Abstract: A dual-rate jounce bumper limits jounce travel between a first component and a second component of a vehicle. The second component is spaced from and moveable toward the first component along a jounce axis. The dual-rate jounce bumper includes a bumper and an outer member. The bumper has a first end for coupling to the first component and a second end spaced from the first end for contacting the second component as the second component moves along the jounce axis toward the first component. The bumper is compressible between the first and second components for limiting jounce travel. The bumper is also radially expandable as the bumper is compressed. The outer member is disposed about the bumper and is capable of limiting the radial expansion of the bumper as the bumper is compressed for increasing a stiffness of the bumper.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a control device for controlling a direct current generated in a photovoltaic system. The control device is configured to alternately enable a current flow through the photovoltaic system for a first time interval and at least to reduce the current flow for a second time interval. The invention further relates to a photovoltaic system comprising such a control device as well as to a method for controlling a direct current generated in a photovoltaic system.

Abstract: A dual-rate jounce bumper limits jounce travel between a first component and a second component of a vehicle. The second component is spaced from and moveable toward the first component along a jounce axis. The dual-rate jounce bumper includes a bumper and an outer member. The bumper has a first end for coupling to the first component and a second end spaced from the first end for contacting the second component as the second component moves along the jounce axis toward the first component. The bumper is compressible between the first and second components for limiting jounce travel. The bumper is also radially expandable as the bumper is compressed. The outer member is disposed about the bumper and is capable of limiting the radial expansion of the bumper as the bumper is compressed for increasing a stiffness of the bumper.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a control device for controlling a direct current generated in a photovoltaic system. The control device is configured to alternately enable a current flow through the photovoltaic system for a first time interval and at least to reduce the current flow for a second time interval. The invention further relates to a photovoltaic system comprising such a control device as well as to a method for controlling a direct current generated in a photovoltaic system.