Abstract: The present invention relates to a spar cap for a wind turbine blade comprising a plurality of pre-cured fibre-reinforced elements and a plurality of interlayers. The plurality of pre-cured fibre-reinforced elements include a first pre-cured fibre-reinforced element and a second pre-cured fibre-reinforced element and the plurality of interlayers include a first interlayer comprising a first plurality of fibres embedded in a first cured resin. The first interlayer is being arranged between the first pre-cured fibre-reinforced element and the second pre-cured fibre-reinforced element. The first plurality of fibres have a first elastic modulus, the first cured resin has a second elastic modulus, the first and/or second pre-cured fibre-reinforced elements have a third elastic modulus, and the first interlayer has a fourth elastic modulus.

Abstract: A semi-finished product, to a laid scrim including the semi-finished product, to a component including the laid scrim, and to their production and use for producing a fire protection panel.

Abstract: A charge is formed of a plurality of layers of fiber-reinforced sheets. The charge includes an outermost-layer multi-stack member disposed at each end section in a layering direction; and an intermediate-layer multi-stack member disposed in an intermediate section in the layering direction. The outermost-layer multi-stack member includes a fiber-reinforced sheet in which fibers extend in an X-axis direction in which compression force or tensile force acts when the charge is subjected to bending processing; and has formed therein a plurality of incisions that penetrate in the layering direction and extend in a Y-axis direction. The plurality of incisions are disposed side by side at prescribed intervals in the Y-axis direction and the X-axis direction. An incision that penetrates in the layering direction and extends in the Y-axis direction is formed in the intermediate-layer multi-stack member. The incision extends roughly the entire region affected by compression force or tensile force.

Abstract: A liquid-absorbing, liquid barrier bag comprising a liquid-permeable envelope within which a super-absorbent material in powder or granular form is disposed, the absorbent material being characterized in that it greatly increases in volume upon liquid absorption. The super-absorbent material is adhered to one or more of the inner surfaces of the liquid-permeable envelope such that the desired distribution and pattern is maintained during handling, shipping and activation of the liquid-absorbing. Upon contact with liquid, such as by soaking the bag in water, the super-absorbent material releases from the inner surfaces and swells to create a three-dimensional body suitable for stacking to form a liquid-impermeable barrier wall.

Abstract: A sensor for measuring a temperature change amount. The sensor includes a first composite material layer including a polymer having a volume changing according to a temperature change amount; an electrode layer provided on one side of the first composite material layer and capable of representing the temperature change amount as a resistance change amount; and a second composite material layer at least partially provided on the upper side of the first composite material layer and containing polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) and at least one of carbon nanotubes (CNT), boron nitride nanotubes (BNNT), and graphene or containing a thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) so that the temperature change occurring on one side thereof is transferred to the other side thereof.

Abstract: A multilayer magnetic sheet comprises laminate substrates each comprising two or more stacked layers of band-shaped magnetic ribbons. The laminate substrates are arranged side by side in a plate shape in a direction in which long sides of the laminate substrates are adjacent to each other and short sides of the laminate substrates extend. The plate shapes each provided by the laminate substrates arranged side by side are stacked in a thickness direction of the laminate substrate. Ten or more layers of the magnetic ribbons are stacked in total. Positions of the long sides of the laminate substrates adjacent to each other in a direction in which the laminate substrates are stacked are different and separated from each other by 0.5 mm or more in the direction in which the short sides extend.

Abstract: The present application discloses a method for preparing an electrochromic device. The method includes placing an edge protection material on a first and second substrates, placing a first and second interlayers respectively within the edge protection material on the first and second substrates, wherein the edge protection material surrounds edges of the first and second interlayers, and interposing an electrochromic film between the first and second interlayers. The edge protection material prevents chemicals in the first and second interlayers from entering into the electrochromic film.

Abstract: In addition to providing for vision and protection from the external elements, various other features, such as lighting, cameras, sensors and displays have been integrated within automotive glazings Some of these require a laminate with an offset between the edges of at least two of the glass layers to accommodate components and/or connectors. When the edge of one glass layer is offset, such that it is no longer substantially captured by the mounting means used to install the glazing in the vehicle, the mechanical strength is reduced. To compensate, the remaining layer must be made stronger, usually by increasing the thickness. Even when compensated, the security of the glazing remains compromised as the smaller glass layer is not directly connected to the vehicle. If the larger glass layer should break, the opening may be left unprotected. By providing an innovative integrated reinforcement in the offset portion, a secure, stronger and lighter laminate can be obtained.

Abstract: A window module, in particular a fixed transparent window module, for being fitted on a vehicle body which has a body frame, which at least partially defines a roof opening and on which a peripheral supporting receptacle for receiving the window module is formed, having at least one at least partially transparent window, which has an outer surface facing a vehicle environment and an inner surface opposite the outer surface and facing a vehicle interior, wherein at least one plastic structure, which is at least configured as a burn protection for at least one vehicle occupant, is disposed on the to inner surface.

Abstract: A decorative panel including a substrate material and decorative top layer, wherein the decorative top layer includes at least one timber layer, wherein the timber layer is a compressed timber layer with a permanent increased density as compared to an original timber layer, wherein the decorative panel is a square or rectangular floor panel which, at, at least one pair of opposite edges, or at both pairs, includes mechanical coupling allowing to couple two of such floor panels to each other such that a locking is created in a vertical direction perpendicular to a plane of the coupled panels, as well as in a horizontal direction perpendicular to a coupled edge and in the plane of the coupled panels, the mechanical coupling being in the substrate material.

Abstract: An aesthetically-enhanced structure is formed by fusing a translucent layer with an aesthetic-enhancing layer. The translucent layer includes natural fibers impregnated by a thermoplastic. The translucent layer or the aesthetic-enhancing layer provide one or more aesthetic properties visible through the translucent layer, for example, a pattern, a color, a texture, a pigment, a dye, a design, an image or a relief.

Abstract: Provided are liners suitable for use in a bulk container. The liners can hold high temperature materials (e.g., materials reaching temperatures greater than 120° C.) and can comprise at least one ply including polyethylene. The liners can exhibit high dart impact and can provide a balance of stiffness, toughness, and seal strength. The at least one ply of the liner according to embodiments disclosed herein comprises a first layer, a tie layer, and a second layer, wherein the tie layer is disposed between the first layer and the second layer. In further embodiments, the at least one ply of the liner can include a second tie layer and a third layer, wherein the second tie layer is disposed between the first layer and the third layer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a multi-layer, preferably co-extruded, plastic film with improved modulus properties, which is suitable, in particular, for producing three-dimensionally shaped articles.

Abstract: Methods and means for producing a stretch film comprising a slip skin layer are provided. In one example embodiment, a stretch film having a slip skin layer is provided having a variable and scalable coefficient of friction. A stretch film comprising a cling layer and a slip skin layer is also provided, in which the cling layer further with includes a polyethylene-based elastomer blended into a low density polyethylene, and the slip skin layer includes an ultra-high molecular weight polysiloxane polymer. Consequently, the slip skin layer has a very low coefficient of friction while the cling layer retains a relatively high co-efficient of friction.

Abstract: A surfacing film is provided that includes a plurality of layers in the following order: an outer layer comprised of a reaction product of a two-part curable fluoropolyurethane composition including a polyisocyanate and at least one polyhydroxy-functional fluoropolymer, optionally a primer layer comprising a polyurethane; and a base layer. Advantageously, the surfacing films can display superior gloss, mechanical durability, chemical/stain resistance, easy cleaning performance, and weather aging stability compared with conventional surfacing films.

Abstract: A bonding step in a method of producing a bonded body includes a first bonding step of forming a sealing layer (4) by irradiating a sealing material (6) belonging to an inner group (IG) with a laser beam (L), and a second bonding step of forming a sealing layer (4) by irradiating a sealing material (6) belonging to an outer group (OG) with the laser beam (L) after the first bonding step.

Abstract: A cost-effective and resource-saving method for manufacturing a trim element, in particular a trim element which is used as a vehicle interior lining element. The trim element has a rear side reinforcement layer and a decorative surface. In the method according to the invention, a first layer is bonded in a first lamination step under pressure and heat to a first lamination and a second layer is bonded in a second lamination step under pressure and heat to a second lamination. The heat introduced in the second lamination step also acts in the first lamination and increases its bonding strength to the first layer.

Abstract: In a gravure plate for wiring printing on which a recessed portion defining a wiring pattern is formed on a plate surface, a projecting portion for reducing a volume of the recessed portion is formed on a bottom surface of the recessed portion. A contour of the projecting portion in cross section parallel to the plate surface has a semicircular arc shape, which protrudes toward one side in one direction that is parallel to the plate surface, on the one side. The recessed portion has a side wall that is composed of a plane orthogonal to the plate surface and faces the projecting portion at a distance of 15 ?m or less without coming into contact with the projecting portion. The contour of the projecting portion has a semicircular arc shape, which protrudes toward the side wall, also on a side closer to the side wall.

Abstract: A printing pad machine that can print a 360 degree image on a cylindrical object. That objective is achieved by modifying a conventional printing pad machine. The modifications include using a single angled print pad having a contact wall having a first height, a lower wall having a second height that is less than the first height, an angled surface interconnecting the contact wall's distal end and the lower wall's distal end, and a base wall interconnecting the contact wall's proximal end and the lower wall's proximal end and connectable to a base. Another modification includes a flexion-extension hinge positioned between the support member and the base or the support member and the overhead gantry and controlled by the adjustable and moveable actuator system and power source. That objective can be accomplished with the conventional printing pad machine using the single angled print pad.

Abstract: A non-transitory computer readable medium recorded with a program for controlling an external apparatus which has a memory and which is configured to communicate with a liquid ejecting apparatus is provided. The program allows a computer to acquire nozzle information from the liquid ejecting apparatus so that the nozzle information is stored in the memory. The program allows the computer to execute the nozzle information acquiring process at a first timing if the nozzle information, which is stored in the memory, fulfills a first condition, or the program allows the computer to execute the nozzle information acquiring process at a second timing having a frequency lower than that of the first timing if the nozzle information, which is stored in the memory, fulfills a second condition.

Abstract: A printing element board includes a plurality of memory modules each including a memory element and a driving circuit, a plurality of discharge modules, a control data supply unit configured to select one of a memory module and a discharge module from the plurality of memory modules and the plurality of discharge modules and perform drive control, and a logical product calculation unit configured to, when the memory module is selected, receive a first signal and a second signal output at the same timing, and supply a signal indicating a logical product of the first and second signals to the control data supply unit. When the signal indicating the logical product of the first and second signals is not supplied from the calculation unit, the supply unit does not perform drive control of the memory module.

Abstract: A liquid discharge apparatus includes a correction circuit that outputs a correction base drive signal obtained, a level shift circuit that outputs a level shift amplified modulation signal, and a demodulation circuit that outputs the drive signal by demodulating the level shift amplified modulation signal, the correction circuit outputs the correction base drive signal corrected by a first correction value, in a first mode in which the level shift circuit outputs the level shift amplified modulation signal having the reference potential of the amplified modulation signal as a first potential, and outputs the correction base drive signal corrected by a second correction value different from the first correction value, in a second mode in which the level shift circuit outputs the level shift amplified modulation signal obtained by level-shifting the reference potential of the amplified modulation signal to a second potential different from the first potential.

Abstract: A liquid discharge apparatus includes a liquid discharge head that includes a plurality of capacitive loads driven by being supplied with a drive signal and discharges a liquid by driving the plurality of capacitive loads, and a capacitive load drive circuit, in which the capacitive load drive circuit includes a correction circuit, a modulation circuit, an amplification circuit, a demodulation circuit, and a feedback circuit, and the correction circuit outputs the correction base drive signal corrected according to the number of drive capacitive loads driven by the drive signal among the plurality of capacitive loads.

Abstract: A liquid discharge device includes a discharge section that discharges a liquid, a storage section, a transmission electrode provided at a first surface, a reception electrode provided at a second surface, a drive circuit that drives the transmission electrode, and a detection circuit that receives a reception signal from the reception electrode. The storage section is configured to store the liquid between the first surface and the second surface. The detection circuit includes a peak detection circuit that detects a peak value of the reception signal, a discharge switch provided at an output of the peak detection circuit, and a detection signal output circuit. The detection signal output circuit outputs a detection signal for detecting a residual quantity of the liquid stored in the storage section based on the output of the peak detection circuit. The discharge switch is switched from on to off before a detection operation of the detection circuit.

Abstract: A die for a printhead is provided in examples. The die includes a number of fluidic actuator arrays. A data block is associated with each of the plurality of fluidic actuator arrays. The die includes an interface comprising a data pad and a clock pad, wherein a data bit value present at the data pad is loaded into a first data block corresponding to a first fluidic actuator array on a rising clock edge and loaded into a second data block corresponding to a second fluidic actuator array on a falling clock edge.

Abstract: A liquid discharge apparatus in which a level shift circuit executes, one or a plurality of times according to a voltage value of a capacitor included in a bootstrap circuit detected by a voltage detection circuit, a second control of outputting a third gate signal for controlling a third transistor to be non-conductive and a fourth gate signal for controlling a fourth transistor to be conductive, and then, outputting the third gate signal for controlling the third transistor to be conductive and the fourth gate signal for controlling the fourth transistor to be non-conductive.

Abstract: A liquid ejecting apparatus includes a supply section configured to selectively supply a first driving signal that drives a piezoelectric element to form an image or a second driving signal that drives the piezoelectric element to determine whether a foreign matter adheres to an inner wall of a nozzle opening, and a determination section that determines whether a foreign matter adheres to the inner wall. The second driving signal includes a first partial signal having its potential changed from a first potential to a second potential, and a second partial signal having its potential changed from the second potential to the first potential. The determination section determines, after the first partial signal is supplied to the piezoelectric element, based on vibration generated in the piezoelectric element due to supply of the second partial signal, whether a foreign matter adheres to the inner wall.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a liquid ejection head includes a nozzle plate, pressure chambers, actuators, and a drive circuit. The nozzle plate includes nozzles for ejecting liquid. The pressure chamber communicates with the nozzles. The actuator varies the volume of the pressure chamber according to a drive signal. The drive circuit generates the drive signal for driving the actuator. The ejection waveform in the drive signal includes an expansion potential difference changes that changes in stages and a contraction potential difference change that changes in stages. The drive circuit set the timing of the stages to cancel the vibration of an acoustic resonance frequency in a frequency range higher than a main acoustic resonance frequency of the liquid in the pressure chamber.

Abstract: A printer having: an ink nozzle; an extractor laterally spaced from the ink nozzle; a plurality of gas nozzles arranged around the ink nozzle; and three modes of operation, including an electrohydrodynamic mode, an aerodynamic mode, and a combined mode. The modes operate as follows: a voltage is applied across the ink nozzle and the extractor in the electrohydrodynamic mode; a jet of gas is discharged from each of the gas nozzles in the aerodynamic mode; and the voltage is applied and the jets of gas are discharged in the combined mode.

Abstract: A liquid ejection head for ejecting a liquid, includes a base plate extending along a first direction, an actuator unit on the plate and including first piezoelectric elements and one or more support elements arranged along the first direction, a flow path member on the actuator unit and including: pressure chambers each for storing the liquid and having volumes that can be changed by a corresponding one of the first piezoelectric elements, and one or more first openings at positions corresponding to the support elements, and a nozzle plate on the flow path member and including: nozzles through which the liquid in the corresponding pressure chambers are ejected in response to a change in the volume of the corresponding pressure chambers, and one or more second openings connected respectively to the first openings and through which the support elements corresponding to the first openings are visible.

Abstract: A liquid ejection head includes a plurality of nozzles arranged along a first direction of an ejection surface, a plurality of pressure chambers communicating with the plurality of individual nozzles and provided with actuators configured to apply, to a liquid, pressures for ejecting the liquid from the nozzles, a plurality of discrete flow paths communicating with the plurality of individual pressure chambers, a common flow path communicating with the plurality of individual discrete flow paths via discrete opening portions and extending in the first direction, and a damper mechanism disposed to face the common flow path in a direction crossing the ejection surface to absorb a pressure fluctuation in the liquid in the common flow path. The common flow path is provided with a partition wall disposed between the discrete opening portions adjacent in the first direction to extend in the direction crossing the ejection surface.

Abstract: A droplet discharge head includes: a nozzle configured to discharge a liquid as droplets; a pressure chamber defining substrate defining a pressure chamber communicating with the nozzle; a piezoelectric element including a first electrode, a second electrode, and a piezoelectric layer containing a perovskite-type composite oxide containing potassium (K), sodium (Na), and niobium (Nb) as a main component; and a vibration plate forming a part of a wall surface of the pressure chamber and configured to vibrate by driving of the piezoelectric element. A driving frequency f [Hz] of the piezoelectric element, a piezoelectric constant d31 [m/v] of the piezoelectric element, a ratio x of a Na molar fraction to a total value of a K molar fraction and the Na molar fraction in the piezoelectric layer, and a viscosity ? [Pa·s] of the liquid at 25° C. satisfy a relationship represented by a formula (1).

Abstract: A liquid discharge head includes: a nozzle plate having multiple nozzles on a plane of the nozzle plate in a first direction and a second direction orthogonal to the first direction; and a nozzle plate holder adjacent to the nozzle plate in the first direction and configured to hold the nozzle plate, wherein the multiple nozzles in the nozzle plate are arrayed in a third direction inclined with the first direction to form a nozzle array, multiple nozzle arrays, including the nozzle array, arrayed in the nozzle plate in a fourth direction inclined with respect to the second direction, and the nozzle plate has: a nozzle-plate short side inclined with respect to the second direction; and a nozzle-plate long side intersecting the nozzle-plate short side and along the fourth direction, and the nozzle-plate short side and the nozzle-plate long side form an acute angle ?1.

Abstract: A liquid discharge head includes: a nozzle plate having multiple nozzles from each of which a liquid is to be discharged; a housing supporting a peripheral edge of the nozzle plate; a liquid channel between the nozzle plate and the housing; and a coupling portion coupling an inner region of the peripheral edge of the nozzle plate and the housing.

Abstract: A liquid discharge head includes: a nozzle plate having multiple nozzles from each of which a liquid is to be discharged; and a gap in each end of the nozzle plate in a longitudinal direction of the nozzle plate. The multiple nozzles are divided into P numbers of sub-nozzle groups, each of the sub-nozzle groups including the multiple nozzles as multiple sub-nozzles, where P is an integer of one or more, the multiple sub-nozzles are arrayed in the longitudinal direction at first intervals of d×P where d is a recording resolution and P is a number of the sub-nozzle groups, the sub-nozzle groups respectively include sub-nozzle rows respectively including the multiple sub-nozzles arrayed at the first intervals of d×P in the longitudinal direction.

Abstract: A liquid discharge head includes: a nozzle plate having multiple nozzles arrayed at a predetermined pitch (d) corresponding to a recording resolution in a longitudinal direction of the nozzle plate. The multiple nozzles are divided into P number of sub-nozzle groups, each of the P number of sub-nozzle groups including the multiple nozzles as multiple sub-nozzles, where P is an integer of one or more, the multiple sub-nozzles are arrayed in the longitudinal direction at a first interval of (d×P), and each of the P number of sub-nozzle groups includes sub-nozzle rows each including the multiple sub-nozzles arrayed at the first interval of in the longitudinal direction and in a first inclination direction inclined relative to the longitudinal direction and a transverse direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a liquid ejection head including a substrate that includes a liquid supply port on a first surface, a liquid ejection port on a second surface, and a flow path that connects the supply port and the ejection port to each other such that the supply port and the ejection port do not communicate with each other in a direction intersecting with the first surface and the second surface, comprises: a liquid repellent film forming step of forming a liquid repellent film on the substrate; a masking step of covering a surface of the liquid repellent film on the second surface; and a plasma treatment step of generating plasma from the first surface toward the second surface to remove the liquid repellent film, wherein a portion of the liquid repellent film which remains inside the ejection port after the plasma treatment step is hydrophilized.

Abstract: A control method for a liquid ejection device including a liquid ejection head having a nozzle surface in which a plurality of nozzle arrays for ejecting liquid is formed and a wiping section which has an absorbent member, wherein the liquid ejection head and the wiping section are relatively movable in a scanning direction and in a sub-scanning direction; the nozzle arrays extend in the sub-scanning direction and are formed at predetermined intervals in the scanning direction; and the wiping section is set with, at different positions from each other, a wiping region in which the absorbent member wipes the nozzle surface and a receiving region in which the absorbent member receives liquid discharged from the liquid ejection head, the control method including performing flushing which includes ejecting liquid from each of the plurality of nozzle arrays at intervals in the scanning direction that are smaller than the predetermined intervals.

Abstract: A liquid storage container includes: a discharge port member including a discharge port through which liquid stored in a storage portion is discharged; a cover portion configured to be attachable to the discharge port member and to be capable of opening and closing the discharge port; and a sealing portion formed of a contact portion between the cover portion and the discharge port member. The cover portion includes a groove structure between an outer periphery of the cover portion and the sealing portion.

Abstract: A fluid-ejection device includes a reservoir, a printhead, and a sealed bag. The reservoir is to hold fluid. The printhead is to eject the fluid from the device. The sealed bag is fluidically coupled to the reservoir and is to temporarily expand and receive the fluid that would otherwise drool from the printhead during an exceptional drooling event.

Abstract: A cartridge is mountable to a first mount portion of a printing apparatus in a predetermined orientation, and includes: a supply port configured to supply a liquid inside the cartridge to the printing apparatus; and a cover configured to cover an outer periphery of the supply port and having a concave portion at a position along the outer periphery. The concave portion is fitted to a first convex portion of the first mount portion in a case where the cartridge is mounted to the first mount portion in the predetermined orientation, and is fittable to a second convex portion of a second mount portion provided at a position different from the first convex portion in a case where the cover is turned by a predetermined angle from the predetermined orientation about the supply port. The cartridge is not mounted to the second mount portion in the predetermined orientation.

Abstract: A liquid supply device includes a first liquid supply path that supplies ink to a first liquid supply port corresponding to a cartridge, a second liquid supply path that supplies ink in a second liquid container to a second liquid supply port corresponding to a cartridge, a selector that selects either the first liquid supply path or the second liquid supply path, an on-off valve and a pump that, when the first liquid supply path is selected by the selector, supplies ink via the first liquid supply path to the cartridge, and an on-off valve and the pump that, when the second liquid supply path is selected by the selector, supplies ink via the second liquid supply path to the cartridge.

Abstract: According to an ink replacement method in an ink-jet recording apparatus that includes a recording head having an ink ejection face in which a plurality of nozzles for ejecting ink onto a recording medium are arranged, a sub-tank that temporarily stores the ink fed from an ink container, and an ink flow passage through which the ink circulates from the sub-tank via the recording head to the sub-tank, gas is inserted between first ink present in the ink flow passage and second ink newly supplied to the recording head via the ink flow passage to form a gas-liquid interface between the first and second ink and gas, and then the first ink is replaced with the second ink.

Abstract: An image-recording apparatus includes: a first tank defining a first storage chamber; a second tank defining a second storage chamber; a conveying mechanism for conveying sheets along a conveying path extending in a depthwise direction and a widthwise direction perpendicular to a vertical direction and the depthwise direction; and a recording head including a nozzle. Liquid in the first storage chamber is supplied through a communication port to the second storage chamber and then to the recording head through a liquid outlet port. The second storage chamber is positioned further in a first depthwise direction relative to the nozzle and further in a first widthwise direction relative to the conveying path. A volume of a prescribed space above a liquid level equal to a height of the communication port in the second storage chamber is greater than that of a liquid channel between the liquid outlet port and the nozzle.

Abstract: A liquid cartridge attachable to a case includes: a cartridge body; a liquid supply portion; an electronic board including an electrode group; a plate having an attenuating surface configured to attenuate incident light; and a positioning member having a positioning surface for positioning the liquid cartridge attached to the case. When the liquid cartridge is attached to the case, the plate is configured to be detected by an optical sensor configured to emit light traveling in the left-right direction. The attenuating surface has a detection area immovable relative to the cartridge body. The light emitted from the optical sensor is configured to be incident on the detection area when the liquid cartridge is attached to the case. The detection area is positioned further rearward and upward than the electrode group and positioned further frontward and downward than the positioning surface.

Abstract: In some examples, a computing device can include a processing resource and a memory resource storing instructions to cause the processing resource to receive a diagnostic image including a print quality characteristic associated with a print cartridge of an imaging device, compare the print quality characteristic to a reference characteristic of a reference image, and determine whether an amount of print material in the print cartridge is less than a threshold amount in response to the comparison.

Abstract: The liquid supply system includes: a buffer tank (12) in which a liquid to be supplied to a liquid supply target device (15) is stored; a liquid level varying device (78, 82) that changes a liquid level height in the buffer tank; a liquid flow passage (16, 18) through which the liquid supply target device and the buffer tank communicate with each other; a pump (98A) provided in the liquid flow passage; and a valve (97A) for opening and closing the liquid flow passage, in which in a case in which the liquid supply target device is not in operation, the liquid is discharged from the buffer tank to lower the liquid level height in the buffer tank; and the pump and the valve are controlled to allow the liquid to flow into the buffer tank from the liquid flow passage.

Abstract: A technique for making the amount of ink to be calculated appropriate in accordance with the amount of ink to be ejected from heads is provided. An inkjet printing apparatus includes a supply tank, a return tank, a first connecting pipe, a second connecting pipe, a head, a pressure-difference producer, an ejection-amount predictor, and a pressure controller. The first connecting pipe transfers ink in the supply tank to the return tank. The second connecting pipe returns ink in the return tank to the supply tank. The head is interposed in the first connecting pipe. The pressure-difference producer sends ink from the supply tank to the return tank through the first connecting pipe. The ejection-amount predictor predicts the amount of ink to be ejected at a time to come after the present time from the head.

Abstract: Closing the replenishing solenoid valve V11 and opening the return solenoid valve V12 prohibits passage of the ink fed using the replenishing pump 951 through the replenishing solenoid valve V11 and allows this ink to pass through the return solenoid valve V12. In this way, the ink is circulated along the circulation path Cc2 (second circulation path) along which the ink is fed from the buffer tank 95a to the branch point J though the replenishing pipe 95b and then fed from the branch point J to the buffer tank 95a through the return pipe 961.

Abstract: Provided is an ink-replacement method for an inkjet recording apparatus that includes a recording head having an ink ejection surface on which a plurality of nozzles for ejecting ink onto a recording medium is arranged, a sub-tank for temporarily retaining the ink supplied from an ink container, and an ink flow path along which the ink circulates from and to the sub-tank by passing through the recording head. In replacing a first ink present in the ink flow path with a second ink to be newly supplied to the recording head via the ink flow path, when the second ink is caused to flow from the sub-tank into the ink flow path, pulsation is generated in the ink flow path.