Abstract: An object of the invention is to minimize the number of in-process items. To this end, in an inter-process buffer controlling apparatus according to the invention, the size of a buffer to be used for storage of work subjects of predetermined work is increased if a difference or a ratio between a variance of first intervals at which the work subjects are delivered to the buffer and a variance of duration that is taken for the preceding process exceeds a prescribed first threshold value, and the size of the buffer is decreased if a difference or a ratio between an average of second intervals at which work subjects generated by the work are delivered to the following buffer and an average of the first intervals exceeds a prescribed second threshold value.

Abstract: An object of the invention is to minimize the number of in-process items. To this end, in an inter-process buffer controlling apparatus according to the invention, the size of a buffer to be used for storage of work subjects of predetermined work is increased if a difference or a ratio between a variance of first intervals at which the work subjects are delivered to the buffer and a variance of duration that is taken for the preceding process exceeds a prescribed first threshold value, and the size of the buffer is decreased if a difference or a ratio between an average of second intervals at which work subjects generated by the work are delivered to the following buffer and an average of the first intervals exceeds a prescribed second threshold value.

Abstract: A burn-in apparatus wherein products can be checked during burn-in to determine whether or not a respective product will fail completely during burn-in or whether the product will operate unstably during burn-in. The burn-in apparatus includes a burn-in chamber which burns in a product placed therein. A product carry-in automatic conveyer carries products into the burn-in chamber and a product carry-out automatic conveyor carries products out of the burn-in chamber. An air conditioning unit adjusts the temperature of air inside the burn-in chamber. A product testing section, extending between the outside and the inside of the burn-in chamber, holds and provides electrical power to a product during burn in. Testing equipment is provided outside the burn-in chamber and connects to a product held by the product testing section so that the product can be tested during burn in.