Abstract: A linear resonance scanning apparatus (100) comprises an electromagnetic drive unit (132) comprising a coil (140) wound about a core (138), the electromagnetic drive unit (132) having a field output end (134). A linear motion bearing assembly (106) is configured to carry a permanent magnet (130). the linear motion bearing assembly (106) having a longitudinal axis of reciprocating motion. A biasing element (122, 126) is disposed adjacent an end of the linear motion bearing assembly (106) to serve as a buffer for motion along the longitudinal axis of reciprocating motion. The permanent magnet (130) has a surface located opposite the field output end (134) of the electromagnetic drive unit (132) in spaced relation to the field output end (134) of the electromagnetic drive unit (132). The permanent magnet (130) is laterally offset with respect to the core (138) so that the core (138) substantially does not overlie the permanent magnet (130) when at rest.

Abstract: An optical measurement apparatus (100) combines confocal measurement and low coherence interferometric measurement. The apparatus (100) comprises an interferometric measurement subsystem (102) and a confocal measurement subsystem (104) disposed within a housing (101). An optical combiner (136) is configured to provide the interferometric measurement subsystem (102) and the confocal measurement subsystem (104) with irradiative access to a region to be measured located at a substantially static target location. The interferometric measurement subsystem (102) and the confocal measurement subsystem (104) are respectively configured to image longitudinally in respect of a first subregion (162) and a second subregion (164) in the region to be measured. the second subregion (164) being axially spaced from the first subregion (162). A processing resource (152.

Abstract: A magwell extension is provided and configured to assist a user in inserting a cartridge magazine into the magwell of a firearm. The extension includes a hollow body enclosed on four sides and open at opposite ends. A coupling face defines a first of the ends and includes a pair of rails configured to engage the rim of the magwell. A stop rail extending from the coupling face lies perpendicular to the pair of rails. A locking element is configured to be coupled to the body with a portion extending from the first opening and beyond a plane defined by the coupling face. The locking element is configured to bias the rim of the magwell into secure engagement with the stop rail.

Abstract: An optical measurement apparatus (100) comprises a point source (102) of electromagnetic radiation and an optical path extending from the point source of electromagnetic radiation to a window (122). An optical input arrangement (108) is also provided and comprises a static input lens. An optical output arrangement (114) of the apparatus comprises a static output lens. The apparatus further comprises an intermediate lens (112) and a scanning mechanism (110) configured to carry the intermediate lens (112). A position measurement system is operably coupled to the scanning mechanism (110) and configured to measure a position of the intermediate lens (112). The optical input arrangement (108), the intermediate lens (112) and the optical output arrangement (114) are disposed in the optical path, and the intermediate lens (112) and the scanning mechanism (110) are disposed between the optical input arrangement (108) and the optical output arrangement (114).

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods relating to biomarkers (e.g., calcitriol (i.e., 1,25(OH)2D3) to 24,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (i.e., 24,25(OH)2D3) to calcifediol (i.e., 25(OH)D3) proportion ratio (C24CPR)) that can be used for detection and treatment assessment of vitamin D deficiency or vitamin D imbalance and/or diseases or disorders associated with vitamin D deficiency or vitamin D imbalance, such as cancer, in a subject in need thereof. The present invention also provides methods of diagnosing vitamin D deficiency or vitamin D imbalance and/or diseases or disorders associated with vitamin D deficiency or vitamin D imbalance and distinguishing between different types of diseases or disorders associated with vitamin D deficiency or vitamin D imbalance (e.g., cancer vs autoimmune disease or disorder).

Abstract: A magwell extension is provided and configured to assist a user in inserting a cartridge magazine into the magwell of a firearm. The extension includes a hollow body enclosed on four sides and open at opposite ends. A coupling face defines a first of the ends and includes a pair of rails configured to engage the rim of the magwell. A stop rail extending from the coupling face lies perpendicular to the pair of rails. A locking element is configured to be coupled to the body with a portion extending from the first opening and beyond a plane defined by the coupling face. The locking element is configured to bias the rim of the magwell into secure engagement with the stop rail.

Abstract: A magwell extension is provided and configured to assist a user in inserting a cartridge magazine into the magwell of a firearm. The extension includes a hollow body enclosed on four sides and open at opposite ends. A coupling face defines a first of the ends and includes a pair of rails configured to engage the rim of the magwell. A stop rail extending from the coupling face lies perpendicular to the pair of rails. A locking element is configured to be coupled to the body with a portion extending from the first opening and beyond a plane defined by the coupling face. The locking element is configured to bias the rim of the magwell into secure engagement with the stop rail.

Abstract: A weighted cup holder with a weighted bag-like flexible base member that has a generally toroidal shape and a separate cup holder member. The base member and the cup holder member are configured to be removably coupled together into an assembly. When the assembly is placed on a surface, the cup holder member sits on the surface and the base member sits on part of the cup holder member and so acts to stabilize the cup holder member. A drink holder such as a bottle, glass or cup can be placed into and held in the cup holder member.

Abstract: A weighted cup holder with a weighted bag-like flexible base member that has a generally toroidal shape and a separate cup holder member. The base member and the cup holder member are configured to be removably coupled together into an assembly. When the assembly is placed on a surface, the cup holder member sits on the surface and the base member sits on part of the cup holder member and so acts to stabilize the cup holder member. A drink holder such as a bottle, glass or cup can be placed into and held in the cup holder member.

Abstract: A magwell extension is provided and configured to assist a user in inserting a cartridge magazine into the magwell of a firearm. The extension includes a hollow body enclosed on four sides and open at opposite ends. A coupling face defines a first of the ends and includes a pair of rails configured to engage the rim of the magwell. A stop rail extending from the coupling face lies perpendicular to the pair of rails. A locking element is configured to be coupled to the body with a portion extending from the first opening and beyond a plane defined by the coupling face. The locking element is configured to bias the rim of the magwell into secure engagement with the stop rail.

Abstract: A firearm magazine floorplate is provided, configured to be attached to a magazine housing. The floorplate includes an arcuate back face configured to provide a stable resting platform during operation. The floorplate further includes a feature configured to mate with a corresponding feature on one end of a magazine coupler. The magazine couple is easily engaged or disengaged between a pair of magazine assemblies that each include a floorplate to form or disassemble a tandem magazine assembly.

Abstract: An optical measurement apparatus (102) containing a bidirectional optical transceiver component (200), the bidirectonal optical transceiver component (200) comprising a source of optical electromagnetic radiation (208), an optical detector (214), a beamsplitter, and a combined input and output port (218). The port (218) is arranged to permit, when in use, propagation of optical electromagnetic radiation therethrough. The beamsplitter is aligned within a housing (206) with respect to the optical source (208), the optical detector (214) and the port (218) in order to direct optical electromagnetic radiation emitted by the optical source (214) to the port (214) and to direct optical electromagnetic radiation received from the port (214) to the optical detector (208).

Abstract: A system for detecting biomolecules in a user's eye having a head and tracking system positioned a comfortable distance from the user that provides positioning cues for the user, an optical system for providing scans of the user's eye, and a controller that operates the head and tracking system and the optical system and perform a risk analysis based on data from the scans.

Abstract: An optical measurement apparatus (102) containing a bidirectional optical transceiver component (200), the bidirectonal optical transceiver component (200) comprising a source of optical electromagnetic radiation (208), an optical detector (214), a beamsplitter, and a combined input and output port (218). The port (218) is arranged to permit, when in use, propagation of optical electromagnetic radiation therethrough. The beamsplitter is aligned within a housing (206) with respect to the optical source (208), the optical detector (214) and the port (218) in order to direct optical electromagnetic radiation emitted by the optical source (214) to the port (214) and to direct optical electromagnetic radiation received from the port (214) to the optical detector (208).

Abstract: A composition for forming a seed layer, the composition comprising: (a.) a first metal fine particle; and (b.) a metallic component selected from a metal oxide fine particle, an organic metal complex, a second metal fine particle, and combinations thereof, wherein the second metal fine particle has a greater affinity for oxygen than the first fine particle. A seed layer as defined, and a coating including a seed layer and the use of this coating. Further, the invention relates to a method of forming a seed layer comprising applying a composition comprising a first metal fine particle, and a metallic component selected from a metal oxide fine particle, an organic metal complex, a second fine metal particle, and combinations thereof, wherein the second metal fine particle has a greater affinity for oxygen than the first metal fine particle to a surface of a substrate, and setting the composition.

Abstract: A measurement apparatus comprises a probe system (100) operably coupled, when in use, to a processing resource (134). The probe system (100) and the processing resource (134) are arranged, when in use, to measure an apparent thickness change of a volume of the medium (108) to be measured and to determine a physiological parameter using the measurement of the apparent thickness change.

Abstract: An optical measurement apparatus comprises an optical system (100) having a receiving axis (115). The optical system (100) comprises a source (102) that generates a probe beam that is directed to a location to be measured (114). A detector (112) of the optical system receives a reflected beam from the location to be measured (114). The apparatus also comprises a processing resource that receives an output signal from the detector (112) and makes an assessment of a characteristic of the output signal in order to determine a degree of alignment of the location to be measured (114) with the receiving axis (115) of the optical system (100).

Abstract: A signal sample trigger apparatus (206) comprises an input (302, 304), a processing resource (300, 500) coupled to the input (302, 304), and an output (306) coupled to the processing resource (300, 500). The processing resource (300, 500) is arranged to generate, when in use, a trigger signal (400, 600) in response to location increment information. The location increment information (402, 404, 602, 604) is received via the input (302, 304), and the trigger signal (400, 600) is provided via the output for triggering execution of a sample of an analogue signal.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of drilling a hole in a workpiece in order to control breakthrough of the workpiece comprising the steps of: a) initiating contact between a drill bit of a drill unit and the workpiece; b) operating the drill unit to rotate the drill bit to drill the workpiece; c) during drilling of the workpiece measuring the force, F and torque, T, experienced by the drill bit; d) calculating a variable F?, based on the measured force, F, representing the rate of change of F; e) calculating a variable, T? based on the measured torque, T, representing the rate of change of T; f) calculating a variable F? representing the rate of change of F?; g) calculating a variable T? representing the rate of change of T?; h) detecting the onset of breakout of the workpiece by use of the variables F?, F?, T? and T?; i) thereby controlling the speed of rotation of the drill bit during breakthrough of the workpiece to control the degree of breakout of the drill bit from the workpiece.