Abstract: An apparatus for restraining the feet of a person while sunbathing to provide proper alignment of feet and legs during the tanning process, which apparatus may also serve as a retainer for eyeglasses when not being used to facilitate tanning. This apparatus includes a piece of material sewn into a long tubular member and a spring-loaded latch. The tubular member is fed through the spring-loaded latch to adjustably form one or more loops which are placed over the large toes of a person's feet wherein the large toes are held adjacent to one another. When not being used to facilitate tanning, the apparatus may be used to retain glasses on the head of a user. The ends of the tubular member grip the ends of the eyeglass temple portions when inserted therethrough.

Abstract: A windshield wiper device for a vehicle, for wiping the windshield of the vehicle, comprises at least one windshield wiping unit. The windshield wiping unit comprises a pivot holder attached to the body of the vehicle and having a cylindrical bearing part, a pivot shaft extended through and supported for turning in the bearing part on the pivot holder, a wiper arm having a base end part fixed to an outer end part of the pivot shaft, and a wiper blade assembly having a wiper blade and connected to the free end of the wiper arm. The pivot shaft is restrained from axial movement into the bearing part of the pivot holder by a retaining ring put there on and seated on an outer end surface of the bearing part of the pivot holder. The retaining is fractured or deformed to permit the pivot shaft to move axially into the bearing part when an axial force exceeding a predetermined level is exerted on the pivot shaft.

Abstract: A solid disk of a disk brake has a hat and a disk element which are joined to each other by a junction. The junction has a plurality of communication holes defined therein which provides communication between opposite sliding surfaces of the disk element. First cooling air flows along one of the sliding surface of the disk element, and second cooling air flows smoothly through the communication holes along the opposite sliding surface of the disk element for effectively cooling the disk element in its entirety.

Abstract: A first preferred peptide containing composition has therapeutically beneficial components, i.e., which heighten the phagocytic activity of neutrophils, consisting of molecules with a molecular weight of at least 8 kDa, and preferably at least 15 kDa. The beneficial components comprise peptides which will absorb light at an absorption band of &Dgr;&lgr;=200-235 nm, &lgr;max=205 nm, in the UV spectrum. The preparation is nontoxic and is formulated using casein, blood albumin, beef peptone, nucleic acid (RNA) and a base such as sodium hydroxide. The preparation stimulates phagocytic activity of neutrophils, if used at sufficient concentrations. A second preferred preparation is obtained using the same components of manufacture, but filtering or centrifuging the preparation to provide a composition containing components exclusively having a molecular weight of <8-15 kDa which inhibits phagocytic activity of neutrophils.

Abstract: A wind deflector and sunshade stopper system for use with a vehicle having a sliding roof panel and a sliding sunshade disposed below the sliding roof panel. The stopper system includes a wind deflector in combination with a sunshade stopper. The wind deflector portion of the system, when installed on a vehicle, is movable between an operative position projecting above a sliding roof opening defined in a fixed roof of the vehicle, and a closed position disposed below the opening. The sunshade stopper portion of the system is adapted to be fixed to a vehicle body. One portion of the sunshade stopper contacts the wind deflector in the closed position thereof to inhibit movement of the deflector; and another portion of the sunshade stopper contacts the sliding sunshade in a closed position thereof to inhibit movement of the sunshade.

Abstract: A stackable, nestable, and reusable container for storing, transporting, and dispersing elongated materials, such as wire or cable. The container includes a first substantially cylindrical portion, a second substantially cylindrical portion located concentrically within the first portion, a container bottom interconnecting the lower ends of the substantially cylindrical portions so as to define an annular channel therebetween for storing a coil of elongate material therein; and a mechanism provided with at least one of the first and second substantially cylindrical portions for securely supporting an identical second container thereon when the second container is in a rotatively aligned stacking configuration with the first container, and for compactly receiving the second container in the annular channel when the second container is in a rotatively aligned nesting configuration with the first container.

Abstract: According to the invention there is disclosed a collapsible batting practice apparatus which comprises an inclined ball delivery channel for delivering a ball to a hitting area under gravitational forces, a support stand for supporting the inclined ball delivery channel at an elevated position, the support stand including a base and an elongate column connecting the inclined ball delivery channel and the base, and the inclined ball delivery channel and the elongate column being selectively collapsible into sections storable within the base. The base preferable comprises a five to seven gallon bucket, the elongate column is formed from a plurality of rigid tubular sections formed of a rigid plastic such as polyvinyl chloride and compressible rigid connectors also formed of PVC or the like which fit within the sections of tubing so as to be completely concealed thereby.

Abstract: A mineral composite consists essentially of a naturally occuring glacial deposit comprising not more than 20 weight percent Si-containing compounds, 10-20 weight percent Ca-containing compounds, 2-10 weight percent Mg-containing compounds, 2-10 weight percent Fe-containing compounds, 1-10 weight percent K-containing compounds, 1-5 weight percent Al-containing compounds, 0-3.0 weight percent Na-containing compounds, 0-5.0 weight percent Ti-containing compounds, 0-1.0 weight percent Mn-containing compounds, 0-0.5 weight percent P-containing compounds, 0-0.01 weight percent Ba-containing compounds and 0-0.005 Cr-containing compounds; and wherein the mineral composite is in powdered form with a mean particle size of 2-20&mgr; and with a surface area of least of 0.8-1.5 m2/cm3 of the composite. Other additives may be added to the mineral composite to make it even more effective for treating soil. Methods of making and using the mineral composite are also described.

Abstract: Multi-functional materials which have a photocatalytic layer with a photocatalytic function disposed on the surface of a base through a binder layer 6 interposed therebetween. Photocatalytic particles of the photocatalytic layer are joined together by a surface energy or solid-state sintering. The photocatalytic layer may have a structure in which fine particles fill interstices defined between photocatalytic particles or a structure in which no fine particles fill interstices defined between photocatalytic particles. A metal such as Ag, Pt, or the like may be fixed or not fixed to surfaces of the photocatalytic particles.

Abstract: A co-operative control system for a vehicle having a force distribution device for distributing at least one of a driving force and a braking force between spaced apart wheels, the co-operative system having: a first control mechanism for controlling the operation of the force distribution device, an electric power steering device having a motor for applying a steering assist torque to a steering system of the vehicle, and a second control mechanism for calculating a motor control signal for driving the motor based on at least a steering torque detected by a steering torque sensor, and for inhibiting drive of the motor based on at least an actual motor detected by a current sensor and the steering torque.

Abstract: Multi-functional materials which have a photocatalytic layer with a photocatalytic function disposed on the surface of a base through a binder layer 6 interposed therebetween. Photocatalytic particles of the photocatalytic layer are joined together by a surface energy or solid-state sintering. The photocatalytic layer may have a structure in which fine particles fill interstices defined between photocatalytic particles or a structure in which no fine particles fill interstices defined between photocatalytic particles. A metal such as Ag, Pt, or the like may be fixed or not fixed to surfaces of the photocatalytic particles.

Abstract: For forming a main body of a toilet bowl with which installation operation of a trap device is easy and which is superior in ornamental design possibilities and that has sufficient mechanical strength, the main body (1) of the toilet bowl is formed by cast molding as a unit with a bowl portion (3), a rising pipe (5) which is continuous with a drain opening (4) of the bowl portion, a falling pipe (6) which is continuous with the rising pipe (5) and a skirt portion (7) covering from a side portion to a rear portion thereof, and is opened in the lower portion and the rear portion of the main body, and further a fold back portion (8) is formed as a unit from the main body of the toilet bowl in the rear portion thereof.

Abstract: A processing unit structure 1 a plurality of processing units 2, . . . , assembled together continuously in a horizontal direction, wherein a transfer portion 3 is provided on the top of each processing unit 2, . . . , for transferring the plate-like material to be processed between adjacent one of the processing units. A transfer device, such as a shuttle (SH) is provided in each of the transfer portions 3. Each processing unit 2 performs a series of processes on the plate-like material and is constructed with processing blocks 4 and 4 and a transfer portion 3 in the form of a transfer robot (R) positioned between the processing blocks 4 and 4. Further, each processing unit 2. . . is independent from one another so that it is possible to selectively add and remove different ones of the processing units with respect to the processing unit structure 1.

Abstract: A seat a seat arrangement and attachment structure in a motor vehicle comprises at least two rows of passenger's seats arranged in a longitudinal direction of the motor vehicle, including one row and another row defined by at least two passenger's seats juxtaposed transversely across a passenger compartment of the motor vehicle, wherein one of the passenger's seats is disposed adjacent to a lateral side of the motor vehicle, transverse rails for supporting another of the passenger's seat for movement from a position closely adjacent to the one passenger's seat in a transverse direction of the motor vehicle, to a side position in the passenger compartment which is spaced from the one passenger's seat in the transverse direction; a first holder for holding said other passenger's seat in the position closely adjacent to the one passenger's seat, and a second holder for holding the other passenger's seat in the side position in the passenger compartment which is spaced

Abstract: A processional travel control apparatus that allows processional travel with a leading vehicle driven by a driver and a plurality of succeeding vehicles automatically following the leading vehicle, each of the vehicles 1-1 is provided with: an input device 1-2 for entering the total number of vehicles in a procession and the sequence number of each vehicle in the procession; a vehicle setting device 1-3 for setting each vehicle 1-1 as either a leading vehicle or a succeeding vehicle according to the sequence number of each vehicle 1-1 in the procession set by the input device 1-2; and a vehicle travelling control device 1-4 for instructing each vehicle 1-1 to travel in a procession according to the set sequence number in the procession. Hence a procession or the like can be formed essentially anywhere, including outside of conventional parking ports.

Abstract: An automatic following travel system initiates travel in file of a group of vehicles on an inclined path while maintaining a constant distance between the vehicles. During the initiation of travel in file, a travel ECU in a leading vehicle sends a directive indicating that travel in file is to be conducted to the following vehicles. Based on this directive from the leading vehicle, the travel ECUs of each of the following vehicles makes a determination as to the possibility of travel of their own vehicle, and control the movement of their own vehicle so that an approximately constant distance is maintained between their own vehicle and another vehicle positioned in front, thereof. The results of the determination of the possibility of movement are communicated to the leading vehicle. The travel ECU of the leading vehicle sends a directive indicating the release of the parking lock to the following vehicles when determinations that travel is possible have been sent from all following vehicles.

Abstract: A driving state-monitoring apparatus for an automotive vehicle detects a behavior parameter indicative of an amount of behavior related to at least one of yawing movement and lateral movement of the automotive vehicle, and a vehicle speed of the automotive vehicle. A behavior reference parameter is set based on changes in the behavior parameter. A lateral deviation behavior amount of the automotive vehicle is calculated based on the behavior parameter, the behavior reference parameter, and the speed of the automotive vehicle. It is determined whether or not the driving state of the driver is normal, based on the lateral deviation behavior amount. Responsive to a determination that the driving state of the driver is not normal, it is determined that the driving state of the driver is abnormal, and a warning is given to the driver and/or a vehicle speed reduction is effected.

Abstract: According to the invention disclosed, application liquid such as spin-on-glass (SOG) is dropped on the surface of a substrate such as a semiconductor wafer having irregularities thereon and is dispersed on the substrate surface using a centrifugal force generated by rotating the substrate. The rotation of the substrate is performed in a first rotational action at a low speed and a second rotational action at a high speed, the first and second rotational actions being separated by a time interval. The second rotation may be at a constant speed. Alternatively, the rotational speed of the second rotational action may comprise rotation at an intermediate speed continuously followed by rotation at a higher speed. The time interval between the first and second rotational actions is ten times the duration of the first rotational action or longer. The duration of the second rotational action is three times that of the first rotational action or longer.

Abstract: Multi-functional materials are classified into those which have a photocatalytic layer with a photocatalytic function directly disposed on the surface of a base and those which have a photocatalytic layer with a photocatalytic function disposed on the surface of a base through a binder layer interposed therebetween. Photocatalytic particles of the photocatalytic layer are joined together by a surface energy or solid-state sintering. The photocatalytic layer has a structure in which fine particles fill interstices defined between photocatalytic particles. A metal such as Ag, Pt, or the like may be fixed or not fixed to surfaces of the photocatalytic particles.

Abstract: A folding chair, which is foldably collapsible in a scissors-like folding operation, forms a long narrow bundle when collapsed, which fits into a tubular bag. The folding chair includes a pivotally jointed backrest support member which can be placed in various configurations to allow reclining movement thereof. The folding chair includes a frame assembly and a flexible hammock-type of fabric seat member which is mounted on, and supported by, the frame assembly. In a preferred embodiment, the frame assembly includes a plurality of interconnected X-members. The X-members cooperate to define a cage member when the chair is in an open configuration thereof. The frame assembly further includes a position fixing mechanism for temporarily and disengagably fixing the position of the seat back, to allow the frame assembly to be temporarily locked in a particular orientation thereof.