Abstract: In order to suppress the creation of a heat spot and extend the service life of an apparatus, a separator plate disposed between frictional plates is formed of a steel material in which microstructure is ferrite and pearlite structure and ferrite crystal grain size numbers are Nos. 9 and 10.

Abstract: A sprag type one-way clutch uses a spring member, namely a ribbon spring, having a cage for retaining sprags and flange portions which are made by radially bending at least a part of both axial ends of the cage.

Abstract: An antivibration zoom lens (10) for photography, video and the like. The zoom lens has an antivibration function and is capable of forming an image of an object over a zooming range from a maximum wide-angle state to a maximum telephoto state. The zoom lens comprises, objectwise to imagewise along an optical axis (A), a first lens group (G1) having a focal length f1 and positive refractive power. A second lens group (G2) is arranged adjacent the first lens group and serves as the antivibration lens group. The second lens group has a focal length f2, negative refractive power and comprises at least three lens sub-groups (G2A-G2C). One of the at least three lens sub-groups has a focal length t2B and is movable substantially perpendicularly to the optical axis. The zoom lens further comprises at least a third lens group (G3) and fourth lens group (G4). All the lens groups are separated by respective spacings which change when zooming from the maximum wide-angle state to the maximum telephoto state.

Abstract: In a one-way clutch comprising an outer race having an inner peripheral raceway surface and an inner race disposed in the outer race and having an annular outer peripheral raceway surface, the outer race and the inner race being radially spaced apart from each other and disposed concentrically with each other for rotation relative to each other, a plurality of sprags disposed between the outer race and the inner race for transmitting torque between the outer peripheral raceway surface and the inner peripheral raceway surface, an annular holder for holding the sprags, a spring member for holding the sprags with the holder and biasing the sprags in a meshing direction, and an annular retainer fixed to one of the inner race and the outer race to axially hold the holder, the retainer has a protruding portion protruding axially inwardly, and the protruding portion bears against the axial end portion of the holder.

Abstract: A tubular signage assembly and related methods and components are provided which have a number of advantages and solve a number of problems over conventional magnetic signage products and processes. The assembly has an annular tube and at least one signage blank rolled up therein. The annular tube has instruction indicia thereon. The blank has a filled base layer having a magnetic powder filler and a thermoplastic resin, and has a surface layer having a thermoplastic material and a colorant. The blank preferably has indicia thereon for indicating the orientation of the magnetic pole of the blank. A method is also provided for making a magnetic sign from a large sheet of laminate involving cutting the laminate into blanks, placing a blank into a tubular body to form a tubular assembly, transporting the tubular assembly to a sign maker, placing indicia on the blank to form a sign and placing the sign in the tube for delivery to the user of the sign.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide an electric microscope in which a liquid can be easily filled and removed when an immersion objective lens is inserted or removed into or from an optical path of the microscope.

Abstract: A lever and latch assembly for a split ring for securing a cover on a drum includes a bar on the lever for disposition in a pocket of latch with a snap action. An enlarged finger engaging flange on the latch facilitates movement to a latched position and an unlatched position with a suitable tool. The assembly is designed to accommodate domestic and international seals for security purposes.

Abstract: In an exposure apparatus and method utilizing a projection system, a surface state relating to an exposure area of the projection system is determined by illuminating the exposure area with light, receiving light from the exposure area, designating positions of a plurality of detection points in the exposure area in accordance with a size of the exposure area, and detecting, based on information of received light corresponding to the plurality of detection points, positions related to the plurality of detection points.

Abstract: A close-up photographing lens (10) having a long back focus and a large aperture, thus making the lens suitable for use with high-performance electronic imaging equipment. The lens comprises, objectwise to imagewise, a first lens group (G1) having positive refractive power, a second lens group (G2) having positive refractive power, and a relay optical system (GL) having positive refractive power. The relay optical system includes a third lens group (GLN) having negative refractive power and a fourth lens group (GLP) having positive refractive power. The first lens group and the second lens group are separated by an axial air space (D12) and move objectwise on different trajectories (16,18) when changing focus from an infinite focus state to a most close-up focus state. The axial air space is narrower in the most close-up focus state than in the infinite focus state. The lens preferably satisfies at least one of a number of design conditions.

Abstract: An elastic shaft joint of the present invention comprises an elastic member, a slide sleeve and a stopper. The elastic member is composed of an elastic material such as rubber, elastomer etc and held on an inner peripheral surface of a cylindrical portion fixedly provided on the cylindrical member. The slide sleeve is made using a low-friction material such as a synthetic resin, an oil-impregnated metal etc, held on an inner peripheral surface of the elastic member and elastically pressed against an outer peripheral surface of the shaft by an elasticity of the elastic member. The stopper is provided between the shaft and the cylindrical member, permits the shaft and the cylindrical member to slightly displace in the axial and rotating directions, and hinders the displacement in the rotating direction beyond a predetermined angle enough to damage the elastic member and the slide sleeve.

Abstract: In a projection exposure apparatus and method in which a substrate is exposed with a projected image of a mask through a projection optical system, a table which is movable in a direction of an optical axis of the projection optical system in arranged at an image side of the projection optical system to hold the substrate. A tilt amount of the table is monitored, and position information of a mark on the table is detected, which changes in accordance with the tilt of the table. Information on the relationship between a displacement amount of the substrate and a plane perpendicular to the optical axis and the tilt angle of the substrate is obtained, based on the monitored tilt amount and the position information of the mark.

Abstract: In a one-way clutch provided with an outer race, an inner race disposed for rotation relative to the outer race, a sprag disposed between the outer race and the inner race for transmitting torque, a holder for holding the sprag, and a garter spring for biasing the sprag in a direction of torque transmission, a stepped portion or a groove portion is provided on an axial side of the sprag and the garter spring is held on the stepped portion or the groove portion. The stepped portion or grooved portion serves to indicate the proper orientation of the sprag during assembly into the clutch and enhances the workability of the sprag.

Abstract: A catadioptric reduction projection optical system having a first lens unit having negative refractive power and widening a light beam from a reticle, a prism type beam splitter for transmitting therethrough a light beam from the first lens unit, a concave reflecting mirror for returning the light beam emerging from the beam splitter to the beam splitter while converging it, and a second lens unit having positive refractive power and converging the light beam returned to the beam splitter and reflected by the beam splitter, and forming the reduced image of a pattern on the reticle on a wafer.

Abstract: Memory states of a multi-bit memory cell are demarcated by generating read reference signals having levels that constitute boundaries of the memory states. The read reference signals are dependent upon the levels of programming reference signals used for controlling the programming of the memory cell. The memory cell can thus be programmed without reading out its memory state during the programming process, with programming margins being assured by the dependence of the read reference signals on the programming reference signals. Both sets of reference signals may be generated by reference cells which track variations in the operating characteristics of the memory cell with changes in conditions, such as temperature and system voltages, to enhance the reliability of memory programming and readout.

Abstract: In a continuously variable transmission yokes for supporting pivot shafts provided on the end portions of trunnions are supported for displacement only in the axial direction of the pivot shafts and oscillation in a predetermined direction, relative to a support post fixed to the inner surface of a casing. By this construction, the contact pressure between the peripheral surfaces of a pair of power rollers supported on a pair of trunnions supported by the yokes and the inner sides of input side and output side discs is made uniform.

Abstract: A core (1), in the form of a cylindrical pack, of a dressing is surrounded by a sleeve (2, 3) for holding the mechanical structure of the core. The sleeve (2), which may be comprised of threads (2, 3), is permeable to biological fluid of wounds and is biologically compatible with wounds. The dressing is very suitable for deep wounds, from which it can easily be removed.

Abstract: A fuel control system is provided. Fuel is delivered into a main canister from a low-pressure pump, where it gathers in a reservoir or bottom area. The fuel in the reservoir is taken up by a small high-pressure pump inside the housing, which drives the fuel to the fuel injectors of an engine. The low-pressure pump has a flow rate exceeding that of the high-pressure pump. A vapor trap captures accumulating fuel vapor. Volumetric excess fuel and vapor are vented back to the fuel tank and atmospheric pressure. Vapor lock is reduced or avoided, and particulate and water filters are provided to avoid contamination.

Abstract: A catadioptric reduction projection optical system having a first lens unit having negative refractive power and widening a light beam from a reticle, a prism type beam splitter for transmitting therethrough a light beam from the first lens unit, a concave reflecting mirror for returning the light beam emerging from the beam splitter to the beam splitter while converging it, and a second lens unit having positive refractive power and converging the light beam returned to the beam splitter and reflected by the beam splitter, and forming the reduced image of a pattern on the reticle on a wafer.

Abstract: An automatic focusing camera comprises a measuring device formed integrally with a camera housing, defining a distance measuring zone selectively extended in different directions, and adapted for producing information employed for focusing to an object contained in the extended distance measuring zone. A position detecting device for detecting the position of the camera housing, and a device for varying the extending direction of the distance measuring zone, in response to the position of the camera housing detected by the position detecting device.