Abstract: A method for the removal and prevention of scale using a soap composition of a 1:1 stoichiometric ratio equivalent of an acid and a base. The acid, for example, is an organic carboxylic acid or a mineral acid. The base is an amine or ammonia. The organic acids consist of formic, acetic, propionic, citric, glycolic, lactic, tartaric, polyacrylic, succinic, sulfonic, gluconic, benzoic, salicylic, and mixtures thereof. The mineral acids consist of hydrochloric, nitric, phosphoric, polyphosphoric, hydrofluoric, boric, sulfuric, and sulfurous, and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: An integrated plumbing system comprising a plurality of interchangeable and interengagable parts which is especially useful in conjunction with boats or other marine vessels. The plumbing system includes a through-hull unit, a mounting unit, a ball valve and a plurality of components useful therewith. The components, including the valve, are made of a strong, non-corrosive, non-metallic material, in particular, a plastic-type material known as MARELON. The valve and associated components and fittings provide various configurations of units which are adapted to numerous plumbing requirements. The mounting unit permits close-coupling of the system to provide enhanced lever ratios in the event accidental side loads are applied to the system.

Abstract: A method of cleaning and maintaining water distribution systems which have reduced flow due to an increase of water scale deposits, sediment, and the like on the inside surface of the pipe is disclosed. An aqueous acidic cleaning solution is introduced and circulated through the pipe to be treated for a sufficient time to dissolve and loosen the scale and sediment, and the spent solution containing dissolved or suspended scale and sediment is flushed from the pipe to provide a cleaned pipe with improved water flow. It is also desirable to flush the water distribution pipe system with high pressure water after the treatment to remove loosened scale and sediment that was not removed during the circulation and flushing of the treating solution.

Abstract: An insect-repellent composition is disclosed which includes an insect repellent such as p-menthane-3,8-diol and a synergistic amount of an acetal of formula (Z). A method of forming a preferred composition is also disclosed in which citronellal undergoes an acid-cyclization reaction to yield an impure mixture of p-menthane-3,8-diols and acetals. The impure mixture is subjected to fractional distillation to remove a low boiling point fraction and to thereby yield a remaining fraction which constitutes the preferred composition.

Abstract: A passive dispenser, adapted to be positioned in the cistern of a toilet, useful for dosing a toilet bowl with an additive such as a disinfectant, cleaning agent, colorant, perfume or the like, has a first chamber and a second chamber separated by a common wall having an opening therein, a second wall extending upwardly from a base of a second of the chambers and spaced apart from the common wall opening to define a cavity having an open upper end to permit fluid communication between the chambers, the first chamber being adapted to hold the additive, the second chamber having a filling means to admit water thereinto during filling of the cistern and a discharge means to discharge additive-containing water into the toilet bowl when the toilet is flushed.

Abstract: An animal repellent composition comprising a first animal repellent component; a second component, which includes a synergistic amount of at least one alkaloid, and a carrier, wherein the first and second components do not occur together in nature. Compositions of the aforementioned type for use in molluscicide baits are also disclosed.