Abstract: A threadform for a gate valve has a set of threads on a stem that engage a threaded receptacle of the gate. When the stem is rotated, the gate moves. The threads have a thread height to thread base thickness ratio that is at least the inverse of 0.7 times e raised to 0.388 divided by a nominal thread diameter of the threads. That ratio is at least 1.1.

Abstract: A threadform for a gate valve has a set of threads on a stem that engage a threaded receptacle of the gate. When the stem is rotated, the gate moves. The threads have a thread height to thread base thickness ratio that is at least the inverse of 0.7 times e raised to 0.388 divided by a nominal thread diameter of the threads. That ratio is at least 1.1.

Abstract: An undersea telescopic joint for a riser system is connected to a drilling vessel with a plurality of tensioners. The joint has a bearing with inner and outer annular mating members. A cap seals the outer member to the joint. The outer member closely receives and is axially movable relative to the inner member. A flat thrust bearing is located in a chamber between the two members. The members are sealed to one another with upper and lower swivel seals. A passage communicates hydraulic fluid to the chamber. The bearing has a pressure gage which registers with a passage that extends between the swivel seals. The chamber is filled with hydraulic fluid so that the two members are separated and the drilling vessel may rotate easily. The gage is used to detect whether the primary swivel seal is leaking.

Abstract: A cap-sensitive emulsion explosive capable of being used in packaged explosive products. The explosive contains ammonium nitrate prills of a bulk density of 0.70 to 1.00 g/cc, with a particle density of 1.25 to 1.40 g/cc. A polysuccinic anhydride based emulsifying agent is used as an emulsifying agent. Packaged explosives prepared according to the present invention have improved package stability, and allow for control of the ratio of shock energy to heave energy.

Abstract: A process for the production of a chemically gassed emulsion explosive wherein a chemical gassing agent is added to the emulsion as an essentially dry particulate powder. The process allows for the production of stable emulsion explosives which have more controllable emulsion explosive characteristics.

Abstract: A chemically sensitized dry explosive is provided, which can be used as a blasting agent, per se, or can be used in the production of a wide variety of explosive compositions. The compositions are typically manufactured from an unstable emulsion explosive and have a chemical sensitizer in either the continuous or discontinuous phase. The compositions are characterized in that they comprise 5 to 30% water in the discontinuous phase after crystallization of the composition.

Abstract: An emulsion explosive composition comprising a discontinuous oxidizer phase and a continuous fuel phase is provided wherein the fuel phase comprises a nitroalkane compound. The composition essentially contains as the emulsifying agent a polyisobutylene succinic anhydride-based compound in admixture with an ester of 1-4 sorbitan and oleic acid. The composition demonstrates high explosive strength and excellent stability.

Abstract: An emulsion explosive composition comprising a discontinuous oxidizer phase and a continuous fuel phase is provided wherein the fuel phase comprises an aromatic hydrocarbon compound. The composition essentially contains as the emulsifying agent a polyisobutylene succinic anyhdride-based compound in admixture with an ester of 1-4 sorbitan and oleic acid. The composition demonstrates high explosive strength and excellent stability.

Abstract: A novel heterogeneous, cap-sensitive high explosive is provided which comprises a crystalline inorganic nitrate salt having dispersed throughout the matrix of the salt crystal a hydroxyalkyl nitrate fuel. Particularly preferred are ammonium nitrate crystals having dispersed therein ethylene glycol mononitrate. The crystalline high explosive is dry and free flowing and may be used per se, in admixture with bulking agents or fluidizing agents or may be used as a replacement for a substantial amount of nitroglycerine in conventional dynamite compositions.

Abstract: Peat moss having increased wettability and increased brightness while maintaining its absorbency and structural integrity is provided. The peat moss is treated so as to chemically graft onto its structure, unhydrolized polymeric chains of the general formula: ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 are selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and --CH.sub.3, X and Y are selected from the group consisting of --CN, --COONH.sub.2 and --OCH.sub.3 and wherein m and n are integers which when summed together equal at least 500.

Abstract: The present invention relates to plastic extruded strapping and its processing techniques. More particularly, it is concerned with polyester extruded strapping of high tensile strength and low elongation at break to replace steel strapping. Although not limited thereto, this invention is of primary importance in connection with the technique of crystallization and orientation of polyester predominantly in one direction in the making of strap characterized by two-step stretching. Furthermore, this invention is related to the design of a multi-purpose extrusion line for the processing of strap of various polymeric materials.