Abstract: In order to detect the format of asynchronously, serially transmitted character data using a command signal which includes a plurality of command character data, wherein the beginning of each of the command character data is identified by a start bit, and the character length of each of the character signals is L (a positive integer), the start bit is detected and a train of pulses generated to enable each of the character data to be sampled; the character signal is sampled and converted into a corresponding parallel signal; each of the parallel character signals outputted are ascertained; the number of character data received is counted and it is determined if a predetermined matching is achieved.

Abstract: A plasma lamp placed at the first focal point of an elliptical mirror spherically radiates, the light from the plasma lamp being reflected on said elliptical mirror so as to be spherically condensed to a specimen levitated by an electric field at the second focal point thereof. Thus, the specimen is uniformly heated under the levitated condition.

Abstract: An electrostatic levitation furnace is used for production of microgravity material in space.

Abstract: A piezoelectric buzzer comprising a case having the shape of a bottomed cylinder, a piezoelectric diaphragm fixedly disposed within the case, a cover plate fitted in the open end of the case, and terminals integrally combined with the cover plate and each having one end in contact with the piezoelectric diaphragm and the other end projecting outside from the cover plate. Since the cover plate and the terminals are combined together by insert moldings, no gap is formed between the cover plate and the terminals, no sealing work for sealing gaps between the cover plate and the terminals is necessary, the manufacturing process is simplified, and the piezoelectric element is not exposed to the external atmosphere.

Abstract: A piezoelectric buzzer comprising a case having the shape of a bottomed cylinder, a piezoelectric diaphragm fixedly disposed within the case, a cover plate fitted in the open end of the case, and terminals integrally combined with the cover plate and each having one end in contact with the piezoelectric diaphragm and the other end projecting outside from the cover plate. Since the cover plate and the terminals are combined together by insert molding, no gap is formed between the cover plate and the terminals, no sealing work for sealing gaps between the cover plate and the terminals is necessary, the manufacturing process is simplified, and the piezoelectric element is not exposed to the external atmosphere.

Abstract: A press machine adapted for the production of many different types of products in limited quantities. The press machine comprises a plurality of lower dies mounted on a bolster and a plurality of upper dies each mounted to a slide facing to the respective lower dies. Each upper die is mounted to the slide by means of a die clamper via an adapter plate and each upper die is biased upwards by coil springs so that a predetermined gap exists between each pair of upper and lower dies when the slide is moved down to a bottom dead center. An activating plate can be insertable between the slide and each adapter plate so that the activated upper die is allowed to make contact with the opposing lower die.

Abstract: A thermal shield structure with ceramic blocks for protecting high-temperature-exposed wall surface in which wedge-shaped supporting members and wedge-shaped members to be supported, respectively provided on the wall surface and ceramics blocks as a plurality of pairs of wedge-groove couplings, are engaged with each other to cover the wall surface with the ceramic blocks. In accordance with the invention, a gap small enough to prevent mutual disengagement of each pair of the wedge-shaped supporting member and the wedge-shaped supported member is provided therebetween to permit movement of the ceramic blocks towards the wall surface. A passage for an air supply into each wedge-shaped supporting member is provided so that each wedge-shaped supported member is urged by the pressure of supplied air to be retained in the wedge-shaped supporting member, whereby the ceramic blocks are held on the wall surface.

Abstract: In a mode switching type electronic timepiece of the type wherein time correction is made under a correction mode, where the same data is displayed over a predetermined period in the correction mode, the operation of the timepiece is automatically transferred from the correction mode in which power is consumed for the time display to a nondisplay mode in which no power is consumed for the time display or a specific mode in which less power is consumed.