Abstract: An apparatus for coupling radiation into and out of an optical fiber includes an optical element, a radiation system and a sensor system. The optical element is for coupling radiation into and out of the optical fiber. The radiation system produces input radiation, so that the input radiation is at least partially received by the optical element. The sensor system is for receiving output radiation from the optical element and operates to generate a signal indicative of at least one characteristic of the output radiation. The optical element, the radiation system and the sensor system are generally co-axial and the radiation system and the sensor system are both disposed on the same side of the optical element.

Abstract: A hand-held exercise device comprises a frame, a handle attached to the frame, a spool element pivotally mounted to the frame, a pull-cord movable between a wound configuration in which the pull-cord is wound around the spool element and an unwound configuration in which the pull-cord is unwound from the spool element, a resistance element pivotally mounted to the frame, a transmission that couples the pull-cord to the resistance element such that pulling the pull-cord from the device causes the resistance element to rotate, and a damping means that acts to slow the rotation of the resistance element. The device provides a compact and lightweight form of exercise equipment that is easy to carry and easy to store. The device can be used with various fixtures, and also with a second handle fixed to the pull-cord, to allow the user to perform a wide range of exercises. Preferably the exercise device transmits exercise data to an external device that provides feedback and guidance to the user.

Abstract: A hand-held exercise device comprises a frame, a handle attached to the frame, a spool element pivotally mounted to the frame, a pull-cord movable between a wound configuration in which the pull-cord is wound around the spool element and an unwound configuration in which the pull-cord is unwound from the spool element, a resistance element pivotally mounted to the frame, a transmission that couples the pull-cord to the resistance element such that pulling the pull-cord from the device causes the resistance element to rotate, and a damping means that acts to slow the rotation of the resistance element. The device provides a compact and lightweight form of exercise equipment that is easy to carry and easy to store. The device can be used with various fixtures, and also with a second handle fixed to the pull-cord, to allow the user to perform a wide range of exercises. Preferably the exercise device transmits exercise data to an external device that provides feedback and guidance to the user.

Abstract: A method and system for determining benefits of outsourcing is provided in a computer system. The method includes calculating on the computer system a first set of resource requirements to conduct one or more of a plurality of processes within an entity. The first set of resource requirements are calculated by performing a predefined set of computations on a set of data associated with the entity. The method further includes simulating on the computer system a second set of resources requirements to conduct one or more of the plurality of processes using one or more offshore personnel. The method further includes rendering on the computer system one or more benefits of using the one or more offshore personnel based on the first set of resource requirements and the second set of resource requirements.

Abstract: A displacement responsive device e.g. a measurement probe (110) is disclosed. Displacement of a stylus (130) causes resilient movement of a carriage (134) supported by planar springs (112) and (114). This movement is detected by a capacitance sensor (160), formed from two cylinders (164) and (166). The cylinders move in at least three degrees of freedom and changes in their capacitance during the said movement can be determined by a circuit (e.g. FIG. 5). Movement in x, y and z directions can be sensed.

Abstract: A displacement responsive device e.g. a measurement probe (110) is disclosed. Displacement of a stylus (130) causes resilient movement of a carriage (134) supported by planar springs (112) and (114). This movement is detected by a capacitance sensor (160), formed from two cylinders (164) and (166). The cylinders move in at least three degrees of freedom and changes in their capacitance during the said movement can be determined by a circuit (e.g. FIG. 5). Movement in x, y and z directions can be sensed.