Abstract: A photon source capable of emitting, for example, a single photon or a single pair of photons on demand. The photon source may include an excitation region where a single instance of a quantum system is excited using excitation energy. A Stimulated Raman Adiabatic Passage (STIRAP) technique can be used for exciting the quantum system to a desired energy level. The photon source may include a photon emission region physically displaced from the excitation region. A transport device can be used for controllably moving an excited quantum system from the excitation region to the photon emission region. The photon emission region may include a resonant cavity tuned to the de-excitation frequency of the quantum system for inducing de-excitation of the quantum system and emission of a photon. The photon emission resonant cavity may be switchably coupled to an output port by a tunable resonant cavity coupling device.

Abstract: A retaining apparatus that is attached to a toe portion of a shoelace section of a laced shoe for securing loops and loose ends of a shoelace. The apparatus is fabricated of a substrate having an engagement surface and an external surface. The substrate is apportioned via a lateral midline into a fixed securing section and a free securing section. The fixed section includes a fastening configuration for securing the apparatus to the shoe. The fastening configuration can be an elongated tubular structure, a pair of loops, an attachment strap, or other fastening configuration. A first coupling interface portion is disposed upon the engagement surface of the fixed securing section and a mating coupling interface portion is disposed upon the engagement surface of the free securing section. The coupling interface engages the free section with the fixed section entrapping the loop and free ends of the shoelace.

Abstract: A pill dispenser is provided for removing a pill from a blister pack having one or more foil sealed compartments in a plastic sheet, each containing a single pill. The pill dispenser includes a generally planar stage in generally horizontal orientation, a press assembly and a post. An opening is provided in the stage. The post extends upward, from the stage and the press assembly is rotatably coupled to the post. The press assembly includes a punch, configured such that the press assembly may be rotated to advance the punch through the opening. The blister pack may be loaded on the stage, with a compartment aligned with the opening and the foil adjacent to the stage. The press assembly may be operated to collapse the compartment, rupture the foil, and force the pill through the opening. A tray may be provided below the stage, for catching the pill.

Abstract: A driving apparatus is disclosed for planting a vertically oriented shaft into a granular base. The driving apparatus includes an anvil integrally formed at an intermediate location on the shaft. A weight is attached on the shaft, above the anvil, in freely slidable engagement. The shaft is provided with a tapered lower end. With the lower end positioned adjacent to the granular base, the weights may be repeatedly propelled against the anvil, by sliding along the shaft in a hammering motion, to drive the shaft into the base. The shaft may serve to support an article such as a beach umbrella.

Abstract: A photon source capable of emitting, for example, a single photon or a single pair of photons on demand. The photon source may include an excitation region where a single instance of a quantum system is excited using excitation energy. A Stimulated Raman Adiabatic Passage (STIRAP) technique can be used for exciting the quantum system to a desired energy level. The photon source may include a photon emission region physically displaced from the excitation region. A transport device can be used for controllably moving an excited quantum system from the excitation region to the photon emission region. The photon emission region may include a resonant cavity tuned to the de-excitation frequency of the quantum system for inducing de-excitation of the quantum system and emission of a photon. The photon emission resonant cavity may be switchably coupled to an output port by a tunable resonant cavity coupling device.

Abstract: A method of generating energetic electromagnetic radiation comprises, during each of a plurality of separated radiation intervals, injecting laser radiation of a given wavelength into an optical cavity that is characterized by a round-trip transit time (RTTT) for radiation of that given wavelength. At least some radiation intervals are defined by one or more optical macropulses, at least one optical macropulse gives rise to an associated circulating optical micropulse that is coherently reinforced by subsequent optical micropulses in the optical macropulse and the electric field amplitude of the circulating optical micropulse at any given position in the cavity reaches a maximum value during the radiation interval.