Abstract: Disclosed herein are water-soluble films including a polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH) resin blend and optionally one or more additional components such as plasticizers, fillers, surfactants, and other additives. The PVOH resin blend includes a PVOH copolymer including one or more types of anionic monomer units such as a PVOH terpolymer and a PVOH polymer such as another PVOH anionic copolymer or a partially or completely hydrolyzed PVOH homopolymer. When the PVOH copolymer and PVOH polymer are blended in particular proportions and/or selected with regard to various criteria related to physical and chemical film properties, the resulting water-soluble film formed from the PVOH resin blend exhibits substantially improved aqueous dissolution properties, tensile strength properties, and/or tensile modulus properties.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a water soluble film suitable for thermoforming deep-drawn profiles, the film including a mixture of a water soluble polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH) resin and a plasticizer, and the film being characterized by a storage modulus at 90° C. less than 1.5×108. The disclosure further provides a thermoformed article comprising the water soluble film according to the disclosure.

Abstract: In an example, a system and method for centering in a high-performance interconnect (HPI) are disclosed. When an interconnect is powered up from a dormant state, it may be necessary to “center” the clock signal to ensure that data are read at the correct time. A multi-phase method may be used, in which a first phase comprises a reference voltage sweep to identify an optimal reference voltage. A second phase comprises a phase sweep to identify an optimal phase. A third sweep comprises a two-dimensional “eye” phase, in which a plurality of values within a two-dimensional eye derived from the first two sweeps are tested. In each case, the optimal value is the value that results in the fewest bit error across multiple lanes. In one example, the second and third phases are performed in software, and may include testing a “victim” lane, with adjacent “aggressor” lanes having a complementary bit pattern.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are capsules for delayed release of an active ingredient contained therein, in particular water-soluble capsules for delayed release of water-sensitive, gas-generating compositions into an aqueous liquid medium. The delayed release capsules incorporate one or more gas-relief pinholes for gas-generating water-sensitive compositions contained in the capsules, such as inorganic bleach or other alkaline compositions intended for delayed release into a wash medium during a laundry cycle. The pinholes permit gas generated within the capsule due to exposure to environmental water vapor to escape from the capsule interior, preventing pressure build-up and capsule deformation during storage. The pinholes are sized to prevent or otherwise substantially limit the passage of liquids when submerged in a liquid medium (e.g., liquid water in an aqueous liquid medium). Related articles and methods for delivering the capsules in combination with a detergent or other laundry composition are also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are capsules for delayed release of an ingredient contained therein, in particular water-soluble capsules for delayed release of water-sensitive, gas-generating compositions, other gas-forming compositions, or other cleaning compositions into an aqueous liquid medium. The delayed release capsules can incorporate one or more gas-relief pinholes for gas-generating water-sensitive or other gas-forming compositions contained in the capsules, such as inorganic bleach or other alkaline compositions intended for delayed release into a wash medium during a laundry cycle or perfumes. The pinholes permit gas generated or otherwise formed within the capsule, such as due to exposure to environmental water vapor, to escape from the capsule interior, preventing pressure build-up and capsule deformation during storage. The pinholes are sized to prevent or otherwise substantially limit the passage of liquids when submerged in a liquid medium (e.g., liquid water in an aqueous liquid medium).

Abstract: A nut driver for driving nuts of various sizes includes an elongated housing with opposing driver and handle ends. The driver end is open and assumes a largest size. A rigid collar and plunger are fixed about the housing and positioned at any of a number of selectable radial positions, each of which is associated with a different nut size. A plurality of nested sockets are each slidably movable by the plunger between forward and rearward positions. Each socket has a foot adapted for contacting the plunger at one of the selectable radial positions. The elongated housing is preferably separated into two sections, including a handle and a two-sided socket mechanism that includes two opposing driver ends each having sockets of different sizes.

Abstract: A nut driver for driving a nut within a range of nut sizes includes a housing. An open driver end thereof assumes a largest size of the nut sizes, and a selector end thereof terminates in a rotational knob that is positionable at any of a number of selectable radial positions. A cam is rotationally fixed with the knob and within the housing and terminates at a forward end with a selector ramp. A plurality of plungers are each slidably fixed within the housing and at a rear end thereof engage the selector ramp. Each plunger terminates at a forward end at a notched socket selector. A plurality of nested sockets each assume one of the different nut sizes and are slidably movable by at least one of the elongated plungers between a forward position within the open driver end of the housing and a rearward position.

Abstract: A storage device is provided to maintain a value of flow control credits allocated for a device on a channel and flow control logic is provided to receive a flow control signal over a link of an interconnect, the flow control signal indicating flow control credits allocated for the device on the channel. The flow control logic is further to update the value of flow control credits based on activity of the device on the channel.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are water-soluble films and resulting packets including a water-soluble film coated by a powder, wherein the powder includes a mixture of a powdered lubricant and an active agent. Optionally, the active agent may be encapsulated, e.g. microencapsulated, for release of the active agent through mechanisms including, but not limited to, mechanical rupture, melt, ablation, dissolution, diffusion, biodegradation, or pH-controlled release. Active ingredients described include enzymes, oils, flavors, colorants, odor absorbers, fragrances, pesticides, fertilizers, activators, acid catalysts, metal catalysts, ion scavengers, bleaches, bleach components, fabric softeners and combinations thereof. Examples of packet fills include laundry detergents, bleach and laundry additives, fabric care, dishwashing, hard surface cleaning, beauty care, skin care, other personal care, and foodstuffs.

Abstract: A water-soluble film including a polyvinyl alcohol copolymer resin, a plasticizer, an anti-block filler, and a release modifier is disclosed herein. Also disclosed are related packets incorporating the film, and related methods of making and using the film and packets.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are water-soluble films and resulting packets including a water-soluble film coated by a powder, wherein the powder includes a mixture of a powdered lubricant and an active agent. Optionally, the active agent may be encapsulated, e.g. microencapsulated, for release of the active agent through mechanisms including, but not limited to, mechanical rupture, melt, ablation, dissolution, diffusion, biodegradation, or pH-controlled release. Active ingredients described include enzymes, oils, flavors, colorants, odor absorbers, fragrances, pesticides, fertilizers, activators, acid catalysts, metal catalysts, ion scavengers, bleaches, bleach components, fabric softeners and combinations thereof. Examples of packet fills include laundry detergents, bleach and laundry additives, fabric care, dishwashing, hard surface cleaning, beauty care, skin care, other personal care, and foodstuffs.

Abstract: A web of cleaning products and a method of manufacturing the same is disclosed. The web includes first and second carrier sheets and a plurality of pouches containing a cleaning composition. Each of the pouches is disposed in a respective depression formed in an upper surface of the first carrier sheet. A first internal atmosphere is enclosed within each of the pouches. The first carrier sheet is sealed to the second carrier sheet such that a second internal atmosphere exists between the second carrier sheet and the plurality of pouches. The second internal atmosphere has a greater absolute pressure than the first internal atmosphere so that the plurality of pouches and at least a portion of the cleaning composition in the plurality of pouches are compressed into the plurality of depressions in the first carrier sheet by the second internal atmosphere.

Abstract: In an example, a system and method for centering in a high-performance interconnect (HPI) are disclosed. When an interconnect is powered up from a dormant state, it may be necessary to “center” the clock signal to ensure that data are read at the correct time. A multi-phase method may be used, in which a first phase comprises a reference voltage sweep to identify an optimal reference voltage. A second phase comprises a phase sweep to identify an optimal phase. A third sweep comprises a two-dimensional “eye” phase, in which a plurality of values within a two-dimensional eye derived from the first two sweeps are tested. In each case, the optimal value is the value that results in the fewest bit error across multiple lanes. In one example, the second and third phases are performed in software, and may include testing a “victim” lane, with adjacent “aggressor” lanes having a complementary bit pattern.

Abstract: Articles that include water-soluble films and household care composition, where the films include a polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH) resin blend and optionally one or more additional components such as plasticizers, fillers, surfactants, and other additives. The PVOH resin blend includes a PVOH copolymer including one or more types of anionic monomer units such as a PVOH terpolymer and a PVOH polymer such as another PVOH anionic copolymer or a partially or completely hydrolyzed PVOH homopolymer. When the PVOH copolymer and PVOH polymer are blended in particular proportions and/or selected with regard to various criteria related to physical and chemical film properties, the resulting water-soluble film formed from the PVOH resin blend exhibits substantially improved aqueous dissolution properties, tensile strength properties, and/or tensile modulus properties.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are articles that include water-soluble films, where the water-soluble films include a polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH) polymer and a combination of at least three plasticizers. The combination of plasticizers includes dipropylene glycol as a first plasticizer, a sugar alcohol such as sorbitol as a second plasticizer, and a polyol such as glycerin as a third plasticizer. When the PVOH polymer and plasticizers are blended in particular proportions and/or selected with regard to various criteria related to physical and chemical film properties, the resulting water-soluble film formed from the PVOH resin blend exhibits beneficial combinations four) of aged tensile strength, aged melting transition delta elevation, aged adhesion value, and/or resistance to seal peeling, which provide strong film seals that retain their water-solubility characteristics.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a water-soluble film, including polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH) and (PVOH) and an acrylate resin (e.g., methyl acrylate), wherein the water-soluble film remains intact for at least 3 minutes when submerged in water heated to a temperature of about 40° C., as determined by Bleach Compatibility Method A (described herein). The disclosure further provides a packet or pouch comprising water-soluble film of the disclosure. The packet or pouch can optionally include two or more compartments. The disclosure further provides a pouch including a first sealed compartment containing a first composition, the first sealed compartment comprising the water-soluble film according to the disclosure. Optionally, the first composition can include a bleach composition.

Abstract: A charging device for charging a portable electronic device having a charging port has at least one solar cell array having a top side adapted for converting light energy into an electrical energy. The solar cell array is sized similarly to a paper currency and has a bisector fold line between a first side and a second side along which the solar cell array can be folded and stored within a wallet without damage. A voltage regulator converts the electrical energy from the solar cell array into a DC power within a preset voltage range and providing the DC power on an output connector plug. At least one auxiliary plug adapter can be further included, each having a socket adapted for an electrical connection with the output connector plug of the voltage regulator and a unique charging plug for electrically connecting with the portable electronic device.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are fluorescent tracer compositions and water-soluble polymer compositions containing fluorescent compounds for tracing one or more components in the polymer compositions. More particularly, the disclosure relates to fluorescent tracer compositions including a fluorophore and a bitterant aversive component to be incorporated into a water-soluble polymer composition such as a water-soluble film. An aversive compound such as a bitterant is desirably incorporated into the polymer composition as a deterrent to ingestion of the polymer composition (or an article made therefrom). Qualitative or quantitative detection of the fluorophore in the polymer composition can be correlated to a qualitative or quantitative detection of a corresponding traced material in the polymer composition, for example the bitterant aversive component. Related articles and methods for making and using the polymer compositions are also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are sealing solutions for sealing water-soluble films, in particular aqueous mixtures including one or more polymeric solvents such as polyols. Aqueous sealing solutions including a relatively dilute solvent for one or more polymeric components of the water-soluble film (e.g., water-soluble polymeric components thereof, such as polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH)) can exhibit one or more benefits, including a reduction in dissolution of the film by the sealing solution and an increase in seal strength. Also disclosed are sealed articles formed with the sealing solutions, for example water-soluble packets containing various liquid or solid compositions.