Abstract: A pass-over humidifier for delivering a supply of heated, humidified air through an elongated conduit to a mask worn by a patient. The humidifier is designed for wear by a patient during sleep to treat chronic breathing disorders such as allergic rhinitis. A supply of air is drawn into a humidification chamber by a fan and is passed over the surface of a water reservoir where it picks up moisture. The moisture-laden air is mixed with a stream of relatively dry heated air within the humidifier to form a humidified air stream. The humidified air stream is discharged from the humidifier into the elongate conduit at a temperature within the range of approximately 45-57° C. and at a relative humidity within the range of approximately 25-55%. Since the humidified air is preferably heated to a temperature exceeding 45° C., the humidifier is essentially self-sterilizing. The temperature of the humidified air stream drops significantly as it passes tough the conduit between the humidifier and the mask.

Abstract: A fiber optic controller comprises a keyboard having a plurality of keys. Each key has a transmitting fiber and a receiving fiber wired therein. Light is provided to the transmitting fiber by a light emitting diode and travels to the key and, thence, to the receiving fiber by way of a reflective surface on the key which reflects the light when the key is in a depressed or "on" position. An electronic controller is controlled by signals from photo transistors which signals are initiated when light is transmitted by the receiving fiber to the photo transistor. The electronic controller, in turn, activates a power circuit which powers various of the operating components of a spa or hot tub.

Abstract: A fermentation vessel is molded in one piece and comprises a container and a closure member. The container includes a neck portion. The closure member includes an air lock and a connection portion extending from the neck portion. In use, the connection portion is removed and discarded, to enable the closure member to be fitted around the neck portion. The vessel is made by a blow molding method.