Abstract: A dot array fluorescent tube for an optical printer writes optical information on a photoconductive element by converting an information signal representative of a desired image to optical information. A grid electrode disposed in a vacuum space defined in a housing has a slot-like opening in a portion thereof which faces an array of fluorescent elements which are formed on anodes, which are also arranged in an array in the lengthwise direction of the housing. The grid electrode is formed as a metal film on the housing through an insulating layer. A conductive light intercepting film is deposited on the housing except for a limited portion which faces the fluorescent element array, thereby regulating the direction of light which is transmitted through the housing. The fluorescent elements in the array provide a plurality of dot arrays which are controlled independently of each other.

Abstract: A battery powered light source comprising an electric light bulb; a plurality of air cathodes; a plurality of metal anodes, one for each cathode; a plurality of electrically nonconductive housings disposed adjacent to each other, wherein each housing encloses a respective chamber containing one cathode and one anode which are spaced from each other and form an anode-cathode pair and also encloses a cavity which is below the anode-cathode pair and is in fluid flow communication with the chamber, each housing having a portion defining at least one air passage from its chamber to an adjacent housing, and an opening through which a surface of the contained cathode is exposed to air in the passage. The housings are secured to each other in such arrangement that their respective air-passage-defining portions cooperatively define at least one common air passage. Circuit elements are provided for electrically connecting the anode-cathode pairs to each other and to the electric light bulb.

Abstract: In an aluminium reduction cell including a cell lining and embedded therein at least one cathode current collector including a high temperature section comprising an electrically conducting refractory material such as titanium diboride, generally in conjunction with molten aluminium metal, corrosion is a problem. The invention provides a substance to protect the collector section. The substance may be a liquid impermeable layer e.g. particulate material impregnated with a molten fluoride-or chloride-containing salt mixture; for a getter such as particulate aluminium to react chemically with gaseous corrosive species. Combinations of these substances may be used, optionally in conjunction with a solid layer such as an alumina or aluminium metal tube.

Abstract: A moulded plastics article having a closed bore to receive a spindle, the bore being formed with at least one radially inwardly projecting annular rib adapted to locate in a circumferential groove in the spindle, characterized in that the or each rib is interrupted to form a gap for the passage of fluid from one side of the rib to the other when the spindle is inserted into the bore.

Abstract: A process which provides a three-dimensional, light-diffracting pattern comprising a hologram on a surface of a transparent material layer which may be extremely thin and non-self-supporting, and which secures this layer to a document or like substrate, with the pattern-bearing surface facing downwardly (i.e., not exposed), by an adhesive bond having a shear strength greater than that of the transparent layer so that the layer cannot be removed from the surface without being destroyed.

Abstract: A cermet material comprises an intergrown network of a minor proportion of ceramic such as TiB.sub.2 in a metal matrix such as Al. The cermet is prepared by forming a minor proportion by weight of a ceramic phase in situ in a molten metal phase and holding the mixture of elevated temperature for a time to effect formation of an intergrown ceramic network.

Abstract: A quiet nacelle system for jet aircraft engines includes an elongated nose cowl and nose dome of the nacelle and a sound-attenuating liner applied to the nose cowl, nose dome and fan duct components. The system is particularly suitable for JT3D-3B and JT3D-7 engines for use with DC-8 aircraft. The components may be combined as a hush kit for retrofit in existing nacelle systems.

Abstract: In an aluminium reduction cell, the height of the anodes within the cell are controlled automatically, usually by computer. Means (S1 . . . SN, C1 . . . CN) are provided for making small anode movements in order to effect this automatic control but, for safety reasons, these control movements are limited to a maximum preset duration by timers (T1,T2). These are occasions, however, when longer anode movements need to be undertaken and the present apparatus provides means (6) for overriding these timers during such longer anode movements. Various safety measures are incorporated in this overriding function to ensure that safety requirements are maintained.

Abstract: A print ribbon cassette includes a supply roll and a take-up roll so that the print ribbon unwound from the supply roll is presented for use in printing and thereafter wound around the take-up roll. The cassette also includs an endless belt extended around a driving roller and a pair of belt rollers. The driving roller is provided fixed in position and coupled to a driving motor of a printer when the cassette is mounted on the printer. On the other hand, the belt rollers are rotatably mounted on separate support arms which are pivotally mounted on the cassette. When the support arms are located at an operative position as extending substantially in a line and opposite in direction, the belt is brought into driving engagement with both of the supply and take-up rollers.

Abstract: A synchronizing light beam detecting apparatus is provided in a light scanning system, such as a laser printer, which includes a light source for emitting a light beam, a polygonal mirror driven to rotate for deflecting the light beam over a predetermined angle repetitively, and a f.theta. lens for focusing the deflected beam along a predetermined imaginary scanning line. The detector includes a cylindrical lens for receiving the light beam passing through the f.theta. lens and picked up at a predetermined position and a detector surface for receiving the light beam passing through the cylindrical lens. A conjugate relation is established between the light beam deflecting point at the polygonal mirror and the detector surface so that the effect of inclination of a mirror surface of the polygonal mirror is cancelled. The detector surface is so located that the light beam is formed thereon only by the image-forming action of the f.theta.

Abstract: A system and method for programming an EPROM which includes a bit line, a plurality of memory cell MOS transistors connected to the bit line, a switching transistor for selectively applying a programming voltage to the bit line, and a selection circuit for selecting one of the memory transistors for programming. In accordance with the principle of the present invention, when one of the memory transistors is selected for programming, the programming voltage is applied to the bit line and thus to the drain of the selected memory transistor and to the gate of the selected memory transistor. Then, even after termination of application of the programming voltage to the bit line, the programming voltage remains to be applied to the gate for a predetermined time period, thereby allowing charge stored in the parasitic capacitance of the bit line to be completely discharged through the selected transistor.

Abstract: A laser beam collimating apparatus includes a semiconductor laser, a collimating lens and a support for holding the laser and the lens spaced apart from each other over a predetermined distance. The material for forming the support has a linear expansion coefficient a which can cancel out a deviation of the focal distance of the collimator lens due to temperature change. In particular, it is, preferably, structured such that the relation of a=R.times.n holds, wherein R is the change rate of the oscillating wavelength of the semiconductor laser with temperature (nm/.degree.C.) and n is the dispersion of the glass material forming the collimator lens.

Abstract: An automatic transmission, wherein a first shaft is rotatably supported by the transmission case, and an input shaft is coupled with an engine output shaft. Additionally, a second shaft, comprising a long shaft and a short shaft rotatably mounted thereupon, wherein the short shaft has a helical input gear connected to an output gear of the first shaft by meshing engagement, a differential gear with a large helical drive gear connects to an output gear of the second shaft, and a speed-changing planetary gear connects to the short shaft.

Abstract: A portable image forming device which is moved on an original in a direction perpendicular to a primary scan direction for subscan, and divides original reflection light beams into picture pickup elements in the primary scan direction through an image forming optical system to imageform the pickup elements on a pickup device for reading. The pickup range of the pickup device in the primary scan direction is designed to be variable, and means for setting the pickup range is provided. With a portable copying machine which houses the pickup device and a printing section including a writing head in a single casing, paper is fed to the printer section as required by making use of the movement of the machine for original scan.

Abstract: A method of impressing a secret pattern on a substrate by the use of an uninked intaglio printing plate having the foreground area with a pattern of ridges and grooves which are distinctively different from the ridges and grooves in a background area enclosing the foreground area. The secret pattern may be observed only a person who is informed as to what pattern he is looking for and how to look at that pattern. Particularly, his line of sight must make a certain angle with the plane of the impressed substrate. The line of sight must also be oriented properly with respect to the background and foreground areas.

Abstract: A paper setting mechanism of a printer for setting a sheet of paper in position around a platen roller for printing desired information includes a paper bail assembly having at least one bail roller, which is pivotally supported and normally biased so as to cause the bail roller to be pressed against the platen roller. The paper bail assembly may be set in a set position in which the bail roller is pressed against the platen roller and it may also be set in a retracted position in which the bail roller is separated away from the platen roller. After insertion of paper, the platen roller is driven to rotate first in the normal direction over a first predetermined amount and then in the reversed direction over a second predetermined amount, which is smaller than the first predetermined amount, whereby the reversed rotation of the platen roller is utilized to cause the paper bail assembly to return to its set position automatically.

Abstract: An expanding and shrinking member useful as a masking member is provided in the present invention. Said expanding and shrinking member comprises a panel which consists of a thermoplastic foam having closed cells and (a) cavity(ies) is(are) formed on one side of said panel and an adhesive layer is formed on the other side of said panel.

Abstract: A support device for supporting on a guide shaft a travel assembly moving along the guide shaft, comprising at least two sliding bearings equipped with V shaped grooves, and separate bearings disposed opposite the respective sliding bearings across the guide shaft. The support device supports the travel assembly on the guide shaft by pinching the guide shaft between the sliding bearings and the separate bearings.

Abstract: One or two auxiliary rollers of relatively small diameter are pressed against the peripheral surface of a main rotatable body which is heated. Where the two auxiliary rollers are employed, they are spaced apart from each other and are rotated in one direction at the same peripheral speed as that of the main rotatable body. A sheet carrying an unfixed toner image is fed by being gripped between the main rotatable body and the auxiliary rollers, during which the toner is heated and dried, and fixed to the sheet with the solvent evaporated. Thereafter, the sheet is discharged toward a next process. The sheet auxiliary sheets are relatively disposed under certain positional conditions for keeping the sheet in intimate contact with the main rotatable body to achieve proper toner fixing and sheet feeding operations.