Abstract: LL subbands of first and second intermediate images obtained by an inverse quantizer are stored in an intermediate image memory. A scene change judging unit compares data stored in the intermediate image memory and thereby determines whether there is a scene change or not.

Abstract: An article storage unit device for use in a vending machine comprising a housing including a plurality of vertically extending article stacking spaces and a mechanism for discharging an article at one time. The device is characterized by an arrangement for reducing failure of article discharge and by another arrangement for readily loading or feeding fresh articles into the stacking spaces without any disassembling. The article discharging mechanism comprises a pendulous stopper plate disposed at the lower portion of each article stacking space and a control mechanism for projecting the stopper plate into the article stacking space to hold the article and for releasing the stopper plate to permit the article to fall down. An inner wall of the article stacking space opposite to the stopper plate is provided with a depression to prevent the article from being held by the inner wall and the upper article at a time when the stopper plate is released.

Abstract: A shaft seal arrangement in a bore of a compressor housing through which a drive shaft extends, which comprises a first seal sheet fitted into the bore and a second seal sheet mounted on the drive shaft which are secured in position on the shaft by a retainer ring means, the indention comprising: a means for mechanically connecting the first seal sheet with the internal wall of the bore to prevent the first seal sheet from rotating. The means for mechanically connecting the first seal sheet with the internal wall comprises a key loosely fitted into a hole which is defined by an axial groove in the internal surface of the bore and an axial groove in the peripheral surface of the seal sheet. Alternatively, the mechanically connecting means may comprise a projection formed to the retainer ring, which projection is engaged with a depression formed in the first seal sheet thereby to prevent the first seal sheet from rotating.

Abstract: A multi-cylinder compressor of the type suitable for use in a vehicle air-conditioning system includes a pair of axially spaced cylinder blocks for receiving a refrigerant fluid therein for compression. First and second sets of pistons are respectively reciprocated within the front and the rear cylinders, respectively by means of first and second sets of rods of different axial lengths. Also disclosed is an improved lubricating system for a compressor which includes a flapper element located near the oil hole to direct oil to the shaft seal for both clockwise and counterclockwise rotation of the compressor. The compressor may also include a slanted surface on the cam rotor for splashing oil onto the compressor housing wall.

Abstract: A lubrication system for use in a compressor unit includes a deflector projecting from the inner wall of the compressor housing which collects lubricating oil splashed onto the housing wall and channels the lubricating oil thus collected to the shaft seal cavity.

Abstract: A refrigerant compressor having pistons reciprocated in respective cylinder by a wobble plate driven by an input rotor which is secured on a drive shaft, which compressor has a reduced volume and an improved lubricant system. An end plate of a housing for the compressor supports and bears the drive shaft and is formed with an oil port extending from a shaft seal cavity mounting a shaft seal of the drive shaft to a gap between the end plate and the rotor, with the drive shaft being formed with another oil port extending the shaft seal cavity and a gap between the rotor and the wobble plate whereby the lubricant oil flows through the gap between the rotor and the wobble plate, the oil port in the drive shaft, the shaft seal cavity, the oil port in the end plate, and the gap between the rotor and the end plate in the order. The rotor is formed with an annular recess on a surface thereof facing the end plate and in eccentricity from the rotating axis of the rotor.