Abstract: A novel ellipsometer and ellipsometry technique are disclosed that allow the determination of optical and spectroscopic properties of a sample material. In particular, the complex dielectric constant (.epsilon.) and the complex index of refraction (N) of a sample material are determined from simple reflectance intensity measurements at a single frequency. The disclosed invention may be used to determine desired optical and spectroscopic properties of a variety of sample materials, including solid and fluid materials. The disclosed method and apparatus for determining these properties are not dependent upon numerical approximations or frequency scans. The disclosed invention has a broadband working frequency range and may take advantage of radiation sources providing elliptically-polarized incident radiation, such as new solid-state lasers. The disclosed invention thereby provides a significant advance over prior ellipsometer devices and ellipsometry techniques.

Abstract: A microprocessor or computer controlled interactive apparatus to compute coefficients of static and kinetic friction for a test surface using acceleration data of a weighted test block sliding over a test surface. The transient action of the block is damped linear harmonic and is generated by a microprocessor-controlled stepper motor and micrometer connected to the block with two springs. The apparatus provides an accessible graphical display of the recorded acceleration data which comprises a series of relative time values and associated block acceleration values. A movable cursor permits the user to interactively select the point on the surface for which the coefficient of kinetic friction is to be computed. The computed coefficient is then displayed on the graphics display device with the acceleration plot.

Abstract: A microprocessor-based interactive apparatus to compute coefficients of static and dynamic friction for a test surface using deceleration data of a weighted block sliding to a rest on the test surface. The apparatus provides an accessible graphical display of the recorded deceleration data which comprises a series of relative time values and associated block acceleration values. A movable cursor permits the user to interactively select the point on the surface for which the coefficient of friction is to be computed. The computed coefficient is then displayed on the graphics display device with the deceleration plot. The cursor may then be redisplayed and moved horizontally with respect to the graphical plot of the deceleration data so that another coefficient of friction may be computed and displayed for a different selected point.

Abstract: A device is disclosed relating to sheet metal duct connections, particularly where sections of metal ducts must be joined during construction of metal duct work. A connecting device cuttable to any desired length without substantial waste can be inserted on a segment of duct and joined to a wall or second duct surface having an opening cut to the size of the first duct to which is attached the connecting device. By manual manipulation, the connecting device can then anchor the first duct to the wall or second duct opening.