Abstract: A monitor and indicating circuit for an electric appliance detects the absence of the energization voltage for the appliance exceeding a predetermined threshold and provides a brilliant flash from a xenon lamp which is visible from great distances. The circuitry is contained within a sealed housing and includes a self-contained battery supply and attachable to a fence post. The circuit employed is specifically designed to conserve battery power by controlling the flash frequency and the charging time for the storage capacitor used with the xenon flash tube.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reducing the incidence of product contamination during processing of the product in a vacuum chamber. By providing soft-start valves in the vacuum and vent lines, and by properly driving said soft-start valves, it is possible to reduce the gas flow rates from and into the vacuum chamber to such a low level, that dust-like particles remaining in the chamber from prior product processing steps is not disturbed and allowed to settle upon the product then being treated.