Abstract: A display device for an internal combustion engine includes a variable compression ratio mechanism structured to vary an engine compression ratio of the internal combustion engine. The display device includes an indicator structured to vary its indication depending on the engine compression ratio. The indicator is configured to maintain the indication constant or within a slight change with respect to a change in the engine compression ratio within each of at least one of first and second dead zones of the engine compression ratio. The first dead zone includes a vicinity of an upper limit of the engine compression ratio including the upper limit. The second dead zone includes a vicinity of a lower limit of the engine compression ratio including the lower limit.

Abstract: A display device for an internal combustion engine includes a variable compression ratio mechanism structured to vary an engine compression ratio of the internal combustion engine. The display device includes an indicator structured to vary its indication depending on the engine compression ratio. The indicator is configured to maintain the indication constant or within a slight change with respect to a change in the engine compression ratio within each of at least one of first and second dead zones of the engine compression ratio. The first dead zone includes a vicinity of an upper limit of the engine compression ratio including the upper limit. The second dead zone includes a vicinity of a lower limit of the engine compression ratio including the lower limit.

Abstract: A variable compression ratio internal combustion engine is equipped with a variable compression ratio mechanism configured to change an engine compression ratio in accordance with a rotational position of a control shaft, and a housing that accommodates therein a drive motor for changing and holding the rotational position of the control shaft. A reference position of the control shaft is learned in a state where a position of maximum rotation of the control shaft in a first rotational direction has been mechanically restricted by bringing a first movable part, which operates in conjunction with the control shaft, into abutted-engagement with a first stopper provided outside of an engine body. Subsequently, a maximum conversion angle range of the control shaft is learned in a state where a position of maximum rotation of the control shaft in a second rotational direction has been mechanically restricted by a second stopper.

Abstract: A control method for an internal combustion engine which includes a variable compression ratio mechanism: controlling the compression ratio by using a control target compression ratio whose a variation amount per unit time is limited to be equal to or smaller than a predetermined variation amount threshold value; and setting a first variation amount threshold value which is the variation amount threshold value of the control target compression ratio per unit time toward a high compression ratio side, to be smaller than a second variation amount threshold value which is the variation amount threshold value of the control target compression ratio per unit time toward a low compression ratio side.

Abstract: A variable compression ratio internal combustion engine is equipped with a variable compression ratio mechanism configured to change an engine compression ratio in accordance with a rotational position of a control shaft, and a housing that accommodates therein a drive motor for changing and holding the rotational position of the control shaft. A reference position of the control shaft is learned in a state where a position of maximum rotation of the control shaft in a first rotational direction has been mechanically restricted by bringing a first movable part, which operates in conjunction with the control shaft, into abutted-engagement with a first stopper provided outside of an engine body. Subsequently, a maximum conversion angle range of the control shaft is learned in a state where a position of maximum rotation of the control shaft in a second rotational direction has been mechanically restricted by a second stopper.

Abstract: An optical sensing device for detecting plural optical features of valuable papers is provided that comprises first and second photocoupers 5 and 6 or 9 and 10 positioned in the vicinity of and on the opposite sides of a passageway 13 for guiding the valuable paper 64. Each of first and second photocouplers 5 and 6 or 9 and 10 has a light emitting element 20, 22, 30, 32 for emitting a light, and a light receiving element 21, 23, 31, 33 for selectively receiving the light from the light emitting element 20 so that each light receiving element 21, 23, 31, 33 can receive lights reflected on and penetrating the valuable paper 64 for detection of multiple optical features from the valuable paper 64.

Abstract: Centering device 14 of a bill validator comprises a pair of pinch jaws 15 positioned on the opposite sides of a passageway 6, and a centering motor 30 for moving pinch jaws 15 toward and away from each other for reciprocation of pinch jaws 15 so that pinch jaws 15 come into contact with side edges of a bill between pinch jaws 15 to align a central line of bill with a central line of passageway 6. As centering motor 30 stalls when warpage resistance by centered bill is greater than inherent holding torque of centering motor 30, centering device 14 has the simplified structure with reduced number of structural components for light weight and reliable centering operation.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for providing a flexible limit subsidiary account that may be issued by a Foreign Financial Institution. In particular, the present provides a system and method for allowing a parent to provide funds to a subsidiary and to control the spending of subsidiary or spending capacity. The card account may be issued at the request of the parent who may retain the ability to define, modify, and/or terminate the spending and/or debt accumulation limits for the subsidiary card account as well as other features as described in the attached disclosure. The system may be configured to provide the ability for parent to eliminate risks associated with fluctuations in currency exchange rates by committing to fixed automatic long-term charges at a fixed foreign exchange rate for a fixed term.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for providing a flexible limit subsidiary account that may be issued by a Foreign Financial Institution. In particular, the present provides a system and method for allowing a parent to provide funds to a subsidiary and to control the spending of subsidiary or spending capacity. The card account may be issued at the request of the parent who may retain the ability to define, modify, and/or terminate the spending and/or debt accumulation limits for the subsidiary card account as well as other features as described in the attached disclosure. The system may be configured to provide the ability for parent to eliminate risks associated with fluctuations in currency exchange rates by committing to fixed automatic long-term charges at a fixed foreign exchange rate for a fixed term.

Abstract: An optical sensing device for detecting plural optical features of valuable papers is provided that comprises first and second photocoupers 5 and 6 or 9 and 10 positioned in the vicinity of and on the opposite sides of a passageway 13 for guiding the valuable paper 64. Each of first and second photocouplers 5 and 6 or 9 and 10 has a light emitting element 20, 22, 30, 32 for emitting a light, and a light receiving element 21, 23, 31, 33 for selectively receiving the light from the light emitting element 20 so that each light receiving element 21, 23, 31, 33 can receive lights reflected on and penetrating the valuable paper 64 for detection of multiple optical features from the valuable paper 64.

Abstract: An optical sensing device for detecting plural optical features of valuable papers is provided that comprises first and second photocouplers 5 and 6 or 9 and 10 positioned in the vicinity of and on the opposite sides of a passageway 13 for guiding the valuable paper 64. Each of first and second photocouplers 5 and 6 or 9 and 10 has a light emitting element 20, 22, 30, 32 for emitting a light, and a light receiving element 21, 23, 31, 33 for selectively receiving the light from the light emitting element 20 so that each light receiving element 21, 23, 31, 33 can receive lights reflected on and penetrating the valuable paper 64 for detection of multiple optical features from the valuable paper 64.

Abstract: An apparatus for discriminating valuable papers is provided wherein a validation control circuit 56 (i) drives conveyer device 8 to inwardly move bill along passageway 9 when inlet sensor 13 detects bill, (ii) ceases driving of conveyer device 8 to keep bill in the standby position in passageway 9 when trigger sensor 50 detects bill, (iii) drives a release device 42 to shift a guide roller 40 from the contact position to the separated position, (iv) activates a centering device 10 to centralize bill along the longitudinal central axis of passageway 9, (v) drives release device 42 to return guide roller 40 from the separated position to the contact position, and (vi) again drives conveyer device 8 to further inwardly move bill. When bill is inserted into an inlet 7, inlet sensor 13 detects bill to immediately drive conveyer device 8 and center bill on conveyer device 8 for smooth inserting, transporting and centering of bill with the reduced number of structural components of the apparatus.

Abstract: An optical sensing device for detecting plural optical features of valuable papers is provided that comprises first and second photocoupers 5 and 6 or 9 and 10 positioned in the vicinity of and on the opposite sides of a passageway 13 for guiding the valuable paper 64. Each of first and second photocouplers 5 and 6 or 9 and 10 has a light emitting element 20, 22, 30, 32 for emitting a light, and a light receiving element 21, 23, 31, 33 for selectively receiving the light from the light emitting element 20 so that each light receiving element 21, 23, 31, 33 can receive lights reflected on and penetrating the valuable paper 64 for detection of multiple optical features from the valuable paper 64.

Abstract: An optical sensing device for detecting plural optical features of valuable papers is provided that comprises first and second photocoupers 5 and 6 or 9 and 10 positioned in the vicinity of and on the opposite sides of a passageway 13 for guiding the valuable paper 64. Each of first and second photocouplers 5 and 6 or 9 and 10 has a light emitting element 20, 22, 30, 32 for emitting a light, and a light receiving element 21, 23, 31, 33 for selectively receiving the light from the light emitting element 20 so that each light receiving element 21, 23, 31, 33 can receive lights reflected on and penetrating the valuable paper 64 for detection of multiple optical features from the valuable paper 64.

Abstract: An optical sensing device for detecting plural optical features of valuable papers is provided that comprises first and second photocoupers 5 and 6 or 9 and 10 positioned in the vicinity of and on the opposite sides of a passageway 13 for guiding the valuable paper 64. Each of first and second photocouplers 5 and 6 or 9 and 10 has a light emitting element 20, 22, 30, 32 for emitting a light, and a light receiving element 21, 23, 31, 33 for selectively receiving the light from the light emitting element 20 so that each light receiving element 21, 23, 31, 33 can receive lights reflected on and penetrating the valuable paper 64 for detection of multiple optical features from the valuable paper 64.

Abstract: An optical sensing device for detecting plural optical features of valuable papers is provided that comprises first and second photocoupers 5 and 6 or 9 and 10 positioned in the vicinity of and on the opposite sides of a passageway 13 for guiding the valuable paper 64. Each of first and second photocouplers 5 and 6 or 9 and 10 has a light emitting element 20, 22, 30, 32 for emitting a light, and a light receiving element 21, 23, 31, 33 for selectively receiving the light from the light emitting element 20 so that each light receiving element 21, 23, 31, 33 can receive lights reflected on and penetrating the valuable paper 64 for detection of multiple optical features from the valuable paper 64.

Abstract: An apparatus for discriminating valuable papers is provided wherein a validation control circuit 56 (i) drives conveyer device 8 to inwardly move bill along passageway 9 when inlet sensor 13 detects bill, (ii) ceases driving of conveyer device 8 to keep bill in the standby position in passageway 9 when trigger sensor 50 detects bill, (iii) drives a release device 42 to shift a guide roller 40 from the contact position to the separated position, (iv) activates a centering device 10 to centralize bill along the longitudinal central axis of passageway 9, (v) drives release device 42 to return guide roller 40 from the separated position to the contact position, and (vi) again drives conveyer device 8 to further inwardly move bill. When bill is inserted into an inlet 7, inlet sensor 13 detects bill to immediately drive conveyer device 8 and center bill on conveyer device 8 for smooth inserting, transporting and centering of bill with the reduced number of structural components of the apparatus.

Abstract: Centering device 14 of a bill validator comprises a pair of pinch jaws 15 positioned on the opposite sides of a passageway 6, and a centering motor 30 for moving pinch jaws 15 toward and away from each other for reciprocation of pinch jaws 15 so that pinch jaws 15 come into contact with side edges of a bill between pinch jaws 15 to align a central line of bill with a central line of passageway 6. As centering motor 30 stalls when warpage resistance by centered bill is greater than inherent holding torque of centering motor 30, centering device 14 has the simplified structure with reduced number of structural components for light weight and reliable centering operation.

Abstract: An optical sensing device for detecting plural optical features of valuable papers is provided that comprises first and second photocoupers 5 and 6 or 9 and 10 positioned in the vicinity of and on the opposite sides of a passageway 13 for guiding the valuable paper 64. Each of first and second photocouplers 5 and 6 or 9 and 10 has a light emitting element 20, 22, 30, 32 for emitting a light, and a light receiving element 21, 23, 31, 33 for selectively receiving the light from the light emitting element 20 so that each light receiving element 21, 23, 31, 33 can receive lights reflected on and penetrating the valuable paper 64 for detection of multiple optical features from the valuable paper 64.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for providing a flexible limit subsidiary account that may be issued by a Foreign Financial Institution. In particular, the present provides a system and method for allowing a parent to provide funds to a subsidiary and to control the spending of subsidiary or spending capacity. The card account may be issued at the request of the parent who may retain the ability to define, modify, and/or terminate the spending and/or debt accumulation limits for the subsidiary card account as well as other features as described in the attached disclosure. The system may be configured to provide the ability for parent to eliminate risks associated with fluctuations in currency exchange rates by committing to fixed automatic long-term charges at a fixed foreign exchange rate for a fixed term.