Abstract: The apparatus and method of the invention are applied to the generation of alternating sample, dark, reference and dark beams for direction of said sample and reference beams into an integrating sphere which comprises detecting means and a reference source, for spectroscopic analysis of a sample contained in a sample cell which is operatively associated with said integrating sphere; to the generation of digital control signals attendant the generation of said beams; and to the processing of the multiplexed, sample analysis results analog data signal, as provided by the detecting means, by aligning a digital control signal therewith in time and further operating upon the thusly aligned data signal to precisely calculate the sample analysis results therefrom.

Abstract: A keyboard is constructed as an integral member of a display screen. The keyboard comprises a number of keys which are back-lighted upon the screen when they are enabled, but which are otherwise invisible to the viewer when disabled. When a key is depressed, the lit keyboard is reconfigured, a new set of keys enabled, and a system function is performed.

Abstract: An infrared analyzer is described which analyzes constituents of a sample. The sample and/or reference signals are synchronously averaged to provide unisonous sample and reference values. This processing eliminates drift and signal noise from the measurements, thus providing a more sensitive and accurate characterization of the constituents of the sample.

Abstract: A standard, which is of ceramic material and preferably includes alumina, for spectral reflectance for use in near infrared reflectance measurements of constituents of samples, which constituents comprise oil, moisture and protein. The standard reflects electromagnetic radiation in the wavelength range of 1.0 - 2.5 micrometers and exhibits its best optical characteristics in the operational range of 1.4 - 2.4 micrometers.