Abstract: Electronic device characterization platforms, systems, devices, and methods for use in testing instruments, devices, and sensors that is portable, modular, multiplexed, and automated are disclosed. The system includes a substrate, a chip adapter, such as a chip socket, and an optional housing. Chip samples to be tested can be disposed in the chip adapter and various environmental modules designed to supply different environmental conditions to the chip sample can be disposed over the chip adapter, enabling testing of the chip samples to be performed in the different environment conditions. The system can further include various connectors that allow for add-on modules to be included as part of the system. Methods of characterizing electronic devices and sensors are also disclosed.

Abstract: A process for producing a decaffeinated vegetable material, such as coffee or tea in aqueous extract or solid form, for use in preparation of beverages, which comprises:(a) contacting a caffeine-containing composition with a liquid, water-immiscible fatty material which is capable of removing caffeine therefrom;(b) maintaining said vegetable material and said fatty material in contact for a time sufficient to transfer caffeine from said vegetable material to said fatty material; and(c) separating the decaffeinated vegetable material from the caffeine-laden fatty material.Other features of the invention are described in the specification.

Abstract: A process for producing a cocoa powder mix characterized in that immediately before agglomeration, a dilute aqueous solution of cocoa aroma is sprayed onto a ground cocoa powder mixture in an amount below that which would impair the free flowing properties of the powder, after which the powder is agglomerated using steam or water and then dried.

Abstract: Dried tea flakes are prepared by vacuum drum drying a tea extract having a solids content of 40-55% which extract is applied to the drum in a film having a thickness of between 0.065 and 0.005 cm. The drum is maintained at an internal temperature of 95.degree.-125.degree. C. Water is evaporated from the film under vacuum from 3-15 torr over a period of from 10-150 seconds to result in a dried product having an apparent density of less than 12 grams per 100 cc.

Abstract: Dried tea flakes are prepared by vacuum drum drying. A tea extract having a solids content of 40 to 55% is applied to a drum in a film having a thickness of up to 0.09 centimeters. The drum is maintained at an internal temperature of 95.degree. to 125.degree.C. Water is evaporated from the film under vacuum of 3 to 15 Tor or in 10 to 150 seconds to result in dried product having an apparent density of less than 12 grams per 100cc.

Abstract: This invention relates to an improved process for the preparation of cold-water soluble tea products wherein tea tannins which have been partially oxidized to improve their solubility are contacted with native tea tannins. The admixture of oxidized and native tannins is permitted to equilibrate until the desired final color is obtained, and thereafter the unoxidized tannins are precipitated so as to leave a clear aqueous solution useful for the preparation of instant tea products.