Abstract: A memory chip unit includes a pad electrode including first and second portions, and a memory cell array. A prober includes a probe card and a movement mechanism. The probe card includes a probe electrode to be in contact with the pad electrode, and a memory controller electrically coupled to the probe electrode and executes reading and writing on the memory cell array. The movement mechanism executes a first operation that brings the probe electrode into contact with the first portion and does not bring the probe electrode into contact with the second portion, and a second operation that does not bring the probe electrode into contact with the first portion and brings the probe electrode into contact with the second portion.

Abstract: A tool change apparatus for a machining center and the like comprises a spindle head vertically slidably mounted on a column, and a spindle rotatably mounted in the spindle head. The spindle has at the lower end thereof a tapered tool reception bore in which a tool is releasably held. When a draw bar is shifted upwards, resilient clamper arms are forced to enter a reduced bore to be contracted thereby so that a head of the tool is clamped. When the draw bar is shifted downwards, engageable end portions are moved into an enlarged recess-like portion whereby the clamper arms are allowed to expand outwards to release the head of the tool. Even when the head is released, a stop pin urged by a spring continues to engage the head of the tool whereby the tool is still held by the spindle.Tools are held by a series of magazine pots. Each pot is indexed to a tool change station.

Abstract: A steering control system of a type wherein an unmanned vehicle is transferred from one cable to another of two crossing cables by a programmed turning operation. According to the invention, a smooth transferring of the vehicle from the programmed turning to a guided travel along the other cable can be achieved. Conditions for the transferring of the vehicle are: (a) an output of a posture angle detection coil is within a predetermined low range, (b) the vehicle has moved by a predetermined distance after starting of the programmed turning and (c) the vehicle is not out of course, i.e. an output of a reference phase detection coil is greater than a preset value.

Abstract: An unmanned conveying control system capable of conveying a load between a base position such as a gateway of a warehouse or a predetermined position in a manufacture line in a factory and a storage place in the warehouse or factory as well as loading and unloading of the load in such base position and storage place completely automatically and without an operator. A load conveying way is defined by leader cables along which an unmanned travelling vehicle is guided. Leader cables are provided along load storage lines (lanes) in the warehouse or factory and a central control unit gives out load storage and load delivery instructions and applies a guide signal only to a lane in which the vehicle should be guided. The vehicle detects the state of the load placed in front of the vehicle and transfers the load from the vehicle to a required layer of a stacked load when the vehicle has received the load storage instruction, or from a required layer to the vehicle when it has received the load delivery instruction.