Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method for improving the precision of a test result from an instrument with an optical system that detects a signal. The method comprises including in the instrument a normalization target disposed directly or indirectly in the optical path of the optical system. Also disclosed are instruments comprising a normalization target, and systems comprising such an instrument and a test device that receives a sample suspected of containing an analyte.

Abstract: A bump strip includes first and second end caps and an intermediate part that, together, define a length of the bump strip. The end caps having an end part and a connecting part, and whereby one or more fastening holes is provided through the end cap connecting parts and the intermediate part such that a single fastener passing through the fastening hole of an end cap and the intermediate part secures the bump strip to a surface to be protected.

Abstract: Reinforced floor components of prefabricated bathroom pods. The floor components are reinforced and integrated into bathroom pods or other building units in such a manner as to add significant strength to the bathroom pods to resist bending, twisting and sagging, and/or to aid in lifting and supporting the weight of the bathroom pods, and thereby add to the structural integrity of the prefabricated bathroom pods to which they are attached.

Abstract: Reinforced floor components of prefabricated bathroom pods. The floor components are reinforced and integrated into bathroom pods or other building units in such a manner as to add significant strength to the bathroom pods to resist bending, twisting and sagging, and/or to aid in lifting and supporting the weight of the bathroom pods, and thereby add to the structural integrity of the prefabricated bathroom pods to which they are attached.

Abstract: Reinforced floor components of prefabricated bathroom pods. The floor components are reinforced and integrated into bathroom pods or other building units in such a manner as to add significant strength to the bathroom pods to resist bending, twisting and sagging, and/or to aid in lifting and supporting the weight of the bathroom pods, and thereby add to the structural integrity of the prefabricated bathroom pods to which they are attached.

Abstract: Reinforced floor components of prefabricated bathroom pods. The floor components are reinforced and integrated into bathroom pods or other building units in such a manner as to add significant strength to the bathroom pods to resist bending, twisting and sagging, and/or to aid in lifting and supporting the weight of the bathroom pods, and thereby add to the structural integrity of the prefabricated bathroom pods to which they are attached.

Abstract: A bump strip includes first and second end caps and an intermediate part that, together, define a length of the bump strip. The end caps having an end part and a connecting part, and whereby one or more fastening holes is provided through the end cap connecting parts and the intermediate part such that a single fastener passing through the fastening hole of an end cap and the intermediate part secures the bump strip to a surface to be protected.

Abstract: Disclosed is a bullet shell casing for smooth bore hunting guns. The shell casing comprises of a casing made of paper with the ends coated in wax. On its surface, the casing has four twisting grooves the length of the casing. The casing enclosing the bullet is made of identical longitudinal halves having a cylindrical outer surface and an inner surface matching with the surface of the bullet or bullets. The casing has inverted cone indentions at each end of the casing. A plastic compression cone is matched with the rear indention of the casing. Compression cone and casing are fitted into a shell that is not crimped at the end of said shell. The bullet shell casing offers improved longitudinal stability, longer range, and effectiveness.

Abstract: A toilet seat raising apparatus including a mounting bracket with a cranked arm bearing a counterweight arrangement. The mounting bracket is provided on the underside of the toilet seat just behind the pivotal mounting thereof, with the counterweight arrangement weighing a little less than the part of the toilet seat in front of the pivotal mounting of the apparatus. A flexible band extends from the cranked arm to a hinged pedal, such that placing a foot on the pedal causes the band to engage with the cranked arm and raise the toilet seat.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a beverage container having an opening assembly apparatus and method having an advanced design for sealing the contents within the container after opening. The opening assembly includes a lid having a top and bottom side, the lid being attached to a receptacle for containing the beverage contents, and a recess located about the top side of the lid for facilitating the filling of the receptacle. An aperture is located about the recess and projecting from the aperture is an undulating flange on the bottom side of the lid. A closure member coactively engaging the aperture and recess to provide a sealing engagement by inserting a first portion of the closure member into the recess and a second portion of the closure member into the aperture and rotating the closure member from an opened position to a closed position. The closure member includes a breakable seal for providing security that the container is tamper free.

Abstract: A toilet flushing system is provided for both high and low volume flush control. The toilet flushing system comprises a control assembly having an actuator, first link, second link, and swivel member that provide high volume flush control by selectively opening a closure member rotatably attached to the housing. The rotation of a lever mobilizes the actuator such that the first link, swivel member, second link, and closure member are rotated from a closed position to a high volume flush position.

Abstract: A rack (10) intended in use to be supported from an upstanding support, the rack comprising a base (12) adapted to be fixed to the support, a support member (14) connected to the base to be pivotable about a first axis which is generally level, to be moveable between a first position, at which it is adjacent to the support and a second position at which it extends laterally from the support, the support member being adapted to receive and support an item when in its second position.

Abstract: Storage apparatus (10) comprising a pair of storage members (54) pivotally mounted about a lifting arrangement (32). The storage members (54) and lifting arrangement (32) are locatable in a base assembly in a stored condition and can be slid outwardly and one of the members (54) raised, to provide convenient access to the respective member (54).

Abstract: A method for welding a component includes the steps of: selecting a weld area in the part which is located near a feature of interest; applying a weld to a portion of the weld area, wherein solidification of the first weld causes deviation of the feature from a desired position; and cold working the first weld so as to impart plastic deformation therein to a degree that material is extruded outward from the first weld. The deviation of the feature is at least partially reversed. The method may include the step of applying and cold working a series of spaced-apart tack welds in a defect, and then applying and cold-working a series of welds between the tack welds.

Abstract: A securing arrangement (10) suitable for e.g. strapping material together. The arrangement (10) comprising an elongate member (12) with a plurality of holes (20) along its length, formed into a loop. An L shaped securing member (14) is provided at or adjacent each end of the loop, with a respective formation (30) engaged with all other holes (20). A nut and bolt (50, 52) is engageable between the stems of the respective securing members (14) to close the loop to a required position.

Abstract: A opening assembly (10) suitable for use on a can for containing carbonated beverages. The assembly (10) comprises a main part (14) with an oval opening (16). A flange (18) is provided around the underside of the opening (16), with a height inversely proportional to the diameter of the opening (16) at any point. A closure member (20) is provided comprising an upper part (14), cylindrical body part (30) which sliding fits through the opening (16), and an engagement member (34) on its underside. In a closed condition the engagement member (34) engages against the tallest part of the flange (18) to sealingly close the assembly (10). The closure member (20) can be rotated until the engagement member (34) is not engageable with the flange (18), and the member (20) can then be removed from the opening (16) to open the assembly (10). The member (20) can be replaced in the opening (16) and rotated to reclose the assembly (10).

Abstract: Seating apparatus 10 including a seat 12 and a support arrangement 22. The support arrangement 22 comprises legs 24, 26 pivotally mounted on opposite sides of the seat 12. The legs 24, 26 are selectively movable between a ground engaging position wherein the seat 12 is supported above the ground, and a stowed position in which the legs 24, 26 of the support arrangement 22 lie against the sides of the seat 12. The apparatus 10 can be used for a multitude of purposes, for example a car seat, a high chair and as a rocking chair.

Abstract: A securing arrangement (10) suitable for e.g. strapping material together. The arrangement (10) comprising an elongate member (12) with a plurality of holes (20) along its length, formed into a loop. An L shaped securing member (14) is provided at or adjacent each end of the loop, with a respective formation (30) engaged with all other holes (20). A nut and bolt (50, 52) is engageable between the stems of the respective securing members (14) to close the loop to a required position.

Abstract: Storage apparatus (10) comprising a pair of storage members (54) pivotally mounted about a lifting arrangement (32). The storage members (54) and lifting arrangement (32) are locatable in a base assembly in a stored condition and can be slid outwardly and one of the members (54) raised, to provide convenient access to the respective member (54).

Abstract: A opening assembly (10) suitable for use on a can for containing carbonated beverages. The assembly (10) comprises a main part (14) with an oval opening (16). A flange (18) is provided around the underside of the opening (16), with a height inversely proportional to the diameter of the opening (16) at any point. A closure member (20) is provided comprising an upper part (14), cylindrical body part (30) which sliding fits through the opening (16), and an engagement member (34) on its underside. In a closed condition the engagement member (34) engages against the tallest part of the flange (18) to sealingly close the assembly (10). The closure member (20) can be rotated until the engagement member (34) is not engageable with the flange (18), and the member (20) can then be removed from the opening (16) to open the assembly (10). The member (20) can be replaced in the opening (16) and rotated to reclose the assembly (10).