Abstract: A universal remote control device effects a same function on a plurality of different remotely controlled devices. The device has a housing, an actuator within the housing, a database of encoded signals for effecting the same function on the plurality of different remotely controlled devices; and a signal emitter configured to emit the encoded signals so as to effect the same function for each of the plurality of different devices in response to actuation of the actuator with no more than ½ second between each encoded signal.

Abstract: A triage cubicle assembly comprises an enclosure of foldable material sufficiently large to accommodate a disaster victim and at least one other person when deployed, the enclosure being releasably attachable to an external overhead frame for support, and having a floor configured to have a portion overlie a victim-supporting surface higher than the floor and external to the enclosure. In the preferred embodiment, the external overhead canopy frame is collapsible, and the victim-supporting surface is a table-like structure that fits within a notch formed in the bottom exterior of the envelope. The frame and table are preferably collapsible to require minimum storage space when not deployed. If the victim is deceased, the enclosure can be undipped or otherwise released from the frame, and folded into a body bag containing all of the victim's information and belongings and medical waste.

Abstract: A sound and light machine (SLM) produces sound and light pulses at brain wave frequencies so as to induce a particular state of consciousness in a user, while simultaneously providing music. The SLM includes light emitting diodes (LEDs) and headphone speakers. A microcontroller runs firmware to control the LEDs and headphone speakers so as to produce a plurality of dominant brainwave frequencies. Binaural voices produce a melody of music without interfering with the brainwave frequencies. Each note of the melody is sounded at a specific pitch based on information in a Tone Object, which includes a state variable index holding the note's current position within a waveform array and a state variable step, which is an amount by which to increment the state variable index at each iteration. The index is set to 0 at startup and the step is calculated from the initial note desired.

Abstract: A sound and light machine (SLM) produces sound and light pulses at brain wave frequencies so as to induce a particular state of consciousness in a user, while simultaneously providing music. The SLM includes light emitting diodes (LEDs) and headphone speakers. A microcontroller runs firmware to control the LEDs and headphone speakers so as to produce a plurality of dominant brainwave frequencies. Binaural voices produce a melody of music without interfering with the brainwave frequencies. Each note of the melody is sounded at a specific pitch based on information in a Tone Object, which includes a state variable index holding the note's current position within a waveform array and a state variable step, which is an amount by which to increment the state variable index at each iteration. The index is set to 0 at startup and the step is calculated from the initial note desired.

Abstract: A sound and light machine (SLM) produces sound and light that pulses at brain wave frequencies. The SLM is programmed to induce a particular state of consciousness in a user. The SLM includes a left and a right light emitting diode (LED) (3). The LEDs (3) are configured to be placed in front of the user's left and right eyes, respectively, and are programmed to pulse light at a frequency that helps induce the particular state of consciousness in the user. The SLM has a left and a right headphone speaker (4). The speakers (4) are configured to play different tones into right and left ears to produce binaural beats that match the LED pulse frequencies. The SLM also has a microcontroller (5) on circuit board that runs firmware to control the LEDs and headphone speakers.

Abstract: A portable personal cooling device comprises a fan housing, a fan motor within the fan housing, and a fan driven by said fan motor to direct a flow of air in a downstream direction. A nozzle is attached to the cooling device and positioned to direct a liquid emerging therefrom into the flow of air. An electrically driven pump and pump motor is coupled to the fan housing for drawing water from a body of water and conducting the water to the nozzle for dispersment into the air flow. The cooling device further includes a clamp for removably attaching the fan housing to a supporting structure without the need for tools. The pump assembly includes a water inlet line for conducting the water from the body of water to the pump. The water inlet line has an inlet end weighted sufficiently to maintain the inlet end below the surface of the water in the water source, and a quantity of buoyant material spaced from the inlet end to maintain the inlet end a predetermined distance below the surface of the water.

Abstract: A steambath system is responsive to verbal commands to control the various aspects of the shower and steam environment such as water flow rate, water temperature, steam activation/de-activation, lighting intensity and/or color, music volume, music content, quantity and type of fragrance released, showerhead selection, radio activation, volume and station selection, television activation, volume and channel selection, DVD player activation and DVD selection, CD player activation and CD selection, and humidity control, and in a preferred embodiment utilizes radio frequency (RF) communication.

Abstract: A steam generating system for use in a steam bath includes thermostatically controlled steam generating means for maintaining the steam bath environment at a desired temperature, means defining a water inlet path for conducting water from a water supply to the steam generating means, said inlet-defining means including an area of highly thermally-conductive material in thermal contact with the water. The thermostatically controlled steam generating means includes an electrically powered heating element, and a solid state switching device for controlling the amount of electricity flowing in the heating element. The solid state switching device is in thermal contact with said highly thermally-conductive material so that the switching device is cooled via heat transfer to the water flowing in the inlet path.

Abstract: A universal remote control device effects a same function on a plurality of different remotely controlled devices. The device has a housing, an actuator within the housing, a database of encoded signals for effecting the same function on the plurality of different remotely controlled devices; and a signal emitter configured to emit the encoded signals so as to effect the same function for each of the plurality of different devices in response to actuation of the actuator with no more than ½ second between each encoded signal.

Abstract: A sound and light machine (SLM) produces sound and light that pulses at brain wave frequencies. The SLM is programmed to induce a particular state of consciousness in a user. The SLM includes a left and a right light emitting diode (LED) (3). The LEDs (3) are configured to be placed in front of the user's left and right eyes, respectively, and are programmed to pulse light at a frequency that helps induce the particular state of consciousness in the user. The SLM has a left and a right headphone speaker (4). The speakers (4) are configured to play different tones into right and left ears to produce binaural beats that match the LED pulse frequencies. The SLM also has a microcontroller (5) on circuit board that runs firmware to control the LEDs and headphone speakers.

Abstract: A steam generating system for use in a steam bath includes thermostatically controlled steam generating means for maintaining the steam bath environment at a desired temperature, means defining a water inlet path for conducting water from a water supply to the steam generating means, said inlet-defining means including an area of highly thermally-conductive material in thermal contact with the water. The thermostatically controlled steam generating means includes an electrically powered heating element, and a solid state switching device for controlling the amount of electricity flowing in the heating element. The solid state switching device is in thermal contact with said highly thermally-conductive material so that the switching device is cooled via heat transfer to the water flowing in the inlet path.

Abstract: A steambath system is responsive to verbal commands to control the various aspects of the shower and steam environment such as water flow rate, water temperature, steam activation/de-activation, lighting intensity and/or color, music volume, music content, quantity and type of fragrance released, showerhead selection, radio activation, volume and station selection, television activation, volume and channel selection, DVD player activation and DVD selection, CD player activation and CD selection, and humidity control.

Abstract: A universal remote control device effects a same function on a plurality of different remotely controlled devices. The device has a housing, an actuator within the housing, a database of encoded signals for effecting the same function on the plurality of different remotely controlled devices; and a signal emitter configured to emit the encoded signals so as to effect the same function for each of the plurality of different devices in response to actuation of the actuator with no more than ½ second between each encoded signal.

Abstract: A steam generator for use with a steam bath has a storage tank for holding a quantity of water from which steam is to be made, means for permitting the ingress of water and the egress of steam from the tank, first heating means for controllably maintaining the water at a temperature that is elevated from the ambient temperature but below its boiling point, and second heating means for selectively heating the water from its elevated temperature to produce steam upon demand.

Abstract: A steam generator for use with a steam bath has a storage tank for holding a quantity of water from which steam is to be made, means for permitting the ingress of water and the egress of steam from the tank, first heating means for controllably maintaining the water at a temperature that is elevated from the ambient temperature but below its boiling point, and second heating means for selectively heating the water from its elevated temperature to produce steam upon demand.

Abstract: A steam generator for use with a steam bath has a storage tank for holding a quantity of water from which steam is to be made, means for permitting the ingress of water and the egress of steam from the tank, first heating means for controllably maintaining the water at a temperature that is elevated from the ambient temperature but below its boiling point, and second heating means for selectively heating the water from its elevated temperature to produce steam upon demand.

Abstract: A universal remote control device effects a same function on a plurality of different remotely controlled devices. The device has a housing, an actuator within the housing, a database of encoded signals for effecting the same function on the plurality of different remotely controlled devices; and a signal emitter configured to emit the encoded signals so as to effect the same function for each of the plurality of different devices in response to actuation of the actuator with no more than ½ second between each encoded signal.

Abstract: A method of creating an image for an event or promotion involves providing a plurality of light sources arranged in a one-dimensional matrix. The one-dimensional matrix is made up of a vertical column and at least two horizontal rows. The light sources are blinked for at least two image_times that are within the range from about 30 milliseconds to about 200 milliseconds without use of a line driver. The power source is selected to avoid damaging the light sources or electronic circuity controlling the light sources. Each of the image_times includes two or more display_times that are equal to LED On time. The light sources are moved relative to an observer at the event or promotion, such that the observer will observe a two-dimensional image.

Abstract: A self-contained thermo-mechanically self-opening steam head that is normally generally flush with a supporting steam room wall when not in use so as not to pose a safety hazard. The steam head has a mechanical thermostat that automatically responds to the presence of heat as from steam to move a deflector plate, which normally generally blocks a steam outlet from the head, to an open position. That open position is spaced from but closely in front of the steam outlet. This allows steam to flow out of the outlet, but the deflector plate diverts the outward steam flow to a direction generally along the supporting wall. When the steam is shut off, the thermostat cools and thereby causes the deflector plate to return to its closed, blocking position. There is no electrical wiring or connection which could pose a major safety hazard in the presence of water.

Abstract: A method of creating an image involves providing a plurality of light sources arranged in a one-dimensional matrix. The one-dimensional matrix is made up of a vertical column and at least two horizontal rows in which each of the horizontal rows has no more than one of the light sources. The light sources are blinked at their safe maximum current for at least two image_times that are within the range from about 30 milliseconds to about 200 milliseconds without damaging the light sources or electronic circuity controlling the light sources. Each of the image_times includes two or more display_times that are equal to LED On time. The light sources are moved relative to an observer, such that the observer will observe a two-dimensional image.