Abstract: A speaker can have a main body with a generally spheroidal shape, which can be supported standing on its end. The speaker can include a subwoofer that faces forward. A plurality of mid-range drivers can be distributed around the sub-woofer, facing generally forward and radially outward. A plurality of tweeters can be distributed around the sub-woofer, facing generally forward and generally outward. The outer housing portion of the speaker can be covered with a fabric material. A user interface ring 162 can be touch sensitive to receive input, and can have a plurality of lights that can be illuminated separately to convey information to the user.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improvement to the treatment of needles for safe disposal. The device comprises a support member having at least one recess. Each said at least one recess is configured to receive a needle contained in a corresponding plastic needle cap. The device further comprises a heating element configured to heat the support member, such that the plastic material of the needle cap softens and flows to encapsulate the corresponding needle. Each said at least one recess has dimensions such that, after heating, the needle is fully encapsulated by the plastic material of the corresponding needle cap. A corresponding method is disclosed.