Abstract: A respiratory gas treatment unit includes a humidifier with an induction water heating mechanism. A biocompatible heating target is placed in contact with humidifying liquid held in a humidifying vessel. A magnetic field is generated in close proximity to the heating target to generate heat in the target. The biocompatible heating target can be submerged within the humidifying liquid or can be formed by integrally molding ferromagnetic particles into a plastic wall or floor of the humidifying vessel.

Abstract: An oxygen concentrator is utilized in combination with a compressor, preferably a radial compressor, to provide a highly enriched and compressed oxygen gas in a mobile container such as a gas cylinder. The combination and method of production provides for the facile preparation of an enriched source of oxygen for use by an ambulatory or wheelchair-confined patient. The oxygen concentrator utilizes two or more molecular sieves to provide a breathable gas of at least about 85% or 90% oxygen from atmospheric air. The oxygen-enriched gas can be stored in a buffer tank and prioritized so as to supply a patient with a proper amount and concentration of oxygen and secondarily to supply an amount of the enriched oxygen to a compressor. The radial compressor utilizes multiple stages to produce the highly compressed oxygen-enriched gas and has radially arranged pistons. The radial compressor is compact and lightweight.

Abstract: A filled envelope for use with a shaped tray in a wheelchair comprises upper and lower elastomeric elements. The elements have seals about their edges to create a finite volume. The volume is filled with a fill material which comprises petrolatum and hollow glass spheres. The volume of petrolatum comprising the fill material is not substantially greater than the volume of the interstitial spaces of a quantity of hollow glass spheres alone. The envelope also has additional seals which separate the envelope into quadrants to improve the stability of the cushion to the user.

Abstract: A combination automobile sun visor and radio and speaker assembly for use in automobiles and other motor vehicles, to be mounted above the windshield in place of a conventional sun visor. The assembly comprises a thin, flat, bidirectional speaker assembly enclosed within a layer of acoustically transparent material, a radio module having a tuner and amplifier mounted in the speaker assembly, and means for mounting the speaker assembly above the windshield. The radio and speaker assembly provides speaker placement which is superior to prior art automobile speakers and provides speakers which may be adjusted and which do not waste interior space.

Abstract: A combination automobile sun visor and speaker assembly for use in automobiles and other motor vehicles, to be mounted above the windshield in place of a conventional sun visor. The speaker assembly comprises a thin, flat, bidirectional speaker enclosed within a layer of acoustically transparent material and means for mounting the speaker above the windshield. The speaker assembly provides speaker placement which is superior to prior art automobile speakers and provides speakers which may be adjusted and which do not waste interior space.

Abstract: An indoor plant growing apparatus is disclosed which comprises a frame adapted to support a bed with a plant growing chamber being formed within the frame. A light fixture unit is mounted on the frame and includes means for providing light downwardly to the plants in the plant growing chamber. The apparatus may also include a vapor barrier which extends downwardly from the frame completely around the plant growing chamber to retain moisture therein. The vapor barrier provides a means for retaining moisture in the plant growing chamber to enhance the environment for the plants. The apparatus provides a plant growing area which utilizes the normally wasted space beneath a bed.