Abstract: An extension/retraction cylinder stops or starts tilting the platform of the stair-climbing wheelchair carrier based on a detection signal from an inclination sensor provided in the crawler drive unit. When the crawler drive unit is detected to be not tilted, the tilting motion of the platform is stopped at an intermediate angle (e.g. 20°) of a maximum preset angle (e.g. 40°). When the crawler drive unit is detected to be tilted, the platform is tilted up to the maximum preset angle, and as soon as the crawler drive unit is detected not to be tilted after tilting, the platform is driven so as to decrease its inclination angle relative to the crawler drive unit. Thus, a comfortable and usable stair-climbing wheelchair carrier can be provided.

Abstract: An extension/retraction cylinder stops or starts tilting the platform of the stair-climbing wheelchair carrier based on a detection signal from an inclination sensor provided in the crawler drive unit. When the crawler drive unit is detected to be not tilted, the tilting motion of the platform is stopped at an intermediate angle (e.g. 20°) of a maximum preset angle (e.g. 40°). When the crawler drive unit is detected to be tilted, the platform is tilted up to the maximum preset angle, and as soon as the crawler drive unit is detected not to be tilted after tilting, the platform is driven so as to decrease its inclination angle relative to the crawler drive unit. Thus, a comfortable and usable stair-climbing wheelchair carrier can be provided.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of odorless soybeans having a high nitrogen solubility index, wherein whole or rough-divided soybeans are placed on a belt-type carrier means in the form of a uniform thin layer, and are passed through a wet-heat atmosphere under normal pressure and at a temperature of about 60.degree. to 100.degree. C.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for the refining of palm type oils such as palm oil and other similar natural oils including palm kernel oil, coconut oil, and the like. The method includes adding a small quantity of phosphoric acid to a crude palm type oil, treating said oil with a small quantity of activated clay, and then subjecting said oil to steam refining of 200.degree. to 270.degree. C. with the blowing of superheated steam into the oil under high vacuum after the activated clay has been removed.

Abstract: The autoxidation resistance of an animal or vegetal fat or oil containing trace amounts of heavy metals which catalyze the autoxidation can be improved by contacting the fat or oil with solid citric, malic, or tartaric acid at a temperature below the melting point of the acid, and thereafter separating the acid particles from the fat or oil.