Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides an insulated panel system for enhanced insulation of an existing structure, the system comprising an additional insulated layer provided on the surface of an existing structurally insulated panel, attachment means for attaching the additional insulated layer to the existing structurally insulated panel, wherein the additional insulated layer comprises a rigid foam panel and surface sheet stock sandwiching the foam panel. Another embodiment provides a structurally insulated panel and connection means, comprising a plurality of rigid insulating foam panels, a plurality of mating rails to provide structural support, and resin-based sheet stock sandwiching the foam panels and mating rails.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention can include a foldable structure employing material-filled panels which can be used as an emergency shelter in disaster areas. A building can formed from one or more building blocks. The building blocks can be in a compact position, such as when being transported to a disaster area, or in an expanded position, such as when the building is ready to be built in the disaster area. In the expanded position, the building blocks can be filled with various materials such as expanding foam material. The expanding foam material can be formed from two mixing materials. In addition, the expanding foam material can have insulating properties. The building of the present invention can also be used, for example, as sheds, tree houses, and/or permanent housing. The building blocks can have marine applications and/or military application due to their light weight, yet, ballistic nature.

Abstract: A method for modifying the cyclic peptide ring system of Echinocandin-type compounds to produce new analogs having antifungal activity is provided. The inventive process comprises opening the cyclic peptide ring, cleaving the terminal ornithine unit, inserting at least one new amino acid or other synthetic unit and closing the ring to produce a new cyclic peptide ring structure. The process allows one to incorporate features such as water-solubility into the cyclic peptide ring nucleus, sites for further modification, increase or decrease the number of amino acid or peptide units within the ring nucleus, and increase or decrease the total number of members within the ring. The invention further provides novel Echinocandin type compounds and their use as antifungal or anti-parasitic agents.

Abstract: Process for making nylon 6 in which a feed stream containing a major portion of caprolactam and/or nylon 6 prepolymer and a minor portion of aminocapronitrile is fed to a multistage reactive distillation column in which the feed stream flows countercurrently to a steam stream.

Abstract: A process of forming a polycarbonate comprises providing a reaction mixture of at least one polycarbonate-forming monomer and carbon dioxide; and then reacting the polycarbonate-forming monomer and carbon dioxide in the reaction mixture to form the polycarbonate. In one embodiment, the polycarbonate is present in a condensate, and the process further comprises removing carbon dioxide from the reaction mixture; and then collecting the condensate from the reaction mixture. Moreover, uncrystallized polycarbonate may be treated with carbon dioxide to form crystalline polycarbonate. The crystalline polycarbonate is then rendered useful for solid state polymerization.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for the preparation of polyamide polymers via prepolymer formation in a reactor system comprising a reactor, flasher and separator, crystallization of the prepolymer under controlled temperature conditions and the subsequent conversion of these crystallized prepolymers to high molecular weight polymer.

Abstract: Polyamide, polyurea, polyhydrazide, and polyurethane materials having substantially modified surfaces which are antimicrobial are disclosed. The disclosure also relates to selective ultraviolet (UV) photon irradiation, high energy electron irradiation low energy electron irradiation for preparing such antimicrobial, polymeric materials. The disclosure further provides methods for controlling microorganisms, and products made from the antimicrobial, polymeric materials of this invention.

Abstract: A water flow monitoring system for determining the presence of leaks in plumbing pipes having water flowing through the pipes under high pressure includes a flow monitor which is mounted to the pipe for sensing the flow of water through the pipe. A timer and/or accumulated volume meter is associated with the flow monitor to determine when the flow has continued for a preselected period of time, and/or when the amount of water has exceeded a preselected accumulated volume threshold. Upon detection of flow for the preselected period of time, and/or preselected accumulated volume threshold, a valve is actuated to stop flow through the pipe.

Abstract: A magnetic field generating assembly including self-contained modules formed from relatively high temperature superconducting material. A magnetic flux guide, such as a yoke, is positioned relative to the modules so that magnetic flux generated by the modules is coupled into the flux guide.

Abstract: Polyaniline fibers are spun from stable solutions of the polymer in certain amine solvents.