Abstract: A keyboard device is provided, and includes multiple keys and multiple hinges. Each of the keys is supported by a support member. Each of the hinges has: a pair of base parts, joined to the support member and separated from each other with a predetermined gap therebetween in a width direction of the keys, and a connection part, connecting the pair of base parts and each of the keys to each other in a longitudinal direction of the keys. A dimension of the connection part in the longitudinal direction of the keys is set to be larger than dimensions of the base parts in the width direction of the keys.

Abstract: A keyboard device is provided, and includes multiple keys and multiple hinges. Each of the keys is supported by a support member. Each of the hinges has: a pair of base parts, joined to the support member and separated from each other with a predetermined gap therebetween in a width direction of the keys, and a connection part, connecting the pair of base parts and each of the keys to each other in a longitudinal direction of the keys. A dimension of the connection part in the longitudinal direction of the keys is set to be larger than dimensions of the base parts in the width direction of the keys.

Abstract: A smaller and higher performance optical transmitter module is provided, which can improve the reliability and which can be manufactured at lower costs and allow for stable laser transmission of an optical semiconductor element. The optical transmitter module which has an optical semiconductor element, an optical fiber optically coupled to the optical semiconductor element, an inline optical isolator provided for the optical fiber, and a package case containing the optical semiconductor element and the optical fiber, includes a substrate member with one end of the optical fiber on the light incident side fixed thereon to be optically coupled to the optical semiconductor element, a thermoelectric cooler with the substrate member joined to the top surface thereof, and a pipe-like support member projecting from the side face of the package case for fixing the optical isolator.

Abstract: A snubber network of high energy efficiency for use with power conversion semiconductors is described. Asymmetrical semiconductor elements are used to reduce and dissipate voltage spikes induced by stray inductance during turn-off of power semiconductors. A space efficient assembly using the described snubber network containing asymmetrical semiconductor elements and an external snubber capacitor is also described.

Abstract: A method of purifying L-ascorbic acid which comprises: bringing an acidic aqueous solution of L-ascorbic acid which contains a cationic surfactant into contact with active carbon activated by chemicals.The method is in particular useful for removing a cationic surfactant from a reaction mixture of diacetone-2-keto-L-gulonic acid or 2-keto-L-gulonic acid with a mineral acid in the presence of an inert solvent and a cationic surfactant, to produce L-ascorbic acid.

Abstract: A method of purifying L-ascorbic acid which comprises: subjecting an acidic aqueous solution of L-ascorbic acid which contains salts of an inorganic acid to electrodialysis to remove the salt therefrom.The method is in particular useful for removing salts of an inorganic acid from an aqueous mixture of L-ascorbic acid and the inorganic salt resulting from the production of L-ascorbic acid in which diacetone-2-keto-L-gulonic acid or 2-keto-L-gulonic acid is heated in the presence of an inorganic acid, or an alkyl ester of 2-keto-L-gulonic acid is enolized and lactonized in the presence of a base.

Abstract: In a refrigerator of the domestic type where the tray of an ice making apparatus is turned down to permit ice pieces to be discharged therefrom, the present apparatus takes advantage of the characteristic of a synchronous motor incorporated therein. Namely, the direction of rotation of the synchronous motor is adapted to be periodically changed and no electrical change-over switching means is included in the apparatus. In accordance with the periodic conversion of the direction of rotation of the motor, the tray is adapted to be turned down and up, alternately. Furthermore, according to the present invention, whenever the ice making tray has been turned down or up, a twisting actuation is applied to the tray, thereby to make the ice pieces separate from the wall of the tray.