Abstract: A CD-ROM decoder that reduces the load on a microcomputer. The CD-ROM decoder temporarily stores in a buffer memory in sector units digital data. The CD-ROM decoder processes the digital data by correcting and detecting code errors included in the digital data. The CD-ROM decoder includes a first counter for counting the number of sectors of the digital data temporarily stored in the buffer memory to generate a first count value and a second counter for counting the number of sectors of the processed digital data transferred from the buffer memory to generate a second count value. A first buffering control circuit deciding an unused capacity of the buffer memory based on the first and second count values to stop the storing of the digital data to the buffer memory when the unused capacity is equal to or less than a predetermined value.

Abstract: A CD-ROM decoder for decreasing the load on a microcomputer. The CD-ROM decoder stores in a buffer memory in sector units digital data. The CD-ROM decoder includes a check head register for storing a first address of the buffer memory when storing the processed digital data in the buffer memory. A check sector counter counts the number of sectors of the processed digital data stored in the buffer memory to generate a count value. A command decision circuit decides whether digital data requested to be transferred is stored in the buffer memory based on the first address, the count value, and a head address of the digital data. The command decision circuit permits the CD-ROM decoder to transfer the processed digital data when deciding that the digital data requested to be transferred is stored in the buffer memory.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an optical signal processing apparatus and optical signal processing method which enable generation, waveform shaping, waveform measurement, waveform recording, correlation processing, and the like of optical pulses of 1-10 ps. A basic construction of the optical signal processing apparatus includes an optical waveguide, a first structure for equally distributing output light of the optical waveguide, an optical waveguide comprising an aggregate of optical waveguides changing in optical length by a constant interval, a arrayed waveguide for dividing the output light, second structure for focusing optical output of the arrayed waveguide, and a mirror for receiving and reflecting incident light focused by the second structure.

Abstract: A fuel supplying device for an engine comprises a carburetor (1) having a mixing body (2) in which a venturi passage (3) is provided, a float chamber (4) being arranged in the mixing body (2), a liquid fuel nozzle (5) communicating with the float chamber (4), a liquid fuel nozzle outlet (6) facing the venturi passage (3). The mixing body (2) is provided with a gaseous fuel nozzle (7). The liquid fuel nozzle outlet (6) and a gaseous fuel nozzle outlet (8) are faced to the same venturi passage (3) so as to be able to supply the alternative of a liquid fuel or a gaseous fuel.

Abstract: A tunable wavelength-selective filter includes a glass substrate, a transparent electrode layer, a highly reflective mirror, an alignment layer, a liquid crystal layer, another alignment layer, a transparent material layer whose refractivity index is substantially equal to that of the liquid crystal layer, another highly reflective mirror, another transparent electrode layer, and another glass substrate, which are stacked in this order. An etalon cavity of the filter includes two layers, the liquid crystal layer and the transparent material layer (such as a glass plate), which enables the cavity length to be increased without increasing absorption and scattering of the cavity. This makes it possible to narrow the FWHM, quicken the response time, and increase the transmittance of the filter. Applications for the filter include a double cavity structure tunable wavelength-selective filter of a wide tunable range, and a photodetector of a simple construction.

Abstract: An all-optical swtich apparatus having an optical gate which is unitarily composed of a nonlinear etalon and a pair of GRIN lenses, or a nonlinear etalon and a GRIN lens, and having collimating GRIN lenses, each of which guides a signal beam and a control beam to the optical gate. The resonance wavelength of the etalon can be regulated by adjusting the incident positions of signal beam and/or control beam to the optical gate by moving the collimating GRIN lenses. This decreases the required thickness accuracy of the etalon by one or more orders of magnitude than in the conventional technique.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a table conveyor comprising motor-driven driving chains with which driven chains are interlocked in pairs via friction boards respectively thrusted by springs, wherein the driven chains are connected with parallelly-arranged connecting rods forming a table bed. The total system can be installed into a small area, and an individual table bed can be stopped at any predetermined position.