Abstract: An error voltage Verr, being a difference between DC output voltage Vout and output reference voltage Vref, and an input voltage Vin are multiplied to produce first threshold voltage signal Vth1 in phase with and similar to input voltage Vin and proportional to Verr. Second threshold voltage signal Vth2 is produced from first threshold voltage signal Vth1. The input current is detected as a current detection signal Vi across a resistor 12, whether it is between the threshold value signals is detected by a current range detecting circuit, and accordingly, the timing of turning on or off switching device is controlled so that at least one of an duration on and an off duration of the switching device is limited to enhance a power factor. Unfixed off duration disperses a noise spectrum to prevent an increase in switching frequency, to reduce noise.

Abstract: A walking assistance device applies a walking assistance force from an electric motor to a femoral part of a user. The device comprises a communication unit and an operation switch enabling unit. The operation switch enabling unit disables an operation switch of the walking assistance device until the communication unit receives a signal from an external device even when a power switch is turned on, and enables the operation switch when the communication unit has received a signal from the external device while the power switch is turned on. Thus, unauthorized use of the walking assistance device is prevented, and operation of the walking assistance device is supervised with control parameters suited for the particular user. Also, the walking assistance device can be shared by a plurality of users, and each user can use the walking assistance device with pre-selected control parameters that optimally suit the particular user.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, in an encryption device, a segmentation unit segments masked plain data into pieces of first segmented data. A first processing unit generates pieces of second segmented data from the pieces of first segmented data. A nonlinear transform unit generates pieces of third segmented data transformed from the pieces of second segmented data. A data integration unit integrates fourth segmented data to generate masked encrypted data. An unmask processing unit generates encrypted data from the masked encrypted data. The exclusive OR of the pieces of second segmented data matches the exclusive OR of input data, subjected to nonlinear transform processing and calculated from the plain data, and the first mask. The exclusive OR of the pieces of third segmented data matches the exclusive OR of transform data, obtained when the nonlinear transform processing is performed on the input data, and the second mask.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an encryption device includes a storage unit, an input unit, first to fourth partial encryption units, a generation unit, and an output unit. The first partial encryption unit calculates first intermediate data from input plain data to store in the storage unit. The generation unit generates a round key, which is used in calculations for the first intermediate data and N-th intermediate data, from the secret key. The second partial encryption unit calculates (i+1)th intermediate data from i-th intermediate data (i is smaller than N) and the round key to store in the storage unit. The third partial encryption unit performs an arithmetic operation including predetermined conversion for mixing the N-th intermediate data, and calculates (N+1)th intermediate data to store in the storage unit. The fourth partial encryption unit obtains encrypted data by performing an arithmetic operation including inverse conversion of the conversion on the (N+1)th intermediate data.

Abstract: Methods for (i) inhibiting the induction and formation of osteoclasts, (ii) inhibiting RANKL expression in osteoblasts, (ii) inhibiting the activation of osteoclasts and (iv) inhibiting a decrease in bone density by administering to a warm-blooded animal in need thereof a pharmacologically effective amount of a compound selected from the group consisting of olmesartan and olmesartan medoxomil, a pharmacologically acceptable salt thereof or a pharmacologically acceptable ester thereof.

Abstract: A first Exclusive OR circuit operates an Exclusive OR between input data and a predetermined random number. An operation circuit performs one operation of encryption and decryption of output data from the first Exclusive OR circuit. A data register circuit, which has a plurality of data hold units, holds data from the operation circuit in one data hold unit of the plurality of data hold units in response to a selection signal, and supplies the data from the one data hold unit to the operation circuit. A second Exclusive OR circuit performs an Exclusive OR between output data from the data register circuit and the random number. The operation circuit recursively performs the one operation of the data from the data register circuit and outputs next data to the data register circuit.

Abstract: In a walking assistance device for providing a walking assistance force to a femoral part of a user, the walking assistance force generated by a power generator is effectively transmitted to the femoral part of the user while avoiding the user from experiencing any undue pressure or discomfort. The walking assistance device comprises a rigid femoral support frame (30L, 30R) having a base end (31) connected to an output end of an electric motor unit (14L, 14R) and a free end (32) extending from the base end to a position opposite to a front part of the femoral part of the user, and a flexible belt (50L, 50R) attached to the free end of the femoral support frame to be releasably worn around a circumference of the femoral part of the user at a height corresponding to the free end of the femoral support frame.

Abstract: A reverse block-type insulated gate bipolar transistor (IGBT) manufacturing method that, when manufacturing a reverse block-type IGBT having a separation layer formed along tapered surfaces of a V-shaped groove formed using anisotropic etching, can secure a highly reliable reverse pressure resistance, and suppress a leakage current when reverse biasing. When irradiating with a flash lamp for flash lamp annealing after implantation of ions into a second conductivity type separation layer and second conductivity type collector layer to form the second conductivity type collector layer and second conductivity type separation layer, the strongest portion of radiation energy is focused on a depth position from the upper portion to the central portion of a tapered side edge surface.

Abstract: Disclosed is a practical method for efficiently producing an alcohol compound by hydrogenating an aldehyde by using a homogeneous copper catalyst which is an easily-available low-cost metal species. Specifically disclosed is a method for producing an alcohol compound, which is characterized in that a hydrogenation reaction of an aldehyde compound is performed in the presence of a homogeneous copper catalyst, a monophosphine compound and an alcohol selected from the group consisting of primary alcohols, secondary alcohols and mixtures of those.

Abstract: Disclosed is a practical method for efficiently producing an alcohol compound by hydrogenating an aldehyde by using a homogeneous copper catalyst which is an easily-available low-cost metal species. Specifically disclosed is a method for producing an alcohol compound, which is characterized in that a hydrogenation reaction of an aldehyde compound is performed in the presence of a homogeneous copper catalyst and a diphosphine compound.

Abstract: In a walking assistance device configured to apply a walking assistance force to a femoral part of a user, a walking assistance force provided by a power generator mounted on a pelvic support assembly is transmitted to a femoral part of the user via a femoral support assembly. The femoral support assembly includes a swing arm (60, 62) having a base end connected to an output end of the power generator and a free end opposing a front part of the femoral part of the user, a femoral support member (68, 70) pivotally connected to the free end of the swing arm and having a support surface engaging the front part of the femoral part of the user, and a femoral belt (73, 74) passed around the femoral part of the user and having two ends attached to corresponding lateral ends of the femoral support member. Thereby, the femoral support member is enabled to accommodate changes and/or variations in the contour of the femoral part of the user.

Abstract: In a belt buckle device including a tongue piece (75, 76; 210; 310) connected to an end of a belt extending in a longitudinal direction and a hook member (68, 70; 220; 320) configured to be selectively connected to the tongue piece by engaging a first lateral bar of the tongue piece in a hook opening (111; 226; 326) defined by a hook portion (71, 72; 225; 324) thereof, a longitudinal dimension (B) between the free end of the tongue piece and a base end side of the first lateral bar is substantially equal to or smaller than a width (A) of the entrance of the hook opening, and the effective thickness (C) of the first lateral bar is greater than the width (A) of the entrance of the hook opening. Thus, the first lateral bar is held inside the hook opening as long as the tongue piece is kept in a flat position in a reliable manner.

Abstract: In a walking assistance device (10) including a main frame (22) supporting a power generator (26, 28) and worn on a pelvic part of a user, the main frame is provided with an opening (23) in a middle part thereof, and an electronic unit (25) is received in the opening. As the electronic unit is placed in the middle part of the main frame which is relatively free from deformation, the electronic unit is protected from deformation or stress that could impair the reliability of the electronic unit. To achieve both an easy access to the electronic unit, and an attractive appearance, the opening may be provided with a lid (24) that selectively closes the opening from a side adjacent to the user, and the lid may be formed as a back support member for supporting a back part of the user. As the lid serves the dual purposes, the weight and cost of the device can be minimized.

Abstract: A pelvic frame (20) for a walking assistance device (10) is configured to be worn on a pelvic part of a user, and comprises a main frame (22) extending from a lower back of the user to either side of the user, an abdominal belt (30) attached to the main frame at base ends thereof, extending along an inner periphery of the main frame (22) and configured to be detachably passed along an abdominal part of the user, and a pair of stabilizer member (90, 92) each having a base end attached to a free end part of the main frame (22) and a free end engaging the abdominal belt (30). Because the two free end of the main frame (22) are joined by the stabilizer members (90, 92) in cooperation with the abdominal belt (30), the stiffness and mechanical strength of the main frame (22) is effectively enhanced, and the weight of the main frame and material cost can be minimized. Also, the deformation of the pelvic frame (20) during use can be minimized, and this contributes to the comfort of the user.

Abstract: An error voltage Verr, as amplified by an amplifier, and an input voltage Vin, are multiplied together by a multiplier to generate a first threshold value signal Vth1, which is in phase with and similar in waveform to the input voltage Vin, and proportional in amplitude to the error voltage Verr. A second threshold value signal Vth2 is generated from the first threshold value signal Vth1 by a series circuit of a diode and a resistor. The power factor is increased by on/off-control of a switching element via a drive circuit, so that a current detection signal Vi, which is detected by a resistor and corresponds to an input current, falls between the two threshold value signals Vth1 and Vth2. Since the off time is not fixed, the noise spectrum is spread and increase of the switching frequency is suppressed. Noise reduction thus can be attained.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a battery unit includes a first cell unit, a second cell unit and a third cell unit arranged adjacent to the first cell unit, respectively. Each cell unit includes a plurality of secondary battery cells, and the respective secondary battery cells are formed of a main body of a substantially rectangular solid shape and a pair of first and second electrodes of different polarities each other pulled out from one end of the main body. A first bus bar connects the first electrodes of the first cell unit and the second electrodes of the second cell unit in a first line, and a second bus bar connects the second electrodes of the first cell unit and the first electrodes of the third cell unit in a second line.

Abstract: Provide that a useful catalyst for homogeneous hydrogenation, particularly a catalyst for homogeneous asymmetric hydrogenation for hydrogenation, particularly asymmetric hydrogenation, which is obtainable with comparative ease and is excellent in economically and workability, and a process for producing a hydrogenated compound of an unsaturated compound, particularly an optically active compound using said catalyst with a high yield and optical purity.

Abstract: Provide that a useful catalyst for homogeneous hydrogenation, particularly a catalyst for homogeneous asymmetric hydrogenation for hydrogenation, particularly asymmetric hydrogenation, which is obtainable with comparative ease and is excellent in economically and workability, and a process for producing a hydrogenated compound of an unsaturated compound, particularly an optically active compound using said catalyst with a high yield and optical purity.

Abstract: A process for producing an amine which is characterized by reacting an imine with a nucleophilic compound (except a trialkylsilyl vinyl ether) in the presence of a phosphoric acid derivative represented by the formula (1): wherein A1 represents a spacer; X1 and X2 represent each independently a divalent nonmetal atom or a divalent nonmetal atomic group; and Y1 is oxygen or sulfur. The invention provides a process by which amines (particularly optically active amines) useful as intermediates of medicines, agricultural chemicals, or the like can be produced without special post-treatment in high yield at high optical purity; and phosphoric acid derivatives (particularly optically active phosphoric acid derivatives) useful in the production of the amines.

Abstract: A battery array cools battery modules (1) by flowing cooling air through a holder case (2) housing three or more levels of battery modules (1). The holder case (2) has a pair of opposing sidewalls (4) that are closed off by an inlet panel (5) on the inlet side and an outlet panel (6) on the outlet side to form an enclosed chamber (7) that houses battery modules (1). The inlet panel (5) has cooling air intakes (8) opened on both sides. The outlet panel (6) has an exhaust opening (9) at its central region to exhaust cooling air. Opposing sidewalls (4) have projections (10) between adjacent battery modules (1), and the protrusion height of the inner surfaces of those projections (10) increases from upstream to downstream in the cooling air flow.