Abstract: The cold cathode tube for illuminating pixels with light which is in accordance with an output signal has luminance which gradually increases at a rise and gradually decreases at a fall per one frame time. The cold cathode tube contains a fluorescent material of only one of three primary colors of light, and has a certain OFF period or dimming period per one frame time. Between a diffusing plate and a reflecting plate are provided partition walls for parting emitting areas, so that the illumination light of one cold cathode tube does not reach the display elements to be illuminated by the other cold cathode tubes. The emission of each display element is changed per one frame time between a normal ON state and a dim state. The cold cathode tube has two or more OFF periods within one frame time, and luminance of the cold cathode tube is changed per one frame period.

Abstract: A circuit substrate includes a plurality of semiconductor devices including electrodes, a wiring having a plurality of branched portions and mainly formed of a metal material, a terminal for applying a voltage to the wiring to anodize the branched portions, and an anodization controller for controlling degrees of anodization of the branched portions. The branched portions serve as the electrodes of the semiconductor devices. The terminal is connected to the wiring.

Abstract: A circuit substrate includes a plurality of semiconductor devices including electrodes, a wiring having a plurality of branched portions and mainly formed of a metal material, a terminal for applying a voltage to the wiring to anodize the branched portions, and an anodization controller for controlling degrees of anodization of the branched portions. The branched portions serve as the electrodes of the semiconductor devices. The terminal is connected to the wiring.

Abstract: A flow sensor comprising a heating unit and a fluid temperature detecting unit, the heating unit including a heat element, the fluid temperature detecting unit including a fluid temperature detecting element, the elements being formed on at least one substrate made of zirconia that is a heat insulating material having low thermal conductivity, great mechanical strength, and high heat-resistance.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a resistance thermometer which includes the steps of preparing a support substrate and forming a platinum film, which serves as a temperature measuring element, on the support substrate by a sputtering process employing a sputtering gas which contains a predetermined amount of oxygen gas, and a resistance thermometer produced by the method. The method which optionally includes forming an aluminum oxide film, the substrate and the platinum film.

Abstract: A moisture responsive element comprises a moisture responsive organic membrane in contact with electrically conductive members, in which the organic membrane consists essentially of a crosslinked organic polymer having a hydrophilic group. The element has excellent water and moisture resistance, long-term stability and excellent humidity response over a range of humidity from 0 to 100 percent. The moisture responsive element includes a protective layer of cellulose acetate and/or polyvinyl acetate.