Abstract: A Fourier transform infrared spectrometer includes a beam splitter (22), end mirrors (21, 23), one of which may be scanned, and detectors (32) detecting the interfered light at the two outputs of a beam combiner (22), which may be the same optical element as the beam splitter (22). Time records of detector samples may be transformed by Fourier transform to obtain the corresponding spectra. The detectors (32) may be sampled alternately in time and the samples subsequently interleaved to provide an increased effective sampling rate. The detectors (32) may be masked by color filter mosaics so that each pixel of each detector is sensitive only to one color of light, and the spectra obtained from pixels detecting different colors may be concatenated.

Abstract: In accordance with some implementations, a method for responding to requests submitted through a conversational interface is disclosed. The method is performed on a server system having one or more processors and memory storing one or more programs for execution by the one or more processors. The server system receives a request from a user through a conversational interface. The server system determines, based on the request, whether the system is able to fulfill the request automatically. In accordance with a determination that the system is able to fulfill the request automatically, the server system fulfills the user request with no human interaction. In accordance with a determination that the system is not able to fulfill the request without human intervention, the server system sends the request to a human operator for fulfillment.

Abstract: A Fourier transform infrared spectrometer includes a beam splitter (22), end mirrors (21, 23), one of which may be scanned, and detectors (32) detecting the interfered light at the two outputs of a beam combiner (22), which may be the same optical element as the beam splitter (22). Time records of detector samples may be transformed by Fourier transform to obtain the corresponding spectra. The detectors (32) may be sampled alternately in time and the samples subsequently interleaved to provide an increased effective sampling rate. The detectors (32) may be masked by color filter mosaics so that each pixel of each detector is sensitive only to one color of light, and the spectra obtained from pixels detecting different colors may be concatenated.

Abstract: Signal conversion is implemented employing a memory system operating as a look-up table that stores a plurality of sets of output samples associated with each of a plurality of respective input samples. The look-up table thus can generate a corresponding set of output samples in response to a given input sample, thereby emulating desired digital upsampling and delta-sigma modulation. The output samples can be aggregated, such as by multiplexing, to provide an output data stream at a desired sample rate.

Abstract: Frequency synthesis is implemented by providing a delta-sigma modulated signal associated with a selected frequency, which frequency can vary based on a selection input. The delta-sigma modulated signal is converted from the digital to analog domain. The delta-sigma modulated signal can be provided directly from memory based on the selection input or, alternatively, it can be provided by a signal generator and processed by a delta-sigma modulator to provide the delta-sigma modulated signal. The selected frequency can be varied at a high rate of speed.

Abstract: Microparticles, obtainable by spray-drying a substantially pure solution of a therapeutic agent, consist essentially of the agent having its therapeutic activity when administered to the lung. In a preferred embodiment the agent is insulin.

Abstract: Microparticles, obtainable by spray-drying a substantially pure solution of a therapeutic agent, consist essentially of the agent having its therapeutic activity when administered to the lung. In a preferred embodiment the agent is insulin.

Abstract: Signal conversion of an input signal can be achieved by processing portions of the signal through plural parallel paths, which collectively approximate a desired infinite impulse response (IIR) filter, either alone or implemented with other signal processing functions. In one aspect, each of the paths can perform filtering, noise-shaping and/or quantization on a respective portion of the input signal to provide a corresponding representation of the respective portion of the input signal, for example, a coarser representation at a higher data rate. The corresponding representations from the parallel paths can be aggregated and further processed in a desired manner, such as conversion to an analog signal.

Abstract: Signal conversion is implemented employing a memory system operating as a look-up table that stores a plurality of sets of output samples associated with each of a plurality of respective input samples. The look-up table thus can generate a corresponding set of output samples in response to a given input sample, thereby emulating desired digital upsampling and delta-sigma modulation. The output samples can be aggregated, such as by multiplexing, to provide an output data stream at a desired sample rate.

Abstract: Frequency synthesis is implemented by providing a delta-sigma modulated signal associated with a selected frequency, which frequency can vary based on a selection input. The delta-sigma modulated signal is converted from the digital to analog domain. The delta-sigma modulated signal can be provided directly from memory based on the selection input or, alternatively, it can be provided by a signal generator and processed by a delta-sigma modulator to provide the delta-sigma modulated signal. The selected frequency can be varied at a high rate of speed.

Abstract: Signal conversion of an input signal can be achieved by processing portions of the signal through plural parallel paths, which collectively approximate a desired infinite impulse response (IIR) filter, either alone or implemented with other signal processing functions. In one aspect, each of the paths can perform filtering, noise-shaping and/or quantization on a respective portion of the input signal to provide a corresponding representation of the respective portion of the input signal, for example, a coarser representation at a higher data rate. The corresponding representations from the parallel paths can be aggregated and further processed in a desired manner, such as conversion to an analog signal.

Abstract: Microparticles, obtainable by spray-drying a substantially pure solution of a therapeutic agent, consist essentially of the agent having its therapeutic activity when administered to the lung. In a preferred embodiment the agent is insulin.

Abstract: Microparticles, obtainable by spray-drying a substantially pure solution of a therapeutic agent, consist essentially of the agent having its therapeutic activity when administered to the lung. In a preferred embodiment the agent is insulin.

Abstract: Thread consisting of three polymer strands twisted in one direction, each strand being wrapped with a metallic strip wound in the other direction, the strands and strip being covered with an elastomer sheath.