Abstract: The tool monitor according to this invention comprises an acoustic emissions (AE) sensor to be mounted in the neighborhood of and without contact with a machine tool and a tool damage detection means adapted to detect any damage to a tool of the machine tool according to a level of an output AE signal within a predetermined frequency band generated from the AE sensor at the time of occurrence of damage. Since this AE sensor is not in contact with the machine tool spindle, work table or work piece, it is easy to set the sensitivity of the AE sensor and variations in the AE sensor output signal level are minimized. The AE sensor is also effectively protected against flying chips, and noise due to contact with the chips is reduced, thereby minimizing the possibility of erroneous operation.

Abstract: Herein disclosed is an illuminated push-button switch structure in which, when the push button is pushed, the push-button guide member united to the button is depressed while being supported to slide by the switch base. Then, the switch lever of the switch mechanism associated with the push-button guide member is abruptly turned back with a predetermined depression stroke to afford a switching feel. This turn prevents further movement of the push button in a predetermined depression direction in order to eliminate any undesired vibration of the push button. Even if the push button is obliquely pushed, it is always prevented from being inclined to provide the stable switching operation at all times.

Abstract: A visual recognition device receives video signals representing an object to be recognized from a video camera, converts the video signals to a two-valued input pattern, and compares the input pattern with a standard pattern to recognize the object. The recognition device includes an auxiliary computing unit which carries out a predetermined auxiliary computation during a horizontal scan period of the video camera, in accordance with the state of the input pattern; a main computation unit for carrying out, during a vertical return scan blanking period of the video camera, a main computation based on computation results of the auxiliary computation unit; and a recognition unit for recognizing the input pattern with respect to the standard pattern based on computation results of the main computation unit with respect to the patterns.

Abstract: A hardware and software image processing system is disclosed in which geometric features are extracted from a graphic image included in a picture image of an object according to data on edge addresses by carrying out an edge detection and address data collection requiring a large amount of processing work using dedicated hardware circuitry and carrying out arithmetic and other processes by means of software and a microcomputer.

Abstract: In an electrode structure for a high frequency hyperthermia device, an electrode unit incorporating an electrode is provided at the front end of a supporting arm, and an inflatable insulated bag is provided on one side of the electrode unit, whereby the electrode unit is snugly brought into contact with the diseased part as the bag is inflated, and a cooling solution containing bag is detachably mounted on the other side of the electrode unit, whereby the solution containing bag can be readily replaced with a new one when broken, and the solution containing bag most suitable for treatment of the diseased part can be readily engaged with the electrode unit.

Abstract: A nebulizer comprising a housing having a liquid reservoir at a lower portion thereof and an atomizer space and an atomized liquid discharge port both communicating with the liquid reservoir at an upper portion thereof, a compressed air introduction pipe formed with a nozzle at an end thereof and a liquid suction pipe for sucking liquid in the liquid reservoir, both pipes being provided at a lower portion of the housing, wherein said liquid suction pipe is removably fitted to said compressed air introduction pipe, and a gap between said compressed air introduction pipe and said liquid suction pipe is used as a liquid suction passage.

Abstract: A hybrid relay comprising a mechanical relay provided with mechanical contact unit adapted to be actuated by an electromagnet, an electronic relay consisting of a semiconductor device, and a drive switch for supplying a drive current to the electromagnet, wherein the mechanical contact unit comprises: a first contact mechanism for controlling a load current of the hybrid relay; and a second contact mechanism for controlling a control current for a control gate of the semiconductor device; a contact point gap of the first contact mechanism being larger than that of the second contact mechanism. Thus, it is ensured that the first contact mechanism is engaged after the second contact mechanism and is disengaged before the second contact mechanism. Preferably, the mechanical contact unit further comprises a third contact mechanism, for controlling the leak current of the semiconductor device, which may be provided with a delay mechanism for delaying the returning action thereof.

Abstract: A contact is provided for connection of a shielded wire. The contact is formed from a strip of metal bent generally in a U-shape, at least two pairs of elastic projections with a sharp piercing ends formed on the strip, and at least one end of the U-shaped portion forming a wire-retaining portion. The first pair of projections is biased outwardly and the second pair is biased inwardly.

Abstract: An electronic cash register includes a means for storing information having respective discount prices corresponding to customer discount levels (customer levels), a code input means for entering codes of goods to be purchased, a memory for storing unit prices for each customer level of those goods subject to customer level discounts, and a reading means for reading a unit price of goods by reviewing the stored unit prices for the goods code entered by the code input means. If a key designating a customer level is depressed, the unit price of the goods designated by the subsequently entered goods designation codes for the entered customer level is read out from the memory and registered for every entry of the goods code.

Abstract: A credit authorization terminal (CAT), when communication processing is performed between the CAT and a host computer to perform settlement processing for one customer, performs input processing of information concerning settlement for the next customer in parallel with the communication processing. The CAT can continuously perform input processing of information concerning settlement for a plurality of customers. The CAT continues to perform communication processing to perform settlement processing for one customer without hanging up a line between the CAT and the host computer, when communication processing is terminated for the previous customer.

Abstract: An ID unit storing ID data of an article is attached to the article to be recognized. A write/read control unit writes or reads predetermined data in a contactless manner into/from the ID unit through a head. A monitor unit can be attachably and detachably connected to the write/read control unit. The monitor unit has a mode setting device, a key input apparatus, and a display device. When the RUN mode is set, the control unit performs the writing/reading operations for the ID unit under control of an upper control apparatus. When the MONITOR mode is set, the control unit performs the writing/reading operations for the ID unit in response to an input command from the key input apparatus of the monitor unit. When the TEST mode is set, the writing/reading operations are continously executed and a check is made to see if each of the writing/reading operations has correctly been executed or not, and the result of the discrimination is displayed on the display device of the monitor unit.

Abstract: An apparatus for immobilizing a movable cabinet (1) including an apparatus body (2) capable of being housed in the cabinet and of being drawn out therefrom, a first caster (3) disposed on a rear bottom surface of the cabinet, a second caster (4) disposed on a front bottom surface of the cabinet, and a leg member (5) disposed on a front bottom surface of the cabinet. The total number of the first and second casters is at least three, and by means of these casters, the cabinet is movable with the apparatus body housed therein. In a lower end of the leg member, there is disposed a flat plate (5b) to be brought into contact with a floor surface to establish an areal contact. The leg member is capable of projecting to a position below a lower end of the second caster of the apparatus body housed in the cabinet. By projecting the leg member, the cabinet is retained in a stationary state. The leg member is also capable of retracting to a position above a lower end of the second caster.

Abstract: A high frequency heat therapy system, comprising: an applicator equipped with an electrode and a bolus bag; a high frequency generator unit for generating high frequency electric current that is to be applied to the electrode; a therapeutic table for adjustably supporting a patient; an applicator support unit for adjustably applying the applicator to the patient; a therapeutic data input unit for specifying therapeutic data including those related to positioning of the therapeutic table and the applicator support unit; a therapeutic data storage unit for storing therapeutic data including the data on positioning of the therapeutic table and the applicator; a drive control unit for drivingly controlling the therapeutic table and the applicator support unit according to the data on positioning of the therapeutic table and the applicator stored in the storage unit; and a central control unit for transmitting data stored in the therapeutic data storage unit and, if any, the therapeutic data specified by the thera

Abstract: A first sensor is arranged at a predetermined position on a conveying path of an IC card. When the IC card is detected by the first sensor, the conveyance of the IC card is stopped. A connector supported to a supporting member provided at a predetermined position approaches the contacts of the IC card and comes into contact therewith. There is also provided a second sensor to detect that the connector is located at a position adapted to come into contact with the contacts of the IC card on the basis of the motion of the supporting member. The supporting member has a projecting portion adapted to about on an IC card which has overrun from the predetermined position. When the projecting portion abuts on the IC card, no detection signal is output from the second sensor.

Abstract: A microswitch, comprising: a casing consisting of a base casing half and a cover casing half; a plurality of terminal pieces received, at their intermediate parts, in slots provided in the base casing half and extending substantially perpendicularly from a surface opposing a corresponding surface of the cover casing half; a contact mechanism accommodated in a cavity in the casing and electrically connected to the terminal pieces; and a push-button member elastically supported by a spring member and projecting out of the casing for actuating the contact mechanism by movement of the push-button member; the terminal pieces being provided with projections extending from their leading edges, and the slot being provided with a recess for receiving the projection; wherein the slot comprises an external part and an internal part which is narrower than the external part, and a projecting length of the projection is larger than a depth of the internal part.

Abstract: An electromagnetic relay with a contact mechanism portion being arranged above an electromagnet portion secured to a base, wherein the electromotive portion is inserted under pressure into the base, is secured, and also, the respective terminals of the contact mechanism portion are inserted under pressure from above into the base and are secured, whereby the electromagnet portion is seucred through the direct pressure insertion thereof into the base, the positional accuracy with respect to the base is increased.

Abstract: This device measures the level of a certain chemical in a liquid infiltrated into a piece of test paper impregnated with a test chemical the optical properties of which alter according to the level of the certain chemical. It includes: a test paper holder, provided in a test paper insertion unit provided in a casing; a device for emitting light and a device for sensing light, both provided to oppose a piece of test paper held by the holder; a cover, slidably mounted to the casing, for selectably covering over the insertion unit; a device for biasing this cover in one direction; a device for engaging this cover in an extreme position in the opposite direction; and a device for releasing the engagement of the engaging device. This engagement releasing device may be a press button provided to the casing; and the sliding direction of the cover may be its opening direction of movement, or alternatively may be its closing direction of movement.

Abstract: A programmable logic IC comprising an input buffer segment, a programmable logic segment and an output buffer segment, the input buffer segment and output buffer segment respectively comprising buffers of a first level and buffers of a second level as disposed in parallel arrays of the two levels and whichever of the levels being optionally selectable by programming.

Abstract: A photoelectric switch having a light projector element (L) and a first oscillation circuit (2) for driving the light projector element by use of pulses includes a second oscillation circuit (4) and a coupling circuit (3) for coupling the second oscillation circuit with the first oscillation circuit. The second oscillation circuit sweeps an oscillation frequency of the first oscillation circuit at a predetermined period to vary the oscillation frequency of the first oscillation circuit in a periodical manner.

Abstract: An optical fiber attaching structure in a photoelectric switch comprises: an optical fiber supporting member (12) made of an elastic material which is attached to one side portion of a casing (20) of a photoelectric switch and formed with through holes (13, 14) for allowing optical fibers (32, 33) to pass and notches (13a, 13b, 14a, 14b, 14c, 14d, 14e) which are extended from peripheries of the through holes toward the outside in a radial direction; a fastening frame (16) which has a space enough to enclose the optical fiber supporting member and in which openings (17, 18) for allowing the optical fibers to pass are formed at the positions corresponding to the through holes of the optical fiber supporting enclosed in the enclosing space and a screw hole (19) is formed in another plane which is perpendicular to a plane in which the openings are formed; and a pressing screw (31) for fixing the optical fibers which are pierced into the through holes to the optical fiber supporting member by pressing a part of th