Abstract: According to some embodiments, a light emitting diode (LED) power management and diagnostics history recording integrated circuit includes a power management circuit controlling a supply of power to the LED, a diagnostics detection circuit recording a diagnostics history for the LED, a non-volatile diagnostics history memory storing the diagnostics history; and an external interface for transferring externally the diagnostics history stored in the non-volatile diagnostics history memory. The diagnostics history includes diagnostics data for at least two sequential occurrences of a reoccurring fault condition. The diagnostics data may include temperature, under-voltage, over-voltage, open-circuit load, and short-circuit load indicators, among others. A diagnostics analysis system downloads the diagnostics data after a given operation period and performs maintenance decisions according to the diagnostics data.

Abstract: A device and a process for testing a memory element are described. A second memory element is connected in parallel to the first memory element. In order to measure the charge status of the first memory element, the second memory element is brought into a predefined first status and the time required by the second memory element to go from the first status to a second status is measured. This time is analyzed in order to test the memory element.

Abstract: A container for use in a microwave apparatus, in particular for heating, drying, disinfecting and/or sterilizing of materials, objects, liquids or the like, includes a lid securely attachable via a pressure lock to the container and including connections for allowing attachment of various valves, pumps etc. to monitor and influence conditions in the container. The connections are self-sealing plug connector pipes which are engageable with a complementary coupler piece of the microwave apparatus. The microwave apparatus includes an injector unit by which water or other liquid is introduced into the material to be treated, with the amount of injected water being dependent on the water content of the material. The injector unit includes a nozzle head which projects into the treatment chamber of the microwave apparatus and incorporates sensors for determining physical and/or chemical parameters.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for differentiated measurement of smoke and/or vapor in the outgoing air of a device, especially a microwave unit for disinfection and sterilization of goods includes the steps of deriving a signal commensurate with the presence of vapor in accordance with the intensity increase of refracted and/or reflected light, and deriving a signal commensurate with the presence of smoke in accordance with the pulsed intensity decrease of light passing through the outgoing air.