Abstract: A connection member between a given number of n distinct parallel paths (V.sub.1 to V.sub.n) and a common path (V.sub.0) comprises, for establishing the 2.sup.n distinct combinations of connections between this common path and the n distinct paths, 2.sup.n-1 connection arms distributed along a circle around the central part of the member in 2.sup.n-1 positions among 2.sup.n possible positions. The 2.sup.n-1 positions are chosen such that the successive switching steps along a circular path of this member establish successively each of these 2.sup.n distinct combinations of possible connections between the common path and the n parallel paths.

Abstract: A station identification system comprising a central interrogating station (10) and M local stations (100, 200), etc. arranged in parallel with each other along a transmission bus (20) which connects them to said central station. Each local station is adapted to receive the interrogation signal supplied by the output stage of the central station (10) and to return a specific answer signal to this station. The answer signal represents the state of one or a plurality of detection circuits in said station. Each local station comprises a sequential loading circuit for the temporary storage of a digital identification word specific to each station, an encoder wheel (122) whose N outputs enable said N-bit identification word to be defined, 2.sup.

Abstract: A d.c./a.c. converter synthesizes an alternating voltage by suitably and at the correct instants selectively combining a plurality of direct voltage sources into a variety of series connections by means of a plurality of semiconductor controlled switches and diodes. Polarity inversion is effected with a bridge circuit comprising switches. The converter load is connected to said bridge circuit. In this way it is possible to directly generate a 220 V, 50 Hz AC voltage without inductive elements, from solar panels, using accumulator batteries.

Abstract: A peak detector for electrical signal peaks including a capacitor which is charged, via a rectifying element, to a voltage corresponding to the peak value. At the end of the peak a discharging element connected parallel to the capacitor is activated for a predetermined period of time, with the result that the capacitor is discharged over a fixed fraction of its peak voltage. At the end of the predetermined period of time, the discharging element is reactivated, with the result that a substantially constant voltage remains as a reference level.