Abstract: The present invention relates to solenopsin alkaloid derivatives which are trans-2,6-disubstituted piperidines according to the structure: wherein R1 and R2 are selected from a C1 to C20 saturated or unsaturated linear, cyclic or branch-chained substituted or unsubstituted hydrocarbon group or a substituted or unsubstituted aromatic group, or an ester group. In certain preferred embodiments, where R1 or R2 contains an unsaturated group, such as an alkenyl group, the double bond in the alkenyl group preferably is found in the hydrocarbon chain between the carbon atom bonded to the piperidine ring and the adjacent carbon atom (&agr; and &bgr; carbons).

Abstract: The present invention relates to compounds according to the structure: Wherein R1 is a C11 to C21 saturated or unsaturated, linear or branched hydrocarbon or a saturated or unsaturated hydrocarbon containing a pendant hydroxyl group, preferably on a carbon atom in a position alpha or beta to the keto group of the ester moiety; X is CH2, OCH2CH2 or HC═CHCH2; and R2 is H, OCH3, CH3 or CH2CH3. These compounds exhibit use in personal care products as dry emollients as well as providing additional characteristics including solvency, dispersants, gloss-enhancing agents, solubilizing agents and melting-point depressants, lubricants, viscosity modulating agents and skin protection factor boosters.

Abstract: A ceramic core molding composition, which includes alumina fibers, zircon, and fumed silica in an amorphous silica base, reduces shrinkage and shrinkage stresses during the core production process. Cores produced utilizing the disclosed composition and method exhibit an improved resistancce to macrocracking over conventionally produced cores.

Abstract: A supersonic combustion ram cannon (1) includes a conical projectile (8) with a flat base (9) which produces a subsonic wake (12) as it flies through a barrel (2). The projectile is configured to avoid a normal shock, relying instead on supersonic compression, combustion and gas expansion. The supersonic combustion of a fuel-oxidizer mixture around the tail of the subsonic wake, pressurizes the wake and drives the projectile forward. By utilizing wake stabilized supersonic combustion, the compression and combustion pressures can be matched to the limiting barrel working pressure, thereby providing for optimum thrust and maximum projectile acceleration.