Abstract: Backrests of a rear seat system are attached to a cross member which extends between the wheel housings of the rear structure of a motor vehicle. Owing to this indirect attachment of the backrests, instead of a direct attachment to the rear structure, the intermediately connected cross member is in a position to absorb a large part of the impact force to which the backrests are exposed in a rear-end collision, and to dissipate this force by means of a parallelogram-like deformation. As a result, the rearward displacement of the backrests is reduced, thus improving the interior protection of the occupants.

Abstract: An accessory for use for the inside surface and the upper edge surface of a pickup truck tailgate. The accessory comprises a unitary member of plastic sheet material including a generally planar base portion, configured to overly and cover the inside surface of the tailgate and defining at least one upwardly opening seating surface configured to accommodate a human posterior, and a lip portion contiguous with an edge of and extending at an angle with respect to the base portion and configured to overlie and protect the upper edge surface of the tailgate with the base portion installed on the inside surface of the tailgate. A backrest is associated with the seating surface and is pivotally moveable between an upright position providing back support for a person sitting on the seating surface and a lowered stowed position within the concavity of the seating surface. The seating and protector accessory is secured to the tailgate using suitable fasteners coacting with the tailgate.

Abstract: A seat apparatus for a vehicle, which includes an inner slide rail, an outer slide rail including an outer upper rail and an outer lower rail, a seat cushion provided slidably in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle and configured to be flipped up to a wall portion of the vehicle compartment to be in a storage position, a hinge mechanism fixing the outer upper rail to the seat cushion, a bearing smoothly sliding the outer upper rail relative to the outer lower rail, a spring provided around a rotational shaft of the hinge mechanism for biasing the seat cushion in a direction to be flipped up, and at least one rotating member provided between the outer upper rail and the outer lower rail so as to receive a load in a lateral direction of the vehicle applied to the outer upper rail by the spring.

Abstract: A two-seater all-terrain vehicle (ATV) has straddle-type driver and rear passenger seats, and a pair of movable rear footrests to support the feet of a rear passenger. The rear footrests pivot from a stowed non-supporting position to a supporting position. When folded into the non-supporting position, the rear footrests become substantially flush with side paneling of the vehicle. The all-terrain vehicle may further include a pair of vertical and horizontal adjustment mechanisms for independently vertically adjusting each of the rear passenger footrests so that passengers of varying height can be comfortably accommodated on the rear seat. A cargo space is provided under the passenger's footrest, the cargo space being enlarged when the passenger's footrests are in the stowed position. Restraints and other holding mechanisms are also provided. The flip-down adjustable rear footrests may be used on other types of straddle-type recreational vehicles.

Abstract: A soft top is provided for a cabriolet. The soft top includes, but is not limited to, a monofilament warp thread and a monofilament weft thread. The soft top also includes, but is not limited to, a filling material substantially filling the interstices between the monofilament warp thread and the monofilament weft thread to form a substantially translucent fabric.

Abstract: A convertible vehicle having a roof moveable between a stored position to a closed position, and method of manufacturing said convertible vehicle. The roof is supported by a pair of lateral main support units fixed to opposite sides of the vehicle body. Each lateral main support unit has a fastening flange movable along a portion thereof for securing the roof to pins disposed on the vehicle body. The convertible roof is manufactured such that the main support units and the linkage parts are assembled upside down on a fixture replicating the vehicle body. Thus alignment of the roof to the vehicle body is ensured. Furthermore manufacturing tolerances are accommodated by moving the fastening flanges along a portion of the lateral main support units such that the fastening flanges are registered to the pins.

Abstract: A mounting arrangement for securing a cladding to a vehicle body includes a vehicle body defining at least one aperture and a cladding having a body portion and at least one interval attachment structure extending from the body portion. The attachment structure includes a retaining portion received through the at least one aperture for securing the body portion to the vehicle body and a plurality of spaced apart ribs connecting the retaining portion to the body portion.

Abstract: A weatherstrip intended for positioning on the flange of the edge of the opening of a vehicle consists of a side-by-side arrangement of a tubular sealing section (1), a U-shaped fastening section (2) and a strip (3) laterally formed on the fastening section (2), which together with a limb (2?) of the fastening section (2) circumscribes a cavity (9?) which is open toward the underside (1?) of the weatherstrip. The cross-sectional profile of the sealing section (1) is partially formed by the limb (2??) of the fastening section (2) facing said sealing section, ventilation holes (18) located on the underside of the weatherstrip facing the aforementioned edge, forming a region of the sealing section (1) of greatest wall thickness.

Abstract: An armrest for an automotive type door is provided. The armrest includes a frame member engageable with such automotive type door at a predetermined location thereon. Such frame member is manufactured from a first predetermined material and has a first predetermined size and a first predetermined shape. A padding member is manufactured from a second predetermined material and has a second predetermined size and a second predetermined shape. Such padding member is operably connected to such frame member at a predetermined location thereon.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a wind deflector (1) in the motor vehicle sector, with a base element (2) which can be mounted on a part of a motor vehicle, with an opener (3) which is pivotally coupled to the base element (2), with an adjusting device (4) for pivoting the opener (3) between a stowed position and an opened-out position, and with a deflector element (5) which can be mounted on the base element (2) and on the opener (3) for the purpose of clamping the deflector element (5) therebetween when the opener (3) is in the opened-out position, wherein the deflector element (5) can be fastened to the base element (2) and/or to the opener (3) by means of a detachable connection.

Abstract: A load hauling vehicle such as a truck having a truck bed which can load itself from the right side of the truck by use of the right wall being hinged at the bottom adjacent to the truck bed to enable it to be extended (or pivoted) down toward the ground in conjunction with a debris door being attached to the right wall (at the upper side of the wall from the truck bed) which can be used as a platform to place debris on and then lift said debris from ground level into the truck bed. Also the truck bed can be tilted to the left so as to empty a load of debris. The truck bed is raised (tilted) by use of a sub-frame and a hydraulic ram.

Abstract: Using as a vehicle body reinforcing member any one of a bent tube with a partial bend of radius R, a tube with a plurality of portions that are bent at radius R, and a bent tube with mixed bends of inward and outward projection according to the present invention makes it possible, during a vehicle body collision, to absorb more energy than and exhibit better impact resistance than a vehicle body reinforcing member that uses one of a known straight tube and a curved tube of radius R entirely. Thus the dimensions (outside diameter, wall thickness) of the metal tube that is used as the vehicle body reinforcing member can be reduced, and the tube shape can be modified, while impact resistance is maintained. Modifying the shape in this manner makes it possible to provide the ever higher required level of vehicle body impact resistance at the same time that it reduces the weight of the vehicle body and lowers the cost. The present invention can therefore be widely used as an occupant protection technology.

Abstract: An impact-absorbing member to be installed in a vehicle body component includes a main body positioned on an inner panel of the vehicle body component such that a portion of the main body is adjacent to an outboard surface of the inner panel, and a mount protruding from the main body to an opening in the inner panel such that the mount is adjacent to an inboard surface of the inner panel, wherein the impact-absorbing member is secured by gripping an edge portion of the inner panel surrounding the opening between the mount adjacent to the inboard surface and the portion of the main body adjacent to the outboard surface.

Abstract: A device for mounting a driving robot in a motor vehicle, the motor vehicle having two driver's seat tracks and a floor, utilizing the two seat tracks of the driver's seat for anchoring purposes, the device including: a length-adjustable adapter plate that engages into both seat tracks in a hook-like manner; at least one first locking element for locking the adapter plate in the seat tracks; and at least one second height-adjustable locking element for bracing the adapter plate against the vehicle floor.

Abstract: A vehicle body structure includes a cowl extending in a vehicle transverse direction at an upper rear section of an engine compartment, an air inlet to introduce outside air into a vehicle cabin from the cowl, a fluid discharge channel provided at the bottom of the cowl, the fluid discharge channel inclined to guide fluid entering the cowl to a drain opening disposed at a transverse end of the cowl, a one-way valve disposed inside the cowl at a position corresponding to the drain opening, the one-way valve including a flapper operable to open and close the drain opening in response to a differential pressure generated when air flows through the air inlet and a frame comprising a valve opening corresponding to the drain opening, wherein the one-way valve covers the drain opening.

Abstract: In a rear section structure of a vehicle, corners are defined by upstanding rear pillars at opposite ends of a back door opening and a lower back extending below the back door opening and extending laterally of the vehicle. A lower back inner part is extended to just below a rear pillar outer reinforcement to be joined to a lower portion of the rear pillar outer reinforcement. As a result, the corners can be reinforced without substantially increasing number of parts and assembling man-power.

Abstract: A system is provided for anatomically accommodating a user during the use of a reclinable chair. Structurally, the system includes a static frame, and a back frame pivotably mounted to the static frame. The back frame has a periphery formed by two side portions interconnected by a head portion. Further, the periphery of the back frame includes a cutout in the head portion. A head support slidingly engages the cutout to comfortably hold the user's head. Importantly, the system includes arm rests that may be oriented and positioned relative to the chair to anatomically accommodate the user. Specifically, the arm rests are mounted to the legs of the static frame through adjustable cantilevers and extension arms. As a result of this construction, the arm rests are positioned by selectively pivoting the cantilevers about the legs, and the extension arms about the cantilevers.

Abstract: A bicycle saddle assembly includes a seat body, a supporting rail and a suspension means. The seat body includes a front portion and a rear portion being wider than the front portion. The seat body further includes a longitudinal axis dividing the seat body into two symmetrical portions, and a pressure receiving center located on the rear portion of the seat body and passed through by said longitudinal axis. The supporting rail has a first rear end engaged on the underside of the front portion of the seat body, a second and front rear ends respectively extending from the front end along the longitudinal axis of the seat body. The suspension means is disposed exactly under the pressure receiving center of the seat body and coupled with the first and second rear ends of the suspension rail.

Abstract: To ensure that a fuel supply port or hydrogen gas charge port located on the lower side of a seat for a rider in a motorcycle can be opened and closed with less burden. A crosswise groove is provided between a driver's seat and a pillion of the seat for a rider. The pillion is provided with a longitudinal groove extending in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle body. A charge port is located on the lower side of the crosswise groove. A pad to be fitted in the crosswise groove covers the charge port. An arm as a support member of the pad is contained in the longitudinal groove. In the condition where the arm is set upright and the pad is set upright, the pad is inverted and a cushion part thereof faces forward, thereby providing a backrest for the passenger at the pillion.

Abstract: A child restraint system is provided for detecting and indicating whether a vehicle seat belt is sufficiently tensioned to secure a child seat onto a seat of a vehicle and whether a child seat harness is sufficiently tensioned to restrain a child within the child seat. The child restraint system includes a vehicle seat belt tension sensor and status indicator and a child seat harness tension sensor and status indicator. The child restraint system further includes an occupant sensor for determining whether a child is seated within the child seat. If the occupant sensor determines that a child is seated within the child seat, the vehicle seat belt status indicator is disabled, thereby preventing the weight of the child from interfering with the proper installation of the child seat onto the seat of the vehicle by applying a downward force to the vehicle seat belt tension sensor.

Abstract: A safety seat for land vehicles, aircraft or vessels, comprising a harness for suspension from fixed points of a vehicle and for supporting a vehicle occupant. Belt retractors are disposed at the fixed vehicle points, and fabric supporting belts extend from the harness to the retractors, which pretension the belts in a direction of retraction. A manually operable switching device allows the belt retractors to be switched into a free running state, a blocking state, or a positioning state. The free running state permits free withdrawal of the belts in a direction opposite to the pretension. The blocking state effects a complete blocking of the belts in both the withdrawal and the retraction directions. The positioning state effects blocking of the belts in only the withdrawal direction.

Abstract: A device for adjusting seat components as a function of a signal from a video sensor system. Furthermore, a safety belt is adjusted as well as a function of the signal. This adjustment is carried out as a function of the occupant class, the occupant volume, the occupant pose, and the head position.

Abstract: In certain embodiments, an entertainment system includes a housing configured to be mounted to a headrest. The housing can define a first hinge portion, a base wall, and one or more sidewalls. The housing can include a lock portion. In some embodiments, the system includes a screen assembly including a viewing screen. The screen assembly can define a second hinge portion that cooperates with the first hinge portion to pivotally couple the screen assembly with the housing. The screen assembly can further define an arm movable relative to the viewing screen. The arm can be configured to interact with the lock portion to retain the screen assembly in a stowed configuration in which the screen assembly is substantially prevented from moving away from the base wall of the housing. The arm further can be configured to be actuated to permit rotation of the screen assembly away from the base wall of the housing. In some embodiments, the system includes a headrest configured to be installed in a vehicle.

Abstract: In certain embodiments, a mobile entertainment system includes a housing configured to be coupled with a mounting plate of a headrest. The housing can define a first hinge portion. In some embodiments, the system further includes a screen assembly. The screen assembly can define a second hinge portion that cooperates with the first hinge portion to pivotally couple the screen assembly with the housing such that the screen assembly can rotate relative to the housing. In some embodiments, the system further includes a retaining harness fixedly attached to the mounting plate at a first end and fixedly attached to the screen assembly at a second end. The retaining harness can be configured to limit rotation of the screen assembly relative to the housing. Optionally, in some embodiments, the system includes a headrest configured to be installed in a vehicle. The headrest can include a mounting plate.

Abstract: A gaming system includes a chair having an electrical connector and a gaming machine having an electrical connector, wherein the chair electrical connector is removably couplable to the gaming machine electrical connector.

Abstract: A seat for vehicles, such as cars, buses, trains or planes, is provided with a backrest (2) which is movable about a horizontal transversal axis (5) relative to the seat back plane. The backrest (2) is pivotably attached to a horizontal axis (5) mounted on an upwardly directed supporting part (4). One or more support surfaces (9) may also be provided in the seat part (3), at least in the front part.

Abstract: A vehicle seat can include a seat back and a head rest. The seat back includes an upper half corresponding to a shoulder portion of a passenger, a lower half corresponding to a waist portion of the passenger, and an head rest height adjustment mechanism. The seat back upper half is connected to a structural component of the head rest or a movable component of the head rest height adjustment mechanism, so as to be vertically moved relative to the seat back lower half when the head rest height adjustment mechanism is actuated.

Abstract: A chair seat and method for manufacturing the same, comprising a seat body, two layers of borders arranged around said chair seat from inside to outside, a net cloth set in a middle of said chair seat and edges of said net cloth fixed between said borders, wherein said chair seat is injection molded by one or two steps, and said two layers of borders are detachable or undetachable. The structure of the present invention is simple, the manufacture working procedures are few, and the production cost is low. The present product is simple and safe. Because of using the net cloth to produce the chair seat, it is breath freely, having several colors to choose, beautiful and environmental protection, satisfying the demand of all levels customers.

Abstract: A vehicle seat (and a cushion for a vehicle seat) comprise an assembly of layers with at least one air-guiding layer. An outlet opening is provided in the region of the air-guiding layer and is arranged in such a manner that the discharging of warm and moist air causes dry and cool ambient air to automatically flow into the air-guiding layer.

Abstract: A safety device includes a garment shaped to be worn on a torso of a user. A flexible strap is attachable to the garment and extends from the garment on first and second sides. The strap has first and second ends. An elongated first fastener component is attached at or near the first end of the strap. An elongated second fastener component is attached at or near the second end of the strap. The first and second fastener components can be rotated to be aligned with, or oblique to, the strap. The first and second fastener components are capable of locking engagement with each other, and are shaped for being used individually as anchors while separated from each other.

Abstract: The patron restraint system for amusement rides includes a locking receiver with a locking assembly for engaging a restraining strap. The engagement of the restraining strap in the locking receiver can be verified by a ride operator by visual or physical inspection, or by a sensor system indicating the locked or unlocked state of the locking receiver. A latching ratchet mechanism may be provided in the receiver to restrict movement of the restraining strap until it is released by the ride operator. The sensor system includes an acoustic sensor that detects alignment of an aperture with a piezoelectric acoustic emitter and an acoustic detector.

Abstract: In an automotive machine (1) for producing carriageways by stabilizing insufficiently stable soils or by recycling road surfaces, with a machine chassis (4) supported by a running gear (2), a working drum (20) mounted to pivot in relation to the machine chassis (4), the shaft of which is mounted in pivoting arms (42) and runs transversely to the direction of travel, a cover (28) surrounding the working drum (20), a combustion engine (32) supported by the machine chassis with at least one output shaft (34) for the drive power required for driving the working drum, whereby at least one mechanical power transmission device (36) transfers the drive power from the output shaft (34) to the working drum (20), it is intended that the combustion engine (32) is arranged in a fixed manner at the machine chassis (4) between the pivoting arms (42) and that the at least one mechanical power transmission device (36), together with the working drum (20) mounted in the pivoting arms, can pivot about the axis of the output sha

Abstract: A retention assembly has a carbide bolster with a first and second segment brazed together, each segment forming at least part of a cavity formed of the bolster. A shaft has an inserted end is interlocked within the cavity.

Abstract: A skate wheel for an in-line skate includes a skate wheel hub having an inner hub, an outer rim, and, extending therebetween, a plurality of blade-form spokes. A skate tire is mounted upon an outer surface of the outer rim of the skate wheel hub. Opposed surfaces of adjacent blade-form spokes, in cooperation with opposed surfaces of the inner hub and the outer rim, define airflow passageways through the skate wheel. Each blade-form spoke includes a radially-aligned first spoke-edge surface exposed at a skate wheel face, a radially aligned opposite, second spoke-edge surface exposed in a region of a center plane defined by the skate wheel, and a body extending smoothly between the first and second spoke-edge surfaces. Also described are in-line skates with skate wheels of the disclosure, and skate wheel hubs for such skates.

Abstract: A wheel rim includes an annular rim body having a horizontally disposed rim axis and an imaginary central plane that is perpendicular to the rim axis. The rim body includes a pair of annular side walls, an annular base wall, a pair of annular strengthening walls, and an annular reinforcing wall. The annular side walls are disposed respectively on opposite sides of the imaginary central plane. The annular base wall interconnects the annular side walls. Each of the annular strengthening walls extends from a respective one of the annular side walls toward the imaginary central plane and is disposed radially outward relative to the annular base wall. The reinforcing wall includes a pair of connecting segments, each of which interconnects the annular base wall and a respective one of the annular strengthening walls, and a reinforcing protruding segment that protrudes radially and outwardly relative to the rim axis.

Abstract: A quick release camming mechanism is used in a bicycle skewer that secures a hub to a fork. Whereas prior art quick release mechanisms have only a single lever, this mechanism has two independent levers. About half the force is required to independently push either lever closed as to push both levers closed simultaneously. Similarly, about half the force is required to open either lever individually as to open them simultaneously. A similar quick release camming mechanism also works well for a quick release seat post clamp with similar advantages. The present invention is not limited to use on bicycle components.

Abstract: A combination secondary master cylinder and brake pedal compliance device for an automotive braking system includes a cylinder having a signal chamber, a working chamber, and a compliance chamber. Elastic devices mounted within the working chamber and compliance chamber allow the apparent compliance of the friction braking system attached to the combination device to remain at a relatively constant value notwithstanding the presence of varying amounts of powertrain braking.

Abstract: An anti-lock hydraulic braking system has a wheel brake circuit with a main brake cylinder, wheel brake cylinder and switching valve, and an auxiliary pressure circuit, connected in parallel between the switching valve and wheel brake cylinder on the wheel brake circuit. With ABS control, the switching valve can be switched from a basic position, where it hydraulically connects the main brake cylinder and wheel brake cylinder, to a switched position where it prevents a build-up of braking pressure on the wheel brake cylinder via the main brake cylinder, while the braking pressure on the wheel brake cylinder can be modulated by the auxiliary pressure circuit.

Abstract: A method is provided for detecting a fault condition in a hydraulic brake system of a vehicle having a first hydraulic brake circuit and a second hydraulic brake circuit. A correlation ratio is determined between a measured pressure and the actual vehicle acceleration. A first wheel velocity differential is determined and a second wheel velocity differential is determined. A weighting value is selected in response to determining whether the correlation ratio is within the predetermined range and whether the first wheel velocity differential and the second wheel velocity differential are opposite signs. The selected weighting value is added to a fault counter. A determination is made whether the fault counter is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold. A fault condition is detected in response to the fault counter greater than or equal to the first predetermined threshold.

Abstract: A current fed inverter with duty cycle regulation of dc current to the input of the inverter is provided to increase the magnitude of inverter output power while operating a resonant load at resonant frequency. The regulator duty cycle period is synchronized to the period of the output current of the inverter so that there are two regulator periods for each single output current period of the inverter. Duty cycle regulation may be provided by a single pulse in the regulator period, or a series of pulses in the regulator period. Output power magnitude greater than that available at full duty cycle can be provided by operating the inverter at off resonance. Multiple current fed inverters may be connected to individual coil sections around a crucible and selectively interconnected for a heating or melting mode, or a stir mode.

Abstract: An electrical power distribution system and a method of implementation are provided. The electrical power distribution system includes: a first AC power source; a second AC power source; a first DC bus; a first AC to DC rectifier; a second AC to DC rectifier; and an electrical load management control unit. The first AC power source is connected to the first DC bus via the first AC to DC rectifier. The second AC power source is connected to the first DC bus via the second AC to DC rectifier. The electrical load management control unit shifts power extraction between the first and second AC power sources by changing an AC voltage output of one of the first and second AC power sources relative to an AC voltage output of the other of the first and second AC power sources, thereby changing an DC voltage output to the first DC bus from one of the first and second AC to DC rectifiers.

Abstract: Control modes for operating multiple power sources include energy storage systems and applicable to large systems such as locomotives. Selectable operating modes are provided for different locomotive speed ranges and work loads. A common DC bus electrical architecture is used so that prime power sources need not be synchronized. Multiple-engine locomotives have the engine systems that may be electrically connected in parallel or in series or in combinations of parallel and series to a DC bus.

Abstract: A method of operation of an electric self-powered home automation installation (10) comprising an actuator (1) allowing the movement of a movable screen (2) and a bipolar electric source (6), the actuator comprising a motor (3) for driving the movable screen and a means (4) for controlling the motor supply, the bipolar electric source comprising an in-situ rechargeable electric source (62, 63) and a non rechargeable electric source (61), the operation method comprising a first operation mode, wherein: the actuator is supplied only with the in-situ rechargeable electric source (62, 63) as long as the control means does not cause the motor to be supplied, whereas the actuator is at least supplied by the non rechargeable electric source (61) when the control means causes the motor to be supplied.

Abstract: The current state of the art in conventional direct current (DC) power supplies is to provide direct current to a load where the direct current is derived from alternating current (AC) line voltage. There are two inherent problems with such power supplies. If a large transient occurs in the line voltage it can pass through the power supply to the DC output and damage the load. The second problem is that DC power to the load is lost if AC line voltage is lost. An Uninterruptible Power Source (UPS) is sometimes used to provide power to the load in the event of loss of AC line voltage and to provide some degree of transient protection. In many cases the UPS fails to provide the required protection. The Battery Integrated Power Supply (BIPS) circuit claimed in this application provides isolation between the load and the line to minimize damage due to transients and also provides an inherent UPS function.

Abstract: An integrated circuit comprising a plurality of circuits is provided. The integrated circuit further comprises a plurality of power circuits, wherein each of the plurality of power circuits can supply a selected voltage to at least one of the plurality of circuits.

Abstract: An electric switching device arrangement has a switching section consisting of at least one first and one second switching point which are electrically connected in series by a conductor section used therefor. In order to compensate external vibrations effecting the electric switching device arrangement provided with the switching section, the conductor section consists of at least two bend slackening conductor elements which are connected to each other by way of a rigid connecting element. The elongated length of the conductor elements is greater than a distance along a straight line between contact points of the switching points.

Abstract: A power supply adapter for an electronic device includes a power interface and a switch element. The power interface is used for being connected to a power line of the electronic device, for providing power to the electronic device. The switch element is used for being coupled between a power line of a computer and the power line of the electronic device. The switch element has a controllable terminal coupled to the power interface. The switch element is able to disconnect the power lines of the computer and the electronic device according to the voltage level on the controllable terminal.

Abstract: A safety switching device comprises a position encoder, such as a potentiometer, for user selection of an operational quantity, such as an operating mode. The position encoder has a first terminal, a second terminal, and a tap moveable through a plurality of positions. A total impedance is defined between the first terminal and the second terminal. A first partial impedance is defined between the first terminal and the tap, and a second partial impedance is defined between the tap and the second terminal. An arrangement for determining an instantaneous position of the tap comprises a first evaluation circuit designed to determine a first measurement value representative of the first partial impedance, and a second evaluation circuit designed to determine a second measurement value representative of the second partial impedance. At least one from the first and second evaluation circuits is designed to determine the instantaneous position of the tap by means of the first and second measurement values.

Abstract: A semiconductor switch arrangement (300) comprises a bipolar transistor (302) and a semiconductor power switch (301) having an input node (306), an output node (304) and a control node (305) for allowing a current path to be formed between the input node (306) and the output node (307). The bipolar transistor (302) is coupled between the input node (306) and the control node (305) such that upon receiving an electro-static discharge pulse the bipolar transistor (302) allows a current to flow from the input node (306) to the control node (305) upon a pre-determined voltage being exceeded at the input node (306) to allow the control node (305) to cause a current to flow from the input node (306) to the output node (307). Thus, the bipolar transistor device protects the semiconductor switch device, such as an LDMOS device, against ESD, namely protection against power surges of, say, several amperes in less than 1 usec.

Abstract: An electromagnetic generator comprising two magnets and a coil disposed therebetween, the two magnets being configured to define therebetween a region of magnetic flux in which the coil is disposed whereby relative movement between the coil and the magnets generates an electrical current in the coil, and a vibratable first mount for each of the magnets and a vibratable second mount for the coil whereby each of the at least two magnets and the coil are respectively vibratable about a respective central position.