Abstract: A control device and method controls a vehicle having an internal combustion engine connected to an automatic transmission via a torque converter with a lockup device. The torque of the internal combustion engine is limited the by a torque limit value based on a speed difference between an input rotational speed and an output rotational speed of the torque converter during acceleration in a non-lockup state. The torque-limiting of the internal combustion engine is prohibited torque-limiting upon a prescribed condition being met. The prescribed condition is met by a heating request, during hill climbing/towing, during travel at high vehicle speeds, when the accelerator pedal opening angle exceeds or is equal to a prescribed opening angle, when the torque limit value is greater than a target torque, in a range other than a D range, or in a mode other than normal mode.

Abstract: Provided is a method for preparing a cellulose derivative having solubility improved and therefore having less undissolved floating portions when the derivative is added into water. More specifically, provided is a method for preparing a cellulose derivative, comprising a step of depolymerizing a cellulose derivative to produce a depolymerized cellulose derivative having a viscosity at 20° C. in a 2% by weight aqueous solution of the depolymerized cellulose derivative reduced by at least 10% compared with that of the cellulose derivative before the depolymerization so that the number of undissolved floating portions in the aqueous solution of the depolymerized cellulose derivative is decreased compared with that of the cellulose derivative before the depolymerization. Depolymerization is effected preferably by an acid, alkali or enzyme.

Abstract: Provided is a method for preparing a cellulose derivative having solubility improved and therefore having less undissolved floating portions when the derivative is added into water. More specifically, provided is a method for preparing a cellulose derivative, comprising a step of depolymerizing a cellulose derivative to produce a depolymerized cellulose derivative having a viscosity at 20° C. in a 2% by weight aqueous solution of the depolymerized cellulose derivative reduced by at least 10% compared with that of the cellulose derivative before the depolymerization so that the number of undissolved floating portions in the aqueous solution of the depolymerized cellulose derivative is decreased compared with that of the cellulose derivative before the depolymerization. Depolymerization is effected preferably by an acid, alkali or enzyme.

Abstract: A mattress suitable for medical application in hospitals etc. includes a cushion body having air permeability, an air discharger provided below the cushion body for discharging air into the cushion body, and a heat source provided below the cushion body for performing far infrared radiation into the cushion body. Both the air discharger and the heat source have flexibility.

Abstract: A mattress suitable for medical application in hospitals etc. includes a cushion body having air permeability, an air discharger provided below the cushion body for discharging air into the cushion body, and a heat source provided below the cushion body for performing far infrared radiation into the cushion body.

Abstract: An electrochromic device is constructed with a first electrode layer, an electrochromic layer and a second electrode layer formed on a substrate in sequence, with at least one of the first and second electrode layers being a transparent electrode layer. The device is characterized in that a conductive thin film having a resistance lower than that of the transparent electrode layer is formed on part of the substrate, and part of the transparent electrode layer is formed on this conductive thin film. Alternatively, the conductive thin film is formed in contact with a part of the transparent electrode layer formed on an end surface of the substrate, and the area of the conductive thin film is larger than a corresponding underlying cross-sectional area of the substrate taken in the direction of the substrate thickness.