Abstract: A vertical MOS semiconductor device exhibits a high breakdown voltage and low on-resistance, reduces the tradeoff relation between the on-resistance and the breakdown voltage, and realizes high speed switching. The semiconductor device has a breakdown-voltage sustaining layer, such as an n-type drift layer, and a well region, such as a p-type well region, in the breakdown-voltage sustaining layer. The resistivity &rgr; (&OHgr;cm) of the breakdown-voltage layer is within a range expressed in terms of the breakdown voltage Vbr (V). The semiconductor device also has stripe shaped surface drain regions that extend from the well region and are surrounded by the well region. The surface area ratio between surface drain regions and the well region, which includes the source region, is from 0.01 to 0.2.

Abstract: In an instrument panel arrangement, a first permanent fixture is attached a second permanent fixture via a latch mechanism including a latch member engaging the first permanent fixture to the second permanent fixture and a handle member for selectively disengaging the latch member. The latch system allows the first and second permanent fixtures to be installed and removed in a simple manner, and this not only simplifies the assembly and maintenance work, but also facilitates the work in separating component parts for recycling when discarding or scrapping the automobile.

Abstract: To facilitate the mounting and removing an automotive air bag system to and from a vehicle body, the air bag system comprises a detachable hinge formed between a part of the air bag housing and a fixed member of a vehicle body, and a releasable latch device provided in the housing. The latch device is adapted to latch onto a striker member integrally formed in the fixed member in a detachable manner. Thus, the mounting of the air bag system can be easily accomplished by first engaging the hinge, and then latching the latch device onto the striker member. The removal of the air bag system can be accomplished equally easily by reversing this process.

Abstract: In an instrument panel arrangement, a first permanent fixture is attached a second permanent fixture via a latch mechanism including a latch member engaging the first permanent fixture to the second permanent fixture and a handle member for selectively disengaging the latch member. The latch system allows the first and second permanent fixtures to be installed and removed in a simple manner, and this not only simplifies the assembly and maintenance work, but also facilitates the work in separating component parts for recycling when discarding or scrapping the automobile.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to effectively prevent "load short-circuit breakdown" of a power Darlington transistor. When a potential different between a base BX and emitter E at a final stage of a power Darlington transistor (20) is at a specified level of voltage determined by base-emitter forward voltage of a protective bipolar transistor (32), the protective bipolar transistor (32) turns on, and accordingly, base current I.sub.B at an initial stage of the power Darlington transistor (20) is bypassed to the emitter E at the final stage. Hence, excessive rising of collector current I.sub.C of the Darlington transistor (20) is suppressed, and "load short-circuit breakdown" is prevented.

Abstract: A floor structure for indoor artificial skiing ground comprises, a concrete base plate constructed on foundations, a first waterproof covering disposed on the base plate, a heat insulation layer located on the first waterproof covering, a second waterproof covering disposed on the heat insulation layer, a concrete pressing plate location on the second waterproof covering, and a plurality of drainage grooves formed on top of the pressing plate.Another floor structure for indoor artificial skiing ground comprises, a concrete base plate constructed on foundations, a first waterproof covering disposed on the base plate, a heat insulation layer located on the first waterproof covering, a second waterproof covering disposed on the heat insulation layer, and a slip preventive layer located on the second waterproof covering.

Abstract: A method for artificially producing snow, which is used for an indoor skiing facility. The method comprises maintaining an inside temperature of the indoor skiing facility of 0.degree. C. or less and blowing air and water with an air-water ratio of 300 to 3000 Nm.sup.3 /m.sup.3 in volume from a plurality of two-fluid spraying nozzles to generate and spread waterdrops of a particle size of 5 to 200 .mu.m, into the indoor skiing facility. The spray nozzles are disposed adjacent an upper portion of a cover enclosure of the indoor skiing facility. An apparatus for artificially producing snow. The apparatus comprising an indoor skiing facility having a floor and a cover enclosure comprising a ceiling and side walls. The cover enclosure and the floor are made from an insulating material. Holes are provided for blowing cold air into the indoor skiing facilities. The holes for blowing air are disposed adjacent an upper portion of the cover enclosure.

Abstract: A method for producing snow comprises producing a group of waterdrops by jetting water or water together with compressed air from a nozzle into the atmosphere of 0.degree. C. or less, and freezing the group of waterdrops jetted by applying ultrasonic waves to the group of waterdrops. An apparatus for producing snow comprises a jetting apparatus for producing a group of waterdrops by jetting water or water together with compressed air into the atmosphere of 0.degree. C. or less, and an ultrasonic wave generator for applying ultrasonic waves to the group of waterdrops jetted by the jetting apparatus.

Abstract: This invention relates to a hydrated adhesive gel using a product which is obtained by reacting an aqueous solution consisting essentially of protein having amino groups at the side chains thereof, a gelling retarder, and a hydrophilic tackifier with a N-hydroxyimidoester compound.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing ice comprising the steps of: supplying gas into a pressure-resistant vessel containing ice grains, the pressure of the supplied gas being kept increased; applying a press force to the ice grains to increase the density of the ice grains, contact portions of the ice grains being allowed to be melted; and cooling the ice grains, in the pressed state, to freeze the ice grains. Gas to be introduced into the vessel is at least one selected from those of air, oxygen and carbon dioxide. An apparatus used for the method is also provided.