Abstract: A photon counting device includes a plurality of pixels each including a photoelectric conversion element configured to convert input light to charge, and an amplifier configured to amplify the charge converted by the photoelectric conversion element and convert the charge to a voltage, an A/D converter configured to convert the voltages output from the amplifiers of the plurality of pixels to digital values; and a conversion unit configured to convert the digital value output from the A/D converter to the number of photons by referring to reference data, for each of the plurality of pixels, and the reference data is created based on a gain and an offset value for each of the plurality of pixels.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine including an oil passage, which connects the interior of a crankcase and the interior of a cylinder head, is disclosed. The oil passage is open at the upper section of the crankcase. Oil in the cylinder head is transferred to the crankcase via the oil passage and trickles down along an inner wall surface of a skirt of the crankcase to be returned to an oil pan. The crankcase accommodates an operating member such as a connecting rod. A protrusion formed on the inner wall surface of the skirt extends substantially along a projected part, which is a projection of the operating member projected on the inner wall surface in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the crankshaft, such that the protrusion separates at least part of the projected part from a section of the inner wall surface closer to the opening of the oil passage.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine including an oil passage, which connects the interior of a crankcase and the interior of a cylinder head, is disclosed. The oil passage is open at the upper section of the crankcase. Oil in the cylinder head is transferred to the crankcase via the oil passage and trickles down along an inner wall surface of a skirt of the crankcase to be returned to an oil pan. The crankcase accommodates an operating member such as a connecting rod. A protrusion formed on the inner wall surface of the skirt extends substantially along a projected part, which is a projection of the operating member projected on the inner wall surface in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the crankshaft, such that the protrusion separates at least part of the projected part from a section of the inner wall surface closer to the opening of the oil passage.

Abstract: An upper level sensor or the like is used to detect an amount of lubricant in an oil pan of an engine. When the amount of lubricant exceeds a prescribed value (step ST1), that is, when lubrication of a sliding portion such as a bearing is insufficient due to dilution of the lubricant with fuel, control for lowering engine output such as control for lowering a maximum combustion pressure (step ST3) is carried out, so that combustion load applied to the sliding portion such as a bearing is suppressed when the maximum combustion pressure is attained and seizure of a connecting rod bearing or the like is prevented.

Abstract: An upper level sensor or the like is used to detect an amount of lubricant in an oil pan of an engine. When the amount of lubricant exceeds a prescribed value (step ST1), that is, when lubrication of a sliding portion such as a bearing is insufficient due to dilution of the lubricant with fuel, control for lowering engine output such as control for lowering a maximum combustion pressure (step ST3) is carried out, so that combustion load applied to the sliding portion such as a bearing is suppressed when the maximum combustion pressure is attained and seizure of a connecting rod bearing or the like is prevented.

Abstract: A counterweight handling device for construction equipment such as cranes in which a counterweight can be elevated to a predetermined height by using particulate hydraulic components then supported on a mounting frame. The counterweight may be supported by a pair of rectangular rotating blocks mounted on the counterweight mounting frame and which slide through a pair of vertical grooves in vertical position into supporting hollows in the counterweight bottom and turn through 90.degree. so as to support the counterweight by blocking the vertical grooves. Alternatively a pair of sliding pins mounted on the counterweight mounting frame may be extended into inverted V shaped notches on the counterweight bottom so as to support the counter weight. The counterweight can then be fastened on the counterweight mounting frame. Later the counterweight can be removed.