Abstract: A visual display for indicating a level of ionizing radiation is mounted on a portion of an item of headwear, such as safety goggles, at a position within the peripheral field of vision of a wearer. Such a display advises a wearer of a level of radiation, including warning levels, in real time without requiring activity on the part of the wearer. In one embodiment, an ionizing radiation detector, accompanying circuitry, and the visual display are mounted on the glasses, such as on the frame. In another embodiment, a commercially-available detector is used to provide an output from a location remote from the headwear to actuate the visual display on the headwear. Various circuit embodiments are also disclosed.

Abstract: Provision is made for a container which stores and shields radioactive material. Included in the container is an enclosure defining a hollow chamber in which radioactive material is storable. A closure assembly cooperates with the enclosure in such a manner that an internal plug thereof effects a preselected gas-impervious sealing engagement. The closure assembly includes a lug which is rotatable to urge the assembly into sealing engagement and which torsionally fails following achievement of the desired sealing engagement of the closure plug to thereby prevent the lug from being subsequently used to open the container. The container and closure members provides desired radioactive shielding.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automatically propelling a charge of backwash fluid by a compressed gas such as steam to backwash a filter in a filter pair. The method and apparatus provides for backwashing a filter with at least three backwash phases, a first mainly comprising a charge of backwash fluid passing through the filter with significant speed, a second relating to use of flashing steam for secondary cleaning and scrubbing of the filter elements, and a third relating to use of low pressure steam for autoclaving and sterilizing the filter.