Abstract: A sense transistor is placed in a current path between a reference voltage source and ground. The base terminal of the sense transistor is coupled to the base terminal of an amplifying transistor. Thus, current in the sense transistor corresponds to signal power output by the amplifying transistor. The sense current causes a sense voltage at the collector terminal of the sense transistor. This sense voltage is applied to one input of an error amplifier. The other error amplifier input receives a power control voltage. The error amplifier output is routed back to the base terminal of the amplifying transistor in a negative feedback loop, thereby keeping the power of the signal output by the amplifying transistor at a constant level. In some embodiments the error amplifier output is made independent of changes in the reference voltage. Multiple pairs of corresponding amplifying and sense transistors can be used.

Abstract: Equipment on automotive vehicle is controlled by a system including at least one semiconductor light sensor having variable sensitivity to light. Each light sensor generates a light signal indicative of the intensity of light incident on the light sensor. Control logic varies the sensitivity of the light sensor and generates equipment control signals based on received light signals. Sensitivity of light sensors may be varied by changing the integration time for producing charge from light incident on light transducers, by selecting between light transducers of different sensitivity within the light sensor, by using a light transducer with a sensitivity that is a function of the amount of incident light, and the like. Controlled equipment includes devices such as automatically dimming rearview mirrors, headlamps, and moisture removal means.

Abstract: A method of assessing risk of an individual for a disease is disclosed. A level of a marker for the disease is detected, and the risk of disease is computed from a statistical analysis of the marker level distributions for tested normal and diseased populations, using multivariate distributions. The computed risk is compared to thresholds to triage the individual into a normal, borderline, or elevated risk group, and a course of action based on the risk group is determined. Memory storing a program for execution on a data processing system, as well as a computer system comprising said memory is also disclosed, the memory comprising a receiver for signals representative of levels of a marker for the disease; a central processing unit for computing risk of disease from one or more levels of the marker, and for comparing the computed risk to thresholds to triage the individual; and storage medium for the marker levels for subsequent computations of risk of disease.

Abstract: A unitary compact water pipe construction wherein a chamber is provided in the solid unitary pipe body and the pipe stem bore communicates with this chamber. A liquid container having a top opening or mouth is provided in sealed engagement with the chamber such that the interior of the container is exposed to the chamber in a sealed relationship, and a tube communicates the interior of the pipe bowl with the interior of the container. Portions of the container are transparent so that the interior of the container is revealed through the walls of the unitary pipe body, and an access is provided to gain access to the interior of the container in order to fill the same with water or some other desired liquid.

Abstract: Method of regulating and reducing the oxygen content of a molten copper-containing metal supply for a continuous metal casting process which comprises passing a metal core member through a body of molten metal and thereby accreting and solidifying molten metal on the core member. The method comprises the application of a mixture of gases comprising hydrogen and nitrogen to the molten metal supply to reduce the oxygen contents thereof.