Abstract: A vehicle interior member includes: a first core material; a first skin forming a first rim part in which at least a part of the peripheral edge part is folded back to the back surface side of the first core material to sandwich a peripheral edge part of the first core material; a second core material; a second skin forming a second rim part in which at least a part of the peripheral edge part is folded back to the back surface side of the second core material to sandwich a peripheral edge part of the second core material; and a stitch part that stitches the first rim part, the peripheral edge part of the first core material sandwiched by the first rim part, the second rim part, and the peripheral edge part of the second core material sandwiched by the second rim part.

Abstract: A splicable environmentally-friendly non-PVC advertising cloth made of a woven structure, wherein the advertising cloth comprising a mesh base layer (40); a first adhesion-promoting structural layer (10), which is a refractory and waterproof layer covering the front surface (43) and the rear surface (44) of the mesh base layer (40); a second adhesion-promoting structural layer (20) coated on the first surface (13) of the first adhesion-promoting structure layer (10); and a third adhesion-promoting structural layer (30) coated on the upper surface (24) of the second adhesion-promoting structure layer (20), therefore, waterproof and ink-absorbing structure arranged on a mesh base (40) layer, and the width of the advertising cloth (50) can be spliced unlimitedly as required by using high frequency splicing, making the environmentally friendly advertising cloth more applicable also improving the overall advertising effect and quality.

Abstract: An aerogel structure body includes a composite layer containing fibrous materials and aerogel, the aerogel being held between the fibrous materials, and an aerogel layer having a first surface on at least one surface of the composite layer and formed of the aerogel, in which the aerogel layer having a second surface opposite to the first surface, the second surface including a projection portion projecting from the second surface, and a density of the aerogel in the projection portion is 0.1% to 3.0% higher than a density of the aerogel in the aerogel layer (flat portion) other than the projection portion. Therefore, the aerogel structure body that is excellent in dimensional stability and heat insulating properties and that can be manufactured with high productivity and a method of manufacturing the same are provided.

Abstract: An article of apparel includes a composite material. The composite material includes a pliable first layer and a resilient second layer, where the first and second layers are secured to each other via a patterned strand network. In forming the composite material, the second layer is stretched and maintained under tension while the first layer is secured to the second layer via the patterned strand network. The tension on the second layer is then released, resulting in contraction of the second layer in relation to the first layer and an outward buckling or protrusion of the first layer in relation to the second layer to form protruding cells along the composite material that are bounded by portions of the patterned strand network. The patterned strand network can be formed using embroidery with one or more auxetic patterns in the stitching.

Abstract: A container (10) for consumer goods comprising: an outer housing (12) comprising a box (14) and a lid (16), the lid (16) being hinged to the box (14) along a hinge line extending across a back wall of the outer housing (12); and a package (18) of consumer goods within the box (14). A reclosable sealing cover member(100) occludes an access opening (20) in the package. The reclosable sealing cover member (100) comprises: a base layer (102) comprising a fibrous cellulosic material; a metal-containing layer (104) provided on an outer side of the base layer (102); and a first polymeric layer (106) provided on an inner side of the base layer (102).

Abstract: A plating steel sheet for hot press forming includes: a base steel sheet; an Al—Zn-based plating layer formed on at least one surface of the base steel sheet; and an Fe—Al-based surface alloy layer formed between the base steel sheet and the Al—Zn-based plating layer, wherein the Al—Zn-based plating layer can include 10-30 wt % of Zn, 1 wt % or less of Fe, and the balance of Al and impurities.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for forming energy filter layers or shutter components, including energy scattering layers that are actively electrically switchable. The energy filters or shutter components are operable between at least a first mode in which the layers, and thus the presentation of the shutter components, appear substantially transparent when viewed from an energy/light incident side, and a second mode in which the layers, and thus the presentation of the energy filters or shutter components, appear opaque to the incident energy impinging on the energy incident side. The differing modes are selectable by electrically energizing, differentially energizing and/or de-energizing electric fields in a vicinity of the energy scattering layers. Refractive indices of transparent particles, and the transparent matrices in which the particles are fixed, are tunable according to the applied electric fields. The energy scattering layers may conceal a sensor such as a camera or photovoltaic cell.

Abstract: An image surface protection structure of a painting capable of protecting the image surface layer of a painting from dirt and physical damage without impairing the original color or texture of the image surface of the paint layer is provided. An image surface protection structure of a painting comprising: a sealed space having an oxygen concentration of 4% or less, formed from a transparent hard plate and a gas barrier material; a painting placed in the sealed space, with the image surface of it facing the transparent hard plate.

Abstract: A glass element having a thickness from 25 ?m to 125 ?m, a first primary surface, a second primary surface, and a compressive stress region extending from the first primary surface to a first depth, the region defined by a compressive stress GI of at least about 100 MPa at the first primary surface. Further, the glass element has a stress profile such that it does not fail when it is subject to 200,000 cycles of bending to a target bend radius of from 1 mm to 20 mm, by the parallel plate method. Still further, the glass element has a puncture resistance of greater than about 1.5 kgf when the first primary surface of the glass element is loaded with a tungsten carbide ball having a diameter of 1.5 mm.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sunroof for a motor vehicle including two glass sheets (1, 3) joined together by a thermoplastic insert (2), wherein the sheet (1) directed toward the outside is annealed, and the sheet (3) directed toward the inside is made of tempered glass, the total thickness of the glass sheets being no greater than 5 mm, and preferably no greater than 4.5 mm.

Abstract: A laminated film exhibits a certain adhesive property to various adherends having shapes or different irregularity shapes. The laminated film includes a resin layer A on one surface of a substrate and a resin layer B on the other surface. The resin layer A has a ten-point average surface roughness Rz(a) of 1.5 ?m or more and 5.0 ?m or less and a storage elastic modulus G? at 25° C. and 1 Hz of 3.0×105 Pa or more.

Abstract: A multilayer particle shield for a spacecraft includes an inboard exterior layer configured to be disposed proximal to the spacecraft, an outboard exterior layer configured to be disposed distal from the spacecraft and at least one interior layer disposed between the inboard exterior layer and the outboard exterior layer, wherein the interior layer includes a semi-rigid, porous, compressible spacer.

Abstract: Resin compositions, layers, and interlayers comprising two or more thermoplastic polymers and at least one RI balancing agent for adjusting the refractive index of at least one of the resins or layers is provided. Such compositions, layers, and interlayers exhibit enhanced optical properties while retaining other properties, such as impact resistance and acoustic performance.

Abstract: A chassis member capable of improving manufacturing efficiency is disclosed. The chassis member includes a laminate in which an interlayer is provided between a pair of fiber-reinforced resin plates made of reinforced fiber impregnated with thermoplastic resin. A frame body formed of thermoplastic resin is joined to an edge of the laminate. The edge of the laminate is provided with a thin plate portion thinner than the other portion. The frame body is joined to the thin plate portion.

Abstract: A multi-layer polymer film comprising at least one middle layer A, the polymeric constituents of which are soluble in aqueous solution, and in each case at least one substantially water-impermeable covering layer B, C arranged above and below the at least one middle layer A, wherein the layers A, B and C independently of each other in each case comprise at least one thermoplastic polymer and at least one of the covering layers B and C comprises at least one polyhydroxyalkanoate is presented and described. Processes for the production of the multi-layer polymer film according to the invention and its use for the production of molded parts, films or bags are furthermore presented and described.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a method for forming an information carrying card or a core layer of an information carrying card using a radiation curing, and an apparatus configured to provide such a radiation curing. The method includes providing a carrier layer that defines at least one cavity, providing an inlay layer supporting at least one electronic component, and positioning at least a portion of the inlay layer in the at least one cavity. The method further comprises dispensing a radiation crosslinkable polymer composition over the inlay layer, and irradiating the radiation crosslinkable polymer composition.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are directed towards methods and apparatus for molding-in gaskets that serve as light blockers, within the grooves of a moving planar work material. The gaskets comprise of a hot melt adhesive material that is in a molten state above a particular temperature and gets solidified below a particular temperature. Another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is directed towards a planar work material having grooves that are filled with molded-in gaskets, wherein the gaskets are made up of a hot melt adhesive material. The gaskets made of the hot melt adhesive material bond securely with the panels because of inherent adhesive properties, and provide structural stability to the light panels. Another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is directed towards the use of a hot melt adhesive material as the molding material for molding-in gaskets within the grooves of a planar work material.

Abstract: A method for attaching and detaching a substrate from a bonded stack is disclosed. A broadband light-absorbing material is combined with an adhesive material to form a broadband light-absorbing adhesive. A layer of the broadband light-absorbing adhesive is then applied on one side of a transparent carrier. A substrate is placed on the broadband light-absorbing adhesive and the transparent carrier to form a bonded stack. The substrate can be a wafer or a polymeric film. At this point, processing steps can be performed on the substrate. After the processing steps have been completed, a light pulse from a flashlamp is utilized to heat up the broadband light-absorbing adhesive in order to loosen the substrate from the bonded stack such that the substrate can be easily detached from the bonded stack.

Abstract: A pad printing device for printing a window of a display device includes a pad to transfer ink to the window. The pad includes a printing portion to transfer the ink to the window by being pressed against the window and a body portion disposed on the printing portion and to apply a pressure to the printing portion. A hardness of the printing portion is less than a hardness of the body portion, and a sidewall of a portion of the pad where the printing portion contacts the body portion is substantially perpendicular to the window.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an apparatus for handling objects. The apparatus comprises a carrying device (104) that is configured to move along a track (102). A handling device (224) is adapted to hold an object (108) and is mounted to the carrying device (104) such that it is rotatable with respect to the carrying device about a handling axis (226). A drive device (310) is disposed at a position along the track (102) and configured to produce a torque around a drive axis. The carrying device (104) can be moved along the track (102) in a direction perpendicular to the drive axis into and out of a drive position. In the drive position, the handling axis (226) of the handling device (224) is in substantial alignment with the drive axis of the drive device (310) whereupon the drive device induces a torque in the handling device (224) causing the handling device to rotate, thereby causing the object (108) held by the handling device to rotate.

Abstract: An assembly of a first and a second printing or converting apparatus is each at least provided with a number of printing or converting modules disposed one after the other in a main direction, through which in use a substrate web can be guided. The first and the second printing or converting apparatuses are respectively provided with a first and a second rail assembly each extending in a main direction next to or above the associated printing or converting modules and over which at least one processing station is movable. The assembly further includes a transfer assembly which is provided with rail assemblies which are configured to move the at least one processing station from the first rail assembly to the second rail assembly and vice versa and to buffer processing stations.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes: an image former that prints a foil stamping image on a recording material in accordance with a job for printing the foil stamping image, the foil stamping image being a target to which foil is transferred in foil stamp printing; and a hardware processor that trims an image on a page identical to at least one page included in the job such that the image on the identical page does not overlap an image adjustment mark that is printed for adjusting an image to be overprinted, and causes the image former to print, together with the job, the identical page having the trimmed image.

Abstract: The present invention is a method for measuring the varnish film thickness of a printed article by obtaining the film thickness of varnish on a sheet (1) on which a pattern is printed on a base thereof with ink and the pattern is coated with the varnish, wherein a metal foil (1c) having a smooth surface is attached to the base of the sheet (1), and the film thickness of the varnish coated directly over the metal foil (1c) is detected with a spectral interference-type film thickness meter (81) so as to determine whether the film thickness of the varnish is acceptable or not on the basis of the results detected by the spectral interference-type film thickness meter (81).

Abstract: A printing apparatus includes a print head provided with a discharge port that discharges liquid and a pressure chamber filled with the liquid to be discharged from the discharge port, and configured to perform a printing operation by discharging the liquid from the discharge port based on print data, includes a circulation unit that performs circulation of the liquid in a circulation passage including the pressure chamber in a state where the printing operation is performed, and includes a control unit that controls the circulation unit to continue the circulation for a predetermined time after the printing operation is completed.

Abstract: An inkjet printer includes: a print execution unit that executes printing; and a controller that controls the print execution unit. The controller is configured to: determine whether a type of ink supplied by the ink supply unit is changed; determine whether to use a residual ink which is ink before change remaining in the ink flow path in response to be determined that the type of the ink is changed; control the print execution unit to execute new printing using the residual ink in response to be determined to use the residual ink for the printing; and execute a discarding process for discarding the residual ink before the new printing is performed in response to be determined to not use the residual ink for the printing.

Abstract: An element substrate has a layered structure including a heating resistance element, a first insulation layer where a temperature detection element constituted by a via is formed, and a second insulation layer provided between the heating resistance element and the temperature detection element which electrically insulates the heating resistance element and the temperature detection element.

Abstract: Examples include a fluid ejection device comprising a carrier, at least one fluid ejection die, and conductive traces at least partially embedded in the carrier. The carrier has a first portion and a second portion, where an angle of orientation between the first portion and the second portion is nonparallel. The first portion includes an array of openings formed through a top surface of the carrier. The second portion includes at least one die opening through a bottom surface of the carrier. The fluid ejection die is coupled to the second portion of the carrier. Fluid passages formed in a back surface of the fluid ejection die are exposed through the at least one die opening formed through the bottom surface of the carrier. The conductive traces have an array of contact points at first ends of the conductive traces. The array of contact points align with the array of openings of the first portion of the carrier such that the array of contact points are exposed through the array of openings.

Abstract: A printhead module includes a monolithic substrate having a plurality of rows of print chips mounted thereon. Each row of print chips receives power and data through a respective longitudinal slot defined through a thickness of the substrate, each longitudinal slot extending parallel with and offset from the rows of print chips.

Abstract: A liquid ejection apparatus includes a liquid container for containing liquid which has a refilling port for refilling the liquid container with liquid, a contained liquid information memory unit for storing information on the liquid contained in the liquid container, a refilling liquid information memory unit for storing information on the liquid to be supplied for refilling the liquid container, a liquid ejection head for ejecting the liquid supplied from the liquid container and a control unit for controlling operation of the liquid ejection apparatus according to the information stored in the contained liquid information memory unit and the information stored in the refilling liquid information memory unit.

Abstract: Some examples include a print substance reservoir for a printing system including a housing to be arranged within a printing device, the housing having an interior for containing a print substance and an exterior, an active vent valve to allow gases to travel from the interior to the exterior when the inlet is receiving the print substance, the active vent valve electrically energizable and de-energizable in response to signals corresponding to the transfer of the print substance into the housing, a passive inlet valve to open to allow air to enter the interior during removal of the print substance from the reservoir, the passive inlet valve biased to a closed position, and a passive pressure relief valve to open when pressure within the interior is greater than a predetermined pressure limit, the passive pressure relief valve biased to a closed position.

Abstract: An inkjet printhead includes: a fluid manifold having a base defining a plurality of fluid outlets and printhead chips attached to the base. Each printhead chip receives printing fluid from a set of the fluid outlets. All fluid outlets are flared with a respect to a width dimension of the printhead chips for facilitating removal of air bubbles.

Abstract: A printer includes, a casing, a cover provided swingably, the cover covering an opening portion of the casing, a printing portion configured to print on a print medium, a ribbon supply shaft configured to hold an ink ribbon to be supplied to the printing portion, and a printing unit provided swingably, in a state where the printing unit is accommodated in the cover, rotation of the ribbon supply shaft is permitted, and when the open end side of the printing unit is separated from the cover and the ribbon supply shaft is placed at a ribbon replacement position where the ink ribbon is attachable and detachable, the rotation of the ribbon supply shaft is regulated.

Abstract: A digital printing machine comprises a cylindrical drum assembly on the rigid printing framework. A cylindrical drum moves along and rotates about its central cylindrical axis and a stationary printing head with multiple nozzles placed proximately above the circumference of the cylindrical drum. The combined linear and rotational movements of the cylindrical drum enable the printing head to create a smooth helical printing trajectory on the flexible fabrics. The cylindrical drum of the digital printing machine also works as a working drum to hold a piece of flexible textile to be printed. A double-side printing mechanism allows the digital printing machine to automatically carry out the second side printing.

Abstract: There is provided a print control device that causes a printing device to perform printing, the print control device including: a specifying section that specifies a print target from a captured image captured by an image capturing sensor; a display section that displays, on a display, a screen in which a trimmed image is superimposed on the captured image, the trimmed image being obtained by trimming a preview image of original print data in accordance with the print target; a setting receiving section that receives a setting of a relative position of the preview image with respect to the print target; a print instruction receiving section that receives a print instruction at the relative position; and a control section that causes the printing device to perform printing on the print target based on the original print data and the relative position according to the print instruction.

Abstract: Provided is an inkjet printer with an unwinding portion and an adjacent winding portion in an uneven arrangement, which enables easy replacement of a web-shaped print base material on an unwinding portion and a winding portion for the web-shaped print base material at the time of printing on the web-shaped print base material with an aqueous ink, is capable of dealing with small-lot and wide-variety printing, and enables further space saving as compared to related arts.

Abstract: A transport device includes a transporting belt, which includes a support face that adhesively supports a medium, and which transports the adhered medium, a heating unit that heats the transporting belt before the medium is supported at the support face, a pressing unit that is provided downstream of the heating unit in a movement direction of the transporting belt and that presses the medium against the support face, a temperature detection unit that detects a temperature of at least a part of the support face, from the heating unit to the pressing unit in the movement direction, and a control unit that controls the heating unit based on a detection result of the temperature detection unit.

Abstract: A post-processing device includes a transport path along which a medium printed with liquid ejected by a liquid ejecting portion is transported, an intermediate tray on which the medium is stacked, a first transporting member starting a first transporting operation of transporting the medium upstream in a transport direction after a rear end of the medium passes through the transport path, a rear-end alignment portion that comes into contact with the rear end of the medium transported by the first transporting member and that aligns the medium, a control portion controlling an operation of the first transporting member, and a detection portion detecting a transporting state of the medium in the intermediate tray, in which when the control portion determines, from an output of the detection portion, that the medium reaches the rear-end alignment portion, the control portion regulates the first transporting operation of the first transporting member.

Abstract: Disclosed is a printing device including a main body portion including a body portion configured to provide an internal space in which recording paper for printing certain information thereon is transferred and an opening or closing portion configured to control opening or closing of the internal space, a printing portion configured to print the certain information on the recording paper transferred in the internal space, and a recording paper separation portion located on a downstream side of the printing portion and configured to cut or cut off and separate recording paper on which particular information is printed by the printing portion from the other recording paper. Here, the main body portion includes a protruding portion configured to prevent an adhesive attached to the surface opposite the adhesive surface from being accumulated by decreasing a contact area with the surface opposite the adhesive surface.

Abstract: A web loader includes a web holder configured to hold a web, a traction member configured to hold the web holder and travel along a loading path of the web, a drive rotation body configured to drive the traction member to travel, and a limiter configured to limit a drive force applied to the drive rotation body.

Abstract: A printer includes a head having nozzles, a carriage with the head mounted thereon, a carriage motor to move the carriage along a scanning direction, an encoder including a scale having reference marks formed thereon along a particular direction, and a sensor to detect the reference marks while moving relative to the scale along with movement of the carriage along the scanning direction, and a controller configured to perform liquid discharging to control the head to discharge liquid from the nozzles toward a recording medium while performing feedback control of the carriage motor based on velocity information such that the carriage moves at a target velocity along the scanning direction, the velocity information representing a carriage velocity based on detection results of the sensor, and interrupt the liquid discharging when the carriage velocity exceeds an overshoot threshold higher than the target velocity during the liquid discharging.

Abstract: A droplet deposition head including a datum surface arrangement for alignment of the head relative to an external mounting component in either a vertical mounting mode in which the head is held against a vertical mounting plate or a horizontal mounting mode where the head is held against a horizontal mounting plate. The datum surface arrangement comprising at least seven datum surfaces (x1; y1, y2, y3; z1, z2, z3) provided on the head, wherein five of the seven datum surfaces are provided for alignment in both vertical and horizontal mounting modes, and wherein a sixth datum surface (z3) is provided for alignment exclusively in said horizontal mounting mode and a seventh datum surface (y3) is provided for alignment exclusively in said vertical mounting mode.

Abstract: The present invention provides a coating material that can improve gravure printing characteristics of the printing surface of a printing substrate to favorably transfer an ink fed in the cell of a gravure printing roll to the printing surface of the printing substrate, thereby achieving the beautiful gravure printing. The coating material of the present invention is a coating material for forming a surface layer serving as a printing surface on a printing substrate to which gravure printing is to be applied, and the coating material is characterized by including a pigment including an inorganic particulate and a skin layer that is formed on a surface of the inorganic particulate and includes an organic compound.

Abstract: A multilayered optical security device has a resonant waveguide grating (RWG) layer on an under layer having a hologram. The RWG layer has plural RWGs for generating one or more patterns. Each RWG has first and second RWG portions, with diffraction gratings of different grating periods, for light coupling-in and coupling-out, respectively. Using the RWGs minimizes interference to a holographic image generated by the under layer. This advantage is especially useful when the holographic image carries digital data such as in digital holographic encryption where an encrypted hologram is used in the under layer. The digital data may contain biometric information such as a fingerprint. In each RWG portion of an individual RWG, scattering elements in a grating are curved to thereby enhance an angular tolerance in azimuthal angle during observing the patterns by an observer while the individual RWG is still selective in elevation angle.

Abstract: A filer is disclosed which has front panel and rear panel defining a storage compartment therebetween, the storage compartment having a width. The filer includes a cover coupled to the rear panel and releasably attachable to the front panel to generally cover or seal the storage compartment. A distal portion of the cover has a width that is about equal to or smaller than the width of the storage compartment to allow the distal portion of the front cover to be received in the storage compartment.

Abstract: An article comprising natural stone and method for forming the article are provided. A counter-relief is formed at a back of the natural stone. A light-transmitting reinforcing material is bonded to the back of the natural stone at the counter-relief to reinforce the natural stone at the counter-relief. A front of the natural stone is carved to form a relief at the front. The relief is positioned opposite to the counter-relief. The thickness of the natural stone between the relief and the counter-relief is reduced by the carving to allow light to transmit through the natural stone from the back to the front to illuminate the relief.

Abstract: An artistic magnetic or hook and loop backdrop is disclosed which hangs over an artist's easel for display which makes it easier to cleanup! It works differently than other products on the market because it is a light matted-art magnetic display, as opposed to a heavier cloth canvas. Additionally, this product allows for two interior LED strip lights to be placed on the backdrop so that the display tent can be illuminated without the use of bulky lighting. The artist does not need to stack the canvas in bins or boxes with the Artwork Magnetic Backdrop and can instead roll the backdrop up for easy portability. Ideally, there will be small pockets in the backdrop to store magnets so that the artist can easily access them before hanging new projects. Additionally, this product has been used to hang light weight 8×10?, 11×14?, and 20×24? artwork through windy outdoor shows.

Abstract: A wheel for a vehicle, in particular a motorcycle or a motor scooter includes a hub region which has at least some portions made of a fiber-reinforced plastic material. The hub region includes a recess in which an insert for connecting the wheel to a vehicle axle is placed. An isolation element which galvanically isolates the insert from the hub region is arranged between the hub region and the insert.

Abstract: An adjustable portal box assembly for selectively mounting a wheel to an off road vehicle in either of two positions. The assembly includes a mounting plate mountable to the suspension of an off road vehicle, and a portal box is mountable to the mounting plate. The portal box includes an input shaft opening for an input shaft, and an output opening for an output shaft. The portal box is mountable to the mounting plate in a first position in which the output shaft is positioned to extend the wheelbase relative to the input shaft, or in a second position in which the output shaft is positioned in vertical alignment with the input shaft.

Abstract: A bias tire includes two or more carcass layers, at least one belt disposed outward from the carcass layers in a tire radial direction, a reinforcing rubber layer disposed between carcass plies included in a carcass layer of the carcass layers. A belt width of a widest belt with the widest width of the belts is 110% or more and 150% or less of a tread developed width, and a position of an upper end portion of the reinforcing rubber layer located outward in the tire radial direction is apart 3 mm or more from an end portion of the widest belt.

Abstract: A tire has a sub-layer (7) made up substantially of a first base layer (71) disposed radially on the crown reinforcement (5) and axially between the median plane (CP) and a transition edge (711), the transition edge (711) being situated axially between the median plane (CP) and a shoulder (60), said first base layer (71) being made up of a rubber compound of given stiffness A, a second base layer (72) disposed radially on the crown reinforcement (5) and axially between the transition edge (711) and a shoulder end (721), said second base layer (72) being made up of a rubber compound of given stiffness B, a covering layer (73) disposed radially on the first base layer (71) and on the second base layer (72) and radially on the inside of the tread (6) and axially at least in sections situated between the median plane (CP) and the shoulder end (721), said covering layer (73) being made up of a rubber compound of given stiffness C, the stiffness B being less than the stiffness A, which is less than the stiffness C,