Abstract: A cuff link including a base, which has two parallel blocks at the top and a longitudinal top open chamber defined between the blocks, which blocks each having a pivot hole and a side opening communicated between the respective pivot hole and the top open chamber, a button, which has a shank, which has two pivot pins respectively inserted through the side openings on the blocks into the pivot holes thereof for permitting the button to be turned relative to the base between the fastening position and the unfastening position, and a spring plate inserted into the top open chamber to support the shank and to prevent the pivot pins from moving out of the pivot holes.

Abstract: A process for the production of an aqueous dispersion of vermiculite ore particles comprising delaminating vermiculite ore by subjecting an aqueous slurry of the ore to a shearing action until a dispersion containing vermiculite lamellae having dimensions less than 200 microns is produced.

Abstract: Disclosed are (1) drilling fluid compositions consisting essentially of an aqueous medium selected from the group consisting of fresh and tap water, natural and synthetic sea water, and natural and synthetic brine, and carboxymethyl guar having a degree of substitution (D.S.) of 0.1 to 0.4; (2) drilling fluid compositions consisting essentially of an aqueous medium selected from the group consisting of fresh and tap water, natural and synthetic sea water, and natural and synthetic brine, a carboxymethyl guar having a D.S. of from 0.1 to 0.4, and a metal salt selected from the group consisting of water-soluble metal carbonates and bicarbonates; and (3) drilling fluid compositions consisting essentially of an aqueous medium selected from the group consisting of fresh and tap water, a carboxymethyl guar having a D.S. of from 0.1 to 0.4, a metal salt selected from the group consisting of water-soluble metal carbonates and bicarbonates, and a noncarbonate polyvalent metal salt.