Abstract: An image pickup apparatus includes a stage configured to support a sample at a plurality of support points, a bending data acquisition unit configured to acquire bending data corresponding to a bending of the sample supported on the stage, a height information detection unit configured to detect a height of the sample supported on the stage, a difference value calculation unit configured to calculate a difference value between a height indicated by height information and a height indicated by the bending data at each of a plurality of points on the sample, a correction data calculation unit configured to calculate correction data based on the difference value, and an estimation unit configured to calculate estimation data for estimating the height of the sample by correcting the bending data using the correction data.

Abstract: An image pickup apparatus includes a stage configured to support a sample at a plurality of support points, a bending data acquisition unit configured to acquire bending data corresponding to a bending of the sample supported on the stage, a height information detection unit configured to detect a height of the sample supported on the stage, a difference value calculation unit configured to calculate a difference value between a height indicated by height information and a height indicated by the bending data at each of a plurality of points on the sample, a correction data calculation unit configured to calculate correction data based on the difference value, and an estimation unit configured to calculate estimation data for estimating the height of the sample by correcting the bending data using the correction data.

Abstract: Disclosed is an austenite stainless steel comprising: no more than 0.05% by weight of C; no more than 0.25% by weight of Si; no more than 0.40% by weight of Mn; no more than 0.040% by weight of P; no more than 0.003% by weight of S; 30.0 to 40.0% by weight of Ni; 20.0 to 26.0% by weight of Cr; 5.0 to 8.0% by weight of Mo; no more than 0.1% by weight of Al; 0.001 to 0.010% by weight of B; 0.15 to 0.30% by weight of N; and balance of Fe and inevitable impurity. The austenite stainless steel satisfying formula (1) and (2) mentioned below (wherein "Cr", "Mo", "N", "Si" and "Mn" mean content of each element).Cr+3.3Mo+20N.gtoreq.

Abstract: Coins, particularly game coins, which are soft and excellent in workability before the coining work and high in hardness and exhibit weak magnetism after the coining work are provided. The stainless steel for coins comprises C: not more than 0.03 wt %, Si: 0.1-1.0 wt %, Mn: 0.1-4 wt %, Ni: 5-15 wt %, Cr: 12-20 wt %, N: not more than 0.03 wt %, O: not more than 50 ppm, and, if necessary, at least one of Cu: 0.5-3.0 wt % and Mo: 0.1-2.0 wt % and austenite stabilization index M value of 20.0-23.0 and ferrite formation ratio F value of not more than 6. A method of producing coins of stainless steel is also provided which comprises subjecting a starting material of such a stainless steel to a cold rolling of 50%, heat-treating at 900.degree.-1100.degree. C. and subjecting to coining work of 15-25%.

Abstract: A ferritic stainless steel comprises C: not more than 0.025 wt %, Si: not more than 0.10 wt %, Mn: not more than 1.0 wt %, Cr: 17.0-25.0 wt %, Ni: not more than 0.50 wt %, Mo: 0.50-2.00 wt %, Al: not more than 0.025 wt %, N: not more than 0.025 wt %, at least one of Nb: 10(C wt %+N wt %)-1.0 wt % and Ti: 10(C wt %+N wt %)-1.0 wt %, and the balance being substantially Fe and inevitable impurities and is effectively used in various heat exchangers.

Abstract: A ferritic stainless steel having excellent oxidation resistance, toughness and hot workability contains 0.001-0.20% of at least one of Ca, Mg and Ba as an amount of [Ca]+[Mg]+1/5[Ba], and La: 0.06-0.5% and Ce: 0.002-0.050% in addition to C, Si, Mn, Ni, Cr, Al, Ti and N as a main component provided that these components satisfy relations of the following equations (1)-(3):[S].ltoreq.[Ca]+[Mg]+1/5[Ba] (1)[La]/[Ce].gtoreq.5 (2)Ti.gtoreq.

Abstract: Particularly important properties required for exterior protective members for sheathing heaters are resistance to oxidation, anti-stress corrosion properties and weldability. An austenitic stainless steel for the exterior protective members has been developed from the findings that, firstly, the resistance to oxidation can be remarkably improved by increasing the Cr content together with a combined addition of Al and rare earth metals. Secondly, a small amount of Co addition is effective to enhance alloy ability to withstand stress corrosion cracking in the environment to which sheathing heaters are subjected, and that the weldability of such members can be made superior by maintaining the content of Si and Ti within a specified region.

Abstract: An alloy prepared by reducing the sulfur content of ASTM UNS N06600 (Trademark Inconel Alloy 600) to an extremely small value and adding specified amounts of Nb and N, and an alloy prepared by reducing the oxygen content of Inconel Alloy 600 and adding specified amounts of Nb, N, B and Mg show a mechanical strength equivalent or superior to that of Inconel Alloy 600 and excellent hot workability, and further has intergranular corrosion resistance and integranular stress corrosion cracking resistance which are far more excellent than those of Inconel Alloy 600.