Abstract: A signal transmission system comprising a signal conduction matrix formed into a shape that allows transmission of a signal through the matrix using at least one surface signal router, at least one signal source operatively connected to a surface of the matrix and that generates a signal that propagates through matrix, and at least one signal receiver operatively connected to a surface of the matrix and that receives the signal from the signal source. The signal may be coded, modulated, frequency-converted, or amplified. The surface signal router can be a reflective coating, an indentation, a pressure fit structure, or at least one inclined cut on the surface of the matrix. A frequency-selective filter can be used to allow selective detection by a target signal receiver. The invention is also directed to various method of transmitting a signal using a signal conduction matrix.

Abstract: A signal transmission system comprising a signal conduction matrix formed into a shape that allows transmission of a signal through the matrix using at least one surface signal router, at least one signal source operatively connected to a surface of the matrix and that generates a signal that propagates through matrix, and at least one signal receiver operatively connected to a surface of the matrix and that receives the signal from the signal source. The signal may be coded, modulated, frequency-converted, or amplified. The surface signal router can be a reflective coating, an indentation, a pressure fit structure, or at least one inclined cut on the surface of the matrix. A frequency-selective filter can be used to allow selective detection by a target signal receiver. The invention is also directed to various method of transmitting a signal using a signal conduction matrix.

Abstract: A method for constructing an illuminating and reflecting apparatus is provided. The method comprises the steps of providing a layered metal substrate with an aluminum layer between a first and a second layer of copper and removing a defined area of one of the layers of copper to form a reflective portion. A localized light source is positioned to allow light to reflect off of the reflective portion.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for cleaning a workpiece with abrasive CO.sub.2 snow operates with a nozzle for creating and expelling the snow. The nozzle includes an upstream section for receiving CO.sub.2 in a gaseous form, and having a first contour shaped for subsonic flow of the CO.sub.2. The nozzle also includes a downstream section for directing the flow of the CO.sub.2 and the snow toward the workpiece, with the downstream section having a second contour shaped for supersonic flow of the CO.sub.2. The nozzle includes a throat section, interposed between the upstream and downstream sections, for changing the CO.sub.2 from the gaseous phase along a constant entropy line to a gas and snow mixture within the downstream section at a speed of at least Mach 1.0. In this manner, additional kinetic energy is imparted to the snow by delaying the conversion into the solid phase until the gaseous CO.sub.2 reaches supersonic speeds.

Abstract: A test apparatus for testing a know-good die integrated circuit is disclosed. The test apparatus uses conductive straps extending across trenches. The straps align with bond pads on the integrated circuit. When the bond pads are brought into contact with the straps, the straps exert a counterforce in the opposite direction to ensure a good electrical contact while testing the integrated circuit.