Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include a transistor comprising a gate region and an epitaxial region, the transistor comprising a frontside opposite a backside.

Abstract: An electrical switch includes a first conductive terminal having a first contact portion, a second conductive terminal having a second contact portion, and a moveable body moveable from a first position, in which the first and second contact portions are electrically disconnected, to a second position, in which the first and second contact portions are electrically connected. The first and second contact surfaces are cylinders parallel to respectively the first and second contact portions, such that the second contact surface freely goes through the first contact portion, the first contact surface enters in connection with the first contact portion simultaneously to the moment when the second contact surface enters in connection with the second contact portion, and at least one of the first and second surfaces and the corresponding one of the first and second contact portions are arranged so that the moveable body is maintained in the second position.

Abstract: The improved steering apparatus is an invention that increases vehicular operational safety by providing means for a vehicle operator to control various vehicle functions and accessories while keeping both hands on the steering apparatus. The apparatus also automatically provides for the display of a variety of driver relevant information including automatic live video (160) feed of blind spots, rear vehicle cabin area, and road sign information (320), by displaying the information on the steering apparatus mounted video screen. The apparatus includes a built-in speaker (170) and is controlled by either voice commands or by a touching of the touch activatable video display screen (160).

Abstract: An electrical switch includes a first conductive terminal having a first contact portion, a second conductive terminal having a second contact portion, and a moveable body moveable from a first position, in which the first and second contact portions are electrically disconnected, to a second position, in which the first and second contact portions are electrically connected. The first and second contact surfaces are cylinders parallel to respectively the first and second contact portions, such that the second contact surface freely goes through the first contact portion, the first contact surface enters in connection with the first contact portion simultaneously to the moment when the second contact surface enters in connection with the second contact portion, and at least one of the first and second surfaces and the corresponding one of the first and second contact portions are arranged so that the moveable body is maintained in the second position.

Abstract: An inflator including an initiator and a bulkhead molded around the initiator. The inflator includes a housing formed of two overlapping housing portions mechanically coupled together around a portion of the bulkhead. One of the housing portions includes cut tabs that are crimped into cut receivers of the other housing portion.

Abstract: There are disclosed systems and methods of debriding tissue. In an embodiment, a system includes a bone tube having an opening sized to receive a bone with tissue disposed thereon, the opening of the bone tube sized to exclude entry of an operator's hand; a spray nozzle configured to emit a water jet into the bone tube; and an outlet from the bone tube. In another embodiment, a method includes assembling a sterile debridement system; placing a sterile mesh bag over a bone tube having an opening sized to receive a bone with tissue disposed thereon, the opening of the bone tube sized to exclude entry of an operator's hand; inserting one end of a bone into the bone tube; actuating a spray nozzle directed into the bone tube, and the water jet configured to debride tissue from the bone within the bone tube. Other embodiments are also disclosed.

Abstract: A relief valve is provided and may include a housing having a first inlet port and a second inlet port. An initiator may be disposed within the housing and an engagement member may be slideably disposed within the housing and may be moveable between a retracted position and an extended position under force of the initiator. The engagement member may include a first bore aligned with the first inlet port in the extended position and a second bore aligned with the second inlet port in the extended position.

Abstract: An inflator including an initiator and a bulkhead molded around the initiator. The inflator includes a housing formed of two overlapping housing portions mechanically coupled together around a portion of the bulkhead. One of the housing portions includes cut tabs that are crimped into cut receivers of the other housing portion.

Abstract: An inflator including an initiator and a bulkhead molded around the initiator. The inflator includes a housing formed of two overlapping housing portions mechanically coupled together around a portion of the bulkhead. One of the housing portions includes cut tabs that are crimped into cut receivers of the other housing portion.

Abstract: A linear seat belt pretensioner includes a housing with a sealed axial cavity and a piston (52, 152, 232, 352, 452) slidable in the cavity. A gas generator (76, 166, 156, 376, 476) deploys into the axial cavity, thereby propelling the piston outward. Because the axial cavity is well sealed, the arrangement retains the gas pressure upon deployment and is capable of a restart after a partial displacement if additional slack develops. The piston travels by a distance (X) corresponding to the piston travel and shortens the length of seat belt webbing available outside the pretensioner device by twice or thrice the distance (2X). The axial cavity can be sealed with a bladder element, such as a rolling sock (38). Alternatively, the seal may be established by a hollow piston (152) forming a ballistic seal with the wall of the cavity under pressure.

Abstract: A depth to which an inflatable airbag can deploy may varied by internal tethers. If the tethers are coupled to a release assembly, then in an unreleased state, the tethers can limit the depth of airbag deployment; however, if the tethers are released, the airbag can deploy of a full depth.

Abstract: A depth to which an inflatable airbag can deploy may varied by internal tethers. If the tethers are coupled to a release assembly, then in an unreleased state, the tethers can limit the depth of airbag deployment; however, if the tethers are released, the airbag can deploy of a full depth.

Abstract: A separation fastener assembly includes a housing defining a cavity. A frangible nut is disposed in the cavity. The nut includes a plurality of nut segments. The one-piece frangible nut greatly reduces existing assembly problems and difficulties. Adjacent nut segments are interconnected at fracture lines. A bolt has an end coupled to the nut. A movable element is disposed in the housing and movable from a first position to a second position. In the first position, the nut segments are restrained from radial expansion. In the second position the nut segments are permitted to radially expand for releasing the fastener assembly.

Abstract: A depth to which an inflatable airbag can deploy may be varied by internal tethers. If the tethers are coupled to a release assembly, then in an unreleased state, the tethers can limit the depth of airbag deployment; however, if the tethers are released, the airbag can deploy of a full depth.

Abstract: A depth to which an inflatable airbag can deploy may varied by internal tethers. If the tethers are coupled to a release assembly, then in an unreleased state, the tethers can limit the depth of airbag deployment; however, if the tethers are released, the airbag can deploy of a full depth.

Abstract: A depth to which an inflatable airbag can deploy may be varied by internal tethers. If the tethers are coupled to a release assembly, then in an unreleased state, the tethers can limit the depth of airbag deployment; however, if the tethers are released, the airbag can deploy of a full depth.

Abstract: A depth to which an inflatable airbag can deploy may varied by internal tethers. If the tethers are coupled to a release assembly, then in an unreleased state, the tethers can limit the depth of airbag deployment; however, if the tethers are released, the airbag can deploy of a full depth.

Abstract: An inflator including an initiator and a bulkhead molded around the initiator. The inflator includes a housing formed of two overlapping housing portions mechanically coupled together around a portion of the bulkhead. One of the housing portions includes cut tabs that are crimped into cut receivers of the other housing portion.

Abstract: A separation fastener assembly includes a housing defining a cavity. A frangible nut is disposed in the cavity. The nut includes a plurality of nut segments. The one-piece frangible nut greatly reduces existing assembly problems and difficulties. Adjacent nut segments are interconnected at fracture lines. A bolt has an end coupled to the nut. A movable element is disposed in the housing and movable from a first position to a second position. In the first position, the nut segments are restrained from radial expansion. In the second position the nut segments are permitted to radially expand for releasing the fastener assembly.

Abstract: An inflatable cushion assembly for deployment in a vehicle. The assembly has an inflator, an inflatable cushion, and particles of a stop leak material. Upon deployment, the stop leak material becomes temporarily dispersed by and suspended in inflation gas such that the cushion is rendered less porous to inflation gas.