Abstract: A physical distribution/transportation system comprises a plurality of nodes (2) for collecting cargoes from shipment parties and discharging cargoes to delivery destinations. A dedicated traveling line (4) connects the plurality of nodes (2). Pallet vehicles (6) travel between the nodes (2) along the dedicated traveling line, and a travel controlling system (22) controls operation of the pallet vehicles. Between the nodes (2) and users are utilized ordinary vehicles which travel on ordinary roads (18). The physical distribution/transportation system is constituted by a combination of the dedicated traveling line (4) and ordinary traveling lines, which are the ordinary roads (18). Further, an integrated physical distribution system includes such a physical distribution/transportation system.

Abstract: In a transportation/logistics system in which a pallet/vehicle with an automobile/container mounted/fixed thereon travels, a normal steering operation is carried out by changing the direction of the wheels (including tires) by an electronically controlled automatic steering system on the basis of steering information, whereby comfortable travel and a smooth turns are obtained. When the pallet/vehicle is about to run off a lane on which it travels, the run-off thereof is prevented physically and mechanically since a fin provided on the pallet/vehicle is inserted in a groove provided in a road, whereby a safe traffic/transportation system is obtained. The pallet/vehicle obtains a driving force by a gap length regulated/controlled linear induction motor so that the pallet/vehicle can travel at high speeds.

Abstract: A system is disclosed which can be used to fix a wheel to a pallet or truck, as in fastening a seat belt, by way of a wheel side supporting apparatus and a fixing apparatus for fastening, and which can be used in a high-speed transportation system for regular automobiles. The fixing apparatus for fastening has one end similar to the tongue plate device used in an automobile seat belt system and another end connectable to a retractor. The support apparatus has one end connected to the floor of the pallet or truck by a hinge, and the other end equipped with the retractor. The whole body of the support apparatus can be put into the floor of the pallet or truck, and is used to support the side of the wheel. A stopper on one end of the fixing apparatus is installed in the floor of pallet or truck.

Abstract: The objectives of the invention is to obtain the complex cell structured material which has the advantages of toughness and of being light in weight. Also it is economical when utilized in the field of the general structural materials such as architecture, civil engineering, machinery structure field, automobiles, ships, cars, aircrafts, space crafts, space stations, submarines. The manufacturing of this invention also consists of simple procedures. A complex cell structure is comprised of a maintained spatial surface on which is the complex cell bodies are bonded. The complex cell bodies are distributed/bonded on the maintained spatial surface. The maintained spatial surface is rolled, annual ring shaped, whirlpooled, laminated, plate shaped or crossed. The liquid coagulant fills the empty space. The coagulant is coagulated to produce the complex cell structure. Also, the method to produce is as follows. Prepared complex cell bodies are composed of rigid sections and a light material.

Abstract: An automatic vehicle transportation system (AVTS) is installed on a long or super long bridge in order to lighten and permit elongation of the entire bridge structure. The transportation system includes mode converting interchanges, automatic transportation lanes, trucks or pallets on which vehicles are mobilized, garages for trucks or pallets, converting lanes for trucks or pallets, merging and diverging ramps, toll gates, embarkation entrances and disembarkation exits, a fiber optic cable and a control center. In this innovative design, solar cells, a beat pump, bicycle paths, motorcycle paths, a green zone, shops and walkways for people may be located on the bridge floor. It is also possible to install the automatic vehicle transportation system inside the box girder or the lower deck of a truss girder without polluting the inside air of the girder.

Abstract: A suspension bridge structure is disclosed which uses horizontal cables, tensioned between anchorages, and frame lateral girder/node members connected between the horizontal cables to form frames. A tower section protrudes between the horizontal cables and is attached to the horizontal cables. A main cable is extended between the anchorages and over the top of the tower section. The frame lateral girder/node members are suspended from the main cable. A roadway or other transportation system can be supported on the frame lateral girder/node members.

Abstract: A suspension bridge structure is disclosed which uses horizontal cables, tensioned between anchorages, and frame lateral girder/node members connected between the horizontal cables to form frames. A tower section protrudes between the horizontal cables and is attached to the horizontal cables. A main cable is extended between the anchorages and over the top of the tower section. The frame lateral girder/node members are suspended from the main cable. A roadway or other transportation system can be supported on the frame lateral girder/node members.

Abstract: The gradient salt concentration fishway is installed on or near the river bank, at points contiguous to existing flood control dams and weirs. Fresh water flows naturally downstream via the fish way. Salt water is pumped from the sea into several points in the fish way in order to mix with the fresh water of the river. By controlling the amount of salt water introduced at each stage of the fishway, the concentration of salt within the entire fishway can be made gradient. Hence, the concentration of salt nearest the ocean is the greatest while it decreases the closer it gets to the fresh water. Above the dam, the fresh water is not mixed with salt water. This system will more accurately approximate the natural conditions encountered by fish entering a brackish environment, thus easing the biological adjustments which migrating fish need.

Abstract: Novel highly viscous acidic heterpolysaccharide AM-2 is produced from a strain of genus Acetobacter isolated from vinegar mash, and is useful as an adhesive, coating agent, drilling mud additive, enhanced oil recovering agent, etc., as well as a material useful for the production of foods, drugs and cosmetics because of its safety and high viscosity.

Abstract: Novel highly viscous polysaccharides composed mainly of (a) glucose, (b) galactose, (c) mannose, and (d) glucuronic acid, the molar ratio of (a):(b):(c):(d) being 10:3-6:0.5-2:0.5-2 (preferably 10:3-4:1-2:1-2). The invention also provides the process for producing the highly viscous polysaccharides which comprises cultivating a highly viscous polysaccharide-producing microorganism which is an acetic acid bacteria in a nutrient medium until a substantial amount of polysaccharides has accumulated in the nutrient medium, and recovering the accumulated polysaccharides from the nutrient medium.