Abstract: An override module allowing a vehicle operator to default the status of an automated start-stop system to “off.” A first embodiment uses a module that is installed in-line with a manual override button. A second embodiment uses a module that is installed on the vehicle's CAN bus.

Abstract: A steering wheel control interface module that can automatically detect the type of vehicle it is installed in and automatically detect the type of aftermarket radio it is sending messages to. In addition, the interface module can retain certain user pre-selects and use those to properly set the state of an aftermarket radio.

Abstract: Novel cross-linked gels comprised of alkoxyetheramides grafted to polysaccharides that have superior viscosity properties have been made. By controlling the chain length of the alkoxyetheramides and the hydrophobic nature of the gel, these materials are ideal for many uses such as in hydraulic fracturing of oil-bearing geological formations, in the paint and dye industries, as dispersants, in personal care products and for carriers in controlled drug delivery.

Abstract: 3-trimethylammonium-2-hydroxypropyl-N-chitosan (CHI-Q188) and related chitosan derivatives exhibit antimicrobial activity at concentrations as low as 10-20 &mgr;g/mL, an order of magnitude lower than the concentrations at which any previous chitosan derivative has been reported to exhibit antimicrobial activity. These compounds may be used as preservatives in cosmetic formulations, and as antimicrobial pharmaceutical agents.

Abstract: Poly (diene sulfones) have superior properties as X-ray resists. Many poly (diene sulfones) have an X-ray sensitivity below about 50 mJ/cm.sup.2, and a glass transition temperature above about 70.degree. C. A preferred X-ray resist is poly (1,3-hexadiene sulfone). A method of synthesizing poly (diene sulfones) is disclosed, in which a diene monomer is dissolved in a molar excess of a nitroalkane at low temperature, for example in a molar excess of dried 2-nitropropane in a -78.degree. C. dry ice/acetone bath, and reacted with a molar excess of sulfur dioxide in the presence of a free radical initiator such as tert-butyl-hydroperoxide.

Abstract: Water-soluble quaternary ammonium cellulosic derivatives of controlled charge density are disclosed. These derivatives are useful in cosmetic preparations, such as hair and skin formulations, for example hair conditioners. These quaternized cellulosic derivatives are useful as thickeners, conditioners, film formers, fixatives, emulsifiers, or additives in hair or skin formulations to improve combing, manageability, body, curl retention, moisture resistance, and binding of ingredients to keratin. Compared to existing agents, these compounds have improved temperature stability, improved interactions with surfactants (such as in shampoos), improved binding to keratin, improved mechanical properties, and can mend split ends on hair. A major advantage of these compounds is that they may be applied to hair directly from an aqueous solution, and do not require a volatile organic compound solvent as carrier.

Abstract: Polymers are disclosed that are useful in performing chiral separations. A synthetic scheme for producing the novel polymers is also disclosed. The alkyl side chains of poly(.gamma.-alkyl-.alpha.,L-glutamates) have been altered, allowing the facile substitution of the side chains with pendent functional groups. The compounds may be used as a stationary-phase or pseudo-stationary phase in separation techniques such as high performance liquid chromatography, or electrokinetic capillary chromatography. The novel compounds are water-soluble or water-swellable, and are particularly useful in separations of stereoisomers.

Abstract: Water-soluble quaternary ammonium cellulosic derivatives of controlled charge density are disclosed. These derivatives are useful in cosmetic preparations, such as hair and skin formulations, for example hair conditioners. These quaternized cellulosic derivatives are useful as thickeners, conditioners, film formers, fixatives, emulsifiers, or additives in hair or skin formulations to improve combing, manageability, body, curl retention, moisture resistance, and binding of ingredients to keratin. Compared to existing agents, these compounds have improved temperature stability, improved interactions with surfactants (such as in shampoos), improved binding to keratin, improved mechanical properties, and can mend split ends on hair. A major advantage of these compounds is that they may be applied to hair directly from an aqueous solution, and do not require a volatile organic compound solvent as carrier.

Abstract: Poly (diene sulfones) have superior properties as X-ray resists. Many poly (diene sulfones) have an X-ray sensitivity below about 50 mJ/cm.sup.2, and a glass transition temperature above about 70.degree. C. A preferred X-ray resist is poly (1,3-hexadiene sulfone). A method of synthesizing poly (diene sulfones) is disclosed, in which a diene monomer is dissolved in a molar excess of a nitroalkane at low temperature, for example in a molar excess of dried 2-nitropropane in a -78.degree. C. dry ice/acetone bath, and reacted with a molar excess of sulfur dioxide in the presence of a free radical initiator such as tert-butyl-hydroperoxide.

Abstract: A process for improved hydrophobic waste storage is described wherein a latex comprising a preformed, high molecular weight polymer having a high affinity for hydrophobic liquids, is sprayed on the waste prior to admixing an inorganic matrix material. Alternately, a liner for use in a waste pit which is to contain hydrophobic waste liquids or concentrated aqueous salt solutions is produced in situ by blending and compacting a latex comprising a hydrophobic polymer and clay onto the surface of the waste pit.

Abstract: Improved basic polysaccharides are prepared by contacting a polysaccharide with a tetravalent onium salt such as tetramethylammonium chloride prior to contacting it with a strong base such as sodium hydroxide. Polysaccharide derivatives having a greater degree and uniformity of substitution are prepared from such improved basic polysaccharides.