Abstract: This rucksack is noteworthy in that it comprises, from its top flap, which is designed to close the rucksack, a textile means (3) configured to surround the helmet and keep it in place, said textile means comprising one or more areas (3a) attached by stitching or other means to the upper flap (2) of the rucksack and at least one area of temporary fastening (4) to quick-fastening means (5) connected to said flap.

Abstract: A powered dispenser for dispensing individual paper towel segments from a continuous roll of paper provided with spaced lines of tearing comprises a housing, a support for the roll of paper, a feed mechanism, and a control device. The control device senses the presence of a user to activate the feed mechanism, controls the amount of material which is dispensed from the housing for any one cycle, and prevents further dispensing of the paper until the previous segment is separated from the roll. The control device detects the leading edge of the paper to initiate monitoring of the length of paper to be dispensed to prevent any cumulative error in dispensing the segments.

Abstract: A pivotally connected stapler machine is disabled as a staple ejecting apparatus and is converted into pivotally connected lever handles to operate the enabled double jawed staple remover. To disable the stapler machine and enable the staple remover, stapler machine magazine (24), magazine shroud (56) are pushed rearward on base (10) along the hinge pin guide track (18) enabling pivotally connected staple remover jaws consisting of bottom staple remover jaw (38) and top staple remover jaw (44) to open and close concurrently with the squeezing and releasing of the pivotally connected lever handles.

Abstract: A fixing pin is attached to a winding end of a spring attached to a pusher of a nailing machine. A fixing plate with an engaging hole is engaged with the fixing pin from the outside of an opening of a magazine. The fixing pin is guided to a tapering section of the opening by moving the fixing plate in the direction of a nose section of the nailing machine to fix the fixing plate. Further, a magazine has a guide groove for guiding a T-shaped top portion formed at an upper end of the pusher and for guiding head portions of connected nails in an upper portion of a guide path of the pusher and the connected nails. A cover made of iron is attached to the inside of the guide groove. Thickness of a part of the pusher is smaller than the diameter of nail axis portions.

Abstract: An upper shearing blade 3 equipped with a protrusion 30 of a triangle-columnar shape and a lower shearing blade 4 equipped with a protrusion 40 of the same shape are applied onto the overlapped portion of metal plates 1 and 2 to be bonded, and then pressed into the metal plates 1 and 2 in an oblique direction inclined with respect to the thickness direction by a stroke in such a range that the metal plates 1 and 2 are not completely cut off. The operating loci of the upper shearing blade 3 and the lower shearing blade 4 are overlapped each other so that one falls inside the other, and the sheared surfaces of the metal plates 1 and 2 are formed into a bonded portion by plastic flow deformation. Therein, since a compressive force is applied onto the portions to be bonded, the portion being defined by the amount of overlap, and the portions are compressed to form a compressed portion after completion of bonding, the bonding strength enhances.

Abstract: An apparatus for attaching an electronic device to and removing an electronic device from a substrate. An electronic device pick-up and vacuum head applies a vacuum source to the electronic device for engaging, picking up and retaining the electronic device. The heat is transmitted by conduction through the structure of the device pick-up and vacuum head to the electronic device and solder for securing the electronic device on the substrate to heat the solder to its reflow temperature. The pick-up and vacuum head includes an electronic device engaging portion, a vacuum port, and a heat source engaging portion.

Abstract: A carton or beverage containers includes a series of hinged panels forming a sleeve and end closure panels hinged to at least one associated hinged panel for closing, at least in part, the opposite ends of a sleeve. The carton includes a handle by which the carton can be carried. The handle comprises a strap connected to the end closure panels having a user part which is in substantially co-planar relationship with the one hinged panel when in a stored condition. The strap is so connected at its opposite ends to the end closure panels as to provide a surplus of material to enable the user part to be brought into a position of use.

Abstract: A box made substantially of paperboard, the box having one or more support formations attached to an interior surface of the box and projecting into the interior of the box, wherein the one or more support formations act to (a) locate within the box an object having a shape or size different from that of the box, and (b) brace the box against damage when the object is located within the box by the support formations.

Abstract: A modular indicator of a price or of any information relating to an article on display comprising a plurality of units which can be fixed each to the following other along a longitudinal axis of composition for the modular indicator, wherein each unit in turn comprises a support mount and an alphanumerical segment cantilevered on the support mount.

Abstract: An automatic ticket checking apparatus of the present invention is arranged along a passage and has a first conveying mechanism which conveys a magnetic ticket in a first direction along the passage and a second conveying mechanism which is arranged facing in the passage direction against the first conveying mechanism. This automatic ticket checking apparatus reads the information recorded on magnetic tickets and wireless tickets and executes the checking process for user who are advancing in the first direction along the passage and further, reads the information recorded on magnetic tickets and wireless tickets carried by users who are advancing in the second direction along the passage and executes the checking process for users who are advancing in the second direction.

Abstract: A manual IC card reader has a recess at a frame constructing a card insertion slot in the card insertion direction for inserting and removing a card. The card insertion slot is configured to project an IC contact block toward a card pathway as the IC contact block comes in and then let the card be removed after data communication rolling elements in a free rotational condition provided in a front vicinity of a card stop position in the card direction to reduce an insertion load on the IC card when the IC card projects the IC contacts block toward the card pathway.

Abstract: The invention relates to a scanner, in particular for the detection of one-dimensional and/or two-dimensional codes, having a light receiver arranged in a housing and an optical receiving system associated therewith and also accommodated in the housing, wherein at least one light source is additionally provided in the housing to illuminate the region to be scanned arranged in a scanning plane.

Abstract: A bar code scanner for projecting a scanning pattern comprising a plurality of groups of scan lines, where each scan line in a given group is substantially parallel to other scan lines in the same group. The scanning pattern is provided within a relatively narrow, yet diverging, volume, such as a pyramid, cone, etc., as referenced to a projection axis. The scanner includes a housing having a window. Within the housing are a plurality of stationary mirrors, a laser beam generating mechanism, a rotating reflective polygon for sweeping the laser beam across the mirrors and a window, such that the projection axis intersects the window. The scanner also includes a fixed collecting mirror and a concentrating lens to focus light which is reflected off a bar code to a photodector. One mirror extends along an axis substantially parallel to the transverse axis to produce a first group of scan lines.

Abstract: A portable automatic code symbol reading system having a laser scanning engine that provide hands-free automatic laser scanning capabilities. The automatic code symbol reading system includes a self-contained power supply aboard its housing, and a power-conserving control subsystem for conserving the consumption of electrical power during automatic portable laser scanning operations. The control subsystem of the present invention has a plurality of control centers which control the operation of the system components in accordance with preselected system control operations. Each of the control centers is responsive to control activation signals generated by certain of the system components upon the occurrence of predefined conditions. Certain of the control centers are capable of overriding other control centers to provide diverse control capabilities.

Abstract: A product care label to be attached to a textile product includes a textile carrier part with printed-on or woven-in care instructions reproducing information on the suitable treatment of the textile product and at least one transponder having an electronic component applied thereto. The transponder contains information on the suitable treatment of the textile product, with the information corresponding to the care instructions. Thus, machine readability of the care instructions is achieved and the situation where textile products are damaged due to improper treatment is avoided. A method for producing the product care label includes the steps of printing at least one of a care symbol and a care instruction onto a carrier tape, and simultaneously attaching at least one transponder onto the carrier tape.

Abstract: A nozzle for use in cleaning applications is provided. The nozzle has a rotatably supported nozzle body, on which one or more nozzle orifices are provided. The nozzle housing itself serves as the rotary drive, which is carried along by a fluid led into the housing with torque. In order to stabilize the drive action, at least one braking device is provided on the nozzle which generates a braking torque by fluid action, preferably through the recoil on a nozzle opening.

Abstract: A fuel injector nozzle assembly comprises a lower tip component which includes a first locating surface. The lower tip component defines a lower guide bore with a first centerline and a nozzle outlet. The nozzle assembly also includes an upper tip component which is in contact with the lower tip component. The upper tip component includes a second locating surface and defines an upper guide bore with a second centerline. The first centerline is concentrically coupled with the second centerline by an interaction of the first locating surface with the second locating surface. A needle valve member includes an upper guide portion that is positioned in the upper guide bore and a lower guide portion that is positioned in the lower guide bore. The needle valve member is moveable between an open position, in which the nozzle outlet is open, and a closed position, in which the nozzle outlet is blocked.

Abstract: At fuel downstream end of a valve body, there is arranged an injection port plate formed into a thin disc shape. In the injection port plate, there are formed four injection ports having fuel inlets in a common circumference on the center axis of the injection port plate. The injection ports are formed in the fuel injecting direction apart from the center axis of the injection port plate. In each injection port, with respect to the injection port axis joining the center of the fuel inlet and the center of the fuel outlet of each injection port, the injection port inner circumference more distant from the center axis of the injection port plate is more inclined toward the outer circumference with respect to the center axis than the injection port inner circumference less distance from the center axis of the injection port plate with respect to the injection port axis.

Abstract: An electromagnetically operable fuel injector for a fuel injection system of an internal combustion engine is disclosed having a ferromagnetic core, a magnetic coil at least partially surrounding the ferromagnetic core and an armature magnetically coupled to the magnetic coil and being movably responsive to the magnetic coil. The armature actuates a valve-closing element, which interacts with a fixed valve seat and is movable away from the fixed valve seat of a fuel valve when the magnetic coil is excited. The armature has a generally elongated shape and a generally central opening for reception of fuel from a fuel inlet connector positioned adjacent thereto. The fuel inlet connector extends in a generally longitudinal direction above the armature and defines a central path for fuel to enter the inlet connector and to be directed toward the armature for further passage toward the fixed valve seat.

Abstract: An electromagnetically operable fuel injector for a gaseous fuel injection system of an internal combustion engine, the injector having a generally longitudinal axis, which comprises, a ferromagnetic core, a magnetic coil at least partially surrounding the ferromagnetic core and an armature magnetically coupled to the magnetic coil and being movably responsive to the magnetic coil. The armature actuates a valve closing element which interacts with a fixed valve seat of a fuel valve and is movable away from the fixed valve seat when the magnetic coil is excited. The fixed valve seat defines a central fuel opening and a generally annular groove adjacent the central fuel opening, the armature having a generally elongated shape and a generally central opening for axial reception and passage of gaseous fuel from a fuel inlet connector positioned adjacent thereto.

Abstract: Waste compaction apparatus has a screw conveyor which conveys material along a passage toward an exit nozzle which constricts the flow, to cause compaction. The screw conveyor is slidably mounted on a shaft, biased toward the nozzle. This allows the screw conveyor to move axially during compaction to help remove or avoid blockages within the apparatus.

Abstract: A tape cartridge has a front face sized for compatibility with an industry standard tape drive, and has sides longer than the sides of some industry standard cartridges. The sides and top of the housing extend outwardly in width to form a back portion of the cartridge that is wider than the front portion and prevent the cartridge from being inserted into non-compatible tape drives. Two large diameter tape hubs improve the empty hub to full pack diameter ratios, and improve the resulting tangential drive force and tape tension profiles as the tape moves between the hubs. Flanges are permanently bonded to the hubs to prevent the tape packs from shifting and a spring biases the hubs against the baseplate. A back set of rollers includes a high-drag roller that engages the drive belt at a fixed wrap angle and produces a relatively constant drag. A front set of rollers includes a drive roller and has rollers mounted to form substantially equal geometries with rollers in the back set respective to the tape hubs.

Abstract: To reduce the cost of a seat belt retractor having a function of taking up a seat belt by power a motor. A spool is fitted in a base frame such that a torsion bar functions as a shaft of the spool. Two gear-clutch casings are disposed on the left and right sides of the spool via a pretensioner and a locking mechanism, respectively, wherein two motors are disposed to the gear-clutch casings, respectively. The two motors achieve respective functions which are different from each other and rotate at respective constant speeds. Unlike a case that one motor is used and the rotation speed of the motor is controlled, a speed controller and a noise filter for the motor are not required, thereby reducing the cost of the entire device.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling the tension of a traveling yarn includes a rake tensioner having stationary and displaceable yarn tensioning elements in engagement with the traveling yarn, and an electrical coil to which electrical current is supplied by a regulating device. The displaceable yarn tensioning elements and the electrical coil are disposed on a common pivot lever. The electrical coil is pivotable in an air gap through which magnetic field lines pass. The tension of the traveling yarn is controlled as a function of the current supplied to the electrical coil. The present invention, thusly, improves the control of the tension of the traveling yarn in spinning or bobbin winding machines.

Abstract: Wedge guides 12 for holding a wedge 11 are mounted onto a base 10, and a stripper 15 is fixed to the other end of the wedge guide 12. A blade holder 13 including a plurality of blades 16 vertically installed is held in such a manner as to be freely advanceable and retractable in an up-and-down direction. A coil 30 wound is inserted between the blades 16, and alignment tool 7 is inserted at the tip ends of the blades. A stator iron core 40 is inserted into the alignment tool 7, and the stator iron core 40 is moved until the tip ends of the blades 16 penetrate the stator iron core 40. Thereafter, the stator iron core 40 and a connecting rod 19, the other end of which being connected to the blade holder 13, are pushed by a stator pusher 50, whereby the blade holder 13 is also caused to move together with the stator iron core 40 to insert the coil 30 into grooves in the stator iron core 40.

Abstract: A traversing yarn guide (5) that is moved back and forth produces cross winding of yarn on a bobbin at each winding head of a textile spinning or winding machine in order to wind cross-wound bobbins. After a yarn interruption, an auxiliary yarn guide (4) in an active position keeps the yarn in a position that is raised out of the traversing yarn guide (5). In a rest position (4′), the auxiliary yarn guide (4) does not influence the yarn and the traversing yarn guide (5) can grasp and take the yarn to be wound from the auxiliary yarn guide (4).

Abstract: A damping apparatus for damping vibrations in a vibrating system including a piston which is reciprocally movable in a fluid filled chamber, piston movement in either direction of movement being resisted by fluid pressure in the chamber behind the piston, which resistance provides damping forces which act to oppose piston movement, the piston being connected to one component of the vibrating system and the chamber being connected to a second component of the vibrating system, characterized in that means are provided to relieve the fluid pressure behind the piston to allow substantially unopposed piston movement in the chamber without damping forces being provided, during piston movements which occur in response to vibrations in the vibrating system at frequencies other than a fundamental frequency which the damping apparatus primarily is intended to damp.

Abstract: Shape memory alloy actuators for aircraft landing gear are provided. In one embodiment a retractable aircraft landing gear system is provided. This embodiment includes a shape memory spring strut having a first end and a second end wherein the shape memory spring strut is extendable from a first length to a second length and the shape memory spring strut contains a shape memory alloy. This embodiment also includes a shape memory spring strut activation line connected to the shape memory spring strut wherein the shape memory spring strut activation line may be configured to activate the shape memory spring strut and a longitudinal connecting member having a first segment and a second segment wherein the first segment is in pivotal contact with the first end of the shape memory spring strut and the second segment supports a wheel rotatably mounted on a pin. The connecting member may be moveable along a line of travel from an extended position to a retracted position in this embodiment.

Abstract: A box-structure airfoil is constructed of a composite material upper skin, a composite material lower skin 12 and a spar. Ribs and an elongate projection are formed integrally on the inner surface of each of the two skins. The upper and lower skins and the spar are simultaneously bonded by an adhesive to form a single structure. Since the ribs and the elongate projection are one-piece formed with each skin, it is possible to reduce the number of principal constituent components. Furthermore, since assembly operation is made by using the adhesive, there is no need for fasteners or the like for assembling. Moreover, the spar is bonded not only to Moreover, because not only a web but also flanges on both sides of the spar are bonded to the respective skins, it is possible to obtain a large strength. According to the invention, it is possible to reduce the number of principal constituent components and that of assembling components of an airfoil, thereby achieving its cost reduction.

Abstract: An easy to use, and reuse, separation connector is disclosed that comprises a first component having a plurality of leaf elements with protrusions, and a second component having a recess for receiving the leaf element protrusions. The protrusions of the leaf elements are secured within the recess by a tensioned band, or in an alternative embodiment, by an expansion band; the protrusions and recess are formed so as to provide an efficient and effective load and torque bearing surface that requires minimal tension on the tensioned band, or minimal compression on the expansion band. A shearing structure is also presented that minimizes translation of the leaf elements with respect to the receiving surface. When the band is released, springs or other means urge the leaves away from the mating surface, thereby allowing for the separation of the connected items. Preferably, the leaves are hinged, allowing for ease of coupling and decoupling to the mating surface.

Abstract: In order to achieve the object that a connector connected with a branch line from the trunk line of a wire harness is fixed to the trunk line utilizing a clamp, a clamp having a rectangular shaped base member is provided. The base member is arranged along one side of the outer periphery of a group of electric wires of the wire harness trunk line, and the opposite ends, in a longitudinal direction of the base member, are fixed to the wire harness by tape wrapping. The clamp also includes an automobile body hooking part protruding from an outer face of the base member, and an electric wire guide protrudes from an inner face of the base member. The wire guide is provided with concave portions for insertion of electric wires, and a connector locking part is provided on the upper face of the electric wire guide.

Abstract: This present invention discloses apparatus and a method for mounting a camera on a tripod platform for taking pictures and this mounting apparatus includes a cradle cup mounted on a tripod platform and an 0 ring mounted in a groove on the inside diameter of the cradle cup, and a pear shaped or oblate spheroid shaped ball attached to the bottom of a camera and the ball attached to the camera is set into the cradle cup and the ball sets on O ring in the groove on the inside diameter of the cradle cup. The inside diameter of the 0 ring is less than the diameter of the pear shaped ball attached to the camera.

Abstract: A cable-tubing organizer system is provided for storing and organizing wire leads and tubing extending from monitoring equipment used in an operating room or other patient care environment. The organizer system includes a monitoring lead assembly, a transducer support device, and a transport plate. The monitoring lead assembly includes a plurality of clips, mounted on a base plate, for containing one or more coils of wire or tubing extending from operating room monitoring equipment. The monitoring lead assembly includes an attachment mechanism for securing the assembly to an operating table or any suitably convenient structure. The transducer support device includes a transducer bracket for securing a transducer holder that contains several different transducers. The transducer bracket translates vertically on a slotted plate for adjustment to patient chest level.

Abstract: Active hydraulic anti-vibration support comprising two armatures joined by an elastomer body partially bounding a working chamber filled with liquid and communicating with a compensating chamber, an exciter member in contact with the working chamber, a control device designed to displace the exciter member and an elastic return device applying a force to the exciter member to return it to its non-operating position in accordance with a certain elasticity curve which has a tangent for a first displacement value corresponding to the non-operating position of the exciter member. The elasticity curve is located below this tangent in the vicinity of a second displacement value corresponding to the end stop position of the exciter member.

Abstract: A polymer gel is formed into a mold defining a preselected shape. A flowable composition may be formed into a preselected shape via contact with the polymer gel mold.

Abstract: A sampling and readout system including a cascaded stage charge amplifier samples, amplifies, and outputs pixel sensor data from an array of pixel sensors. The charge amplifier divides the gain into several gain stages. Each gain stage amplifies the pixel sensor data.

Abstract: A low light level image directed to a photocathode in a vacuum causes release of electron which bombard a CMOS imager including passive pixel sensors which in turn generates an electronic image which is fed out of the vacuum and is used to create useful images corresponding to the low level input image. A camera and other low light imaging devices are described.

Abstract: A photoelectric switch which has three light emission elements 1a, 1b, and 1c, a projection lens 3, and two dichroic mirrors 5a and 5b disposed in a holder 9 in a housing 8, and a detection light reception element 2a disposed below the holder 9. The light emission elements 1a, 1b, and 1c and the projection lens 3 are placed so that an optical axis Lc of the light emission element 1c matches an optical axis LX of the projection lens 3, that an optical axis Lb of the light emission element 1b crosses the optical axis LX of the projection lens 3 at right angles, and that an optical axis La of the light emission element 1a crosses the optical axis LX of the projection lens 3 at an acute angle. An optical fiber 6a guides light gathered through the projection lens 3 into a detection position and an optical fiber 6b guides light at the detection position into the detection light reception element 2a.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sensor device for use, for example, in an automatic milking device and, in particular, for detecting the positions of the teats of an animal which is to be milked. The sensor device comprises a number of radiation sources which generate non-divergent radiation beams which have different positions and/or directions which are known in the control unit. The reflections from the irradiated object are detected using detectors, and there are means for distinguishing between the reflections from the various radiation sources, so that the control unit is able to establish the position of the object.

Abstract: The present invention provides golf club swing analyzers and golf swing analysis methods. According to one aspect of the present invention, a golf club swing analyzer comprises: a housing; a light emission device configured to emit reference light toward a location in the path of a golf club swung adjacent the housing; a light reception device supported by the housing and configured to receive reference light emitted from the light emission device and reflected from the swung golf club; and discrimination circuitry coupled with the light reception device and configured to distinguish the reflected reference light received from the light emission device from incidental light, the discrimination circuitry being further configured to generate an indication signal responsive to the reception of reflected reference light.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining an information record medium is provided. The apparatus includes an emitting device, a light receiving device and a determining device. The emitting device respectively emits a plurality of light beams whose wave lengths are different from each other. Then, the light receiving device receives respective reflection lights from an information record medium of the emitted respective light beams, and outputs light reception signals respectively corresponding to the received reflection lights. After that, the determining device determines a type of the information record medium in accordance with a ratio between the outputted respective light reception signals.

Abstract: A position measuring system that includes a scale having an incremental track, which extends in a measuring direction and has an incremental graduation with two different graduation periods. A scanning unit moves in relation to the scale in a measuring direction, the scanning unit has an incremental signal detection arrangement, wherein the incremental signal detection arrangement generates incremental signals with a first coarse signal period and generates incremental signals with a second finer signal period.

Abstract: A light beam emitted from a semiconductor-laser light source is projected onto a diffraction-grating scale after passing through a collimator lens, a beam splitter and a central portion of an annular reflection grating. Two diffracted light beams reflected from the diffraction-grating scale are projected onto the annular reflection grating. The annular reflection grating diffracts the light beams projected onto all portions thereon to a substantially original direction to be projected onto and diffracted from the same position on the diffraction-grating scale. The diffracted light beams are superposed and the resultant light beam is returned to the beam splitter. The light beam is guided by the beam splitter in a direction different from the semiconductor-laser light source, and is detected by a photosensor as an interference light beam.

Abstract: In an ionization device of a mass spectrometer, an abnormality diagnosis device or control section switches a change-over switch without lighting up a filament, and reads a trap current and a total current supplied to the filament, by current/voltage converting sections. Then, by determining whether the trap current and the total current are zero or more, a trouble due to a contact between the filament or a trap electrode and an ionization chamber is found. When it is determined that a condition is normal, the filament is turned on and the feedback control is operated. Also, the trap current and the total current are respectively read, and in accordance with the values thereof, there is found a deficiency due to a shift of the attachment position of the filament or the trap electrode, or a burnout of the filament.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for improving the image quality of positron emission tomography is disclosed. This is achieved by analysing individual photomultiplier tubes for true events. The apparatus includes a photomultiplier tube for generating a photomultiplier tube signal. A series of pull up resistors generates a code signal identifying the photomultiplier tube. A clock generates a time stamp to the photomultiplier tube signal. A bus buffer generates an encoded signal. A position computing device calculates the position of the photomultiplier tube. An image computer generates an image from a plurality of encoded signals. A display displays the image. Analysing data from individual photomultiplier tubes results in smaller areas and smaller amounts of data to be processed. This then permits smaller time franm windows to be used. The use of time stamps also permits data before and after an event to be recorded.

Abstract: This ion source is set up to satisfy a relation

Abstract: A sample analyzing apparatus comprises a micro-aperture probe, which is provided with a light passage aperture having a diameter shorter than wavelengths of light, the light passage aperture being formed at a radiating end of the micro-aperture probe, and a light source, which produces light for sample analysis. An incidence optical system causes the light for sample analysis to enter into the micro-aperture probe from an entry end of the micro-aperture probe. A sample supporting member supports a sample at a position that is exposed to near field light radiated out of the radiating end of the micro-aperture probe. An image sensor receives light having been scattered by the sample and detects an intensity distribution pattern of the scattered light. A display device displays the detected intensity distribution pattern.

Abstract: An electron beam lithography apparatus includes a control device in which, for each column stripe in each drawing time of multiple drawing, optional conditions of dividing a pattern to be drawn on the sample can be set; and a time obtained by dividing a total irradiation time by the number of total drawing times is set to an electron beam-irradiation time. Further, the control device controls a deflection device so as to deflect the electron beam in accordance with the set conditions of pattern-division and the set electron beam-irradiation time.

Abstract: A read out apparatus is disclosed for reading a radiation image. The apparatus has an array of imaging elements for detecting the radiation image and for converting the image into a charge representation . Charge integrating means are coupled to the array of imaging elements for integrating a detected amount of charge The charge storage capacity of the charge integrating means is adjusted in accordance with the expected charge amount.

Abstract: A reading unit has an auxiliary scanning feed unit for feeding a stimulable phosphor sheet vertically in an auxiliary scanning direction, a scanning light applying unit for applying a laser beam to the stimulable phosphor sheet, a reading assembly for reading radiation image information carried by the stimulable phosphor sheet, a fixed guide unit for holding one surface of the stimulable phosphor sheet, and first and second movable guide units for holding the other surface of the stimulable phosphor sheet, the first and second movable guide units being movable toward and away from the stimulable phosphor sheet. Consequently, the radiation image information recorded on the stimulable phosphor sheet can be read highly accurately and efficiently with a simple arrangement.