Abstract: An extrusion die for extruding biodegradable material, the extrusion die including: a mandrel; an outer member positioned near the mandrel; an extrusion orifice between the mandrel and the outer member; a member in communication with at least one defining member of the extrusion orifice, wherein the member is capable of producing relative movement between the outer member and the mandrel, wherein the relative movement has a component transverse to an extrusion direction of biodegradable material through the extrusion orifice; a flow control device which controls flow of biodegradable material through the extrusion die; and a positioning device which positions the outer member and the mandrel relative to each other.

Abstract: An improved, cost-effective, insulated flexible pipeline that is insulated with a bituminous composition.

Abstract: A system comprising: a mooring bridle, wherein the mooring bridle is installed below the wave zone of the sea and wherein the bridle is attached to a first vessel; and vessel lines which attach a second vessel to the mooring bridle. A line comprising: an anchor which is attached to the sea floor; an anchor line comprising an upper end and a lower end wherein the lower end is connected to the anchor; an anchor line buoy which is attached to the upper end of the anchor line; and a vessel line comprising an upper end and a lower end wherein the lower end attaches to the buoy and the upper end attaches to the vessel.

Abstract: A method for monitoring production mineral reservoirs, the method comprising: permanently installing a geophone in a borehole; generating a first set of seismic waves; receiving a first set of seismic data with the geophone; recording the first set of data of said receiving a first set of seismic data; generating a second set of seismic waves after sufficient time has passed for conditions in the reservoir to have changed from the generating a first set of seismic waves; receiving a second set of seismic data with the geophone; and recording the second set of seismic data of said receiving a second set of seismic data. A method for installing instruments below the surface of the earth, the method comprising: drilling a borehole with a drill apparatus; inserting an instrument in the borehole; and permanently fixing the instrument in the borehole.

Abstract: A ship of a displacement type with a pointed bow and a transom stern, a longitudinal length of L, and defining a base plane and a design waterline plane, the ship comprising: approximately sinusoidal waterlines; a surface extending from the transom stern at the design waterline plane to the base plane at about L/2 and defining an angle between: the base plane and an oblique plane, the oblique plane being defined by: a line at the intersection of the transom stern and the design waterline plane and a point located on the surface at about 0.2 L from the transom stern, and a first propeller which is attached to the ship so that the hull wake through the first propeller is less than 0.50.

Abstract: A ship comprising: approximately sinusoidal waterlines; and a surface extending from the transom stern at the design waterline plane to the base plane at about L/3 from the bow and defining an angle between the base plane and an oblique plane, the oblique plane being defined by: a line at the intersection of the transom stern and the design waterline plane and a point located on the surface at about 0.2 L from the transom stern; and a turret along the middle line plane.

Abstract: A process comprising: organizing the top of the risers; organizing the bottom of the risers; and twisting the risers to impose tension in the risers. A system comprising: an organizer of the top of the risers; an organizer of the bottom of the risers; and a twister the risers to impose tension in the risers.