Abstract: Apparatus for selectively conserving water used in association with a commode flush tank is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a generally rectangular plate having ratchet means for wedging the plate between two opposed walls of the tank. The plate further includes a series of longitudinally disposed circular apertures for carrying an elongated stem member downwardly into the tank. The stem member, which slidably receives an elongated float, is carried by the plate so as to maintain the float disposed relative to the buoyant outlet valve of the flush tank. Whereby upon only partial emptying of the tank in response to operating the flush lever, the float contacts the buoyant valve to effect premature closure thereof. In another embodiment, the stem and float may be disposed to one side of the buoyant valve such that a transversely extending retainer clip carried by the float applies a vertical uniform pressure to the top of the buoyant valve in order to achieve premature closure.

Abstract: Limestone-expanding clay granules produced by charging a pulverizer and/or a mixer, with a raw material, which is high in calcium and/or magnesium, and an expanding clay binder, the expanding clay binder comprising from 1% and not more than 10% of the total charge. A portion of the material from the pulverizer is recycled back through the pulverizer, the amount recycled being determined by, among other things, the fineness of the raw material in the desired finished product. The remainder of the material from the pulverizer is caused to pass through a granulator, a dryer-cooler, and a finished product screen means. Fines from the finished product screen means are recycled directly to the pulverizer. Oversize material from the finished product screen is recycled to the pulverizer or to separate crusher and then back over the finished product screen means, where fines are removed and sent back to the pulverizer.