Abstract: The invention describes a cost-effective alternative for deploying and installing subsea equipment using a workboat or other vessel of opportunity. The equipment is not supported directly by the vessel, but is instead supported by one or more buoys below the wave zone. The buoys are controlled by a combination of chain, wire rope, and synthetic line linking it to the workboat. As such, the buoy system described herein decouples vessel motion from the payload by supporting the payload from the buoys below the wave zone. Because the buoys are below the wave action and its associated turbulence, there is little energy and hence little tendency for motion. The result is a stable, inexpensive, maneuverable system capable of servicing large subsea payloads in a wide range of water depths.

Abstract: For well plug treatment to plug an abandoned well, a well plug additive including a dry mixture of water soluble crosslinkable polymer, a crosslinking agent, and a reinforcing material of fibers and/or comminuted plant materials. The method of forming a well plug fluid includes contacting the additive with water or an aqueous solution, with a method of plugging the well further including the step of injecting the fluid into the wellbore.

Abstract: A piston for a pressurized container (i.e., “aerosol can”), the piston including a body having circumferential fins, with the fins being of uniform thickness, decreasing thickness radially away from the body, or varying thickness circumferentially. Further disclosed are container precursors and containers incorporating such a piston, and methods of filling and dispensing from such containers.

Abstract: For conformance treatment to plug an opening in subterranean hydrocarbon bearing formation, a conformance additive including a dry mixture of water soluble crosslinkable polymer, a crosslinking agent, and a reinforcing material of fibers and/or comminuted plant materials. The method of forming a conformance fluid includes contacting the additive with water or an aqueous solution, with a method of conforming the formation further including the step of injecting the fluid into the formation to plug the opening.

Abstract: Apparatus for controlling drag and vortex-induced vibration exerted onto a substantially cylindrical element of a fixed position subjected to a fluid flowing environment. Apparatus of the invention comprise a sleeve comprising an ultra-smooth surface. Methods for installing such apparatus onto cylindrical elements, and systems for controlling drag and vortex-induced vibrations in which a substantially cylindrical marine element has an ultra-smooth effective surface.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for remotely installing vortex-induced vibration (VIV) reduction and drag reduction devices on elongated structures in flowing fluid environments. The apparatus is a tool for transporting and installing the devices. The devices installed can include clamshell-shaped strakes, shrouds, fairings, sleeves and flotation modules.

Abstract: Systems and methods for time, and labor efficient construction and production of subsea wells include a surface blowout preventer stack, a high pressure riser, and a drill thru Xmas tree. The systems may further comprise a subsea shut off and disconnect device.

Abstract: The use of fluid passages for structures in fluid environments such as offshore platform risers or spars to reduce and/or control vortex-induced vibrations and drag is disclosed. The use of fluid passages to protect a moored marine vessel by reducing and/or controlling low frequency drift oscillations due to random waves, and low frequency wind induced resonant oscillations is also disclosed.

Abstract: Compounds of Formula I are disclosed which are useful as fungicides wherein X is —O—, —CH(R11)— or ═C(R11)—; R1 is H or C1-C2 alkyl; R2 is H; C1-C6 alkyl; C3-C6 cycloalkyl; or phenyl optionally substituted with halogen, cyano, C1-C2 alkyl or C1-C2 alkoxy; and R3-R11 are as defined in the disclosure. Also disclosed are compositions containing the compounds of Formula I and a method for controlling plant diseases caused by fungal plant pathogens which involves applying an effective amount of a compound of Formula I.

Abstract: The present invention provides hybrid molecules and methods of synthesizing such hybrid molecules from a cholinergic agent and a bile acid. The hybrid molecules function as cholinergic agents and may be either cholinergic agonists or cholinergic antagonists. Further disclosed herein are compositions comprising hybrid cholinergic agents and methods of making such compositions. Methods of treating a patient having a cholinergic disorder are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides hybrid molecules and methods of synthesizing such hybrid molecules from a cholinergic agent and a bile acid. The hybrid molecules function as cholinergic agents and may be either cholinergic agonists or cholinergic antagonists. Further disclosed herein are compositions comprising hybrid cholinergic agents and methods of making such compositions. Methods of treating a patient having a cholinergic disorder are also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods for coating a substrate and methods of shaping a workpiece comprise formation and use, respectively, of a surface or substrate comprising a first phase selected from nitrides, carbides. carbonitrides, borides, sulphides, chalcogenides, oxides, and silicides, and a second phase selected from nitrides, carbides, carbonitrides, borides, sulphides, chalcogenides, oxides, and silicides, wherein said second phase comprises a multiplicity of discrete portions positioned into the first phase, with these multiplicity of portions comprising a continuous second phase, and made thereof, coating and articles, especially machining, cutting and shaping tools, wearparts, and methods of making and using the composition, coating and articles.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for suppressing vortex-induced vibrations (VIV) of aquatic elements of underwater structures. The system includes use of a sleeve positioned around at least a portion of an aquatic element and at least one strake positioned along at least a portion of the length of the aquatic member. The apparatus further comprises copper to suppress the growth of aquatic organisms.

Abstract: Provided is a metallocene catalyst component for use if preparing isotactic polyolefins, which component has the general formula (I): R″ (CpR1R2R3)(Cp′R′n) MQ2 wherein Cp is a substituted cyclopentadienyl ring; Cp′ is substituted or unsubstituted fluorenyl ring; R″ is a structural bridge imparting stereorigidity to the component; R1 is a substituent on the cyclopentadienyl ring which is distal to the bridge, which distal substituent comprises a bulky group of the formula XR*3 in which X is chosen from Group IVA, and each R* is the same or different and chosen from hydrogen or hydrocarbyl of from 1 to 20 carbon atoms, R2 is substituent on the cyclopentadienyl ring which is proximal to the bridge and positioned non-vincinal to the distal substituent, and is of the formula YR#3, in which Y is chosen from Group IVA, and each R# is the same or different and chosen from hydrogen or hydrocarbyl of 1 to 7 carbon atoms, R3 is a substituent on the cyclopentadienyl ring which is pro

Abstract: Discharge of fluid into or suction of fluid from the boundary region around such structures as offshore marine elements and moored marine vessels to reduce fluid current induced stress to marine elements and low frequency oscillations of moored vessels due to waves and wind striking the vessel is disclosed.

Abstract: Compounds of Formula I are disclosed which are useful as fungicides wherein R1 is hydrogen; halogen; C1-C2 alkoxy; C1-C2 haloalkoxy; cyano; or C1-C2 alkyl optionally substituted with halogen, C1-C2 alkoxy or cyano; R2 is hydrogen; halogen; or C1-C4 alkyl optionally substituted with halogen, C1-C2 alkoxy or cyano; R3 is hydrogen; halogen; C1-C4 alkoxy; C1-C4 haloalkoxy; or C1-C4 alkyl optionally substituted with halogen, C1-C2 alkoxy or cyano; or R2 and R3 can be taken together as —CH2CH2—; R4 is C1-C2 alkyl; R5 is R6, CH(R8)OR6, CH(R8)CH(R7)R6 or C(R8)═C(R7)R6; and R6, R7 and R8 are as defined in the disclosure. Also disclosed are compositions containing the compounds of Formula I and a method for controlling plant diseases caused by fungal plant pathogens which involves applying an effective amount of a compound of Formula I.

Abstract: The present invention relates to transducer packages which utilize lenses made of unpoled piezoelectric material or machined metal coupled to an impedance matched backing. The new transducer packages have minimal reverberation which allow for nearer standoff measurements, improved bond measurements, the ability to detect of thinner cement layers behind casing, and provide for better estimations of formation surface texture.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a pressured O-ring type sealing system which allows for effective seals without expensive and time consuming machining of the sealing surface. The O-ring sealing system of the present invention allows the sealing member to conform to the natural surface irregularities of the sealing surface and to compensate for any eccentricities between the plug and the inner diameter of the member being sealed.