Abstract: A first MOS transistor of a specific conductive type and a second MOS transistor of the specific conductive type are combined in an electrostatic circuit protection. In the first MOS transistor, a drain thereof is connected to an output terminal or an input terminal and a source thereof is connected to a first power terminal. The first MOS transistor is turned on/off by a signal received by a gate or ordinarily turned off by holding the gate at a specific potential. In the second MOS transistor of the specific conductive type, a drain thereof is connected to the output terminal or the input terminal and a source thereof is connected to a gate of the first MOS transistor. The second MOS transistor is ordinarily turned off by connecting a gate thereof to the first power terminal.

Abstract: The spectral energy characteristic of a discharge lamp is controlled by changing the density of the fill substance. The spectral characteristic can be shifted while substantially maintaining its shape by changing the density of the fill. A sulfur or selenium containing discharge lamp which is operated at a pressure of at least about 1 atmosphere contains a low ionization potential substance in the fill. Characteristics which are improved are one or more of spatial color uniformity, extinguishing characteristics, and bulb starting reliability. Particular substances which are added to the fill are alkali metal containing substances, III B metal containing substances, and alkaline earth metal containing substances. When light is reflected back into the bulb, the light which is re-emitted is stronger in the higher wavelengths.

Abstract: In a microwave powered electrodeless lamp, a single rotary motor is used to a) rotate the bulb and b) provide rotary motion to a blower or pump means for providing cooling fluid to the magnetron and/or to a forced gas cooling for providing cooler gas to the bulb. The blower may consist of only of an impeller without the usual blower housing. The motor, bulb stem and bulb, or motor, bulb stem, bulb and blower may be formed as an integral unit so as to facilitate replacement.

Abstract: In grid-type aeration systems with diffusers mounted and spaced longitudinally along air distribution conduits that are submerged in wastewater and secured to and above the floors of aeration tanks, such conduits are provided with couplings having first and second matingly compatible coupling sections of synthetic polymeric material adapted for relative rotation with respect to each other, at least one locking projection having a fixed position with respect to one of the coupling sections, and a locking receptacle array including locking receptacles having a fixed position with respect to the other coupling section. The projection and receptacles are relatively moveable in the coupling for motion from a non-engaged condition to an engaged condition during make up of the coupling.

Abstract: A diaphragm valve for controlling a flow of gaseous or liquid fluid and including a valve housing having a valve chamber, into which opens a central channel and on each side thereof a first side channel and a second side channel, respectively, each having an external connection for fluid, valve seats arranged in the housing, an elastic diaphragm adapted to be brought into and away from sealing contact with at least one of the valve seats and controls for actuating the diaphragm. At least one portion of each valve seat is common to the central channel and one of the side channels. Two controls are arranged to press the diaphragm against one such portion each, thereby to shut off the passage of fluid between the central channel and the respective side channel, and to raise one portion each of the diaphragm off the respective portion of the valve seat thereby to open passage of flow between the central channel and the respective side channel.

Abstract: An integrated capacitive transducer (1) which includes a membrane having a movable part (4) with an electrode, a fixed plate (6) with a counter-electrode (8), and an electrode and counter-electrode support structure (10). The fixed plate (6) also has an electret (30) which is disposed facing the movable part (4), is separated from the membrane by an open space (16), and has a first electrically conductive layer (32) embedded in an insulating material (34, 36). The invention has particular applications in hearing aids.

Abstract: A device for closing a boot, in particular a ski boot, designed to hold two sections of the boot together and comprising, first, a control lever carried by a plate made integral with one of the sections to be joined together, and second, on the other section, a rack, in one of the teeth of which a hooking device is designed to be engaged, this device being connected to the control lever by an inextensible tie rod. The hooking device has two hooking ends and is connected to the tie rod by a connection block on a pin belonging to which it rotates asymmetrically in a plane substantially parallel to that of the boot surface, the hooking ends being equipped with catches.

Abstract: This microsystem enables a phenomenon, whose evolution over time is random, to be analyzed. It comprises means for reducing its consumption of energy which acts via a modification of the operating features of the microsystem, the effect of this modification being the passage of said microsystem from an active state to at least one other state, for example a stand-by state. A phenomenon detecting device (30 to 50) generates a representative signal (V.sub.out) which represents the evolution of the phenomenon over time. The representative signal is provided for utilization at an output terminal (37). The microsystem also comprises a threshold circuit (36) connected to the detecting device (30 to 35) and the output terminal (37) for subjecting the representative signal (V.sub.out) to a comparison with a predetermined threshold and for generating a corresponding comparison signal ("mod").