Abstract: In a vehicle drive device, a response to a range change request, during which the drive wheels are rotated in a low or high range, can be smoothly and quickly completed without using a synchronous engaging mechanism. When the range change is requested when the drive wheels are rotated in the low range or in the high range, the control devices disengage a clutch sleeve from a currently engaged gear piece so as to establish a neutral range, and control an output rotational speed of the motor generator such that a difference between an input rotational speed and an output rotational speed of the transmission mechanism is set to be zero, or be equal to or less than a predetermined value. After that, the control devices cause a connection processor to slide the clutch sleeve to be connected to a connection target gear piece.

Abstract: A thermal head including a temperature keeping layer disposed on a substrate, a plurality of heat generating elements formed on the temperature keeping layer, a plurality of individual electrodes connected to the corresponding heat generating elements, a common electrode connected to the heat generating elements, respectively. Each heat generating element includes a heat generating portion formed between one of the individual electrodes and the common electrode. Each of the individual electrodes and the common electrode have a dual layered structure including a lower electrode and an upper electrode, the lower electrode being formed between the temperature keeping layer and one of the heat generating elements, and the upper electrode being formed above the heat generating element.

Abstract: An oral composition comprising (i) at least one phosphate selected from the group consisting of linear polyphosphates of the formula (I):M.sub.n+2 P.sub.n O.sub.3n+l (I)wherein M represents Na or K and N .gtoreq.2, and cyclic polyphosphates of the formula (II):(M'PO.sub.3).sub.m (II)wherein M' represents Na or K and m.gtoreq.3 and (iii) l-menthol, anethol, or the mixture thereof in an aqueous medium. This oral composition has an excellent antibacterial effect and prevents the development of calculus and periodontal diseases.

Abstract: A breathing detection air bag is disclosed, which includes an air bag and a detector. The air bag includes a sponge body capable of being expanded and contracted with contraction and expansion of a pectoral or abdominal part of a person, a sponge cover enclosing the sponge body for preventing air contained in the pores of the sponge body from escaping from the pores, and a flange provided integrally with the edge of the sponge cover and an air guide tube for guiding an air stream caused by the expansion and contraction of the sponge body.

Abstract: A dual slope A/D converter with a zero compensation circuit includes a single power source, an integrator, and a MOS switch constituting the zero compensation circuit and adapted to apply an output voltage to the noninverting input terminal of an operational amplifier constituting the integrator for a zero compensation duration. The A/D converter further includes an amplifier and a MOS transistor with the same characteristics as those of the MOS switch. The gate and source of the MOS transistor are connected to the noninverting input terminal of the operational amplifier. The amplifier doubles a voltage at the noninverting input terminal of the operational amplifier. A doubled voltage is applied to the drain of the MOS transistor.

Abstract: An oral composition for preventing and remedying dentinal hypersensitivity which comprises containing therein aluminum and a carboxylate compound in solubilized state, with the molar ratio of the carboxylate compound to aluminum being lower than 6, and having a pH value higher than 5.

Abstract: A novel form of photoelectric conversion circuit including a photo sensor is provided, which is very limited in response time even at low illuminations and highly valuable for use in automatic cameras. It comprises a comparator for comparing the output voltage of the operational amplifier, connected to the photo sensor, with a reference voltage, and discharging means operable under the control of the comparator quickly to discharge the charge stored in a parastic capacitor of the photo sensor when the circuit is energized for operation.