Abstract: A casing seal for use with a source of high pressure fluids with apparatus for preventing shredding of the seal with variations in fluid pressure. A T-shaped annular metal ring provides a multiplication of fluid pressure so pressure exerted on an elastomeric sealing ring is greater than the fluid pressure. This multiplication prevents gases from entering the elastomer and prevents shredding of the elastomer when pressure is released. The multiplication of pressure also forces the elastomer firmly against a casing and a casing head to provide a fluid-tight seal.

Abstract: Plasticized polyphosphazene compositions exhibiting excellent flame resistance and low smoke output are disclosed. The plasticizers are resinous alkylated naphthalenes condensed with formaldehyde which are characterized by methylene bridges between naphthalenic rings with softening points ranging from 28.degree. F. to 158.degree. F.

Abstract: An improved ram-type blowout preventer including a housing with a vertical bore therethrough and opposed, aligned ram guideways extending outward from the bore through the housing, a ram in each of the guideways, means for moving each of the rams inwardly and outwardly in its guideway, a front packer in each of the rams, the front packer including an upper plate, a lower plate, a resilient packing between the plates, a layer of woven non-metallic fabric embedded in the packing immediately below the front of the upper plate with the fabric extending from the front to the rear of the packing and completely through the central portion and into the side portions of the packing and the fabric being woven from material selected from the group consisting of aramid fibers, glass fibers, polyester fibers, nylon fibers and carbon fibers.

Abstract: An improved ram-type blowout preventer having a housing with a vertical bore and opposed, aligned ram guideways, a ram in each guideway, means for moving the rams inwardly and outwardly in the guideways, each ram having an improved ram front packer with a packing and means for directing the flow of the packing into a restricted opening at the face of the packer.

Abstract: The properties of fluoroalkoxyphosphazene polymers are improved by compounding the polymers with certain fillers some of which may be reactive, a class of polyfunctional coagents, a vulcanizing agent and possibly other additives and thereafter vulcanizing the resulting compositions. The resulting vulcanizates have improved properties and extend the utility of the phosphazene polymers for use as mechanical goods, seals, O-rings and gaskets for extreme service environments.