Abstract: A storage system, which can execute sort processing of data without affecting online service, is disclosed. A storage control device 12 receives a sort instruction specifying a record group for sorting and a sort key from a host device 1, reads the record group from an external storage device 11 into cache memory 123, and uses the cache memory 123 and a work area secured in the external storage device 11 to execute sort processing of the above record group, and again stores the sorted record group in a prescribed output area within the external storage device 11. When a plurality of sort instructions are received, work areas are allocated automatically without overlapping work areas. When record updates occur during online service, a snapshot of the updated records is taken, and sorting of the snapshot is performed.

Abstract: A method of making a spark plug having a noble metal chip joined to an electrode main body of a ground electrode by interposing therebetween an intermediate member. The method comprises the steps of prior to joining the noble metal chip to the electrode main body, joining the intermediate member and the noble metal chip together, placing a noble metal chip and intermediate member assembly on the electrode main body in a way as to allow the intermediate member to contact the electrode main body, and welding the electrode main body and the intermediate member together while restricting relative movement of the electrode main body and the intermediate member without applying an urging force to a joint between the intermediate member and the noble metal chip.

Abstract: A storage system, which can execute sort processing of data without affecting online service, is disclosed. A storage control device 12 receives a sort instruction specifying a record group for sorting and a sort key from a host device 1, reads the record group from an external storage device 11 into cache memory 123, and uses the cache memory 123 and a work area secured in the external storage device 11 to execute sort processing of the above record group, and again stores the sorted record group in a prescribed output area within the external storage device 11. When a plurality of sort instructions are received, work areas are allocated automatically without overlapping work areas. When record updates occur during online service, a snapshot of the updated records is taken, and sorting of the snapshot is performed.

Abstract: Provided is a method of making a spark plug having a noble metal chip joined to an electrode main body of a ground electrode by interposing therebetween an intermediate member. The method comprises the steps of prior to joining the noble metal chip to the electrode main body, joining the intermediate member and the noble metal chip together, placing a noble metal chip and intermediate member assembly on the electrode main body in a way as to allow the intermediate member to contact the electrode main body, and welding the electrode main body and the intermediate member together while restricting relative movement of the electrode main body and the intermediate member without applying an urging force to a joint between the intermediate member and the noble metal chip.

Abstract: A semiconductor device manufacturing machine comprises a mechanism provided in a processing chamber, for lifting up a ring-like peripheral member, and a holder provided at a tip end of a feeding mechanism located in a feeding chamber, and capable of holding either or both a semiconductor wafer and the ring-like peripheral member, so that, in the processing chamber maintained in a vacuum condition, the ring-like peripheral member is lifted up by the lifting mechanism and transferred to the holder of the feeding mechanism, and the ring-like peripheral member held by the holder of the feeding mechanism is moved from the processing chamber through the feeding chamber to a load lock chamber and further can be removed from the semiconductor device manufacturing machine.

Abstract: A semiconductor device manufacturing machine comprises a mechanism provided in a processing chamber, for lifting up a ring-like peripheral member, and a holder provided at a tip end of a feeding mechanism located in a feeding chamber, and capable of holding either or both a semiconductor wafer and the ring-like peripheral member, so that, in the processing chamber maintained in a vacuum condition, the ring-like peripheral member is lifted up by the lifting mechanism and transferred to the holder of the feeding mechanism, and the ring-like peripheral member held by the holder of the feeding mechanism is moved from the processing chamber through the feeding chamber to a load lock chamber and further can be removed from of the semiconductor device manufacturing machine.

Abstract: A blade mounting device is operable for mounting a blade on a drive shaft of a cutting tool which is moved in a predetermined motion for a cutting operation. The blade mounting device includes an operation knob mounted on a body of the cutting tool and adapted to be rotated by an operator. An actuation rod is mounted on the drive shaft and is movable with the drive shaft and rotatable relative to the drive shaft. A holder device is mounted on the drive shaft for holding and releasing the blade in response to the rotation of the actuation rod relative to the drive shaft. A connection member is rotatable with the operation knob and is disposed on the same axis as the actuation rod. A connecting mechanism is provided for connecting the connection member and the actuation rod to each other, so that the connection member and the actuation rod are axially movable relative to each other and are rotatable together with each other.

Abstract: A blade mounting device is operable for mounting a blade on a drive shaft of a cutting tool which is moved in a predetermined motion for a cutting operation. The blade mounting device includes an operation knob mounted on a body of the cutting tool and adapted to be rotated by an operator. An actuation rod is mounted on the drive shaft and is movable with the drive shaft and rotatable relative to the drive shaft. A holder device is mounted on the drive shaft for holding and releasing the blade in response to the rotation of the actuation rod relative to the drive shaft. A connection member is rotatable with the operation knob and is disposed on the same axis as the actuation rod. A connecting mechanism is provided for connecting the connection member and the actuation rod to each other, so that the connection member and the actuation rod are axially movable relative to each other and are rotatable together with each other.

Abstract: A sander includes a body and a drive device mounted on the body. A spindle is rotatably driven by the drive device. A connecting shaft is mounted on the spindle and is rotatable relative to the spindle around an axis displaced from the rotational axis of the spindle. An abrasive disc is fixedly mounted on the connecting shaft. A sun gear is fixedly mounted on the connecting shaft coaxially therewith. An internal gear is rotatably supported by the body and is in engagement with the sun gear. An engaging device is operable to prevent and permit rotation of the internal gear relative to the body.