Abstract: A method for producing a conductive polymer film using an apparatus comprising a prism having a working electrode, a light-emitting means, a light probe disposed on both sides of the prism, a container having an electrolytic solution containing a conductive-polymer-forming monomer and a dopant, a counter electrode immersed in the electrolytic solution, a power supply connected to a working electrode and the counter electrode, and a controller connected to the light probe and the power supply means. The method comprises determining an absorption spectrum from light reflected by the conductive polymer film, storing the relation between the absorbance of the conductive polymer film obtained from the absorption spectrum and a parameter of the conductive polymer film in the controller, and controlling current supply to the electrodes based on the relation of the absorbance and the parameter to obtain a desired parameter.

Abstract: A non-heat treated connecting rod which comprises, by mass %, C: 0.25-0.35%, Si: 0.50-0.70%, Mn: 0.60-0.90%, P: 0.040-0.070%, S: 0.040-0.130%, Cr: 0.10-0.20%, V: 0.15-0.20%, Ti: 0.15-0.20% and N: 0.002-0.020%, and the balance Fe and impurities, with chemical compositions being less than 0.80 in the value of C+(Si/10)+(Mn/5)+(5Cr/22)+1.65 V?(5S/7) using the symbol of the element as its content, the microstructure of the Big end of the said connecting rod being ferrite-pearlite, all-region hardness of the said big end being 255 to 320 in Vickers hardness, the ferrite-region hardness in the said ferrite-pearlite of the Big end being 250 or more in Vickers hardness and the ratio of the said ferrite-region hardness to the said all-region hardness of the said Big end being 0.80 or more, is excellent in machinability, fracture splitting ability, and fatigue resistance, although no Pb at all is added.

Abstract: Hard phase particles including Co alloy particles, carbide alloy particles, and silicide particles are dispersed substantially uniformly throughout a matrix composed of Cu self-fluxing alloy of a cladded portion. The cladded portion contains 6 to 15% by weight of Co, 3 to 8% by weight of one of Cr and Mo, 0.3 to 1% by weight of W, 0.5 to 1.8% by weight of Fe, 8 to 15% by weight of Ni, 0.08 to 0.2% by weight of C, 1.5 to 4% by weight of Si, 0.5 to 0.8% by weight of Al, and 0.1 to 0.3% by weight of P, and inevitable impurities and Cu as a balance. The hard phase particles have an average particle diameter of 8 to 20 ?m and a particle size distribution width of 0.1 to 100 ?m, and to occupy 10 to 20% in an arbitrary cross section of the cladded portion.

Abstract: A motorcycle engine includes a crankcase housing a crankshaft, and a transmission unit therein, a cylinder block disposed above the crankcase, a cylinder head disposed above the cylinder block, and an intake system arranged behind the cylinder head, and a knock sensor arranged on an upper surface of the crankcase. The knock sensor is arranged behind the cylinder head, and disposed between the intake system and the cylinder block, such that the knock sensor does not restrict arrangement of additional functional parts of the engine on an upper surface of the crankcase. The knock sensor is substantially surrounded and protected by the intake system, the cylinder head, the cylinder block and the crankcase.

Abstract: An occupant restraint system includes an air bag arranged inside a roof side rail in a folded state. When a vehicle is involved in a collision, the air bag so arranged is inflated with a gas generated by an inflator so as to be deployed along an inner surface of a side portion of a passenger compartment in a curtain-like fashion. In a pillar garnish which covers a side of a pillar inner of a B pillar which faces a passenger compartment side, a rod-like projection provided on an inner surface of the pillar garnish at an upper portion thereof in such a manner as to project therefrom is inserted into a hole formed in the pillar inner. Even in case the air bag which is being deployed pushes against an upper end of the pillar garnish, the dislocation of the pillar garnish from the pillar inner is prevented.

Abstract: A fastener including a pin, a grommet and a pinching member, wherein the pin includes a head portion and a shaft portion, the grommet includes a flange portion and a barrel portion, and the pinching member includes an inward directed support arm and an outward directed pinching piece, the head portion includes a support portion for supporting the inward directed support arm of the pinching member, a containing chamber for containing a side of the outward directed pinching piece of the pinching member to direct in a direction of a center of the shaft portion and a press face for pressing outward the outward directed pinching piece of the pinching member at the shaft portion of the pin and forming an opening window for putting in and out the outward directed pinching piece of the pinching member at the barrel portion of the grommet.