Abstract: A circuit and method for controlling a discharge lamp without auxiliary lamp(s) are disclosed. The discharge lamp is controlled in a warmed-up arc discharge state when, e.g., power generation of a vehicular alternator is detected. The discharge lamp is transferred from the warmed-up discharge state to an illumination arc discharge state when, e.g., an inner temperature of the discharge lamp has arrived at a predetermined value. The control of warmed-up discharge state is abruptly carried out when, e.g., the internal temperature of the discharge lamp is below the predetermined temperature. A time at which the discharge lamp is to be turned off is controlled according to the internal temperature of the other discharge lamp to be turned on.

Abstract: A headlamp for a motor vehicle comprises a power unit including an inverter, a starting circuit connected to the inverter, an electric discharge lamp bulb connected to the starting circuit, and a shell for holding the starting circuit and the electric discharge lamp bulb. A lens and a cap are fixedly mounted to the shell at the front and rear open ends thereof, respectively. The shell and the cap are coated with a metal film to provide shielding from radio noise due to high frequency pulses.

Abstract: A lighting device for an electric discharge lamp comprises an LC series resonant circuit, and control means for controlling an inverter circuit. Immediately after the occurrence of a dielectric breakdown in the electric discharge lamp. AC voltage with a relatively low frequency is applied to the lamp so as to pass a heavy current therethrough. Subsequently, the frequency is increased stepwise by a relatively small variation until a terminal voltage of the electric discharge lamp reaches a predetermined value. Thereafter, the frequency is increased stepwise by a relatiely large variation until the electric discharge lamp assumes a discharge stable state.

Abstract: A CRT display system for a vehicle is provided, the system comprises a CRT for displaying images, vehicle information, or so forth, a liquid crystal panel assembly disposed in front of the CRT, a vehicle information sensor, and control means for the liquid crystal panel. The vehicle information sensor is adapted for determining whether the vehicle is running or not and whether an ambient light level is high or low to provide signals indicative thereof. The control means is operable to control the transmission factor of the liquid crystal panel so as to limit a visual angle for the driver in response to the signals output from the vehicle information sensor. When the ambient light level is low and the vehicle is running, the control means controls the liquid crystal panel assembly so as to reduce the transmission factor thereof to a first level with the result that no images from the CRT are projected to the driver through the panel assembly although passengers may clearly see the images.

Abstract: Herein disclosed is a display device for use in an instrument panel of a motor vehicle. The display device comprises a display source for producing light by which visual informations are formed; a plane mirror arranged to reflect the light toward a given position; and a liquid crystal panel arranged in the given position to selectively pass the reflected light therethrough.

Abstract: A sputtering process of a substrate biasing system and an apparatus for carrying out the same, capable of forming a film in satisfactory surface coverage over stepped underlying layer. The present invention solves problems in the quality of films formed by the conventional sputtering process of a substrate biasing system by regulating the bias potential of a substrate on which a film is to be formed so that the kinetic energy of ions of a sputtering gas falling on the substrate is varied periodically. The bias potential is regulated by periodically varying the amplitude of the output of a radio frequency (or dc) bias power supply or by changing the duty factor of a voltage pulse stream of the output of the radio frequency (or dc) bias power supply.

Abstract: A target for use in a sputtering technique usually has a flat structure. The present invention has succeeded in endowing sputtering film formation with a directivity in such a way that the surface of the target is provided with recesses thereby to limit the flight directions of sputtering particles.Alternatively, the directivity can be bestowed by disposing a frame between a substrate to be formed with a film and the flat sputtering target. This measure requires auxiliary means in which a wall is provided at the outer periphery of the sputtering target so as to effectively utilize a plasma.The present invention actually formed films by the use of the above technique, and has verified the effect thereof. Wide applications are expected in technical fields wherein after forming a microscopic pattern, one or more films need to be further formed.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling a vehicle speed to follow a preceding vehicle moving on the same traffic lane of a road as the vehicle.

Abstract: A sputtering target structure suitable for use with a planar magnetron sputtering electrode device has a plurality of annular target members arranged concentrically. The annular target member is provided with either an annular groove for concentration of an electric field or an annular wall for repelling electrons.

Abstract: A pair of magnets for producing a mirror magnetic field are disposed outside of an electrode structure carrying a target. Microwaves from a microwave source are introduced toward and into a space defined by the mirror magnetic field for generating high-density plasma. While maintaining this high-density plasma over a wide area of the surface of the target, an electric field substantially perpendicular to the surface of the target is applied for sputtering of the target material. The optimized conditions for plasma generation can be selected when the high-density plasma formed outside of a processing chamber is guided to migrate toward an area above the target in the processing chamber. Capability of sputtering of the material from the entire surface of the target increases the rate of film deposition on a substrate and improves the target utilization rate (the quantity of the material deposited on the substrate/the usable area of the target).

Abstract: Planar magnetron sputtering sputters a target formed of plural target members from their principal surface. The plural target members are arranged on an electrode. The sputtering is carried out in such a condition that an electric field and magnetic field are substantially parallel in their direction at the boundary regions among the plural target members.