Abstract: The invention provides (1) a method of increasing the thermal stability of an aqueous polysaccharide-containing fluid by adding thereto magnesia and a thiosulfate salt; (2) a drilling, completion, or workover fluid comprising an aqueous liquid, a water soluble polysaccharide, magnesia, and a thiosulfate salt; and (3) an additive for increasing the thermal stability of an aqueous polysaccharide-containing fluid which comprises magnesia and a thiosulfate salt in a weight ratio of magnesia to thiosulfate salt from about 0.15/1 to about 6.67/1. The preferred magnesia has an activity index less than 100, most preferably less than 50. The preferred thiosulfate salt is sodium thiosulfate. The preferred polysaccharide is selected from the group consisting of xanthan gum, epichlorohydrin crosslinked starch, carboxymethyl cellulose, and mixtures thereof. The preferred aqueous liquid is a saturated sodium chloride solution.

Abstract: A printing or marking apparatus comprises a movable marking member having at least one marking device thereon, and a stationary heating structure having at least one heating element for maintaining the marking device at an elevated temperature. At least a portion of the stationary heating structure can be exchanged, removed or modified in order to vary the amount of heat applied to the marking device. In a preferred embodiment, the removable portion comprises a tubular heat pipe which extends into a hollow marking roll, and the heat pipe may be provided in different sizes or in segments which can be added or removed as desired. The disclosed apparatus is of particular utility in connection with ink compositions of the type which are solid at normal room temperatures, and which are rendered liquid or flowable at elevated temperatures.

Abstract: A golf teaching aid includes a primary hinge member having a first arm pivotally connected to a second arm. The first arm is movable relative to the second arm between a stored position wherein the first arm and the second arm are parallel and an operative position wherein the first arm and the second arm are set in angular relation. A first tubular member extends from the first arm. The first tubular member has a first telescopic member which is telescopically received within the first tubular member. A second tubular member has a second telescopic member which is telescopically received within the second tubular member. A target pointer member is pivotally secured to the first telescopic member. The positioning of the target pointer member relative to the second telescopic member is adjustable by extension of the first telescopic member whereby the target pointer member points to the preferred position for ball placement relative to the second tubular member and points toward a target.

Abstract: Disclosed are well working and treating fluids comprising a saturated aqueous saline solution, a particulate water soluble salt which is insoluble in the saturated saline solution, xanthomonas gum, and an epichlorohydrin crosslinked hydroxypropyl starch derivative wherein the xanthomonas gum and the epichlorohydrin crosslinked hydroxypropyl starch derivative interact to synergistically enhance the suspension characteristics of the fluid and to decrease the fluid loss of the fluid.Also disclosed is an additive composition for enhancing the suspension characteristics and reducing the fluid loss of saturated brine based well treating fluids comprising specified proportions of xanthomonas gum and epichlorohydrin crosslinked hydroxypropyl starch.