Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for making a slotted rod for an optical cable, which improves manufacturing efficiency, while alleviating the load applied to the apparatus. In the present invention, a rotatable die for forming a slot in a resin surface covering a tension member is rotated about the moving direction of the tension member such that the rotatable die alternately reverses its rotational direction for every predetermined reverse pitch of the tension member, and the tension member is alternately twisted in rotational directions opposite to the rotational directions of the rotatable die in synchronization with the rotation of the rotatable die.

Abstract: A photomask inspection apparatus includes a photoelectric converting portion, a first comparator, buffer memories, a design data converting portion, and second and third comparators. The photoelectric converting portion converts the respective beams of light having separately scanned adjoining identical unit patterns formed on a photomask into electrical signals. The first comparator compares these electrical signals with each other to find whether there is any inconformity between the unit patterns, and when any inconformity is found, the first comparator outputs coordinate information of the inconformity. The buffer memories store the electrical signals respectively when the inconformity is found by the first comparator. The design data converting portion converts only design data of peripheral coordinates of the coordinate information in the design data stored in the external memory into an inspection signal.

Abstract: In a reticle (or mask) assembly including a plurality of reticles (or masks) for manufacturing a semiconductor device, each of the reticles (or masks) having a plurality of I-shaped (or L-shaped) patterns for position measurement, the I-shaped (or L-shaped) patterns are not superposed on each other on the semiconductor device, and coordinate values determined by the I-shaped (or L-shaped) patterns of one of the reticles (or masks) on the semiconductor coincide with coordinate values determined by the I-shaped (or L-shaped) patterns of another of the reticles (or masks) on the semiconductor device.

Abstract: An original document size estimating device includes a first optical sensor and a second optical sensor operable to detect an original document placed on a specified position. The first optical sensor is positioned before the second optical sensor with respect to a forward direction. The first and second optical sensors are moved in both the forward direction and a backward direction opposite to the forward direction by a driver. The driver is controlled in such a manner as to forcibly move the first and second optical sensors in the forward direction further a predetermined additional distance when the first optical sensor generates absence signal and the second optical sensor generates presence signal, and return them after both generating absence signal to measure a length of the original document for size estimation.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for stranding tape-shaped optical fibers of the present invention strands a plurality of tape-shaped optical fibers each of which is constituted by a plurality of optical fibers arranged into a tape-shaped unit, wherein powder is applied onto at least one surface of each of said tape-shaped optical fibers in pathlines between supplying devices for supplying said tape-shaped optical fibers and a stranding die of said tape-shaped optical fibers.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus is provided with a photosensitive member; a charger including a corona ion generator and a grid electrode provided between the photosensitive member and the corona ion generator, and adapted for charging the surface of the photosensitive member while regulating the surface potential of the photosensitive member by the grid electrode; a current supply circuit connected to the charger and capable of supplying to the charger a first current not lower than a specified level for charging the surface of the photosensitive member at a first voltage at which an image of high contrast can be formed and a second current lower than the specified level for charging the surface of the photosensitive member at a second voltage at which an image having an intermediate gradation thereof emphasized is formed, the second voltage being lower than the first voltage; and a current switch circuit for switching the level of the current to be supplied to the charger means according to needs.

Abstract: In a copying machine arranged to guide copying paper subjected to a first copying operation into an intermediate tray which then releases the paper for another copying operation, a manual paper feeding device feeds copying paper into the copying machine body. The manual paper feeding device is provided with a paper width setting and entering mechanism. According to paper width data set and entered, a reference position width is set by a width arrangement position setting unit. According to the reference position width thus set, a width arranging mechanism is driven to arrange paper in the intermediate tray.

Abstract: A circuit interrupter includes an arc extinction assembly for magnetically driving or blowing out an arc formed between a stationary contact and a movable contact. The assembly comprises a pair of coaxial windings which are disposed in proximity to the contacts so that the internal lines of magnetic force generated by and passing inside of the windings can act directly on the arc for magnetically driving the arc in one direction. A magnetic flux diverting yoke is provided in association with the windings to diverse therethrough the external lines of magnetic force generated by and passing outside of the windings such that the arc and a portion of the movable contact arm carrying the same will not be under the influence of the external lines of magnetic force even when the contact separation proceeds to a stage where the arc is extended past the region which is totally under the influence of the internal lines of magnetic force.

Abstract: A copying machine paper supply enables various paper supply cassettes having different volumes to be easily accommodated in only one large space. Cassette holding members are formed at opposite sides of the space and receive guide portions formed on opposite sides of each paper supply cassette. The cassette thus is housed in the space and is supported at the opposite sides thereof only.