Abstract: A method for conveying a continuous semiconductor lead frame strip includes a guide rail for conveying a lead frame, the guide rail being divided into three portions having a vertically movable central guide rail portion opposite a heat block and fixed first and second guide rail portions on opposite sides of the central portion. The accuracy of conveyance of the strip is not decreased by the vertical movement of the central guide rail. Clamp claws grasping and conveying the strip at each fixed guide rail portion operate within the respective fixed guide rail portions and do not move vertically with the central guide rail.

Abstract: An infrared imaging device includes an infrared detector element having a pin structure which detects infrared rays 8 to 12 macrons in wavelength. The pin structure comprises a multiquantum well structure as an intrinsic layer including a plurality of Al.sub.y Ga.sub.1-y As quantum well layers sandwiched by respective Al.sub.x Ga.sub.1-x As quantum barrier layers (x>y) and a p type Al.sub.x Ga.sub.1-x As layer and an n type Al.sub.x Ga.sub.1-x As layer sandwiching the intrinsic layer. An infrared imaging device includes a plurality of picture units, each picture unit including an infrared detector element and a corresponding GaAs FET having a source region connected with the n layer of the infrared detector element on the same substrate. The picture unit and corresponding FET may be monolithically integrated on the same substrate with an n type channel in the substrate interconnecting the picture unit and the corresponding FET.

Abstract: In a microwave integrated circuit, circuit elements such as microstrip coupled lines or interconnecting lines are formed on a separate substrate which is installed vertically between two halves of an input/output transmission-line substrate, or which is installed vertically on the surface of the input/output transmission-line substrate. Microwave integrated circuits with this configuration can be mass-produced at a low cost, can tolerate high applied power levels, and are smaller than conventional microwave integrated circuits.

Abstract: A rear wheel steering apparatus for a vehicle with hydraulic power steering for the front wheels is disclosed. Pressure sensors detect the hydraulic pressure in the two chambers of a power cylinder for the front wheels. A differential amplifier which is connected to the pressure sensors produces an output signal corresponding to the pressure difference between the chambers. An electric motor for steering the rear wheels is controlled by a control unit in response to the output signal from the differential amplifier and an output signal from a vehicle speed sensor. At high speeds, the rear wheels are steered in the same direction as the front wheels, and at low speeds, they are steered in the opposite direction. When the steering wheel is in a neutral position and a sudden lateral force acts on the vehicle to cause a cornering force to be exerted on the front wheels, the rear wheels are steered in the direction tending to increase the restoring moment acting on the vehicle.