Abstract: An apparatus is described for burn-in and/or functional testing of microelectronic circuits of unsingulated wafers. A large number of power, ground, and signal connections can be made to a large number of contacts on a wafer. The apparatus has a cartridge that allows for fanning-in of electric paths. A distribution board has a plurality of interfaces that are strategically positioned to provide a dense configuration. The interfaces are connected through flexible attachments to an array of first connector modules. Each one of the first connector modules can be independently connected to a respective one of a plurality of second connector modules, thereby reducing stresses on a frame of the apparatus. Further features include for example a piston that allows for tight control of forces exerted by terminals onto contacts of a wafer.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods for determining the presence or absence of and/or the etiology of an acute respiratory viral infection in a subject, as well as methods of treating the subject based on the determination, by measuring on a platform the expression levels of a pre-defined set of gene products.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and devices for measurement of carbon dioxide and nitric oxide in exhaled breath of patients at risk for or suffering from sepsis. Carbon dioxide and nitric oxide levels may be measured in controlled rate breath and/or end tidal breath, and a risk score for the patient developing or having sepsis may be determined. In many embodiments, carbon dioxide and nitric oxide measurements are determined simultaneously in a single breath, and by a single measurement apparatus, while other embodiments measure nitric oxide and carbon dioxide levels using separate measure apparatuses and/or in different breaths of the patient.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods for determining the etiology of an acute respiratory infection in a subject and methods of treating the subject based on the determination, as well as systems useful for performing the determination using a biological sample from the subject.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system, method and apparatus for providing an executive compensation system having a first entity, a money lender, and an insurer. The first entity receives a taxable sum of money from a second entity, which owes the taxable sum of money to a person. The first entity provides one or more periodic payments to the person until the person dies, wherein the one or more periodic payments determined from the taxable sum of money and the person's life expectancy. The money lender loans a non-taxable sum of money to the person and in return receives one or more periodic interest payments from the person. The non-taxable sum of money is determined from a fixed rate of interest and the one or more periodic interest payments that are substantially equivalent to the one or more periodic payments. The insurer provides a life insurance policy for the person's life such that the life insurance policy pays a death benefit substantially equivalent to the non-taxable sum of money.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system, method and apparatus for providing an executive compensation system having a first entity, a money lender, and an insurer. The first entity receives a taxable sum of money from a second entity, which owes the taxable sum of money to a person. The first entity provides one or more periodic payments to the person until the person dies, wherein the one or more periodic payments determined from the taxable sum of money and the person's life expectancy. The money lender loans a non-taxable sum of money to the person and in return receives one or more periodic interest payments from the person. The non-taxable sum of money is determined from a fixed rate of interest and the one or more periodic interest payments that are substantially equivalent to the one or more periodic payments. The insurer provides a life insurance policy for the person's life such that the life insurance policy pays a death benefit substantially equivalent to the non-taxable sum of money.

Abstract: In the blasting of articles with impact media, the mixture of used media and fragments of material thereby removed from said articles fall to the bottom of the thermally insulated treating chamber. A method is disclosed for discharging such mixture through an opening in the bottom of the chamber, utilizing a rotating sweeping device having a plurality of sweep arms extending outwardly from a central hub each of the arms being formed of segments to approximate the shape of an ogee curve. Heat leakage into the chamber is minimized by driving the sweeping device from below the bottom of the chamber by an enclosed shaft passed through the insulated bottom of the chamber.

Abstract: Operation of processes for removal of adherent coatings from articles by cryogenic embrittlement of the coatings and blasting of the embrittled coatings with impact media impelled by one or more rotating throwing wheels in a closed treating chamber are disclosed, wherein the chamber is initially cooled down progressively to a supercold preset temperature level considerably below that required for embrittlement of the coatings. In a preferred batch operation the throwing wheel or wheels are rotated in the absence of media fed thereto during an initial stage of the operating cycle. The supercold preset temperature level is controllably maintained for a prefixed time period for prechilling the coated articles. At the end of said prechilling preset time period the blasting of the coated articles is initiated.

Abstract: The removal of paint from a support device for a product in a paint finishing operation is improved by using a support device with a critical surface tension such that paint adheres to the surface, yet readily fractures and debonds when treated with a cryogenic liquid. The paint is then removed by contacting the cryogenically treated support device with a non-metallic, non-silica base solid, gas or liquid with sufficient force to effectively remove the paint.

Abstract: In the blasting of articles with impact media, the mixture of used media and fragments of material thereby removed from said articles fall to the bottom of the thermally insulated treating chamber. Novel structure is herein disclosed for discharging such mixture through an opening in the bottom of the chamber, utilizing a rotating sweeping device having a plurality of sweep arms extending outwardly from a central hub each of the arms being formed of segments to approximate the shape of an ogee curve. Heat leakage into the chamber is minimized by driving the sweeping device from below the bottom of the chamber by an enclosed shaft passed through the insulated bottom of the chamber.