Abstract: Variable focus optical devices, in particular lenses, can include a cavity at least partially defined by a flexible membrane (2), which may be retained between engaging portions of a frame member (8) and a ring member (12), such that a peripheral region of the membrane is caused to change direction more than twice. The engaging portions of the ring and frame may be high-friction surfaces. In addition, methods of filling a cavity of a lens with transparent fluid, methods of adjusting the pressure of fluid in the cavity, and methods of sealing such a cavity are described, as well the use of such lenses in adjustable spectacles.

Abstract: A method for providing information to a customer who is requesting a synthesized oligonucleotide, peptide, peptide nucleic acid, polysaccharide or antibody (collectively “strands”). The capabilities of one or more suppliers are stored and automatically searched for capabilities to synthesize the requested strand. A list of the suppliers with the required capabilities is generated along with the price of the strand. The invention also encompasses an apparatus for providing information to remote users regarding which suppliers can supply a desired strand. The apparatus has a database and a server which allows the remote user to access the capabilities of one or more suppliers for synthesizing a strand.

Abstract: In the field of eyesight correction, there is a need for "universal" spectacles that can be tailored in situ to suit an individual's requirements. The disclosure relates to an apparatus, which may be in the form of a pair of spectacles (1) including one or more liquid lenses (11a, 11b). The apparatus also includes a sealable duct (24) and a pump (e.g., a syringe) for adjusting the pressure of liquid in the liquid lens. In use, the apparatus is adjusted to provide eyesight correction for an individual. The duct (24) is then sealed, thereby rendering the apparatus subsequently non-adjustable and therefore permanently tailored to the requirements of the individual. The disclosure also relates to an apparatus in the form of a flexible membrane mirror.

Abstract: The invention proposes using statistical methods to do natural language understanding. The key notion is that there are "strings" of words in the natural language, that correspond to a single semantic concept. One can then define an alignment between an entire semantic meaning (consisting of a set of semantic concepts), and the English. This is modeled using P(E,A.vertline.S). One can model p(S) separately. This allows each parameter to be modeled using many different statistical models.