Abstract: An objective lens of an optical pickup is made to move from far position to near position with respect to DVD with constant speed, and a timer counts time taken for the movement of a focus of a laser beam between recording layers of the DVD on the basis of a focus error signal obtained from this movement. In the case of the DVD of the single-layer, since the recording layer is one-layer, and there is no interlayer, count value becomes small value. While, in the case of DVD of the multi-layer, the recording layer consists of a plurality of layers, thus one or plural-interlayer exists, therefore, count value becomes large value. Accordingly, if small count value is obtained, its DVD is discriminated as DVD of the single-layer. While, if large count value is obtained, its DVD is discriminated as DVD of the multi-layer.

Abstract: In a layer jump, a control signal based on a focus error signal is masked in a period based on a moving speed of an objective lens so as not to be influenced by an unnecessary light component. Thereafter, an observation of the control signal based on the focus error signal is restarted, and a brake signal is sent to the objective lens, and a focus servo is switched to the ON status. Thus, accuracy of the layer jump is improved when the unnecessary light component exists in an interlayer portion of the focus error signal.

Abstract: In an optical disk apparatus, a sensitivity adjusting circuit measures a time between a reflection on a surface and a reflection on a recoding layer of an optical disk when moving an objective lens. This time is considered to be in accordance with sensitivity of an actuator during layer jumping, and thereby the magnitudes of a kick pulse and a brake pulse to be applied to the coil of the actuator is increased or decreased in accordance with the time between the reflection on the surface and the reflection on the recording layer. Thereby, the sensitivity dispersion of the actuator of the optical pickup is adjusted.

Abstract: A pull-in point setting circuit 16 sets the intermediate value between the maximum value and minimum value of the focus error signal of a layer 1 as the pull-in point of a focus servo action in advance of the playback of an optical disk 11. At a layer jump before the automatic adjustment of a focus bias, the focus servo action is pulled in at the set point. Thus, the layer jump can be reliably effected even before the adjustment of the focus bias.

Abstract: In advance of the playback of an optical disk 11, the peaks of a focus error signal are detected, and the reference values of the focus error signal are set on the basis of the values of the peaks. In executing a layer jump, a kick signal for an object lens 13a is stopped from being outputted when the focus error signal exceeds the reference value of one polarity. A brake signal is outputted when the focus error signal exceeds the reference value in the opposite polarity. A time period for which the brake signal is outputted, is set on the basis of a time period for which the kick signal has been outputted. After the stop of the output of the brake signal, the peak of the focus error signal is waited for, whereupon a focusing servo 21 is turned ON.

Abstract: The present invention is a low-density polyethylene-lamellar silicate composite material, and a manufacturing method thereof.

Abstract: Flame resistant polyester resin composition comprising a polyester matrix resin containing a polyalkylene oxide, a brominated flame retardant, and a brominated dialkyl phthalate which exhibits low melt viscosity, excellent flow, improved welding strength and resistance to thermal shock.

Abstract: A toughened thermoplastic polymer composition comprising (a) 1-30 weight percent of a polar toughening agent compatibilized with a polyphenol, and (b) 70-99 weight percent of at least one thermoplastic polymer, the above state percentages being based on the total weight of components (a) and (b) only.

Abstract: The present invention is aimed at improving the weathering resistance of a polyoxymethylene resin without adversely affecting its excellent mechanical properties. The invention comprises incorporating into polyoxymethylene a UV absorber and/or a light stabilizer, along with a grafted copolymer containing epoxy-containing olefinic monomer units and/or a polymer containing oxazolyl groups.

Abstract: Incorporation into polyacetal of 0.01-15 weight percent of certain epoxy-containing polymer compounds, oxazolyl-containing monomer and polymer compounds, and/or styrene acrylonitrile graft polymer compounds yields polyacetal compositions having excellent tensile strength after long-term aging and also after long-term aging in grease. The compositions are useful in automotive and electrical/electronic applications.

Abstract: Incorporation of at least one lubricant and an ethylene-based polymer of the formula E/X/Y wherein E is ethylene, X is methyl acrylate, butyl acrylate, or ethyl acrylate, and Y is glycidyl methacrylate, glycidyl acrylate, or glycidyl vinyl ether into polyacetal compositions results in compositions having good wear resistance and good melt processing thermal stability. The compositions are useful, for example, when molded into parts to be used in sliding applications, such as gears, cams, and conveyor chains.

Abstract: A steering column shaft locking device is disclosed in which a lever is rotatably mounted in a key cylinder when a key is inserted into the key cylinder, producing reaction force on a front wall of a housing, thereby causing the key cylinder to move backward against resilient force of a spring in order to certainly operate a key detecting switch provided in an ignition switch device. A guard plate is provided between the key cylinder and the front end of the housing so as to rotate it together with the key cylinder and guard plate when the key is rotated. Forward movement of the key cylinder is controlled by a retainer placed at the proximity thereof and a detent placed therein. The spring urges the key cylinder and the retainer in the forward direction and the detent radially inwardly. The guard plate serves to prevent abrasion of the lever and unauthorized insertion of tools into the device.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a cylinder lock which is proof against lock pickers. The cylinder lock comprises a case having a cylindrical bore formed therein and an axially extending lock groove exposed to the cylindrical bore; a rotor rotatably disposed in the cylindrical bore; a plurality of tumblers slidably received in slits formed in the rotor, each tumbler having a head which is projectable into the lock groove when the rotor assumes a given angular position relative to the case; springs for biasing the tumblers radially outward from the slits of the rotor; and a structure for making the distances by which the heads of the tumblers are projected into the lock groove of the case different from one another.

Abstract: A cylinder lock includes a rotor rotatably mounted in a bore of a stationary casing. A key passage in the rotor is blocked by a biased shutter which is caused to pivot against the action of a spring when a key is introduced into the key passage. The rotor includes a plurality of separated, spring-urged tumblers which engage with the key in the key passage. A soft-elastic wiper for removing water from the key is positioned in a lateral slot between the entrance of the key passage and a first tumbler. Flaps of the wiper form a normally closed slit which is openable by the force of the key when the key is advanced towards an operational position.

Abstract: A device for detecting the removal of a cylinder lock used on cars, trunks, etc. when an unjust force is applied to the cylinder lock. The device also detects the locked and unlocked conditions of the cylinder lock. Magnets and magnetic sensor switches are used. A magnetic shield plate shields the flow of magnetic flux between the magnet and the magnetic sensor switch. When an unjust force is applied to the cylinder lock to take off the cylinder lock, the magnetic shield plate will be removed from between the magnet and the magnetic sensor switch, causing the magnet to energize the magnetic sensor switch, thereby detecting the removal of the cylinder lock.In addition, when the cylinder lock is turned by a key, another magnet connected to a rotor of fixed on the cylinder lock approaches either of a pair of magnetic sensor switches, whereby the locked and unlocked conditions of the cylinder lock are detected.