Abstract: Condensable vapors such as carbon dioxide are separated from light gases in a process stream. The systems and methods employ a particle bed cooled by an in-bed heat exchanger to desublimate the condensable vapors from the process stream. The condensable vapors are condensed on the bed particles while the light gases from the process stream, which are not condensed, form a separated light-gas stream. The separated light-gas stream can be used in a recuperative heat exchanger to cool the process stream.

Abstract: A wrist-worn bracelet displaying health indicators constructed to ensure correct and optimal fitting on a wrist of user for the effective detection of functioning of human body. The wrist-worn bracelet includes a first wristband portion and a second wristband portion connected to the first wristband portion to form a closed loop. The second wristband portion includes at least one inwardly-bent portion. A contour of the at least one inwardly-bent portion is capable of being changed by heating and bending the inwardly-bent portion so that an inner diameter of the closed loop is adjustable.

Abstract: A bracelet includes a first wristband portion having a first connecting end and a first lock end opposite to the first connecting end, a second wristband portion having a second connecting end and a second lock end opposite to the second connecting end, and a lock mechanism. The seconded connecting end is rotatably connected to the first connecting end. The first lock end is connected to the second lock end, thereby locking the first wristband portion and the second wristband portion together to surrounding a receiving space for receiving a user's wrist.

Abstract: An apparatus, a system and a method for monitoring and alerting a user caring for a patient when a change in body temperature requires immediate attention. The apparatus is a bracelet worn by the user. The system includes the bracelet in wireless communication with a temperature sensing device placed on the patient. The bracelet has a display operative for displaying the body temperature, an audible alarm that sounds and a vibration that occurs when the temperature exceeds a setpoint, and a plurality of lights, each with a unique setpoint, a light activated when the temperature exceeds the setpoint. The user attaches the temperature sensing device to the patient and dons the bracelet. The user can then sleep, selectively observing the display and lights upon waking with confidence that the system is monitoring the patient's temperature and selectively alerting the user when a change in body temperature requires immediate attention.

Abstract: A convertible earring construction comprising a Euro-wire leverback configuration that incorporates a clutch element, is securable on a pierced earlobe, and when combined with a separate pierced earring that is a post style, and of conventional construction which can be received into the clutch element of the convertible earring, enables the post style earrings to be selectively attached and/or removed.

Abstract: An apparatus for downwardly drawing glass ribbon comprises edge directors, wherein an outer portion defining a first pair of surfaces and a second pair of surfaces. In one example, the first and second pair of surfaces of each edge director includes a glass wettability with a static contact angle within a range of from about 30° to about 60°. In another example, the outer portion comprises a platinum alloy including from about 0.05 weight % tin to about 5 weight % tin. Methods for forming glass include the step of providing the edge director with a desired glass wettability and/or a desired platinum alloy.

Abstract: Provided are a pressure-sensitive adhesive tape, a polishing pad, a method of manufacturing the same, a polishing device and a method of manufacturing a glass substrate. The illustrative pressure-sensitive adhesive tape may be a pressure-sensitive adhesive tape for a polishing material. The pressure-sensitive adhesive tape may be effectively fixed to a surface plate without bubbles, and have excellent resistance to water and a polishing solution and shear strength applied in a polishing process. In addition, the pressure-sensitive adhesive tape may be easily removed from a carrier or surface plate for a polishing pad without residues after polishing.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for compensating the varying weight of a glass ribbon the glass ribbon is drawn from a molten glass forming material, and an apparatus therefore. The weight compensating apparatus is configured to apply a force to the glass ribbon that is inversely proportional to the weight of the glass ribbon such that as the glass ribbon weight increases, the force applied to the glass ribbon by the weight compensating device decreases.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for laser-based splicing of a glass fiber (1) onto an optical component (3), comprising the following steps: arranging both surfaces to be spliced substantially parallel to each other and at a predefined distance from each other; and aiming a laser beam (4) at the optical component (3). In order to specify an improved method in which the properties of the joining partners are maintained to the greatest extent during splicing, which exhibits high reproducibility and in particular is suitable for splicing joining partners of different cross-sections, the invention proposes that the angle of incidence of the laser beam (4) on the surface of the optical component be between 15° and 45°.

Abstract: Disclosed are a control panel provided on an apparatus to control the apparatus and a clothes treating apparatus having the same. The clothes treating apparatus includes a includes a cabinet; a drum provided within the cabinet and configured to receive clothes; a driving unit that rotates the drum; a power supply unit that supplies power to the driving unit; and a control panel located on the cabinet. The control panel includes a panel body that defines the external appearance of the control panel; a printed circuit board (PCB) located adjacent to the panel body; input units; and an anti-separation unit located on at least one of the panel body and the PCB and configured to restrict the connection damper from being separated from the bar.

Abstract: A wall-mounted drum type washing machine includes a rear panel mounted on a wall surface; a tub supported by the rear panel and containing wash water; a front panel on the tub and having an opening therein; a rotatable drum in the tub; a driving unit providing power to the drum; a box unit in the tub and surrounding the drum; and a cover unit coupled to the box unit, and covering the front panel.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fluid draining and dispensing system for electric household appliances, more specific ally for capturing washing water and carrying the water that supplies the cloth washing machine washing tank. Thus, it is the purpose of the invention to allow for a more practical, simple and economic construction, resulting in appliances of a lower cost and, therefore, more accessible to all social classes. The system comprises at least one dispensing duct 5 cooperating with valve 6 interconnected to the water supply network and with fixed lid 1; at least one furrow 7 cooperating with fixed lid 1 and the at least one dispensing duct 5; and means for simultaneously draining the fixed lid and the console washing water and dispensing the water coming from the valve interconnected to the water supply network, both fluid flows being directed to the inside of the washing basket.

Abstract: Disclosed is a security system for computers and computer peripherals having a plurality of cables, wherein each cable has a first end and a second end and is attached to a cable collar at the first end, and a computer lock, wherein the computer lock comprises a lock body for receiving said cable collar, wherein said cable collar is securely retained on the lock body with an end piece removable only when the computer lock is not attached to a computer or a computer peripheral, thereby creating a security system for computers and computer peripherals with readily interchangeable cables.

Abstract: A hidden shackle style lock is disclosed. The lock includes a substantially cylindrical housing having a top surface, a bottom surface, and a curved side surface. The lock also includes a first cavity on the bottom surface of the housing extending part way along a thickness of the housing, and a second cavity on the side surface intersecting with the first cavity. A hollow sleeve is slidably attached within the second cavity. The sleeve includes a first end face, a second end face, and a third cavity. The third cavity extends from the first end face to the second face and is substantially coaxial with the second cavity. A shackle having a first end and a second end is fixedly coupled to the first end face of the sleeve. The lock also includes an interchangeable core having a first locking mechanism and a second locking mechanism lockingly disposed within the third cavity, and coupled to the straight shackle.

Abstract: The invention relates to a mechatronic locking device comprising: a locking cylinder having a control circuit and a security key associated with the locking cylinder having a memory circuit, wherein informational signals can be exchanged between the control circuit of the locking cylinder and the memory circuit of the security key via a communication channel, wherein the security key further comprises a contact element which is connected to the memory circuit of the security key via a contact section integrated on the security key, wherein the locking cylinder further comprises a contact element which is connected to the control circuit of the locking cylinder, wherein the contact elements are electrically in contact to each other when the security key is inserted and wherein said communication channel conducts between the control circuit and the memory circuit via the contact section integrated in the security key and the two contact elements.

Abstract: A lock cylinder includes a housing and first and second key plugs rotatably received in the housing about an axis. The first and second key plugs are axially spaced in the housing and each includes a keyway for insertion of a corresponding key. The keyways of the first and second key plugs are aligned with each other along the axis. The lock cylinder further includes a blocking core fixedly mounted in the housing and between the first and second key plugs along the axis. The blocking core includes a through-hole aligned with the keyways of the first and second key plugs along the axis. The lock cylinder can effectively prevent an illegal picking tool from inserting into the keyways of the first and second key plugs and from turning the key plugs, thereby providing an enhanced anti-theft effect.

Abstract: Methods of coating seeds with polymers and seeds coated with such polymers are disclosed herein. The polymers can be phosphonates, sulfonates, polymers of ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acids, polyaminopolyethermethylene phosphonate, polysuccinic oligomers, acrylic acid/2-acrylamido-2-methylpropane sulfonic acid, blends of acrylic acid/2-acrylamido-2-methylpropane sulfonic acid with polyaminopolyethermethylene phosphonate, sulfomethylated acrylic acid/acrylamide, blends of sulfomethylated acrylic acid/acrylamide with polyaminopolyethermethylene phosphonate, polymaleic acid, acrylic acid/acrylamide copolymers, polyacrylic acid, trimethylglycine hydrochloride, blends of polyaminopolyethermethylene phosphonate with trimethylglycine hydrochloride, and any combination or salt of such polymers. Methods of monitoring, determining, and controlling the concentration of scale inhibitors in an agricultural irrigation system are also disclosed herein.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a modified release agrochemical composition and a process for preparing the same. The composition comprises cores of one or more active ingredient coated with at least one layer of hydrophobic material as a preliminary coat which is further coated with at least one layer of polyurethane based polymeric material. The layer of polyurethane is formed by in-situ polymerization of polyol and isocyanate compounds during the coating operation.

Abstract: A tube expanding drum machine, including a support frame, at least one drum rotatably supported in said frame, rotation means of said drum about its axis, a flexible pipe-expanding shaft wound on said drum and having a first end fixed to said drum, an expanding mandrel or a shaped ogive, connected to the second end of said flexible pipe-expanding shaft, suitable for widening the diameter of a pipe by winding or unwinding said flexible pipe-expanding shaft onto or from said drum inside the pipe itself. The machine includes automatic lubrication means of the inner surface of the pipe during the pipe expansion foreseen inside said flexible shaft.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a composite sheet metal part with a metal edge region comprising two outer covering sheets of metal and at least one layer consisting of a plastic arranged between the covering sheets. The method is characterised in that a selected edge region of the composite sheet metal part is heated in such a way that the plastic layer arranged between the outer covering sheets softens, by applying a force to at least one outer covering sheet in the edge region the covering sheets are pressed against one another at some points or regions, so that the plastic layer in the edge region subjected to the force is expelled, and subsequently or at the same time as the application of the force both covering sheets in the compressed edge region are joined to one another at least over some regions or points.

Abstract: A roll-forming machine has a stand (11) and a row of forming stations (12), which comprise frames (14, 15) for carriers (17, 18) of pair of rollers laterally displaceably mounted on the stand. An intermediate piece (16) is pivotally mounted on each frame for being pivoted about a vertical axis, and two carriers of a pair of rollers are separately laterally displaceably mounted on each intermediate piece. Each carrier of a pair of rollers comprises two axle pins for carrying a forming roller each and the two carriers of a pair of rollers have their axle pins directed towards each other.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method, a computer program and a rolling mill train for cold rolling a metal strip (200). In order to achieve a shortening of undesired off-gauge lengths, the method according to the invention provides that the head (210) of the metal strip (200) already undergoes a thickness reduction at the first active rolling stand (n) in the rolling mill train, and then is transported on to the next rolling stand, in order to undergo a further thickness reduction there. The method according to the invention also provides for further reducing the initial pass thickness at the n-th rolling stand in accordance with the tensile stress that has built up in the meantime between the n+1-th and the n-th rolling stand.

Abstract: A system and method of forming a drawn cup for production of a metal container is provided. The system and method contemplates the provision of gap pins to control the relative movements of cup forming features and provide for reduced risk of damage including pinching, chatter, slivering, and thinning of portions of the cup.

Abstract: A crimping machine system including a set of crimping jaws placed in a circular array and defining a central axis; a flange structure configured to move in parallel with said central axis; a first power transmitting member equipped with inclined guide surfaces, placed between the jaws and the flange structure, and forcing the jaws to move radially towards the central axis; a circular structure configured to rotate around said central axis; and a second power transmitting member equipped with helical guide surfaces and placed between the circular structure and the flange structure, wherein while the circular structure rotates around the central axis, said power transmitting member is configured to force the flange structure to move in parallel with the central axis.

Abstract: A diagnostic method for a capacitive humidity sensor comprising a heater, and a capacitance-sensing element that individually indentifies heater, temperature-sensing element, or capacitance-sensing element degradation. By this method, individual elements of the sensor may be replaced or compensated for to allow for further operation.

Abstract: A method for calibrating strain transducers mounted to a power shovel may include the steps of: Calculating at least one member joint load for a known loading condition when at least one member of the power shovel is in a statically determinate configuration; determining a calculated shear force and a calculated normal force in the member of the power shovel based on the calculated member joint load; measuring a strain in the member; determining a measured shear force and a measured normal force for the member based on the measured strain; and determining a calibration constant from the calculated shear and normal forces and the measured shear and normal forces.

Abstract: A time correlated dual chronometric interpolated prover apparatus with temporal reconciliation assembly is operable for producing signals for selecting a corrected time interval B of the flowmeter output signal for comparison with the time interval A. The temporal reconciliation assembly being configured for detecting a plurality of frequencies of pulses of the flowmeter output signal, and being further configured for selecting the time interval B utilizing the plurality of frequencies. A possible non-limiting embodiment includes the temporal reconciliation assembly being operable for utilizing an anticipated frequency for locating a first pulse.

Abstract: A method of calibrating an inertial unit is provided. During a first static stage, in which the inertial unit is in a first orientation, measurements are taken by means of the accelerometers and the inertial rotation sensors. During a dynamic stage, the orientation of the inertial unit is changed, at least in part in azimuth, from the first orientation towards a second orientation, while taking measurements by means of the inertial rotation sensors. During a second static stage, in which the inertial unit is in the second position, measurements are taken by means of the accelerometers and of the inertial rotation sensors. For each static stage, a direction, an amplitude, and a mean speed of rotation for apparent gravity in an inertial frame of reference is estimated, variation is calculated in orientation between the static stages, and the accelerometer biases is deduced therefrom.

Abstract: A self-calibrating pressure sensor system may measure the pressure of a gas or liquid. The system may include a pressure sensor, a reference sensor, and a drift compensation system. The pressure sensor may include a pressure-sensing flexible diaphragm with one side exposed to the gas or liquid and another side forming a wall of a sealed chamber. The reference sensor may include a reference flexible diaphragm that has two sides that are both within or exposed to the same sealed chamber. The drift compensation system may produce information that is indicative of the pressure of the gas or liquid based on the signal from the pressure sensor, and compensate for drift in this signal based on changes in the signal from the reference sensor. The pressure-sensing flexible diaphragm and the reference flexible diaphragm may be made at substantially the same time by depositing or growing a single layer of material in a single continuous step.

Abstract: A gauging method for a plastic fuel tank mounted on a hybrid vehicle, the tank including a reservoir including a gauge for measuring an amount of fuel in the tank, the method including: measuring the amount of fuel in the tank using the gauge; estimating deformation of the tank using at least one sensor onboard the vehicle; and correcting the amount measured by the gauge based on the estimated deformation.

Abstract: It is provided a phantom for optical measurement of a living body, with excellent reproducibility at a high precision and capable of simulating various kinds of living tissues such as skin, maculae on skin, blood vessels, red blood cells in blood vessels, blood clots, tumors, fat or the like. A phantom for optical measurement of a living body includes a substrate composed of a thermoplastic resin or a mixture of a thermoplastic resin and an oil, a film provided on at least one main face of the substrate and composed of a hydrophilic resin, and an ink printed pattern fixed on the film and simulating the tissue of a living body.

Abstract: This invention is for a simple, dynamic test device and its use to assess a wheeled vehicle's dynamic performance leading to a rollover including such conditions as a curb tripped rollover, a vehicle's occupant restraint performance before and during the first roll, the motion of the vehicle's occupants before and during a rollover, and the vehicle's occupant protection performance in a rollover including its roof crush resistance. It does so by carrying a vehicle over a horizontal circular path at a speed sufficient that the centrifugal force on the vehicle will cause it to roll. The device provides unique, repeatable test conditions leading to a rollover as well as during the rollover. The device can also be used to test an object by subjecting it a high level of acceleration, force, and yawing motion about orthogonal vectors.

Abstract: The invention relates to an ultrasonic transducer and to a gas bubble sensing device with two ultrasonic transducers. In order to be able to detect gas bubbles with different sizes reliably, at least one of the ultrasonic transducers comprises a plurality of segments that can be operated independent of each other.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting a variation abnormality in an air-fuel ratio between cylinders according to the present invention is configured to calculate a value representing a change in an air-fuel ratio based on an output of an air-fuel ratio sensor that is provided in an exhaust passage in a predetermined operating state in which fuel is injected from a fuel injection valve, perform, to the calculated value, sensitivity correction in accordance with a sensitivity of the sensor based on the output of the sensor during fuel-cut operation and outside atmospheric pressure correction based on outside atmospheric pressure, and determine the presence or absence of a variation abnormality in an air-fuel ratio between cylinders by comparing the corrected value with a predetermined value.

Abstract: An airborne substance detector includes an air intake that sweeps through a fixed area, and a fan that draws air toward a effluence detection device that analyzes the air for one or more substances, such as explosives. The air intake may be a series of tubes of a rotary gate, with multiple sets of tubes that rotate about a central axis. The fan or blower draws air through holes in the tubes, and through a manifold that directs air to the effluence detection device from a single set of tubes at a time. In addition the detector may include a heater that may enhance vaporization of substances to be detected. The effluence detection device, the manifold, and the fan may be located in an enclosure at the top of the rotary gate. After detection, a decontamination procedure may be initiated to purge the system of the substance that was detected.

Abstract: A device monitors a blood path from a blood vessel access of a human subject through an extracorporeal blood processing apparatus and back to the blood vessel access. A pumping device in the blood path is operable to pump blood through the blood path from the blood withdrawal device to the blood return device. The monitoring device obtains pressure data from a pressure sensor arranged upstream of the pumping device in the blood path, and processes the pressure data for detection of a disruption of the blood path downstream of the pumping device, e.g. caused by VND (Venous Needle Dislodgement).

Abstract: An air permeability apparatus has a test head with an opening, a vacuum pump, a clamping arm and an orifice disk that is rotatable around its central axis. The orifice disk is arranged between tubes and the vacuum pump and has a plurality of orifices. The orifice disk has at least one slit, the slit extending from an area of the perimeter of the orifice disk towards a central opening of the orifice disk. The length of the slit overlaps a contact area between a first ending of one of the tubes and the surface of the orifice when the slit is in a cleaning position and/or an air jet nozzle is aimed towards the orifice disk.

Abstract: A method for testing integrity of a hydrophobic, porous diaphragm filter (42) includes arranging the filter (42) in a non-wetted state in a test housing (30) so that the filter (42) divides an upstream housing region (30a) from a downstream housing region (30b), completely filling the upstream housing region (30a) with a test liquid that does not wet the hydrophobic diaphragm filter (42), incompletely filling a reservoir (12) that is connected to a liquid feed line (16) of the test housing (30), charging the reservoir (12) with compressed air at a constant pressure below the intrusion pressure of the filter, and determining a substance flow at the reservoir (12). The substance flow to be determined is a mass flow out of the reservoir (12) determined as a decrease in the overall weight of the reservoir (12).

Abstract: A system and technique for pressure testing a line portion, connection, or other linking piece of unknown leak characteristics. The technique includes applying predetermined pressure to the linking piece to be tested as well as to another of known non-leaking characteristics. Thus, a differential of recorded pressures may be monitored over time and against a predetermined known parameter. For example, an acceptance boundary with a set level of confidence may be established against which the differential may be evaluated. The boundary may be developed by prior testing of known non-leaking characteristics.

Abstract: A device for testing the amount of free fluid in a colloid comprises: a first container, wherein the first container has a central axis that spans the length of the first container, wherein the length of the first container is greater than the width and height of the first container, and wherein the central axis of the first container is oriented in a substantially horizontal position during the testing. Methods of using the device include: optically determining the height of free fluid in the container after the period of time has elapsed and using a formula to determine the volume of the free fluid; or removing a plug from a plug tube that is operationally connected to the container; and draining the free fluid from the container into a measurement device.

Abstract: A method for monitoring a meshing process of a meshing pinion of a starter motor for a vehicle drive, in which an armature of the starter motor is moved by a magnet, has the following steps: detecting a solenoid signal when a solenoid of the magnet is energized in order to obtain a signal profile, in particular a current profile; generating a differential profile by differentiating the signal profile; determining zero crossings in the differential profile; and monitoring the meshing process on the basis of the determined zero crossings.

Abstract: The present invention is a nano wear testing apparatus, which preferably includes a linear motor, nano module assembly, piezoelectric member, load cell, tip mounting shaft, stage, and speaker coil. The linear motor preferably repositions the nano module assembly in close contact to the surface of a test sample, which is generally attached to the stage. The piezoelectric member moves the load cell and tip mounting shaft near the surface of the sample, and the load cell detects a contact load defined in the software application. The piezoelectric member continues to increase the load until the predetermined load for the test is reached. Once reached, the speaker coils shifts the stage at a frequency and stroke length set in the software application. During the test, the load cell and piezoelectric table continuously adjusts to keep a constant load during the test. Once the test is finished, the speaker coil stops and the load is then removed. Generally, load and depth data is recorded during the test.

Abstract: A testing apparatus and a testing method are disclosed. The testing apparatus has a testing assembly. The testing assembly includes a first plate body, a testing paper, and a second plate body. The first plate body has a plurality of pins; the testing paper includes a plurality of first through holes whose locations correspond to the plurality of pins. The second plate body connects with the testing paper and has a plurality of second through holes whose locations correspond to the first through holes for allowing the plurality of pins to pass through the corresponding through holes. A sprayer is located, beneath the second plate body and sprays flux onto the inner wall of each second through hole, and a plurality of wet marks are left on the testing paper for interpretation of the coating quality.

Abstract: A system for sampling drilling fluid to identify one or more species of interest within the drilling fluid includes a heat exchanger. The heat exchanger has a first fluid passage and a second fluid passage. Each fluid passage has an inlet and an outlet. In addition, the system includes a supply line coupled to the inlet of the first fluid passage. Further, the system includes a return line coupled to the outlet of the second fluid passage. Still further, the system includes a drilling fluid heater having an inlet coupled to the outlet of the first fluid passage and an outlet. The system also includes a drilling fluid degasser having an inlet coupled to the outlet of the heater, a first outlet coupled to an analyzer configured to identify the one or more species of interest, and a second outlet coupled to the inlet of the second fluid passage.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides systems, tools, and methods for enhancing a measurement of a property of a solid body or fluid. The systems, tools, and methods may involve an electromagnetic measurement tool that includes a transmitter configured to transmit electromagnetic energy, a receiver configured to receive the electromagnetic energy, and a metamaterial element comprising a negative refractive index. The metamaterial element may focus the electromagnetic energy. The electromagnetic tool may be placed adjacent the solid body or fluid, electromagnetic energy may be transmitted via the transmitter, and the electromagnetic energy may be received with the receiver to measure a property of the solid body or fluid.

Abstract: A tool and a retractable assembly for measuring at least one measured variable of a medium in a containment, comprising: an essentially cylindrical housing; an immersion tube, which is movable axially in the housing between a service position run out from the medium and a process position run into the medium; and an engagement apparatus secured on the housing; wherein a movable piston is provided in the engagement apparatus and at least a first position and a second position of the piston are provided. The engagement apparatus holds the immersion tube in the service position when the piston is located in the first position, especially when no energy supply is present, and the engagement apparatus holds the immersion tube in an intermediate position between the service position and the process position and prevents further movement of the immersion tube in the direction of the medium when the piston is located in the second position.

Abstract: A system for conducting measurements in an environment of a fluid containment and for displaying said measurements in real time is disclosed. The system contains a plurality of sensors including a distance sensor, a gyroscope and optionally a rainfall gauge and a methane sensor. The signals are processed by a communication converter and a central processing unit, then transmitted through an antenna to a receiver containing a modem.

Abstract: The water-level and temperature measurement apparatus 10 includes monitoring devices 121, - - - , 12n that receives n water-level information and n temperature information, measures n water-levels and n temperatures, and determines whether a water-level detection function and a temperature detection function in each channel are lost or not based on electrical physical quantities, by using water-level and temperature detection devices 111, 112, 113, 114 which includes a detection unit 20 to detect water-level information and temperature information from thermocouple and heater wire, and a calculation processing device 13 that obtains at least one water-level measurement result and at least one temperature measurement result by using n water-level measurement results, n temperature measurement results, water-level detection function loss determination result in each channel, and temperature detection function loss determination result in each channel.

Abstract: Disclosed is a humidity sensor including: a conductive material in which electric charges are charged; a charger which charges the electric charges in the conductive material; and a measurer which measures a change amount of the electric charges charged in the conductive material.

Abstract: The magnetic balance is verified of a magnetically-levitated impeller of a centrifugal pump with a pump housing having levitation magnets. The impeller includes embedded magnets and is movable within a chamber in the pump housing between first and second sides of the chamber. The centrifugal pump is mounted on an acceleration fixture while the impeller is held against a predetermined one of the first and second sides by the levitation magnets. A plurality of predetermined accelerations are applied to the acceleration fixture to exert a plurality of different forces of acceleration on the impeller. A determination is made whether the impeller detaches from the predetermined side as a result of each different force of acceleration to identify adjacent forces for which a transition occurs between detaching and not detaching. The transition is compared with a desired retention force to determine whether the pump achieves magnetic balance.