Abstract: A CPU 11 in a digital camera 1 determines that the photography environment is dark and includes a spot light source, in the case where the number of pixels that have a higher luminosity than a first threshold to the total number of pixels in the focus area exceeds a first certain proportion and the number of pixels that have a lower luminosity than a second threshold to the total number of pixels in the focus area exceeds a second certain proportion, on the basis of a luminosity signal Y which has been acquired. Subsequently, the CPU 11 reads out a coefficient value of a cut-off frequency from a memory 110, inputs it to an HPF 9 thereby setting the cut-off frequency fc higher.

Abstract: In a digital camera, a focus lens is moved at a low speed between a timing at which a shutter key is half pressed and a timing at which the shutter key is fully pressed to detect a focused position. When the shutter key is fully pressed by a user before the focus lens reaches a focused position, the focus lens is moved at a higher speed than that of a case in which the shutter key is half pressed, and a focused position is detected. Thereby, even when the shutter key is fully pressed by a user before the focus lens reaches the focused position, the digital camera can realize focusing with less delay in capturing.

Abstract: The present invention is relates to a high strength solid insulator, and a method of manufacturing the same. The solid insulator is made of cristobalite porcelain containing cristobalite crystals in an amount of less than 10%, in which internal strain in the direction of compression in a columnar insulator body is larger in the diametrically outer portion thereof than in the diametrically inner portion thereof, and the difference Y in internal strain between the outer peripheral portion and diametrically central portion of the insulator body is defined by Y.gtoreq.(1.76.times.10.sup.-6) X, wherein X (mm) represents the diameter of the insulator body. The method of manufacturing the solid insulator is characterized in that a sintered insulator body is quenched to increase the difference in internal strain between the inner and outer portions of the insulator body.

Abstract: A process for insulating high voltage conducting media by insulating such media with a silicone rubber composition capable of being converted to a rubbery elastomer superior in high voltage electrical insulating characteristics is provided. The composition comprises the following components (a) to (e) and not containing a platinum catalayst:(a) 100 parts by weight of an organopolysiloxane gum;(b) 10-100 parts by weight of a finely divided silica filler;(c) 15-300 parts by weight of aluminum hydroxide;(d) 1-20 parts by weight of a OH terminated organosilane or organosiloxane oligomer; and(e) 0.05-6 parts by weight of an organic peroxide.

Abstract: A fire and smoke damper for installation in a duct which includes a plate rotatably mounted within the duct and having means enclosing the periphery of the plate and biased outwardly to engage the duct wall when the damper is in the closed position.