Abstract: A human-powered vehicle power augmentation system produces a signal variable in response to applied force. The signal, transmitted to a control system, produces a motor-control signal which adds boost power to the human input in proportion to the amount by which the human input exceeds a predetermined threshold value. Below the threshold value, vehicle drive power is derived solely from the human input. Above the threshold value, boost power is added to the human input in proportion to the amount by which the applied force exceeds the threshold value. In one embodiment of the invention, a boost threshold control establishes the amount of human input above which boost is applied, while a boost max control establishes a slope of boost augmentation above the boost threshold. When the amount of boost applied approaches or reaches the maximum that is available, a shift indicator is actuated to inform the rider that the time has come to shift to a lower gear.

Abstract: A mounting support device allows workpieces to be attached at points intermediate between discrete positions of fixture bases of machine tools. The mounting support device has three support members. A lower support member is slidably attached to an intermediate member allowing the intermediate member to move along an x-axis. An upper support member is slidably attached to the intermediate member allowing the upper member to move along a z-axis. A jig for holding a workpiece is connected to the upper member. The lower support member is attached to the fixture base in a discrete location in the usual way. Thus, the jig holding the workpiece can be positioned intermediately between discrete mounting positions of the fixture base. The sliding attachments maintain precise alignment between the support members and can be secured after adjustment.

Abstract: A platelet .alpha.-Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 based ceramic composite consists of Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 powder, promoters and controllers. The composite is prepared by mixing aluminum oxide powder with promoters and controllers. The mixture is shaped and sintered to form an object. In one embodiment of the invention, the promoters are either salts or oxides of alkaline metals and alkaline earth metals. The salts are oxidized during sintering.

Abstract: A code conversion circuit includes a first decoder having a number of output lines. The first decoder is responsive to an input binary signal representing a value i to develop a signal "1" on the (i+1)-th output line thereof. A second decoder is provided which includes gates connected to the respective ones of the first decoder output lines. The second decoder develops a signal "1" on all of the first to i-th output lines thereof, and a signal "0" on all of the remaining output lines. The gates of the second decoder are divided into a plurality of blocks in which gates are connected in series. Block control signals are prepared from most significant bits of the binary input signal and applied to the respective blocks. The block to which the signal "1" is applied from the first decoder so that the signals "1" and "0" are developed on appropriate ones of the output lines.

Abstract: A camera with a data imprinting device has a plurality of in-line LEDs producing light focused by an optical system upon a photographic film at a first and a second position, corresponding to a full size format and a panorama size format, respectively. The focused light imprints data images upon the film at the first position are larger than data images imprinted at the second position. The optical system has first and second prisms, with integrated lenses, for reflecting and focusing the light upon the film at the first and second positions, respectively. A shutter plate is selectively positioned over apertures through which the light is focused, thus blocking the light and allowing only a selected imprint to be made upon the film. A vertical pattern of the data image is created by a controller selectively illuminating the in-line LEDs while a horizontal pattern is produced by the controller illuminating the LEDs in coordination with the movement of the film past the apertures.

Abstract: A data imprinting device focusses light emitted from an array of LEDs onto the film, exposing the film as it is fed. A single chip microcomputer controls the LED array to imprint data. Some of the LEDs in the array are always energized together, while others are energized independently. The LEDs which are energized together require only a single control line, thus reducing the number of control lines, and consequently permitting reduction in the size of the camera. The group-wise serial activation of the dot matrix columns slightly staggers the imprinted data, but the imprinted characters are fully recognizable. In addition to reducing the number of control lines, the group-wise serial activation also reduces the peak load on the constant circuit, and thereby reduces the size of this circuit.

Abstract: A connection structure for connecting a plurality of semiconductor switches in parallel includes a pressed contact for a semiconductor switch. The pressed contact includes a layered structure which connects a drain conductor to a plurality of drain electrodes, a source conductor to a plurality of source electrodes, a gate conductor to a plurality of gate electrodes, and an insulating film between the gate conductor and the source conductor. The gate electrodes are a plurality of resilient elastic wings which are pressed upward against the gate conductor, thereby ensuring a good electrical connection.

Abstract: The body of a rail vehicle is lowered when it is stationary to facilitate ingress and egress. The body is raised in preparation for motion to provide satisfactory road clearance. In one embodiment of the invention, a lifting cylinder, in series with a supplementary spring, is extended during travel, and is contracted when the rail vehicle is stopped. In other embodiments, a hydraulic cylinder, either alongside, or coaxial with the supplementary spring, compresses the supplementary spring when the rail vehicle is stopped. In a further embodiment, the hydraulic cylinder is replaced with an electromechanical adjusting element such as a screw drive. A control system, preferably actuated by unlocking and locking of the door opening lock, actuates the lowering and raising of the body.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting a presence of a polarization altering substance on a specular surface includes transmitting light to the surface over a transmitting path and receiving the transmitted light from the surface and from the polarization altering substance. An intensity of the light is measured in an optical non-isolator state and in an isolator state before being compared to reference data established for various specular surfaces. The reference data are preferably established by measuring an intensity of the light in both an optical non-isolator state and in an isolator state for a known surface when the polarization altering substance is absent from the known surface.

Abstract: A bed equipment using a supporter for a human body, such as an incapacitated patient, is used to raise the patient from a surface, such as a bed, so that a hammock may be spread on the bed and the patient lowered onto the hammock. The supporter is formed by inserting an arm and a belt into a sleeve, and fits between the patient and the bed without causing the patient pain. Preferably, the belt has holes in either end so that suspending strings may be engaged by hooks. The suspending strings are raised or lowered by preferably independent motors so that the patient can be raised or lowered comfortably. The suspending strings may be moved relative to each another or fixed relative to each other. Once the patient is on the hammock, the hooks are removed from the supporter and attached to the hammock. Various rails and motors allow the patient on the hammock to be moved horizontally from the bed over a bathtub or toilet, and then lowered and raised accordingly.

Abstract: In a blow molding process, a fused thermoplastic polymer parison is interposed between a pair of split molds. The split molds are closed around the parison to seal the ends. A small diameter hollow needle is inserted through one of the split molds and fluid is blown into the parison forming a balloon. After the balloon begins to form, a large diameter hollow needle is inserted while internal pressure is applied to the parison via the small diameter hollow needle, and a large amount of fluid is blown in. This process is highly productive and reduces the conventional blow molding cycle by 60 percent due to the rapid cooling of the hollow article.

Abstract: A contact sensor for a robot includes a plurality of electrically conductive shafts extending outward from a moving portion of the robot. Electrically conductive flexible feelers are disposed on the shafts. In one embodiment the feelers are disposed in fan-like arrangement similar to a peacock feather. Leakage current from a low voltage power source is used by a robot controller to sense contact with a conductive object. The robot controller immediately stops operation and movement of the robot before damage occurs.

Abstract: A food material conveyor mechanism for a sandwich fixing apparatus includes a continuously moving conveyor line. A food conveying plate carried along the conveyor line is stopped at predetermined stop positions along the conveyor line so food materials can be automatically added to an unfinished sandwich. The mechanism is controlled by a microprocessor such that the food conveying plate is stopped only at selected stop positions depending on the type of sandwich ordered by a customer. The conveyor line continues to move even while individual conveying plates are stopped.

Abstract: The heights of intermediate terminal boards are adjusted to compensate for differences in heights of semiconductor elements on a bottom terminal board. The adjustment places the tops of all intermediate terminal boards in a common plane. A top terminal board applies equal force to all intermediate terminal board to provide uniform mechanical, electrical and thermal connection between the semiconductor devices and both the bottom and top terminal boards.

Abstract: A gap-type surge absorbing element and a varistor are assembled end to end in an insulating tube to form a compact surge absorber. Electrodes on the two devices contact a intermediate element to provide electrical connection therebetween. End electrodes seal the insulating tube and provide external connection to the outboard ends of the two devices, thereby putting them in series. The interior of the insulating tube is filled with an inert gas. Embodiments are described using microgap-type and gap-type surge absorbing elements.

Abstract: A hybrid integrated circuit includes a plurality of metal plates supporting circuit elements and connectable directly to external power/output lines. The direct connection eliminates the need for solder terminals, allowing for reduced size and cost with increased reliability and lifespan. The metal plates can be position to allow for further minimization of the device, and uniform connection of internal wiring to the circuit elements.

Abstract: A cable connector includes a plug for connecting a coaxial cable to an electronic device such as a television or video cassette recorder. The plug includes a sleeve that connects with a first grounding terminal of a receptacle. An outer diameter of the sleeve is dimensioned to provide a good unstressed interference fit with the first grounding terminal. The sleeve has slits in a portion to permit elastic deformation when connecting with a second grounding terminal having an inner diameter less than that of the first grounding terminal. These slits permit the sleeve to compress sufficiently to form an interference fit inside the second grounding terminal. When both the first grounding terminal of the receptacle and the sleeve of the plug are dimensioned for the PAL format, and the second grounding terminal is dimensioned for the SECAM format, the plug fits either grounding terminal.

Abstract: A camera with a data imprinting device has a plurality of in-line LEDs producing light focused by an optical system upon a photographic film at a first and a second position, corresponding to a full size format and a panorama size format, respectively. The focused light imprints data images upon the film at the first position are larger than data images imprinted at the second position. The optical system has first and second prisms, with integrated lenses, for reflecting and focusing the light upon the film at the first and second positions, respectively. A shutter plate is selectively positioned over apertures through which the light is focused, thus blocking the light and allowing only a selected imprint to be made upon the film. A vertical pattern of the data image is created by a controller selectively illuminating the in-line LEDs while a horizontal pattern is produced by the controller illuminating the LEDs in coordination with the movement of the film past the apertures.

Abstract: A panel-shaped gas-discharging type display device includes an anode and a cathode having a special shape to enhance discharging in an airtight chamber formed by two substrates. A gas containing an ultraviolet emission gas such as Xe and Kr and a fluophor for emitting a light are put together into the airtight chamber. Because of the shape of the cathode, more discharging occurs than with conventional devices. More ultraviolet emission from the discharging excites the fluophor to create a visible radiation. Therefore, the brightness of the device increases. Since the cathode is coated with an emitter material incapable of absorbing the ultraviolet emission gas, discharging is not obstructed by reduction of the ultraviolet emission gas, and the color of the visible radiation is stably maintained.