Abstract: A large number of kinds of azo compounds which are representative hazardous substances in fiber products are divided into two groups. The compounds included in the first group are detected by an MRM measurement by a tandem mass spectrometer unit (12) in a measurement section (10) while a two-liquid gradient elution under an acidic condition is performed in a liquid chromatograph unit (11), using an aqueous ammonium acetate solution as mobile phase A, and a mixture of acetonitrile and an aqueous ammonium acetate solution as mobile phase B. On the other hand, the compounds included in the second group are detected by an MRM measurement while a two-liquid gradient elution under a neutral or weakly basic condition is performed using an aqueous ammonium bicarbonate solution as mobile phase A and acetonitrile as mobile phase B. An exhaustive quantitative analysis for major azo compounds can be achieved by performing the two analyses for the same sample.

Abstract: The following six methods included in a method package for hazardous substances in fiber products is stored beforehand in a method storage section (26): simultaneous analysis method for specific aromatic amines, simultaneous analysis method for the first group of azo dyes, simultaneous analysis method for the second group of azo dyes, simultaneous analysis method for PFCs, simultaneous analysis method for AP, and simultaneous analysis method for APEO. Each analysis method includes analysis conditions and parameters which are suitable for a simultaneous analysis of a specific category of hazardous substances, e.g. azo dyes. An analysis condition setter (25) lists the six analysis methods on a display unit (28), from which an operator selects one analysis method to be executed. The operator also prepares mobile phases and a column specified for each analysis method.

Abstract: To provide an amino terminal protecting group-releasing enzyme characterized in that the enzyme possesses an activity for releasing a protecting group by acting on a peptide of which amino terminal is blocked by the protecting group, and exhibits the activity for two or more protecting groups, or a functional equivalent thereof; a DNA encoding the same; a method for producing the enzyme; a method for removing amino terminal protecting group including the step of subjecting to a reaction with the enzyme to release amino terminal protecting group; and a method for analyzing an amino acid sequence. The above enzyme is useful in the analysis of an amino acid sequence of peptides, particularly proteins and peptides, of which amino terminal is blocked by unknown protecting groups.

Abstract: A communication system includes a plurality of separate transmission units. A common signal line connects the units. A token is transferred from a first of the units to a second of the units during one sequence. The token is a right to output data to the common signal line. When the token is rejected by the second unit, the token is retransferred from the first unit at maximum a predetermined number of times during that sequence to the second unit. When the retransferred token is rejected by the second unit, the token may be transferred from the first unit to a third of the units during that sequence. In a next sequence, said predetermined maximum number of times said token is retransmitted to said second unit is then reduced.

Abstract: A plurality of control units are connected via a common signal line through which they communicate. Each control unit is operative to control an apparatus according to certain information the control unit normally receives directly through an exclusive signal line by operation of a directly-inputting device. A check is made to determine whether the directly-inputting device is operating normally. If not, then the required information is inputted from its source indirectly through another control unit by way of the common signal line.

Abstract: A communication control unit for controlling communication between an electronic control unit and other equipment or other electronic control units, the communication control unit functioning to judge whether or not the operation of the electronic control unit is normal and, if it is judged that the electronic control unit is operating abnormally, the communication control unit acts to reset the electronic control unit to an initial operating status in order to attempt recovery from the abnormal condition, while halting transmission by the electronic control unit until it is judged that the electronic control unit has commenced to operate normally.

Abstract: An improved ignition coil cover is generally shaped like a cup and divided into two parts or first and second cover segments. The segments are assembled and fitted on an ignition coil so that salt water, water or the like is prevented from entering the cover.