The present disclosure relates to methods and apparatuses for assembling diapers, each including a chassis connected with front and back elastic belts. As discussed in more detail below, opposing end regions of the chassis are connected with regions of the elastic belts where the elasticity of the elastic belts has been removed or deactivated. An elastic laminate may be formed by continuously bonding elastic strands between a first continuous substrate layer and a second continuous substrate layer such that the elastic strands are bonded to both the first substrate layer and the second substrate layer in heavy-bond regions. And the elastic strands are bonded to the first substrate layer and/or the second substrate layer with in light-bond regions. The elastic strands are then intermittently deactivated by cutting the strands into one or more discrete pieces in the light-bond regions. The discrete pieces retract and remain in the light-bond regions.

The present invention is directed to a method of manufacturing a polarizing plate having a polarizer layer and a protection film, sequentially having a drawing step of uniaxially drawing a stack film constituted of a base film and a polyvinyl alcohol based resin layer, a removal step prior to bonding of removing by cutting, opposing first end portions in a direction of width after dyeing and cross-linking the resin layer of the stack film, and a bonding step of bonding a protection film on a surface opposite to a surface on a side of the base film of the polarizer layer in the stack film from which the first end portions were removed.

Disclosed is a liquid processing apparatus capable of accurately determining a holding state of a substrate without being influenced by, for example, material or surface condition of a substrate. The liquid processing apparatus includes a substrate holding unit that holds a substrate, a camera that photographs a region where a peripheral edge portion of substrate is present when substrate is properly held by the substrate holding unit, and a control unit that determines a holding state of the substrate held by the substrate holding unit based on an image photographed by the camera.

The invention provides a plasma processing apparatus in which ring-like conductors 8a and 8b are arranged closed to and along an induction antenna 1 composed of an inner circumference coil 1a and an outer circumference coil 1b. Ring-like conductors 8a and 8b are each characterized in that the radius from the center of the apparatus and the cross-sectional shape of the conductor body varies along the circumferential angle of the coils. Since the mutual inductances between the ring-like conductors 8a and 8b and the induction antenna 1 and between the ring-like conductors 8a and 8b and the plasma along the circumferential position are controlled, it becomes possible to compensate for the coil currents varied along the circumference of the coils of the induction antenna 1, and to improve the non-uniformity in the circumferential direction of the current in the generated plasma.

A ‘bioactive’ composition that has one or more oligogalacturonans ((1→4)-α-D-galacturonan) or any other oligosaccharides (oligoguluronans) that may present an ‘egg box’ conformation, this conformation being further stabilized by one or more polycationic saccharide(s), preferably either a chitosan oligosaccharide or a chitosan polysaccharide. A method prepares this composition and it is used, in medical, pharmaceutical, agricultural, nutraceutical, food, feed, textile, cosmetic, industrial and/or environmental applications.

A method for preparing a boron fertilizer, including: (1) heating boric acid to a temperature of 180-200° C., maintaining the temperature for 20-30 min for dehydration of the boric acid to yield pyroboric acid; and (2) cooling down the pyroboric acid to a temperature of 40-60° C., crushing, and screening to yield a powdered, weakly acidic, high-content boron fertilizer. The method is energy-saving, environmentally friendly, and low in cost. The resulting boron fertilizer is weakly acidic, fast in dissolution rate, and has excellent in compounding performance

The invention relates to a potassium sulphate powder wherein about 80 wt % or more of the powder has a particle size of about 0.2 mm or lower, preferably about 0.13 mm or less. The particle size preferably is such, that about 80 wt % or more is about 0.02 mm or higher, more preferably about 0.04 mm or higher. This potassium sulphate powder dissolves easily in water, more in particular, 50 gram of said potassium sulphate powder dissolves in 1 liter of water without stirring within 1 minute, preferably within 30 sec. This potassium sulphate powder is very suitable as foliar fertilizer, in particular for broad acre crops. Further, the invention relates to the use of foliar potassium fertilizer, to enhance the uptake of potassium from the soil.

A system for the production of ammonium sulfate granules including a pipe cross reactor (PCR) configured to contact concentrated sulfuric acid with anhydrous ammonia to produce a PCR product comprising ammonium sulfate; and a granulator fluidly connected to the PCR, whereby PCR product extracted from the PCR can be introduced into the granulator, an inlet for ammonium sulfate seed material, an ammonia sparger configured to spray liquid anhydrous ammonia directly onto a bed of ammonium sulfate granules within the granulator, a granulator vent configured for extraction of a vapor comprising unreacted ammonia from the granulator, and a granulator product outlet configured for extraction of granulator product comprising ammonium sulfate granules from the granulator. A method of producing ammonium sulfate granules is also provided.

Fertilizer granules and methods of producing fertilizer granules. The fertilizer granules are formed from a fertilizer composition, such as a phosphate fertilizer, includes a fibrous material for the purpose of increasing the granule strength preventing or reducing attrition or dusting formation during storage, transport, and/or handling of the fertilizer. Dust formation can be reduced fifty percent or more. The base fertilizer composition can include a phosphate fertilizer, such as monoammonium phosphate (MAP) or diammonium phosphate (DAP), and optionally one or more micronutrients or secondary nutrients, such as elemental sulfur. The fibrous material is pulp or paper sludge, for example.

An esteramide compound of the following formula (I): R1OOC-A-CONR2R3 (I) is described, wherein: A is a covalent bond or a methylene group —CH2—;R1 is an optionally substituted, saturated or unsaturated aliphatic or cycloaliphatic hydrocarbon group including from 5 to 36 carbon atoms,R2 and R3, either identical or different, are groups selected from a hydrogen atom, and optionally substituted hydrocarbon groups, preferably including from 1 to 36 carbon atoms, andR2 and R3 not being simultaneously hydrogen atoms. Also described, are applications for using the esteramide compound, notably as a solvent.

A method for producing biochar particles or pellets which use sulphur and other additives. The method includes producing a mixture with biochar and additives selected from sulphur, lignin, and gluten. The mixture is mixed with water and passed through an extruder to produce an extrudate. The extrudate is then cut into pellets. The pellets are then tumbled/spun with each other and heated to result in mostly spheroidal pellets whose mechanical characteristics allow them to be used with well-known agricultural equipment. The biochar can be produced with sulphur incorporated as an outer coating. To produce this sulphur coated biochar, the method includes feeding a biomass feedstock to a pyrolysis reactor, pyrolyzing the feedstock into biochar particles, size-sorting the biochar particles, and coating the biochar particles with the sulphur coating material.

A granular agrochemical composition is disclosed including a granular core material having a water soluble portion with a first coating layer applied on the surface of the core material and a second coating layer applied on the surface of the first coating layer. The first coating layer includes a wax composition having a biologically active ingredient incorporated therein and the second coating layer includes a polymeric composition. The granular agrochemical composition exhibits a controlled rate of release of the biologically active ingredient therefrom over a period greater than about 30 days from the date of initial exposure of the granular composition to moisture whereby essentially all of the biologically active ingredient incorporated in the wax material of the first coating layer is released from the granular composition before the water soluble portion of the granular core material is released from the granular composition.

The present invention is related to the field of environmental protection, more specifically, to a foliage silicon fertilizer and a method for production of the fertilizer, which is a molybdenum-silica compound sol used for reducing heavy metal and nitrates in vegetables. The fertilizer, which is a molybdenum-silica compound sol, comprises 10-25 wt % silica, 0.05-5.5 wt % molybdenum ions. More preferably, the fertilize, which is a rare earth-molybdenum-silica compound sol, comprises 10-25 wt % silica, 0.05-5.5 wt % molybdenum ions and 0.1-7.5 wt % rare earth ions. By the combination of silica with molybdenum in the present invention, it is effective for preventing the absorption/accumulation of nitrates in vegetables. In addition, by the further combination with rare earth element, the prevention ability of the fertilizer from absorbing heavy metal and nitrates into vegetables is even enhanced. With a preparation method with normal pressure and relatively, low temperature, that is, with mild condition, simple process and high operability, large scale production of the present invention may be readily executed.

A method and system for treatment of biological wastes for preparation of fertilizers is provided. The method and system involves mixing a biological waste with a dilute sulfuric acid in a predetermined ratio. The mixture of the biological waste and the dilute sulfuric acid is then filtered to obtain an organic slurry and an acidic liquid. Thereafter, the organic slurry is thermally cracked at an elevated temperature to obtain at least one of an ammonia gas, one or more flue gases, and char and ash. The method and system further involves utilizing the ammonia gas, the char and ash, and the acidic liquid for preparation of the fertilizers.

An improved composition comprising substantial spherical UFP particles and an active agent, such as NBPT, and optionally other components is used as an additive for liquid and solid fertilizers, typically containing urea. Methods of making the compositions and their use are also disclosed.

While a vehicle is traveling in a state where any one of gear positions of a mechanical stepped transmission unit is established, until an estimated input torque that is obtained from the equation of motion for an electrical differential unit changes, a hydraulic pressure of a non-engaged intended hydraulic friction engagement device is increased, and a pack end pressure is learned on the basis of the hydraulic pressure at that time. Therefore, irrespective of feedback control, or the like, over motor generators of the electrical differential unit, it is possible to appropriately learn the pack end pressure, so it is possible to appropriately execute hydraulic control over the hydraulic friction engagement devices, that is, engaging and releasing control, or the like, at the time of shifting, irrespective of individual differences of the portions, aging of friction materials, or the like.

Various aspects provide for “parking” an apparatus in a parking configuration. A parking configuration may be a configuration of an apparatus that minimizes damage (e.g., corrosion, wear, and the like) resulting from extended exposure during periods of inactivity. An apparatus may comprise a propulsion system (e.g., for a ship) and/or a steering system. An apparatus may comprise a linkage or other device positioned by an actuator. Some aspects include a water jet based propulsion system having a scoop and a nozzle operable to redirect the water jet, providing a range of forward/backward and port/starboard thrusts.

Described herein are methods and systems for generating shared collaborative maps for planting or harvesting operations. A method of generating a collaborative shared map between machines includes generating a first map for a first machine based on a first set of data and generating a second map for a second machine based on a second set of data. The method further includes generating at least one shared collaborative map for at least one of the first and second machines based on the first and second maps.

A map screen determining method and apparatus, which includes obtaining profile data in a track dimension of a target digital person, where the target digital person is generated by a digital person generation system and consists of multiple dimensions of target user profiles corresponding to a target user, and the target user profiles are generated by processing multiple dimensions of data from multiple data sources, determining map data of a target area, where the target area is a specific map area that needs to be presented to a user, and determining a tracing map screen according to the profile data in the track dimension of the target digital person and the map data, where the tracing map screen represents a track feature of the target digital person in the target area.

A car wash with integrated diagnostic functions is provided that includes the ability to wash and dry a connected vehicle and perform various diagnostic functions. The various diagnostic functions such as tread depth measurement, measuring tire pressures, performing safety inspection, emissions testing and performing vehicle diagnostics and the like may be performed while the connected vehicle is at the car wash. The results of the diagnostic tests may be provided to the driver at the end of the car wash via the driver's wireless computing device.

A system that receives and analyzes a connected vehicle's safety feature activation and the location of activation on a road to determine if a hazard condition exist and providing an alert on a subscriber's vehicle or wireless device. Weather information for the location of the activation, highway engineering information for the location of the activation and other connected vehicles' safety feature activation at the location are also considered in the determination if the hazardous condition exists on the road. The hazardous condition alert can also be sent to the highway transportation department so that the hazardous condition can be mitigated.

A method is provided for traffic lane and traffic signal control identification and traffic flow management. Methods may identify traffic lights controlling lane movements, cataloging the information through analysis of traffic light signal phase and timing, and analyzing traffic movement through an intersection during specific periods of time. In particular, example methods may include identifying each of a plurality of paths through an intersection; identifying states of one or more traffic lights controlling traffic through the intersection; determining vehicle throughput data for the intersection through a predetermined number of cycles of the one or more traffic lights; and matching the vehicle throughput data to each of the plurality of paths of the intersection. The method may optionally include identifying times of movement and times of non-movement of vehicles across the intersection for each of the plurality of paths.

Described herein is an onboard vehicle system configured to capture vehicle information and notify an operator of the onboard vehicle system of potentially dangerous vehicles. In some embodiments, the onboard vehicle system may capture image information related to its surroundings. The image information may be processed to identify one or more vehicle identifiers associated with vehicles in the vicinity of the onboard system. The onboard system may provide vehicle identifiers to a service provider computer, which may subsequently query one or more driver behavior databases for anomalous behavior related to the vehicle identifiers. Upon detecting anomalous behavior for a target vehicle, the service provider computer may generate one or more notifications to be presented to the operator of the onboard system with regard to the target vehicle. In some embodiments, the onboard system may present the notification to the operator in an audio and/or visual format.

Described herein is a vehicle system configured to identify and mitigate inappropriate driving behavior. In some embodiments, the vehicle system may receive input information from one or more input sensors. The vehicle system may identify driving behaviors related to a vehicle from the received input. The vehicle system may determine whether the driving behaviors are inappropriate in light of one or more conditions affecting the vehicle. Upon identifying inappropriate behavior, the vehicle system may generate a set of corrective actions capable of being executed to mitigate the inappropriate driving behavior.

A method for managing avionic data between a flight management system FMS and one or more clients, the FMS comprising resources accessible through avionic services Ci (1,n); the execution of the Ci (1,n) determining an avionic functionality Fj (1,m); each of the Fj (1,m) associated with an intrusiveness parameter Ik and a criticality parameter Ck; the method comprises the steps of receiving a request specifying the call to an Fj (1,m); and determining a predefined execution right for a Ci (1,n), dependent on the predefined intrusiveness and/or criticality parameters associated with the Fj (1,m). Developments describe particularly the comparison of the execution rights, notice of a rejection, various avionic services and functionalities, the management of criticality ranges, consideration of the flight context, etc. Software and system aspects are described (e.g. equipment of EFB type).

When a rotational shaft of a gear speed reducer is rotated, a small-diameter gear of a first gear is held in mesh with first internal teeth of a fixed gear and a large-diameter gear of the first gear is held in mesh with second internal teeth of a second gear. The first gear and the second gear comprise cycloidal gears, respectively, and transmit rotational drive power to the second gear. The rotational drive power is output from an output shaft of the second gear. The gear speed reducer has a default mechanism for holding the output shaft at a predetermined angular position when an electric signal applied to an actuator is interrupted, and a self-lock function for preventing drive power applied from the output shaft from being transmitted to the actuator.

A driving apparatus for driving a functional body mounted on a vehicle comprises a power supply, an electric motor, and a driving means. The electric motor is connected to the power supply and is started by a power feed from the power supply. The driving means has a spring motor and is connected to the electric motor and the functional body. The driving means accumulates an urging force by winding up the spring motor by the electric motor and driving the functional body by the urging force. This driving apparatus can automatically drive the functional body, can be manufactured inexpensively, and accumulates a driving force to the functional body without giving burdens to an occupant.

A pumping unit system having vertical sampson post, a walking beam pivotally supported at the upper end of the sampson post and a horsehead affixed at a forward end thereof that supports a reciprocated sucker rod string, including a gear reducer mounted at selectable positions on the walking beam and having a horizontally extending drive shaft, a crank arm affixed to the drive shaft the spacing between a selectable length pitman rod having a first end secured to said crank arm and a second end having a pitman bearing that is selectably mountable to a plurality of pitman bearing locations and a prime mover connected to the gear reducer and wherein the characteristics of the pumping unit are determined by the selectable position of the gear reducer, the selectable length of the crank arm, the selectable length of the pitman rod, and the selectable pitman bearing location.

Luggage or carrying container (1) having an interface (10) for cooperating with one or more electronic and/or wireless devices (20, 22, 24, 26, 28), a rechargeable power source (30), an integrated antenna (40), and a wireless communication system (50). The luggage (1) allows a user to better manage various electronic devices/accessories in terms of space, efficiency and operation during travel.

Disclosed is an apparatus and method for generating energy through oscillatory motion requiring little input. Oscillatory motion is generated using a substantially circular trough containing a liquid, inflatable bags positioned below the trough and a movable weight. The trough is pivotally connected to a central point about which it oscillates. Sustained oscillatory motion is encouraged by inflating and deflating the bags in coordination with the movable weight within the trough and a biased member upon which the bags reside. The oscillatory motion may be captured and transferred to rotary motion which may be used to drive a generator.

An actuation mechanism for a tarping system includes a double coil spring mountable on a pivot shaft of the mechanism. A bushing is mounted on the pivot shaft and within the double coil spring. The bushing includes an eccentric external periphery that limits the deflection of the spring, particularly at the transition points between the center portion and each of the coil portions of the spring. As the spring winds or coils, the coil portions progressively contact the eccentric periphery of the bushing to not only limit further movement of the coil portions, but also to provide support for those portions under load.

A shopping cart is equipped with an electrical/electronic component(s), such as a shopping assistant, that is electrically powered by a rechargeable power supply. A system is provided for continuously recharging the power supply as the shopping cart is propelled by the customer. In one embodiment, the wheels of the shopping cart are linked to a potential energy storage component, such as a coil spring. The spring is wound with each movement of the shopping cart, regardless of the distance that the cart travels. When the coil spring has been wound to a pre-determined torque, the spring is released to drive an input to an electrical generator. Once the potential energy in the spring has been dissipated the winding cycle begins again.

A linear recliner assembly in use with a seat having a seat back pivotally engaged relative to a seat bottom. A housing exhibits a communicating interior between a first and second ends. A drive rod is supported in linearly displaceable fashion from the first end and is secured to the seat bottom. The second end pivotally engages the seatback spaced from its pivot point. A rotatable gear located at a fixed lineal position within the housing receives the drive rod in threadably inter-engaged fashion. A trigger mechanism pivotally secured to the housing exhibits a downwardly biased detent communicating through an opening in the housing to seat between succeeding teeth of the gear. A spring supported within the housing contacts the drive rod. Upon release of the detent, a reclining force applied to the seatback results in displacement of the housing against the drive rod to bias the spring. The spring influencing the drive rod in a reverse direction such that, upon release of said detent when the seatback is in the reclined position, the spring influences the seatback to reverse pivot to a returned upright position.

A drive mechanism for a device with two operating parts, which are connected so as to be pivotally displaceable relative to each other between a first position and a second position about a common axis of rotation. The drive mechanism has a driving mechanism such that a movement from the first position to the second position can be initiated initially by a slight movement and the additional movement is then effected automatically through spring force (F) until the second position has been reached. The movement out of the first position into the second position is possible in either a clockwise and counterclockwise movement. The driving mechanism comprises a driven part, one operating part and two drives that are in the form of a force storing device The force storing devices interact with the driven part in opposing directions in such a manner that only the one for storing device is in driving connection with the driven part while the other force storing device is retained in its starting position.

A spring motor and drag brake for use in coverings for architectural openings.

A method for ascertaining a rotational speed parameter for determining a setpoint torque for driving a drivetrain. The drivetrain comprises a first and at least one second drive assembly for driving a hybrid vehicle. The first drive assembly can be coupled to the drivetrain by means of a clutch. The second drive assembly is mechanically coupled to the drivetrain. When the hybrid vehicle is being driven by means of at least the first drive assembly, the rotational speed parameter corresponds to the value of a shaft rotational speed. When the hybrid vehicle is being driven only by means of the second drive assembly, the rotational speed parameter corresponds to the value of a determined rotational speed.

A winding tool for tightening a torsion spring for a sectional overhead door. The winding tool features two half hub assembles that wrap around an overhead door shaft, wherein a translational sprocket is disposed on the hub assemblies. The hub assemblies connect to the winding cone of a torsion spring via fingers that engage the hub assemblies. A winding box is removably attached to the hub assemblies. The winding box features a worm gear that engages the translational sprocket. A handle bar can be rotated with a drill to cause rotation of the worm gear. Rotation of the worm gear causes rotation of the translational sprocket and ultimate winding of the torsion spring.

A linear recliner assembly in use with a seat having a seat back pivotally engaged relative to a seat bottom. A housing exhibits a communicating interior between a first and second ends. A drive rod is supported in linearly displaceable fashion from the first end and is secured to the seat bottom. The second end pivotally engages the seatback spaced from its pivot point. A rotatable gear located at a fixed lineal position within the housing receives the drive rod in threadably inter-engaged fashion. A trigger mechanism pivotally secured to the housing exhibits a downwardly biased detent communicating through an opening in the housing to seat between succeeding teeth of the gear. A spring supported within the housing contacts the drive rod. Upon release of the detent, a reclining force applied to the seatback results in displacement of the housing against the drive rod to bias the spring. The spring influencing the drive rod in a reverse direction such that, upon release of said detent when the seatback is in the reclined position, the spring influences the seatback to reverse pivot to a returned upright position.

A system for safely and effectively winding a garage door spring features a hub assembly having a cylindrical hub with a cylindrical channel located there through. The hub assembly features a wheel gear located around the hub and a plurality of engagement prongs designed to snuggly engage a torsion spring winding cone. The hub assembly is divided into a first hub component and a second hub component. The system features a base with a semi-cylindrical notch and an arcuate lid pivotally located thereon. A plurality of support rollers are adjustably located around an inside of the notch and the lid. The hub assembly is positioned on the support rollers. A worm gear that interfaces with the wheel gear is attached to a drive shaft assembly that features a drive shaft that extends from the base for remote operation of the worm gear.

A barrel including a box for receiving a pivot arbour and at least one spring, wherein the at least one spiral spring is mounted between an internal wall of the box and an external wall of the pivot arbour , and can be wound to supply mechanical energy. The barrel further includes a device for increasing torque of the at least one spring including supplementary energy accumulation curves made on the spring so that the barrel torque is customized according to a winding tension of the at least one spring. The barrel can be a timepiece barrel.

A power generating apparatus enables a power generating module to generate electric power via reciprocal movement of a transmission module. The transmission module at least includes a transmission rod and a counterweight block. The power generating module includes a supporting rack, a rotation shaft, a one-way rotating gear, a first gear, a second gear and a generator. The rotation shaft is pivotally disposed at the supporting rack, the one-way rotating gear and the first gear are coupled to the rotation shaft, the one-way rotating gear is engaged with the transmission rod, the second gear is coupled to the generator, and the second gear is engaged with the first gear. An elastic member can push forward the transmission module, and the transmission module is reciprocally movable by gravity and reacting force of the elastic member.

A printing device includes: a main body having an attachment surface; first and second mounting sections formed in the attachment surface respectively for detachably receiving first and second cassettes; first and second print parts; a body cover having an opposing surface; first and second pressing parts protruding from the opposing surface respectively toward the first and second mounting sections; first and second engaging parts provided at the main body; and third and fourth engaging parts provided at the body cover and engageable with the first and second engaging parts. A first center of gravity of load that the mounted first cassette applies to the first pressing part and a second center of gravity of load that the mounted second cassette applies to the second pressing part are located within a specific area on the opposing surface defined by virtual lines passing through locations on the third and fourth engaging parts.

A liquid discharge apparatus includes: a head unit that has a plurality of nozzles that discharge a column-shaped liquid; a liquid droplet generating unit that applies cyclically changing energy to positions of the column-shaped liquids discharged from the plurality of nozzles, respectively, which are separated from the plurality of nozzles, respectively, and that generates liquid droplets; and a direction changing unit that changes a flying direction of at least some liquid droplets of the generated liquid droplets.

A liquid discharge apparatus includes: a head unit that discharges a liquid from each of a plurality of nozzles and causes a liquid column to extend downwardly; a liquid droplet generating unit that irradiates the liquid column with a laser beam from a position separated from the plurality of nozzles and separates liquid droplets from the liquid column; and a direction changing unit that applies energy to the liquid droplets and changes a flying direction of the liquid droplets.

A printing apparatus includes a plasma treatment unit that performs plasma treatment on a surface of a treatment object to acidify at least the surface of the treatment object; and a recording unit that performs inkjet recording on the surface of the plasma treatment subjected to the plasma treatment by the plasma treatment unit.

A sheet processing apparatus includes a sheet conveying unit configured to unwind a portion of a rolled sheet and convey the unwound sheet, a ribbon conveying unit configured to convey a ribbon having thereon a coloring layer that is not visible up to a predetermined temperature and becomes visible above the predetermined temperature, a thermal head configured to transfer the coloring layer on the ribbon to a portion of the unwound sheet, and a cutter configured to cut off a portion of the unwound sheet.

Apparatuses, methods, and computer program products are described herein. An example disclosed printing device includes a printer body; a cradle engagement surface configured to interface with a cradle, the cradle engagement surface defining a first recess and a second recess disposed proximate a first side of a battery compartment; and a bumper attachment extending from the printer body and disposed proximate a front side of the printer body, the bumper attachment defining at least two capture cavities structured to slideably receive reciprocally structured first and second printer capture flanges extending from the cradle.

A first score line camera captures an image of one sides of a plurality of tablets being conveyed by a conveyor drum. During transfer from the conveyor drum to a first conveyor belt, all the tablets are turned upside down while their directional properties are maintained. A second score line camera captures an image of opposite side of the tablets being conveyed by the first conveyor belt. Based on image data about both the front sides and back sides of the tablets acquired by the first and second score line cameras, a first ink-jet head performs front-side printing process on a front side of a tablet to conform to a predetermined direction relative to a score line in this front side. The second ink-jet head performs back-side printing process on a back side of a tablet to conform to a direction on the back side same as the predetermined direction.

An image forming apparatus includes a controller configured to control a first image former to form a first test pattern on a recording medium, the first test pattern including figures arranged in a first direction on a two-dimensional lattice defined with an X-axis direction intersecting a Y-axis direction parallel to a conveyance direction, the first direction being inclined relative to the X-axis direction, control a conveyor to convey the recording medium in the conveyance direction, and in response to the recording medium being conveyed to a position where a second test pattern intersects or is in proximity to the first test pattern, control a second image former to form the second test pattern on the recording medium, the second test pattern including figures arranged in a second direction on the two-dimensional lattice, the second direction being inclined relative to each of the X-axis direction and the first direction.

An aqueous ink for ink jet containing a self-dispersible pigment, a compound represented by General Formula (I): where in General Formula (I) each R1 independently represents a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group.