Abstract: A wavelength correction function provides corrected reflectance values from actual reflectance values taken in a reflectance-base instrument. The correction is provided as a function of measured reflectance values and a predefined set of high resolution reflectance values established for the reflectance-based instrument implementing the wavelength correction function.

Abstract: A system for and method of storing and automatically dispensing predetermined amounts of one or more food products from closed containers is described. The system preferably includes multi-compartment containers carried by a carousel assembly and moved by a dispensing mechanism for automatically selecting the appropriate container and compartment for which food is dispensed. By using a control with memory for keeping inventory, the system can dispense any one of several food products on demand.

Abstract: A data acquisition system is described for converting a plurality of analog information signals to a corresponding plurality of digital output signals each (a) having a dynamic range of n bits to match the dynamic range of the corresponding analog information signal, and (b) representative of the corresponding analog information signal during each of a plurality of time intervals. The system simultaneously converts each of the analog signals to an intermediate digital signal during each of the time intervals in accordance with a digitization code of m bits (where m is less than n) such that the digitization intervals of the code increase non-linearly so that the ratio of the noise level of the intermediate digital signal and the digitization interval of the code is substantially constant throughout the dynamic range of the analog signals. The intermediate digital signals are transformed to the corresponding digital output signals.

Abstract: A syringe comprising means making it possible to make the plunger integral with the end of the plunger stem during the first filling, and to cause the disconnection between these element during a refilling attempt.

Abstract: An interface device is connected between a data acquisition system and data processing system. The interface device permits the data acquisition system to transmit data at a data transmission rate determined by the data acquisition system, and the data processing system to accept the data in byte sizes and rates compatible with the data processing system.

Abstract: An autozero compensation system for autozeroing the output of a data conversion circuit comprising a floating point amplifier and an analog-to-digital converter. The autozero compensation system comprises a source for generating a desired offset voltage, a plurality of digital counters, one for each gain setting of the amplifier, for storing values which are functions of the offset voltages for the gain settings, and a comparator for comparing the output of the A/D converter with the desired offset. Periodically, each of the counters in the autozero circuit is updated for each gain setting by setting the analog input of the amplifier to system ground and the gain of the amplifier set to each of the gain settings, so that the output of the comparator is used to update each of the counters. The outputs of the counters are each converted to analog form by a D/A converter and used to provide the offset correction voltage to the floating point amplifier.