Abstract: Dihydrochalcones of the formula ##STR1## are disclosed wherein X is H or OH and R is a lower alkyl. These materials are useful as sweeteners for edibles. A process for preparing these compounds using a novel intermediate is disclosed as are acid and base neutralization products of the subject dihydrochalcones.

Abstract: In the production of varistors, diode chips are cut from a p-n sheet-diffused semiconductor wafer. Instead of having conventional rectangular shapes, the chips have a rhomboidal shape. This makes the shape of the chips asymmetric in that one surface of each chip becomes a distinguishable mirror image of its other surface. The direction of the p-n junction in the wafer is oriented with respect to the shape of the chips to be cut to place the same conductivity type region adjacent to the same rhomboidal shape of the surface. As a result, the polarity of the chips, or the direction in which the p-n junctions are oriented within the chips, becomes identifiable by the shape of the chips. This substantially aids in sorting, inspecting, assembling and other handling operations performed on the chip. The chips can, for instance, be inspected visually to determine whether the p-type or the n-type doped portion of the chips are facing away from a supporting surface.

Abstract: In the production of varistors, diode chips are cut from a p-n sheet diffused semiconductor wafer. Instead of having conventional rectangular shapes, the chips have a rhomboidal shape. This makes the shape of the chips asymmetric in that one surface of each chip becomes a distinguishable mirror image of its other surface. The direction of the p-n junction in the wafer is oriented with respect to the shape of the chips to be cut to place the same conductivity type region adjacent to the same rhomboidal shape of the surface. As a result, the polarity of the chips, or the direction in which the p-n junctions are oriented within the chips, becomes identifiable by the shape of the chips. This substantially aids in sorting, inspecting, assembling and other handling operations performed on the chip. The chips can, for instance, be inspected visually to determine whether the p-type or the n-type doped portion of the chips are facing away from a supporting surface.

Abstract: An electrical applicator for applying currents that cause repeated involuntary contractions of the pubococcygeous muscle. The repeated current applications are used to treat muscle structures that have been damaged during childbirth and/or weakened from disuse, and which have contributed to the pathological formation of cyctocoel, rectocoel, uterine prolapse, and bladder malfunctions. A probe is provided which is connected to a pulse generator that applies trains of pulses at intervals such as every two seconds, every train lasting for about one second and containing pulses of a repetition rate such as 200 pulses per second. The apparatus further includes means for sensing the intensity of muscle contractions.