Abstract: Two spot size detecting elements are disposed on both sides of an effective scanning area on a scanning surface and spaced from the scanning surface perpendicularly in opposite directions by the same distance, and detect diameters of scanning laser beam. A comparison circuit compares the beam diameters as detected by the two spot size detecting elements. An electrostrictive element attached to a light source deformed in accordance with a comparison result to move the light source so as to correct a converging position of the scanning laser beam.

Abstract: A method for producing a metallic oxide-hydrogen secondary battery is provided. The method comprises the steps of disposing generating elements consisting of positive electrodes containing metallic oxides, negative electrodes containing hydrogen-absorbing alloys, and separators in a plurality of cell chambers equipped with safety valves, each cell chamber having different capacity; pouring an electrolyte into each cell chamber; and repeating charge and discharge cycles on condition that safety valves work at pressure G in the range of 1<G.ltoreq.6 atm so that the amount of the electrolyte in each cell chamber is kept constant.

Abstract: A bottle of wine is received in a container with a cover, both being made of foamed polystyrene. Polyacrylate, as a water-absorbing material moist with water, is put in the inner space defined by the container and the cover to impart a nearly constant humid condition in the inner space.

Abstract: A bottle of wine is received in a container with a cover, both being made of foamed polystyrene. Polyacrylate, as a water-absorbing material moist with water, is put in the inner space defined by the container and the cover to impart a nearly constant humid condition in the inner space.

Abstract: A dry cell of the type enclosing therein an electrolyte mainly consisting of zinc chloride, wherein in order to ensure the more secure air- and liquid-tightness a filler or sealing agent is filled into the space between a plastic top seal and a metal top seal to seal a carbon electrode extended out of the plastic top and the upper end portion of a plastic tube covering the top surface of the plastic top seal, whereby the longer shelf life may be ensured.

Abstract: A locking mechanism of the cylinder type for a business machine wherein four different keys can be accommodated in a single lock to perform various functions or modes of operation. The mechanism includes ring members and locking pins operably associated with the cylinder and with the lock body either to permit or to restrict rotational movement thereof with respect to the ring members. Rotation of a key in the cylinder to a predetermined limit sets up a switching arrangement to provide a signal for each mode of operation desired to be accomplished.