Abstract: Methods and various devices for conserving water during the process of toilet flushing are disclosed. The method herein emphasizes retrofitting a toilet of the type typically having a reservoir, tank float, overflow tube, flush handle, lever arm, and a means of linkage to a flapper valve. Rigid internal components of the means of linkage are the primary improvements presented herein. The disclosed rigid devices replace the chain as the means of linkage in the toilet reservoir and thereby function, throughout the entire flush cycle, as a direct operator of the flapper valve, giving the user proactive control over the amount of water used in flushing. Devices, or kits, utilized in carrying out the water conserving method are disclosed which are easily installable into existing toilets of older design. The inventive concept empowers the user of a toilet to control the sufficiency of the total flush and consequently, the corresponding volume of water used, while operating the toilet with current flush controls.

Abstract: Compositions comprising an elastomer and a carbon black are disclosed, which may be used to form articles having higher gloss and/or jetness than articles formed using an industry standard carbon black such as N650. The carbon blacks may be characterized by an I2No. of from about 80 to about 400 mg/g, a DBP value of from about 50 to about 175 cc/100 g, a tint value of from about 100 to about 175% ITRB, a N2SA value of from about 80 to about 450 m2/g, and/or a CTAB value of from about 80 to about 300 m2/g. Also described are articles made from the composition, and processes for making the article.

Abstract: Rubber compositions having reduced permeability to gases comprising rubber and specified furnace carbon blacks.

Abstract: Carbon blacks having a CTAB of greater than, or equal to, 140 m.sup.2 /g; a CDBP of greater than or equal to 115 cc/100 g; a Tint value of greater than or equal to 135%; a .DELTA.D50 of less than or equal to 50 nm; a Dmode less than or equal to 72 nm; and an Occluded Volume Index greater than or equal to 1.30 that impart superior treadwear resistance and abrasion resistance to rubber compounds. Preferably, the carbon blacks of the present invention are further characterized by having a N.sub.2 SA greater than or equal to 150 m.sup.2 /g, and less than 180 m.sup.2 /g; and a DBP of greater than or equal to 140 cc/100 g. Also disclosed are rubber compounds containing the carbon blacks which exhibit increased abrasion resistance and treadwear resistance at normally utilized loading levels. Further disclosed are rubber compounds containing the carbon blacks which exhibit increased treadwear resistance/hysteresis ratios at loading levels lower than normally utilized in the compounding of tire compounds.

Abstract: Fabric or wire skim compounds having low moisture absorption properties that comprise rubber and a carbon black having an ash content of less than or equal to 0.2% by weight, preferably less than or equal to 0.1%, by weight, a structure represented by DBP (dibutyl phthalate absorption) of 50-160 cubic centimeters per 100 gram (cc/100 g), an Iodine Number (I.sub.2 No.) of 10-180 milligrams per gram (mg/g), preferably 50-130 mg/g, and a Tint value of 30-140%, preferably 60-140 %. More preferably, the carbon black is further characterized by having a CDBP of 40-120 cc/100 g, preferably 50-120 cc/100 g, and a CTAB level of 10-125 square meters per gram (m.sup.2/ g), preferably 60-125 m.sup.2 /g. Also disclosed are reinforcing materials cited with skim compounds of the present invention.