Abstract: A device for feeding paper sheets or the like has a feed path whereby paper sheets are fed, a distribution unit for distributing the paper sheets that are fed thereto, and a stacking unit that holds the paper sheets that are distributed, wherein the stacking unit comprises: a rotary feed unit having a rotary shaft; gripping claws that extend in a spiral fashion with respect to this rotary shaft and grip and feed one edge of a paper sheet therebetween; an extraction unit that extracts the paper sheets fed by the rotary feed path from the gripping claws; a stage that conforms with the rotary feed unit and that holds between itself and the rotary feed unit one edge of a paper sheet that has been extracted from the gripping claws; and a stopping element that abuts one edge of a paper sheet that is held on the stage.

Abstract: A document carrier sheet is provided with a support sheet having a support surface on which a document is supported. The document carrier sheet is also provided with a transparent sheet attached to the support sheet and permitting the document to be held on the support surface, with an image on the document being covered. The support surface of the support sheet has a different color from that of the document.

Abstract: A document carrier sheet is provided with a support sheet having a support surface on which a document is supported. The document carrier sheet is also provided with a transparent sheet attached to the support sheet and permitting the document to be held on the support surface, with an image on the document being covered. The support surface of the support sheet has a different color from that of the document.

Abstract: A method for operating a shaft furnace which comprises charging the furnace with an iron source having a low degree of metallization and thus requiring reduction, an iron source having a high degree of metallization and thus requiring nothing but melting, and a solid fuel, and blowing an oxygen-containing gas at ordinary or higher temperature up to 600.degree. C. into the furnace through tuyeres to reduce and melt the iron sources. The optimal values of .eta.co (gas utilization factor) are determined from the average degree of metallization of the iron sources, and the shaft furnace is controlled so that the effluent gas from the furnace has the optimal .eta.co values. The control is accomplished by regulating the height of the charge, regulating the height of the coke bed, etc., using multistage tuyeres, and radially partitioning the charge. Thus, the iron sources can be efficiently reduced and melted at a low fuel ratio.

Abstract: A bed having an array of cylindrical support members supported by a main frame to support a mat, such that the support members are spaced apart from each other in the transverse direction of the bed and such that the support members are rotatable, and a device for rotating the support members in rolling contact with the mat, for changing areas of contact of the mat with the support members to thereby change areas of contact of the user with the mat for promoting blood circulation in a portion of the user in contact with the mat.

Abstract: In the optical character reading apparatus having an upper unit, lower unit, and discharge unit, the upper unit and discharge unit are swingably connected to the lower unit at its pivot. In case where paper jamming or the like occurs during a read operation, the upper unit is swung to expose the conveying path. In transportation of the apparatus, the discharge unit is swung to cover the upper unit. Further, desired characters and the like are printed on the processed documents to easily classify them.

Abstract: An optical character reading apparatus includes a scanner section and a sorter section each having an independent housing. The housing of the scanner section has a rear wall and a discharge port at the upper end portion of the rear wall through which slips read by means of reading means are discharged from the scanner section. The housing of the sorter section has a rear wall adjacently facing the rear wall of the housing of the scanner section, a front wall facing the rear wall, and a top wall, and a supply port is formed at the upper end portion of the rear wall so as to communicate with the discharge port of the scanner section. First and second passages are formed inside the housing of the sorter section. The first passage extends from the supply port to the region near the front wall, along the top wall. The second passage extends along the front wall so as to be continuous with the first passage.

Abstract: A water soluble extract from nonpathogenic aerobic corynebacteria such as Corynebacterium equi Ko-85 strain, the said water soluble extract having the following characteristics:(a) protein content: 3.9-5.5 mg/ml (on the basis of Bovine Serum Albumin),(b) sugar component: 0.41-0.52 mg/ml (on the basis of glucose),(c) nucleic acid like substance: optical density in 260 nm/280 nm (ratio) of 1.56-1.62, and(d) isoelectric point: 3.75-3.80.The extract possesses an anti-allergic effect, an anti-cancer effect, and an immunopotentiative effect and is particularly useful as an anti-allergic agent.