Abstract: A portable map display apparatus stores, in a memory, features of a plurality of points on a given map and features of routes connecting such points and, on receiving input signals concerning a given point of start and a given destination, sequentially displays, on an output device, the information on the optimum route to be followed in reaching the destination from the point of start.

Abstract: Object detecting apparatus for use, for example, upon a mobile robot to detect objects or obstacles such that the robot may navigate clear of such objects or obstacles includes a source of light for projecting a light beam (7) convergingly toward an axis (9) so as to intersect the axis. The light beam (7) is rotated about the axis (9) within a circular locus (10) while the predetermined converging angle of the beam (7) is maintained constant with respect to the axis (9) so as to generate a light beam detecting surface (8). A condensing lens (2) and light detector (3) are coaxially disposed upon the axis (9) along with the circular locus (10) of the light beam (7) so as to define a viewing field or volume (5). An object-to-be-detected (6) may therefore be detected when the same is illuminated by the projected light beam (7) and its envelope surface (8), and the light reflected from the object (6) is transmitted back to the lens (2) and light detector (3).

Abstract: A channel discrimination apparatus comprises a plurality of photocouplers each consisting of an electroluminescent element and a photoelectric element, and transistors, whereby the extraction of the potential of the signal of the maximum potential is effected by means of an OR circuit formed by connection of the output terminals of the electroluminescent elements and the indexing of the channel transmitting the signal of the maximum potential is effected by virtue of the signal issued from the output terminal of the particular transistor which produces a switching action on reception of the bias signal in consequence of the operation of the corresponding photoelectric element to be produced in response to the emission of light from the corresponding electroluminescent element.

Abstract: A hydraulic servo-actuator has a casing embracing therein a hydraulic fluid chamber which is divided into two hydraulic drive chambers by a vane projecting from a first shaft. To each of the divided chambers are connected an oil feeding passage provided with a variable restrictor and intended for the feeding of pressurized oil and an oil discharge passage intended for the discharging of the pressurized oil. A second shaft is coaxially disposed relative to the first shaft, and the first and second shafts are correlated with each other in such a way that the relative rotary displacement occurring between the two shafts controls the aperture of the oil discharge passages communicating with the divided chambers. The difference between the static pressures which are consequently produced within the divided chambers because of the aperture of the oil discharge passages causes the vane to swing, making it possible to control the torque even when the vane is in the neighborhood of its neutral position.