Abstract: There is provided a method of automatically supervising a transfer operation of a transfer device including an optical sensor, the optical sensor having a light emitting part and a light receiving part provided in a head of a holding part for holding a substrate, the method including: acquiring a change in intensity of a first reflected light reflected off a first object by radiating a light from the light emitting part toward the first object below the holding part and receiving the first reflected light reflected off the first object by the light receiving part, while horizontally moving the holding part; and specifying an end position of the first object based on the change in intensity of the first reflected light.

Abstract: There is provided a method of automatically supervising a transfer operation of a transfer device including an optical sensor, the optical sensor having a light emitting part and a light receiving part provided in a head of a holding part for holding a substrate, the method including: acquiring a change in intensity of a first reflected light reflected off a first object by radiating a light from the light emitting part toward the first object below the holding part and receiving the first reflected light reflected off the first object by the light receiving part, while horizontally moving the holding part; and specifying an end position of the first object based on the change in intensity of the first reflected light.

Abstract: A vehicle occupant knee protection apparatus for protecting the knees of an occupant when collision energy acts on a vehicle. The occupant knee protection apparatus comprises a knee protection member, a contact force detector, a controller, and a drive unit. The knee protection member is disposed in an opposable position to knees of an occupant seated in a vehicle seat. The contact force detector detects the contact force of the knees on the knee protection member. The controller performs control that reduces the contact force to a force control target value and that maintains the reduced value. The drive unit moves the knee protection member in the front/rear direction of the vehicle on the basis of an output signal from the controller.

Abstract: A vehicle occupant knee protection apparatus for protecting the knees of an occupant when collision energy acts on a vehicle. The occupant knee protection apparatus comprises a knee protection member, a contact force detector, a controller, and a drive unit. The knee protection member is disposed in an opposable position to knees of an occupant seated in a vehicle seat. The contact force detector detects the contact force of the knees on the knee protection member. The controller performs control that reduces the contact force to a force control target value and that maintains the reduced value. The drive unit moves the knee protection member in the front/rear direction of the vehicle on the basis of an output signal from the controller.

Abstract: The present invention relates to wheat starch which reaches the peak viscosity at 75 to 85.degree. C. and whose amylose content is 0.8% or more and 2.5% or less, as well as to foods containing the same. Wheat flour which is of glutinous properties and excellent in viscosity stability is provided.