Abstract: Compositions comprising highly crystalline propylene polymer having an nmr tacticity index of at least 94, wood fiber, and, optionally, a functionalized olefin polymer such as maleated polypropylene exhibit substantial improvement in resistance to moisture and excellent creep properties, particularly at elevated temperatures. Such compositions are particularly useful in providing extruded outdoor building components such as decking.

Abstract: A vehicle power supply management system includes a load absorbing device (28, 32, 34) that absorbs an excess voltage from the vehicle battery (24). Under circumstances, such as at vehicle shutdown when an excess voltage spike occurs at the battery, the load absorbing device is selectively coupled to the battery to absorb the excess voltage and protect other electronic components on the vehicle. In one example, a comparator (44) compares the voltage on the battery (24) to a preselected threshold value (46). Whenever the battery voltage exceeds the threshold, the inventive arrangement selectively couples a load absorbing device, such as a plurality of glow plugs (28), heating elements within a vehicle seat (32) or a window defrost unit (34), for example, to the vehicle battery (24) to absorb the excess voltage.

Abstract: A circuit protects from overcurrent conditions and detects an open electrical load. A microprocessor has at least one microprocessor terminal that is configurable as an output for generating a command signal to an electrical load and as an input for monitoring the condition of the electrical load. A first transistor is operatively connected to the microprocessor terminal and has an output to be connected to the electrical load. The first transistor has ON and OFF states. A second transistor is powered from a power supply and is connected to the first transistor and the microprocessor terminal. The second transistor is operative to generate an output logic signal back to the microprocessor and to latch the first transistor into one of either ON or OFF states under normal load conditions responsive to the receipt of a command signal from the microprocessor, and to maintain the first transistor in an OFF state upon an abnormal overcurrent condition through the first transistor.