Abstract: In accordance with the invention, satellite navigation, receiver system of an exploration system for exploring for hydrocarbons in earth formations can be tested for fieldworthiness using a portable microcomputer-controlled satellite navigation simulator. From encoded inputs of local latitude, longitude, Greenwich mean time and antenna height, both array data parameters and real-time control signals are generated for simulating signals of an orbiting TRANSIT navigation satellite vis-a-vis the satellite navigation receiver system. To such system the received signals are indistinguishable from conventional TRANSIT satellite navigation signals. Result: by merely cross-checking simulator "turn-key" encoded data with the final computed fix, a technologist (who need not be a programming expert) can determine the fieldworthiness of the satellite navigation receiver system.

Abstract: 3-(N-arylamino)-gamma-butyrolactones, butyrolactams and thiobutyrolactones are intermediates for compounds having fungicidal activity.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for texturizing thermoplastic yarn. The process and apparatus are characterized by a unique control system which facilitates accumulatorless operation and which allows two or more yarns to be texturized at the same time and wound on the same winder spindle. The control system is adapted to sense relative high and low yarn tension and to control tension to control wound yarn length to ensure that equal lengths of each yarn are collected (wound) on the winder spindle without over tensioning the yarn and without intermediate yarn accumulation.

Abstract: The growth of undesired vegetation is inhibited by applying to the locus where such growth is not desired an herbicidally effective amount of a compound of the formula ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1 is methyl or ethyl and R.sup.2 is phenyl; or phenyl substituted with 1 to 2 halogen atoms, 1 to 2 alkyl groups of 1 to 2 carbon atoms, or 1 to 2 alkoxy groups of 1 to 2 carbon atoms.

Abstract: A composition comprising 50 to 98 weight percent sulfur, 0.2 to 20 weight percent of an organic compound reactive with sulfur to plasticize sulfur, 1 to 40 weight percent mica, and 0.02 to 5 weight percent phosphorus sulfide. Preferably the organic compound used to plasticize the sulfur is dicyclopentadiene or a glycol. The composition is advantageously used to coat a concrete or metal surface and thereby obtain a coated surface which is resistant to acid attack and resistant to crazing on exposure to fluctuating temperatures.

Abstract: A process for avoiding compaction and permeability reduction in carbonate formations when fluids are injected into such formations in a manner to produce hydrocarbons from such formations. The process involves controlling the pH and the state of mineral saturation of the injection fluids.

Abstract: A method for killing grubs which comprises applying to the soil habitat of the grubs an insecticidally effective amount of a compound of the formula ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1, R.sup.2 and R.sup.3 are alkyl of 1 to 4 carbon atoms; and X, Y, Z and V are sulfur or oxygen.

Abstract: Alkyl alkoxyacetates from C.sub.3 -C.sub.6 secondary alcohols, formaldehyde and carbon monoxide at a temperature of 5.degree. C. to -20.degree. C. and a carbon monoxide pressure of 0.5 to 275 atm.

Abstract: A method for killing wire worms and flea beetles which comprises applying to the soil habitat of the wire worms and flea beetles an insecticidally effective amount of a compound of the formula ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1, R.sup.2 and R.sup.3 are alkyl of 1 to 4 carbon atoms; and X, Y, Z and V are sulfur or oxygen.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for recovering viscous crudes from petroleum-containing formation, such as tar sand deposits, which are too deep to mine economically but not deep enough, or geologically not structured properly, to successfully hydraulically fracture for well to well production. The method contemplates a field grid layout of sets of injection and production wells and a subsurface generally horizontal heated tubular member passing through the subsurface petroleum-containing formation. Heated fluids are circulated through the tubular members to heat the viscous crudes in the vicinity of the tubular members and a heated drive fluid is injected through the injection wells to move heated crude toward the production wells.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, an impulse generator of high portability is provided using a pair of guillotinized, separately activated hammer/anvil sub-assemblies. Since each sub-assembly is horizontal positioned, say in contact with the earth from a position below the wheel of an exploration truck, the equivalent of the "flying blade" of a guillotine, i.e., a weighted hammer element, must be provided with horizontal movement. This is done by tensioning a plurality of springs attached between the hammer element and a rectangular main frame.During cocking and release of the hammer, the explorationist is provided with a series of visual signals in the form of deactivated and activated panel lights. These signals are automatically provided by controller means of the present invention. Release of the cocked hammer, however, is operator controlled for safety reasons say by activation of a latching means attached to the main frame of the assembly.

Abstract: N-tetrachloroethylthio-substituted halomethanesulfonamides of the formula ##STR1## wherein R is alkyl, cycloalkyl, acyl, X is fluoro, chloro, bromo or iodo and R' is tetrachloroethyl, are useful as algicides.

Abstract: A dust-collection head for use in a dust-collection system. The outer end of the head has a substantially C-shaped configuration with a substantially curved face formed therein. At least two curved, parallel slots extend generally along the length of the face. A plurality of flow directors are disposed within a chamber formed in the housing of the head. And the flow directors extend inwardly from the face to form a number of flow passages within the chamber for providing a substantially even capture velocity along the face.

Abstract: A blend of different polypropylene resins which is particularly useful in melt-spinning fine denier yarns. The blend can be melt-extruded into pellets having better spinning properties for melt-spinning fine denier yarns than the individual resins.

Abstract: N-trichlorovinylthio-substituted halomethanesulfonamides of the formula ##STR1## wherein R is alkyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, X is fluoro, chloro, bromo or iodo and R' is trichlorovinyl, are fungicides and algicides.

Abstract: Multi-filament thermoplastic bounce crimped yarns having improved fiber-fiber coherency and intermediate non-entangled yarns and methods and apparatus for making such yarns. The process is characterized by the use of a novel bounce crimper which produces a bounce crimped yarn substantially free of filament loops and filament entanglement which is then fluid vortex interlaced to produce a very fiber-fiber coherent yarn.

Abstract: Compounds having the formula ##STR1## wherein one of X or Y is chloro and the other is trifluoromethyl or wherein X is hydrogen and Y is chloro and methods of preparing said compounds.The compounds can be prepared by the reaction of the corresponding 1-acetyl substrate with chlorine or sulfuryl chloride and are useful as mite ovacides.

Abstract: A drilling sub-base assembly for use from an offshore drilling vessel wherein drilling operations are conducted through a moon pool and at a drilling site where the bottom soil conditions are soft or unstable such that a conventional drilling sub-base dimensioned to pass through the moon pool would not provide an adequate foundational base for the carrying-on of drilling operations. The drilling sub-base assembly includes a main section dimensioned for ease of passage through the moon pool of the vessel and secondary sections pivotally affixed to the main section on at least two opposite sides thereof to be in a substantially vertical position relative to the main section when the drilling sub-base assembly is located in the moon pool and to be in a substantially horizontal position relative to the main section when the drilling sub-base assembly is positioned on the underwater bottom.

Abstract: Sulfur-based roof shingles which consist essentially of a fibrous base mat coated on at least one surface with a plasticized-sulfur composition were found to have surprising flexibility and fire resistance when compared to similar asphalt shingles.

Abstract: Symmetrical 1,3-dichloroacetone is prepared by contacting chlorine with an aqueous mixture of acetone, monochloroacetone, or mixtures thereof and an iodine-containing promoter.