Abstract: A broom type particle collector has a particle pick-up assembly joined to an elongated handle. The pick-up assembly has a non-electrical conductive foam plastic member accommodating a cathode for imparting negative charges or particles and an anode for collecting the charged particles. An electrical power supply located within the handle provides electric power to the cathode and anode.

Abstract: Static brushes suitable for handling electric charges so as to obtain static electricity control including static discharge in web handling devices such as printers, presses, xerographic copiers and other film and paper handling equipment is made of conductive thread wound in continuous turns around a mandrel and slit to form open-ended loops forming the brush bristles. A continuous element or elements, such as a wire or wires, may be placed on the mandrel and the turns are wound thereon. Strips of pressure-sensitive tape are adhered along the sides of said loops and encompass the element(s) so as to hold the loops and elements assembled as unitary brushes, which may readily be installed in equipment requiring static control by removing releasable paper over pressure-sensitive material on the outside of these strips. Double-sided pressure-sensitive adhesive tape may be used in constructing the brushes.

Abstract: A package includes a substrate mechanically supporting circuitry. A conductive cover (e.g., a metal sheet) is over the circuitry so that the circuitry is exposed below an opening in the conductive cover. A bent down corner of the conductive cover is inserted into a hole in the substrate. A solder ball is placed on the other end of the hole. During a subsequent heating, the solder ball is drawn up through the hole. When cooled, the conductive material grasps onto the tip of the bent down corner, thereby establishing a good connection between the conductive cover and the newly formed conductive via. As a finger approaches the circuitry (e.g., a fingerprint detection circuit), the finger first discharges electrostatic charge into the cover, not into the circuit, thereby protecting the circuit. In another package, the cover is composed of a highly resistive material, to slowly dissipate the electrostatic charge.

Abstract: A wafer support featuring a polymer rack formed of parallel, spaced apart comb structures with spaced apart teeth into which wafers can loosely fit and a shank immediately below the teeth which is connected to lifter shafts. A conductive polymer bus bar runs along the shank less than a millimeter below the base of the teeth. The polymer rack will fit through a standard size wafer cassette for wafer transfer. The bus bar is connected to electrical ground, found at metal lifter shafts, by means of conductive polymer cross bars. The bus bar is close enough to one or more wafers to allow arcing from the wafer to the bus bar and then to ground when a wafer becomes highly charged with electrostatic charge, thereby discharging the wafer.

Abstract: An electrical connection assembly for use in computer systems is disclosed. In the preferred embodiment, the computer system contains a backplane circuit card assembly for distribution of electrical signals to one or more pluggable modules. The modules are plugged into the backplane of the computer system without interrupting power to the computer system. The robust power connection is over-rated for the actual current and voltage delivered to the pluggable modules; and if any damage does occur at the point of initial contact, the connector surfaces are wiped beyond the initial contact point to the site of actual electrical contact which can occur at any place on a plurality of redundant surfaces. In this fashion, the connector assembly tolerates the arcing that occurs when the module is plugged into power grid on the backplane.

Abstract: An adjustable, electrically conductive bracelet extensible about a user's limb and adapted to prevent inadvertent contact with a source of electrical potential. The buckle system has a lower aperture configured for the endpiece to be insertable therethrough such that the inserted endpiece is disposed between the inner surface of the bracelet and the limb. In addition, the buckle system further has a strap puller to facilitate adjustments of the bracelet to form a plurality of alternate sizes.

Abstract: A corona discharge device used in an electrophotographic image forming apparatus includes a discharge member such as a saw-toothed discharge member having sharp discharge ends, and a power supply which applies to the discharge member a discharge voltage containing at least an AC voltage component, wherein at least each discharge end portion of the discharge member is made of an electrically conductive material, which contains nickel and chromium, and/or is coated with a material having a high electric resistance. In the case where the saw-toothed discharge member is employed, a distance D between the discharge end and a member to be charged, and a discharge end pitch P are determined to satisfy a relationship of 2≦D/P≦8.

Abstract: An electrically poorly conductive material for producing external glow-discharge protection for an electrical conductor, includes a base material which is provided with a conductive coating on at least one side. In order to ensure adequate external glow-discharge protection and cost-effective production of an insulating sleeve, even for high rated voltages, the conductive coating is produced essentially from carbon, which has microcrystalline and amorphous structures.

Abstract: A system for dissipating electrostatic build-up from a circuit card to a chassis ground within an electronic system, prior to connection of the circuit card with the electronic system. A circuit card has a card connector for connecting the circuit card into a backplane receptor within the electronic system. The circuit card includes a surface upon which an electrostatic charge may collect and also includes at least one conductive pad. A card guide aligns the circuit card such that the circuit card connects with the backplane receptor when said circuit card is fully inserted into the card guide. A conductive element within the card guide couples the conductive pad to a chassis ground within the electronic system when the circuit card is partially inserted into said the card guide.

Abstract: A wearable device for alerting a user when a static electrical charge has developed on the user which exceeds a preset limit, prior to an accidental discharge of the static charge. The device includes a first conductive element in close proximity to the user and a second conductive element spaced a further distance from the user than the first conductive element. A high impedance differential amplifier provides a voltage signal proportional to the potential difference existing between the first and second conductive elements. A voltage level discriminator receives the voltage signal from the high impedance differential amplifier and triggers an alarm if the voltage signal exceeds a predetermined limit.

Abstract: An electricity shunting and rerouting device designed as forming an integral part of a garment comprising conductive metal bracelets (and/or waistbands and/or anklets) joined by an insulated conductor, the size and type of which may vary depending on the application, thereby allowing the potentially harmful electrical current to flow through the insulated conductor/wire and rerouting the current away from the worker's inner parts, such as vital organs and muscles, thereby minimizing the health risk of electrocution.

Abstract: A resistance tester is incorporated into a grounding device. The resistance tester includes a test circuit, a battery, a switch and a set of indicator devices. With the grounding device being worn and the cord end of the device in contact with the user so as to form a closed circuit, the test circuit measures the resistance level of the grounding device upon activation of the switch. The indicator devices provide a visual indication of the resistance level, i.e., too high, too low or within acceptable limits. The resistance tester is self-contained and may be used anytime by the user to ensure that the resistance of the grounding device is acceptable.

Abstract: An electrically grounded semiconductor structure is embedded in a non-conductive packaging material, without employing any electrical leads of the semiconductor structure as an electrical path and without damaging the semiconductor structure. The desired grounding connection is obtained by physically removing a portion of the non-conductive packaging material from a rear portion of the semiconductor structure, replacing the removed non-conductive material by a conformable electrically conductive material, and then electrically contacting this conformable electrically conductive material to a grounding element. In another aspect of the invention, a portion of the non-conductive packaging material is removed from a rear portion of the semiconductor structure and a metallic element such as a pin or a spring is disposed to make contact between the exposed portion of the semiconductor structure and the grounding element.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for essentially eliminating ESD damage to integrated circuits being subjected to thermal shock testing includes the utilization of a static dissipative plastic carrier capable of withstanding high temperatures (e.g., 155.degree. C.) and exhibiting a surface resistivity in the range of, for example, 10.sup.10 -10.sup.12 .omega./.quadrature.. Such a static dissipative plastic support structure will therefore eliminate static buildup during integrated circuit testing and prevent ESD damage to the circuits.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for restoring a support surface of a substrate support to a pre-process condition. The method comprises the steps of providing a surrogate substrate on the degraded support surface, providing the surrogate substrate with a ground connection and establishing an electric field between the support surface and the surrogate substrate to remove accumulated charges in the support surface. The apparatus comprises a process chamber having a surrogate substrate on a the support surface and connected to ground. The surrogate substrate is a semiconductor wafer or a plate or sheet of metallic material. The ground connection is established by striking a plasma that contacts the surrogate substrate and an electrical ground reference. The electric field established between the support surface and the surrogate substrate "pushes" any accumulated charges out of the support surface. Removal of the accumulated charges improves and extends the chucking ability of the support surface.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a variably conductive shunt is provided for protecting a read/write sensor element, e.g., an MR read element, which has first and second terminals. A variably conductive member is electrically connected between the first and second terminals. The variably conductive member conducts charge when a potential sufficient to damage the element is applied across the first and second terminals thereby protecting the element from the charge.

Abstract: A protection circuit using point discharge suitable for use in an integrated circuit, protects circuit from damage by electrostatic discharge. The integrated circuit at least comprises an input/output port, a high voltage line, and a low voltage line. The protection circuit has point discharge structures at two ends of the input/output ports, respectively corresponding to the point discharge structures of the high and low voltage lines, and is suitable for use in all semiconductor fabricating processes.

Abstract: A microelectronic assembly (10) includes a polymeric card (12) that includes a substantially planar major surface (18). An integrated circuit component (14) is embedded in the polymeric card (12) and has a first contact (20) and a second contact (22). An antenna element (16) is formed of a singular metallic strip and includes a first terminal (26) electrically connected to the first contact (20), a second terminal (28) electrically connected to the second contact (22), and a loop (30) intermediate the first terminal (26) and the second terminal (28). The first terminal (26) includes a first outer surface (32) and the second terminal (28) includes a second outer surface (34). The first outer surface (32) and the second outer surface (34) are exposed at the major surface (18) and are coextensive therewith. The loop (30) is embedded within the polymeric card (12) and spaced apart from the major surface (18).

Abstract: A printed circuit board with an electronic component and a wiring pattern is fixed in a casing. A static electricity removing member is provided at an edge of the printed circuit board adjacent to an inlet of the casing through which static electricity inters into the casing. Preferably, the static electricity removing member is a throughhole-like or semi-circular conductive member with opposed sharp edges electrically connected to a ground terminal via a resistor or a low-pass filter.

Abstract: In a semiconductor integrated circuit, I/O buffer circuits that include ESD protection are generally provided for each I/O pad. According to the invention, unused pads, i.e. pads that are not connected to core circuitry according to an initial design, are connected to other pads that are used for connection to the core circuitry, thereby employing the unused pads to improve ESD protection of susceptible pads. This approach has the advantages of greater ESD protection without increasing silicon area and without adding any additional steps to the usual fabrication process. The inventive concept is especially useful for augmenting ESD protection of corner pads without requiring new or custom ESD protection circuits. This invention can be easily implemented into known layout tools.

Abstract: Improved electronic circuitry incorporated into a tag attached to a user worn wrist strap of a static electrical discharge dissipation system. The electronic circuitry monitors the electrical connection of the wrist strap from the user to ground, and comprises a discharge resistor and a discharge resistor check circuit for monitoring the accuracy of the discharge resistor. The electronic circuitry further comprises a skin resistance check circuit for monitoring the electrical connection of the wrist strap to the user, and a ground fault detect circuit for monitoring the electrical connection of the wrist strap to ground.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for monitoring, controlling, displaying, and dissipating an electrostatic charge from an object such as a computer monitor, television, workbench, telephone handset or person. An electrostatic charge is electrically coupled to an input terminal of an electrostatic dissipater. The electrostatic dissipater includes a "hardening" circuit, such as a voltage-overload circuit, which serves to protect the components of the electrostatic dissipater itself. As the electrostatic charge is dissipated, a display indicates the level of electrostatic charge being dissipated. This indication permits trouble-shooting electrostatic charge problem areas as well as increasing user awareness of electrostatic problems. A conductive electrostatic solution used in conjunction with the electrostatic dissipater improves dissipation of the electrostatic charge. Similarly, the electrostatic dissipater improves the efficiency of a conductive electrostatic solution.

Abstract: A static electricity dissipation garment where the body of the garment is constructed of fabric within which is woven strands of carbon. The body will be constructed as a smock or as a pant suit. The pant suit garment includes a pair of side seams located between the torso section of the garment and down each leg section of the garment. The smock includes a similar pair of side seams in the torso section. A first embodiment of the garment includes sleeve seams that extend along the entire length of each sleeve of the garment and then along the connection of the sleeve to the upper part of the torso section and then along the collar of the garment. Within each of these seams, along the entire length of the seam, is included an electrically conductive ribbon. The ribbon of the side seam is designed to overlap a substantial length of the sleeve seam. The ribbons of the two sleeve seams and side seams overlap each other in the area of the collar.

Abstract: A monitored static electricity dissipation garment which is to be connected to a voltmeter which is to display to the wearer of the garment the amount of static electricity that is on the body of a human and garment at any given instant. The monitor can be located separate from the garment or can be worn on the garment. When using the garment of the present invention, it is preferred that the human user wear electrically conductive boots that have electrically conductive soles which function to dissipate static electricity to an electrically conductive floor. Such boots and floor are deemed to be conventional.

Abstract: The present invention in some embodiments provides for an apparatus comprised of a conductive strap and a lotion dispensing device connected to the conductive strap. The lotion dispensing device is comprised of a lotion storage device such as a reservoir, a permeable membrane, or a sponge. Preferably a person would put on the conductive strap and the lotion dispensing device in order to eliminate or reduce the transmission of static discharge to electronic circuitry and to minimize static discharge events that could interrupt the operation of electronic systems. The conductive strap includes a plurality of holes and the plurality of holes. The permeable membrane may be of a material, which dispenses lotion from the permeable membrane at a rate which is increased with heat. The size of holes in the conductive strap may increase in response to greater heat levels. The lotion dispensing device may be comprised of a reservoir filled with lotion.

Abstract: A method and system for eliminating electrostatic charge of a processing section in which a processed object is transferred along a predetermined path for receiving treatment. An electrostatic charge eliminating member, arranged independently of the processing section, is transferred along the path of the processed object to eliminate the electrostatic charge of the processing section.

Abstract: An instrument (12) separated from ground by a supradissipative resistance and having a surface (26) which is placed in electrical contact with a magnetic head of a disc drive assembly includes an electrically conductive receptacle (134) engaging and electrically connected proximate to the surface (26) of the instrument (12). The electrically conductive receptacle (134) is electrically coupled to ground for grounding the instrument (12) to prevent damage to the magnetic head caused by static discharge from the instrument (12).

Abstract: Resin having a susceptibility to electrostatic charge which is opposite in polarity to the susceptibility to electrostatic charge of a filter sheet or member forming a filter element is impregnated into the filter member. For example, when the filter member is composed of polyester of 50-70 weight percentage and glass fiber of 5-25 weight percentage as well as pulp of 15-35 weight percentage, resin composed of phenol resin of 5-20 weight percentage and melamine resin of 80-95 weight percentage is impregnated into the filter member so that the susceptibility to electrostatic charge of the filter member can be neutralized. Thus, static electricity generated by friction between the filter element and fuel flowing therethrough can be controlled.

Abstract: A monitored static electricity dissipation garment which is to be connected to a voltmeter which is to display to the wearer of the garment the amount of static electricity that is on a human's body at any given instant. The monitor can be located separate from the garment or can be worn on the garment. When the monitor is worn on the garment, it is necessary that the human user wear electrically conductive boots that have electrically conductive soles which function to dissipate static electricity on an electrically conductive floor.

Abstract: A device that reduces power transmission insulator flashover by preventing the buildup of contaminants and dust on the surface of electrical insulators. The device is primarily designed for use on high tension wire insulators and creates an envelope of positive and negative ions that cover the insulators' skirts and consequently repels dust and other particles. The device is embedded in at least one insulator skirt and includes a small induction coil, a diode, a series of capacitors, and a fine needle that are employed as an ion generator which produces a negative or positive polarity ion corona region. The induction coil produces an AC voltage that is induced by the power line current. This AC voltage is rectified by the diode. As contaminants and dust particles approach the surface of the skirt, they become charged with the same polarity as the ions leaving the needle, and are consequently repelled from the corona region.

Abstract: An EDS tester is combined with an employee identifier and recording monitor so as to provide and audit trail of compliance with the fact of ESD testing and, if desired, a record of the ESD test results such as body resistance or charge. In one illustrative embodiment, a fingerprint identifier pad is used together with the ESD test to identify a unique biological characteristic of the worker being tested. In addition, the feature of providing physical contact with the workers body typically required for ESD testing may be combined with the fingerprint identifier pad thereby enabling the ESD test results to be correlated with a specific individual.

Abstract: Fuel lines aboard aircraft are safeguarded against buildup of electric charges. A series of metallic tubes each having opposite open metallic tube ends are prepared for such fuel lines. External metallic ferrules are prepared for the opposite metallic tube ends of these metallic tubes. Each of these metallic ferrules is equipped with an electric discharge terminal for electric charges. Each metallic ferrule is bonded externally to a metallic tube end so that each metallic ferrule and a margin of that metallic tube end extend in one piece circumferentially around an inside of that metallic tube end and axially in one piece for an axial width of that metallic ferrule. External electric conductors extend between electric discharge terminals of adjacent metallic ferrules along the fuel line.

Abstract: Opening electrical contacts or electrical circuit interrupters. Particularly, a design for an electrical switch having opening electrical contacts which inhibit arcing. More particularly, a circuit breaker having a micro-contact interface comprising a contact with a plurality of contact points capable of handling high steady state currents conventionally handled by small to medium size molded case circuit breakers (i.e., 0.5 A.sub.rms to 400 A.sub.rms) at distribution voltage levels (120 V.sub.rms to 600 V.sub.rms).

Abstract: An electrostatic discharge protection device is disclosed for use with a magnetic read-write transducer. The electrostatic discharge protection device electrically interconnects the conductive elements of magnetoresistive and inductive heads to provide a low resistance conductive path placing the conductive elements at a substantially equal electrical potential thus minimizing electrostatic discharge. The electrostatic discharge protection device provides an electrical path between the conductive elements which is manually or automatically removable upon connection to a mating element. The electrostatic discharge protection device has a resilient inward biased to connect the electrically conductive elements such that a ground is established between them and is removed automatically upon insertion of the conductive elements into a mating receptacle which is interposed between the conductive elements and the electrostatic discharge protection device or is manually disconnected.

Abstract: An electrically conductive grounding unit is situated between the integrated lead suspension and the tool block which is used to assemble it to the transducer head. The grounding unit grounds the uninsulated traces on the integrated lead suspension, thereby eliminating the danger of imparting static electricity to the transducer head during the assembly process. The grounding unit carries unwanted charges from the electrical traces on the suspension to the grounded tool block. The grounding unit is preferably fabricated from ceramic materials.

Abstract: The present invention offers a touch pad cover for the touch pad of a Laptop/Notebook computer whereby the touch pad is protected from environmental conditions such as static electricity, particularly the static charge of a computer monitor when the computer is in a closed position and from the static charge transferred by the user, thus reducing the likelihood of a malfunctioning computer touch pad. These, as well as other objects of the invention, are accomplished by a cover for a touch pad of a Laptop/Notebook computer, the computer having a touch pad and an upper portion; the cover comprising an upper surface of nonconductive material (e.g. neoprene) in contact with the upper portion of the computer when the computer is in a closed position; a lower surface of nonconductive material opposite and parallel the upper surface, the lower surface in contact with the touch pad of the computer and depositing a powder residue of nonconductive material on the touch pad.

Abstract: A ionizer for neutralizing static electricity generally occurring on synthetic materials during their processing, consists of a row of insulating modules arranged on a metallic shape, connected to the ground. Between the modules, in special slits, on the side faced to the coming charged material, are introduced grounded wires, which make contact to the metallic shape. A high voltage needle is introduced through each insulating module, until makes contact to the conductor of a high voltage cable inserted through the inner part of each module (hot ionizer). The high voltage cable is connected to a high voltage power supply. The high voltage needles can be also capacitively coupled to the high voltage cable (shockless ionizer), connected to a high voltage AC power supply. Between the high voltage needles and the grounded wires occurs a corona discharge which generates ions. A material with a high static charge get neutralized mainly by small electrical discharges to the peaks of the grounded wires.

Abstract: Ionization clusters have a plurality of ionization points which act to dissipate lightning charges into the air and prevent a lightning strike. A tree-like structure has a central support tower. One ionization cluster is mounted to the top of the tower. Successive arrays of second, third and N tiers of ionization clusters are mounted to the tower. The resultant tree-like structure forms a bell-shaped force field of equal voltage potential during a lightning storm. The force field dissipates a lightning strike.

Abstract: Electrostatic discharge protection and electromagnetic interference shielding is provided by applying to a dielectric substrate a composition comprising a polymeric matrix and a conductive filler component. The conductive filler component comprises electrically conductive metal particles and at least one electrically conducting polymer.

Abstract: Electrical devices such as leaded electronic components, i.e., components with extended input/output leads, are loaded in a magazine that protects them from electrostatic discharge. Each component is held in a component holder with a conductive shorting or discharge pad, comprising a bundle of conductive filaments within a conductive foraminous web that can be moved into contact with the leads to protect them from electrostatic discharge, and moved away from the leads to allow access for testing or processing. At a testing or processing station, the magazine is placed on a mating base and the devices are supported and positioned by supports on the magazine and base. Upon completion of a testing or processing sequence, the magazine can be separated from the base and moved to another testing or processing station, where the magazine is placed on another base.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for neutralizing electrostatic charges in non-conductive pipe, such as polyethylene pipe used in natural gas pipelines, which provides a simple and inexpensive apparatus and method to discharge, or otherwise neutralize, electrostatic charges in existing, as well as new, pipelines without requiring specialized pipe or extensive modification of existing pipelines. An apparatus according to the invention includes a housing having inlet and outlet openings and defining a hollow interior portion containing an anti-static cartridge having a cationic substance associated therewith, which, when installed in-line in a gas pipeline, functions to disperse microscopic cationic particles into the gas stream, which particles are carried through downstream pipeline components and neutralize static electrical charges accumulating on said pipeline components.

Abstract: An ESD clip for protecting an integrated circuit against electrostatic discharge comprises two mutually opposed pressure bodies interconnected by a spring for short-circuiting connection pins of the integrated circuit. The pressure bodies of the ESD clip are pressed against one another by the spring and in that the pressure bodies are coated with an electrically conducting supporting material. Only minimal mechanical moments are thus exerted on the connection wires of an integrated circuit, so that they are not or hardly deformed.

Abstract: An electrostatic discharge protection device is disclosed which selectively shunts charge accumulation across electrical conductors emplaced within the device housing. A grounding element is provided on the housing surface which maintains electrical contact with the enclosed electrical conductors so as to form a shorting shunt and place the conductors at substantially similar electrical potentials. The grounding element may be reversibly changed from the operative into an inoperative position to remove the grounding element from electrical contact with the electrical conductors.

Abstract: Improved electronic circuitry incorporated into a tag attached to a user worn wrist strap of a static electrical discharge dissipation system. The electronic circuitry monitors the electrical connection of the wrist strap from the user to ground and tests the functionality of the tag. The electronic circuitry comprises an oscillator, a signal transmitter, a discharge resistor and a discharge resistor check circuit for monitoring the accuracy of the discharge resistor. The electronic circuitry also comprises a skin resistance check circuit for monitoring the electrical connection of the wrist strap to the user, and a ground fault detect circuit for monitoring the electrical connection of the wrist strap to ground.

Abstract: A static charge eliminating lingerie organizer comprising a plurality of individual lingerie storage pouches wherein each lingerie storage pouch is dimensioned to store therein at least one lingerie garment and wherein each lingerie storage pouch attracts static charge of the at least one lingerie garment stored therein. A grounding pouch dimensioned to received the plurality of individual lingerie storage pouches and neutralize the static charge.

Abstract: An electrostatic discharge protection device is disclosed for use with a semiconductor chip package where the electrostatic discharge protection device establishes electrical connection between connector pins on the semiconductor chip package and ground, thereby creating a short circuit to protect the semiconductor chip package from electrostatic discharge. The electrostatic discharge protection device is manually operable to engage or disengage a ground connection while remaining attached to the semiconductor chip package. The electrostatic discharge protection device is also removable from the semiconductor chip package either prior to or subsequent to mating a semiconductor chip package with a printed circuit board or other receptacle.

Abstract: There is disclosed an electrical component having an axial direction and two ends for making electrical contact with another component comprising a plurality of electrically conductive fibers in a matrix, the plurality of the fibers being oriented in the matrix in a direction substantially parallel in the axial direction of the component and being continuous from one end of the component to the other end to provide a plurality of electrical point contacts at each end of the component, wherein the component further includes magnetic particles.

Abstract: This invention relates to a portable grounding mat, and more particularly to a mat specifically designed to protect electrical workers by providing a zone of equi-potential. The mat comprises a flexible base to which is attached at least two conductive elements laid out in a continuous pattern.

Abstract: The electrostatic protection consists in a protective sheet incorporated in the set between the shell and the elements to be protected, the sheet comprising a conductive layer and an insulating layer, the sheet being cut to the appropriate shape, and being made of materials, such as a foam made of a plastics material, that make it easily formable so that it fits the shape of a space left empty to receive it inside the set. The conductive layer is a thin sheet of metal or of metal fibers.

Abstract: A driver or passenger in a vehicle will often experience an electrostatic shock on exiting the vehicle. The invention solves this problem in a simple but effective manner by providing an appropriate discharge path. The finger recess in the door handle is lined with a conductive material which is connected to the metallic structure of the door, or otherwise to the vehicle body. This measure prevents the accumulation of an electric potential between the driver or passenger and the vehicle so that no discharge occurs.