Abstract: A document feeder for feeding a plurality of different kinds of document to image forming equipment automatically, and a sheet finisher for sorting, stapling or otherwise finishing sheets inclusive of the documents. A drive source selectively drives a document support moving member in opposite directions to move document supports from an initial position to a document feed position and further to a stand-by position. This allows a particular document feeding operation to be effected with each of the document supports. Sheets are automatically stapled and then automatically removed from sheet accommodating members. A sheet receiving section collects such stapled and removed sheets.

Abstract: An algin-containing food or beverage comprises a low-molecular weight algin which has a weight-average molecular weight in the range of 10,000-900,000 and still functions as a dietary fiber and has beneficial effects on the health. The algin can be prepared by subjecting a high-molecular weight naturally occurring algin or its derivative to heat treatment at a temperature of 100.degree.-200.degree. C. under pressure.

Abstract: A plant monitoring and control system is specialized in a plant such as a reactor power plant, which is provided with plural process systems functionally divided, and is communicable between the process systems with broadcast communication. Detection signals corresponding to process variables of the process systems, detected by the detectors, are supplied into the transmission line by the remote process input-output unit. Command signals can be also supplied into the line via an input unit and a console controller of a corresponding operator console. A corresponding process controller takes in the detection signals and command signals from the line, and returns calculated control signals into the line. The remote process input-output unit, controls, the corresponding process device by outputting the control signals to the process device.

Abstract: A document feeder for feeding a plurality of different kinds of document to image forming equipment automatically, and a sheet finisher for sorting, stapling or otherwise finishing sheets inclusive of the documents. A drive source selectively drives a document support moving member in opposite directions to move document supports from an initial position to a document feed position and further to a stand-by position. This allows a particular document feeding operation to be effected with each of the document supports. Sheets are automatically stapled and then automatically removed from sheet accommodating members. A sheet receiving section collects such stapled and removed sheets.

Abstract: In a method of preparing high-purity manganese compounds, wherein the method comprises adding a member selected from ferromanganese and metallic manganeses to an aqueous electrolyte-containing solution, dissolving said member while stirring and maintaining a pH of 2 to 9, and then removing insolubles by filtration and recovering solubles by precipitation, heavy metal elements as well as non-metllic elements, such as P, Si, etc. can be removed efficiently, and high-purity manganese compounds of stable quality can be prepared.

Abstract: An automatic transmission includes a fluid-pressure differential cylinder for select operation of the transmission and a fluid-pressure differential cylinder for shift operation of the transmission, each of the differential cylinders being built up into one block and joined with the mating differential cylinder with intake and discharge holes in one block held in communication with intake and discharge holes, respectively, in the other block. A piston rod of each of the differential cylinders has an annular groove and a cylinder block is provided with a locking member engageable with the groove to provide a reference position for the piston rod.

Abstract: An automatic gear change device includes a first actuator operation control circuit for controlling the operation of a first actuator, a second actuator operation control circuit for controlling the operation of a second actuator, and a main control circuit for controlling the operation of the first and second actuator operation control circuits. The device further includes a communication line interconnecting the first and second actuator operation control circuits to thereby enable data transmission/reception between each operation control circuit and the main control circuit through the other actuator operation control circuit and the communication line.

Abstract: An exhaust gas recirculation control system such that the throttle valve is controlled by two vacuum actuators through three stages of fully-opened, half-opened, and fully closed positions, in addition to the control of the exhaust gas recirculation control valve, in accordance with the engine operating conditions including engine load. The EGR valve is fully closed under a heavy engine load and fully opened under a medium and light engine load, and the throttle valve is fully opened under a heavy engine load, half opened under a medium engine load, and fully closed under a light engine load, under due consideration of engine speed.

Abstract: The electrode length in an electric furnace is measured by arranging a wire conductor to depend right above a hollow electrode such that it can be lowered and raised through the hollow electrode. When the wire conductor is lowered through the hollow electrode and brought into contact with the molten process material within the electric furnace, an electric circuit constituted by the wire conductor, the process material and a power supply is closed so as to determine the electrode length extending below an electrode holder from a certain relation between the distance of descent of the wire conductor as indicated by a measuring means in accordance with current caused in the electric circuit upon closure thereof and a previously measured distance between the initial position of the end of the wire conductor before the descent thereof and the position of the electric holder.