Abstract: In some embodiments, the conductivity measurement device includes a conductivity probe, a solid state switch device, and a DC measurement circuit. The conductivity probe includes a first and second measurement pin used to measure a conductivity of the liquid. The solid state switch device is coupled to the conductivity probe and is configured to connect and disconnect the first measurement pin and second measurement pin to a first DC reference voltage and a second DC reference voltage. The DC measurement circuit is configured to generate a measurement signal such that the measurement signal is maintained at a first DC reference voltage and the first DC reference voltage is applied to the solid state switch device from the DC measurement circuit. In this manner, an alternating current (AC) voltage is applied to the measurement pins utilizing DC reference voltages, which helps to avoid contamination of the liquid.

Abstract: In some embodiments, the conductivity measurement device includes a conductivity probe, a solid state switch device, and a DC measurement circuit. The conductivity probe includes a first and second measurement pin used to measure a conductivity of the liquid. The solid state switch device is coupled to the conductivity probe and is configured to connect and disconnect the first measurement pin and second measurement pin to a first DC reference voltage and a second DC reference voltage. The DC measurement circuit is configured to generate a measurement signal such that the measurement signal is maintained at a first DC reference voltage and the first DC reference voltage is applied to the solid state switch device from the DC measurement circuit. In this manner, an alternating current (AC) voltage is applied to the measurement pins utilizing DC reference voltages, which helps to avoid contamination of the liquid.

Abstract: An illumination device that includes at least two concentrically mounted cylinders Mounted within the narrower cylinder is at least one light source. The cylinders are mounted such that at least one of the cylinders may be selectively rotated, by a user, about the common axis of concentricity relative to the other cylinder. Each of the cylinders further includes sections which extend along the long axis thereof, at least one of which is completely opaque and at least one of which is either semi-translucent, completely translucent, or entirely transparent. The sections of various opacities are sufficiently and appropriately sized such that, by corresponding alignments thereof, by the selective relative rotation of the cylinders, the light source within the nested cylinders may alternatively provide illumination, or be effectively covered without requiring the active turning on or off of the light source.

Abstract: A device is disclosed for washing or rinsing food or nonfood items or objects powered by a water source, such as a kitchen faucet or other continuously-running or intermittent source. A pot-shaped chamber at the center of the device, in combination with a smaller pot-shaped chamber, frontwardly and upwardly mounted to said pot shaped chamber at the center, form the vessel for holding water and the items to be washed. This smaller chamber is counterbalanced by a weighted handle to the rear of the vessel. The vessel is, in turn, mounted on a stand that allows it to pivot about its center of gravity. Water from the water source enters the vessel and washes the items inside. When sufficient water has flowed into the smaller chamber of the vessel to place more weight to the front of the center of gravity than the handle provides behind it, the vessel tips forward, spilling out the water that had been inside it.