Abstract: A user communicates with a companion with his or her portable telephone attached to a telephone attachment pocket of a robot. The robot acts in accordance with a voice signal which is outputted from the portable telephone, thereby behaving as if it were speaking to the user. The robot outputs a voice in response to the user's voice which is picked up by a microphone, thereby behaving as if it were listening to the user. Owing to this robot or a robot system using the same, the user feels less odd in his or her communication using the portable telephone.

Abstract: A washing machine according to the present invention includes a pressure sensor provided at a rod holding plate holding a suspension rod with which an outer tub is suspended. The pressure sensor is constructed so that a coil is wound around a magnetostrictive element whose magnetic characteristic changes when it is expanded, compressed or twisted by an external force. The change in the magnetic characteristic is converted to the change in the inductance of the coil, and an oscillating signal of a frequency corresponding to the inductance generated. Based on the frequency of the signal, the load on the pressure sensor is detected. Before supplying water, the amount of the laundry contained in a wash-and-extraction tub is detected based on the output of the pressure sensor, and an object water level corresponding to the amount is determined. After that, a water supply valve is opened to start supplying water into the wash-and-extraction tub.

Abstract: A manually operated travelling vehicle with an auxiliary power device, which can detect a rotating torque applied to a rotating crank shaft (40) in non-contact manner. Supported on a body (15) is a manually operated prime mover wheel (5). A rotating coil (201) is provided coaxially on the prime mover wheel (5). A variable impedance device (202) is electrically connected to the rotating coil (201) such that impedance changes depending upon a load applied to the prime mover wheel (5). A stationary coil (101) is fixed to the body (15) to be coaxial with and spaced from the rotating coil (201) with a predetermined interval therebetween and is electromagnetically connected to the rotating coil (201). A detection circuit (109) is connected to the stationary coil (101) to detect a change in current or voltage applied to the stationary coil (101) from the rotating coil (201) in accordance with an impedance change in the variable impedance device (202).

Abstract: The charging system of the invention comprises a primary charging device 4 disposed at a predetermined location, and a secondary charging device 6 mounted on the body 1 of a bicycle. The secondary charging device 6 comprises a secondary coil unit 50, rectifying circuit and charging control circuit which are housed in a casing 610. The secondary coil unit 50 is connected to a battery 20 mounted on the bicycle body 1 by a cord, and comprises a secondary coil 502 provided around an iron core 501. On the other hand, the primary charging device 4 comprises a primary coil unit 30 and charging circuit which are housed in a casing 410. The primary coil unit 30 comprises a primary coil 302 provided around an iron core 301. When the secondary coil unit 50 is positioned close to the primary coil unit 30, the battery 20 can be charged by the charging system.