Abstract: A memory system includes a nonvolatile memory which comprises a plurality of memory cells capable of storing 4-bit data represented by first to fourth bits by sixteen threshold regions, and a memory controller configured to cause the nonvolatile memory to execute a first program for writing data of the first bit, the second bit, and the fourth bit and then causes the nonvolatile memory to execute a second program for writing data of the third bit. In fifteen boundaries existing between adjacent threshold regions among the first to sixteenth threshold regions, a maximum value of the number of first boundaries used for determining a value of the data of the first bit, the number of second boundaries used for determining a value of the data of the second bit, the number of third boundaries used for determining a value of the data of the third bit.

Abstract: A toy main section includes an operation unit. When a first operation is performed with the operation unit, releasing means executes release of first holding means and release of second holding means at different timings. Also, when a second operation is performed with the operation unit, the release of the first holding means and the release of the second holding means are substantially simultaneously performed. Accordingly, since a form is changed in different ways in accordance with the operation with the operation unit, a toy with an unexpected change in form can be provided.

Abstract: In a microcapsule of the multi-core structure comprising a plurality of particles which are made of a core material comprising natural carotenoid and an edible oil, and a wall which is made of a coating material based on gelatin, the particles have a mean particle size of 0.01-5 .mu.m, the gelatin has a jelly strength of at least 100 blooms, and the microcapsule has a water content of up to 10% by weight. The microcapsule has a strength enough to protect natural carotenoid from oxidation and deterioration for a long time and to withstand tableting pressure.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is described for automatically folding airbags a plurality of times in stages of predetermined width. Both longitudinal and lateral folds may be accomplished. A plurality of inward and outward folding bars are automatically positioned relative to the airbag and transferred to interleaving positions to fold the airbag.

Abstract: A process for producing a granular detergent composition having a high bulk density comprising the steps of:(i) kneading detergent ingredients to form a kneaded solid detergent mixture;(ii) disintegrating the solid detergent mixture; and(iii) coating the disintegrated granular detergent composition with water-insoluble finely divided powder particles having an average primary particle diameter of 10 .mu.m or less.

Abstract: In a mixing head for mixing plural kinds of liquid materials, a first forward movement passage for opening a discharge control valve which control supplying the liquid materials into a mixing chamber, is ramified from a second forward movement passage for closing a circulation control valve which controls the circulation of the liquid materials, and extends across a spool of the circulation control valve. The spool is provided with a groove for opening the first forward movement passage when the circulation control valve is in a closed state. Further, a restriction passage having a check valve for keeping a working fluid from flowing into a first cylinder including a first piston of the discharge control valve, is formed to be communicated with the first cylinder at a side of the first forward movement passage and is ramified from the second forward movement passage.

Abstract: A mixing head of an injection molding machine has an injection plunger for opening and closing a plurality of orifices and a spool plunger for opening and closing a plurality of circular passageways. The plunger and the spool are disposed parallel to each other.

Abstract: In a stirring device of liquid material, of circulation type comprising a return pipe inserted in a stirring tank, and a feeding pipe connected to bottom portion of the stirring tank, so that the liquid material fed through the feeding pipe is returned to the return pipe, an expanded part having inner diameter larger than that of the return pipe is provided at top end of the return pipe, and plurality of holes having the total opening diameter larger than the lateral sectional area of the return pipe are bored on both sides of outer circumferential portion of the expanded part. Two reverse circulation streams in the horizontal direction are formed within the circulation tank, and the liquid material is circulated through the feeding pipe and the return pipe, thereby the stirring is performed well without involving the excessive air.

Abstract: A method for granulating a cationic surfactant having good water dispersibility and good storage stability comprising the steps of:(i) mixing 100 parts by weight of a powdered di (long-chain alkyl) quaternary ammonium salt having an average particle diameter of 150 .mu.m or less with 10 to 30 parts by weight of finely divided silica having an average primary particle diameter of 0.1 .mu.m or less;(ii) adding 20 to 80 parts by weight of a self-adhesive substance to the resultant mixture in the step (i), followed by granulation; and(iii) adding 30 to 150 parts by weight of at least one member selected from the group consisting of finely divided zeolite having an average primary particle diameter of 0.1 to 10 .mu.m, finely divided calcium carbonate having an average primary particle diameter of 0.01 to 10 .mu.m, and a mixture thereof, followed by granulation.

Abstract: A process for improving the properties of granular detergents, that is, caking preventability, fluidity and particle hardness, which comprises spray-coating a coating agent [I] consisting of the silicates, sulfates, carbonates and hydroxides of alkali metals and a coating agent [II] consisting of polyvalent metal sulfates separately onto a granular detergent obtained by the conventional spray granulating method, tumbling granulating method, piston granulating method, pressure granulating method and the like, under a condition in which the granular detergent is in a fluid state; causing a reaction on the surface of the granular detergent particles; and forming thereon a coating film of a water-insoluble or poorly water-soluble substance.

Abstract: A process for alkylating the ortho-position of a phenol compound which comprises bringing a phenol compound containing at least one hydrogen atom at its ortho-position and an alcohol into contact with a catalyst in the gaseous phase, said catalyst being selected from the group consisting ofA. a mixture of iron oxide and silica in which the atomic ratio of Fe to Si is 100 : 0.03 - 200, andB. a mixture of iron oxide, silica and chromium oxide in which the atomic ratio of Fe to Si to Cr is 100 : 0.1 - 5 : 0.1 - 5.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a granular detergent by spray drying a slurry of cleaning materials, which comprises: wetting the surfaces of the granules of detergent formed by spray drying; coating the thus wetted surfaces with 0.02 - 4 parts by weight of powdery builders per 1 part by weight of the granules of detergent; and drying it thereafter.