Abstract: In a method and apparatus for restraining passengers in a retaining passengers in a vehicle upon impact with an obstacle, a possible accident is initially sensed. Thereafter, at the latest, whenever the vehicle first contacts the obstacle, or whenever vehicle deceleration exceeds a threshold, a force acting in the direction of impact is exerted upon the passenger via a seat belt system. The force is introduced by bilateral tensioning of a lap belt of a seat belt system, from both sides at a force of at least 2000-4500 N. The latter is maintained for a retaining phase of at least 20 ms along a displacement path of the passenger.

Abstract: A passenger vehicle restraint system that is capable of being placed in different positions, consisting of an interior defined by a housing and at least one airbag, at least one gas generator for delivering gas to the interior in order to inflate the airbag, at least one controllable outlet provided on the housing which may be closed by a closing element, such that an internal pressure in the interior may be adjusted according to parameters relevant to passenger load during an accident. A restraint system, which is easy to construct and can be manufactured cost-effectively, is provided by an adjustable stop element limiting the opening movement of the closing element, which is coupled to the vehicle seat such that the stop element is displaced according to parameters relevant to passenger load, in order to adjust the outlet cross section defined by the closing element located in its closed position.

Abstract: A rod-shaped light fitting (8) for a showcase, whose length corresponds to the distance between two opposite side surfaces (4, 6) of the showcase which are plane-parallel to one another, comprises a plurality of light-emitting diodes (12) and can be positioned between the said side surfaces (4, 6) in such manner that the contacts (16) fixed in each end (9) of the rod-shaped light fitting (8) and electrically connected to the light-emitting diodes (12) press against the side surfaces (4, 6) under spring loading and at the same time establish electrical connection with the electrically conductive layer provided on the side of the side surfaces (4, 6) facing the inside of the showcase, the said layers being connected to a current source. Such a light fitting can be positioned in any desired position in a showcase to illuminate the objects displayed therein.