Abstract: Three or more frequency components are used as deformation waveforms to perturb a sample during spectroscopic measurement. Simultaneously measuring more than one frequency allows for multiplexing. Further, many frequencies insure that the optimal perturbation frequencies for a particular measurement are present. The multiplex advantage of a particular spectroscopic instrument may accrue simultaneously with a multiplex advantage in the characterization of the time dependence of the sample response.

Abstract: Nitrogenated evaporable getter devices are disclosed which are resistant to the fritting conditions of the production processes of kinescopes for times of about five hours. A process is also disclosed for the production of these devices. The nitrogenated evaporable getter material comprises: 1) BaAl.sub.4 powder, 2) nickel powder, and 3) iron nitride and/or germanium nitride particles that have been coated with a thin vitreous layer of boron oxide and silicon oxide, formed through a sol-gel process employing a starting solution wherein the atomic ratio between boron and silicon ranges from about 4:1 to 0.75:1.

Abstract: A spectrometer having a source of broad band infrared energy, a relay mirror that focuses the infrared energy at an intercepting mirror, a first object mirror that collimates the infrared energy from the intercepting mirror, a spatial light modulator that receives the collimated infrared energy and reflects it back to the first object mirror, the spatial light modulator including deformable mirror elements, and a controller that deforms the mirror elements according to a predetermined pattern. Deformable mirror elements obtain needed spectra while reducing the mechanical complexity of the spectrometer.

Abstract: A pasta is formed from a tube of pasta that is cooked, filled with sauce, sealed on one end, left open on the other end and rolled into the shape of a coil. The pasta is suitable for being eaten while on the move.

Abstract: An infant sleeper is provided that has raised wall portions positioned to approximately correspond to the center of mass of the infant so as to provide maximum retention support and security to the infant. The raised wall portions, in combination with a horizontal surface on which the infant rests, secures the infant to the bed. The head can be inclined at an angle so that the head of the infant can be kept slightly above its foot. The portion of the bed that lacks the raised wall portion provides as little obstruction as possible to the head of the infant so as to reduce potential feelings of claustrophobia as well as possible obstructions to breathing such as from blankets. Hence, the present invention combines a secure place for an infant to sleep with a sense of openness and freedom. It is believed that this position allows the infant to rest in a more correct anatomical position so as to ameliorate potential respiratory conditions and especially sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).

Abstract: A database having information which the consumer desires to know, a database containing attributes of the consumer, and a database of advertising messages that an interactive voice response system can deliver to a the consumer are made responsive to telephone calls placed to an interactive voice response (IVR) system. The database of consumer attributes contains information that is already known about the consumer that can be used to decide on which advertising message to play. The consumer initiates activity by calling the interactive voice response system. Software identifies the consumer via the consumer inputted identification and plays an advertising message that, preferably, has been predetermined to have likely appeal to the consumer. The interactive voice response system is then used to disseminate the information sought by the customer (such as student grades) after first disseminating the advertising message. The advertising message can include an offer to purchase a product or service.

Abstract: A novel variation of Michelson's interferometer uses tilt- and shear-compensation optics to allow various mirror motions to produce variation of path difference. The tilt-compensation mechanism consists of two complementary reflections from a single plane mirror to produce a beam having a constant angle of propagation, typically the same as the input beam. Using a retroreflector to invert the image of the single plane mirror before the second reflection produces the complementary reflections. A particularly efficient embodiment of the present invention uses a balanced disk-shaped mirror to effect very rapid variation of path difference by nutation or precession. Other advantages of tilt-compensation include photometric stability. This interferometer has applications in spectrometry, spectral imaging and metrology.

Abstract: A system for delivering infrared energy to a sample using frustrated internal reflectance in which a crystal for receiving the infrared energy is formed integrally with a removable mounting card. The mounting card is removable so that new samples can be sampled by quickly replacing the crystal with a new crystal having a new sample for analysis. Preferably, the crystal has the shape of a Fresnel lens. The infrared energy can be delivered to the crystal so that it experiences a single internal reflection and mounted in a card to form a surface that is integral with one side of the card to facilitate rapid cleaning and reuse of the card.