A semiconductor switching device, which makes use of a hot electron emitter to give high speed operation, comprising a body (3) of intrinsic semiconductor material carried on a substrate (1) of n-type conductivity and a hot electron emitter (11, 13) which, when a bias potential is applied between the emitter and substrate, injects hot electrons into the body with a sufficient energy to generate electron-hole pairs in the body by collision of injected electrons with valence electrons. The device ...

A microporous liquid impermeable but vapor permeable sheet material useful as a backsheet for disposable absorptive devices such as disposable diapers, incontinent devices, sanitary napkins, and panty liners is disclosed. This backsheet provides unexpected useful attributes such as compatibility with available closure tapes and embossibility with translucent patterns.

An electrochromic device which incorporates a reversibly color-changing organic polymer film as the display electrode. The display polymer film is capable of undergoing reversible oxidation and/or reduction to a charged, colored, conductive state. Upon reversing the charge, the polymer returns to its virgin color. The display films are comprised of linear fused heterocyclic ring systems, optionally with connecting units, or linear monocyclic ring systems and connecting units. The device requires...

An animal lifting device has an inflatable mattress (1) carried by an inflatable support structure (2). In plan, this structure is a closed loop, for example rectangular, so that the center of the mattress is over an open space and can sag down into it to cradle an animal lying on it. The outer edge portion of the mattress preferably overhangs the inflatable support. This comprises a number of compartments (4) which can be inflated individually in sequence, progressively to raise an animal from ...

A lock in the form of a night latch comprising a spring, an elongated member connected to the spring, a head on the elongated member to mount the spring on a receiving device, a securing device mounted on a second receiving device with which the head can be engaged in use in a manner such that some distortion of the spring can occur with the head remaining in engagement with the securing device, but so that the head can be completely disengaged from said securing device if desired.

Locking devices for a variety of security purposes utilize a commercially available padlock of rectangular configuration having a sliding bolt (73) which bridges a recess in one side face of the padlock. A housing for this type of padlock is formed on or secured to a hasp (61) or other component which is to be locked to a staple (62). The housing has two wall portions (3, 64) and a foot portion (4) corresponding to the two main flat faces and the recessed side face of the padlock, and the padloc...

An automatic overlay device is disclosed having a web for carrying a multiplicity of overlays. Individual overlays can be extended over a photocopying area by drive motors. A sensor is provided for counting markings on the web to indicate the number of overlays on the web, the sensor issuing a signal and the overlay device having a non-volatile memory responsive to the signal from the counting sensor for storing information concerning the number of overlays. Controls on the automatic overlay dev...

A releasable connection device for coupling a bucket 9 to a vehicle comprises a support 2 attached to the lifting vehicle, the support comprising two arms 4, 6 and a channeled member 8 connected between the two arms. Two plates 14, 16 are attached to the bucket 9 and have a bar 18 connected between them. In use, the bar 18 fits into the channelled member 8 and the bucket 9 and support 2 are secured by two hydraulically operated locking bolts 22 attached to the support 2, which pass through holes...

Electrochromic display devices which will maintain coloration after the electric current has been removed will comprise an electronic conductor consisting of a support which may be electrically conductive per se or contain an electronic conductor thereon, an electrochromic material in contact with said conductor, a solid electrolyte comprising a blend of an organic polymer and a heteropoly acid or salt thereof disposed on said electrochromic material and a counter-electrode in contact with the s...

Bistable electrocapillary devices useful as optical devices, which can be arranged in arrays to provide optical displays, use mercury/electrolyte interfaces which may be located in reservoirs in the form of narrow parallel gaps between an insulating sheet and glass plates. The gaps are connected by a capillary which extends through the sheet. A variable radius circular mirror is formed by the surface of the mercury where it contacts the glass sheets. A potential is applied briefly (as a pulse) a...