Abstract: This dispersion compensating optical fiber comprises an uncovered dispersion compensating optical fiber which contains a core and a cladding and a resin coating which is disposed around the uncovered dispersion compensating optical fiber and which has an adhesive property of 10 g/mm or less. Alternatively, the dispersion compensating optical fiber comprises an uncovered dispersion compensating optical fiber which contains a core and a cladding and a resin coating which is disposed around the uncovered dispersion compensating optical fiber, which has an adhesive property of 1 g/mm or less, and which includes a single or double coating layer and an outer coating layer formed on the surface of the single or double coating layer to have a thickness of 3 &mgr;m or more.

Abstract: An automatic code recognizing apparatus includes an arithmetic operation unit for calculating the distance from a barcode scanner to the upper surface center of an article to be detected and the distances from barcode scanners to the side surface centers of the article to be detected based on detection signals from a height sensor and a TV camera. A mirror is controlled to focus the focal positions of the barcode scanners on the upper surface center and side surface centers of the article based on the result of calculation of the arithmetic operation unit. With this arrangement, there can be provided the automatic barcode recognizing apparatus capable of recognizing a barcode with a pinpoint accuracy and excellent responsiveness.

Abstract: Paper sheets transported from a transporting line are stacked successively into a receiving station by a vane-wheel type receiving and guiding device. The paper sheets stacked in the receiving station are taken out to a subsequent transporting line one by one by a friction pick-up and separating and feeding device. The friction pick-up and/or the vane-wheel type receiving and guiding device are rotatable. The friction pick-up is retracted from the surface of the stacked paper sheets when the paper sheets are stacked and when the paper sheets are taken out and is moved to abut the surface of the stacked paper sheets to thereby permit the taking out of the paper sheets.