Abstract: A method of driving a mach-zehnder light modulator includes alternately applying modulation signal voltages having equal positive and negative effective values as modulation signal voltages to a modulation electrode of the mach-zehnder light modulator. The mach-zehnder light modulator includes a mach-zehnder optical waveguide disposed on a base exhibiting an electro-optical effect and the modulation electrode for applying thereto the modulation signal voltages in directions crossing the mach-zehnder optical waveguide. The mach-zehnder light modulator modulates the intensity of an output light in accordance with the modulation signal voltages which are applied to the modulation electrode.

Abstract: In a thermal development apparatus provided with a drum to heat a thermally developable material on an outer circumferential surface thereof while rotating at a predetermined constant rotation speed; a feeding device which feeds a sheet-like thermally developable material onto the outer circumferential surface of the drum, whereby the thermally developable material fed by the feeding device is thermally developed by being heated while being held on the outer circumferential surface of the drum; the feeding device feeds each of thermally developable materials to the drum with a timing to shift a position of a leading end of each of thermally developable materials to be held on the drum into a rotation direction of the drum with the shortest time interval Tmin or longer among the thermally developable materials fed onto the drum so as to be continuously heated by the drum.

Abstract: A valve control device for an internal combustion engine includes a rotational cam shaft disposed on a cylinder head, a first cam provided on the cam shaft, a second cam provided on the cam shaft and having a larger nose portion than that of the first cam, a first rocker arm supported on a first fulcrum so as to be able to oscillate and thereby open or close an intake or exhaust valve by the first cam in response to the rotation of the cam shaft, a second rocker arm supported on a second fulcrum so as to be able to oscillate and thereby open or close an intake or exhaust valve by the second cam in response to the rotation of the cam shaft, and a moving mechanism for selectively moving the second fulcrum so as to control the opening and closing operation of the intake or exhaust valve by the second rocker arm.

Abstract: A fuel control valve is located in a fuel tank and comprising an outlet, a liquid inlet and a vapor inlet. The valve permits to flow fuel vapor only from the inlets to the outlet and prevents drops of fuel liquid from flowing to the outlet. A float is located in the valve and prevents the drops of the fuel from flowing between the liquid inlet and the outlet. A wrapper is opposed to the vapor inlet and prevents the drops of the fuel from flowing between the vapor inlet and the outlet.

Abstract: An oil level sensing apparatus has a body which defines a volume having an open bottom. A float in the volume supports a permanent magnet and moves within the volume in accordance with the oil level therein. A reed-switch is affected by the magnet supported on the float to detect a low oil level. A temperature sensitive plate closes the open bottom of the volume at low temperatures in order to prevent false readings. Additionally, in order to prevent false readings during transient oil level fluctuations at higher oil temperatures, a spring opposes the opening of the plate such that a restriction is formed in the path for draining oil from the volume. This delays the oil drainage from the chamber and any resulting low oil level signal.

Abstract: A multicontact vacuum responsive switch includes a housing divided into first and second chambers by a diaphragm. The first chamber is connected to a vacuum source while the second chamber communicates with atmospheric pressure, so that the diaphragm is movable within the housing in response to a pressure differential between the first and second chambers. A plate is connected to the diaphragm for movement therewith, and has an electrically conductive portion of a predetermined pattern. A plurality of electrical contacts are mounted in the housing and slidably contact the plate such that the contacts may selectively contact the electrically conductive portion of the plate in response to movement of the diaphragm means, which also cause movement of the plate. One of the contacts always contacts the conductive portion, and so is a reference contact.