Abstract: An apparatus and system for arc fault protection during power conversion. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a power converter comprising a first and a second pair of DC input terminals, coupled in series, for coupling to a first and a second DC source, respectively; an input bridge; an inductor; a first and a second arc fault protection capacitor, wherein (i) the series combination of the first and the second pair of DC input terminals is coupled across the input bridge, (ii) a first terminal of the inductor is coupled between the first and the second pair of DC input terminals, (iii) a second terminal of the inductor is coupled between switches on one leg of the input bridge, and (iv) the first and the second arc fault protection capacitors are coupled across the first and the second pair of DC input terminals, respectively.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for independently controlling multiple power converter sources. In one embodiment, the method comprises determining a ratio of a first set point for biasing a first DC source to a power converter and a second set point for biasing a second DC source to the power converter, wherein the first and the second DC sources are serially-coupled to one another and coupled to an input bridge of the power converter by a filter; and determining, based on the ratio, relative switching times for driving a first diagonal of an input bridge of the power converter and a second diagonal of the input bridge to bias the first DC source proximate the first set point and the second DC source proximate the second set point.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for line-cycle storage of a single-phase cycloconverter. The method includes receiving input power from an input port of the singe-phase cycloconverter and monitoring an AC output port of the single-phase cycloconverter. The method measures energy stored in a line-cycle energy storage circuit coupled to one line of the AC output port of the single-phase cycloconverter, and determines a phase difference between a monitored AC voltage of the AC output port and the measured voltage of the line-cycle energy storage circuit. The method controls switches in the single-phase cycloconverter to selectively store energy in the line-cycle energy storage circuit based on the phase difference.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for multi phase shift control of a power converter. In one embodiment, the method comprises controlling a phase shift between a left leg and a right leg of a first bridge of the power converter during operation of the power converter; and controlling a phase shift between the first bridge and a second bridge of the power converter during the operation of the power converter, wherein the phase shift between the left and the right legs and the phase shift between the first and the second bridges are controlled based on an input voltage of the power converter and a required output voltage of the power converter.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a multi-connection splice box. In one embodiment, the multi-connection splice box comprises a first plug having a first plurality of plug pins coupled to a plurality of conductors within a cable wherein the cable couples to an AC power line, and a second plug having a second plurality of plug pins coupled to the plurality of conductors, wherein the first plug detachably couples a first microinverter to the plurality of conductors and the second plug detachably couples a second microinverter to the plurality of conductors.

Abstract: An apparatus, method and system for operating a power converter of a plurality of serially connected power converters coupled using chaotic democratic control includes: a DC voltage module generating a set current value for the power converter to bias a DC source at a set point voltage and a switching controller. The switching controller determining an upper threshold and lower threshold based on the set current value, and comparing a system current value to the upper and lower thresholds to determine an operating state of the power converter, where the system current is generated by the plurality of converters.

Abstract: A bidirectional inductive power transfer (IPT) power converter comprising a cycloconverter, coupled to an AC port, and a resonant circuit, coupled to the cycloconverter, for storing energy and coupling energy to an IPT port.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for power conversion comprising a three-port converter comprising a DC port for coupling to an external DC line, an AC port for coupling to an external AC line, and a storage port, internal to the three-port converter, for storing excess energy and discharging needed energy during power conversion, wherein the storage port is located on a DC-side of the three-port converter and is decoupled from the DC port such that a voltage on the storage port can be controlled independently of a DC voltage on the DC port.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for a three port converter with independent dual input comprising: a first DC port for coupling a first half-bridge circuit of the three-port converter to a first external DC line, a second DC port for coupling a second half-bridge circuit of the three-port converter to a second external DC line, wherein the second half-bridge circuit is decoupled from the first half-bridge circuit, and an AC port for coupling to an external AC line, wherein (i) the first half-bridge circuit and the second half-bridge circuit are operated as a full H-bridge during a full-bridge operating mode, and (ii) the first half-bridge circuit or the second half-bridge circuit is operated as a half H-bridge during a half-bridge operating mode.

Abstract: A power mesh system and method comprising at least three polyphase power devices of a plurality of polyphase power devices, each having a phase connection for each phase, where each polyphase power device has each phase connection coupled to at least one phase connection of another polyphase power device to form a two dimensional array of power devices.

Abstract: The present invention provides an elastomeric composition for making elastomeric articles having at least one layer, such as but not limited to condoms, which have a deformation stress or modulus below about 1.5 MPa at 500% extension, comprising at least one polymeric material, at least one plasticizer and optionally at least one coating. The elastomeric articles also have unique tactile and tensile properties, such as conformability and low radius of curvature.

Abstract: A method and system for identifying a business organization that needs transformation is provided. In one implementation the method and system may include providing information, such as financial, marketing, and internal information, related to a business organization; determining from the information whether the business organization has had a performance trigger; adding the business organization to a list of transformation candidates if the determination identifies the business organization as having had a performance trigger; and displaying on a display device whether the business organization is a candidate for transformation.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a vibrating band comprising a belt-like O-ring, a housing with a vibrating device contained within the housing. The vibrating device comprises a vibrating motor, one or more batteries and a touch or push switch. The vibrating band can be used by a male user to increase stimulation for both the male and his partner during sexual intercourse.

Abstract: A condom together with a lubrication composition, the lubricating composition containing a minimal amount of free water, and comprising one or more glycols, such that the glycols in the lubricant release heat and warmth when contact with compositions containing free water.

Abstract: A condom together with a lubrication composition, the lubricating composition containing a minimal amount of free water, and comprising one or more glycols, such that the glycols in the lubricant release heat and warmth when contacted with compositions containing free water.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a means for storing condoms that will protect and conceal the packaged condoms while they are carried on the person or stored by the consumer subsequent to purchase but prior to use. According to the present invention, the storage means, or condom card, comprises two separable half portions each containing a storage compartment for storing at least one condom therein. The two halves of the condom card are separably attached together by known means in the art, such as juxtaposed tabs and slots.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a means for storing condoms that will protect and conceal the packaged condoms while they are carried on the person or stored by the consumer subsequent to purchase but prior to use. According to the present invention, the storage means, or condom card, comprises two separable half portions each containing a storage compartment for storing at least one condom therein. The two halves of the condom card are separably attached together by known means in the art, such as juxtaposed tabs and slots.