Abstract: Methods for controlling a vehicle system in which radiation is directed from a transducer into the passenger compartment and is reflected off or modified by an object in the passenger compartment and received by the same or a different transducer. When ultrasonic waves are used, one or more techniques are used to compensate for thermal gradients in the passenger compartment and/or enable the use of a single transducer to send and receive waves, for example, a tubular mounting structure for the transducers, electronic reduction of ringing of the transducer, mechanical damping of the transducer cone, shaped horns, grills and reflectors for the output of the transducers to precisely control the beam pattern, a logarithmic compression amplifier, a temperature compensation method based on change in transducer properties with temperature and/or a dual level network, one level for categorization and the second for occupant position sensing.

Abstract: An apparatus for preventing the operation of machinery such as a motor vehicle by an operator who is intoxicated, such apparatus including an alcohol sensor and a proximity sensor located in the control area of the machinery.

Abstract: Diode chips (44) are cut from a p-n sheet-diffused semiconductor wafer (41). Instead of having conventional rectangular shapes, the chips have a rhomboidal shape. This makes the shape of the chips asymmetric in that one surface (46) of each chip becomes a distinguishable mirror image of its other surface (47). 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. The shape of the chips (44) thereby aids apparatus (59) to sort the chips into two groups, each group consisting of chips of the same polarity or orientation of their p-n junctions with respect to a common support plane. The apparatus (59) includes a feed track (60) leading to a fork (61) in the track.

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.