Abstract: A method and apparatus for converting DC input power to DC output power with reactive power control. The apparatus includes a plurality of flyback circuits, coupled in parallel, and a DC-AC inversion circuit coupled across an output of each flyback circuit of the plurality of flyback circuits. The apparatus also including a reactive power control circuit coupled to an output of one flyback circuit of the plurality of flyback circuits, and across an output of the DC-AC inversion circuit; and a controller operative to coordinate timing of switches in each flyback circuit of the plurality of flyback circuits and the reactive power control circuit to generate AC output power of a desired power factor.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for light emitting diode (LED) lighting power conversion including a full bridge rectifier circuit coupled to a first half-bridge rectifier circuit and a resonant tank circuit supplying AC power to a LED circuit and forming a first port to the LED circuit. The apparatus further includes a second half-bridge rectifier circuit and energy storage device receiving and supplying DC power to the LED circuit as determined by a controller to form a second port of the LED circuit, wherein the LED circuit further comprises a rectifier circuit for the LED circuit, and at least one LED.

Abstract: An apparatus, method, and system for measuring current within a converter. The converter including a resonant tank circuit with a capacitor, the resonant tank circuit is coupled to a DC input bridge and a first terminal of the capacitor is coupled to a ground of the DC input bridge. In addition, a voltage monitor coupled across the capacitor for measuring a voltage across the capacitor. The converter also includes a resonant current calculation module for computing a tank current value based on the voltage.

Abstract: A magnetic component and transformer made therefrom is provided. The magnetic component includes an outer circular wall including a first gap and a second gap; an inner circular wall including a third gap and a fourth gap; and a cylindrical core. The outer circular wall, the inner circular wall, and the cylindrical core are concentric to one another. The outer circular wall and the inner circular wall are spaced apart to define an outer radial channel. The inner circular wall and the cylindrical core are spaced apart to define an inner radial channel. A transformer is formed by wrapping a first winding about the inner circular wall and a second winding around the cylindrical core.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for voltage clamping including: measuring a DC voltage across the PV module at an input of a power converter, comparing the measured DC voltage to the overvoltage threshold, determining the measured DC voltage exceeds the overvoltage threshold, and operating a clamping circuit to clamp at least a portion of the DC voltage prior to input to the power converter.

Abstract: A stove comprising a stove body defining an interior cooking chamber, and a plurality of removable leg assemblies for supporting the stove body. Each leg assembly includes a removable leg, and a coupling member for coupling the removable leg to the stove body. The coupling member is configured to provide an adjustable length.

Abstract: A portable cooking apparatus comprises a heating assembly, and a support assembly for supporting the heating assembly. The support assembly comprises first and second legs. Each leg comprises an upper segment and a lower segment. The legs are pivotably coupled to each other generally between the upper and lower segments. The upper segment of each leg is pivotably coupled to the heating assembly. The upper segment of at least one leg is slidably coupled to the heating assembly and slides when the support assembly moves between upright and folded positions. In the folded position, the upper and lower segments of the first leg are adjacent to the lower and upper segments of the second leg, respectively. In at least one of the legs, the upper and lower segments are laterally offset from one another.

Abstract: Apparatus is described for combusting exhaust gases output from a plurality of process chambers. The apparatus comprises a plurality of exhaust gas combustion nozzles (22) connected to a combustion chamber (24). Each nozzle receives a respective exhaust gas (26), and comprises means for receiving a fuel (40) and an oxidant (30) for use in forming a combustion flame within the chamber. A controller receives data indicative of the chemistry of the exhaust gas supplied to each nozzle, and adjusts the relative amounts of fuel and oxidant supplied to each nozzle in response to the received data. This can enable the nature of each combustion flame to be selectively modified according to the nature of the exhaust gases to be destroyed by that flame, thereby enhancing the destruction rate efficiency of the exhaust gas and optimising fuel consumption.

Abstract: An upright vacuum cleaner includes a base unit having a suction inlet, a suction generator and a locating element. The vacuum cleaner also includes first and second dirt collection modules. The first dirt collection module has a receiver that cooperates and engages with the locating element so that it may be properly secured to the base unit. An adapter allows the second dirt collection module to be properly secured to the base unit instead of the first dirt collection module.

Abstract: An in-roadway warning light (IRWL) apparatus incorporates a dove prism in the light beam path to embed an air gap inside the IRWL signal head housing and ensure that light from the LEDs is projected in the desired direction, while simultaneously providing moisture protection for the LEDs and associated electronics in the housing.

Abstract: A laser safety system providing a system for checking the presence, focus and integrity of a laser beam focusing lens is disclosed. The laser safety system checks the focusing lens properties by capturing an image of a target by viewing the target through the focusing lens from along the laser beam path. An initial, known good, image is compared to an image captured immediately before enablement of the laser beam source to determine if the focusing lens is present, focused and is not damaged. The system may also utilize a mask projected onto the target as well as a low-power visible light laser directed along the path of the processing laser to determine the focusing lens properties. The system can also provide target recognition.

Abstract: Microcapsules comprising a core of fragrance and a shell of aminoplast polymer, the composition of the shell being from 75-100% of a thermoset resin comprising 50-90%, preferably from 60-85%, of a terpolymer and from 10-50%, preferably from 10-25%, of a polymeric stabilizer; the terpolymer comprising: (a) from 20-60%, preferably 30-50% of moieties derived from at least one polyamine, (b) from 3-50%, preferably 5-25% of moieties derived from at least one aromatic polyol; and (c) from 20-70%, preferably 40-60% of alkylene or alkylenoxy moieties having 1 to 6 methylene units, preferably 1 to 4 methylene units and most preferably 1 methylene unit; the microcapsules additionally optionally comprising up to 25%, preferably up to 10% of a cationic polymer. The microcapsules are useful for the storage and dissemination of fragrance in various products, such as laundry products and fabric care products.

Abstract: The invention relates to an adjustable glove that enables the user's thumb and other fingers to interact and communicate with electronic devices while wearing the glove. The inventive glove has a thumb and finger pouch portion made of a thin, tactile material, and a body portion made up of thicker insulated material which covers the balance of the user's hand. The pouch forms a skin tight fit on the thumb and fingers through an adjustable band connected to the pouch and removably attachable to non-pouch portions of the glove, such as in the vicinity of the basilar joint for the pouch covering the thumb.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for heating an electrically conductive fluid, such as potable water, and to a method of heating the same. The heating apparatus includes a plurality of electrodes in an array, and a controller for selectively energizing the plurality of electrodes, in different combinations, to thereby adjust the electrical resistance observed across the electrode array, in order to maximize the current drawn by the apparatus.

Abstract: A stackable charcoal starter for use in lighting charcoal comprises a base having a continuous wall extending upward therefrom, the wall having a plurality of air inlet openings near its lower end and an opening at its upper end. In a preferred embodiment, the wall extends frusto-conically from a larger upper end to a smaller lower end. A handle assembly located near an upper end of the wall has a first section extending outward from the wall and a second section extending downward from the first section. A shield for protecting a user's hands from the hot surface of the wall extends downward from the first section between the wall and the second section. The first section comprises an aperture of a size sufficient to receive a handle assembly and heat shield of an identical charcoal starter with the result that identical charcoal starters can be stacked on top of one another in close relation.

Abstract: A laser safety system providing a system for checking the presence, focus and integrity of a laser beam focusing lens is disclosed. The laser safety system checks the focusing lens properties by capturing an image of a target by viewing the target through the focusing lens from along the laser beam path. An initial, known good, image is compared to an image captured immediately before enablement of the laser beam source to determine if the focusing lens is present, focused and is not damaged. The system may also utilize a mask projected onto the target as well as a low-power visible light laser directed along the path of the processing laser to determine the focusing lens properties. The system can also provide target recognition.

Abstract: A wireless communication system for and between a monitored (“smart”) pedestrian crosswalk and an approaching vehicle, alerting the operator of the vehicle to the presence of a pedestrian in the crosswalk. The invention uses wireless electronic communication for transmitting signals to vehicles or motorists equipped with a compatible receiver. The communication is then interpreted by the receiver to provide an “alert” (audible and/or visual) to the motorist.

Abstract: Microcapsules comprising a core of fragrance and a shell of aminoplast polymer, the composition of the shell being from 75-100% of a thermoset resin comprising 50-90%, preferably from 60-85%, of a terpolymer and from 10-50%, preferably from 10-25%, of a polymeric stabilizer; the terpolymer comprising: (a) from 20-60%, preferably 30-50% of moieties derived from at least one polyamine, (b) from 3-50%, preferably 5-25% of moieties derived from at least one aromatic polyol; and (c) from 20-70%, preferably 40-60% of alkylene or alkylenoxy moieties having 1 to 6 methylene units, preferably 1 to 4 methylene units and most preferably 1 methylene unit; the microcapsules additionally optionally comprising up to 25%, preferably up to 10% of a cationic polymer. The microcapsules are useful for the storage and dissemination of fragrance in various products, such as laundry products and fabric care products.

Abstract: A flexible laser safety curtain is disclosed that utilizes a plurality of columns flexibly attached to one another along their longitudinal edges in such a manner as to create a curtain of columns. The base of each column contains a cavity within which at least one moveable element, columnar in form, may be located and protrude from the cavity. The moveable element, when pressed against a work surface, is forced into the cavity. A biasing element within the cavity provides an opposite force on the moveable elements to both keep the moveable element in contact with the work surface, and to return the moveable element to its original position when the inward force is removed. The curtain's edge follows the contours of an uneven work surface and thereby the curtain provides a complete barrier to laser radiation.