Abstract: A ceramic porous body has a layered structure including a plurality of foam-like ceramic layers. The foam-like ceramic layers are formed by firing foam-like ceramic shaped layers each having a thickness of not more than 5 mm. The adjacent shaped layers are joined directly, or bonded via a thin foam-like ceramic layer or dense ceramic layer.

Abstract: A cylindrical support member consists of a bone-like porous ceramic member and a ceramic porous network member having a three-dimensional network structure provided outside the bone-like member so as to constitute an integral part. A ceramic membrane having a smaller pore size and serving as a filter membrane is formed on the exposed surface of the bone-like member and the surfaces of the struts of the network member by a ceramic-slurry foaming technique.

Abstract: A multi-position switch suitable for use as a remote control switch for electrically operated rearview mirrors of a motor vehicle. The switch of the invention comprises fixed contact components in the form of printed circuits disposed on an insulating base plate, a pressure-sensitive conductive rubber sheet (which becomes conductive only when and where it is pressed) being laid over the fixed contact components, whereby the fixed contact components and the rubber sheet forming switch elements, and an operating button adapted to be tilted with respect to the rubber sheet and having a tendency to return to its original position. Therefore, the switch of the invention can have a flat, thin shape. Also, the switch is easy to assemble and has satisfactory reliability because it consists of a small number of component parts. Furthermore, the operating button is adapted to have a tilting stroke and make clicks, so that the switch of the invention is easy to use and gives a reassuring feeling of use.