Abstract: In some variations, an interferometric frequency-reference apparatus comprises: an atom source configured to supply neutral atoms; a collimator configured to form a collimated beam of the neutral atoms; one or more probe lasers; and a Doppler laser configured to determine a ground-state population of the neutral atoms. Other variations provide a method of creating a stable frequency reference, comprising: forming a collimated beam of neutral atoms; illuminating the neutral atoms with first and second probe lasers; adjusting the frequencies of the first probe laser and second probe laser using Ramsey spectroscopy to an S?D transition of the neutral atoms; and determining a ground-state population of the neutral atoms with another laser. The interferometric frequency-reference apparatus may provide an optical frequency reference or a microwave frequency reference.

Abstract: In some variations, an interferometric frequency-reference apparatus comprises: an atom source configured to supply neutral atoms to be ionized; an ionizer configured to excite the neutral atoms to form ionized atoms; an ion collimator configured to form a collimated beam of the ionized atoms; probe lasers; and a Doppler laser configured to determine a ground-state population of the ionized atoms, wherein the atom source, the ionizer, and the ion collimator are disposed within a vacuum chamber. Other variations provide a method of creating a stable frequency reference, comprising: forming ionized atoms from an atomic vapor; forming a collimated beam of ionized atoms; illuminating ionized atoms with first and second probe lasers; adjusting the frequencies of the first probe and second probe lasers using Ramsey spectroscopy to an S?D transition of ionized atoms; and determining a ground-state population of the ionized atoms with another laser.

Abstract: In some variations, an interferometric frequency-reference apparatus comprises: an atom source configured to supply neutral atoms; a collimator configured to form a collimated beam of the neutral atoms; one or more probe lasers; and a Doppler laser configured to determine a ground-state population of the neutral atoms. Other variations provide a method of creating a stable frequency reference, comprising: forming a collimated beam of neutral atoms; illuminating the neutral atoms with first and second probe lasers; adjusting the frequencies of the first probe laser and second probe laser using Ramsey spectroscopy to an S?D transition of the neutral atoms; and determining a ground-state population of the neutral atoms with another laser. The interferometric frequency-reference apparatus may provide an optical frequency reference or a microwave frequency reference.

Abstract: In some variations, an interferometric frequency-reference apparatus comprises: an atom source configured to supply neutral atoms to be ionized; an ionizer configured to excite the neutral atoms to form ionized atoms; an ion collimator configured to form a collimated beam of the ionized atoms; probe lasers; and a Doppler laser configured to determine a ground-state population of the ionized atoms, wherein the atom source, the ionizer, and the ion collimator are disposed within a vacuum chamber. Other variations provide a method of creating a stable frequency reference, comprising: forming ionized atoms from an atomic vapor; forming a collimated beam of ionized atoms; illuminating ionized atoms with first and second probe lasers; adjusting the frequencies of the first probe and second probe lasers using Ramsey spectroscopy to an S?D transition of ionized atoms; and determining a ground-state population of the ionized atoms with another laser.

Abstract: A prophylactic kit apparatus configured to be used with only a single patient includes a plurality of sealed modules and a housing configured to contain those sealed modules such that only one of the plurality of sealed modules can be removed from the housing at a time. This kit may include a physically-discrete informational patient aid disposed within the housing and having information disposed thereon. By one approach these physically-discrete informational patient aids can have a bookmark form factor. So configured, a medical services provider can readily provide the physically-discrete informational patient aid to a patient to thereby facilitate the patient becoming informed regarding the corresponding prophylactic service with little or no burden on the service provider.

Abstract: A prophylactic kit apparatus configured to be used with only a single patient includes a plurality of sealed modules and a housing configured to contain those sealed modules such that only one of the plurality of sealed modules can be removed from the housing at a time. Each of the plurality of sealed modules contains at least one prophylactic agent to be used in service of the patient. These sealed modules are to be used in a particular order and the housing is further configured to facilitate the removal of the sealed modules in only that particular order.

Abstract: A prophylactic kit apparatus configured to be used with only a single patient includes a plurality of sealed modules and a housing configured to contain those sealed modules such that only one of the plurality of sealed modules can be removed from the housing at a time. This kit may include a physically-discrete informational patient aid disposed within the housing and having information disposed thereon. By one approach these physically-discrete informational patient aids can have a bookmark form factor. So configured, a medical services provider can readily provide the physically-discrete informational patient aid to a patient to thereby facilitate the patient becoming informed regarding the corresponding prophylactic service with little or no burden on the service provider.

Abstract: The present invention is drawn to a bedliner ballast system for pick-up trucks, vans and other vehicles to allow the operators of vehicles to increase traction on the driving wheels by adding and removing weight to the bed of their vehicle and therefore adjusting the traction of the driving wheels without sacrificing load carrying space. The design permits the owner to easily and quickly add or remove weight as needed by using a liquid contained within the bed liner. Liquid may be added to directly weight, for example, the rear wheels with a garden hose or water faucet at a filling station while preserving the entire rear bed for passengers or freight and the additional load may be easily and quickly removed. The design permits custom modification for a variety of vehicles and vehicle configurations.

Abstract: A prophylactic kit apparatus configured to be used with only a single patient includes a plurality of sealed modules and a housing configured to contain those sealed modules such that only one of the plurality of sealed modules can be removed from the housing at a time. Each of the plurality of sealed modules contains at least one prophylactic agent to be used in service of the patient. These sealed modules are to be used in a particular order and the housing is further configured to facilitate the removal of the sealed modules in only that particular order.

Abstract: The present invention is drawn to a bedliner ballast system for pick-up trucks, vans and other vehicles to allow the operators of vehicles to increase traction on the driving wheels by adding and removing weight to the bed of their vehicle and therefore adjusting the traction of the driving wheels without sacrificing load carrying space. The design permits the owner to easily and quickly add or remove weight as needed by using a liquid contained within the bed liner. Liquid may be added to directly weight, for example, the rear wheels with a garden hose or water faucet at a filling station while preserving the entire rear bed for passengers or freight and the additional load may be easily and quickly removed. The design permits custom modification for a variety of vehicles and vehicle configurations.

Abstract: Disclosed is a water based topical pain relieving composition that is substantially odorless and does not leave a greasy or oily residue behind. The water based topical pain relieving composition may be particularly useful in treating areas near the eyes or mucous membranes. In some embodiments the topical pain relieving composition may comprise a water based emulsion comprising an effective amount of an analgesic composition comprising trolamine salicylate and an inflammation reducing composition comprising effective amounts of Anthemis Nobilis (roman chamomile) extract, Arnica Montana flower extract, Calendula Officinalis (marygold) extract, Centaurea Cyanus (blue bottle) extract, inflammation reducing oil, Hypericum Perforatum (St. John's Wort) extract, Matricaria Chamomilla (Wild Chamomile) extract, methylsulfonylmethane (MSM), Salix Alba (willow) bark extract, sorbitol, Tilia Sylvestris (limetree) extract, and aloe vera concentrate.