Abstract: A method for controlling an output of a AC current fluorescent lamp, including the steps of predetermining a desired degree of lamp illumination, determining the zero crossing point of a waveform representing an input voltage to the fluorescent lamp, and correlating the desired degree of illumination in relation to the zero crossing point and a cycle position later than the zero crossing point. Input voltage is allowed to flow to the fluorescent lamp beginning at zero voltage and an output feedback load is generated by the fluorescent lamp. The optimized input voltage is prevented from flowing to the fluorescent lamp after the zero crossing point at the correlated position of the input current in relation to the zero crossing point based on the detected output feedback load generated by the fluorescent lamp. A dimmer for carrying out the method is also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention provides a filter mask for filtering air inhaled and exhaled from the mouth and nostrils while providing a positive facial lock at all edges of the mask. The filter mask has upper and lower edges which are provided with malleable stiffeners for conforming to the shape of the wearer's nose and cheek area and the lower jaw and chin area, respectively. The material of the filter mask is folded to have an omega pleat for forming a breathing chamber and a secondary pleat for assisting in securing the mask to the lower jaw and chin area. A pair of headbands are used to hold the mask on the head. The peripheral edges of the mask are bound. The mask provides excellent filtration since the positive facial lock around all edges of the mask substantially prevents air from leaking between the mask and the face.

Abstract: This invention is a protective helmet with releasable face guard apparatus that resembles a football helmet having considerable shock absorbing thickness and a face shield member that is releasably connected to the helmet. More particularly, the protective helmet with releasable face guard apparatus includes a basic helmet assembly with a face guard assembly connected thereto. The basic helmet assembly includes a main helmet body with an outer cover layer thereon. The main helmet body is constructed of a rigid foam shock absorbing material of substantial thickness such as two inches. The face guard assembly includes the face shield member mounted in a resilient connector assembly which is connected to the main helmet body. The resilient connector assembly acts as a shock absorber when the face shield member is pushed inwardly.

Abstract: A pressure-responsive instrument such as an indicator or recorder for use with a bubbler type of sensing probe for monitoring liquid depth or flow in a sewer pipe or the like. The instrument housing contains means for regulating the rate of bubble release to such probe and also contains means for diverting the bubble release temporarily to an adjacent bubble rate test location. The same housing also preferably carries a manifold for supporting bubble fluid containers and means for regulating the resulting bubble fluid pressure in the manifold, for connection to such probe.

Abstract: A method is provided for monitoring liquid flow in an open pipe or conduit wherein sensor means is located adjacent the invert or bed at the inside thereof and the depth of liquid is determined by the bubbler method. To minimize interferences with the liquid flow the bubble fluid is conducted from the exterior along the inside wall and to the vicinity of the flow bed in the pipe or conduit. The sensor means and the bubble fluid conductor are retainable in place by supporting means adapted to be expanded into secure frictional engagement with the inside wall of the pipe or conduit. The flow is determined by releasing the bubble fluid bubble-wise against the static pressure of the overlying liquid, sensing such pressure, indicating it in terms of liquid depth, and converting depth to flow by conventional methods.

Abstract: A probe adapted to fit in an open end of a sewer or water conduit is provided with a weir plate and with a bubble tube for sensing the depth of flow over the weir plate and, thus, determining the flow rate. A V-notch weir plate is made up of two like pieces flexibly joined at their apex, thereby enabling the probe to be compressed for ease of insertion into the open end and to be expanded therewithin for frictional retention against the inside wall of the conduit, to which the probe conforms. Except for the weir plate itself all parts of the probe lie along the wall for minimum disturbance of the flow. A gasket seals the weir plate to the inside wall of the conduit. A fisheye level on the probe facilitates vertical positioning of the weir plate.

Abstract: A probe adapted to fit into the end of a sewer or water pipe or conduit is provided with a weir plate and with a bubble tube for sensing the depth of flow over the weir and thus, determining the flow rate. A V-notch weir plate is made up of a pair of partially overlapping pieces individually joined to flexible supporting means, and one or both disjoined therefrom at the overlap. The angle of the V varies upon flexing of the supporting means, as when compressed for insertion into a pipe, and the apex of the V is at the beginning of the overlap, above the invert of the pipe when in place. The bubble tube has one or more bubble outlets at the apex level but preferably spaced upstream somewhat. Except for the weir plate itself all parts of the probe inside the pipe lie along the pipe wall for minimum disturbance of the flow.

Abstract: A stilling device, especially useful in large water or sewer pipes or conduits having overhead access openings, is provided in tubular T-shape. The base of the T conveniently comprises a plurality of telescoping sections adapted to be secured together at given extended length. Openings through one side of the T base in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the T facilitate equalization of liquid level inside with the surrounding level when immersed in a water or sewer pipe or conduit. The cross-bar of the T aids retention of the stilling device in place.

Abstract: A method and portable apparatus for continually monitoring the flow of fluid in an open channel such as in a conduit having a known diameter, a known slope and of material having known surface characteristics. The liquid depth within the pipe is determined by means of an elongated hollow probe placed axially in the bottom of a channel containing the liquid and forcing gas under pressure there through. The measurement of the back pressure represents the depth of the liquid and enables the rapid determination of the rate of flow. It is contemplated that the portable apparatus be interconnected with a portable continual recorder such that the flow may be monitored over any given, desired, time period.

Abstract: A probe adapted to fit in an open end of a sewer or water conduit is provided with a weir plate and with a bubble tube for sensing the depth of flow over the weir plate and, thus, determining the flow rate. A V-notch weir plate is made up of two like pieces flexibly joined at their apex, thereby enabling the probe to be compressed for ease of insertion into the open end and to be expanded therewithin for frictional retention against the inside wall of the conduit, to which the probe conforms. Except for the weir plate itself all parts of the probe lie along the wall for minimum disturbance of the flow.

Abstract: Electrically actuated apparatus for sampling liquid from a body thereof provides visible countdown of the time interval between successive samplings and also provides visible countdown of the duration of the time in which individual samples are being taken. The samples are propelled by fluid from an external or internal source of pressure, whichever is greater, interconnected for each sample duration period to a sample intake chamber in the body of liquid being sampled.

Abstract: Liquid samples of like composition and like or unlike volume are collected simultaneously. Liquid is withdrawn continuously from a body of liquid to be sampled. The withdrawn liquid is passed continuously into and fills a confining region having multiple outlets. Streams of liquid from the respective outlets are diverted intermittently for sample collection and otherwise are returned to the source body of liquid or to waste. The multiple-outlet confining region is embodied in a plenum chamber, and individual diverter chambers are provided for the streams of liquid from the plenum chamber, together with means for effecting the diversion.

Abstract: Liquid samples are collected simultaneously by intermittent diversion of a stream withdrawn from a body of liquid to be sampled and passed by a diversion locus into a splitting region having multiple outlets. The liquid is prevented from flowing through the outlets during periods of diversion, and upon completion of such period the outlets are opened to pass liquid streams therefrom. This multipleoutlet confining region is embodied in the sample compartment of a diverter chamber, and the valving includes a horizontally movable slide adapted to close off and to open up all the outlets in unison.

Abstract: Successive samples are taken periodically from a body of liquid with the aid of pressurized fluid serving as both timing medium and sample propellant. Alternative high-pressure and low-pressure paths for the fluid correspond to high-lift and low-lift uses in sampling apparatus adjustable as to interval between successive samples and duration of taking of each sample, as well as convertible between levels of sample lift.

Abstract: Successive samples are taken periodically from a body of liquid with the aid of pressurized fluid serving as both timing medium and sample propellant. The sampling apparatus is adjustable as to interval between successive samples, duration of taking of each sample, and sample lift.