Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a photoconductor, a charger, an exposure device, a transfer device, a first and a second surface voltmeter, and a processor. At the first rotation of the photoconductor, the charger charges a charge area on the photoconductor, the exposure device exposes a part of an exposure area in an axial direction of the photoconductor, and the transfer device charges an exposed and unexposed area. At the second rotation, the charger charges the charge area, and the exposure device exposes the exposed and unexposed area at the first rotation. After the exposure at the second rotation, the first surface voltmeter measures a surface potential V1 of the unexposed area at the first rotation, and the second surface voltmeter measures a surface potential V2 of the exposed area at the first rotation. The processor evaluates a life of the photoconductor based on the surface potentials V1 and V2.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a photoconductor, a charger, an exposure device, a transfer device, a first and a second surface voltmeter, and a processor. At the first rotation of the photoconductor, the charger charges a charge area on the photoconductor, the exposure device exposes a part of an exposure area in an axial direction of the photoconductor, and the transfer device charges an exposed and unexposed area. At the second rotation, the charger charges the charge area, and the exposure device exposes the exposed and unexposed area at the first rotation. After the exposure at the second rotation, the first surface voltmeter measures a surface potential V1 of the unexposed area at the first rotation, and the second surface voltmeter measures a surface potential V2 of the exposed area at the first rotation. The processor evaluates a life of the photoconductor based on the surface potentials V1 and V2.

Abstract: An external preparation containing tranilast which is excellent in the release of the active ingredient contained therein, achieves a high percutaneous absorption, fully ensures the effective drug concentration in the skin tissue and little irritates the skin This preparation is composed of an aqueous base containing as the active ingredient tranilast, its salt or a mixture thereof. The aqueous base contains a solubilizer for tranilast, a dispersant, an absorption aid, an adhesive and/or a shape retenting agent, and water. The active ingredient has been solubilized by the above-mentioned solubilizer and dispersed in the aqueous base by the above-mentioned dispersant.

Abstract: A plug-in fuse assembly is disclosed which includes a fuse element made up of a pair of elongated current-carrying portions in spaced relationship and a fuse-forming link portion extending between the current-carrying portions. The fuse element is placed in an insulating casing with its terminal portions projecting therefrom. Means is provided for providing a fuse opening indication in response to heat generated from the fuse-forming link portion when it opens up.

Abstract: In the decoloration of an animal and vegetable fat and oil with clay, an oil-containing clay is obtained as by-products. Good recovery of oil is attained by subjecting the oil-containing clay to an alkali treatment under high temperature and high pressure, adding an acid in an amount necessary for neutralization and removing the floating oil. Clay sludges and waste water after the recovery of oil can be easily disposed without causing the environmental contamination.