Abstract: A method for providing a dose of visible light in covered drinking water storage facilities to control nitrification. In one embodiment, the method includes irradiating the water with a dose of visible light sufficient to inhibit microbial nitrification of the water. In one embodiment, the dose of visible light has a wavelength from approximately 400 Hz to approximately 700 Hz. In another embodiment, the dose of visible light has a wavelength from approximately 550 Hz to approximately 700 Hz. In a further embodiment, the dose of visible light has a wavelength from approximately 380 Hz to approximately 430 Hz.

Abstract: A pinning system includes one or more pinning devices. A first elongated bar wherein one end of the first bar is for handling by an operator. The other end of the bar is for engagement of an individual. A head is located towards the end of the bar for engagement with the individual. In one pinning device, the head includes a hook, and the hook includes an elongated member for attachment to the first bar at a free end. The elongated member and free end are separated by a midsection such that the hook defines a substantially U-shaped member. In a second pinning device, an elongated bar includes a head located towards the end of the second bar for engagement with an individual. A mounting between the head and the end of the second bar permits the head to rotate relative to the bar. The head includes a relatively flat pad, and the pad is for engagement with the body of an individual.

Abstract: A leveling rod and a method of surveying utilizing the disclosed leveling rod are disclosed. The leveling rod comprises an elongated shaft and at least one tape with measurement graduations affixed longitudinally to the elongated shaft. The leveling rod also comprises an elongated side member slidably coupled with the elongated shaft, the elongated side member being extendable downwards. A stencil and an indicator are also included in the leveling rod. The stencil is attached to the bottom end of the elongated side member and is used to mark a surface. The indicator is attachable to the elongated side member and includes a pointer that points to the measurement graduations on the at least one tape. The indicator can slide longitudinally along the elongated side member until a predetermined position of the indicator is reached. The leveling rod further comprises a two threaded fasteners.

Abstract: A system for cleaning a particulate trap comprises locating the trap in a chamber and forcing cleaning air through the trap. The air and removed particulates is extracted from the trap towards a filter. The expelled air essentially without the removed particulates from the chamber, the removed particulates being essentially trapped in the filter. The trap is locatable about a longitudinal axis such that air is urged in a longitudinal direction through the trap. The trap is supportable on at least one rotatable roller to affect rotation about the axis. A motor and blower draws air from the chamber and an air pressure differential about the filter causes the particulate to be directed through the filter and excess air is pumped out of the blower by the motor operating the blower.

Abstract: A tool is triangular in shape and made of a clear plexi-glass. The tool contains two types of rate of spread scales, historical and real time. The historical rate of spread scale is based upon previous large-scale brushfires, while the real time scale utilizes GPS technology. The historical rate of spread scale is designed to address two brush fire environments. These environments are a brush fire occurring under Red Flag conditions and a brush fire occurring under Non-Red Flag conditions, and references are placed on the tool at each 30-minute time zone.

Abstract: A method of and system used for venting out buildup of explosive gases in a manhole caused by an explosion and including a support frame, a two inch thick plate member positioned on top of the support frame, a plurality of restraining assemblies and a manhole cover for covering the manhole. The support frame and the plate member are embedded into a street and positioned above the manhole, where openings are aligned with the manhole. Three retaining assemblies are positioned on opposite sides of the manhole cover. Each retaining assembly includes a rod, a stop plate, a coil spring, a support plate and a nut. The rod extends downwardly through the dirt and the horizontal concrete base ledge, where the stop plate, the coil spring, the support plate and the nut are positioned and secured to the other end of the rod.

Abstract: A manhole restraining system used for venting out explosive gases in a manhole caused by an explosion. The manhole restraining system comprises a support frame, a two inch thick plate member positioned on top of the support frame, a plurality of restraining assemblies and a manhole cover for covering the manhole. The support frame and the plate member are embedded into a street and positioned above the manhole, where openings are aligned with the manhole. Three retaining assemblies are positioned on opposite sides of the manhole cover. Each retaining assembly includes a rod, a stop plate, a coil spring, a support plate and a nut. The rod extends downwardly through the dirt and the horizontal concrete base ledge, where the stop plate, the coil spring, the support plate and the nut are positioned and secured to the other end of the rod. A PVC pipe is provided with the rod for allowing the rod to move smoothly up and down without any friction.

Abstract: An improved portable electrically powered leaf blower is disclosed that can provide levels of air flow and velocity comparable to those of gasoline-powered blowers, yet that generates substantially reduced noise, eliminates exhaust emissions and emissions from spilled fuel, and is lightweight and convenient to operate. The leaf blower incorporates a sound-insulated duct that encloses an electric motor and fan assembly, and a handle projects above the duct's inlet end. Electrical power is provided by a battery pack carried in a backpack worn by the operator. Positioning the primary noise sources within a duct that in use is positioned close to the ground minimizes noise levels both at the operator's ears and at a distance.

Abstract: An improved water quality monitoring system and method. The system utilizes reflectance radiometers to provide multiple wavelength measurement of downwelling irradiance and/or upwelling radiance. The method calculates attenuation coefficients from the downwelling irradiance or upwelling radiance to derive chlorophyll concentration in the water.