Abstract: An endoscope connection mechanism includes a connection pipe sleeve including a hole having an axis, and a first optical shutter movable between a first state and a second state. The first optical shutter includes a first, a second and a third portions. The first portion includes a first end fixed to a base portion of the first optical shutter, and a second end provided distally relative to the first end. The second portion includes a third end connecting to the second end, and a fourth end provided distally relative to the third end. The third portion includes a fifth end connecting to the fourth end, and a sixth end provided distally relative to the fifth end. In the first state, the third portion is positioned to intersect the axis of the hole, and in the second state, the third portion is positioned not to intersect the axis of the hole.

Abstract: An impression forming mechanism comprises; an arm with an indentor for forming an impression on a surface of a sample, and an arm operating part for operating the arm in order to apply a force to the sample, wherein the arm operating part is disposed below the arm.

Abstract: An impression forming mechanism comprises; an arm with an indentor for forming an impression on a surface of a sample, and an arm operating part for operating the arm in order to apply a force to the sample, wherein the arm operating part is disposed below the arm.

Abstract: A rebound-type hardness tester comprises a tubular member and an indenter hammer for undergoing axial movement therein in forward and rearward directions and for impacting a specimen and rebounding therefrom. A first detecting device detects the indenter hammer during movement thereof in the forward and rearward directions. A second detecting device detects the indenter hammer after detection thereof by the first detection device during movement of the indenter hammer in the forward direction, and detects the indenter hammer before detection thereof by the first detection device during movement of the indenter hammer in the rearward direction. A measuring device measures first and second timing values corresponding to different times elapsed from the detection of the indenter hammer by the first and second detection devices.

Abstract: An impression forming mechanism includes; an arm with an indentor for forming an impression on a surface of a sample, and an arm operating part for operating the arm in order to apply a force to the sample, wherein the arm operating part is disposed below the arm.

Abstract: A measurement cylinder having a passage for an indenter hammer to go forward and backward formed therein is provided with two light receiving holes a distance S apart. The times required for the indenter hammer to go past the light receiving holes are measured and, in accordance with the required times measured and the distance S, the impacting velocity and the rebounding velocity of the indenter hammer are detected, whereby it is made possible to greatly improve the detecting accuracy of both the velocitys.

Abstract: An impacting velocity v.sub.1 and a rebounding velocity v.sub.1 ' of the hammer at a second hammer velocity measurement point 12 a distance x.sub.1 apart from a first hammer velocity measurement point 11 in the system of movement of the hammer are measured and the hardness H of the specimen is calculated in accordance with Equation 1, ##EQU1## where x.sub.2 denotes the distance between the first hammer velocity measurement point 11 and the specimen 2 and .alpha. denotes the acceleration acting on said hammer. Thereby, a hardness test in a rebound type hardness tester can be performed without measuring the velocities of the hammer immediately before impacting against the specimen and immediately after the impaction.

Abstract: An oscillatory mirror device having a mirror and a pair of exciting systems to exert a couple of forces to turn the mirror around an axis of oscillation in an oscillating manner.