Abstract: A positive displacement pump is provided having a housing, a plurality of pistons and an eccentric drive element rotatably mounted about an axis on the housing. A rigid compression member connected to each of the pistons is reciprocatably moveable with the pistons relative to the housing. At least one tension member is provided, connected between each of the pistons and the eccentric drive element at a point displaced from the axis. The tension member is permanently maintained in tension so as to continuously exert force radially inwardly on each of the pistons and to cause each of the pistons to continuously exert radially inward force on the compression member to permanently maintain the compression member in compression. The plurality of pistons preferably includes one or more pairs of pistons with each piston of the pair linked together by the compression element and reciprocates each in synchronism and 180.degree. out of phase with the other.

Abstract: A rapid pressure swing adsorption oxygen concentrator is provided having a plurality of at least three sieve beds cycled in sequence such that each is pressurized during one segment of a cycle and depressurized during a plurality of segments of a cycle while the other sieve beds are being sequentially pressurized. Preferably, approximately six sieves are provided and pressurized in sequence, with each being pressurized for approximately 60.degree. of the cycle and depressurized for from about 270.degree. to 300.degree. of the cycle. Each sieve is thereby pressurized for about one to two seconds and depressurized for about five to ten seconds. By utilizing the ability of the sieve material to adsorb faster than it can desorb gas, high output of up to 96% pure oxygen results with a low sieve volume and low power consumption.

Abstract: A rapid pressure swing adsorption oxygen concentrator is provided having a plurality of at least three sieve beds cycled in sequence such that each is pressurized during one segment of a cycle and depressurized during a plurality of segments of a cycle while the other sieve beds are being sequentially pressurized. Preferably, approximately six sieves are provided and pressurized in sequence, with each being pressurized for approximately 60.degree. of the cycle and depressurized for from about 270.degree. to 300.degree. of the cycle. Each sieve is thereby pressurized for about one to two seconds and depressurized for about five to ten seconds. By utilizing the ability of the sieve material to adsorb faster than it can desorb gas, high output of up to 96% pure oxygen results with a low sieve volume and low power consumption.

Abstract: A positive displacement centrifugal pump comprises (a) a pressure generating mass rotatable about a first axis and radially movable relative to it upon rotation of the mass, (b) a pumping unit, and (c) a flexible, non-elastic tensioning element operatively connected to the mass and operable in the course of rotation of the mass to cause the mass to move radially inwardly toward the axis so as to effect intake and/or exhaust of fluid within the pump.

Abstract: A positive displacement pump comprises a mass such as a liquid filled pressure chamber or an annular ring which is rotated at high speed about a first axis so that centrifugal force acting on the liquid or ring creates zones of differential pressure within the interior of the pressure chamber or along the wall of the ring. At least one pumping unit having a pressure-responsive member is oscillated or rotated between the zones of differential pressure while the center of gravity of the pressure chamber or ring is maintained at a fixed distance from the first axis. In the course of moving into one zone having one pressure, the pressure-responsive member of the pumping unit is effective to intake a fluid such as air into the pumping unit. Air is discharged from the pumping unit by the pressure-responsive member in the course of moving from such one zone into another zone having a different pressure.

Abstract: A positive displacement pump comprises a mass such as a liquid filled pressure chamber or an annular ring which is rotated at high speed about a first axis so that centrifugal force acting on the liquid or ring creates zones of differential pressure within the interior of the pressure chamber or along the wall of the ring. At least one pumping unit having a pressure-responsive member is oscillated or rotated between the zones of differential pressure while the center of gravity of the pressure chamber or ring is maintained at a fixed distance from the first axis. In the course of moving into one zone having one pressure, the pressure-responsive member of the pumping unit is effective to intake a fluid such as air into the pumping unit. Air is discharged from the pumping unit by the pressure-responsive member in the course of moving from such one zone into another zone having a different pressure.

Abstract: A novel combination storage bin and sorting tray comprises a storage bin frame for storing a plurality of article storage containers, and a sorting tray pivotally mounted atop the frame for sorting articles removed from the selected container and for subsequently returning the articles to the selected container upon tipping of the tray relative to the frame.

Abstract: A gas service outlet station is disclosed having a gas-unique keying system which permits the provision of specific keying for a large number of gas services with the use of relatively few universal parts. In preferred forms, the outlet station face plate assemblies are removable from the corresponding valve bodies without destroying the required gas-unique keying between the face plate assembly, valve body and gas service box.

Abstract: A combined storage apparatus and sorting tray includes a frame formed with a storage bin for storing containers and a tray pivotally mounted to the frame. The tray has an end panel formed with a slot adapted to receive a lip formed at the rim of a container for mounting the container to the end panel so that its interior faces the interior of the tray. The tray is pivotal with respect to the frame between a horizontal, sorting position in which articles from the container are poured into the tray for sorting, and an angled, discharge position in which the tray is elevated at one end so that the articles slide directly into the container mounted at the opposite end.

Abstract: A combination multiple compartment storage bin and sorting tray is disclosed comprised of a frame adapted to hold a plurality of storage bins in a row between first and second oppositely disposed ends of said frame. The frame includes stacker means mounted on the first end for pushing all of the bins together and towards the second end after any one bin has been removed, thereby exposing a slot adjacent the first end into which the previously removed bin may be inserted. A sorting tray is mounted atop the frame for receiving articles from one of the storage bins. The tray is pivotally mounted about the top of the first end of the frame to pivot between a first horizontal position and a second angled position. The tray includes funnel means near the first end for facilitating egress of articles from the tray and into the slot as the tray is pivoted from the first position to the second position.

Abstract: An improved humidifier having a permanant motor housing mounted above a reservoir. A disposable aerosol generator is releasably attached to the motor housing and the reservoir is lined with a disposable liner. The aerosol generator and liner are replaceable.