Abstract: A method of assigning an identifier to a controller of a modular vacuum pumping and/or abatement system, the method including: determining, by a first controller of the modular vacuum pumping and/or abatement system, that a first identifier is to be assigned to a second controller of the modular vacuum pumping and/or abatement system, wherein the second controller is located at a module of the modular vacuum pumping and/or abatement system; transmitting, by the first controller, a first signal indicative of the first identifier to the second controller; receiving, by a user input device coupled to the module, a user input; and adopting, by the second controller, the first identifier as its identifier in response to the user input.

Abstract: A programmable solid-state relay includes a base module; a configuration module; a control voltage module having an energy storage device; a controller module having at least two microcontrollers, each having an internal EEPROM memory and at least one digital timer; and at least one switch module including at least one switching circuit having first and second switching contacts. The control voltage module is adapted to receive an applied control voltage and to permit pre-selection of an activation voltage level and a de-activation voltage level.

Abstract: A programmable solid-state relay includes a base module; a configuration module; a control voltage module having an energy storage device; a controller module having at least two microcontrollers, each having an internal EEPROM memory and at least one digital timer; and at least one switch module including at least one switching circuit having first and second switching contacts. The control voltage module is adapted to receive an applied control voltage and to permit pre-selection of an activation voltage level and a de-activation voltage level.

Abstract: A fast food container enables construction of a stacked food item in a substantially horizontal configuration, then containment thereof. When assembled to contain the fast food item, the fast food container includes a lower receptacle portion and an upper tray portion. To consume the fast food item, the upper tray portion is opened, while the lower receptacle portion of the fast food container remains closed.

Abstract: An overlay for an electronic circuit used as a diagnostic apparatus and a method of conducting the diagnosis using the overlay. A plurality of temperature sensitive areas which are made from encapsulated liquid crystal zones are positioned on the overlay in accordance with the spatial configuration of the electronic components with which the overlay is to be used. Each of the temperature sensitive areas is aligned with a respective component on the electronic circuit and each of the liquid crystal zones has a first color identical to the color of the rest of the crystals when the respective electronic components are within a predetermined temperature range. When the temperature of a component changes by a certain quantity, the color of the crystal zone also changes, which change is visually observed.