Abstract: A focal length detector of a camera having a zoom lens includes a brush having three sliding contacts which are electrically connected to one another; a code plate having three code patterns and a ground pattern, the code plate and the brush being moved relative to each other according to a variation of the focal length of the zoom lens; and a focal-length detecting circuit which is connected to the three code patterns and the ground pattern. The ground pattern always contacts a specific sliding contact of the three sliding contacts. The three code patterns are arranged so that the three code patterns come into contact with the remaining two sliding contacts in predetermined combinations when the code plate and the brush are moved relative to each other.

Abstract: A color-image reader reads a recorded color image from a recording medium, and has an image sensor for sensing the color image as at least a first and second regular series of monochromatic image signals during a regular reading operation. A first optimal exposure period is determined regarding the first regular series of image signals, and a second optimal exposure period is determined regarding the second regular series of image signals. A first set of color-correction parameters is determined based on a first provisional series of image signals, sensed from the color image by the image sensor over the first optimal exposure period. A second set of color-correction parameters is determined based on a second provisional series of image signals, sensed from the color image by the image sensor over the second optimal exposure period. A color balance is performed among the first and second regular series of image signals by using the first and second sets of color-correction parameters.

Abstract: A check device of electro-developing type camera using an electro-developing recording medium, to electronically develop an image. The electro-developing recording medium is illuminated by a light source, so that an image recorded on the electro-developing recording medium is read by a light sensor. When reading the image, the line sensor is moved along the electro-developing recording medium by a scan mechanism. Based upon an image signal read by the line sensor, it is determined whether or not the image has been successfully erased.

Abstract: A treatment apparatus for use with an endoscope, by being inserted in a forceps channel of the endoscope, includes an elongated flexible element connected, at a distal end thereof, to a treatment instrument. In particular, the flexible element includes at least two bendable portions. A first bendable portion has a predetermined flexibility and a second bendable portion has a greater flexibility and is shorter than the first bendable portion. The second bendable portion is located between the first bendable portion and the treatment instrument and at least a portion of the first bendable portion and the entire second bendable portion protrude from a distal end of the forceps channel when the treatment instrument is in use.

Abstract: A cooking utensil for induction cooking apparatus wherein a magnetic substance layer is provided with the purpose of improving the conventional aluminum-made utensil, at outer surface of the bottom of the aluminum utensil body to enable the use with cooking utensil or cooking device with electromagnetic induction heating system by which the effectiveness of both properties of aluminum material and magnetic substance can be obtained and more general use can be obtained than the use of the conventional cooking utensil.

Abstract: A miniature and large aperture wide-angle lens is composed of ten or eleven lenses grouped in nine lens components. In order from the object to the image side, the first lens component is a positive lens, and the second, third and fourth lens components are each negative meniscus lenses. The fifth lens components is a thick positive lens. The sixth lens component is a positive lens, and a diaphragm is disposed between the fifth and sixth lens components. The seventh lens component is a negative lens. The eighth lens component comprises a negative lens and a positive lens cemented together to form a positive lens. The ninth lens component comprises either one positive lens or two positive lenses.

Abstract: A 7 group 8 lens photographic objective lens which corrects for aberration.