Abstract: This disclosure relates to apparatus and methods for molecular diagnostics. Certain embodiments include a piston cycled from a first position proximal to a first end of a housing, to a second position proximal to a second end of the housing, and back to the first position proximal to the first end of the housing. In some embodiments, the present disclosure relates to devices, methods, and systems for molecular diagnostics that do not comprise a piston.

Abstract: Configurations and compositions for frameworks supporting optics such as lenses are described that provide an invariant structure regardless of temperature swings, thereby maintaining alignment and focus. Frameworks may comprise tiered structures of materials having multiple distinct coefficients of thermal expansion. An optical framework includes a first framework portion coupled to a first lens and a second framework portion coupled to a second lens. The first framework portion and second framework portion comprise materials having a coefficient of thermal expansion such that expansion of the first framework portion in one direction is offset by expansion of the second framework portion in an opposite direction.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to apparatus and methods for molecular diagnostics. Certain embodiments include a piston cycled from a first position proximal to a first end of a housing, to a second position proximal to a second end of the housing, and back to the first position proximal to the first end of the housing. In some embodiments, the present disclosure relates to devices, methods, and systems for molecular diagnostics that do not comprise a piston.

Abstract: A rifle scope includes at least one optical sensor configured to capture optical data corresponding to at least one of a barrel of a firearm and an appendage coupled to the barrel. The rifle scope further includes a controller coupled to the at least one optical sensor and configured to determine an angular position of the barrel in response to capturing the optical data. The controller is configured to automatically determine an alignment of the rifle scope relative to the barrel in response to determining the angular position.

Abstract: An optical device, such as a firearm scope or telescope, may comprise an aperture to receive light, and a light separation element to split the light received from the aperture into a plurality of light paths directed to a plurality of sensors. Sensors may include bright light sensors, low light sensors, range-finder sensors, or other sensors. The light may be separated and directed to the various sensors using prisms, light filters, mirrors, or any combination thereof. The optical device may include circuitry configured to generate image data, determine range data, perform a ballistics calculation, or to perform other operations based on the plurality of sensors.

Abstract: A rifle scope includes at least one optical sensor configured to capture optical data corresponding to at least one of a barrel of a firearm and an appendage coupled to the barrel. The rifle scope further includes a controller coupled to the at least one optical sensor and configured to determine an angular position of the barrel in response to capturing the optical data. The controller is configured to automatically determine an alignment of the rifle scope relative to the barrel in response to determining the angular position.

Abstract: A rifle scope includes at least one optical sensor configured to capture optical data corresponding to at least one of a barrel of a firearm and an appendage coupled to the barrel. The rifle scope further includes a controller coupled to the at least one optical sensor and configured to determine an angular position of the barrel in response to capturing the optical data. The controller is configured to automatically determine an alignment of the rifle scope relative to the barrel in response to determining the angular position.

Abstract: A rifle scope includes at least one optical sensor configured to capture optical data corresponding to at least one of a barrel of a firearm and an appendage coupled to the barrel. The rifle scope further includes a controller coupled to the at least one optical sensor and configured to determine an angular position of the barrel in response to capturing the optical data. The controller is configured to automatically determine an alignment of the rifle scope relative to the barrel in response to determining the angular position.

Abstract: A free-space laser communication system and method for compensating for the atmospheric effects and target motion of a target that may occur during free-space laser communication between of a pair of the systems. Each system makes use of a plurality of narrow infrared (IR) laser beams, a means for pointing and tracking the laser, an adaptive optics system and a communications transceiver. Optionally turbo coding techniques may be used to encode data transmitted by each of the systems. The laser communication system is less susceptible to adverse weather effects that could otherwise negatively influence the operation of an optical communication system.