Abstract: An image compression/decompression device achieving increased utilization efficiency of the memory bandwidth in the access to the memory used for the compression/decompression operation while maintaining ill effect on the images at a low level is realized. The image compression/decompression device comprises a data conversion unit which reduces the data access rate when original images (as input images at the time of performing the compression) and reference images (used for performing the interframe prediction) are stored in the memory by accessing the memory. The access to the memory is performed in an address sequence (order) that differs between data write and data read. This makes it possible to increase the utilization efficiency of the memory bandwidth, and further to reduce the capacity of the buffer memory used for the data read.

Abstract: An image compression/decompression device achieving increased utilization efficiency of the memory bandwidth in the access to the memory used for the compression/decompression operation while maintaining ill effect on the images at a low level is realized. The image compression/decompression device comprises a data conversion unit which reduces the data access rate when original images (as input images at the time of performing the compression) and reference images (used for performing the interframe prediction) are stored in the memory by accessing the memory. The access to the memory is performed in an address sequence (order) that differs between data write and data read. This makes it possible to increase the utilization efficiency of the memory bandwidth, and further to reduce the capacity of the buffer memory used for the data read.

Abstract: In a power transmission path of a vehicle for traveling on uneven ground, a torque converter is provided so that torque transmission to a propeller shaft varies smoothly. Accordingly, it is difficult for the torque transmitted to the propeller shaft to exceed a tire slip limit. This arrangement suppresses slippage during traveling on uneven ground such as a muddy, marshy, sandy, snowy, or gravel road surfaces.

Abstract: A pressure fuel pump device for use with an internal combustion engine comprises a pump body which has therein first and second chambers which are aligned and merged A cylinder member is installed in the pump body. A plunger is reciprocatively movably disposed in the cylinder member to define in the cylinder member a pump chamber which is connected to both a fuel supply pump and fuel injectors through respective fuel passages. The plunger has one end exposed to the first chamber. A drive shaft is adapted to be rotated about its axis by an external power means. A rotation cam is provided on the drive shaft to rotate therewith. The end of the plunger is arranged to be pushed by the rotation cam upon rotation of the rotation cam. A bearing is disposed in the second chamber to rotatably support the drive shaft relative to the pump body.

Abstract: An axial plunger pump includes an auxiliary plate mounted to a cam plate at an end thereof on the side of a cylinder block to be rotatabe relative to the cam plate, and a flexible partition member interposed between a housing and the auxiliary plate to cover a drive shaft and the cam plate. The flexible partition member, which is in the form of, e.g. a metal bellows, serves to divide the inside of the housing into a working fluid chamber and a lubricant chamber.

Abstract: A transparent lactic acid bacteria drink, which is a fermentation product obtained by allowing kefir fungi to ferment a milk material under forced supply of an oxygen-containing gas, comprises a casein protein-free whey component as the major component together with 3 to 20% of nonfat milk solids and 0.1 to 1.5% of ethanol, is disclosed. This lactic acid bacteria drink can be produced by a process which comprises allowing kefir fungi to ferment a milk material under forced supply of an oxygen-containing gas, removing a precipitate including casein protein and then sterilizing the supernatant by filtering or pasteurizing the same by heating.