Example embodiments associated with NMR fingerprinting are described. One example NMR apparatus includes an NMR logic that repetitively and variably samples a (k, t, E) space associated with an object to acquire a set of NMR signals that are associated with different points in the (k, t, E) space. Sampling is performed with t and/or E varying in a non-constant way. Sampling is performed in response to a fast imaging with steady state free precession (MRF-FISP) pulse sequence having an unbalanced gradient that dephases transverse magnetization. The NMR apparatus may also include a signal logic that produces an NMR signal evolution from the NMR signals, and a characterization logic that characterizes a resonant species in the object as a result of comparing acquired signals to reference signals. The unbalanced gradient in the MRF-FISP pulse sequence reduces sensitivity to B0 in homogeneity.

A wire electrical discharge machine includes: a supporting member for relatively moving a wire electrode relative to a measurement target; servomotors for moving the supporting member; a setting changer for changing the setting of a directive speed; and a motor controller that controls the servomotors in performing move-and-contact detection for detecting contact between the wire electrode and the measurement target by moving the two relative to each other, so that the wire electrode is moved relative to the measurement target based on the directive speed changed and specified by the setting changer.

A wire electrical discharge machine includes: a supporting member for relatively moving a wire electrode relative to a measurement target; servomotors for moving the supporting member; a setting changer for changing the setting of a directive speed; and a motor controller that controls the servomotors in performing move-and-contact detection for detecting contact between the wire electrode and the measurement target by moving the two relative to each other, so that the wire electrode is moved relative to the measurement target based on the directive speed changed and specified by the setting changer.

The probe apparatus has a probe (first metal plate) as a signal terminal and a probe (second metal plate) as a ground terminal. A probe holder has a holder main body formed of a conductor, clamps that are formed of a dielectric and capable of clamping the probes, and a fixing member and a male screw (or fixture) capable of fixing both clamps, which have clamped the probes, to the holder main body. The probes are clamped by the two clamps in a state where the probes have been aligned along the plate surface direction, parts at front-end portion sides of the probes protrude from the two clamps, and the parts at front-end portion sides are capable of elastic deformation along the plate thickness direction.

Circuits and methods for testing wafers are disclosed herein. An embodiment of a method includes electrically contacting a first probe and a second probe to a wafer. A gas is blown in the areas proximate the first probe and the second probe. An electric potential is then applied between the first probe and the second probe while the gas is being blown.

A method of estimating electric motor speed. The method determines whether a sequential cycle of the electric motor has occurred. The method calculates a correction factor for each of the Hall states. Where a sequential cycle of the electric motor has occurred, the method also calculates an update quality factor for the correction factors of the sequential cycle. The method updates the correction factors utilizing the update quality factor. Utilizing the updated correction factors, the method updates the electric motor speed signal.

A method of estimating electric motor speed. The method determines whether a sequential cycle of the electric motor has occurred. The method calculates a correction factor for each of the Hall states. Where a sequential cycle of the electric motor has occurred, the method also calculates an update quality factor for the correction factors of the sequential cycle. The method updates the correction factors utilizing the update quality factor. Utilizing the updated correction factors, the method updates the electric motor speed signal.

A power storage management system, a power storage apparatus, a power storage management method are provided. The power storage management system includes a receiver part, a sender identifying part, a memory part and a deterioration degree estimating part. The sender identifying part identifies an external apparatus that transmitted a control signal received by the receiver part. The memory part stores apparatus information related to the external apparatus identified by the sender identifying part and power storage status information related to the status change of the power storage apparatus caused by charging or discharging performed according to the control signal transmitted from the external apparatus. The deterioration degree estimating part estimates the deterioration degree of the power storage apparatus to which a charge/discharge control is performed according to the control signal transmitted from the sender apparatus based on the apparatus information and the power storage status information.

A power storage management system, a power storage apparatus, a power storage management method are provided. The power storage management system includes a receiver part, a sender identifying part, a memory part and a deterioration degree estimating part. The sender identifying part identifies an external apparatus that transmitted a control signal received by the receiver part. The memory part stores apparatus information related to the external apparatus identified by the sender identifying part and power storage status information related to the status change of the power storage apparatus caused by charging or discharging performed according to the control signal transmitted from the external apparatus. The deterioration degree estimating part estimates the deterioration degree of the power storage apparatus to which a charge/discharge control is performed according to the control signal transmitted from the sender apparatus based on the apparatus information and the power storage status information.

A probe card includes a substrate module having an installation hole and a first stair-shaped structure provided on two stairs thereof with a first connection surface and a first transmission surface having a first contact pad, a probe module having a probe and a second stair-shaped structure provided on two stairs thereof with a second connection surface and a second transmission surface having a second contact pad electrically connected with the probe, and a pressing member. The probe module is disposed in the installation hole so that the first and second connection surfaces are connected and the first and second transmission surfaces are opposite. The pressing member is detachably pressed on the probe module to press the second connection surface against the first connection surface and make the first and second contact pads electrically connected.