Abstract: A variable length code decoding circuit is provided for detecting a variable length code from a code string which is sequentially and serially inputted, and outputting a signal value of the detected variable length code. The circuit includes a memory for storing state variables which have fixed length and a state controller for controlling the state variables corresponding to the inputted information and the stored state variable which represents former inputted information, and for outputting the decoded variable length code when the state variable indicates the completion of decoding of the variable length code. Because the circuit handles state variable which have a fixed length code instead of the variable length code during the judging procedure, complicated calculation is prevented and memory reduction is realized.

Abstract: An ink jet recording apparatus composed of a print head of the on-demand type for ejecting an ink droplet according to print data and a platen having a flat section opposed to the head and extending at least over a region corresponding to a printing span through which the head is displaced to effect printing. The flat section of the platen is formed with a plurality of opening holes each having a relatively small diameter. A vacuum device creates a vacuum beneath the platen to attract a recording medium onto the flat section to enable the recording medium to receive ink droplets ejected from the head so as to print an image. The dimensions or the density of the opening holes is gradually reduced so as to compensate for differences in width of the recording media to thereby effectively avoid floating of a medium.

Abstract: A hydrocarbon monitoring valve which is operative to close whenever hydrocarbons are present in a fluid passing therethrough has a hollow hydrocarbon-sensitive canister mounted in a generally vertically disposed portion of a housing of the valve. The presence of hydrocarbons within fluid passing through the canister produces rapid deterioration of the canister, with the result that mechanical linkage coupled to the canister acts to close a valve element within a generally horizontally disposed portion of the valve adjacent an inlet, thereby shutting the valve from further flow of fluid therethrough.

Abstract: A color phase correction circuit for a video disc playback device comprises a circuit for generating a saw-tooth wave at a timing of a reference signal, a sample-hold circuit for sample-holding the saw-tooth wave at a timing of a synchronizing signal in a reproduced video signal, a circuit for controlling delay time of the reproduced video signal by the sample-hold output and a timing changing circuit for shifting the phase of the saw-tooth wave forward or backward alternately by time length sustantially corresponding to 180 degree phase of color burst at each track-kick. By correcting time base of the reproduced video signal by shifting the phase of the saw-tooth wave at each track-kick, color inversion and color irregularlity occurring in a reproduced picture in a still-picture mode or a trick-play mode can be effectively prevented.

Abstract: In an acoustic apparatus in which a vibrator is arranged in a Helmholtz's resonator having an open duct port, and the vibrator is driven to radiate a resonant acoustic wave, a duct resonance absorbing means is provided to the open duct port constituting the Helmholtz's resonator so as to remove an unnecessary resonant sound other than a Helmholz's resonant sound caused when the Helmholtz's resonator is driven, thereby removing noise in a radiated acoustic wave and improving distortion characteristics.

Abstract: A circuit for processing a dilation conversion and erosion conversion of a digital image data to extract the feature of the image. A range N.times.N of the image data is processed by a simple circuit construction which a horizontal row extraction circuit holding N data and a conversion stage for converting N data are disposed in a crisscross arrangement.