Abstract: There are provided a liquid jet head and so on capable of ensuring the ejection stability of the liquid even when jetting the liquid high in viscosity irrespective of the structure of the liquid jet head. The liquid jet head according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a plurality of nozzles, an actuator having a plurality of pressure chambers, and a drive section for applying a drive signal to the actuator. The plurality of pulses in the drive signal include at least one first pulse configured to expand the volume of the pressure chamber, and at least one second pulse configured to contract the volume of the pressure chamber, and the pressure in the pressure chamber changes with time including a plurality of extremal values in one cycle.

Abstract: A plurality of head chips including: a nozzle plate having a plurality of nozzles configured to eject a liquid in a first direction, and a case having one or more first flow paths communicating with at least a part of the plurality of nozzles; a holder to which the plurality of head chips are fixed, which includes metal or ceramics, and which has a plurality of second flow paths communicating with at least one of the plurality of first flow paths; and a heater configured to heat the holder.

Abstract: There is provide a liquid discharge head including: a supply manifold; a feedback manifold; and a plurality of individual flow channels having: a supply portion, a descender portion, and a feedback portion. The supply manifold has a plurality of supply ports, and the feedback manifold has a plurality of feedback ports. At least part of the supply manifold overlaps with the feedback manifold in the second direction. The plurality of pressure chambers have first pressure chambers forming a first pressure chamber array and second pressure chambers forming a second pressure chamber array. The first pressure chamber array is arranged at one side, of the supply manifold, in a third direction and the second pressure chamber array is arranged at the other side, of the supply manifold, in the third direction. The first pressure chamber array and the second pressure chamber array are connected to the supply manifold.

Abstract: There is provided a head system including a head; a supply channel; and a discharge channel. The head has four groups each including a manifold extending in a first direction. The four groups include a first to fourth groups arranged in a second direction intersecting the first direction. The supply channel is connected to the one end of the manifold included in each of two groups and is connected to the opposite end of the manifold included in each of remaining two groups, the two groups constituting a group A and the remaining two groups constituting a group B. The discharge channel is connected to the opposite end of the manifold included in each of the two groups constituting the group A and is connected to the one end of the manifold included in each of the two groups constituting the group B.

Abstract: A liquid ejection head, including: a first head unit; a second head unit shifted with respect to the first head unit in both of a first direction in which nozzles of the head units are arranged and a second direction orthogonal to the first direction and disposed so as to overlap the first head unit in the second direction; and a first wiring member having flexibility and drawn from the second head unit in the second direction toward the first head unit, wherein the first wiring member includes a large-width portion on which a drive circuit is mounted and a small-width portion having a width in the first direction smaller than a width of the large-width portion in the first direction, and wherein the small-width portion passes through a space existing next to the first head unit in the first direction and extends in the second direction.

Abstract: A piezoelectric device includes a diaphragm, a piezoelectric actuator, and an orientation layer between the diaphragm and the piezoelectric layer. The piezoelectric actuator has a first electrode, a piezoelectric layer, and a second electrode, with the first electrode, a piezoelectric layer, and a second electrode on the diaphragm. The orientation layer is a stack of two or more tiers.

Abstract: A method of operating a printer supplies an ink solvent or mixture of ink solvents to porous members positioned adjacent printheads. The ink solvent or solvent mixture evaporates from the porous members to provide a solvent vapor environment in the vicinity of the nozzle plates of the printheads. The solvent vapor environment attenuates the evaporation of ink solvent from ink drops on the nozzle plates or from the ink in the nozzles of the printheads. Thus, the ink on the nozzle plates and in the nozzles does not dry out and the operational status of the inkjets is preserved.

Abstract: A printing apparatus includes: a flushing determination unit, and a storage unit, wherein the flushing determination unit is configured to: calculate a temporary return position, a temporary reciprocating movement time that is necessary when the carriage is returned at the temporary return position, and a threshold value that is a longest non-ejection time during which printing can be performed in a stable manner at an environmental temperature measured by a thermometer, based on print data to be printed in reciprocating movement of the carriage; and determine whether the temporary reciprocating movement time exceeds the threshold value, wherein when the temporary reciprocating movement time exceeds the threshold value, the flushing determination unit sets a position at which the one reciprocating movement time becomes longer than the temporary reciprocating movement time as a return position in the reciprocating movement, and determines to perform the flushing in a return path.

Abstract: An ink-jet printer includes: a base material transport mechanism for transporting a base material along a transport path in a transport direction; an ink ejection head having a lower surface opposed to the transport path, and an ink ejection port for ejecting ink toward the transport path; and a base plate having a lower surface opposed to the transport path over the transport path, and a mounting hole open in the lower surface, the ink ejection head being mounted in the mounting hole. The base plate includes an air flow hole that is a though hole penetrating through the base plate. The air flow hole has an air outlet open in a location downstream of the ink ejection port in the lower surface. Air passing through the air flow hole is ejected from the air outlet toward the transport path.

Abstract: A liquid ejection head includes a print element substrate including multiple ejection openings, pressure chambers, a common flow path, and pumps, the pumps being configured to circulate liquid between the common flow path and the pressure chamber; and a flow path member laminated to the print element substrate. The flow path member includes a supply flow path and a collection flow path, the supply flow path being configured to supply liquid to the print element substrate, and the collection flow path being configured to collect liquid that is not ejected. The supply flow path and the collection flow path have liquid connection with the same common flow path. A circulating pump generates a flow of liquid flowing in an order of the supply flow path, the common flow path, and the collection flow path, the circulating pump being provided at a position different from the print element substrate.

Abstract: A fluid interconnect system including a mating component having an inlet port and a liquid outlet, the inlet port configured to support an interconnector and the liquid outlet configured to engage with a print cartridge so that liquid flows from a liquid source, through the interconnector and the inlet port, and out of the liquid outlet into the print cartridge.

Abstract: A cartridge includes a cartridge side terminal electrically coupled to a device side terminal, a liquid supply portion that is coupled to a liquid introduction portion and that makes a liquid flow to the liquid introduction portion, a terminal positioning portion that performs positioning by receiving a device side terminal positioning portion to regulate movement of the cartridge side terminal with respect to the device side terminal, and a supply portion positioning portion that performs positioning by receiving a device side supply portion positioning portion to regulate movement of the liquid supply portion with respect to the liquid introduction portion. A first direction is a direction intersecting a second direction, the first direction being a direction in which the terminal positioning portion extends, the second direction being a direction in which the supply portion positioning portion extends.

Abstract: There is provided a liquid ejecting head which is long in a first direction and short in a second direction, including: a first introduction section; a second introduction section; a first filter chamber group having a first filter chamber and a second filter chamber; a second filter chamber group having a third filter chamber and a fourth filter chamber; a first supply flow path for supplying the liquid from the first introduction section to the first filter chamber group; and a second supply flow path for supplying the liquid from the second introduction section to the second filter chamber group, in which the first introduction section, the second introduction section, the first filter chamber group, and the second filter chamber group are arranged side by side in this order in the first direction.

Abstract: A liquid ejecting apparatus includes: a liquid ejecting portion; a liquid storage portion; a filter chamber including an upstream chamber and a downstream chamber divided by a filter; a supply path; a discharge path; an opening/closing valve opening/closing the discharge path; and a pump pressurizing the ink in order to make the ink flow from the liquid storage portion to the upstream chamber, wherein a filling operation of filling the upstream chamber with the ink by driving the pump so that the ink does not pass through the filter in a state in which the opening/closing valve is opened, and then closing the opening/closing valve while the ink is flowing from the liquid storage portion toward the supply path, the upstream chamber, and the discharge path by the driving of the pump is performed.

Abstract: A liquid supply device includes a first conduit, a second conduit, one or more pumps, a heater, a filter, and a bypass conduit. The first conduit is connected to an upstream side of a liquid discharge head. The second conduit is connected to a downstream side of the liquid discharge head. The liquid is supplied through the first conduit to the liquid discharge head and recovered from the liquid discharge head through the second conduit. The heater is provided along the first conduit. The filter is provided in the first conduit on a downstream side of the heater. The bypass conduit is connected between a portion of the first conduit upstream with respect to the filter and a portion of the second conduit.

Abstract: A liquid ejecting apparatus includes a liquid ejection head that ejects a liquid, a supply flow path that supplies the liquid from a liquid containing portion, which is replaceable and contains the liquid, to the liquid ejection head, a liquid feeding portion that is provided in the supply flow path and is configured to suck the liquid from the liquid containing portion and to feed the liquid to the liquid ejection head, and a control unit that controls driving of the liquid feeding portion. The control unit changes driving control of the liquid feeding portion in accordance with a remaining amount of the liquid in the liquid containing portion.

Abstract: A printing apparatus includes an ink tank and a flow channel member. The tank includes an ink chamber that stores ink, an injection port through which the ink is injected into the chamber, and a first shape portion formed near the injection port. The flow channel member is configured to be disposed inside the injection port and form a channel through which the ink is injected into the chamber. The ink is injected to the chamber from an ink supply container which includes a second shape portion formed near an outlet port of the container and configured to engage the first shape portion. The flow channel member is displaceable in a direction intersecting an inserting direction of inserting the outlet port into the injection port. The container is fixed to the tank by engagement between the first and second shape portions.

Abstract: Method of printing fluid on a printable surface of a substrate. A print head ejects fluid in a continuous stream. The print head that includes a micro-structural fluid ejector, which consists of output, elongate input, and tapering portions between the output and the elongate input portions. The output consists of an exit orifice of an inner diameter ranging between 0.1 ?m and 5 ?m and an end face having a surface roughness of less than 0.1 ?m. The print head is positioned above the substrate with the output of the micro-structural fluid ejector pointing downward. During printing, the print head positioning system maintains a vertical distance between the end face and the printable surface of the substrate within a range of 0 ?m to 5 ?m, and the pneumatic system applies pressure to the fluid in the micro-structural fluid ejector in the range of ?50,000 Pa to 1,000,000 Pa.

Abstract: A head unit includes a common flow path, one or more recording heads, and a joint mechanism. The common flow path includes a liquid supply path through which one or more types of liquid including ink pass. The recording head is attachable to and detachable from the common flow path and has nozzles that discharge ink. The joint mechanism connects the liquid supply path and the liquid supply port of the recording head. The joint mechanism includes a first on-off valve and a coupling member. The first on-off valve is fixed to the common flow path and opens/closes the liquid supply path. The coupling member couples the first on-off valve and the liquid supply port. The coupling member is movable between a coupling position where the coupling member is coupled to the first on-off valve and a retracted position where the coupling member is retracted from the coupling position.

Abstract: According to one or more embodiments, a motor driving device includes a first substrate, a motor drive circuit, a first temperature sensor, a second temperature sensor, and a controller. The first substrate is connected to a motor via a first wiring. The motor drive circuit is provided on the first substrate. The first temperature sensor is provided on the first substrate and detects a first temperature of the motor drive circuit. The second temperature sensor detects a second temperature of an ambient environment where the motor is being used. The controller controls the motor drive circuit based on the first temperature from the first temperature sensor and the second temperature from the second temperature sensor.

Abstract: Fluid printing apparatus including substrate, print head, pneumatic system, and print head positioning system. The print head ejects fluid in a continuous stream with a micro-structural fluid ejector consisting of output, elongate input, and tapering portions between the output and elongate input portions. The output portion consists of an exit orifice of an inner diameter ranging between 0.1 ?m and 5 ?m and an end face having a surface roughness of less than 0.1 ?m. The print head is positioned above the substrate with the output portion of the micro-structural fluid ejector pointing downward. During printing, the print head positioning system maintains a vertical distance between the end face and the printable surface of the substrate within a range of 0 ?m to 5 ?m, and the pneumatic system applies pressure to the fluid in the micro-structural fluid ejector in the range of ?50,000 Pa to 1,000,000 Pa.

Abstract: A printing machine for printing fabrics on a rotary drum, comprises one or more drums rotatable about a drum axis, that receive tubes of fabric thereon, and a print head placed in proximity to the drum, to print onto the fabric fitted onto the drum. The print head comprises multiple printing nozzles or linear arrays of printing nozzles which are aligned linearly along the axial direction of the drum, which are all at a predefined printing distance from the drum surface or the fabric surface. Also, a rotary drum for a textile printer comprises a groove extending along the length of the drum, and a catch mechanism built into the groove for catching on to a garment or backing for a garment as the drum rotates. The rotation of the drum pulls the caught edge and wraps the garment around the drum ready for rotary drum printing.

Abstract: A digital print head, a digital printing machine having the head, and a method for digital printing on substrates using the head, the digital print head having an ejector for ejecting a product onto the substrate; a drying element for acting on the product ejected onto the substrate such that it is dried; and shielding element to prevent the ejected product from directly reaching the drying element by spray. Likewise, the drying element is located with respect to the ejector in such a way that when the product is ejected it may be subjected to the drying that may be provided by the drying element.

Abstract: An image forming device with a collapsible paper guide is provided. The image forming device includes a casing, a first tray structure and a paper guide. A medium gateway opening is formed on the casing. The first tray structure is disposed on the casing and adjacent to the medium gateway opening. The paper guide includes a first base disposed on the first tray structure and a first guiding component pivotally connected to the first base. The paper guide is switchable relative to the first tray structure between a used position and a stored position. A first included angle included between the first guiding component and the first base is less than 90 degrees when the paper guide is located at the used position, so that the first guiding component can be interfered and driven to pivotally fold for preventing the paper guide from being broken or damaged.

Abstract: A recording apparatus includes a recording head, an ink tank that is disposed above the recording head, a carriage on which the recording head and the ink tank are mounted, a scanner unit that is attached to the upper portion of the casing via a pivot shaft so as to pivot with respect to the casing and that reads a document placed on the document table, and a panel unit in which the scanner unit is attached to an end portion disposed on the opposite side to the pivot shaft and is configured to tilt between a first orientation and a second orientation closer to the document table than the first orientation, and by pivoting the scanner unit with respect to the casing to expose the ink tank, ink is injected from the refill container into the ink tank and the remaining amount of liquid is viewed.

Abstract: There is provided an ink-jet recording apparatus, including: a casing which is box-shaped, and which has an internal space; a recording head arranged in the internal space, and configured to jet ink droplets; a carriage which is movable, and is arranged in the internal space, and on which the recording head is mounted; and a dust-proof portion arranged between a movable space and an exterior of the casing, the movable space being a space, in the internal space, in which the carriage is movable.

Abstract: A media processing device includes: a body defining a media supply chamber and carrying a print head; a cover carrying a platen roller, the cover having an open position enabling access to the chamber, and a closed position enclosing the chamber, and cooperating with the body to define a media path extending from the chamber, between the print head and the platen roller, to a media outlet; a target conductor affixed to one of the body and the cover; and an inductive proximity sensor affixed to the other of the body and the cover, disposed to detect the target conductor when the cover is closed.

Abstract: An inkjet recording apparatus includes an ink tank, a recording head, a monitor, an operation panel, and a controller. The ink tank forms an ink chamber and including an injection inlet. The recording head ejects ink from the ink chamber to record an image on a sheet. The operation panel receives user input. The controller controls operation of the recording head, the monitor, and the operation panel. The controller performs receiving a completion signal indicating completion of ink injection, decision processing deciding whether an initial processing has been completed, and inquiry processing based on receipt of the completion signal.

Abstract: A pretreatment device includes a platen, a guide that guide a conveyance of the platen from a set position at which a recorded medium is set on an upper surface of the platen, a spray that sprays a pretreatment agent onto the recording medium set on the upper surface of the platen, an input portion into which is input at least one of an application range of the pretreatment agent onto the recording medium and an application amount of the pretreatment agent, a processor; and a memory storing computer-readable instructions. The computer-readable instructions also includes setting, on the basis of at least one of the application range and the application amount input into the input portion, at least one of a conveyance speed of the platen and a spray duty ratio that is a ratio of a spray time during a spray period of the pretreatment agent.

Abstract: Disclosed is a recording method including attaching a reaction solution which forms a recording region S1 by attaching a reaction solution which includes an aggregating agent which is able to aggregate components of a color ink composition to a target recording medium with an attachment amount of 100 nmol/inch2 to 1500 nmol/inch2 of the aggregating agent, and attaching a color ink composition which forms a recording region S2 by attaching the color ink composition which includes a coloring material and a resin to the recording region S1 within 30 seconds of attaching the reaction solution.

Abstract: Software and lasers are used in finishing apparel to produce a desired wear pattern or other design. A technique includes determining a fabric's response to a laser, capturing an initial image of a wear pattern on a garment, and processing the initial image to obtain a working image in grayscale. The working image is further processed to obtain a difference image by comparing each pixel relative to a dark reference. The difference image is converted to a laser values image by using the previously determined fabric response to the laser.

Abstract: A layout tool is provided for use in marking a work piece to be cut. The layout tool includes a generally flat body having an even surface, a linear edge, locating indicia adjacent the linear edge, and a gripper attached to the flat body. The gripper is movable from an initial position. In the initial position, the gripper is generally aligned with the even surface of the flat body. The gripper can be moved toward the work piece from the initial position to engage the work piece when the flat body overlies the work piece.

Abstract: A multi-lobed wheel adapted to be mounted to an agricultural platform for traversal of an agricultural field generally traverse to adjacent rows of planted crops without crushing the individual plants. The multi-lobed wheel having a wheel hub including a central axis on which the multi-lobed wheel is configured to rotate and a plurality of spaced apart lobes defining an outer perimeter configured to make ground engaging contact with the agricultural field, the outer perimeter including structure presenting a plurality of gaps between the plurality of spaced apart lobes, the gaps shaped and sized to provide sufficient clearance for individual plants within a planted crop row so as to enable the multi-lobed wheel to pass over a planted crop row without crushing the individual plants therein.

Abstract: A wheel rim structure includes an integral frame body. The frame body has two side walls, a bottom wall, and a connecting rib. The bottom wall is integrally connected between bottom edges of the two side walls. The connecting rib is integrally connected between the two side walls and has a predetermined distance from the bottom wall. Inner wall surfaces of the side walls, the bottom wall and the connecting rib are formed with a plurality of crests arranged at intervals and a plurality of troughs each connected between every adjacent two of the crests. Outer wall surfaces of the side walls and the bottom wall are formed with a plurality of crests arranged at intervals and a plurality of troughs each connected between every adjacent two of the crests. The crests and the troughs form a continuous corrugated surface, which can withstand greater stress without causing surface wrinkles.

Abstract: A wheel hub assembly includes inner and outer hubs rotatably coupled by first and second ballsets of rollers. A plurality of sensors for sensing strain within the outer hub generated by the ballsets are disposed on exterior mounting surface sections. These surface sections are located at radial spacing distances within empirically derived radial boundaries to prevent interference from one ballset affecting the measurements taken by sensors monitoring the other ballset. To prevent excessive distortion of strain measurements taken through the outer hub, a certain amount of hub material is required to smooth signals generated by the first and second rollers passing proximal to each sensor, thus affecting the radial location of the mounting surfaces. Further, the sensor mounting surface sections are also located within empirically derived axial boundaries determined to enable each sensor to sense strain from one ballset while avoiding the detection of strain generated by the other ballset.

Abstract: A unitized wheelend is provided. The unitized wheelend includes a hub having an inboard side bounded by an oil seal and an outboard side bounded by a retainer releasably coupled to the hub. The unitized wheelend assembly includes an inboard bearing assembly, a spacer, an outboard bearing assembly, and a spindle nut assembly.

Abstract: A bicycle hub includes an axle, a main body, a freehub body, and a clutch, which are engaged with the axle, wherein the clutch includes a first ratchet and a second ratchet. The first ratchet and the second ratchet are respectively engaged with the main body and the freehub body. The first ratchet has a first engaging surface, and the second ratchet has a second engaging surface facing the first engaging surface. The bicycle hub is characterized in that a minimum of number of first ratchet teeth on the first engaging surface is seventy-two, and a number of the second ratchet teeth on the second engaging surface is lesser than the number of first ratchet teeth. With such design, when the first ratchet is meshed with the second ratchet, the freehub body could stably drive the main body, and a total weight of the bicycle hub could be decreased.

Abstract: A wheel/foot assembly for a sign display stand or other object includes a cradle partially enclosing an optional wheel. The assembly is releasably attachable to a leg for a sign display stand, protects the leg and can be easily replaced if worn. The assembly protects wear on the stand and permits the sign display stand to be wheeled, rather than dragged or carried. Because the assembly is releasably attached, it can be replaced easily if damaged or worn.

Abstract: An anti-tilt device for a caster that includes a wheel, rotatably mounted in a frame, for rotation about a rotation axis. The anti-tilt device, comprising first and second face plates; first and second flanges extending from opposing edges of said first plate, each of the first and second flanges wrapping beside the first face plate; first and second flanges extending from opposing edges of said second face plate, each of the first and second flange extending beside the first face plate, to prevent rotation of the first and second face plates when mounted to the caster frame; first and second legs extending from the first second face plates, respectively; and a bar, extending between the first and second legs across a tread face of said caster wheel when mounted to said frame, at a defined angle of the tread face, as measured from a vertical axis extending through said rotation axis, when said caster is level. Each of said first and second legs includes a defined bend to place said bar at said defined angle.

Abstract: A tire includes a block 30. The block 30 includes a land 36b, a transverse groove 48b, a longitudinal groove 50b, and a side surface 38b. The land 36b is flat. The transverse groove 48b is recessed from the land 36b. The transverse groove 48b has inner and outer ends 52 and 54 in an axial direction of the tire. The inner end 52 of the transverse groove 48b is open on the side surface 38b. The outer end 54 of the transverse groove 48b is not open on the side surface 38b. The transverse groove 48b is localized in the inner region of the block 30 in the axial direction.

Abstract: A shoe for analyzing a component is provided. The shoe includes a housing, a NDT probe disposed on a side of the housing, and a shoe interface. The shoe interface is disposed at the side of the housing and contacts the component during the analyzing of the component. The shoe interface separates the NDT probe from the component during the analyzing of the component and moves along the component during the analyzing of the component. The shoe also includes first and second wear indicators. The first wear indicator indicates that the shoe interface is usable during the analyzing of the component. The second wear indicator indicates that the shoe interface should be replaced. Both of the wear indicators are configured similar to the shoe interface and move along the component while the shoe analyzes the component.

Abstract: Provided is a tire including: a decorative portion that is formed on an outer surface of the tire and has a base surface; and a pattern region that is provided at the decorative portion and includes plural projections projecting from the base surface and formed at an interval of from more than 0.1 mm to 1.0 mm, the plural projections having a height of from 0.1 mm to 1.0 mm, in which at least in the pattern region, the plurality of projections is inclined in one direction with respect to a normal line perpendicular to the base surface.

Abstract: A heavy truck tire is provided that includes a tread and a casing. The casing has a bead with a bead core having padding gum and a rod with a perimeter. A contention armature surrounds the bead core and has an overlap, a majority of which is located outward in the radial direction from the rod. The padding gum is arranged in relation to the rod such that an outer area, inner area, and an axially outer area of the padding gum have areas that are greater than or equal to 20% of the area of the perimeter of the rod. An axially inner area of the padding gum is greater than or equal to 10% of the area of the perimeter of the rod.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a center differential device and an air pressure controller. The center differential device includes a first output shaft coupled to front wheels and a second output shaft coupled to rear wheels. The center differential device is configured to perform differential operation between the first output shaft and the second output shaft and to limit the differential operation between the first output shaft and the second output shaft. The air pressure controller is configured to control air pressure of one or more tires of the front wheels and the rear wheels such that an average rotational speed of the front wheels and an average rotational speed of the rear wheels are equal to each other.

Abstract: The vehicle tire inflation system comprises an air jacket and an air hose. The air jacket may reside within a wheel of a vehicle and may be mounted to the inside of a rim of the wheel. The air jacket may determine that a tire of the wheel has at least partially deflated by sensing that tire pressure within the wheel has dropped below a first pressure threshold. The air jacket may release compressed air within the wheel until the air jacket senses that the tire pressure has reached a second pressure threshold such that the tire may be reinflated. The air hose may be configured to couple the air jacket to a tire pressure monitoring system such that the air jacket has access to an external air supply located outside of the wheel via the tire pressure monitoring system.

Abstract: Disclosed embodiments include apparatuses, systems, and methods for providing a sound indicative of a pressure of a tire relative to a target pressure. A target pressure specifier is configured to specify a target pressure for a tire and generate a target pressure signal indicative of the target pressure. A pressure monitor is configured to receive the target pressure signal, a current pressure signal indicative of a current pressure of the tire, and an indicator of a deliberate change in the current pressure and compare the current pressure signal with the target pressure signal responsive to the indicator. A status signal is generated indicative of a status of the current pressure signal relative to the target pressure signal. An audio generator is configured to receive the status signal and to generate a sound audible outside of the passenger compartment of the vehicle that is indicative of the status signal.

Abstract: Methods, apparatuses, systems, and computer program products for configuring a tire monitoring system are disclosed. In a particular embodiment, configuring a tire monitoring system includes determining a model identifier for a tire; identifying, in a database, one or more stiffness coefficients corresponding to the model identifier of the tire; and transmitting the one or more stiffness coefficients to a component of the tire monitoring system.

Abstract: A tire monitoring system may include first and second sensor elements, a circuit board, and a housing. The circuit board includes control circuitry coupled with at least one of the first and second sensor elements, wherein the control circuitry is configured to generate tire tread information based on an electrical response of at least one of the first and second sensor elements. The housing includes a housing material that surrounds the circuit board in a direction parallel with respect to a surface of the circuit board. Related methods are also discussed.

Abstract: A tire change tool comprising a generally circular and planar faceplate having a hub side and a user side, the hub side and user side being generally parallel; an upper elbow flexibly connected to the faceplate by an interface; an arm connected to the upper elbow at a first end, and connected to a lower elbow at a lower end; and a footplate flexibly connected to the lower end of the arm by the lower elbow, wherein the faceplate and the interface comprise co-aligned apertures, the co-aligned apertures having an axis perpendicular to the plane of the faceplate. A length adjustment mechanism may be incorporated into the arm and adapted to permit the arm's length to be changed. The arm may include an upper section and a lower section adjustable connected by an adjustment mechanism adapted to permit the arm's length to be changed.

Abstract: A bicycle tire repair device has a main body which has a first end forming a working end useful for repairing and fluidly connecting with a tire to be repaired and a second end forming an air inlet end useful for connecting with an object that outputs air. The main body defines a channel between the first and the second ends for allowing the air from the object to flow to the second end. The first end includes a tire repair needle connected therewith.