Abstract: The invention relates to a lens, comprising a container (100) defining a volume (V) which is filled with a transparent liquid (2), wherein the container (10) comprises a transparent and elastically deformable membrane (20) and a rigid member (30), wherein the membrane (20) and the rigid member (30) delimit said volume (V), and a lens shaping element (200) that contacts the membrane (20) and defines an area (21) of said membrane (20), which area (21) has an adjustable curvature for adjusting the focal length of the lens (1). According to the invention, the lens (1) is configured to compensate a thermal expansion of the liquid (2) and/or a change of the refractive index of the liquid (2) due to an increased temperature of the liquid (2) in order to reduce an unwanted thermally induced change of the focal length of the lens (1).

Abstract: An automated magazine loading device having an ammunition hopper adapted to receive a firearm cartridge and a conveyor coupled to the ammunition hopper. The conveyor is configured to transport the firearm cartridge to a projectile indexer located in proximity to the conveyor and the conveyor is configured to deposit the firearm cartridge into the projectile indexer in a first orientation. The projectile indexer is configured to reorient the firearm cartridge into a second orientation. The projectile indexer also includes a port for receiving a magazine therein. Finally, the automated magazine loading device includes an actuator for engaging the firearm cartridge and inserting the firearm cartridge into the magazine.

Abstract: A novel method has been found to produce 2,2?-anhydro-1-(?-L-arabinofuranosyl)thymine as a novel useful intermediate compound. A novel method has been further found to produce thymidine from 2,2?-anhydro-1-(?-L-arabinofuranosyl)thymine. According to these methods, synthesis of various L-nucleic acid derivatives, synthesis of which has been difficult till now, is possible.