Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a solid-state imaging device and driving method thereof capable of suppressing image quality defect caused by a coupling which occurs when a readout transistor that controls signal charge readout from a photodiode. The solid-state imaging device is an amplifying solid-state imaging device which includes: a unit cell having a readout transistor which reads signal charge from the photodiode, which outputs an amplifier signal corresponding to the signal charge; a first vertical signal line and a second vertical signal line connected to the unit cell; a sampling capacity which accumulates amplifier signals transmitted via the first vertical signal line and the second vertical signal line; a bias current supply, a coupling control transistor, and a coupling control circuit, which prevent transmission of the amplifier signal from the unit cell to the sampling capacity either at the start or the end of the signal charge readout by the readout transistor.

Abstract: A sheet metal factory processing system includes a production manager which generates a processing schedule for multiple units each including at least one material sheet, to manage the processing schedule on a per-unit basis. The processing schedule is generated based on sheet processing data obtained by allocating parts to be blanked from the material sheets according to a manufacturing designation. The sheet metal factory processing system also includes a sheet metal factory processing installation which is connected to the production manager through a communication network. The sheet metal factory processing installation receives the generated processing schedule from the production manager and executes the received processing schedule.

Abstract: A method and system for drawing directed graphs including receiving data coordinates associated with nodes for graphing, performing a constrained stress minimization, and outputting results of the constrained stress minimization and displaying the results on a visual medium. The described method may take the form of instructions residing on a computer readable medium. The described method and system may be utilized for drawing directed graphs in a very wide range of applications ranging from gene networks, to flowcharts, to display of relational characteristics of breakfast cereal and so on.

Abstract: A semiconductor device with an undercut relaxed SiGe layer having voids beneath the SiGe layer. The voids may be filled with a dielectric such as SiO2. A strained Si layer may be epitaxially grown on the relaxed SiGe layer to combine the benefits of a defect-free strained Si surface and a silicon-on-insulator substrate. The relaxed SiGe layer may be relatively thin, with a thickness below the critical thickness. Thus, the structure accommodates shallow junctions, which exhibit reduced junction capacitance.

Abstract: A zoom lens system includes a positive first lens group, a positive second lens group, a diaphragm, and a negative third lens group. The first through third lens groups move in an optical axis direction for zooming. The positive first lens group includes a negative lens element, and at least one positive lens element. The negative lens element is positioned at the most object-side of the positive first lens group, and is provided with a concave surface on the object-side surface thereof. The zoom lens system satisfies a number of specified conditions.

Abstract: Arrangement for protecting an outboard motor. The arrangement includes a holding device which is made of steel and which is adapted to be detachably fixed to a shaft of the outboard motor. The holding device includes a ring element having U-shaped cross-sectional profile and at least one closure device. A protective cage includes at least one projecting part which projects radially outwards from an upper edge of the protective cage. The U-shaped cross-sectional profile defines an opening which is adapted to removably receive therein the at least one projecting part when the protective cage is fixed to the shaft of the outboard motor with the holding device. This Abstract is not intended to define the invention disclosed in the specification, nor intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.

Abstract: Process for the oligomerization of 1-alkenes to internal alkenes and a catalyst therefor. 1-Alkene is combined, in liquid phase and at a temperature of from about 50 to about 200° C., with a catalyst formed by contacting at least one Group VIII transition metal salt with at least one alkylaluminum compound. If the at least one Group VIII transition metal salt includes cobalt and the at least one alkylaluminum compound includes trialkylaluminum compound the process is carried out in the substantial absence of alkoxyaluminum species.

Abstract: A battery pack is constructed with a plurality of battery modules. Each battery module comprises a plurality of prismatic cell cases having short lateral walls and long lateral walls and respectively accommodating elements for electromotive force, these cells being mutually coupled sharing their short lateral walls as partition walls, thereby constituting an integral battery case. Electrode terminals of positive and negative polarities are arranged at longitudinal opposite ends of the integral battery case. Projections and indentations for positioning the plurality of battery modules when coupling them together with their long side faces abutted each other to constitute the battery pack are formed substantially in the center of given cell cases positioned symmetrical with respect to the centerline in the lengthwise direction of the battery module.

Abstract: An operation device of a camera includes an indication member comprising a plurality of characters, an operation member which is movable relative to the indication member and includes an index mark for pointing at one of the plurality of characters when the operation member stops at a corresponding stop position thereof; and an illuminating device which illuminates at least one of the plurality of characters at which the index mark points. Also disclosed is a control device for controlling the illuminating device to be turned ON and OFF in a predetermined particular pattern immediately after the power of the camera is turned ON, wherein the control device does not turn the illuminating device ON and OFF in the predetermined particular pattern thereafter, in a power-ON state of the camera.

Abstract: An electrical connector is provided, the connector having male and female connector housings. When the male and female connector housings are fitted together, locking arms and detents provided thereon may be spaced in the circumferential direction. In such a case, the male and female connector housings are rotated relative to each other in order to find a matching position. The connector housings include a positioning groove and a positioning rib. When the housings are brought together, the locking arm and detent are fitted to each other. The male and female connector housings are thus fixed at a predetermined position in the circumferential direction. When the normal fixed state is attained, the locking arm and detent are locked together. As the locking arm and detent include the positioning groove and rib, it is no longer necessary to position the male and female connector housings through visual checking.