Abstract: Object: To provide a remote substance identification device that can identify an unidentified substance, such as a harmful substance, from a remote location. Solution: Provided are a remote substance identification device and method, the device comprising a laser device 10 that emits a laser beam to an irradiated space; a wavelength conversion device 20 that converts a wavelength of the laser beam emitted from the laser device into a plurality of different wavelengths and that emits laser beams of the different wavelengths to the irradiated space; a light collecting-detecting device 30, 40, 50 that collects and detects resonance Raman-scattered light generated from an irradiated object due to resonance Raman scattering; and a processor 60 that identifies the irradiated object on the basis of a result detected by the collecting-detecting device 30, 40, 50.

Abstract: A machine management system improves flexibility in control of an apparatus and installation of an additional apparatus. A plurality of refrigerators sends operational information to a virtual machine constructor. The virtual machine constructor constructs virtual machines corresponding to the refrigerators using the received information, and holds the virtual machines therein. Each time the virtual machine constructor receives new information from the refrigerators, it updates the virtual machines. Controllers receive and hold virtual machines from the virtual machine constructor. The controllers cause one of the virtual machines to be selected and displayed in response to a user's request.

Abstract: A superconducting bearing device comprises an annular permanent magnetic portion 2 disposed concentrically with a rotary body 1 in the form of a vertical shaft, and superconductors 8 opposed to the lower end face of the magnet portion 2 and vertically spaced apart therefrom. The permanent magnet portion 2 comprises a disk 4 fixedly mounted on the rotary body 1, and annular permanent magnets 6a, 6b arranged on the disk 4 at a spacing radially of the rotary body 1. Each of the magnets 6a, 6b has upper and lower ends magnetized to polarities opposite to each other, and the adjacent magnets 6a, 6b are magnetized to polarities opposite to each other at the upper ends, as well as at the lower ends. The radial spacing between the magnets 6a, 6b is optimized in accordance with the radial dimension (width) of the magnets 6a, 6b.

Abstract: A superconducting bearing device comprises an annular permanent magnet portion disposed concentrically with a rotary body in the form of a vertical shaft, and superconductors opposed to the lower end face of the magnet portion and vertically spaced apart therefrom. The permanent magnet portion comprises a disk fixedly mounted on the rotary body, and annular permanent magnets embedded in the disk at a spacing radially of the rotary body. Each of the magnets has upper and lower ends magnetized to polarities opposite to each other, and the adjacent magnets are magnetized to polarities opposite to each other at the upper ends, as well as at the lower ends. The radial spacing between the magnets is optimized in accordance with the radial dimension (width) of the magnets. This improves the device in load capacity and rigidity and prevents the deflection of axis of the rotary body, enabling the bearing device to support the rotary body in a noncontact state with good stability.

Abstract: A thermoelectric conversion member formed by a thermoelectric conversion element has a split ring shaped transverse cross section. Electrodes are disposed on ring ends of the thermoelectric conversion member facing each other. A magnetic field generating unit generates a magnetic field in a direction perpendicular to the transverse cross-sectional plane of the thermoelectric conversion member. A heating unit for heating one side of an annular wall of the thermoelectric conversion member and a cooling unit provided on the opposite side of the annular wall of the thermoelectric conversion member produces a temperature gradient in a direction radially of the thermoelectric conversion member. Electric field is induced in the direction perpendicular to both directions of the magnetic field and the temperature gradient, that is in the circumferential direction of the ring of the thermoelectric conversion member under the Nernst effect, enabling an electric voltage to be taken out at the electrodes.

Abstract: A superconducting bearing comprises a rotating member A and a fixed member B, one of which is provided with a superconducting member (5) while the other is provided with a magnet (8). The superconducting member (5) includes a superconductor (4) for floating the magnet (8) and a support (3) for supporting the superconductor (4). The magnet (8) includes a ring-like magnet (11) which is coaxial with the axis of the rotary member A, and the ring-like magnet (11) and the superconductor member (5) are so disposed as to face each other with a gap between them. A magnetic flux diffusion member (13) is disposed on the surface of the ring-like magnet (11) opposed to the superconductor (5). The ring-like magnet (11) comprises two ring-like magnets (11A and 11B) having mutually different diameters, and the ring-like magnets (11A and 11B) are magnetized so that the directions of magnetic fluxes face slantingly with one another.

Abstract: A valve stem driving apparatus comprises a valve stem which has first and second ends, the second end being connected to a valve body. The valve stem is engaged with a stem nut. A distance measuring device is provided in an upper cover for the valve stem and measures a distance between the upper cover and the first end of the valve stem, so that wear rate of the valve stem and/or the stem nut is determined.