Abstract: This invention relates to the preparation of N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine (“glyphosate”) from N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid (“PMIDA”), and more particularly to methods for control of the conversion of PMIDA, for the identification of reaction end points relating to PMIDA conversion and the preparation of glyphosate products having controlled PMIDA content.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for mixing particulate materials, such as sand, gravel, and cement to form a concrete mix, and for mixing water with the concrete mix to form concrete, and for applying the concrete to a structure such as a pipe, wherein a controlled amount of aggregate is placed on a moving belt and leveled to further control its amount, and then a controlled amount of cement is placed upon the leveled aggregate and leveled to further control its amount, and then the materials on the belt are mixed by spiked rollers dipping into the mixture, water being added to form the concrete, and the concrete being impelled against the object by being passed between high speed rollers.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for purifying water by filtration, according to which water is passed in an upward direction through one or more sand beds supported in towers, at a slow rate of flow so that the sand bed is not disturbed. The sand bed or layer is relatively deep vertically to provide superior filtration. Raw water feed to each tower is accomplished by tangential flow from the inlets. Rapid backwash of the sand bed is accomplished by opening a dump valve at the lower end of a cone provided at the base of the tower in which the sand bed is supported. Maintenance and control of bacterial activity in the lower part of the sand bed enhances purification of the water by bacterial action. Chemical treatments of the water may be used in conjuction with the filtration, including treatments with chlorine, and with alum (i.e. aluminum sulphate and/or potassium or ammonium alum) to produce a floc, and barium sulphate and/or a drilling mud may be added to assist in removal of the floc by filtration.

Abstract: Pilot valve, of the quick opening and quick closing type, actuated to open or close by a hydraulic fluid acting on a piston.

Abstract: There is disclosed a technique for mixing concrete in which cement and aggregate are separately discharged from metering devices in free fall paths of precise predetermined cross-section toward a conveyor. The material paths converge toward a rotating mixing device positioned above the conveyor which intermingles the materials before they reach the conveyor. The conveyor includes an air supported endless belt equipped with adjustable wear strips for engaging the belt and limiting movement thereof away from the air support system. Means are provided to prevent belt damage caused by a prong of a mixing device binding a piece of aggregate against the belt.