Abstract: A camera includes an imaging element that picks up an image of an object through a taking-lens, an evaluation value calculator that calculates focus evaluation value based upon a picked-up imaging signal, a selector that selects one focusing mode from a plurality of focusing modes, a focusing device that performs a focusing operation based upon the focus evaluation value and the selected focusing mode and a rebooting device that reboots the focusing operation after the focusing operation finishes, wherein further includes an evaluation value memory device that stores a plurality of focus evaluation values calculated by the evaluation value calculator in time sequence after the focusing operation finishes and a fluctuation evaluator that evaluates fluctuation in focus evaluation value stored into the evaluation value memory device, wherein, when the rebooting device reboots the focusing operation, the selector selects one focusing mode from a plurality of focusing modes.

Abstract: A camera includes an imaging element that picks up an image of an object through a taking-lens, an evaluation value calculator that calculates focus evaluation value based upon a picked-up imaging signal, a selector that selects one focusing mode from a plurality of focusing modes, a focusing device that performs a focusing operation based upon the focus evaluation value and the selected focusing mode and a rebooting device that reboots the focusing operation after the focusing operation finishes, wherein further includes an evaluation value memory device that stores a plurality of focus evaluation values calculated by the evaluation value calculator in time sequence after the focusing operation finishes and a fluctuation evaluator that evaluates fluctuation in focus evaluation value stored into the evaluation value memory device, wherein, when the rebooting device reboots the focusing operation, the selector selects one focusing mode from a plurality of focusing modes.

Abstract: A camera includes an imaging element that receives transmitted light of an imaging optical system, a calculator that calculates focus evaluation value responding to a focus status of the focus lens based upon an output of the imaging element, a scan driving that scans the focus lens in a single direction along an optical axis, a detector that detects an absolute position of the focus lens, a pitch determiner that determines a lens movement pitch deciding timing to obtain the focus evaluation value at a given interval in response to an output of the detector during the scan driving, a controller that obtains the focus evaluation value every time the focus lens moves by the determined lens movement pitch during the scan driving and a focusing adjuster that seeks a focus point by evaluating focus evaluation values obtained by the controller and drives the focus lens to the focus point.

Abstract: A choke valve for an automatic transmission is formed from a valve hole having a circular section that runs through a valve body in its thickness direction and a columnar valve main body that is fitted in the valve hole. The valve main body has a pair of annular channels formed on the outer periphery of the valve main body at opposite ends and a small diameter section formed between the two annular channels, the small diameter section together with the valve hole forming a choke. An inlet port and an outlet port formed between two separator plates and oil channels formed on opposite faces of the valve body communicate with the pair of annular channels, respectively. Thus, the structure of the choke valve for an automatic transmission is simplified, thereby reducing the cost.

Abstract: A camera includes: an image-capturing element that captures a subject image through a photographic lens; an evaluation value calculation unit that calculates a focus evaluation value based upon an image-capturing signal output from the image-capturing element; a focusing operation unit that performs a focusing operation at the photographic lens based upon the focus evaluation value; a decision-making unit that makes a decision as to whether or not a predetermined length of time has elapsed following an end of the focusing operation; a restart unit that engages the focusing operation unit in a focusing operation if the decision-making unit decides that the predetermined length of time has elapsed; and a time adjustment unit that changes the predetermined length of time.

Abstract: A camera includes: an image-capturing element that captures a subject image through a photographic lens having a focusing lens; an evaluation value calculation unit that calculates focus evaluation values at a plurality of lens positions assumed by the focusing lens based upon an image-capturing signal output by the image-capturing element; a weighting unit that weights the focus evaluation values calculated by the evaluation value calculation unit in correspondence to the lens positions of the focusing lens assumed when the focus evaluation values are calculated respectively; and a focusing operation unit that performs a focusing operation for the photographic lens based upon the weighted focus evaluation values.

Abstract: With regard to an automatic transmission in which an oil passage is formed by interposing a separator plate between a torque converter case and a valve body, a housing of a bearing that supports a counter shaft is press-fitted in a recess of the torque converter case, the edge of the separator plate abuts the outer periphery of the housing, and a notch formed on the valve body superimposed on the separator plate is in contact with the end face of the housing, thereby preventing the bearing from falling out. When supporting the bearing in the recess of the torque converter case, the present invention enables the bearing having a large axial dimension to be supported without deepening the above-mentioned recess.

Abstract: A method for testing a composite type magnetic head having a MR element and an inductive element includes a current application step of applying a current to the inductive element, with applying no external magnetic field to the magnetic head, and a measurement step of measuring output characteristics of the MR element after the current application step is finished.

Abstract: A choke valve for an automatic transmission is formed from a valve hole having a circular section that runs through a valve body in its thickness direction and a columnar valve main body that is fitted in the valve hole. The valve main body has a pair of annular channels formed on the outer periphery of the valve main body at opposite ends and a small diameter section formed between the two annular channels, the small diameter section together with the valve hole forming a choke. An inlet port and an outlet port formed between two separator plates and oil channels formed on opposite faces of the valve body communicate with the pair of annular channels, respectively. Thus, the structure of the choke valve for an automatic transmission is simplified, thereby reducing the cost.

Abstract: With regard to an automatic transmission in which an oil passage is formed by interposing a separator plate between a torque converter case and a valve body, a housing of a bearing that supports a counter shaft is press-fitted in a recess of the torque converter case, the edge of the separator plate abuts the outer periphery of the housing, and a notch formed on the valve body superimposed on the separator plate is in contact with the end face of the housing, thereby preventing the bearing from falling out. When supporting the bearing in the recess of the torque converter case, the present invention enables the bearing having a large axial dimension to be supported without deepening the above-mentioned recess.

Abstract: A current which will change an initial magnetization state of a shield layer for a MR element is applied to an inductive element, and output characteristics of the MR element is measured.

Abstract: A method of controlling magnetic characteristics of a MR element and a method of controlling magnetic characteristics of a magnetic head with the MR element utilizing exchange coupling magnetization, include a step of supplying discrete rectangular waveform currents or a rectangular waveform current to the MR element so as to generate magnetic field in a desired direction and to generate joule heat, the generated magnetic field and the generated joule heat being applied to the MR element, and a step of controlling a duty ratio of the discrete rectangular waveform currents or a time constant of the falling of the rectangular waveform current so that a temperature of the MR element is controlled under a desired temperature change characteristics, whereby a magnetization direction caused by the exchange coupling in the MR element is aligned to a desired direction.

Abstract: A magnetic head with a spin valve effect MR element and a method of manufacturing the head. A plurality of spin valve effect MR elements on a substrate are formed, a plurality of pairs of lead conductors connected with the respective spin valve effect MR elements on the substrate are formed, and then a plurality of protection circuits of magnetization inversion connected between the respective pairs of lead conductors on the substrate are formed. Each of the protection circuits is constituted so as to turn on when it receives an energy with a level at which the pinned direction inversion in each of the spin valve effect MR elements occurs.

Abstract: A camera system and interchangeable lens which can accurately compensate for motion causing image blur regardless of the subject range, by detecting motion having different properties. The camera system and interchangeable lens include a first motion detector having angular velocity sensors which detect blurring motion inclined to the optical axis, and a second motion detector having acceleration sensors to detect blurring motion which causes movement perpendicular to the optical axis. The second motion detector is located as close as possible to the film plane, between an aperture unit and a lens side mount unit. As a result, because the distance (radius of rotation) between an instantaneous rotation center, which exists close to the film plane, and the second motion detector becomes small, the effects of angular acceleration become small, and blurring motion can be accurately compensated.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for testing a magnetic head provided with at least one MR transducer. The method includes a step of applying a sense current varying with respect to time to the MR transducer element via input/output terminals of the MR transducer element, and a step of measuring a terminal voltage across the input/output terminals of the MR transducer element to check varying resistance characteristics of the MR transducer element with respect to the variation of the applied sense current.

Abstract: A filler to be dispersed, as an inorganic material, in a thermosetting resin to produce an electronic component sealing agent, is composed of crystalline silicon dioxide particles. Not less than 70 wt-% of the crystalline silicon dioxide particles have the major-to-minor-axis ratio in the range of 1.20-1.40 and the circularity in the range of 0.75-0.90.

Abstract: An aluminum brazing method includes the steps of preheating aluminum members in the form of workpieces coated with flux and brazing material in antioxidizing atmosphere gas up to a temperature around the flux activating temperature, and then heating the aluminum members from the temperature around the flux activating temperature to the brazing temperature mainly by forced convection of the anti-oxidizing atmosphere gas. An aluminum brazing furnace includes radiation intercepting members which are provided in the brazing chamber and which intercept the heat radiation to the work-pieces.

Abstract: A water soluble core comprises a mold product prepared by a mixture of sand, potassium carbonate as a first binder and at least one of barium carbonate and alkali silicate as a second binder. This water soluble core is utilized for a method of manufacturing a cast rotor for forming ventilation ducts of an induction motor.