Abstract: A method of producing a compound represented by the formula: ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1 stands for hydrogen or an optionally substituted alkyl or acyl group, which comprises reacting a compound represented by the formula: ##STR2## wherein R.sup.1 is of the same meaning as defined above, and R.sup.2 stands for an optionally halolgenated alkyl group or an optionally substituted phenyl group with a compound represented by the formula: ##STR3## in a lower alcohol in the presence of an alkali metal or alkaline earth metal carbonate; the compound (III) being useful as starting compounds for producing thiazolidinedione derivatives having hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic activities.

Abstract: An engine rotation speed during idle running is feedback controlled to a target rotation speed. A basic ignition timing is set based on the rotation speed during idle running, and the ignition timing is feedback corrected based on a difference between a target rotation speed and a measured rotation speed. This feedback correction process and other processes including the setting of the basic ignition timing are separated. A high response ignition timing feedback control is performed by advancing the measuring timing of the rotation speed to a point earlier than the correction timing by at least the processing time required to perform the feedback correction process, and preferably by a value near the processing time. A high response fuel injection amount feedback control may also be performed by a similar process.

Abstract: There is provided a method and apparatus of detecting minute impurities in the entire body of a fluid. Part of the passage through which the fluid flows is constituted by a transparent member. Light is emitted in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of this part of the fluid passage so as to envelop the same. Light scattered by impurities in the fluid is observed from a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction of the passage to detect any minute impurities in the fluid. The method and apparatus is well-suited for use in systems which extrude molten resin in the formation of plastic products used in an electrical environment in order to detect impurities in the resin which could adversely affect the performance of the products.

Abstract: A mirror housing for holding a mirror is automatically swung and collapsed by remote operation in the car. The mirror housing supported by a base is swung round a fixed shaft and shifted to a predetermined position by a drive mechanism which includes a drive motor, speed reducer mechanism and the like.

Abstract: A periscope-type rear view mirror for automobiles which has a planar objective mirror positioned above an aperture formed through the roof of the driver's compartment of the automobile body for reflecting the light rays coming from behind the automobile forwardly and downwardly into the driver's compartment. A planar reflecting mirror is positioned substantially parallel to the objective mirror in the driver's compartment for reflecting the light rays reflected from said objective mirror forwardly and upwardly to a planar eye-piece mirror positioned close to said reflecting mirror and having a mirror surface crossing obliquely at an acute angle for reflecting the light rays reflected from said reflecting mirror into the driver's eye position. Said reflecting mirror is fixed to a stay, and said eye-piece mirror is pivotally secured to said stay which, in turn, is pivotably secured to the inner wall of the automobile at a position close to said aperture.

Abstract: A periscope-type rear view mirror apparatus for automobiles is disclosed. The apparatus includes a roof-top planar objective mirror positioned above an aperture formed in the roof of the driver's chamber of an automobile for reflecting forwardly and downwardly the light rays coming from the rear of the automobile into the driver's chamber, a first planar reflecting mirror positioned in the driver's chamber for reflecting forwardly and upwardly the light rays reflected by the objective mirror, and a second planar reflecting mirror positioned close to the first reflecting mirror for reflecting the light rays reflected by the first reflecting mirror to the eyes of the driver. The first reflecting mirror is supported by a pivotably hinged holder to allow the vertical angular adjustment of the holder, whereby the first reflecting mirror can be used as an ordinary rear view mirror of the type normally installed in the driver's chamber.