Abstract: Herein we describe crab traps having degradable cull ring panels, as well as methods for ensuring that crab traps have reduced functionality after becoming derelict. Derelict crab traps have a negative economic and ecological impact, and thus it is advantageous to use degradable crab traps that will lose their ability to catch and retain fish over time. Incorporating degradable cull ring panels into crab traps provides an effective, economical solution. Suitable degradable cull ring panels are described herein.

Abstract: A process is described for modifying polymeric surfaces. The process is particularly useful for modification of polyesters, and can be used to impart surface functionality that confers antimicrobial, anti-soiling, or other desirable properties to the polymer. The process comprises the steps of exposing a polymeric substrate to deep UV irradiation, followed by reaction with a grafting agent. In preferred embodiments, a vapor-phase grafting agent undergoes covalent reactions with the UV-modified polymer surface to produce a polymer with improved properties.

Abstract: Devices and methods useful for enhancing respiration quality in humans are described herein. In particular, the present invention relates to devices and methods useful for the treatment, prevention, and/or management of respiratory disorders and associated complications. Herein, a training device is described that increases the difficulty of nasal breathing.

Abstract: A novel organic thiol stabilizer for PVC is described herein. Specifically, this novel thiol stabilizer for PVC is dipentaerythritol hexakis(mercaptoacetate). The organic thiol stabilizer of the present invention, when blended with halogen-containing polymers such as PVC, or derivatives thereof, provides advantages in cost and/or performance relative to existing organic stabilizers for PVC.

Abstract: A process is described for forming a conductive silver surface on a solid polymer article. An acid-containing polymer and silver ions are dissolved in an appropriate solvent, and a solid polymer article is formed by known methods. The solid polymer is treated with a chemical reducing agent to yield a conductive silver surface, useful in a wide range of applications. Patterned silver conductive surfaces can also be produced.

Abstract: Silicon oxynitride compositions are described herein. These compositions are typically deposited onto substrates using a nitrogen plasma-based, reactive sputtering method. Depending on their composition, these coatings can be used for field emission suppression, dielectric applications, reflection control, and surface passivation.

Abstract: Novel compositions and morphologies of carbon nanoflakes are described, as well as methods for making carbon nanoflakes using a radio frequency plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition (RF-PECVD) process. Acetylene is used as a CVD source gas. By utilizing high concentrations of acetylene in the CVD source gas at relatively low temperatures, carbon nanoflake growth rate and robustness are improved, and the resulting carbon nanoflakes have enhanced height uniformity.

Abstract: Methods are described for preparing graft copolymers from poly(vinyl chloride) or vinyl chloride copolymers comprising reacting these materials with sources of selected metal-centered free radicals in the presence of one or more monomers that can undergo free-radical addition polymerization. The metal-centered free radicals used are capable of abstracting chlorine atoms from the starting polymer to form C-centered radicals that add to the monomer(s) in order to start the growth of branches via a free-radical route. This method is an effective method for producing PVC graft copolymers, and can be used to produce PVC graft copolymers having novel compositions. The methods of the invention are particularly useful for providing highly branched PVC graft copolymers.

Abstract: Organic thiol compounds based on pentaerythritol and dipentaerythritol are described herein. More specifically, the compounds of the present invention are mixed esters of pentaerythritol and dipentaerythritol having at least one sulfhydryl group and preferably a plurality of sulfhydryl groups as well as at least one non-thiol-containing group. The organic thiol compounds are utilized to plasticize and/or heat stabilize halogen-containing polymer compositions especially poly(vinyl chloride) compositions. The compositions are substantially free or free of metal-based stabilizers, Lewis acids and terpenes. The compounds of the present invention are ideally utilized in polymers normally susceptible to deterioration and color change which can occur during processing of the polymer or exposure of the polymer to certain environments and surprisingly also serve as excellent plasticizers.

Abstract: We describe novel compositions and methods for reducing fire and smoke hazards associated with rigid and flexible PVC. Cone calorimetry studies have identified several copper additives that are highly effective as combustion inhibitors for PVC. Mixed-metal oxides of copper(II) are especially attractive in this regard, some of which are strongly synergistic for smoke suppression when they are combined, in particular CuTi3O7 and Cu3(MoO4)2(OH)2. These novel combinations are useful for PVC applications wherein color is not of primary importance.

Abstract: Aromatic and aliphatic organic thiol compounds are disclosed which can be utilized to plasticize and/or stabilize halogen-containing polymer compositions, especially poly(vinyl chloride) compositions. Compounds of the present invention are utilized in polymers normally susceptible to deterioration and color change, which typically occurs during processing of the polymer or exposure to certain environments.

Abstract: A novel organic thiol stabilizer for PVC is described herein. Specifically, this novel thiol stabilizer for PVC is dipentaerythritol hexakis(mercaptoacetate). The organic thiol stabilizer of the present invention, when blended with halogen-containing polymers such as PVC, or derivatives thereof, provides advantages in cost and/or performance relative to existing organic stabilizers for PVC.

Abstract: A system and method for identifying and quantifying targets within a liquid medium. A raw sidescan sonar image is collected. A region of interest is separated from the image. An image transformation is performed using an extraction algorithm. Salient image characteristics are calculated. Spurious pixels are removed from the image to obtain an extracted region of interest. Particle analysis is performed on the extracted region of interest to generate a feature vector which is presented to a neural network for classification.

Abstract: The invention described herein details a protocol to improve analysis and peak identification in spectroscopic data. Bayesian methods are used to automatically identify peaks in data sets. After identifying peak shapes, the method tests the hypothesis that a given number of peaks is found within any given data window. If a peak is identified within a given window, then the likelihood function is maximized in order to estimate peak position and amplitude. This process yields a spectrum with high resolution and minimal artifacts. The method described herein is particularly useful for identifying peaks in data sets obtained from spectroscopy.

Abstract: Methods are described for preparing graft copolymers from poly(vinyl chloride) or vinyl chloride copolymers comprising reacting these materials with sources of selected metal-centered free radicals in the presence of one or more monomers that can undergo free-radical addition polymerization. The metal-centered free radicals used are capable of abstracting chlorine atoms from the starting polymer to form C-centered radicals that add to the monomer(s) in order to start the growth of branches via a free-radical route. This method is an effective method for producing PVC graft copolymers, and can be used to produce PVC graft copolymers having novel compositions. The methods of the invention are particularly useful for providing highly branched PVC graft copolymers.

Abstract: Organic thiol compounds including mercaptophenylcarboxylates are disclosed which can be utilized to plasticize and/or stabilize halogen-containing polymer compositions, especially poly(vinyl chloride) compositions. Compounds of the present invention are utilized in polymers normally susceptible to deterioration and color change, which typically occurs during processing of the polymer or exposure to certain environments.

Abstract: A process is described for modifying polymeric surfaces. The process is particularly useful for modification of polyesters, and can be used to impart surface functionality that confers antimicrobial, anti-soiling, or other desirable properties to the polymer. The process comprises the steps of exposing a polymeric substrate to deep UV irradiation, followed by reaction with a grafting agent. In preferred embodiments, a vapor-phase grafting agent undergoes covalent reactions with the UV-modified polymer surface to produce a polymer with improved properties.

Abstract: Aromatic and aliphatic organic thiol compounds are disclosed which can be utilized to plasticize and/or stabilize halogen-containing polymer compositions, especially poly(vinyl chloride) compositions. Compounds of the present invention are utilized in polymers normally susceptible to deterioration and color change, which typically occurs during processing of the polymer or exposure to certain environments.

Abstract: Aromatic and aliphatic organic thiol compounds are disclosed which can be utilized to plasticize and/or stabilize halogen-containing polymer compositions, especially poly(vinyl chloride) compositions. Compounds of the present invention are utilized in polymers normally susceptible to deterioration and color change, which typically occurs during processing of the polymer or exposure to certain environments.

Abstract: Organic thiol compounds including aromatic, aliphatic, and diester ether compounds containing sulfhydryl groups are disclosed which can be utilized to plasticize and/or stabilize halogen-containing polymer compositions, especially poly(vinyl chloride) compositions. Compounds of the present invention are utilized in polymers normally susceptible to deterioration and color change, which typically occurs during processing of the polymer or exposure to certain environments.