Abstract: At least first and second adjacent parts supply tables of a parts supply apparatus are controlled so as to avoid unnecessary movement of a one of the parts supply tables not being used in successive parts supply operations, while at the same time, ensuring that the parts supply tables are sufficiently close to one another at the time of switching over between the parts supply tables to thereby reduce the duration of the switching operation. Alternately, the two parts supply tables are moved together from one position to another to maintain an interval therebetween which allows for a rapid switch-over between the parts supply tables when necessary. However, the rate at which the parts supply table in use is moved is greater than the rate at which the parts supply table not in use is moved, whereby the two parts supply tables come to a rest at different times to thereby reduce impact vibrations.

Abstract: Elements comprising a non-oriented substrate and a thin film of a compound of the following general formulaLa.sub.1-x-y Sr.sub.x Ba.sub.y MeO.sub.3-.delta.in which 0.ltoreq.x.ltoreq.0.8, 0.ltoreq.y.ltoreq.0.5, 0.1.ltoreq.x+y.ltoreq.0.8, and 0.ltoreq..delta..ltoreq.0.5 and Me is at least one member selected from the group consisting of Mn, Fe and Co. The film is crystallographically oriented in a certain direction The substrate is made of an amorphous material or a metal, or is constituted of an amorphous film formed on any bodies such as of a polycrystalline material. On the oriented thin film is further formed a perovskite oxide film or a superconductive film. The process for making the thin film of the above formula is also described.

Abstract: Photoelectrochemical cells comprising a positive electrode comprised of an n-type conductive semiconductor and a compound capable of reversibly intercalating or deintercalating metal atoms or ions, an ion conductive solid electrolyte layer, a negative electrode, and current collectors for the positive and negative electrodes. The intercalating or deintercalating compound is a Chevrel compound or vornite. The photoelectrochemical cell serves as both solar and secondary cells. Various cell constructions are also described including a multi-layered structure and a two-cell construction.

Abstract: A multi-layered dielectric element serving as a capacitor or actuator which comprises a dielectric unit including a plurality of dielectric layers made of a perovskite oxide and a plurality of internal electrode layers sandwiched between the respective dielectric layers. The internal electrodes are each made of at least one conductive composite oxide of La, Ba and Cu having a perovskite-like structure wherein the atomic ratios of the metals are such that (La+Ba)/Cu=1 and La/Ba=4, or at least one conductive composite oxide of La, Sr and Cu having a perovskite-like structure wherein the atomic ratios of the metals are such that (La+Sr)/Cu=1 and La/Sr=3 or 4. The unit is sintered at a temperature of from 900.degree. to 1100.degree. C., so that interdiffusion of metal ions between the dielectric layers and the internal electrode layers is suppressed to a significant extent.

Abstract: An air/fuel ratio sensor to be used for controlling the ratio between the air and fuel through the detection of the air and the fuel in the exhaust gas of gas and oil combustion appliances, automobile engines or the like. The air/fuel ratio sensor has a first electrode on one face having porous zirconia electrolytic plate of through-holes, a second electrode containing at least electron -O.sup.2- ion mixed conductor on the other face. The controlling of the air/fuel ratio from the excessive fuel to the excessive air may be performed with a high S/N ratio under conditions ranging from excessive fuel to excessive air, through the measurement of the changes in the electric resistance of the second electrode by the third electrode provided on the second electrode. The sensor is simple in construction and is small and thin.

Abstract: A heat storage material is described which comprises a mixture of sodium sulfate decahydrate or sodium thiosulfate pentahydrate, and urea. The mixing ratio by mole of the sulfate decahydrate to urea is in the range of 1:1 to 1:3 and the mixing ratio by mole of the thiosulfate pentahydrate to urea is in the range of 1:2 to 1:8.

Abstract: A phosphor expressed fundamentally as YA10.sub.3 :Ce is produced through baking under a usual condition of a mixture of Y.sub.2 O.sub.3, Al.sub.2 O.sub.3, CeO.sub.2 and a controlled amount of barium compound exemplified by BaCO.sub.3, BaO, Ba(OH).sub.2 and BaF.sub.2. The presence of the barium compound in the mixture causes intensification of ultraviolet emission and/or suppression of the formation of blue-emitting Y.sub.3 Al.sub.5 O.sub.12 :Ce. The use of BaF.sub.2 as the barium compound or partial replacement of at least one of Y.sub.2 O.sub.3 and Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 respectively by YF.sub.3 and AlF.sub.3 is favorable to the intensification of the ultraviolet emission.

Abstract: A cerium-activated yttriumaluminate phosphor such as YA10.sub.3 :Ce featuring an enhanced luminous intensity is produced by adding a barium compound exemplified by BaO, BaCO.sub.3, Ba(OH).sub.2 and BaF.sub.3 to a mixture of source materials of the host material and the activator and baking the resulting mixture at a usual temperature ranging from 1000.degree. to 1400.degree. C. The barium compound preferably amounts to 0.001-8 mol% of the yttriumaluminate and may alternatively be introduced into a preliminarily baked and pulverized mixture of the source materials.

Abstract: Production of a recording material having the chemical composition Na.sub.6 Al.sub.6 Si.sub.6 O.sub.24 .multidot.2(1-x)NaX.multidot.xNa.sub.2 SO.sub.4 (X is F, Cl, Br or I and 0.1 .ltoreq. .times. .ltoreq. 0.8) by only the simple sintering method can be attained by substituting a part of halogen site of said composition by other ions.