Small and large flat electrodes and between which alternating current voltage is applied are touch on respective outer side surfaces of an ink bag of each of main ink tanks to so as to face each other. Speckle reduction occurs by pulsing the drive signal between a first current level and a second current level. The glide rod includes a spiral fluted vane along its entire length upon which the guide collar rides when a force is placed on the support platform. At least a portion of the bore has a continuous taper, such that the diameter of the bore decreases in the vicinity of the insert. The stacked open pattern inductor may be fabricated using conventional integrated circuit manufacturing processes, and the inductor may be used in connection with computer systems. The biasing member biases the sliding valve to a closed position.