Abstract: This invention relates in general to the formation of thick films having a biaxial molecular orientation. Such films are prepared in accordance with the present invention from rod-like extended chain aromatic-heterocyclic ordered polymers. Such films have high tensile strength, modulus, and environmental resistance characteristics. A preferred ordered polymer for use in the present invention is poly (para--phenylenebenzo bisthiazole), (PBT), a compound having the structure: ##STR1## The present invention is also directed to methods and apparatus suitable for producing biaxially oriented films, coatings, and like materials from ordered polymers, preferably PBT.

Abstract: A liguid separation system includes a first separator unit, a second separator unit and means including a pump for flowing a liquid mixture from a system inlet to the inlet of the first separator unit. A first outlet of the first separator unit is connected to the inlet of the second separator unit, a second outlet of said second separator unit is connected to the inlet of the first separator unit, a first outlet of the second separator unit is connected to a system outlet, and feedback means is adapted to provide continuous flow during system operation of at least about 0.01 gallon per minute from a second outlet of the second separator unit to the inlet of the first separator unit.

Abstract: This invention relates in general to the formation of multiaxially (e.g., biaxially) oriented films from high molecular weight liquid crystalline thermotropic polymers (homopolymers, copolymers, and the like), wherein due to the processing conditions employed, the films have a controlled molecular orientation. The novel multiaxially oriented films of the present invention are preferably prepared from two commercially available thermotropic polymers, Datrco Manufacturing, Incorporated's XYDAR.RTM. LCP and Hoechst Celanese's VECTRA.RTM. LCP.

Abstract: This invention relates in general to the formation of multiaxially (e.g., biaxially) oriented films from high molecular weight lyotropic or thermotropic polymers (homopolymers, copolymers, and the like), wherein due to the processing conditions employed, the films have a controlled molecular orientation. The films of the present invention are preferably prepared from rod-like extended-chain, aromatic- heterocyclic polymers. These polymers generally fall into two classes; first, those that are modified in solution form, i.e., lyotropic liquid crystalline polymers; and second, those that are modSTATEMENT OF GOVERNMENT INTERESTFunding for the present invention was obtained from the Government of the United States by virtue of Contract Nos. F33615-83-C-5120 and N00164-87-C-0050, from the Departments of the Air Force and the Navy, respectively. Thus, the Government of the United States has certain rights in and to the invention claimed herein.

Abstract: This invention relates in general to the formation of thick films having a biaxial molecular orientation. Such films are prepared in accordance with the present invention from rod-like extended chain aromatic-heterocyclic ordered polymers. Such films have high tensile strength, modulus, and environmental resistance characteristics.A preferred ordered polymer for use in the present invention is poly (para - phenylenebenzo bisthiazole), (PBT), a compound having the structure: ##STR1## The present invention is also directed to methods and apparatus suitable for producing biaxially oriented films, coatings, and like materials from ordered polymers, preferably PBT.

Abstract: A separable fastener system has a first separable member that includes a series of metal hook sheets disposed in stacked relation that defines an array of hook elements on its broad surface. Each hook sheet is a planar metal member of uniform thickness and has a body portion with a series of hook elements formed along one edge of the body. Each hook element includes a stem portion, a deflecting surface portion, and a latch portion. Metal spacer sheets are disposed between the hook sheets and may be varied in thickness and in number to control the density of the hook elements on the broad surface of the first fastener member. The hook and spacer sheets are secured together in stacked relation.

Abstract: A fluid swivel system of the type suitable for use with a single point mooring system and the like includes mandrel structure that defines a through flow path from a coupling to a port in an outer cylindrical interface surface, a port in the outer interface surface. Generally toroidal structure surrounds and is mounted for rotation relative to the mandrel structure, the toroid structure having an inner cylindrical interface surface in juxtaposed relation to the interface surface of the mandrel structure. The mandrel and toroid structures cooperate to define a through flow passage between the mandrel coupling and a toroid port in the external surface of the swivel and further cooperate to define an annular seal chamber between the juxtaposed interface surfaces on either side of the through passage.

Abstract: A pre-vaporizing liquid fuel burner with an eductor mounted to the end of a burner housing having an internal chamber. The eductor has air ducts disposed in a throat of the eductor through which combustion gas and air flow. A perforated flameholder is contiguous with the gas inlet of the eductor throat. The air flowing from the ducts creates a suction at the downstream side of the eductor throat which, in turn, draws the combustion gas from the center of the flame into the throat. The streams of air and gas flow from the eductor in interleaving streams to a mixing zone and then to the chamber downstream of the eductor. The interleaving streams are non-parallel to the burner axis but flow in an axisymmetric pattern to produce turbulent secondary eddies or flow patterns for complete mixing of air and combustion gas in a short distance. Liquid fuel is sprayed into the axisymmetric flow of the air-gas mixture where it evaporates. The combined air-gas-fuel vapor mixture is then fed to the flameholder and ignited.

Abstract: Seal structure for positioning between two members disposed for sliding relative movement includes a band component that is adapted to be carried by one member and that has a front surface for engagement with the other member and a backup component that is seated in slidable relation on a rear surface of the band component. A seal surface is defined between two pressure distribution regions formed in the front surface of the band component, and the backup component is located in general alignment with the seal surface and provides pressure compensation at the seal interface between the seal surface and the juxtaposed surface of the other member.

Abstract: A deployment system for use in an oil well system or the like that comprises a body for disposition in an elongated tubular casing that carries deployable apparatus for radial expansion into engagement with surfaces of the casing. A first chamber in the body contains incompressible fluid, and a second chamber in the body contains pressurized compressible fluid. A first passage interconnects the first chamber and the deployable apparatus, a second passage interconnects the first and second chambers, and differential pressure responsive means that controls the second passage has a first condition in which the second passage is closed and a second condition in which the second passage is open, the differential pressure responsive means being adapted to shift from the first condition to the second condition when the pressure in the first chamber exceeds the pressure in the second chamber by a predetermined amount.

Abstract: An hydraulic energy recovery system for sea water desalinization reverse osmosis processes wherein a tube receives salt water at low pressure and a conveyor in the tube transports the low pressure liquid to a first station where the salt water is pressurized and fed to the desalinization process. The brine from the process is conveyed under pressure to a second station along the tube from which it is conveyed to a discharge. The first and second stations are maintained at high pressure, and the salt water at the inlet end and the brine at the outlet end cooperate with the conveyor to form labyrinth seals at each end of the tube so as to maintain the pressure at the first and second stations.

Abstract: A system for removing material from the bottom of a pressure vessel without relieving the vessle's pressure in which a tube connected intermediate its inlet and outlet ends to the pressure vessel receives material through the connection and into pocket means carried by a conveyor running through the tube. The conveyor carries the material to the outlet or discharge of the tube. The pocket means form moving labyrinth seals at each end of the tube for preventing vessel pressure loss through the tube.

Abstract: The packer includes an elongated tubular casing, and a metal ring is disposed in its entirety within an annular recess in the casing. The recess has a circumferential opening extending entirely around the peripheral outer surface of the casing. Hydraulic fluid is flowed into the recess to apply pressure to the inner peripheral surface of the metal ring to expand the ring radially outwardly and force its outer peripheral surface through the circumferential opening and into annular sealing engagement with the opposed surface of the well casing.

Abstract: An injector with a pair of counter-rotating screws that are mounted along parallel axes in cylindrical chambers formed in a housing are driven in synchronism by a driver. A series of plates are slidably received in a track provided in the housing and are fitted between successive flights of the screws. The plates are carried by the screws in an endless path within the housing. Pockets formed by the plates, screw flights and chamber walls carry particulate solids from an inlet port to a discharge port of the housing for injection into a pressurized hydraulic transport line.

Abstract: An integrated system for the separation of liquid and solids entrained in a carrier effluent including a primary gross oil and solids separator, a secondary solids separator and a three stage centrifuge for final separation of fine solids and said entrained liquid from the carrier effluent.