Abstract: A thermosensitive part sensing temperature; a temperature sensor for measurement provided in the unit and measuring temperature by contacting the unit with a body to be measured; a temperature detecting part detecting, from when the unit contacts the body, the time when the sensor senses a difference from an initial temperature of the sensor, and a measured temperature of the sensor at that time, and detecting, from when the difference is sensed, a time after a certain length of time and a measured temperature of the sensor at that time; an estimating part estimating, from the time when the difference is sensed and a time after a certain length of time, the time when the thermosensitive part contacts the body, and the measured temperature at that time; and a heat conduction analyzing part estimating the measured temperature based on output information from the temperature detecting part and the estimating part.

Abstract: A method which is capable of completely separating a plate member with a large area without using a peeling member and eliminating a possibility of permanent deformation on the plate member. A plurality of suction pads are suckingly disposed on a surface of a topmost plate member in a substantially lattice shape. Then, while the topmost plate member is held by the suction pads disposed in a zigzag shape among the suction pads disposed in the substantially lattice shape, the topmost plate member is lifted by the remaining suction pads. Finally, the suction pads holding the topmost plate member are lifted.

Abstract: A method which is capable of completely separating a plate member with a large area without using a peeling member and eliminating a possibility of permanent deformation on the plate member. A plurality of suction pads are suckingly disposed on a surface of a topmost plate member in a substantially lattice shape. Then, while the topmost plate member is held by the suction pads disposed in a zigzag shape among the suction pads disposed in the substantially lattice shape, the topmost plate member is lifted by the remaining suction pads. Finally, the suction pads holding the topmost plate member are lifted.

Abstract: A process for forming a tubular member is provided which includes a pre-forming process for tube-expanding (bulge) forming and bending forming a tubular material using first and second molds and a final forming process for crush forming a preformed tube using a third mold so as to give its cross section a desired shape, the pre-forming step being carried out using the first and second molds heated at temperatures equal to or higher than the recrystallization temperature of the tubular material and the final forming step being carried out using the third mold heated at temperatures equal to or lower than the recrystallization temperature of the tubular material. The process enables a tubular material of aluminum alloy to be formed into a tubular member of high precision and high quality which has expanded portions as well as bent portions and whose cross section varies across its length.

Abstract: A process is provided for producing a hollow member having a wall thickness, in a cross section orthogonal to the longitudinal direction, that varies in the longitudinal direction, the process including a heating step of heating a tubular material (Pa) so that the tubular material (Pa) is given a temperature variation in the longitudinal direction, and a stretching step of axially stretching the tubular material (Pa) that has been heated in the preceding step. In this way, a hollow member having a cross-sectional wall thickness that is variable in the longitudinal direction can be easily produced.

Abstract: A shape data specifies the shape of an elongated product within an overall coordinate system. Local coordinate systems are defined on respective cross-sections of the elongated product in the overall coordinate system. The local coordinate system is designed to represent a stable die of a bending apparatus. The images of the elongated product protruding forward from the stable die within the respective local coordinate systems serve to specify the position of a movable die of the bending apparatus. The specified position reflects the deformation induced in the elongated product between the stable and movable dies. An ideal movement amount of the movable die can be determined based on the determined positions within the local coordinate systems. The determined movement amount can be utilized to prepare the control data for the bending apparatus.

Abstract: A process is provided for producing a hollow member having a wall thickness, in a cross section orthogonal to the longitudinal direction, that varies in the longitudinal direction, the process including a heating step of heating a tubular material (Pa) so that the tubular material (Pa) is given a temperature variation in the longitudinal direction, and a stretching step of axially stretching the tubular material (Pa) that has been heated in the preceding step. In this way, a hollow member having a cross-sectional wall thickness that is variable in the longitudinal direction can be easily produced.

Abstract: A process for forming a tubular member is provided which includes a preforming process for tube-expanding (bulge) forming and bending forming a tubular material (Pa) using first and second molds (M1, M2) and a final forming process for crush forming a preformed tube (Pc) using a third mold (M3) so as to give its cross section a desired shape, the preforming being carried out using the first and second molds (M1, M2) heated at temperatures equal to or higher than the recrystallization temperature of the tubular material and the final forming being carried out using the third mold (M3) heated at temperatures equal to or lower than the recrystallization temperature of the tubular material. The process enables a tubular material of aluminium alloy to be formed into a tubular member of high precision and high quality which has expanded portions as well as bent portions and whose cross section varies across its length. The process also enables drastic increase in productivity.

Abstract: There is disclosed a large-sized transmission-type screen used for a multi-image system. If the screen expands or contracts due to variations of the ambient temperature or humidity, generation of creases or relieves is prevented. The transmission-type screen includes image sources for projecting and magnifying optical images, screen members for transmitting the projected optical images, first light-blocking members mounted to edges of the screen members, and a support member having tensioning mechanisms. Each tensioning mechanism applies a tension to the first light-blocking members to hold the components of the screen members in intimate contact with the support member. Each screen member includes a lenticular lens sheet, a composite Fresnel sheet consisting of sheet members bonded vertically, and plural transparent reinforcing sheets. Each reinforcing sheet is substantially identical in size with each sheet member of the composite Fresnel sheet.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to deep sea mining apparatus, comprising a relatively straight lift pipe, the lift pipe being adapted to extend substantially vertically from the floor of a body of water upwardly to a ship on the surface of the water. A plurality of jet pumps are connected in the pipe at intermittent locations along the length of said pipe, and a hydraulic feed pump is located adjacent each of the jet pumps and is connected to discharge water in its location and to supply the associated jet pump. Means is also provided for injecting compressed air into the jet pumps, the jet pumps thereby forming an ascending current inside the lift pipe by the introduction of the compressed air and water.