Abstract: A content distribution system in which content is distributed from a broadcasting station via a plurality of nodes connected in a hierarchical tree structure, including: a base tree obtained by connecting the plurality of nodes in a hierarchical tree structure using the broadcasting station as an apex; an extension tree obtained by connecting the plurality of other nodes in a hierarchical tree structure using, as an apex, a first root node as any of the nodes included in the base tree; and a topology controller for controlling a topology of each of the nodes belonging to the base tree. The first root node controls the topology of each of the nodes belonging to the extension tree using the first root node as an apex.

Abstract: In a direct cranking electric rotary machine as an axial air-gap motor having an improved configuration mounted on a vehicle, a stator is faced to an end part on a surface of a rotor. The rotor also acts as a flywheel for an engine mounted on the vehicle. The length of a circumference of the stator is limited below 180 deg. of its entire circumference. This configuration enables a repair man to easily detach and repair components forming the direct cranking electric rotary machine.

Abstract: A sheet in accordance with the present invention includes sheets as print mediums for a printer and a package member surrounding the sheets which have been stacked up. The sheet package is configured so that the sheets can be set in the printer together with the package member exposing part of the sheets. The package member is integrally provided with a flap part which can expose part of the sheets by being opened when the sheet package is set in the printer and cover the exposed part of the sheets by being closed when the sheet package is not used.

Abstract: An optical apparatus and method guide EUV radiation to a predetermined surface. A radiation source supplies EUV radiation having a certain dispersion angle. An illumination optical system having a reflective integrator forms a secondary radiation source having a predetermined shape based on the EUV radiation supplied from the radiation source. A projection optical system is arranged in an optical path between a reflective mask and the predetermined surface and forms an image of the reflective mask onto the predetermined surface based on the EUV radiation from the reflective mask. The secondary radiation source having the predetermined shape has a shape that is a substantially circular shape, an annular shape, or a multipolar shape.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for facilitating communication about a document between two users creates autonomous, animated computer characters, or avatars, which are then attached to the document under discussion. The avatar is created by one user, who need not be the author of the document, and is attached to the document to represent a point of view. The avatar represents the physical likeness of its creator. The avatar is animated, using an avatar scripting language, to perform specified behaviors including pointing, walking and changing facial expressions. The avatar includes audio files that are synchronized with movement of the avatar's mouth to provide an audio message.

Abstract: The invention provides an electronic apparatus test circuit that can reduce the testing time and cost without relying on a PLL circuit. An electronic apparatus test circuit in accordance with the present invention is equipped with a PLL circuit, an external clock circuit that outputs either a multiplied clock signal or an external clock signal according to the state of a test signal, a divider circuit that divides the multiplied clock signal or an external clock signal to generate and output a system clock signal for a logic circuit and a clock signal for an encoder circuit, an input cell, a reception circuit, a decoder circuit, a logic circuit that processes with a specified logic circuit decoded data according to a system clock signal for the logic circuit, an encoder circuit that encodes the processed data according to a clock signal for the encoder circuit, a transmission circuit that transmits the encoded data, and an output cell.

Abstract: A positive displacement extruder for a viscous material, such as unvulcanized rubber, includes a feed member arranged in a chamber of a main body and driven for rotation so that the viscous material charged into the chamber is extruded from its outlet. A mouthpiece has an inlet that is spaced in a circumferential direction from the outlet of the main body and, in communication therewith, an extrusion nozzle. At least one cylinder device is rotatable about a center axis of the extruder so that the cylinder is alternately bought into communication with the outlet of the main body and the inlet of the mouthpiece. The viscous material is charged from the chamber of the main body into the cylinder device and discharged from the cylinder device into the mouthpiece, as the cylinder device is rotated about the center axis of the extruder and the piston of the cylinder device is driven by a cam device to reciprocate in the cylinder.

Abstract: A slider holding a measuring tool moves along an approximately reverse U-shaped guide rail provided in parallel with a moving direction of the measuring tool without being rotated. Accordingly, a cross section of the guide rail can be enlarged without increasing the size of the entirety of a drive unit. As a result, high rigidity can be obtained while reducing the size and weight of the drive unit as compared to a conventional arrangement having two shafts. Further, linearity of the slider and the measuring tool moving along a reference surface of the guide rail can be attained with high accuracy. Further, since a pre-load means for biasing the slider toward a guide rail is provided, a position or orientation of the slider and the measuring tool can be stabilized, thus securely repeating movement of the measuring tool.

Abstract: A semiconductor laser device includes a metal case. The metal case includes a brass stem and a cap that covers an upper portion of the stem and has a laser emitting hole therein. The stem is provided with a laser diode having two laser emitting portions and a photodiode. Each cathode of the laser emitting portions and the photodiode is grounded to the metal case as a common lead. Each anode of the laser emitting portions and the photodiode is insulated from the metal case and connected to respective pin protruding downward from the stem. The semiconductor laser device is provided with conductivity to the metal case by press-fitting into an aluminum support plate that is a radiating plate. The support plate is connected to a drive circuit.

Abstract: A surface inspection apparatus is provided which uses at least two sets of surface inspection systems each comprising with a paired surface illumination device (A1, B1) and detection device (A2, B2), with each set of illumination devices and detection devices creating their own irradiation regions (51A, 51B) and detection regions (23A,23B), in which the irradiation and detection regions of one pair of illumination and detection devices does not over lap the illumination and detection regions of the adjacent pair of illumination and detection devices. The surface illumination devices preferably project light at an angle of 80° or more with respect to a normal to the surface being inspected (21). The detection devices detect light scattered by dust or defects on the surface to be inspected. The surface to be inspected can be moved in a direction perpendicular to the direction of the illumination and detection regions on the surface being inspected. Thus, the entire surface can be inspected.