Abstract: Salts of tetrathiocarbonic acid are produced by a process in which a hydroxide, sulfur, carbon disulfide and hydrogen sulfide are reacted continuously. The salts are produced as aqueous solutions having concentrations of about 15 to about 55 percent by weight.

Abstract: Compounds selected from the group consisting of ammonia, ammonium-containing compounds, urea, urea homologues and analogues, and mixtures thereof surprisingly lower the crystallization temperature of aqueous, carbon disulfide precursor (e.g., thiocarbonate)-containing solutions.

Abstract: Compounds selected from the group consisting of urea, urea homologues and analogues, and mixtures thereof are employed to synergistically increase the dewaxing efficacy of aqueous, carbon disulfide precursor (e.g., thiocarbonate)-containing solutions.

Abstract: L-(d)-lactic acid, the dextrorotatory isomer of lactic acid, is an effective plant growth regulant which exhibits classical growth regulant activity at very low concentrations and dosage rates. It can be employed to beneficially stimulate the growth of all plant varieties and is particularly useful for stimulating the growth of commercial crops. As is the case with other growth regulants, L-lactic acid can also be employed to inhibit the growth of plants when applied at sufficiently high concentrations. Thus, L-lactic acid can be employed to stimulate the growth of desired plants, to stimulate the fruit production of fruit-bearing plants, and to inhibit the growth of undesired vegetation. Novel compositions which comprise mixtures of L-(d)-lactic acid and one or more preservatives which are sufficient to prevent the hydrolytic and/or bacterial decomposition of the active isomer are also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for the mixing of a first liquid foaming agent component with compressed air in a mixing chamber to produce a foam. A nozzle for ejecting a second liquid component into the foam is provided downstream of the mixing chamber. The mixing chamber is attached to the downstream side of a valve housing. The valve housing includes a triple plug valve for simultaneously selectively connecting and disconnecting a first liquid component inlet and an air inlet with the mixing chamber and a second liquid component inlet with the nozzle. First port means, connecting the air inlet downstream of the triple plug valve, to a plurality of air ejection orifices communicating with the mixing chamber is provided within the valve housing. Air control valve means is provided within said first port means for controlling the amount of air flowing to said mixing chamber.

Abstract: A molding apparatus, using raw material substantially comprised of crumbed rubber tires, and producing end products of durability and structural integrity. Products such as fence posts and dimensioned pieces like dimension-lumber products, have a hardened, dense outer wall structure surrounding a comparatively less dense and relatively porous central core, with the attendent structure integrity advantages of tubular and hollow-walled products. Heat fused raw material is fed under pressure, as from a screw extruder mechanism, through selectively controlled input valves to mold bodies, with the mold bodies carried in a chilled environment to establish fluid flow paths and hardening sequences leading to the desired end product body structure.

Abstract: An improved rotary valve comprising a valve body having a flow passage extending therethrough and a rotary valve stem journaled in said valve body transversely intersecting the flow passage. The valve stem includes at least one spring biased spherical valve member carried in a radially aligned cavity formed in the valve stem. A valve seat is formed in the valve body coaxial with the flow passage and is conformed to sealingly receive the spring biased valve member therein when the valve is placed in the closed position. The valve stem is pressure equalized within the valve body. In one form the valve stem is provided with an external configuration adjacent the valve member and flow passage to maintain a constant flow rate through the open valve. In another form this external configuration is modified to provide for varying the flow rate through the open valve through manipulation of the valve stem.

Abstract: A porous flexible hose primarily of crumbed rubber and synthetic rubber reclaimed from rubber tires, ground to a relatively small granular size, with metal removed; such as, for example, would pass through a 30-mesh screen, process-mixed through an extruder, with a much smaller binder mix of primarily polyethylene, in the order of 25% by weight, and with approximately 0.5% of the mixture added sulphur and 0.5% oil that can be random mixed grades of automobile engine oil. The resulting product is useful as a soil watering soaker hose that has a high degree of flexibility along its length. It is a water leaking soaker hose formed in the process through the extruder with limited foaming from steam originating from absorbed moisture in the crumbed, reclaimed rubber tire material, and from residual gases venting from the material mix, with product mix heating in the extruder, forming some open cell fluid flow paths.

Abstract: An improved rotary valve comprising a valve body having a flow passage extending therethrough and a rotary valve stem journaled in said valve body transversely intersecting the flow passage. The valve stem includes at least one spring biased spherical valve member carried in a radially aligned cavity formed in the valve stem. A valve seat is formed in the valve body coaxial with the flow passage and is conformed to sealingly receive the spring biased valve member therein when the valve is placed in the closed position. The valve stem is pressure equalized within the valve body. In one form the valve stem is provided with an external configuration adjacent the valve member and flow passage to maintain a constant flow rate through the open valve. In another form this external configuration is modified to provide for varying the flow rate through the open valve through manipulation of the valve stem.