Abstract: A lamp assembly for a microscope, the microscope having a stand, comprising a female member comprising a first electrical socket, the socket arranged to provide a source of electricity for a lamp, the female receptacle located inside the microscope stand, and, a male member comprising at least two electrical pin terminals arranged to matingly engage the first electrical socket to receive electricity therefrom, and, a second socket electrically connected to the at least two electrical pin terminals, the second socket arranged to hold the lamp and provide electricity thereto.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a microscope and a focusing device for a microscope. The focusing device has at least one operating element attached to a first axle of the focusing device for effecting movement of a microscope stage along the optical axis of the microscope. An adjustable stop mechanism is provided which cooperates with the focusing device to limit the movement of the microscope stage in the direction of the optical axis. The adjustable stop mechanism comprises a rod, a spring for biasing the rod and a screw for adjusting and fixing a position of the rod.

Abstract: A microscope includes at least one focusing means for focusing an object plane. The focusing means includes first and second adjustment means. The first and second adjustment means are coaxial and independently rotatably adjustable with respect to one another. The second adjustment means are releasably fastenable to the focusing means. In a preferred embodiment, the first adjustment means comprises a coarse focus adjustment knob and the second adjustment means comprises a fine focus adjustment knob. The second adjustment means preferably includes magnetic means adapted for mating engagement with complementary magnetically attractable means of a rotatable focus drive means of the focusing means. A particularly preferred embodiment comprises at least two focusing means wherein the second adjustment means of each may be releasably attached to each; one on each opposite side of the microscope as desired.

Abstract: A brewed beverage timer/freshness indicator system. A timer device is adapted for attaching to a decanter or beverage container. The timer device executes a brew freshness timing cycle. The timing cycle is initiated by depressing a reset button on the timer device. In another embodiment, the timer device includes a communication interface for receiving a start signal to initiate the freshness timing cycle. The timer device includes a pour switch and a controller for recording each time the container is poured. The communication interface also provides the capability for transmitting status information or data, including timing information and pour information, from the timer device to a data processing unit.

Abstract: Apparatus for determining if a cornea (whether in vitro or in vivo) has been modified (either surgically or otherwise). The method includes the steps of: passing a beam of collimated light a (either coherent or incoherent) through the cornea to produce a distorted wavefront; determining the characteristics of the distorted wavefront; and analyzing the distorted wavefront for characteristics that identify the presence of a modification. The analysis of the distorted wavefront can be for the presence of higher order aberrations, or Gausian characteristics which are indicative of modifications.

Abstract: A roller dispenser for dispensing liquids has a headpiece mounted on a container. A barrier component is fitted between the headpiece and the container. The barrier component and the headpiece have respective annular seal elements which can fit together to form a plug seal, isolating the underside of the roller from the liquid supply when the barrier and headpiece are moved close together. The barrier and headpiece can be moved apart by a cam action, e.g., a thread, in order to allow liquid onto the roller.

Abstract: A roller dispenser for dispensing liquids has a headpiece (3) mounted on a container (1) with a barrier component (2) fitted in between. The barrier component and headpiece (2, 3) have respective annular seal elements which can fit together to form a plug seal, isolating the underside of the roller (5) from the liquid supply, when the barrier and headpiece are moved close together. They can be moved apart by a cam action e.g. a thread in order to allow liquid on to the roller.

Abstract: A striping layout machine is adapted to apply reference marks to a roadway in a safe and expedient manner. The machine has an array of features to enhance the safety of operating personnel as well as passing motorists. Equally effective on surfaces of different types, the machine has the capability to pre-mark as much as twenty miles of roadway in an hour. A unique, telescoping boom produces layout lines which may range from zero to twenty feet. The machine employs a lime and water solution for marking instead of paint. The lime and water solution is not permanent and will wash away at the first rain after the roadway has been striped thereby leaving an unmarred, clean stripe.

Abstract: A striping layout machine is adapted to apply reference marks to a roadway in a safe and expedient manner. The machine has an array of features to enhance the safety of operating personnel as well as passing motorists. Equally effective on surfaces of different types, the machine has the capability to pre-mark as much as twenty miles of roadway in an hour. A unique, telescoping boom produces layout lines which may range from zero to twenty feet.

Abstract: Apparatus for determining if a cornea (whether in vitro or in vivo) has been modified (either surgically or otherwise). The method includes the steps of: passing a beam of collimated light a (either coherent or incoherent) through the cornea to produce a distorted wavefront; determining the characteristics of the distorted wavefront; and analyzing the distorted wavefront for characteristics that identify the presence of a modification. The analysis of the distorted wavefront can be for the presence of higher order aberrations, or Gausian characteristics which are indicative of modifications.

Abstract: An infra-red imaging system has two variable focal length optical components (6, 7) whose positions are fixed relative to one another. The system also comprises an image detector (8). Control means (13) is provided such that the focal length of one of the variable focal length optical components (7) can be varied in relation to the focal length of the other variable focal length optical component (6). The system can be used to produce an image of variable magnification while maintaining an in-focus image at the detector (8). The control means (13) may comprise a mechanical linkage, an electronic circuit, or a computer program. In an alternative embodiment the optical system is a beam expander. Controlling a focusing mirror can achieve a dither effect. Controlling a focusing mirror can also de-focus the image, giving a mean scene temperature evaluation.

Abstract: An apparatus may be configured to generate document data representing a document for use in providing a service comprising a number of different activities that are to be carried out in providing the service. The apparatus may enable a user to retrieve previously stored document portions in accordance with the activity to which the document portion relates so that it is not necessary for the user to identify a specific document portion, a specific filename or an inventory part number allocated to that document portion. In one embodiment, an apparatus may be configured to generate a document that enables a user to assemble a document in accordance with the activities to which the document relates rather than to the actual content of the document. Thus, the user wishing to assemble a document may be concerned with the activities instead of which precise document portions to include in the document.

Abstract: Apparatus for determining if a cornea (whether in vitro or in vivo) has been modified (either surgically or otherwise). The method includes the steps of: passing a beam of collimated light a (either coherent or incoherent) through the cornea to produce a distorted wavefront; determining the characteristics of the distorted wavefront; and analyzing the distorted wavefront for characteristics that identify the presence of a modification. The analysis of the distorted wavefront can be for the presence of higher order aberrations, or Gausian characteristics which are indicative of modifications.

Abstract: Apparatus for determining if a cornea (whether in vitro or in vivo) has been modified (either surgically or otherwise). The method includes the steps of: passing a beam of collimated light a (either coherent or incoherent) through the cornea to produce a distorted wavefront; determining the characteristics of the distorted wavefront; and analyzing the distorted wavefront for characteristics that identify the presence of a modification. The analysis of the distorted wavefront can be for the presence of higher order aberrations, or Gausian characteristics which are indicative of modifications.

Abstract: Apparatus for determining if a cornea (whether in vitro or in vivo) has been modified (either surgically or otherwise). The method includes the steps of: passing a beam of collimated light a (either coherent or incoherent) through the cornea to produce a distorted wavefront; determining the characteristics of the distorted wavefront; and analyzing the distorted wavefront for characteristics that identify the presence of a modification. The analysis of the distorted wavefront can be for the presence of higher order aberrations, or Gausian characteristics which are indicative of modifications.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for the manufacture of a dental restoration including the steps of forming a model of refractory material of a tooth, and forming, by flame spraying directly on to said refractory model, a base layer of predetermined thickness of said restoration, said refractory model being cooled during the formation of said base layer. The refractory model is subjected to burn out, and optionally hardening heat treatment, and one or more layers of dental porcelain are applied to the base layer following sintering of said base layer.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for the manufacture of a dental restoration including the steps of forming a model of refractory material of a tooth, and forming, by flame spraying directly on to said refractory model, a base layer of predetermined thickness of said restoration, said refractory model being cooled during the formation of said base layer. The refractory model is subjected to burn out, and optionally hardening heat treatment, and one or more layers of dental porcelain are applied to the base layer following sintering of said base layer.

Abstract: The invention provides a refractory material for use in the manufacture of dental restorations, the refractory material comprising essentially of an admixture of Silica, Silicon Carbide, Magnesium Oxide, Mono Ammonium Phosphate, and Zircon or Aluminium Oxide in predetermined proportions by weight. The material is formed as an homogenous powder and mixed with a colloidal silica based solution to form a creamy mixture suitable for casting into a silicone based impression of a prepared tooth so as to form a refractory model of said tooth. The homogenous powder may be stored in moisture resistant material until required to be mixed with said colloidal silica based solution.

Abstract: A computer system having suspend and resume capabilities that uses the hard drive to extend the amount of nonvolatile memory (NVRAM) in the system. As the system is powered down, the system processor saves to the hard drive system parameters such as: resource allocation data determined pursuant to the Plug & Play specification, total power on hours for the system, the number of power on cycles for the system, error codes, and the dates the errors occurred. The saving to hard drive begins responsive to circuitry monitoring the primary (AC input) portion of the power supply indicating that the power supply input is out of tolerance, as would occur when the user actuates the power switch to turn the system off or during a blackout. During the period of reliable processing time remaining, the above system parameters are written to the hard file. The system parameters are also saved to the hard file during the controlled power off that occurs as the system state is suspended.

Abstract: A portable kit of components for mounting a computer accessory, such as a keyboard and operable mouse, to an armless chair. The accessory is removably attached to the chair, and readily transported between home and office, for example. The accessory comprises a saddle consisting of an essentially planar member adapted to rest on the seat of the chair, having a pair of downwardly extending side members, where each side member includes a tube receiving member for slidably receiving a second component. The side members include inwardly directed flanges having fastening positions for temporarily securing the saddle to the chair. Included in the kit of components are a pair of "T" shaped members (the second component) to be slidable received in and removably secured to the tube receiving member Finally, a pair of pivotal arms for removably engaging respective second arms of the "T" shaped member are provided. The remote ends include stands for mounting the computer accessory.