Abstract: In an ignition circuit for igniting a plasma fed with alternating power in a gas discharge chamber, having two line sections for connection to an alternating power source and at least one line section for connection to a housing earth of the gas discharge chamber, at least one series connection of a non-linear element and an energy store is connected between the line sections for connection to an alternating power source, and the line section for connection to a housing earth of the gas discharge chamber is connected to a connection node between an energy store and a non-linear element.

Abstract: A retractable hardtop system with a rigid front panel and a rear portion including a pair of C-pillars and a central window panel therebetween has the window panel hingedly linked to the C-pillars and the C-pillars hingedly linked to both the vehicle body and the front panel. In a retracted position, a portion of the central window panel is articulated to an elevated position with respect to the C-pillars in order to increase usable space below the retracted system.

Abstract: A retractable hardtop system is designed for a vehicle with a passenger compartment and a storage area behind the passenger compartment. The system has an extended position wherein it defines a roof over the passenger compartment and a retracted position wherein at least a portion of the hardtop system is disposed in the storage area. The system includes a support assembly for supporting the remainder of the hardtop and interconnecting with the vehicle body. A generally rigid front panel has a forward edge and a rearward edge. The forward edge interconnects with the windshield header and the front panel defines a portion of the roof over the passenger compartment when the system is in the extended position. A rear portion is disposed rearwardly of the front panel and defines the remainder of the roof over the passenger compartment when the system is in the extended position. The rear portion includes a central window panel having a pair of C-pillars.