Abstract: A restraint device (1) comprises a belt (2) and complementary quick-fastening means (3, 4) which are associated with the belt (2) and which, when quick-fastened together, render the belt (2) into a secure closed loop (11) of desired length. The device (1) may be applied to the arms and torso of a person to be restrained or the wrists or ankles thereof.

Abstract: A method of stabilizing a wellbore being drilled through both shale and sandstone zones. A shale stabilizing agent and finely divided particulate material are combined in a water based drilling fluid to provide the stabilization.

Abstract: Additive compositions and aqueous drilling fluids which impart improved wellbore stability in drilling shale formations consisting essentially of one or more water-soluble high molecular weight polymers capable of forming relatively strong nucleophilic sites when treated with base and one or more potassium salts which have sufficient alkalinity to raise the pH of the resultant drilling fluid to above 9.0, but whose anions are relatively weak nucleophiles compared to the polymeric nucleophilic sites.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining the physical integrity of geological shales and for simulating the environment experienced by geological strata comprising forming a test specimen of the stratum to be measured; immersing the specimen in a drilling fluid, or a mixture of drilling fluids, for a predetermined length of time; spinning the test specimen while immersed up to a predetermined speed while adjusting the temperature of the fluid; and then physically measuring the specimen for disintegration, liquid absorption, and hardness. The apparatus for simulating the environment experienced by geological strata includes means for immersing the specimen in the drilling fluid which comprises a nail having the specimen attached to the shank adjacent the head to hold the specimen inverted below the surface of the drilling fluid.

Abstract: An improved method for preparing polyvinyl halide by suspension polymerization is disclosed. The improvement comprises adding a minor, but effective, amount of a quaternary ammonium salt of cellulose sulfate to the reaction admixture prior to polymerization. The improved process results in a product having increased bulk density.

Abstract: The invention discloses an apparatus for measuring the diffusion of liquid into solids comprising(a) an upper portion having substantially sloped walls, the lower end of said sloped walls meeting to form an aperture,(b) solids retaining means positioned at said aperture, said means being permeable to a liquid whose absorption is being measured,(c) a lower portion substantially cylindrical in configuration, said lower portion connected with said upper portion wherein said aperture is common to both, and wherein(d) both upper and lower portions are operably connected to a gravimetric scale, such that the total weight of the upper and lower portions, solids retaining means, solid content, and liquid can be weighed.The apparatus and method taught provide an efficient easy way for measuring fusion of liquid in the solids.

Abstract: Polymers can be made semi-conductors by incorporating ionic metallic salts into said polymers, such that conductance levels rise more rapidly than normal as electrical potential increases. These salts are useful at levels of at least 0.007% by weight based on the total compound weight, said salts imparting a geometrically increased level of conductance as the applied electrical potential proportionally increases.

Abstract: Polyvinyl chloride containing certain fluorocarbon surfactants has improved antistatic properties.