Abstract: A variable inductor includes an insulating substrate (1), a thermally softenable spiral coil (2) provided on the insulating substrate (1), and a pair of input/output terminals (3, 4) each connected electrically to a respective end of the coil (2). Preferably, the coil (2) is made from a non-crystalline thin film metallic glass which softens in a supercooled liquid phase.

Abstract: The probe card 100 includes a contactor 92, a substrate 94, a signal transmission path 96, a grounding conductor 98 and a hole 102. The signal transmission path 96 is formed on the substrate 94. The substrate 94 is made of a dielectric or semiconductor material. The contactor 92 is made of a metallic glass material on an end portion of the signal transmission path 96 on one side of the substrate 94. By using micromachining technology on the metallic glass materials, it is possible to form the contactor 92 to be extremely minute and also to form a plurality of the contactors 92 substantially simultaneously. The contactor 92 is formed to be away from the substrate 94 over the hole 102. The contactor 92 has elasticity in a vertical direction against the surface of the substrate 94, and, the contactor 92 can elastically contact to the contact terminal formed on the circuit under test during a test.

Abstract: A thin film made of an amorphous material having a supercooled liquid phase region is formed on a substrate. Then, the thin film is processed by wet-etching, etc. to form a thin film-processed body having, for example, a one side-fixed beam like shape. Subsequently, the thin film-processed body is heated to a temperature within the supercooled liquid phase region and held at the temperature for 0.5-5 minutes. Thereafter, the thin film-processed body is cooled down to room temperature. Then, at least a part of the substrate is removed by wet-etching, etc. to form a thin film-planar structure composed of the thin film-processed body having the one side-fixed beam like shape.

Abstract: A thin film made of an amorphous material having an supercooled liquid phase region is formed on a substrate. Then, the thin film is heated to a temperature within the supercooled liquid phase region and is deformed by its weight, mechanical external force, electrostatic external force or the like, thereby to form a thin film-structure. Thereafter, the thin film-structure is cooled down to room temperature, which results in the prevention of the thin film's deformation.

Abstract: A dental examination mirror is provided. The dental examination mirror includes an examination unit having a planar base wall and a side wall projecting upwardly and outwardly from the base wall. The side wall includes an edge remote from the base wall. A mirror wall is sealingly secured to the edge of the side wall and is substantially parallel to the base wall. The surface of the mirror wall facing away from the base wall are reflective to permit observation of regions in an intraoral cavity. At least portions of the mirror wall enable transmission of light. A light source and a heat source are disposed in the examination unit between the base wall and mirror wall. Light from the light source will be transmitted through at least portions of the mirror wall to illuminate at least portions of the intraoral cavity without shining light toward the eyes of the dentist or patient. The heat source in the examination unit prevents fogging of the mirror.

Abstract: An operation prohibiting apparatus for construction equipment of improved controllability. A cutoff bar is positioned is a first position in which the cutoff bar protrudes across the entryway to an operator cab of the construction equipment. The cutoff bar is operationally linked with a locking mechanism for a hydraulic valve system of the construction equipment so that an operating mechanism for the system is unlocked when the cutoff bar is positioned in the first protruding position. A displacement enlarging mechanism is provided between an operating knob and the cutoff bar to facilitate manual positioning of the cutoff bar. Further, the cutoff bar is provided with flexibility to prevent possible damage to the cutoff bar.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a vehicle such as a forklift in which a hydraulic pump for driving the fork is driven by the same engine used to provide motive power to the vehicle. A inching control is provided in cases where an automatic transmission is employed for shifting the gears of the vehicle. The inching control controls the clutch to allow separate control of the motive system and cargo handling system of the vehicle. This control must be operated by an operator through the inching pedal. In the fork lift, the clutch plate wears excessively and therefore the relation between the amount of depressing of the inching pedal and engagement of clutch changes abruptly. The present invention discloses a technique to adequately measure the clutch position and for compensating for control of the clutch by always keeping constant the relation between the amount of depression of the inching pedal and the amount of engagement of the clutch.

Abstract: A forward/reverse drive controller for controlling a vehicle, in which the output of an engine is transmitted through a clutch to an automatic transmission, in which the running direction of the vehicle is changed rapidly and alternately in opposite directions.