Abstract: The invention relates to an amphoteric water-soluble polymer dispersion containing polymer particles with particle diameters of 100 ?m or smaller and produced by dispersion-copolymerization of a monomer mixture comprising a methacrylate monomer containing a quaternary ammonium salt group, an acrylate monomer containing a quaternary ammonium salt group, an anionic monomer, and a (meth)acrylamide in respectively ratios specified in an aqueous salt solution in the presence of a polymer dispersant soluble in the aqueous salt solution and the invention also relates to a dewatering agent for organic sludge, a pretreatment agent or yield improver for paper making raw materials, and/or a drainage properties-enhancing agent using the amphoteric water-soluble polymer.

Abstract: There is provided a received-light pattern detection apparatus capable of reading received-light pattern data within a period of time shorter than a read interval of a video game, including a transfer time. A received-light pattern detection apparatus for detecting a received-light pattern representing the position of an object on the front surface of a monitor includes a detection section having photo-couplers arranged around the periphery of the monitor and a plane detection surface formed from the photo-couplers; timing control circuits for controlling a driving timing of the detection section; a read control circuit formed by means of connecting the timing control circuits in the form of a cascade; and an input/output interface for converting the received-light pattern data read from the read control circuit into a switch packet and transmitting the switch packet.

Abstract: The invention relates to an amphoteric water-soluble polymer dispersion containing polymer particles with particle diameters of 100 &mgr;m or smaller and produced by dispersion-copolymerization of a monomer mixture comprising a methacrylate monomer containing a quaternary ammonium salt group, an acrylate monomer containing a quaternary ammonium salt group, an anionic monomer, and a (meth)acrylamide in respectively ratios specified in an aqueous salt solution in the presence of a polymer dispersant soluble in the aqueous salt solution and the invention also relates to a dewatering agent for organic sludge, a pretreatment agent or yield improver for paper making raw materials, and/or a drainage properties-enhancing agent using the amphoteric water-soluble polymer.

Abstract: An electronic musical instrument of the string-plucking type which does not create a large time lag from when the musical instrument is operated until when the sound is produced, and does not cause a detection mechanism to become complex. A photo sensor (11) for being operated by a player is provided in a main body (10) that is formed in a shape resembling a string-plucking musical instrument. The photo sensor (11) generates a signal for producing sound when the light emitted from a light-emitting unit (11a) to a light-receiving unit (11b) is not detected by the light-receiving unit (11b). A detection signal from the photo sensor (11) needs not be put to the conversion processing, and the time can be shortened from when the musical instrument is operated until when the sound is produced. Since light is used, the constitution of the detection mechanism does not become complex.

Abstract: In a game medium passage detecting apparatus, optical sensors are arranged in correspondence with detection areas which are adjacent to one another in a cross direction of a game board surface. Each of the optical sensors has a light emitting element and a photoelectric detecting element. The light emitting elements and the photoelectric detecting elements are arranged such that the optical axis of the detection light extends in the direction which crosses a flat surface containing an axis extending in the depth direction of the game board surface parallel to the game board surface, crosses an axis perpendicular to the game board surface, and passes obliquely through the game board surface.

Abstract: In a game medium passage detecting apparatus, a plurality of optical sensors are arranged in correspondence to a plurality of detection areas which are set to be adjacent to one another in a cross direction of a game board surface. Each of the optical sensors has a light emitting element and a photoelectric receiving element. The light emitting elements and the photoelectric receiving elements are arranged such that the optical axis of the detection light extends in the direction which crosses a flat surface containing therein an axis extending in the depth direction of the game board surface in parallel with the game board surface and an axis intersecting perpendicularly the game board surface, and also passes obliquely through the game board surface.