Abstract: The article, for example a glass bottle, may exhibit at least one feature, in particular a defect, visible from outside the article, from among features of different types T1, . . . , Ti, . . . , Tn. In this process, acquisition of a digital image of the article is carried out, this image is processed so as to extract therefrom a region corresponding to this visible feature, the type of the visible feature is identified from among the various types Tl by calculating at least one discriminating parameter P1, . . . , Pj, . . . Pn characterizing the region, and the type of the feature is used to decide whether the quality of the article is adequate or inadequate. As appropriate, a reference parameter PR characterizing the region is calculated, this reference parameter PR is compared with a threshold parameter dependent on the type of the visible feature, and the result of this comparison is used to decide whether the quality of the article is adequate or inadequate.

Abstract: The present invention uses colors for displaying the results of information retrieval or analysis of pieces of input information so as to allow a user to visually and objectively understand the difference between the pieces of input information and a series of changes. An information comparison display apparatus, according to the present invention, comprises a unit for receiving pieces of input information; a unit for comparing the pieces of input information based on predetermined comparison criteria, and for determining characteristic elements to be assigned colors; a unit for assigning colors to the pieces of input information based on the results of comparison; and a unit for outputting the information, to which the colors have been assigned, to the outside.

Abstract: A method for performing content-based temporal segmentation of video sequences, the method comprises the steps of transmitting the video sequence to a processor; identifying within the video sequence a plurality of type-specific individual temporal segments using a plurality of type-specific detectors; analyzing and refining the plurality of type-specific individual temporal segments identified in the identifying the plurality of type-specific individual temporal segments step; and outputting a list of locations within the video sequence of the identified type-specific individual temporal segments.

Abstract: Image data of plural objects are inputted, the inputted image data are encoded on an object basis, a priority order of code amount allocation is set for the objects, and encoding conditions for the objects in the encoding step are controlled in accordance with the priority order. The encoding conditions are controlled so that a total code amount obtained by encoding the image data of the plural objects does not exceed a predetermined code amount.

Abstract: An object of this invention is to provide a coding method and a coding apparatus for efficiently coding both a pixel value signal and a shape signal which are included in an image signal to be coded, wherein a prediction changing unit outputs a reference pixel value changing signal and a reference shape signal to a switching circuit which selects a reference pixel value signal and to a switching circuit which selects a reference shape signal, respectively, so as to control the switching circuit in a way that appropriate reference signals are to be selected.

Abstract: The image processing apparatus subjects input image data to predetermined image processing to create output image data to be output as a print. The processing apparatus includes an extracting device for extracting a main subject from the input image data and a first determining device for determining a print magnification and a frame position in accordance with a size of the extracted main subject and a previously designated print size. The processing apparatus optionally includes a second determining device for determining a use of the print from an identification code input when a photograph is taken. The certification photograph taking apparatus includes an inputting device for inputting an identification code indicating a use of a print and optionally a print size.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for creating a linearized data structure for ordering a set of images based on their attributes. The system and method includes characterizing each of a set of images based on the attributes of the images, mapping the set of images onto a curve based on the attributes of the images, and generating an ordered arrangement of the images by traversing the curve. The ordered set of images may be used for displaying the images for efficient viewing and browsing.

Abstract: A sliding bearing with a divided running surface of plastic is provided. The plastic running surface is adhesively attached to the running surface in at least one piece by a laminate which is made of a plastic layer, at least one melting layer, and at least one metal layer.

Abstract: An arrangement in which respective roughnesses are defined for orbital grooves of inner and outer rings and a surface of rolling members which are constituents of a rolling bearing and in which their conditions of contact are controlled whereupon a minimum amount lubricating oil is adhered at a strong bonding force to thereby obtain a condition in which lubricating oil is continuously interposed at mutual contacting portions of the inner and outer rings, the rolling members and a cage to thereby enable favorable sliding properties and remarkable restrictions in generation of dust.

Abstract: A traveling wave optical modulator including an optical waveguide substrate made of a ferrodielectric electro-optic single crystal and having a pair of opposed main planes, an optical waveguide formed on one of the main planes, at least one pair of electrodes provided on the other main plane of the optical waveguide to apply a voltage for modulating a light propagating the optical waveguide, a fixing substrate bonded to said one of the main planes of the optical waveguide via an adhesive layer, said adhesive layer covering the optical waveguide and made of an adhering agent having a refractive index lower than that of the electro-optic single waveguide.

Abstract: An optical wave power control device and method enables signal control, such as modulation transferring and switching, to be effected with the application of very low power to a controller which is in optical communication with a recirculating mode resonator and an optical propagation element. The propagation element is configured such that is in power communication with a high Q volumetric resonator. Power of a chosen resonant wavelength is coupled into said resonator, where it circulates with very low loss and returns energy to the propagation element. By introducing a control signal into the controller, the propagated power can be varied between substantially full and substantially zero amplitudes. Loss factors can be maintained such that said resonator is overcoupled, i.e. parasitic losses are less than coupling losses, and a critical coupling condition exists in which a small swing in the controller causes a disproportionate change in the optical output signal.

Abstract: An automatic apparatus for assembling an optical fiber cable, a pre-assembled element and a sleeve. The automatic apparatus includes a glue-injecting mechanism, a feeding mechanism, a forging press, a movable stand, a clamping and rotating mechanism and a robot. Glue is injected into the pre-assembled element by the glue-injecting mechanism. Then, the robot conveys the pre-assembled element from the glue-injecting mechanism to the clamping and rotating mechanism. The optical fiber cable and sleeve are supported by the movable stand. The stand is moved toward the pre-assembled element so that the optical fiber cable enters the pre-assembled element. Then, the optical fiber cable is further pushed into the pre-assembled element by the feeding mechanism. Then, the pre-assembled element is covered with the sleeve by the feeding mechanism. Then, the sleeve is pressed by the forging press so that the sleeve is deformed to engage the pre-assembled element.

Abstract: On one side of a transparent structure 31 molded of glass, plastics or the like there is formed integrally therewith a prismatic protrusion 31A, and an optical fiber 15 is disposed on the transparent structure 31 and positioned with its one end face abutted against a positioning surface 33 of the prismatic protrusion 31A. A light emitting or receiving device 37 is positioned relative to the other side of the transparent structure 31 by using fiducial marks and fixedly disposed by face down bonding in opposing relation to the prismatic protrusion 31A. Between the light emitting or receiving surface of the light emitting or receiving device 37 and a core exposed in one end face of the optical fiber 15 abutting against the positioning surface 33 there is formed an optical path in which a slope 34 of the prismatic protrusion 31A serves as a reflecting surface.

Abstract: A coupling configuration for connecting an optical fiber provided with a coupling end face at one end to an optoelectronic element is described. A coupling element is disposed between the end of the optical fiber and the optoelectronic element in order to reduce back-reflections. The coupling element, which is made of an optically transmissive material, is in physical contact with the coupling end face of the optical fiber, and its side facing the optoelectronic element has a surface region which reduces back-reflections. To simplify and shorten the coupling housing, the coupling element is of lens-like configuration, for example in the form of a ball, and is held directly in the coupling housing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an optical fiber transmission line comprising a structure for making it possible to maintain a desirable mean transmission characteristic as a whole regardless of the fluctuation in total length caused upon cutting end portions; and an optical cable including the same. The optical fiber transmission line according to the present invention comprises a main transmission line and first and second end sections connected, respectively, to both ends of the main transmission line. As a typical configuration, the main transmission line is constituted by a single-mode optical fiber and a dispersion-compensating optical fiber. At a wavelength of 1.55 &mgr;m, the single-mode optical fiber has a positive chromatic dispersion, and the dispersion-compensating optical fiber has a negative chromatic dispersion.

Abstract: A rare earth-doped optical fiber comprises a cladding, a center core doped with a rare earth element, the center core having a refractive index higher than that of the cladding, and a ring-shaped core surrounding the center core without contact and having a refractive index higher than that of the cladding and lower than that of the center core.

Abstract: A nonlinear editing server 1 receives video editing information, which is then analyzed by an audio/video (AV) data managing unit 14. In accordance with the analyzed video editing information, AV data specified in the video editing information is read and sent to at least one of decoders 121 and 122 to be reproduced. An AV data processing unit 123 performs editing for the reproduced AV data based on the video editing information and generates a single AV stream. An encoder 124 encodes this AV stream. The nonlinear editing server 1 then transmits the encoded AV stream to a nonlinear editing client. In this way, the nonlinear editing server 1 only transmits a single AV stream to a nonlinear editing client.

Abstract: Whether the time zone of a specified program to be reserved overlaps is determined, and if picture recording reservations overlap, a picture recording reservation information is displayed. The overlapped time zone in which a plurality of programs are reserved is eliminated by operating keys to correct the starting time or ending time of the programs or to cancel any one of overlapped programs. Further, the preference for execution of reservation between the picture recording reservation by the first reservation means using the electronic program guide and picture recording reservation by the second reservation means using key input of picture recording day and picture recording time is set. Thereby, any picture recording reservation is executed preferentially, and the confusion in execution of the reservation is prevented.

Abstract: A data-imprinting apparatus for preventing the imprinting of incorrect dates in a lens-equipped film unit that lacks a monitor display unit for the confirmation of the date display. The lens-equipped film unit 1 contains a built-in data module 27 that lacks an external display unit that allows the confirmation of the date display from the outside. The data module 27 contains a transmission-type liquid crystal display unit 45 that automatically updates and displays dates based upon a pre-stored calendar. In the liquid crystal display unit 45, external light enters from the light collection window 15 on the front cover 12, thus creating a beam of data light. The data light, acting in concert with the shutter release operation, is guided into a dark box. The image-forming optical system that is provided in the dark box forms an image of the data light on a part of the photographic film.

Abstract: A driving mechanism for holding and shifting a part to be driven. The mechanism has at least three carrying elements for carrying the part elastically by exerting force upon the part in directions generally perpendicular to an axis of the part, at least one of the carrying elements being of a actuating type including a frictional actuator, the frictional actuator having a contact face for contacting the part under the pressure, the contact face oscillating at high frequency so as to make the part move in a direction almost rectangular to that of exerting the force upon the part.

Abstract: This finder unit is configured such that an objective optical system for forming a viewing image, an inverting optical system for making the viewing image formed by the objective optical system an erecting normal image, an eyepiece optical system for viewing the viewing image, a first optical component deployed closer to the objective optical system than the viewing image formation position is, and a second optical component deployed closer to the eyepiece optical system than the viewing image formation position is; and satisfies the condition

Abstract: There are disclosed a processing apparatus for a photosensitive material having a coating device of a processing liquid to a photosensitive material, which comprises using a slot die having a manifold and a slot at the inside of the die as a coating device, and a processing apparatus for a photosensitive material which comprises a photosensitive material transferring device, a photosensitive material detecting device, a slot die for coating a processing liquid to the photosensitive material and having a manifold and a slot at the inside of the die, and a device for supplying a predetermined amount of the processing liquid to the slot die, wherein a detection result at the detecting device of the photosensitive material is fed back to the supplying device of the processing liquid to control operation of the processing liquid supplying device.

Abstract: A use situation reporting system reports the use situations of a developer and the other consumables included in an image forming apparatus for forming images on a recording material. More particularly, the use situation reporting system reports an amount of remaining developer and the use times of consumables to a user. Thus, the timing of replacing a cartridge with a new one can be concisely reported to the user.

Abstract: When any of the functions: copier function, printer function and facsimile function, are not being performed, the function information display portion provides display messages ‘Copier available’, ‘Printer available’ and Fax available’, using the display areas equal in size, arranged in the vertical direction. When a print request is given from an external apparatus, the function information display portion provides a display message ‘Printer function engaged’ along with the image processing operating conditions and provides display messages ‘Copier function partly available’ and ‘Facsimile function partly available’ in the left and right halves of the display section. While the printer function is in progress, the information relating to the printer function is displayed in the display area four times as large as that for the copier function and that for the facsimile function.

Abstract: The image forming apparatus comprises a plurality of image formation units which print an image of different color on a paper and also form positional deviation detection marks and image density regulation marks, on a conveyer belt that conveys the paper, when a request such a received. When requests for formation of the positional deviation detection marks and the request for the formation of the image density regulation marks is received at the same time or at substantially the same time, the main CPU orchestrate the conveyer belt and the image forming units to form the positional deviation detection marks and the image density regulation marks in continuation.

Abstract: A cleaning unit removing residual toner on a photoreceptor employed in an electrophotographic machine is disclosed. The cleaning unit has a cleaning blade composed of a plurality of plate materials having different length and different impact resilience laminated each other.

Abstract: An image recording apparatus typically comprises a first housing provided with a feeding tray for containing recording mediums before recording by use of recording means, a second housing provided with an outlet tray for storing the recording mediums carried from the first housing, and coupling and carrying means for coupling the first housing and the second housing in such a manner as to be able to displace them relatively. This coupling and carrying means forms a flexible carrier path to guide recording medium carried from the first housing to the second housing. With the structure thus arranged, this recording apparatus can implement a significant space saving when installed.

Abstract: A tooth cleaning assembly including a rack, and at least one detachable toothpaste squeezing assembly mounted on the rack. The assembly further includes a base, a toothpaste cylinder having a lower end fitted in the base, an annular member arranged at an upper end of the toothpaste cylinder, a cover fitted on a top of the toothpaste cylinder and mounted on the annular member, a tubular neck telescopically fitted in the toothpaste cylinder, a cap pivotally connected with an upper end of the tubular neck, and a movable knob extending through the rack to be detachably engaged with a bottom of the base. At least one toothbrush is detachably mounted on the annular member, and at least one spring mug is fitted within the rack, so that all commonly used tooth brushing articles are combined into one unit thereby making them convenient to use and arranging them in a tidy manner.

Abstract: A direct-feed type writing implement includes: a point assembly having a writing point at the tip thereof; an ink tank directly storing a relatively low viscosity ink having a viscosity of 2 to 100 mPa.S at room temperature; an ink collector made up of a multiple number of vanes for adjusting the internal pressure of the ink tank by utilizing capillarity; a feeder including a center core, for feeding ink from the ink tank to the writing point; an ink absorber connected to the center core as the ink feeder; and a duct pipe connecting the ink collector and the ink tank; and preferably, ink is supplied to the center core as the ink feeder only through the ink absorber and the duct pipe.

Abstract: A direct-feed type writing implement includes: a point assembly having a writing point at the tip thereof; an ink tank directly storing a relatively low viscosity ink having a viscosity of 2 to 100 mPa·S at room temperature; an ink collector for adjusting the internal pressure in the ink tank by utilizing capillarity; a feeder means including a center core, for feeding ink from the ink tank to the writing point; a duct pipe connecting the ink collector and the ink tank; and a duct pipe ink storage portion provided for the duct pipe; and preferably, ink is supplied to the center core as the ink feeder means only through the duct pipe.

Abstract: A coupling apparatus for adjustably mounting modular tooling members having a base member releasably connectable to a slide mount wherein said base member is adjustably located along a predetermined path of travel defined by the slide mount. The base member is rotatably adjustable with respect to a midportion via a pair of matingly engaging contoured surfaces. In a preferred embodiment, the midportion may also be rotatably adjustable with respect to an end member along a second rotational axis. The midportion and the end member may be adjustably rotated through a pair of contoured surfaces substantially similar to that provided between the midportion and the base member. The end member provides an aperture for releasably connecting a boom rod to the end member. In an alternative embodiment, the midportion is integrally connected to the end member wherein the end member provides an aperture for matingly engaging a first spline rod. The first spline rod may be rotatably adjusted about a second rotational axis.

Abstract: An attachment system for configured slots which utilizes pivotally opposed major and minor jaws which can be biased in a closed or in an open position. The major and minor jaws are aligned in the receptor cavity of a configured rectangular tube and are actuated to fully and to frictionally engage the receptor cavity. Such actuation also causes outwardly-facing grooves on the ends of the major and minor jaws to engage a suitably-shaped configured slot on a configured tube or other structure. Such preceding action connects a configured rectangular tube and a structure having a suitably-shaped configured slot by the use of the intermediate major and minor jaws. Provisions are also made for snapping engagement of the pivotally opposed major and minor jaws of biased open major and minor jaws with a suitably-shaped configured slot.

Abstract: A connection structure for connecting elements of a frame, in which at least one first tubular element (16) is welded to a second tubular element (18), comprises a core (32) made of a material that is injectable in fluid form and is able to solidify expanding so as to adhere to appropriate surfaces for containing the material which belong to the tubular elements (16, 18). The connection structure is made by means of a process which comprises a step in which, inside the first tubular element (16) and at its end adjacent to the second element (18) to be joined, a material (34) in fluid form is introduced, and a step in which the material (34) solidifies, thus generating the core (32), which is rigid and adheres to the first tubular element (16) and to the second element (18).

Abstract: A self-tightening clip having a planar member and at least one retention member attached to the planar member. The planar member includes an inner perimeter, an outer perimeter, and defines a central axis. The least one retention member including a planar leg portion and a planar hook portion. The leg portion extends from the inner perimeter in a first direction along the central axis. The hook portion projects from the leg portion toward the central axis in a second direction, which is opposite the first direction along the central axis. The hook portion is acute to the central axis and has a free end located on an imaginary perimeter concentric to the inner perimeter of the planar member. The central axis and a plane passing through the hook portion of the at least one retention member form an angle in the range of approximately 20°-30°.

Abstract: This invention relates to rotary pumps adapted, but not exclusively, for use as artificial hearts or ventricular assist devices and, in particular, discloses in preferred forms a seal-less shaft-less pump featuring open or closed (shrouded) impeller blades with the edges of the blades used as hydrodynamic thrust bearings and with electromagnetic torque provided by the interaction between magnets embedded in the blades and a rotating current pattern generated in coils fixed relative to the pump housing.

Abstract: The profiled surface is used as an abradable (1) in flow machines. In these machines blade tips (2) move over the profiled abradable in a predetermined direction (v). In so doing they produce a partial surface, an abraded surface (10), which is formed by material ablation. The profiling of the surface is formed by ribs (15) which surround chamber-like depressions (11). A rib direction can in each case be associated with the ribs. The abradable (1) forms a pattern which is built up of strip-like elements (5) and the elements of which lie in the directions of the ribs on connection lines (45) between corner points (41, 42; 43, 44) of a reference grid (40). Largely at each location of the abraded surface (10)—i.e. at least at more than 80 - 95% of the abraded surface—the rib direction differs from the direction of movement (v) of the blade tips (2).

Abstract: The invention relates to a radial blower for a work apparatus and especially for a suction/blower apparatus. The radial blower has a blower wheel (2) and a blower housing (1) which at least partially surrounds the blower wheel (2). The blower housing (1) includes a peripheral wall (3) and a side wall (4). The housing includes an intake opening (6) in the region of the blower wheel axis (5) as well as a discharge stub (7) peripherally of the blower wheel (2) in the region of the peripheral wall (3). The peripheral wall (3) and the side wall (4) are lined on the side facing toward the blower wheel (2) with a wear insert (8) configured as one piece.

Abstract: With the aim of enhancing the efficiency of pneumatically driven vibrators, with an essentially closed casing (2), in whose operating space (3) a cylindrically-shaped, unbalanced rotor (1) is mounted in bearings in such a way as to be capable of rotation, and which exhibits a channel for inflow and outflow (4, 5) that is at least tangentially directed in relation to this rotor (1), so as to allow for an air-driven mode of operation, it is intended-in accordance with this invention-that the cross-section of the pneumatic stream that flows from every inflow channel (4), between the exterior surface of the rotor (1) and the inner wall of the operating space (3), should first be steadily reduced-in the direction of the current-down to the narrowest cross-section, and then be steadily increased, up to the corresponding outflow channel (5).

Abstract: The invention provides a wind energy converter comprising a wind actuated rotor assembly rotatably mounted around a horizontal axis on the top of a support tower, the rotor assembly comprising two axially aligned and spaced apart rotors, each rotor comprising a plurality of blades, wherein the blades of one of the rotors have a pitch opposite to the pitch of the blades of the other rotor whereby the rotors rotate in opposite directions.

Abstract: A helicopter gimbal rotor arrangement includes a drive shaft with a rotor hub, a rotor blade holder arrangement, and a coupling membrane for transmitting the rotational drive moment from the rotor hub to the rotor blade holder arrangement. The coupling membrane includes a plate element made up of a plurality of concentric rings that are spaced apart radially by annular gaps and are connected to each other by respective connecting webs spanning across the gaps. This plate element as the coupling membrane provides torsional stiffness combined with bending flexibility to allow tilting motions of the rotor blade holder arrangement relative to the rotor hub. Plural plate elements connected in parallel provide a redundant fail-safe arrangement, while plural plate elements connected in series achieve increased flexibility for out-of-plane tilting.

Abstract: A pump for conveying a liquid has a housing and a shaft rotatably supported in the housing. An eccentric drive is arranged in the housing. At least one drive element is provided and is configured to be driven by the eccentric drive. The shaft is configured to adjust the eccentricity of the eccentric drive. The drive element is configured to be adjusted according to the eccentricity of the eccentric drive by a translatory movement in a direction transverse to the shaft.

Abstract: An energy recovery device comprises at least one cylinder, a piston slidable in the cylinder, first valve means for selectively connecting one end of the cylinder to waste liquid at a first relatively high pressure and to drain and second valve means for allowing feed liquid to enter the other end of the cylinder at a second lower pressure via a feed liquid entry port and to be discharged via a feed liquid discharge port from said other end of the cylinder in response to movement of the piston caused by waste liquid entering said one end of the cylinder. Also, means, such as a rod which extends from the other end of the cylinder and into but not through the piston, ensures that the area of the piston acting on the feed liquid is less than the area of the piston acted upon by the waste liquid so that the piston acts as a pressure intensifier to discharge feed liquid through the feed liquid discharge port at a higher pressure than the pressure of waste liquid entering said one end of the cylinder.

Abstract: The invention relates to a closed level control system for a vehicle. The closed level control system includes a pump which transfers a pressurized medium between a pressurized medium supply vessel (4) and pressurized medium chambers (2a to 2d). The input (8) of the pump (6) is connected to the supply vessel (4) and the output (10) of the pump (6) is connected to the pressurized medium chambers (2a to 2d) when the pressurized medium is to be pumped from the supply vessel (4) into the pressurized medium chambers (2a to 2d). If, in contrast, pressurized air is to be pumped from a pressurized medium chamber (2a to 2d) into the supply vessel (4), then the input (8) of the pump (6) is connected to the pressurized medium chamber and the output (10) of the pump (6) is connected to the supply vessel (4). The above-mentioned connections preferably take place via controllable directional valves (14, 18). The level control system makes it possible that the pump (6) has to always run only in one direction.

Abstract: A hose cassette (1), for a peristaltic pump (2), includes a cassette housing (3) and a flexible hose (4) extending through cassette housing (3). The hose (4) is guided in the cassette housing (3) along a circular segment. The cassette housing (3) has a cutout (5) for the engagement of a roller wheel (6) of a peristaltic to pump (2) into the interior of said circular segment. The hose cassette has connection elements (7), (8) for connecting the cassette housing (3) to the peristaltic pump (2). At least one hose leg (9), (10) to be connected to the circular segment is displaceably held between a mounting position and an operating position in the cassette housing (3).

Abstract: Scroll compressors are taught that include an outer peripheral portion (23) of a movable scroll member (20) disposed opposite of an end face (13) of a stationary scroll member (10). At least one end portion (20, 23) has a shape that prevents contact when the movable scroll member (20) bends or deforms under high pressure. The contact avoiding shape or structure may be, for example, a tapered portion, a recessed portion or a step shaped portion.

Abstract: A temperature control system for a vacuum pump comprising means through which can flow a temperature control fluid, and a thermal resistor located between said means and a surface of the vacuum pump whose temperature is to be controlled.

Abstract: An impeller (20) for a rotary pump (10) of the type having an impeller with flexible blades, the impeller being removably located in a pump housing (40) having a removable end cover for access to the impeller, the impeller (20) including a drive boss (21) having a screw threaded aperture (80) at a free end to permit insertion of a screw threaded shaft (81) which, when rotated, urges the impeller axially off a drive shaft (30) on which it is mounted in use.

Abstract: A genetic motif is extracted from at least one piece of input gene arrangement information, and, based on the extracted motif, gene arrangement information including, as a part thereof, the motif is retrieved from previously clarified gene arrangement information. The gene arrangement information as retrieved is added to the input gene arrangement information, to thereby improve a genetic motif extracting efficiency.

Abstract: A sample tube of a sampling valve is moved up and down by a cylinder. When the sample tube is moved downward, a sample inlet opposes a stored sample, and the sample can be extracted. When the sample tube is moved upward, the sample inlet opposes a cleaning liquid path. Thus, cleaning liquid is fed into the cleaning liquid path from a cleaning liquid supply port of a cleaning pipe. The cleaning liquid flows within the sample tube from the sample inlet, and flows out from a sample discharge port. Thus, an entire interior of the sample tube can be cleaned. In a sample extracting device using the sampling valve, a state in which no air or impurities are mixed in the sample can always be maintained, such that stable extraction can be carried out.

Abstract: In the embodiments described in the specification, a spark-ignited internal combustion engine has an exhaust line containing an oxide gas absorber for absorbing NOx and SOx and desorbing NOx and SOx at elevated temperatures. The support member for the oxide gas absorber is a metal foil or a thin walled ceramic support to permit rapid heating and is coated with a layer of a gas absorbing material at least 50 microns thick to permit longer intervals between regeneration, thereby providing effective storage of oxide gases even with fuel consumption-optimized engines.