Abstract: An image reading apparatus having a high-contrast mode of operation for reading character images and a halftone mode of operation for reading halftone images, including an image sensor converting optical image information into electric signals, an optical system for projecting an image on a document onto the image sensor, a threshold signal generator capable of generating a plurality of first threshold signals and operative to output one of the first threshold signals, a threshold signal generator capable of generating a plurality of second threshold signals and operative to output one of the second threshold signals, a mode selector circuit for selecting the high-contrast or halftone mode of operation, a density selector circuit for selecting the first threshold signal during the high-contrast mode of operation and the second threshold signal during the halftone mode of operation, and a combination of circuit networks for outputting halftone image signals during the high-contrast mode of operation on the bas

Abstract: A countertop cooking unit provides an upper surface that is level with the countertop and has removable interior parts that are exposed to the residues of cooking operations. A cooktop housing is supported by the countertop and forms a burner box having an open top level with the countertop. A removable drip pan is recessed below the open top of the housing within the burner box and is removably carried by the housing at its peripheral edges. A downdraft ventilation plenum is recessed below, and includes an air flow opening below, the open top of the housing and is carried, at least in part, by the burner box, and at least one heating unit is recessed and removably carried within the removable drip pan. In grilling units, a removable grill pan liner is recessed within, and removably carried by, the drip pan at its peripheral edge and removably carries a grill heater recessed within its periphery.

Abstract: Method and composition for vaccination of a pig against swine dysentary caused by T. hyodysenteriae infection characterized by parenteral, preferably intramuscular, administration to the pigs of a live strain or of an oxygen-treated, non-viable strain of T.hyodysenteriae.

Abstract: In a facsimile apparatus, image data receiver receives compressed image data transmitted from a transmission apparatus apart from the facsimile apparatus. A first expanding section expands the received image data using a first expanding method, and a second expanding section expands the received image data using a different second expanding method. A data converter converts white and black binary image data into multi-value image data in multi-gradation stages representation, and a judging section judges whether the received image data are binary image data or multi-value image data.

Abstract: An outdoor weatherproof protective electrical outlet cover adapted to be attached in weatherproof connection to an electrical outlet comprising a base plate adapted to be attached in weatherproof connection with the electrical outlet, the base plate having an aperture of sufficient size to accommodate the electrical outlet positioned in a first orientation and a second orientation wherein only one electrical outlet orientation can be accommodated at a given time, an insert sized and adapted to fit within the aperture of the base plate in a first orientation and a second orientation, the aperture being of sufficient size to accommodate one electrical outlet orientation, and a protective housing defining a closed space enclosing the electrical outlet with at least one electrical plug present, the protective housing adapted to be mounted to the base plate.

Abstract: By taking a high-order position in an operand which is normalized in a two bit unit by means of and output from a normalizing circuit as an address, an approximation of square root's reciprocal is indexed by means of a table information storing unit. By multiplying an output of a residue holding circuit which takes a 0th residue as a normalized operand by the approximation of square root's reciprocal by using a multiplying circuit, a partial square root value is found. The individual partial square root values each having a overlapped bit at each iteration are merged with one another by means of a digit aligning circuit and an adder. A residue for a next step in iterative computation is found by subtracting a product of a merged square root value and a partial square root value from a residue by means of an inverting circuit, a multiplicand generator, a (R+S.times.T) operation unit.

Abstract: An apparatus for optically measuring toner density, having a rotary member which rotates and retains a developer constituted by a toner and a carrier by magnetic force, a transparent detection window which is disposed at a position where the developer retained on the rotary member rubs said detection window through rotation of said rotary member, a detection device which illuminates the developer through the detection window and detects the amount of reflected light from the developer and the magnitude of variations of the amount in response to rotation of the rotary member, and a warning device which issues an abnormal warning when the magnitude is smaller than a predetermined reference value, and a method for optically measuring toner density by using the apparatus.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus of an electronic camera according to the present invention has a lens barrier arranged on an object side of a photographing lens; an imaging device capable of changing electric charge storage time; a lens barrier state-detecting means for outputting a signal indicating an opening state of the lens barrier after detecting the opening state of the lens barrier; a release switch for starting a photographing operation; an imaging device control means for starting electric charge storage of the device when the signal of the opening state of the lens barrier is outputted from the detecting means and for outputting a charge termination signal when the charge is terminated; and a lens barrier opening and closing driving means for driving the lens barrier to open on the basis of a turning-on signal of the release switch and for driving the lens barrier to close on the basis of the charge termination signal outputted from the control means.

Abstract: A fold-down detachable utility tray for invalid walkers is disclosed, comprising a generally rectangular tray frame in combination with a pair of locking, fold-down arms each having spring clips for securement to the upright members of an invalid walker. In one preferred embodiment, the center of gravity of the tray is located over the pivot point of the locking arms, so that the weight of objects placed on the tray causes the arms to lock more tightly, promoting stability of the tray. The locking arms each comprise an elongated angle bracket provided with a pivot. An actuator arm has a first end movably connected to the pivot and a second end slidingly engaged in a slot in the tray frame. One end of the slot is provided with a upwardly extending locking notch to hold the arm in the extended position.

Abstract: A non-woven matrix of glass fibers, synthetic and natural fibers provides a rigid but resilient product having good strength and insulating characteristics. The product may be utilized in a planar configuration or be further formed into complexly curved and shaped configurations. The matrix consists of glass fibers, synthetic fibers such as polyester, nylon or Kevlar and natural fibers of wood or textiles which have been intimately combined with a thermosetting resin into a homogeneous mixture. This mixture is dispersed to form a blanket. A variety of products having varying thickness and rigidity may then be produced by controlling the compressed thickness and the degree of activation of the thermosetting resin. The product may also include a skin or film on one or both faces thereof. An alternate embodiment includes a conductive/coloring agent such as carbon black.

Abstract: The invention comprises monoclonal antibodies reactive with native C-reactive protein (CRP) and modified CRP having the specificities described herein. The invention also comprises the hybridomas used to produce these antibodies. The antibodies may be used to detect or quantitate native CRP and modified CRP, and kits for performing such assays are part of the invention.

Abstract: An erasing device for erasing charge remaining on a photosensitive member, comprising: two kinds of light sources which are so provided as to confront the photosensitive member and have different light emitting wavelengths, respectively; and a control device for turning on the light sources simultaneously.

Abstract: An eye tracking device that utilizes light detection devices for determining the visual axis and point of regard of a user. The light detection devices are arranged in such a way, such as embedded in a thin film, so as to be curved around the optical axis of the eye. In this way, the light detection devices are always coincident with source-emitted light reflected from the fovea. The curved arrangement of light detection devices are mounted onto a head or facial apparatus, which has a mild reflector on its outside surface to keep external light noise at a minimum. Conversion circuitry, such as a pyramid cascade circuit or a microprocessor circuit, determines the position of the fovea-reflected light and computes the visual axis and point of regard of the user at a very rapid rate.

Abstract: A method of making a novel sugar-based polymer is disclosed. A sugar and an organic acid derivative having at least two carboxylate functionalities are mixed in a substantially non-aqueous organic solvent with a hydrolytic enzyme and, thereafter, the resulting mixture is agitated for a time sufficient to allow for the polymerization of the sugar. The resulting sugar-based polymer has sugar incorporated in the polymer backbone.

Abstract: A measurement device having a correction grating associated with a gauge and deflects two diffracted partial beams overlappingly, at a very small angle (.alpha.), onto a single coupling grating. From there, two waveguides located closely beside one another are used to introduce the beams into a coupler and the beams are superimposed and evaluated in a known manner. Thus, a position measuring device can be drastically reduced in its structural size with the aid of an integrated optical component.

Abstract: A method is provided for measuring the concentration of a constituent of a fluid sample, e.g. glucose in a glucose-containing blood sample, by means of an electrode device. Also provided are an electrode device comprising the electrodes used in the method, a sensor electrode for use in the method, and an apparatus for use in the measurement of the concentration of the constituent in the sample.

Abstract: When an n-type semiconductor layer is formed on a p-type semiconductor layer in a device such as a semiconductor multi-layer film, the n-type semiconductor layer is formed by adding a p-type dopant as well as an n-type dopant simultaneously. In a double heterostructure semiconductor laser including an AlGaInP active layer and AlGaInP cladding layers, when an n-type current blocking layer is formed on the p-type cladding layer, the n-type current blocking layer is formed by adding a p-type dopant as well as an n-type dopant simultaneously.

Abstract: A dual composition hard coated chewing gum is provided which exhibits improved long-term shelf stability under storage conditions involving constant exposure to the moisture contained in the atmosphere. The dual composition hard coated chewing gum is ideally suited for pellet chewing gum having pellet shapes which cannot easily be protected from atmospheric moisture by packaging. The dual composition hard coated chewing gum has a gum center which includes a gum base, a bulk portion, and one or more flavoring agents. The dual composition hard coated chewing gum also has an outer coating which includes layers which contain from about 50 to about 100% xylitol; and layers which contain from about 50 to about 100% hydrogenated isomaltulose. A method of preparing the dual composition hard coated chewing gum is also provided.