Abstract: When there are the same contents (content data) of a document among versions, the contents of the document are shared so as to reduce the storage area. Accordingly, instead of accumulating content data separately for each version, each version is related to the content data accumulated in the storage area shared among the versions. When a document &agr; has versions 1 through 3 and each of versions 1 through 3 has sections 1 and 2, three sections 1 of the versions 1 through 3 share content data 1 and the section 2 of each of the versions 1 through 3 has different content data 2, 3, or 4. The content data 1, 2, 3, or 4 indicated by version information are searched for from a content data DB, to be edited. Only when the content data 1, 2, 3, or 4 are changed, new content data are registered.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a shelf unit including a shelf having a box-like shape with an open front face and a plurality of modules having guide rails, the guide rail being engageable with a guide rail of a neighboring module. The module is inserted into the shelf through the open front face such that the guide rail slide along the guide rail of the neighboring module. The module is connected to the neighboring module with the guide rail being engaged with the guide rail of the neighboring guide rail.

Abstract: In conventional document distribution systems, user accounts are tied to address information. Because of the highly developed information distribution system, the address information needs to be maintained in a flexible and independent manner. The address generation is optionally performed in combination with a predetermined set of rules on the addresses that are stored in an independent address maintenance unit. The address maintenance unit further optionally includes a plurality of address maintenance units.

Abstract: The extra length accommodation structure for the optical fiber includes a base and first and second winding drums pivotably supported to the base. Each of the first and second winding drums is pivotable between a position where it is positioned over the base and another position where it is partially projected from the base. The first winding drum is pivotably supported through a first support member to the base, and the second winding drum is pivotably supported through a second support member to the base.

Abstract: A device for preventing laser beam leakage, which excludes a danger that a laser beam emitted from a laser source directly attacks eyes of an operator when an external connector is connected to or disconnected from an internal connector, aiming at being inexpensive and excellent in operability, and having a high safety. When the external connector has been removed from the optical transmission apparatus, a pair of movable shield plates are constantly urged in respective directions for closing a receiving opening of the apparatus to bring joining portions of the movable shield plates into close contact with each other, thereby preventing dust from entering the inside of the apparatus and the laser beam from being leaked.

Abstract: There is provided a document retrieval apparatus in which signatures can be easily extracted from document data, and false drop probability is reduced even for a long document so as to reduce a burden of eliminating the false drop. A processing unit converts the document data and the character string into character codes, respectively. The processing unit extracts signatures from each of the character codes, and calculates a record identifier of the document data to be stored based on a storing position of the document data in a record file. A data storing unit stores the document data to be registered in the record file, and stores the signature corresponding to the document data to be registered in a signature file. The signature is stored in a storing position in the signature file, the storing position being designated by the record identifier of corresponding document data stored in the record file.