Abstract: A method and apparatus for supplying a slider to a slide fastener stringer in motion along a path of travel for the purpose of attaching the slider to the slide fastener stringer are disclosed. The apparatus comprises in combination a slider chute for delivering one slider after another in an upright posture, means for rotatably and releasably supporting the delivered slider at the lower end of the slider chute, means for rotating the slider so as to shift its upright posture to a horizontal posture, and a gripper for nipping the slider on opposite lateral surfaces thereof. The gripper is adapted to reciprocate in a vertical direction between the lower end of the slider chute and an assembly position in a path of travel of the slide fastener stringer positioned as separated downwardly from the slider chute.

Abstract: An access alarming method and apparatus for activating an alarm in the event of the access of a working vehicle, such as a road roller, to an object, such as a worker, in the same working area as the vehicle. An ultrasonic wave transmitted by a transmitter on the object is received by a receiver on the vehicle. The received signal is processed and used to determine the relative position of the vehicle with respect to the object. An alarm is activated, and/or the vehicle is braked when it is judged that the object is within a hazard area determined in relation to the position and course of the vehicle.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an automatic steering apparatus for ships which prevents the occurrence of directional instability due to unusual phenomena which occur at small rudder angles of so-called full-bodied ships.When the rudder angle of such ship is small, two stable steady turning conditions occur so that the turning movement cannot assume any single state and it results in a frequent and irregular unstable ship motion.