Abstract: The present invention includes a linear regulator with a Darlington bipolar output stage. The linear regulator includes a starting circuit, an output stage, and a reference voltage generator connected to a control loop. The starting circuit has output terminals connected to current sources and an input terminal connected to an input reference terminal of the linear regulator via a transistor of the PNP-type. The output stage includes two Darlington-connected transistors. The reference voltage generator supplies a voltage value approximately equal to the chosen output voltage value of the linear regulator. The control loop is configured as a voltage follower, which receives a reference voltage value from the reference voltage generator.

Abstract: A gasoline dispensing system and method according to which one end of a dispensing hose is connected to a source of gasoline, and a nozzle is connected to the other end of the hose for dispensing the gasoline. A conductor is connected to a source of energy to cause the energy to be transmitted flow through the conductor. The conductor extends through the length of the hose and the dispensing of the gasoline is terminated when current ceases to flow through the conductor as a result of it breaking in response to a drive-off, or the like.

Abstract: An electronic convergence device system, such as a PC/TV adapted to operate in a computer mode and a TV mode. When switching and/or operating in TV mode the top-most windows from the computer mode applications are inhibited from interfering with the TV mode experience.