Abstract: A label has a water dissolvable or water dispersible paper with a coating of a type which can be printed with direct thermal printing. The label is produced by passing a length of such paper with a freshly applied coating of the above type through an oven for drying before the coating has an opportunity to deteriorate the surface of the paper.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus and systems for controlling a photovoltaic panel, to output three-phase power while ensuring the power source operates safely include determining a temperature of the photovoltaic panel, determining a voltage provided from the photovoltaic panel, determining a parameter based on the voltage and the temperature and controlling a DC to three-phase power converter based on the determined parameter. The three-phase power converter may be a pulse amplitude modulated current converter (PAMCC), configured to output first, second and third pulse amplitude modulated current pulse from three terminals controlled in timing and phase so that when respective outputs of multiple PAMCCs are connected, each phase of the plurality of PAMCCs is demodulated to produce a three-phase alternating current output. The PAMCC may be controlled through tables of pulse durations based on the determined parameter. The voltage output may be controlled through a fast control loop and through a slower control loop.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus and systems for controlling a photovoltaic panel while ensuring the power source operates safely include determining a temperature of the photovoltaic panel, determining a voltage provided from the photovoltaic panel, determining a parameter based on the voltage and the temperature and controlling a power converter based on the determined parameter. The power converter may be a pulse amplitude modulated current converter (PAMCC). The PAMCC may be controlled through tables of pulse durations based on the determined parameter. The voltage output may be controlled through a fast control loop and through a slower control loop, and the power demand from the solar panel may be controlled such that the output voltage does not vary from the expected value by more than a predetermined value.

Abstract: Methods for compensating for reduced power output in stages of electrical power may be implemented within a direct current to pulse amplitude modulated (“PAM”) current converter, denominated a “PAMCC”, is connected to an individual source of direct current. The PAMCC receives direct current and provides pulse amplitude modulated current at its output. An array of PAMCCs constructed in accordance with the present invention form a distributed multiphase inverter whose combined output is the demodulated sum of the current pulse amplitude modulated by each PAMCC. The array is configured as a series of stages, wherein the power sources within each stage are in parallel. In some embodiments two or more stages are connected in series. In some embodiments tow or more stages are connected in a “Y” configuration. In some embodiments a weak power source is compensated for by adjusting the voltage or the current of the weak power source.

Abstract: An electronic module compares the output voltage of a solar panel to an expected value and controls the power demand from the solar panel such that the output voltage does not vary from the expected value by more than a predetermined value. The predetermined value may be determined by correcting a room temperature value for the temperature dependence of the photodiodes comprising the solar panel and manufacturing tolerance.

Abstract: Solar panels of certain technologies may experience a degradation of their efficiency as a result of exposure to sunlight, either prior to installation or during normal operation. A direct current to pulse amplitude modulated (“PAM”) current converter, denominated a “PAMCC”, is connected to the solar panel and to a source of alternating current. The PAMCC receives direct current from the solar panel and provides pulse amplitude modulated current at its output terminals at such times that the solar panel is capable to provide current, denominated “normal operation”. The PAMCC may be reconfigured to form a buck converter and a rectifier wherein the rectifier converts power received at the output (during normal operation) terminals to provide rectified, direct current to the buck converter. The buck converter provides direct current in the forward biased direction to the solar panel, thereby reconditioning the solar panel.

Abstract: A direct current to pulse amplitude modulated (“PAM”) current converter, denominated a “PAMCC”, is connected to an individual source of direct current. The PAMCC receives direct current and provides pulse amplitude modulated current at its output. An array of PAMCCs constructed in accordance with the present invention form a distributed multiphase inverter whose combined output is the demodulated sum of the current pulse amplitude modulated by each PAMCC. The array is configured as a series of stages, wherein the power sources within each stage are in parallel. The series of stages provides for a high voltage AC or DC output. In some embodiments a weak power source is compensated for by adjusting the voltage or the current of the weak power source.

Abstract: A direct current to pulse amplitude modulated (“PAM”) current converter, denominated a “PAMCC”, is connected to an individual source of direct current. Some embodiments provide a PAMCC for each direct current source in an array, for example multiple solar panels. The PAMCC receives direct current and provides pulse amplitude modulated current at its output. The pulses are produced at a high frequency relative to the signal modulated on a sequence of pulses. The signal modulated onto a sequence of pulses may represent portions of a lower frequency sine wave or other lower frequency waveform, including DC. When a PAMCC's output is connected in parallel with the outputs of similar PAMCCs an array of PAMCCs is formed, wherein the output pulses of the PAMCCs are out of phase with respect to each other. An array of PAMCCs constructed in accordance with the present invention form a distributed multiphase inverter whose combined output is the demodulated sum of the current pulse amplitude modulated by each PAMCC.

Abstract: A direct current to pulse amplitude modulated (“PAM”) current converter, denominated a “PAMCC”, is connected to an individual source of direct current. The PAMCC receives direct current and provides pulse amplitude modulated current at its output. The pulses are produced at a high frequency relative to the signal modulated on a sequence of pulses. The signal modulated onto a sequence of pulses may represent portions of a lower frequency sine wave or other lower frequency waveform, including DC. When the PAMCC's output is connected in parallel with the outputs of similar PAMCCs an array of PAMCCs is formed, wherein the output pulses of the PAMCCs are out of phase with respect to each other. An array of PAMCCs constructed in accordance with the present invention form a distributed multiphase inverter whose combined output is the demodulated sum of the current pulse amplitude modulated by each PAMCC.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an integrated spray and wipe system. A method of using such a system is also provided. In one embodiment, the system includes a fluid reservoir that extends through the center of a roll of cleaning material (e.g., paper towel roll). The tool houses cleaning fluid and cleaning wipes and therefore can be used to dispense liquid or cleaning wipes as needed.

Abstract: A blank formed from cellulosic fibers is disclosed which is capable of being constructed into a carton. The carton is capable of housing a plurality of roll products, such as rolls of paper towels or rolls of toilet paper. Each of the roll products is wound onto a hollow core made from cellulosic fibers. The carton has a dispensing opening through which the roll products can be individually removed. The carton also has an empty hollow core insertion opening through which an empty hollow core can be inserted back into the carton for the purpose of being recycled along with the empty carton. A method of inserting the empty hollow cores back into the carton is also disclosed.

Abstract: A blank formed from cellulosic fibers is disclosed which is capable of being constructed into a carton. The carton is capable of housing a plurality of roll products, such as rolls of paper towels or rolls of toilet paper. Each of the roll products is wound onto a hollow core made from cellulosic fibers. The carton has a pair of dispensing openings through which the roll products can be individually removed. The carton also has a pair of openings through which an empty hollow core can be inserted back into the carton for the purpose of being recycled along with the empty carton. A method of recycling the empty hollow cores back into the carton is also disclosed.

Abstract: A direct current to pulse amplitude modulated (“PAM”) current converter, denominated a “PAMCC”, is connected to an individual source of direct current. The PAMCC receives direct current and provides pulse amplitude modulated current at its output. An array of PAMCCs constructed in accordance with the present invention form a distributed multiphase inverter whose combined output is the demodulated sum of the current pulse amplitude modulated by each PAMCC. The array is configured as a series of stages, wherein the power sources within each stage are in parallel. The series of stages provides for a high voltage AC or DC output. In some embodiments a weak power source is compensated for by adjusting the voltage or the current of the weak power source.

Abstract: A base unit is mechanically connected to the structure of a first electronic device. The base unit is round and includes conductive threads around the inside surface of an outer ring. The base unit may also include a center threaded post with conductive threads. The first electronic device is electrically connected to the base unit. A replaceable unit is sized such that it may screw into the base unit, the replaceable unit including matching threads which engage with the threads of the base unit. The threads of the replaceable unit are also electrically conductive, and are electrically connected to a second electronic device which is encapsulated within the replaceable unit. When the two pieces are screwed together the two electronic devices are thereby electrically connected. The first electronic device may be a solar panel. Another version of the invention does not include electrical connections.

Abstract: The present invention includes a translucent, heat-activated, water-based adhesive composition that contains water and an ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer for use with polymeric films like ionic films. The present invention further includes a method of preparing an adhesive film composition that includes the translucent, heat-activated water-based adhesive composition coated onto the polymeric film, and a method of bonding the adhesive film composition to a bonding surface.

Abstract: Methods and systems for transforming electric power between two or more portals. Any or all portals can be DC, single phase AC, or multi-phase AC. Conversion is accomplished by a plurality of bi-directional conducting and blocking semiconductor switches which alternately connect an inductor and parallel capacitor between said portals, such that energy is transferred into the inductor from one or more input portals and/or phases, then the energy is transferred out of the inductor to one or more output portals and/or phases, with said parallel capacitor facilitating “soft” turn-off, and with any excess inductor energy being returned back to the input. Soft turn-on and reverse recovery is also facilitated. Said bi-directional switches allow for two power transfers per inductor/capacitor cycle, thereby maximizing inductor/capacitor utilization as well as providing for optimum converter operation with high input/output voltage ratios. Control means coordinate the switches to accomplish the desired power transfers.

Abstract: A direct current to pulse amplitude modulated (“PAM”) current converter, denominated a “PAMCC”, is connected to an individual source of direct current. The PAMCC receives direct current and provides pulse amplitude modulated current at its output. The pulses are produced at a high frequency relative to the signal modulated on a sequence of pulses. The signal modulated onto a sequence of pulses may represent portions of a lower frequency sine wave or other lower frequency waveform, including DC.

Abstract: Methods and systems for transforming electric power between two or more portals. Any or all portals can be DC, single phase AC, or multi-phase AC. Conversion is accomplished by a plurality of bi-directional conducting and blocking semiconductor switches which alternately connect an inductor and parallel capacitor between said portals, such that energy is transferred into the inductor from one or more input portals and/or phases, then the energy is transferred out of the inductor to one or more output portals and/or phases, with said parallel capacitor facilitating “soft” turn-off, and with any excess inductor energy being returned back to the input. Soft turn-on and reverse recovery is also facilitated. Said bi-directional switches allow for two power transfers per inductor/capacitor cycle, thereby maximizing inductor/capacitor utilization as well as providing for optimum converter operation with high input/output voltage ratios. Control means coordinate the switches to accomplish the desired power transfers.

Abstract: Methods and systems for transforming electric power between two or more portals. Any or all portals can be DC, single phase AC, or multi-phase AC. Conversion is accomplished by a plurality of bi-directional conducting and blocking semiconductor switches which alternately connect an inductor and parallel capacitor between said portals, such that energy is transferred into the inductor from one or more input portals and/or phases, then the energy is transferred out of the inductor to one or more output portals and/or phases, with said parallel capacitor facilitating “soft” turn-off, and with any excess inductor energy being returned back to the input. Soft turn-on and reverse recovery is also facilitated. Said bi-directional switches allow for two power transfers per inductor/capacitor cycle, thereby maximizing inductor/capacitor utilization as well as providing for optimum converter operation with high input/output voltage ratios. Control means coordinate the switches to accomplish the desired power transfers.

Abstract: Methods and systems for transforming electric power between two or more portals. Any or all portals can be DC, single phase AC, or multi-phase AC. Conversion is accomplished by a plurality of bi-directional conducting and blocking semiconductor switches which alternately connect an inductor and parallel capacitor between said portals, such that energy is transferred into the inductor from one or more input portals and/or phases, then the energy is transferred out of the inductor to one or more output portals and/or phases, with said parallel capacitor facilitating “soft” turn-off, and with any excess inductor energy being returned back to the input. Soft turn-on and reverse recovery is also facilitated. Said bi-directional switches allow for two power transfers per inductor/capacitor cycle, thereby maximizing inductor/capacitor utilization as well as providing for optimum converter operation with high input/output voltage ratios. Control means coordinate the switches to accomplish the desired power transfers.