Abstract: A digital video distribution system is disclosed which includes video terminals connected within a LAN and distributes video from a certain terminal to destination terminals, simultaneously. In this system, each transmitter terminal has an encoder that converts analog video information from a corresponding video source to digitally compressed video information. A hub are connected to the video terminals to distribute digitally compressed video information from a transmitter terminal to multiple destination (receiver) terminals in accordance with a multicast communication protocol. Each of the receiver terminals has an address filter for selecting a packet from among multicast communication packets that has a desired source address as valid video information. The receiver further has a decoder for converting digitally encoded information received as valid to original analog video information with expansion.

Abstract: In a process for separating tin as well as, if required, copper from scrap melts, in particular, tinplate melts or metallic melts as formed in the working up of waste or metal-oxide-containing combustion residues, the carbon content of the melt is adjusted to 3 to 4.2% by weight and hot wind, oxygen or air enriched with oxygen is locally blown on partial regions of the surface of the melt bath, whereby SnO is discharged, via the gaseous phase, from the redox-gradient-exhibiting zone formed between the carbon-rich bath and the iron oxides produced by top-blowing.

Abstract: The invention provides an inexpensive yet lightweight front converter lens system which is improved in terms of performance by use of a diffractive surface. A front converter lens system CL mounted on a subject-side of a master lens system ML to convert its focal length comprises at least two lens groups, each comprising a diffractive surface r.sub.1 or r.sub.2.

Abstract: An electroluminescent display in which a dielectric breakdown of a luminescent element is suppressed has luminescent elements disposed between first and second substrates, where the first and second substrates are deformed into a convex shape to improve breakdown characteristics.

Abstract: The plurality of functioning circuits are formed in a plurality of P-type well regions formed on a remaining part of said low concentration N-type layer, by isolating from each other. According to the present invention, the photoelectric current from the PIN photodiode can be processed in the functioning circuits formed in the P-type well regions by isolating from each other, so that the interference between the functioning circuits can be prevented and also the shift of the current flowing in each functioning circuit due to the impossibility of the high concentration N-type semiconductor layer to be grounded can be prevented. Therefore, the malfunction of the integrated PIN photodiode sensor can be prevented, and the PIN photodiode sensor can operate with high speed because the distributed resistance between the functioning circuits is decreased.

Abstract: An optical disk drive connected to a host computer system via a small computer system interface has a reset signal detecting circuit for detecting a reset signal output from the host computer system and activating a reset signal continuation counter. The reset signal detecting circuit determines that the reset signal outputs in reply to a true reset request, only when the reset signal continues for a period of time longer than a predetermined time set in the counter. As a result, an unexpected reset operation due to noise or malfunction is prohibited and loss of data is prevented.