Abstract: A slip casting device has a molding station for molding a casting with a mold, and a releasing station separate from the molding station, for separating the casting from mold members of the mold which carry the casting. The device may include a pair of vertically spaced molds and a common clamping cylinder interposed between the pair of molds.

Abstract: The present invention discloses methods and apparatus for depositing thin films of complex (compound) materials, including ferroelectrics, superconductors, and materials with high dielectric constants through a technique which is hereby entitled photo-enhanced chemical vapor deposition and activation (PECVDA). The technique involves the use of multiple heating sources including a resistive heat bias heater, a tuned optical source (UV or laser) and a source (halogen lamps or microwave sources) for applying high energy, rapid thermal pulses in a precise time sequence.

Abstract: A steering angle detecting device employs an analog sensor and a digital sensor to detect a displacement of a component which is displaceable depending on a change in a steering angle in a steering apparatus.

Abstract: A system for protecting the exposed glass surfaces of a vehicle including external mirror covers and window covers. The mirror covers comprise bag-like enclosures of weather resistant material which totally enclose the mirror preventing the formation of ice, frost or snow buildup. The window covers comprise sheets of flexible material having fasteners at the perimeter for securing the cover adjacent the outer side of the window. The fasteners include magnets and hooks.

Abstract: A steering system for a vehicle with a steerable front wheel (5) and a rear wheel (11) controlled to be steered in accordance with a travelling state representative quantity (.delta..sub.f, V,.alpha..sub.a), wherein the rear wheel is steered taking into account at least a ratio of a cornering power (Kr) thereof to a vertical load on the tire thereof, besides the travelling state representative quantity.

Abstract: A coating apparatus comprises a spinning chuck rotatably supported within an enclosure and securely holding a substrate thereon. A coating material is applied onto the surface of the substrate and distributed over the substrate by centrifugal forces. An annular air duct is disposed in surrounding and spaced relation to the spinning chuck, and a disk is placed between the air duct and the spinning chuck and has a plurality of guide vanes. Fans are provided in the air duct to develop a positive flow of air over the substrate. The flow of air is guided by the guide vanes in a direction identical to the direction of rotation of the substrate so as to eliminate undesirable deposition from the end edges of the substrate.

Abstract: A current location indicating apparatus for use in an automotive vehicle. The apparatus comprises a current travel distance detection unit adapted to detect a current cumulated travel distance of the vehicle. A bearing detection unit is adapted to detect a current bearing in accordance with current travel. A signal processing unit is adapted to obtain a current locational point in terms of two-dimensional coordinates of the moving vehicle in accordance with the outputs from each of the detection units. A path of travel store unit is adapted to sequentially store the locational data in terms of the two-dimensional coordinates varying from time to time as obtained by the signal processing unit and hold the contents thereof as current continuous locational information on the moving vehicle.

Abstract: A toilet device with a system for inspecting the health condition of the toilet user includes a toilet having a bowl surface with a urine reservoir for holding a urine sample, a box having at least a water tank disposed rearwardly and upwardly of the toilet, the box having an outlet opening in a bottom thereof, a slider for holding a urine test paper piece, the slider being movable from within the box toward the urine reservoir to immerse the urine test paper piece in the urine sample in the urine reservoir, a urine analyzing device disposed in the box, for analyzing constituents of the urine sample attached to the urine test paper piece, a lifting and lowering mechanism for reciprocally lifting and lowering the slider through the outlet opening along a substantially vertical inclined path between the urine analyzing device and the urine reservoir, and a display panel for controlling the lifting and lowering mechanism and the urine analyzing device and for displaying results of a urine analysis effected by th

Abstract: A saddle type, off-road vehicle comprises a frame, including upper, lower and rear portions, an engine supported by the frame, a pair of rear wheels disposed on opposite sides of the main frame. The lower portion of the frame extends rearwardly and upwardly behind the engine and the rear portion of the frame extends substantially horizontally therefrom, while the upper portion of the frame extending rearwardly downwardly behind the seat terminates in the vicinity of a junction between the lower and rear portions of the frame.

Abstract: A fiber optic connector includes a plug having a ferrule adapted to be connected to a tip end of an optical fiber, a receptacle associated with a light-emitting element and having a ferrule insertion hole defined therein for receiving the plug therein, the ferrule insertion hole being held in light-transmitting communication with the light-emitting element, the receptacle being arranged such that the receptacle establishes an optical path between the light-emitting element and the optical fiber for optical coupling therebetween when the ferrule is inserted into the ferrule insertion hole, and a light blocking element for interrupting the optical path within the ferrule insertion hole in response to insertion of the ferrule into the ferrule insertion hole.

Abstract: A volatile flux coating solution which, when dry, provides durable protective film coating containing residual flux, and a fluxing-soldering process utilizing such a solution. The coating solution is applied to a cleaned metal surface to be later joined and soldered to another metal surface, thereby obviating the need for recleaning and refluxing at the time of joining and soldering. Where two objects prepared according to this invention are joined, no additional cleaning or fluxing is required, thus saving significant time and labor at the work site. However, an object prepared according to the present invention may nevertheless be joined to an unprepared object at the work site if the unprepared object is prepared by conventional techniques, thereby allowing the prepared object to be joined with either prepared or unprepared objects. The soldering process is completed by soldering the two objects together according to conventional techniques.

Abstract: A steering system for a vehicle includes a steering mechanism mechanically separated form a steering handle and having a motor for steering road wheels, a steering detector for detecting a steering operation of the handle, a steered angle sensor for detecting steered angles of the road wheels, and a control circuit mechanism for driving the motor to thereby steer the road wheels in response to detected signals from the steering detector and steered angle sensor. The steered angle sensor comprises a measuring member which makes rotational movements in proportion to the steered angles of the road wheels and occupies a constant space relative to the vehicle.

Abstract: A four-wheel-steering system includes a rear wheel steering mechanism for turning rear wheels in response to energization of an actuator. A locking device is responsive to de-energization of the actuator for locking gears and a rack shaft to prevent the rear wheels from being turned. The locking device includes a longer arm on which first and second gears are rotatably mounted, a shorter arm pivotally coupled to the longer arm, a stopper coupled to the shorter arm and engageable with the second gear, and a spring acting on the stopper for normally urging the stopper into engagement with the second gear, the actuator comprising an electric motor angularly movable with respect to the second gear.

Abstract: Provided is a multistage method and apparatus for concentrating a solution by reverse osmosis, comprising the steps and means for: maximizing the concentration of absolute in a solution in a multistage apparatus having only standard capacity pumps, including steps of providing first concentrating means for concentrating a solution to a first concentration, said first concentrating means comprising at least one concentrating unit which positioned upstream with respect to a direction in which a solution to be concentrated flows, and providing second concentrating means for concentrating the solution that has been concentrated by first concentrating means to a second concentration which is higher than said first concentrating means comprising at least one concentrating unit which is positioned downstream with respect to said direction; said concentrating units comprising consisting essentially of respective membrane modules and respective standard capacity pumps, the membrane module of the concentrating unit of

Abstract: A camber control system varies the camber of a wheel of a motor vehicle. The camber control system includes a detector for detecting a direction in which front wheels are steered, a controller for producing a control signal in response to a signal produced by the detector, an actuator operable in response to the control signal from the controller, and a rear wheel camber varying mechanism actuatable by the actuator for varying the camber of rear wheels. The controller is arranged such that the control signal produced thereby enables the actuator to operate the rear wheel camber varying mechanism so that the camber of outer and inner rear wheels with respect to a motor vehicle turning direction corresponding to the direction in which the front wheels are steered, is rendered negative and positive, respectively.

Abstract: A continuously variable hydraulic transmission operatively interconnects a transmission mechanism and a clutch mechanism. The hydraulic transmission includes an oil pump having an inlet port and an outlet port and a transmission ratio control member such as a swash plate which is displaceable for varying the transmission ratio between a higher-speed position, a lower-speed position, and a neutral position, an oil motor having an inlet port and an outlet port and drivable by the oil pump, a first oil passage hydraulically interconnecting the outlet port of the oil pump and the inlet port of the oil motor, a second oil passage hydraulically interconnecting the inlet port of the oil pump and the outlet port of the oil motor, a housing accommodating the oil pump, the oil motor, the first oil passage, and the second oil passage, and an oil passage control unit for selectively bringing the first oil passage into and out of hydraulic communication with the second oil passage.

Abstract: An arcuate measuring device for measuring distances along a spherical body such as a bowling ball. The device includes a curved guide member including measurement marking thereon. A measurement device is slidably retained on the guide member. Removable pins are provided to permit measuring between two finger holes in a bowling ball. An aperture is provided in the measurement device to permit marking a distance on the ball.