Abstract: A liquid discharge device includes: a tank including a second liquid chamber connectable to a cartridge having a first liquid chamber storing a liquid; a head; and a controller configured to: discharge ink from the head based on a recording instruction; receive a second signal from a liquid level sensor when a position of the liquid level in the second liquid chamber is less than a predetermined position after the ink is discharged based on the recording instruction; after receiving the second signal, determine whether the cartridge is installed in an installation case; based on determining that the cartridge is installed in the installation case after receiving the second signal from the liquid level sensor, accept a maintenance process; and based on receiving the first signal from the liquid level sensor, perform the maintenance process.

Abstract: In a control device, a controller sets an order condition using a plurality of sets of timing information and a plurality of index values stored in a memory. The plurality of index values is acquired from a recording device under a condition where a first cartridge is mounted in the recording device. The order condition requires that one of a latest index value and a current timing have reached corresponding one of a reference index value and a reference timing, and is set so that a second cartridge is delivered to a predetermined destination at a first timing at which the first cartridge is expected to be out of a printing agent while a tank of the recording device is expected to still accommodate the printing agent. The controller transmits an order command instructing to order the second cartridge to a relevant device after the order condition is satisfied.

Abstract: The theoretical position of a registration mark is automatically obtained by image processing on predetermined image data. A printing system including a printing apparatus capable of further performing coating printing on a substrate having undergone printing includes a generator that generates theoretical position data of a registration mark by performing image processing on registration image data assumed to contain a registration mark, an acquirer that acquires reading position data by reading the position of a registration mark printed in advance on conveyed paper, and a printing controller that compares the theoretical position data with the reading position data and corrects a position of coating printing based on the misregistration.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a thermal head is provided opposite to a platen roller. A ribbon transport unit transports an ink ribbon between the thermal head and the platen roller. A transport unit transports a sheet carrying a label between the thermal head and the platen roller. A clamping mechanism clamps the ink ribbon, a printing area of the label and the sheet in the thermal head and the platen roller. An acquisition unit acquires first print data to be printed on a first label and second print data to be printed on a second label. A non-printing area specifying unit specifies a non-printing area on the sheet, based on the first print data and the second print data. The control unit separates the ink ribbon and the sheet when it is transported between the thermal head and the platen roller, and stops the transport of the ink ribbon.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a thermal print head includes a heat sink; a head substrate placed on the heat sink and having a plurality of heat generating elements arranged in a primary scanning direction; a circuit board placed on the heat sink so as to be adjacent to the head substrate in an auxiliary scanning direction and provided with a connection circuit; and a control element electrically connected to the heat generating element via a first bonding wire and electrically connected to the connection circuit via a second bonding wire, in which at least one of the first bonding wire and the second bonding wire includes any of a copper wire, a copper alloy wire, and a wire mainly made of copper and coated with a metal different from copper.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a thermal print head includes a heat sink, a head substrate having a plurality of heat generating elements placed on the heat sink and disposed in a primary scanning direction, a circuit board placed on the heat sink so as to be adjacent to the head substrate in an auxiliary scanning direction and provided with a connection circuit, and a control element electrically connected to the heat generating element via a first bonding wire and electrically connected to the connection circuit via a second bonding wire, wherein a plurality of first bonding wires is disposed in parallel in the primary scanning direction, and among the first bonding wires, the first bonding wire having a length of at least 2 mm or more is a metal wire having a Young's modulus greater than that of gold.

Abstract: A printing apparatus includes a liquid ejector configured to eject liquid droplets towards a medium. A particle delivery device is configured to deliver particles to the medium. The particles are configured to combine with at least some of the liquid droplets and change at least one property of the liquid droplets. The particle delivery device is configured to deliver the particles after or substantially simultaneously as the liquid droplets are ejected. A curing device is configured to cure the combination of the liquid droplets and the particles onto the medium. A controller is configured to independently control the liquid ejector and the particle delivery device.

Abstract: A plotter includes a mounting portion, a first movement mechanism, a second movement mechanism, a processor, and a memory. The mounting portion is configured to mount with a pen containing a liquid. The first movement mechanism is configured to relatively move the mounting portion and a workpiece in a movement direction. The second movement mechanism configured to relatively move the mounting portion and the workpiece in a direction intersecting the movement direction. The memory is configured to store computer-readable instructions that, when executed by the processor, instruct the processor to perform processes. The processes include acquiring plot data, acquiring information relating to a remaining amount of the liquid of the pen, setting a relative movement speed of the mounting portion and the workpiece, and controlling the first movement mechanism and the second movement mechanism at the set movement speed, and performing drawing on the workpiece.

Abstract: Exemplary coating devices and exemplary coating methods for coating components with a coating agent, e.g., for painting motor vehicle body components with a paint, are disclosed. An exemplary coating device comprises an application device that applies the coating agent. The application device may include a paint head that discharges the coating agent out of at least one coating agent nozzle.

Abstract: Herein described is a machine (100) for the ink jet printing of three-dimensional objects (A), comprising: a plurality of spindles individually suitable to carry and drive an object (A) to be printed in rotation around a pre-set rotational axis of the spindle, and a first support and displacement system suitable to displace the spindles in succession along a pre-set loop path, stopping them one after the other in a plurality of operating stations; wherein said operating stations comprise: at least one input station (150) wherein the spindle receives an object (A) to be printed, a plurality of printing stations wherein the object (A) is ink jet printed, and at least one output station wherein the printed object (A) is removed from the spindle; wherein each printing station comprises: a printing unit suitable for the ink jet printing of the object (A) carried by the spindle found in the printing station, and a second support and displacement system suitable to vary the relative position of said printing unit wi

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a second conveyance guide diverging from a first conveyance guide at a bifurcation and joining the first conveyance guide at a junction, the bifurcation being downstream of a first position of an image former in a conveyance direction, the junction being upstream of the first position in the conveyance direction, first and second sensors disposed in second and third positions between the junction and the first position along the first conveyance guide, respectively, and a controller that, when a sheet passes through the second and third positions for a second time, detects a surface characteristic of a side of the sheet by the first sensor and determines an image forming condition for the side based on the surface characteristic of the side and a basis weight detected by the second sensor when the sheet passed through the second and third positions for a first time.

Abstract: A pretreatment device includes a pretreatment portion, a reception portion, a processor and a memory. The pretreatment portion performs a pretreatment on a recording medium. The reception portion receives recording medium information that the recording medium has. The memory stores computer-readable instructions that, when executed by the processor, perform processes including: setting, for the pretreatment portion, pretreatment information relating to the pretreatment, on the basis of the recording medium information received by the reception portion; and causing the pretreatment portion to perform the pretreatment on the basis of the set pretreatment information.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an image forming system enabling size reduction of apparatus. In the system, a sheet drying unit and a sheet post-processing unit are arranged, respectively above and below a sheet holding section to which sheets are ejected from an image forming apparatus A. Further, a relay transporting unit is provided, which is configured to transport a sheet from the sheet drying unit to a sheet post-processing unit. The relay transporting unit is formed, surrounding the sheet holding section.

Abstract: A recording unit which is provided in a recording system includes a heat roller pair which contacts paper and performs drying of the paper after recording by a line head using heating and a control unit which controls operation of the heat roller pair, in which a heating region of the heat roller pair is divided into a plurality of subdivisions in a width direction which intersects the medium transport direction and the heat roller pair is configured to be capable of modifying a heating state for each subdivision region, and in which the control unit controls the heating state of each of the subdivision regions in the heat roller pair according to conditions when performing drying of the paper using the heat roller pair.

Abstract: A printing apparatus includes a first feeding part configured to feed print media from a first support part supporting the print media, a second feeding part configured to feed print media from a second support part supporting the print media, and a print head configured to print the print media fed by the first feeding part or the second feeding part. Further, the printing apparatus includes a first conveying path where the print media fed by the first feeding part are conveyed to the print head, and a second conveying path where the print media fed by the second feeding part are conveyed to the print head. At least a part of the second feeding part protrudes in a predetermined spatial area within the first conveying path during a feed operation of feeding print media from the second support part.

Abstract: A digital printing device, comprising a suction transport means (1). The suction transport means (1) comprises a transport belt (11) used for transporting a sheet material. At least one first suction box (14), which is used for sucking the sheet material on the transport belt (11) by means of negative pressure during transport, is provided in the space defined by the transport belt (11). Multiple first suction holes in communication with the first suction box (14) are provided on the transport belt (11). At least one side of the first suction box (14) is provided with a movable door (15) which moves in a direction perpendicular to the transport direction to make the first suction box (14) fit the sheet material to maintain a negative pressure state. Using the transport belt (11) during printing, the digital printing device avoids the problem of poor registration accuracy, and improves the printing effect.

Abstract: Provided are a sheet feeding device and a printing apparatus that are capable of estimating the number of remaining sheets without errors. The sheet feeding device includes: a loading member on which sheets are loaded; a lift unit that moves the loading member up and down; a position detection unit that detects a lift-up position to which the loading member moves up; a sheet detection unit that detects that a sheet at an uppermost position of the sheets loaded on the loading member has moved up to a feeding position by an upward movement of the loading member; a feeding roller that feeds a sheet at the feeding position; and an estimation unit that estimates the number of remaining sheets loaded on the loading member, based on a combination of detection results of the sheet detection unit and the position detection unit.

Abstract: Disclosed is a recording apparatus for conveying a recording sheet such as a long sheet with high precision without decreasing productivity even if a back tension occurs during conveyance of the recording sheet. The recording apparatus (100) sets a first acceleration period in which the conveying speed is increased up to a first predetermined speed before a leading end of the roll paper (101) reaches a detecting position of the leading end detecting sensor (129) with the roll paper (101) being nipped by the upstream side nip roller (125) and the conveying belt (121). Further, the recording apparatus (100) sets a first constant speed period in which the conveying speed is kept constant at the first predetermined speed before the leading end of the roll paper (101) reaches the detecting position until the leading end of the roll paper (101) is nipped by the downstream side nip roller (126) and the conveying belt (121).

Abstract: A printing apparatus includes a printing unit that performs printing on a medium, an apparatus main body that houses the printing unit therein and that has outer surfaces including an upper surface and a front surface that adjoiningly intersects the upper surface, a paper feed port that is provided on the upper surface of the apparatus main body and that enables the medium to be fed into the apparatus main body, a feed path that is guiding the medium fed from the paper feed port toward the printing unit and that has a curved portion for inverting the medium during the guiding, a pair of rollers that are provided at the upstream of the curved portion and that feed the medium toward the printing unit via the feed path by rotating while nipping the medium fed from the paper feed port from both front and rear sides.

Abstract: A print media feeding apparatus includes: a stacking part configured to stack the print media; a feeding roller which is movable to an abutting position at which the feeding roller contacts the print media stacked on the stacking part and to a separated position separated from the print media stacked on the stacking part and configured to feed a print medium by rotating at the abutting position; a separation member configured to separate the print media; and a return unit configured to perform a return operation of returning the print medium other than a top print medium which the feeding roller abuts. The feeding roller moves to the separated position, after feeding the print medium from the stacking part. The return unit performs the return operation upon the feeding roller moving to the separated position. After the return operation, the feeding roller stops at the abutting position.

Abstract: A printer tray extension kit which allows a printer to hold and receive longer pieces of paper is provided. The printer tray extension kit includes a base, an extension arm, a support stand, and a crossbar. The base provides a structural platform in order for the printer tray extension kit to hold pieces of paper. The extension arm provides a lengthening element in order for the print tray extension kit to hold longer pieces of paper if the base is not long enough. The support stand provides a structural reinforcement which maintains the printer tray extension kit in a raised position from a table surface or similar. The crossbar provides a structural reference bar which is used to attach the support stand to the base.

Abstract: A tape cassette includes a box-like housing, a tape mounted within the housing, a hole and a first indicator portion. The housing includes a top wall having a top surface, a bottom wall having a bottom surface and opposing the top wall, and a front wall having a specified height and being formed along peripheries of the top wall and the bottom wall. The hole is provided in the front wall. The first indicator portion includes at least one first aperture and indicates a first element among a plurality of elements of a type of the tape. The first indicator portion is provided in a portion, spaced from the front wall, of the bottom wall. The hole and the one first aperture is located to intersect a virtual line orthogonal to the front wall when viewing along a vertical direction orthogonal to the top wall and the bottom wall.

Abstract: A printing apparatus includes a platen including a first guide rail and a second guide rail mutually parallel in a width direction that intersects a transport direction of a medium; an edge holder including a plate-shaped member that covers an end portion of the medium in the width direction, a first engaging portion that engages with the first guide rail, and a second engaging portion that engages with the second guide rail; and a changing portion that is provided on the first engaging portion side and is for changing a position of the plate-shaped member in the width direction. A space in the transport direction formed between the first engaging portion and the first guide rail is narrower than a space in the transport direction formed between the second engaging portion and the second guide rail.

Abstract: The present teachings relate to various embodiments of a gas enclosure system that can have a particle control system that can include a multi-zone gas circulation and filtration system, a low-particle-generating X-axis linear bearing system for moving a printhead assembly relative to a substrate, a service bundle housing exhaust system, and a printhead assembly exhaust system. Various components of a particle control system can include a tunnel circulation and filtration system that can be in flow communication with bridge circulation and filtration system. Various embodiments of a tunnel circulation and filtration system can provide cross-flow circulation and filtration of gas about a floatation table of a printing system. Various embodiments of a gas enclosure system can have a bridge circulation and filtration system that can provide circulation and filtration of gas about a printing system bridge and related apparatuses and devices.

Abstract: An embodiment of a cradle has a cradle body configured to support a printing device. The cradle has first and second printer capture flanges extending from the cradle body proximate a capture end of the cradle body. The cradle has first and second biased latches extending from the cradle body between the capture end and a release end of the cradle body. The cradle has a biased release member movable between a first position and a release position. The cradle has a release linkage supported by the cradle body, the release linkage coupling the biased release member and the first and second biased latches, wherein the release linkage is structured to drive the first and second biased latches from respective locked positions to respective unlocked positions in response to movement of the biased release member from a first position to a release position.

Abstract: In a liquid ejecting apparatus, a cover member, which is provided so that a part thereof is located in an external region of a housing and is displaceable between a closed position where a pouring port pouring a liquid is not exposed and an opened position where the pouring port is exposed, is at a position different from a position where the cover member overlaps an apparatus main body in a case where the apparatus main body is viewed from an upper surface of an image reading device at the opened position, and a liquid containing portion is provided at a position where at least a part of a liquid replenishment member connected to the pouring port overlaps the image reading device in a case where the apparatus main body is viewed from the side surface when the cover member is located at the opened position.

Abstract: The present teachings relate to various embodiments of an hermetically-sealed gas enclosure assembly and system that can be readily transportable and assemblable and provide for maintaining a minimum inert gas volume and maximal access to various devices and apparatuses enclosed therein. Various embodiments of an hermetically-sealed gas enclosure assembly and system of the present teachings can have a gas enclosure assembly constructed in a fashion that minimizes the internal volume of a gas enclosure assembly, and at the same time optimizes the working space to accommodate a variety of footprints of various OLED printing systems. Various embodiments of a gas enclosure assembly so constructed additionally provide ready access to the interior of a gas enclosure assembly from the exterior during processing and readily access to the interior for maintenance, while minimizing downtime.

Abstract: There is provided a printing apparatus. The printing apparatus includes a memory storing a program; and at least one hardware processor configured to execute a process in the program. The process includes: performing at least one printing operation of pre-printing and post-printing of overprinting which is an operation of performing pre-printing on a medium and then performing post-printing on the medium; and printing one of charts indicating reference positions by the intersection points of reference lines, during test printing related to each of the at least one printing operation, wherein the directions of reference lines corresponding to pre-printing are different from the directions of reference lines corresponding to post-printing.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for use in generating calibration parameters for a printing apparatus comprising a plurality of print modules are disclosed. The method comprises printing a first plurality of test patches for each print module of the plurality of print modules, analysing the first plurality of test patches to identify at least two clusters of print modules, wherein each cluster comprises a sub-group of print modules having substantially similar performance, printing a second plurality of test patches comprising an extended calibration test patch set for each cluster of print modules, the second plurality of test patches being distributed across the print modules of the cluster, and analysing extended calibration test patch set for each cluster to determine a calibration parameter for the printing apparatus.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a carriage which is movably provided in a main scanning direction, a sub-carriage which is movably supported in a sub-scanning direction substantially orthogonal to the main scanning direction with respect to the carriage and performs recording on a recording medium from a held recording head, and a biasing member which is attached to a locking portion of the carriage and a locking portion of the sub-carriage and applies a force to the sub-carriage with respect to the carriage in three directions of the main scanning direction (first direction), the sub-scanning direction (second direction), and a vertical direction (third direction) substantially orthogonal to the main scanning direction and the sub-scanning direction.

Abstract: The present invention embraces printers such as hand-held printers and mobile/portable printer. One exemplary embodiment includes “print as you glide” (PAYG) devices. Such printers may comprise a modular print engine that is removable from the printer and may allow a user to easily access and load the ribbon in the mobile print engine. The modular print engine may comprise a modular print head and an encoder that may determine the movement of the print head relative to a stationary media. When a printer is pressed against the media, the print head's burn line may be resting on the media. When the printer is stationary relative to the media, the encoder may not trigger the printing. Once PAYG is being slid or glided across the media, the encoder may start to rotate and then send a signal to a processor, causing the printer to start printing.

Abstract: A method for applying a patterned structure on a surface, comprising providing a donor substrate (1) comprising donor material (1a) between a light source (3) and a receiving surface (5), providing by means of the light source (3) a light pulse (3a) directed to the donor substrate (1), the light pulse (3a) being configured to cause the donor material (1a) to be transferred from the donor substrate (1) onto the receiving surface (5), wherein the donor substrate (1) comprises a pattern (2) of donor material (1a) on discrete portions (2a) of the donor substrate (1). The pattern (2) on the donor substrate (1) is transferred so as to form a pattern (4) of donor material (1a) on the receiving surface (5).

Abstract: A method for creating a mark (16) with a desired colour on an article (40), wherein the article (40) comprises a metal (44) having a metal surface (5), and which method comprises: providing a laser (1) for emitting a laser beam (4) comprising laser pulses (21) having a pulse energy (25), a pulse width (26), a pulse repetition frequency (27), and a wavelength (20); providing a scanner (2), which comprises a first mirror (6) for scanning the laser beam (4) in a first direction (8), and a second mirror (7) for scanning the laser beam (4) in a second direction (9); providing a lens (3) for focussing the laser beam (4) from the laser (1) onto the metal surface (5) to form a spot (31) having a spot diameter (34) and a pulse fluence (36); providing a controller (11) for controlling the scanner (2) with a control signal ( 12); marking a plurality of lines (15) separated by a hatch distance (19) on the metal surface (5) to form the mark (16) by scanning the scanner (2) with a scan speed (17) while pulsing the laser (1

Abstract: It is the object of the present invention to provide a new polymer coating for low temperature plastics and plastic foams that allows for the application of disperse dyes in a sublimation process that preserves the original properties of the underlying plastic substrate. The composition includes an optically clear synthetic organic polymer base holding two layers, a first reflective layer supported by the low temperature plastic substrate that includes IR radiation reflecting additives, and a second layer supported by the first layer having light scattering particulate additives. The disperse dyes utilized in the invention may include additives to absorb IR radiation provided by an external IR source positioned above the disperse dyes causing the dyes to sublimate and diffuse quickly into the light scattering layer. The combination of these layers allows for diffusion of the disperse dye ink into the light scattering layer while protecting the low temperature plastic below.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a composition and method of providing a silicone release coating material for a thermally-responsive record material while maintaining strong printability with UV inks and water based inks, as well as scuff resistance. The thermally-responsive record material includes a substrate with first and second surfaces. The first surface includes a heat sensitive coating having a colorless dye precursor and an acidic developer material in contiguous relationship. The release coating is provided with an aqueous mixture of a water soluble or water dispersible polymeric material, a silicone release agent, an excess of platinum catalyst, and a hydrophilic silica. The platinum catalyst is preferably provided in excess of 150 ppm. The hydrophilic silica is preferably fumed silica. The release coating is cured at a temperature of 160° C. or less, or even from 70° C. to 120° C.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an inkjet printing process that comprises inkjet printing an inkjet ink composition onto a substrate to form a printed inkjet ink layer. The inkjet ink composition comprises a colorant, a curable polyurethane dispersion, a photoinitiator and water, wherein the amount of curable polyurethane dispersed in the inkjet ink composition is 0.1 to 30 weight %. A radiation-curable overcoat composition is applied over the printed inkjet ink layer as an overcoat layer. The overcoat composition comprises a curable polyurethane dispersion, a photoinitiator and water. The printed inkjet ink layer is then cured on the substrate by exposing both the overcoat layer and inkjet ink layer on the substrate to radiation.

Abstract: A lithography printing plate and method for using the same are disclosed. In one embodiment, the printing plate comprises a metallic plate having top and bottom sides with one or more coating layers on the first side of the metallic plate. A layer is attached to the second side of the metallic plate, thereby forming a laminate.

Abstract: This system is provided with: a conveying device 1 that conveys paper P along a conveying path F; a sheet paper supply device 2, paper-folding device, or cutter connected to an upstream end of the conveying path; a gathering device 3 disposed midway through the conveying path; a saddle stitch device 7 connected to a downstream end of the conveying path; and a management unit 13 that collectively controls the conveying device, the sheet paper supply device, the paper-folding device, the cutter, the gathering device, and the saddle stitch device. The gathering device can switch operation between a non-operating mode, a first operating mode for operating as a primary gathering device, and a second operating mode for operating as a paper insertion device.

Abstract: The automatic bookmark includes a first fixing portion (2) and a second fixing portion (3) to be fixed to the respective front and back covers of a book W or the like; a bookmark portion (6) to be inserted between the closed pages; a first arm portion (4) whose base end is connected to the first fixing portion (2) and leading end is connected to the bookmark portion (6); and a second arm portion (5) whose base end is connected to the second fixing portion (3) and leading end is connected to the bookmark portion (6). A joint portion (11) is provided that connects the leading end of the first arm portion (4) and the leading end of the second arm portion (5). The bookmark portion (6) has a shape whose one end is connected to the joint portion (11) and another end is directed to between the pages.

Abstract: A document including a Directed Self-Assembly (DSA) pattern including a unique and randomized pattern embedded on the document, where the DSA is formed by using two different-length polymer chains.

Abstract: A method of producing a security device comprises providing a substrate having a relief structure in/on its surface, the structure provided in a first region of the substrate. The structure in the first region a first recess or a plurality of first recesses in/on the surface of the substrate, the first recess or recesses being recessed with respect to one or more corresponding first land areas of the first region in/on the surface of the substrate. Further comprises applying a colour-shifting coating structure to the relief structure that the colour-shifting coating structure received in the first recess or recesses of the first region and on one or more first land areas. The colour-shifting coating structure applied wherein a thickness of the colour-shifting coating structure in the first recess or recesses is greater than or less than a thickness of the colour-shifting coating structure on one or more first land areas.

Abstract: To provide a writing instrument capable of further improving durability of a writing nib without impairing writing performance even when writing is performed with a heavy writing load. A writing instrument A having a writing part formed of at least a writing nib 30 made of a porous body and a retainer 40 made of a hard material, in which the protrusion amount of the distal end of the writing nib 30 from the retainer 40 is 0.65 mm or more and 1.05 mm or less and/or 40% or more and 65% or less of the thickness of the writing nib 30.

Abstract: A hand held device presenting a first head and a second head that are movable axially between a position for use and a retracted position, and a single side button configured to bring the first head and the second head, independently of each other, from the retracted position to the position for use and vice versa, the side button cooperating with a first ratchet mechanism in order to cause the first head to pass from the retracted position to the position for use and vice versa, and with a second ratchet mechanism in order to cause the second head to pass from the retracted position to the position for use and vice versa.

Abstract: A device for displaying at least one time-related magnitude including a timepiece movement including at least one time base and at least one energy source which extend in a first same plane, and at least one roller pivotably mounted about an axis of rotation A and which extends in a second plane parallel to the first plane, at least one roller including a display strip arranged on an outer periphery and on which at least one indication of the time-related magnitude is inscribed, the timepiece movement driving at least one roller in rotation about axis A via drive device which extend in the same second plane as at least one roller, at least one roller and the timepiece movement being centred on axis A.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an image array for an optical device, comprising: (a) generating a plurality of different mask images by, for each of at least two different images, the at least two images collectively including parts in at least two different colours: (a1) providing a pixelated version of the image comprising a plurality of image pixels, each image pixel exhibiting a uniform colour; (a2) for each image pixel of the pixelated image, creating a corresponding mask pixel based on the colour of the respective image pixel, each mask pixel comprising an arrangement of one or more mask regions and/or one or more void regions, different arrangements of the one or more mask regions and/or one or more void regions in different ones of the mask pixels defining different respective colours; (a3) arranging the mask pixels in accordance with the positions of their corresponding image pixels in the pixelated image to form a mask image; (b) interlacing the plurality of different mask images, by dividing each mask i

Abstract: A method of forming an aesthetic surface on a concrete structure. The aesthetic surface includes a mosaic design including a plurality of aesthetic elements, such as tiles, aggregate or the like, which are embedded within the hardened concrete structure. The aesthetic elements are affixed to the concrete form in the arrangement corresponding to the mosaic design prior to using the form during construction of the concrete structure. The concrete is poured into the form and allowed to harden, after which, the forms are stripped from the concrete, thereby exposing the embedded aesthetic elements within the concrete structure.

Abstract: A decorative concrete structure simulating natural wood and a method of fabricating the same is disclosed. A concrete mixture is poured over a subgrade which defines an exposed surface. The exposed surface is swept with a broom, saw cut, and optionally stained, and sealed to simulate aesthetic appearance of the natural wood.

Abstract: A combined wheel includes spokes, steel bushings, a rim, a brake pad, pins and a backing ring. The spokes are placed in respective empty slots between adjacent connecting blocks, and clamping grooves therein are matched with the connecting blocks. The pins are installed into holes of the spokes and the connecting blocks. A left end face of a backing ring is matched with the back of the spokes. A plurality of screws connect the backing ring, the connecting blocks and the spokes and are fitted into the steel bushings. The brake pad is fixed to two pluralities of bosses by a second plurality of screws. In use of the combined wheel, both radial force and axial force generated in the running of the wheel can be counteracted on the spokes. The annular brake pad is installed on the inner wall of the rim, thereby increasing the brake radius.

Abstract: A combined wheel includes spokes, steel bushings, a rim, a metal frame, a brake pad and pins. In use, the steel bushings are installed in grooves of the spokes; the spokes are placed so that the clamping grooves are matched with the connecting blocks; the pins are installed into holes of the spokes and the connecting blocks; the metal frame is matched with the backs of the spokes; the screws I connect the metal frame, the connecting blocks and the spokes together and are matched with the steel bushings; and the brake pad is connected to the metal frame by screws II. In the combined wheel, the radial force and the axial force generated in the running process of the wheel can be counteracted on the spokes; and the brake disc brakes from the inside, thereby increasing the brake radius and reducing the clamping force required when braking.

Abstract: Disclosed is a wheel cover for a vehicle. The wheel cover is supported to be relatively rotatable with rotation of a wheel having a tire attached to an outer periphery of the wheel. The wheel cover has a shape indicating a moving direction of a vehicle or a figure indicating the moving direction of the vehicle outward in a vehicle width direction, and is configured to be turned by an actuator such that, when the moving direction of the vehicle is changed, the shape or the figure indicates the moving direction of the vehicle.