Abstract: Apparatus and methods for environments subject to vortex induced vibration. The system includes a shroud having a number of perforations, with the shroud encircling the flowing-fluid element less than 100%. The system further includes a separation member for attaching the shroud to the flowing-fluid element.

Abstract: A blend and flexible product made of two copolymers of an olefin and an ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic ester monomer. The copolymers are selected such that each copolymer includes greater than 6 weight percent ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic ester monomer, or selected to be more than 10 weight percent of the blend. If the copolyers have similar ester contents, that is differing by less than 6 weight percent, the copolymers are selected such that their difference in their melt flows is greater than about 8. If the copolymers have dissimilar ester contents, that is differing by more than 6 weight percent, the copolymers are selected such that the ratio of their melt flows is about 2 or less.

Abstract: An olefin polymerization process in which at least two introductions of hydrogen are made during the olefin polymerization reaction. Suitable catalysts include metallocenes of the general formula (Cp).sub.m TiX.sub.n, wherein Cp is a substituted or unsubstituted cyclopentadienyl ring, X is a halogen, m=1-2, n=2-3, and wherein m+n=4, and conventional Ziegler-Natta catalysts blended with or modified by such metallocenes.

Abstract: There is disclosed a vacuum storage and dispensing container for use with perishable items, particularly food products, and more particularly for use with roasted whole-bean coffee in any retailing application, to extend the shelf life of the perishable item for several months. The invention comprises a storage and dispensing container having a cylinder with a top end and a bottom end. An upper enclosure is attached to the top end and a lower enclosure to the bottom end. There is provided a system for releasing and creating a vacuum in the cylinder, upper enclosure, and lower enclosure for maintaining freshness of the perishable item. In another aspect, there is disclosed a merchandising unit for storing and dispensing perishables comprising a plurality of storage and dispensing containers. Each container includes a cylinder having a top end and a bottom end. An air-tight upper enclosure is attached to the top end and an air-tight lower enclosure to the bottom end.

Abstract: A seal assembly for use in completion and production operations of a subterranean hydrocarbon well for sealing the annular space between the production casing and tubing, which assembly generally includes primary seal members having a circular, oval or elliptical shaped cross-sections, and secondary seal members having convex sections for abutting the primary seal members. The assembly further includes retainers on the tubing which define the seal bore into which the seal members are positioned, and a polished surface on the casing for allowing movement of the seal members against the casing.

Abstract: Disclosed is an alkylation process in which C.sub.3 to C.sub.5 olefins are reacted with an isoparaffin mixture of isobutane and isopentane in the presence of a catalyst. Varying the amount of isopentane present in the mixture can control and/or eliminate the amount of isopentane produced in the alkylation reaction. The disclosed reaction has an improved alkylation yield, and also produces an alkylate having a lowered Reid Vapor Pressure and results in lowered olefin content for reformulated gasoline.

Abstract: Disclosed as one embodiment is a method of producing useful articles from ground whole tire waste, which includes the steps of continuously extruding a heated mixture of ground whole tire waste and thermoplastic binder material into a continuously cooled, open-ended casting chamber. The apparatus for practicing this embodiment includes an extruder, a transition nozzle having an outlet with a cross-section corresponding to the desired cross-section of the useful article, and a casting chamber being constructed and arranged to remove thermal energy from an inner surface of the casting chamber.