Abstract: In a hierarchical storage management system including: a hierarchical storage that is provided in an individual data center and has at least one storage medium; and a hierarchical storage control apparatus that manages at least one hierarchical storage, the hierarchical storage control apparatus includes a calculation unit that performs processing for obtaining, for individual data managed by the hierarchical storage control apparatus, a storage medium in a data center that satisfies an operation policy by calculating power consumption needed for storing the data, a cost needed for storing the data, and communication time for transferring the data from a data center to a reference source area and by comparing the calculated power consumption, cost, and communication time with the operation policy set for the data.

Abstract: A bumper includes a bumper beam having a length and a primary front face forming an impact surface with at least one longitudinal channel formed therein. A rod is positioned in the channel and secured to the bumper beam, with the rod supporting side walls forming the channel. Upon impact, the rod supports the side walls of the channel from thin wall buckling. Thus, the material thickness of the beam can be decreased substantially (and concurrently a total weight decreased) while still maintaining a total force/deflection curve and optimal bending force of the beam.

Abstract: An automotive bumper structure includes a hollow bumper beam extending in a widthwise direction of a vehicle, a pair of left and right stays fixed to a vehicle body and supporting the bumper beam and beam protector provided at the left and right ends of the bumper beam for protecting the bumper beam so as to be easily formed due to a straight configuration and accordingly reduced the production cost thereof.

Abstract: An automotive bumper structure includes a hollow bumper beam extending in a widthwise direction of a vehicle, a pair of left and right stays fixed to a vehicle body and supporting the bumper beam and beam protector means provided at the left and right ends of the bumper beam for protecting the bumper beam so as to be easily formed due to a straight configuration and accordingly reduced the production cost thereof.

Abstract: An electrochemical device for detecting a measurement fluid, which includes a planar solid electrolyte body, a first electrode formed on the planar solid electrolyte body and substantially exposed to the measurement fluid, a second electrode formed on the planar solid electrolyte body and substantially isolated from the measurement fluid, a porous layer disposed in direct contact with the second electrode, and a device for applying an electric current so as to flow from the second electrode to the first electrode. The device may further include a third electrode, and a fourth electrode substantially directly exposed to the measurement fluid. In this case, the first and third electrodes are exposed to the measurement fluid through a thin flat space or porous layer having a predetermined diffusion resistance to the measurement fluid, and a current regulating device is connected between the third and fourth electrodes, for controlling an atmosphere adjacent to the first electrode.

Abstract: An oxygen sensor is disclosed, which includes a planar sensor element and a metallic cover. The planar sensor element is provided with a detecting section at least at one of outer side surfaces thereof for detecting a gas to be measured. The detecting section is protected with the metallic cover. The metallic cover is provided with gas introduction openings for introducing the gas into the metallic cover. The gas introduction openings are arranged so as not to be opposed to the detecting section of the oxygen sensor element. Guide plates are provided at the gas introduction openings, respectively for swirling the gas inside the metallic cover in a given direction. The metallic cover is provided with a gas discharge opening at the bottom face thereof.

Abstract: An electrochemical device for detecting a measurement fluid, which includes a planar solid electrolyte body, a first electrode formed on the planar solid electrolyte body and substantially exposed to the measurement fluid, a second electrode formed on the planar solid electrolyte body and substantially isolated from the measurement fluid, a porous layer disposed in direct contact with the second electrode, and a device for applying an electric current so as to flow from the second electrode to the first electrode. The device may further include a third electrode, and a fourth electrode substantially directly exposed to the measurement fluid. In this case, the first and third electrodes are exposed to the measurement fluid through a thin flat space or porous layer having a predetermined diffusion resistance to the measurement fluid, and a current regulating device is connected between the third and fourth electrodes, for controlling an atmosphere adjacent to the first electrode.

Abstract: An oxygen sensor element includes at least a standard electrode (i.e., reference electrode) and a measurement electrode and is made of an oxygen ion-conducting solid electrolyte and is accommodated in a casing. An airtight space formed in the oxygen sensor element or in the casing communicates with the standard electrode and is maintained substantially in an airtight state with respect to the external atmosphere. At least one pair of oxygen pump electrodes for supplying oxygen to the airtight space is arranged in the oxygen sensor element. Therefore, since it is not necessary to arrange a hole for the supply of a reference substance (such as air) in the oxygen sensor, it is possible to completely eliminate the deterioration and the damage of the oxygen sensor element due to the intrusion of water, sea water and the like from the external atmosphere.