Abstract: A controller assigns a first plurality of blocks among a plurality of blocks provided in a non-volatile memory to a first area, assigns a second plurality of blocks to a second area, and assigns a third plurality of blocks to a third area. The controller uses each block assigned to the first area in a first mode, uses each block assigned to the second area in a second mode in which the number of bits of data written in each memory cell is larger than that in the first mode, and uses each block assigned to the third area in the first mode or the second mode. The controller writes data received from a host device to an area that corresponds to a designation from the host device out of the first area and the third area. The controller transcribes valid data written to the first area and the third area to the second area.

Abstract: To reduce number of parts, reduce the weight, make easy and quick to start, and reduce consuming quantity of electric power of a diaphragm pump, a con rod is made of a synthetic resin material, and the con rod has an annular groove made next to its enlarged end. A diaphragm is of rubber, and is integrally connected to the enlarged end of the con rod by fitting into the annular groove, wrapping the enlarged end of the con rod.

Abstract: A sheet post processing apparatus includes the following elements: a tray; a stapling unit; a post processing setter; a stapling controller; a punching controller; and a post processing modification controller. The post processing setter sets details relating to the stapling and punching of the sheet on which an image is to be formed. The punching controller determines information on the sheets stored in the tray as a result of the preceding job. The post processing modification controller changes details on the post process of the next job, if necessary, so as to prohibit, at least, a stapling operation. The post processing modification controller can also include a display indicating the status of execution or errors and can be programmed to execute a single batch job.

Abstract: A sound reduction apparatus for a pneumatic type nailing machine in which a driving piston is driven by compressed air to drive a nail and the compressed air is exhausted from an exhaust port after driving is provided. The sound reduction apparatus includes a sound reduction chamber configured for receiving the compressed air from the exhaust port and exhausting the air after driving. The sound reduction chamber includes a wall defining a plurality of exhaust slits extending circumferentially about the sound reduction chamber. The exhaust slits are constructed and arranged to exhaust the compressed air from the sound reduction chamber in a substantially laminar flow thereby reducing an intensity of exhaust sound.

Abstract: A tape printing apparatus has a main body, a print device mounted on the main body, and a tape wound body being rotatably supported on the main body. The tape wound body has an annular core member, and a print tape wound on the annular core member. The print tape includes a tape base material including a print surface, and an adhesive layer being exposed to a surface opposite to the print surface of said tape base material. The print device prints data on the print surface of the print tape wound on the tape wound body. The print device contacts an outermost print surface of the print tape. The main body includes a bias device for urging the tape wound body toward the print device, a tape feeder for rotating the tape wound body in contact with an outer circumferential surface of the tape wound body, and a tape separator for separating the print tape by peeling off the print tape in a wound state.

Abstract: An apparatus for compressing/expanding a working gas (compression/expansion apparatus), including: a cylinder; a piston for compressing/expanding said working gas in a working space (front space) of said cylinder; a crank mechanism connected with a piston rod of said piston via an oil seal; a crank chamber for housing therein said crank mechanism and communicating with said cylinder via said oil seal, said apparatus comprising: a first tube allowing for a unidirectional flow of the working gas from said crank chamber to said front space in said cylinder, said first tube having therein an oil filter and a first check valve; and a second tube allowing for a unidirectional flow of the working gas from said front space to a second space (rear space) behind said piston in said cylinder, said second tube having therein a second check valve.

Abstract: A driver bit holding sleeve 6 is disposed in a shooting portion 4 so as to enable it to be rotated together with a driver bit 5 struck by a striking piston 2 while permitting the driver bit 5 to be slidably displaced in the shooting portion 4, and a piston-cylinder mechanism 10 for rotationally driving the holding sleeve 6 is arranged in the vicinity of the shooting portion 4. The piston-cylinder mechanism 10 is operatively associated with the holding sleeve 6 via a converting mechanism 17 for converting reciprocable linear movement of the piston-cylinder mechanism 10 into rotary movement of the holding sleeve 6. Since a striking sleeve 7 is threadably squeezed in a material to be handled after it is struck by a driver bit 5, any type of striking screw 7 having a circular head portion can easily and reliably be struck in the material.

Abstract: A very small displacement enlargement mechanism is disclosed, in which a first stationary frame and a second movable frame are disposed on the opposite sides of a piezoelectric element for producing a strain in a longitudinal direction according to an applied voltage. A movable member consisting of a plurality of elements linked together into a substantially parallelogrammic form is disposed between the two frames such as to surround the piezoelectric element. An element of the movable member or the side of the first frame is united integrally to the first frame, and another element which is on the side of the second frame and faces the first-mentioned element is united integrally to the second frame. The strain of the piezoelectric element produces a relative displacement of the two frames via the movable member, and the relative displacement is transmitted as an enlarged output to a drive wire.

Abstract: This striking tool of an internal combustion type includes in a housing of a tool body a cylinder providing slidably a piston connecting to a driver. A combustion chamber is disposed around the side wall of the cylinder. A fluid controlled valve is disposed between the combustion chamber disposed around the side wall of the cylinder. A fluid controlled valve is disposed between the combustion chamber and a piston upper chamber of the cylinder, which is normally biased to close communication between the combustion chamber and the piston upper chamber and operated to open communication therebetween when mixture gas of combustible gas and air in the combustion chamber is exploded therein. When a trigger, disposed on the external of the tool body and driveable outwardly, is driven, said mixture gas at first enters and fills up the combustion chamber and then is ignited therein by igniting means.