Abstract: According to the present invention, there is disclosed an image forming apparatus comprising a constitution driven/controlled independently for each recording head. The apparatus rewrites image data or parameters or changes a driving voltage at a desired timing, and realizes a uniform or appropriate density of an image formed by control of an ink spout amount based on a temperature detection signal of the recording head detected by a temperature detection unit disposed in each recording head. The apparatus is capable of remarkably narrowing a mutual conveying interval among a plurality of conveyed recording mediums.

Abstract: The acylacetonitrile compound of the invention is represented by the formula (1): wherein R1 represents —C(O)ZR2; R2 represents C1-6 alkyl, C1-4 haloalkyl or the like; Z represents oxygen or sulfur; X and Y independently represent halogen, C1-6 alkyl or C1-4 haloalkyl; and m and n are independently an integer of 1 to 3. The acylacetonitrile compound of the invention exhibits excellent miticidal and ovicidal activities for mites over a long period. Therefore, the acylacetonitrile compound of the invention is useful as a miticide.

Abstract: A stent wherein a biologically/physiologically active substance is loaded on the stent main body is provided. The active substance is gradually released for a prolonged period without being rapidly released in a short period. The stent comprises a stent main body, and a sustained release coating formed on the stent main body; wherein the coating comprises a biologically/physiologically active substance layer formed on the stent main body, and a polymer layer formed on the biologically/physiologically active substance layer; and the biologically/physiologically active substance layer comprises at least one biologically/physiologically active substance; the polymer layer comprises a vapor or water-permeable polymer, and a water-swellable substance dispersed in the polymer and swollen by absorption of the vapor or the water; and cracks are formed in the polymer layer when the water-swellable substance is swollen by absorbing the vapor or the water.

Abstract: A stent to be implanted in a lumen in a living body comprises a stent main body, and a polymer layer provided on a surface of the stent main body, wherein the polymer layer comprises a first biologically/physiologically active substance, and nano- or micro-capsules composed of a first biodegradable polymer and comprising a second biologically/physically active substance therein, and the second biologically/physically active substance is released after the first biologically/physiologically active substance is released to the exterior of the stent.

Abstract: The diamter of &bgr;-titanium alloy wire is reduced by cold wire-drawing and the &bgr;-titanium alloy wire is subjected to heat treatment. The heat treatment comprises the first aging process for precipitation strengthening and the second aging process for removing processing strain. &bgr;-titanium alloy wire is heat-treated under the supply of tension at the second aging process.

Abstract: The acylacetonitrile compound of the invention is represented by the formula (1): 1

Abstract: A stent capable of stably loading a biologically/physiologically active substance, without causing its decomposition or deterioration, and permitting it to release itself slowly over a long period of time without being rapidly released in a short period, after being implanted in a lesion.

Abstract: A highly safe medical device which exhibits long-lasting low surface friction in a body fluid or in an aqueous medium is provided. Also provided is a method for producing such medical device wherein substantially no limitation is imposed on the type of the substrate used, and the hydrophilic high molecular weight compound or the water-soluble or water-swellable high molecular weight compound responsible for the surface lubricity can be readily coated on the surface. In the present invention, a hydrophilic high molecular weight compound having at least one carbonyl group or hydrazine residue in the molecule and a cross-linking agent having at least two hydrazine residues or carbonyl groups in the molecule are reacted to thereby form a surface lubrication layer comprising the reaction product.

Abstract: A stent wherein a biologically/physiologically active substance is loaded on the stent main body is provided. The active substance is gradually released for a prolonged period without being rapidly released in a short period. The stent comprises a stent main body, and a sustained release coating formed on the stent main body; wherein the coating comprises a biologically/physiologically active substance layer formed on the stent main body, and a polymer layer formed on the biologically/physiologically active substance layer; and the biologically/physiologically active substance layer comprises at least one biologically/physiologically active substance; the polymer layer comprises a vapor or water-permeable polymer, and a water-swellable substance dispersed in the polymer and swollen by absorption of the vapor or the water; and cracks are formed in the polymer layer when the water-swellable substance is swollen by absorbing the vapor or the water.

Abstract: The diamter of &bgr;-titanium alloy wire is reduced by cold wire-drawing and the &bgr;-titanium alloy wire is subjected to heat treatment. The heat treatment comprises the first aging process for precipitation strengthening and the second aging process for removing processing strain. &bgr;-titanium alloy wire is heat-treated under the supply of tension at the second aging process.

Abstract: The diamter of &bgr;-titanium alloy wire is reduced by cold wire-drawing and the &bgr;-titanium alloy wire is subjected to heat treatment. The heat treatment comprises the first aging process for precipitation strengthening and the second aging process for removing processing strain. &bgr;-titanium alloy wire is heat-treated under the supply of tension at the second aging process.

Abstract: This invention provides a medical device in which its lubricity is continually maintained and its safety is guaranteed.Particularly, it provides a medical device in which lubricity is generated on at least a portion of its surface when the device is contacted with body fluids or exposed to physiological aqueous conditions, wherein the lubricity-generating portion is formed by thermoforming.

Abstract: This invention provides a medical instrument having on a surface a layer (surface lubricating layer) that forms a hydrogel when wetted and that is composed of an insolubilized water-soluble or water-swellable polymer having a reactive functional group in the molecule. The surface having outstanding surface lubricity and, optionally, the ability to prevent the formation of thrombi.

Abstract: An activation control system for controlling activation of a plurality of air bag systems for protecting a passenger by expanding an air bag between the passenger and a vehicular body when the vehicle makes a collision. A collision detector outputs a signal according to the direction and magnitude of the collision. A collisional direction detector detects the direction of the collision on the basis of the signal outputted from said collision detection. An ignition signal output unit outputs an ignition signal to the air bag system which is determined on the basis of the collisional direction detected.

Abstract: This invention provides a medical tool the surface of which is enabled to acquire lasting lubricity (low friction) by assuming a state wetted with bodily fluid or aqueous solution. This surface is formed without requiring the coating work to be repeated. The medical tool is produced by coating a water-swellable polymer having in the molecular unit thereof a reactive functional group capable of being reacted with a proton-donating group, on the surface of a matric material possessing the proton-donating group, and also by coating a water-swellable polymer having in the molecular unit thereof a reactive group capable of being reacted with an acid anhydride group on the surface of a matric material possessing the acid anhydride group.

Abstract: An electric power transmitting device transmits electric energy from one coil to another coil through an inductive coupling therebetween. One of the coils has an end bent in the axial direction of the coil. When the other coil is to be inserted into said one coil, it can be inserted in not only the axial direction of said one coil, but also a direction transverse to the axial direction through the bent end of the coil. Said one of the coils is typically housed in a holder, and the other coil in the grip of a gun-shaped, hand-held bar-code scanner. When the grip is inserted into a groove defined in the holder, the coils are magnetically coupled to each other, thus providing an inductive coupling. The bar-code scanner can easily be placed on and removed from the holder.