Abstract: An apparatus to measure the rise and going of steps in stair has a first ruler member that is positionable on a tread. A first indicator is provided that is slideably attached to the first rule member and positionable against an outer edge of the tread. The first indicator enables the going of the tread to be measured. A second ruler member is also provided that is positionable adjacent a riser extending from an inner edge of the tread, and. A second indicator is slideably attached to the second ruler member and positionable on an adjacent tread to enable the rise of the step to be measured. In use the apparatus allows for the rapid checking of steps to determine their compliance with relevant building regulations.

Abstract: A circuit for continuously directly or indirectly varying a combination of direct and alternating current flowing through a load supplied with a combination of direct and alternating voltage from a public utility mains, has a low-pass filter that serves for achieving a continuously flowing input current I.sub.in, a coil that is connected in series with the load or is inherently contained in the load, a first alternating current switch that is connected parallel to the load and to the coil, a second alternating current switch connected in series with the load that can be driven with a higher switching frequency compared to the network frequency f.sub.network, and a regulator for the direct or indirect regulation of the direct and/or alternating current I.sub.load flowing through the load. The regulator has an acquisition part for the direct and/or indirect acquisition of the actual direct and/or alternating current I.sub.