed is an ink jet recording apparatus including an image forming unit that forms a first image including a first liquid and a coloring material on an ink receiving medium; and a liquid absorbing member that includes a porous body which is configured to be brought into contact with the first image so as to absorb at least a portion of the first liquid from the first image, in which an average pore diameter of a first surface of the porous body which is configured to be brought into contact with the first image is equal to or smaller than 0.6 ?m, an arithmetic average roughness Ra defined by JIS B 0601:2001 of the first surface of the porous body is equal to or smaller than 1.9 ?m, an average pore diameter of a second surface, which is a back surface of the first surface, of the porous body is larger than the average pore diameter of the first surface, and a Gurley value defined by JIS P 8117 of the porous body is equal to or shorter than 10 seconds.

Abstract: In an ink jet recording method including a step of absorbing a liquid component from an image formed of ink and a reaction liquid by a porous body of a liquid absorbing member, a resin fine particle agglomerated by the reaction liquid are contained in the ink, and a particle diameter d50 of a solid content contained in a mixture of the ink after agglomeration and the reaction liquid is larger than an average pore diameter of a porous membrane of the liquid absorbing member, and thereby adhesion of a coloring material to the porous body can be suppressed.

Abstract: An ink jet recording method is disclosed where, when a liquid including water is absorbed and removed from an image including an aqueous liquid component and a coloring material, by use of a water repellent porous body, a contact surface of the porous body with the image is treated with a wetting liquid whose contact angle to the contact surface is less than 90°, and thereafter absorption and removal of the aqueous liquid component from the image by the porous body are performed.

Abstract: A method for forming a print obtained by transferring a transfer layer from which a removal region has been accurately removed onto a transfer receiving article and a method for peeling off a transfer layer by which a removal region of the transfer layer can be accurately removed. The method for forming a print comprises, by using a transfer film in which a transfer layer is provided on one surface of a support, a thermal transfer sheet in which a peel-off layer is provided on one surface of a substrate, and a transfer receiving article, a step of removing a removal region of the transfer layer of the transfer film by means of the peel-off layer of the thermal transfer sheet and a step of transferring the transfer layer from which the removal region has been removed onto the transfer receiving article.

Abstract: The present disclosure is drawn to embossed print media. In some examples, an embossed print medium can include a media substrate, an embossed image-receiving layer formed on the media substrate, and an abrasion-resistant layer applied to the embossed image-receiving layer. The embossed image-receiving layer can include a first pigment filler and a polymer blend of a water-dispersible polymer and a water-soluble polymer at a weight ratio from 2:1 to 10:1. Further, the image-receiving layer can be embossed at an embossing depth from 5 ?m to 150 ?m. The abrasion-resistant layer can be applied to the image-receiving layer at a coating weight of from 2 gsm to 20 gsm. The abrasion-resistant layer can include a cross-linked polymer network and a second pigment filler.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of rotogravure printing, and more specifically to a rotogravure printing medium, a coating composition for rotogravure printing media, a method for producing such a rotogravure printing medium and an use of the rotogravure printing medium in a printing application, preferably in rotogravure printing using electrostatic assist (ESA).

Abstract: Provided are an offset printing plate, an offset printing apparatus, and an offset printing method, which are capable of printing a high-definition image by waterless offset printing. The offset printing plate comprises: a cylindrical plate base material; a silicon resin layer formed on the cylindrical plate base material; and a resist pattern part formed on the silicon resin layer, in which the silicon resin layer serves as a non-printing area, and the resist pattern part serves as a printing area. The silicon resin layer is preferably formed on the cylindrical plate base material seamlessly.

Abstract: An article with an operative liquid-bearing surface is adapted for transferring that liquid to a substrate material or printing plate. The entire operative surface of the article is provided with a pattern of microscopic discrete depressions which are usually laser-engraved into the surface so that a substantially continuous wall structure remains which surrounds and defines the depressions. In particular the depressions are of a cross-sectional shape which is symmetrical about one or both of a lateral and a medial axis perpendicular thereto, and arranged adjacent one another in offset fashion, and above and below one another so that the pattern thus formed is substantially uniform and repeating. Each of at least one of the pairs of lateral or medial sidewalls of any one depression are contoured, the contour of one of the pair being generally the mirror image of the other.

Abstract: A binding component holding sheet is configured to detachably hold a binding component obtained by spirally winding a wire rod and includes a holder configured to hold the binding component by insertion of a circumferential portion of the spirally wound binding component. The holder is configured to hold the binding component so that an area greater than a half of the binding component in a circumferential direction protrudes to one side of the binding component holding sheet and an area less than the half of the binding component in the circumferential direction protrudes to the other side of the binding component holding sheet.

Abstract: A book includes a book cover, pages operably attached to the book cover, and a sheet of lightpaper pivotably attached to an edge of the book cover. The lightpaper sheet, when lit and inserted behind a page may provide light through the page for a user to read or write on the page even in a dark room or in a room without otherwise appropriate lighting.

Abstract: The present technology relates generally to devices and methods for preserving the integrity of folders that are placed into ringed binders or notebooks, preferably folders that are made of paper or other like material, and which are used for example for the transport and storage of papers by students or other types of users.

Abstract: A document file includes a front cover, a rear cover, a spine portion, a first storage portion provided on an inner surface of the front cover for storing documents, a second storage portion provided on an inner surface of the rear cover, a sheet bendably connected to the second side edge portion of the front cover and movable between a closed position and an open position, a third storage portion provided on a surface of the sheet opposite the front cover, and a spacer provided on at least one of the second storage portion and the third storage portion for adjusting a space between the second side edge portion of the front cover and the second side edge portion of the rear cover.

Abstract: A ballpoint pen is provided in which the width of the drawing line can be changed, wherein responsiveness can be improved when distinguishing between drawing thin lines and thick lines. A ballpoint pen 1 provided at the pen tip side with a first writing part having a writing ball 25, wherein the ballpoint pen 1 is characterized by being provided with a writing part at the pen tip side with which it is possible to write a thicker line than the line written with the first writing part, only the first writing part being used when the writing weight is 1 g and the writing angle is 90°, and the second writing part being used when the writing weight is 200 g, and the writing angle is 40-90°.

Abstract: A magnetic pen can be used in drawing arbitrary characters, figures, and symbols on a magnetic panel for a display by applying a magnetic field. The magnetic pen includes a body that includes an end portion. A holder made of a magnetic material is attached to the end portion and an internal space is formed in the holder. The holder includes a bottom portion formed with an opening and a side portion connected to the bottom portion. A magnet is arranged in the internal space of the holder. The magnet is received in a space formed by the bottom portion and the side portion.

Abstract: A composite writing implement according to an embodiment includes a barrel, writing shafts housed in the barrel, a cam main body including a cam projection, an end surface extending along the cam projection, and a latch recess provided in the cam projection, and sliders configured to be connected to respective rear ends of the writing shafts, and include a cam configured to be latchable to the latch recess, and have a sliding contact surface to be pressed against the end surface, wherein the end surface includes a first inclined portion that is positioned on the front end side of the cam projection and is inclined by a first incline angle, and a second inclined portion that is positioned further toward the rear end side of the cam projection than the first inclined portion, and is inclined by a second incline angle that is larger than the first incline angle.

Abstract: An electric pencil sharpener includes a power device. The power device is connected to two rotatable rubber wheels by a transmission mechanism. The two rubber wheels are located on two sides of the pencil to be sharpened, are rotated in opposite directions and closely fit a side wall of the pencil to be sharpened, to push upwards or downwards the pencil to be sharpened to move. A gap between the two rubber wheels is adjustable. The electric pencil sharpener further includes a rotatable cutter carrier assembly located below the rubber wheels configured to sharpen the pencil to be sharpened. The electric pencil sharpener can sharpen the pencil of different diameters, and has a sharpening process requiring no human participation, has a wide application and saves manual operation.

Abstract: Described herein is decorative article having a coefficient of friction less than 0.3 wherein the decorative articles comprises: (i) a microsphere layer comprising a plurality of microspheres, wherein the microsphere layer comprises a monolayer of microspheres and wherein the plurality of microspheres are in a microscopic periodic pattern; and (ii) a bead bonding layer disposed on the microsphere layer, wherein the plurality of microspheres are partially embedded in the bead bonding layer. Also disclosed herein are transfer articles and methods of making the decorative articles and transfer articles.

Abstract: An electrostatic chuck includes a metal base plate, an electrostatic puck bonded to the metal base plate, and surface features on the surface of the electrostatic puck. The electrostatic puck includes an electrode embedded in the electrostatic puck. A surface of the electrostatic puck has a flatness of below 10 microns. The surface features include mesas and a sealing band around a perimeter of the electrostatic puck. The surface features have an average surface roughness of approximately 2-6 micro-inches. The corners of the surface features are not rounded.

Abstract: A paint roller removal tool has two semi-cylindrical portions and a hinge connecting them to form a cylinder in the closed position. By squeezing the cylinder, over top of a paint roller cover, first and second inner rings engage the roller cover to remove paint as the paint roller removal tool is moved from one end to another. One, two, three or more passes can be made to remove paint from the roller cover. Squeezing the cylinder further allows firm gripping of the roller cover to enable it to be removed from the paint roller frame and/or attached to the paint roller frame without a hand ever touching the roller cover.

Abstract: An accessory holder is used with a paint tray assembly including a paint tray and a tray carrier releasably attached to the paint tray which includes a post extending upwardly from a base that is releasably clipped onto one end of the paint tray. The accessory holder has a first clip portion adapted to be releasably clamped resiliently and frictionally onto the post of the carrier, and a second clip portion adapted to releasably clamp a painting extension pole therein resiliently and frictionally therein.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a wheel comprising a hub formed inside the wheel, a rim portion separated outwardly from the hub and forming a circumference on which a tire is fitted, a plurality of spokes connecting the hub and the rim portion, wherein the rim portion is characterized by including an air-tight rim formed in a cylindrical shape, and a protruded grid portion having a plurality of first recesses by being protruded from and equispaced around the circumference of the air-tight rim. In this way, the honeycomb rim-type wheel can be readily manufactured to have lightweight using a single casting job without sacrificing durability thanks to the protruded grid portion on the circumference of the air-tight rim, thereby reducing time and cost for manufacturing by reduced usage of molten metal.

Abstract: An automobile wheel having a hub and a cap assembly configured to removably attach to the hub is provided herein. The cap assembly includes a base component, a lug hole cover, and a center cap. The base component is removably coupled to the hub, and includes a cylindrical portion with an outer threaded surface that extends outward from the hub when the base component is coupled to the hub. The lug hole cover removably fits over the cylindrical portion of the base component to cover the plurality of lug hole openings of the hub. Additionally, the center cap is removably coupled to the base component and retain the lug hole cover against the hub.

Abstract: A bicycle wheel rim includes a rim having a hollow inner part and an outer part which is integrally formed with the inner part. An opening is defined in radial direction of the outer part. A connection unit is formed in the outer part and includes two seats located at an inner bottom of the opening, and two sidewalls extending from the two seats. Two engaging portions are respectively formed on the two seats and located apart from each other. Each sidewall has an outside, an inside and a top face which is connected between the outside and the inside. The inside is a flat inside without any lip or flange. The sidewalls have better strength and protect the sidewalls of the tire from being deformed.

Abstract: A wheel end assembly having a steering knuckle, a hub, and a deflector. The steering knuckle may have an opening that may extend around a spindle. The hub may be rotatably disposed on the spindle. The deflector may be disposed on the hub and may be at least partially disposed in the opening.

Abstract: A wheel lifting device comprising a base structure with support means for being supported by a ground surface and a lifting frame with at least one wheel support member and a frame leg which extends upwardly at an angle to the ground surface. A link mechanism is connected to the base structure and to the lifting frame and a pivotal manoeuvring lever is connected to the link mechanism for lifting the lifting frame relative to the base structure. The blocking device for locking the manoeuvring lever at any desired pivotal position comprises a weight which is slidable along the frame leg and arranged to intersect the pivotal movement path of the manoeuvring lever and to be brought into frictional engagement with the frame leg when influenced by a force generated by the manoeuvring lever in order to block the lifting frame from downward movement relative to the base structure.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods for reducing friction on a brake arm of a caster wheel brake. A washer can be positioned between the brake arm and the support arm to reduce friction in this area. Lubricant can also be provided between the brake arm and the support arm, and also between the brake arm and the brake cam, to reduce the friction in these areas. The presently disclosed embodiments therefore allow less force to actuate the brake arm as compared to prior art caster wheels.

Abstract: A swiveling caster wheel system for use on rolling devices such as children's accessories, furniture or equipment, and including a locking system having a locking actuator that is fixed in position regardless of the swivel position of the caster wheel. The system allows a user to access and actuate the caster locking system from a consistent position of the rolling device regardless of the swivel position of the caster wheel, and allows the caster wheel to be covered without blocking access to the locking actuator.

Abstract: A caster with an elastic member that absorbs impact forces during use. The elastic member can be placed between first and second portions pivotable with respect to each other about a pin. The elastic member can absorb impact forces between the first and second portions when in use. The elastic member can further include grooves that allow portions of the elastic member adjacent the grooves to flow into the grooves during impact, further absorbing impact forces.