Abstract: An elongated anti-snoring device has adhesive areas at each end of the device and a central region of the anti-snoring device is designed to exert pressure. In use, the adhesive areas exert a pulling force on two areas of the neck causing these areas of the neck to expand outward from their normal position. The central portion of the anti-snoring device presses on a specific part of the neck to generate the pulling force. The forces on the neck open a blockage in the throat of a sleeping person, thereby reducing both snoring and sleep apnea.

Abstract: A non-contact apparatus removes translational energy (slows movement) of a first magnetic assembly when it is moved through the magnetic field of a second magnet. The first magnetic assembly contains a magnet that can rotate, such as a diametrically magnetized cylindrical magnet in a cylindrical cavity. Rotation of the first magnet does work against a predetermined drag. The apparatus also forms a non-contact magnetic coupling that holds a predetermined relative position.

Abstract: An anti-snoring device that attaches to a specific area of the neck. The attachment means can be an adhesive, a clip or an implant. The device exerts a predetermined pulling force on this area of the neck, causing this area of the neck to expand outward from its normal position. This expansion opens a blockage in the throat of a sleeping person, thereby eliminating snoring and helping some people with obstructive sleep apnea.

Abstract: The invention provides an adhesive coated anti-snoring device that attaches to a specific area of the neck. The device exerts a predetermined force on this area of the neck, causing this area of the neck to expand outward from its normal position. This expansion opens a blockage in the throat of a sleeping person, thereby eliminating snoring and helping some people with obstructive sleep apnea.

Abstract: The performance of a high power laser machining system is improved by the inclusion of a spacial filter which is between the laser and the work piece. A preferred embodiment of the spacial filter uses line foci and slit apertures.

Abstract: Zinc selenide is a transparent material which is commonly used with CO2 laser optics. This material can be converted to a birefringent form by deforming the zinc selenide at an elevated temperature. The birefringent zinc selenide can then be made into quarter wave plates.

Abstract: A process for laser welding is described where two adjacent focal spots are used in the welding of metals or plastics. The position of these two focal spots are predetermined as to separation and orientation relative to the direction of travel. In the case of making a butt joint between two pieces of metal, one of the two focal spots strikes each of the individual pieces of metal, thereby straddling the butt seam to be welded.

Abstract: A corner cube utilizing three generally spherical mirrors cancels off axis spherical aberrations to produce focused retroreflected beams. Laser resonator mirror systems utilizing the focusing corner cube exhibit unique properties.

Abstract: The performance of a carbon monoxide laser is improved by coating the walls of the surface facing the discharge with a precious metal chosen from the group consisting of gold, silver, platinum, palladium, rhodium and iridium. The precious metal coating is configured into segments which do not interfere with the electrical discharge.