Abstract: Disclosed herein is a lens shift mechanism which enables vertical movement of a lens attached to a first member by attaching the first member to a second stationary member so as to be vertically movable with respect to the second member, including: N (an integer of three or more) attachment shafts having a plurality of ball bearings and attached to the first member; and the second member bored with N longitudinal holes located at respective positions corresponding to attachment positions of the N attachment shafts on the first member, each of the N longitudinal holes having a vertical length not shorter than a vertical travel range of the first member.

Abstract: Disclosed are a plasma generator and a workpiece processing apparatus, wherein an adapter 38 is attached to a distal end of each of a plurality of plasma generation nozzles 31 to convert a spot-shaped spout port of the plasma generation nozzle 31 to a lengthwise sport port 387, and a cover member 93 is provided to cover the plasma generation nozzles 31 so as to allow a narrow space to be defined between the cover member 93 and a workpiece, whereby plasma spouted from the spout port 387 is retained in the space in such a manner as to hit against and rebound from the workpiece into the space. This makes it possible to subject a workpiece having a relatively large surface area to plasma exposure in a uniform manner, while suppressing cooling of plasma in the space to allow the plasma to survive for a relatively long period of time (reduce a plasma disappearance rate) so as to provide enhanced efficiency of plasma exposure.

Abstract: A workpiece processing apparatus S, which comprises: a plasma generator unit 6 including a plasma generation section 18 operable to plasmatize a given gas supplied thereto, and emit the plasmatized gas therefrom; and a transport mechanism 2 adapted to support a target workpiece W in a position beneath the plasma generation section 18, wherein the plasmatized gas is emitted onto the workpiece W to carry out a given processing. The workpiece processing apparatus S further includes a setup frame 4 adapted to set up the plasma generator unit 6 to allow the plasma generation section 18 to be located over the workpiece. The plasma generator unit 6 is mounted to the setup frame 4 in a manner capable of being drawn out of a setup position where the plasma generation section 18 is positioned over the workpiece W, in a horizontal direction.

Abstract: An apparatus for processing image, includes an input unit for inputting user operation information, a recording medium for recording moving image data, a data processor for retrieving data recorded on the recording medium and generating display data in response to an input to the input unit, and a display unit for displaying the display data. The data processor selects a frame containing an image of a person's face from a scene as a moving image recording unit recorded on the recording medium, generates a thumbnail image of a face region extracted from the selected frame and displays on the display unit a list of generated thumbnail images arranged in a time-series order.

Abstract: An apparatus for processing an image includes an input unit for inputting user operation information, a recording medium for recording moving image data, a data processor for retrieving data recorded on the recording medium and generating display data in response to an input to the input unit, and a display unit for displaying the display data. The data processor generates a contracted image of an image selected at predetermined time intervals from a scene as a moving image recording unit recorded on the recording medium and displays on the display unit a list of generated contracted images arranged in a time-series order.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a lens shift mechanism which enables vertical movement of a lens attached to a first member by attaching the first member to a second stationary member so as to be vertically movable with respect to the second member, including: N (an integer of three or more) attachment shafts having a plurality of ball bearings and attached to the first member; and the second member bored with N longitudinal holes located at respective positions corresponding to attachment positions of the N attachment shafts on the first member, each of the N longitudinal holes having a vertical length not shorter than a vertical travel range of the first member.

Abstract: Disclosed is a plasma generation apparatus, which comprises a microwave generation section adapted to generate a microwave, a gas supply section adapted to supply a gas to be plasmatized, a plasma generation nozzle which is provided with an inner electrode adapted to receive the microwave and an outer electrode concentrically disposed outside the inner electrode, and adapted to plasmatize the gas supplied from the gas supply section thereinto, based on energy of the microwave, and emit the plasmatized gas from a distal end thereof; and an adapter attached to the distal end of the plasma generation nozzle.

Abstract: A plasma generation apparatus is provided which includes: a microwave generation portion which generates a microwave; a gas supply portion which supplies a gas to be turned into plasma; a plasma generation nozzle which includes a reception member receiving the microwave, and turns the gas into plasma based on the energy of the received microwave and emits the plasma gas; and a photo-detection unit which detects light emitted by the plasma gas and generates electrical information.

Abstract: An autonomous and decentralized production control system comprising a plurality of production cells for performing the assembly and machining work. Each production cell proceeds with the production procedure by performing jobs in accordance with the works charged thereinto. A first embodiment comprises working cells each including a device for determining the working cell for executing an intended job. A second embodiment comprises a pallet for carrying an object of a job, and a device for determining the order of job priority in order to meet the product delivery time. Each working cell decides on the advisability and time of performing the job on the object, thereby autonomously implementing the production control.

Abstract: An element division liquid crystal display device with a liquid crystal inserted between first and second plates having alignment films, respectively. The alignment film of at least the first plate includes a single layer of alignment material having a plurality of first and second adjacent domains A and B and is continuously rubbed in one direction through first and second minute domains A and B. A further treatment, different from a rubbing treatment, is effected to the single alignment layer so that a pretilt angle of the liquid crystal contacting the alignment layer at one of the first and second domains is different from the pretilt angle of the liquid crystal contacting the alignment layer at the other domain. The further treatment includes one of the steps of irradiating with UV light, changing the chemical components of the material of the alignment layer, heating or changing the precuring process.

Abstract: A leader section of a film strip having coupler holes in the leading section is inserted into a film guide concavity of a coupling table through a rear slot of a leader sheet placed on the coupling table. The film strip is continuously forced to slide along a curved surface of the film guide concavity until the front end of the leader section of the film strip passes through a front slot of the leader sheet. While the leader section moves through the front slot of the leader sheet, it pushes and bends the coupler tongues upward and lets the coupler tongues snap back and enter the coupler holes of the film strip to bring the coupler tongues into engagement with the coupler holes. Finally, by pulling back and stretching the film strip tight, the film strip is coupled to the leader sheet.

Abstract: A splicing device which can automatically connect films to a leader, includes a table for supporting the leader. The table has an opening over which is provided a support portion for supporting a film cartridge. A fixed guide and a movable guide are provided under the opening. Defined between the fixed and movable guides is a film turning passage having a film outlet and inlet that face the opening. A feed roller and a press roller are provided at the inlet of the film turning passage. With the leader set in position on the table, a swing arm is pivoted to catch the film end protruding from the film cartridge supported by the support portion. The swing arm is further pivoted to guide the film end through a second hole formed in the leader into the film turning passage. In this state, the feed roller is rotated to feed the film through the film turning passage and into the first hole formed in the leader while resiliently deforming prongs extending across the first hole.

Abstract: An automatic photosensitive material developing machine supplies a solid processing solution to be dissolved according to consumption of processing solution for a silver halide photosensitive material to be treated. The developing machine includes a solid processing solution supplying section for supplying the solid processing solution from a solid processing solution cartridge containing the solid processing solution, and a solid processing solution transferring section for receiving the solid processing solution supplied by the solid processing solution supplying section in a bucket, and for transferring the bucket upward.

Abstract: A coupling structure capable of coupling films to a leader with high reliability. The leader has a leader body formed with first holes and second holes in its rear with respect to the feed direction of the leader. Sheet members having fingers or protrusions are provided on the leader body so that the fingers extend across the respective first holes. Films having holes formed in its leading end, are coupled to the leader body by inserting their leading ends through second holes and then into the first holes until the fingers engage in the holes formed in the films.

Abstract: The liquid crystal display panel which has improved viewing angle characteristics, is free from deterioration of a liquid crystal, enables the alignment division to be easily and ensurely carried out and has a simple structure. The liquid crystal display panel is constructed so that substrates sandwiching a liquid crystal therebetween each have an alignment film at their inner walls, at least one of the alignment films comprises a layer of a particular polyimide film material capable of inducing a change in surface energy upon the action of light or heat energy, the alignment film comprises an assembly of two adjacent minute domains and has been continuously rubbed in one direction along the minute domains and the two minute domains are different from each other in pretilt angle (defined as an angle at which liquid crystalline molecules rise from the surface of the substrate).

Abstract: Extra printing is made possible during a set of ordinary processing operations such as film development and printing. A film is developed and dried while being fed by a leader attached thereto. After cutting the leader from the film, it is fed to the printing unit to print the images on the film onto photographic paper. A plurality of film stocking units are provided in a path from the film drying unit to the printing unit. Each stocking unit can selectively stock a single film or allow it to pass without stocking. A second film stocking unit can move laterally to change the film track. If a film requiring a long exposure time is present in the printing unit, the subsequent films that have been developed and dried can be stocked in the other film stocking units. Thus, continuous film developing operations are not interrupted.

Abstract: A pinch roller type tape drive for driving a magnetic tape on a VTR or the like comprises a capstan for driving the magnetic tape, and a pinch roller for pressing the magnetic tape against the circumference of the capstan so that the magnetic tape may not slip relative to the circumference of the capstan. The outermost layer of the pinch roller is formed of an elastic material having a hardness higher than that of rubber, which is used for forming the outermost layer of a conventional pinch roller. The pinch roller is capable of pressing the magnetic tape against the circumference of the capstan at a sufficient pressure without contacting the circumference of the capstan.

Abstract: The leader attached to a web of film is cut from the film while processing the film in a photographic processing machine. Before feeding the film to the printing unit, the leader is separated from the film. At a turning point where the film feed direction extending from the film drying unit to the printing unit changes, the film is fed straight ahead and the leader is cut off the film by a cutter. The film is fed back in a reverse direction and its end is turned up by a guide. When the printing unit gets vacant, the film without the leader is fed into the printing unit.

Abstract: The films are developed and printed continuously and automatically even if the film feed direction in the film processor and the one in the printer are not in the same vertical plane. A film stocking unit is provided downstream of the film driving unit. The film stocking unit is movable to a position aligned with the film feed path extending to the printing unit. This increases the freedom or flexibility in arranging the film processor and the printer.

Abstract: A tape guide device includes a guide member of a cylindrical configuration for guiding a tape, a ultrasonic vibrator secured to the guide member for vibrating the guide member in standing-waves configuration and a supporting member for supporting the guide member. A rotation preventing member for preventing a rotation of the guide member is formed on one of a pair of tape position restricting members in the width direction of the tape, whereby the number of the assembly parts of the tape guide device is reduced and a mechanism thereof is simplified. Therefore, the tape guide device can be miniaturized. Also, the structure and the shape of the ultrasonic vibrator are selected so that, even when the tape guide device is miniaturized, a coefficient of friction between the tape and the guide member becomes an optimum value.