Abstract: Composite adsorbent beads have a porous and non-adsorbent core comprising at least one inorganic material and a porous and adsorbent shell comprising at least one adsorbent layer comprising a porous adsorbent material on the surface of the core. The core preferably comprises agglomerated inorganic particles having a mean particle size equal to or smaller than the mean particle size of the surrounding agglomerated adsorbent particles. The beads preferably are manufactured by calcining together a non-sintered core and the adsorbent layer. The beads can be used at the outlet end of an adsorption column to improve performance.

Abstract: Composite adsorbent beads have a porous and non-adsorbent core comprising at least one inorganic material and a porous and adsorbent shell comprising at least one adsorbent layer comprising a porous adsorbent material on the surface of the core. The core preferably comprises agglomerated inorganic particles having a mean particle size equal to or smaller than the mean particle size of the surrounding agglomerated adsorbent particles. The beads preferably are manufactured by calcining together a non-sintered core and the adsorbent layer. The beads can be used at the outlet end of an adsorption column to improve performance.

Abstract: System for producing an oxygen-rich gas comprising (a) a primary gas mover including a first and a second compressor, wherein the primary gas mover is characterized by a weight Wp; (b) a drive motor adapted to drive the first and second compressors; (c) a rechargeable power supply characterized by a weight, Wb; and (d) a pressure/vacuum swing adsorption unit adapted to separate the pressurized feed air into an oxygen-rich product at a product flow rate Fp and an oxygen-depleted waste gas, wherein the adsorption unit comprises a plurality of adsorber beds containing an adsorbent and characterized by a total adsorbent weight Wa; and wherein the combined weight, Wt, of the adsorbent, the primary gas mover, and the rechargeable power supply is characterized by the expression 0.75 Fp<Wt<2.02 Fp where Fp is in liters per min (at 23° C. and 1 atma pressure), and Wa, Wp, and Wb are in pounds.

Abstract: Portable medical oxygen concentrator comprising an air separation system adapted to recover oxygen from air; a bottom platform and a shell having an outer wall, wherein the shell is detachably connected to the bottom platform, wherein the shell and bottom platform define an enclosed volume when the shell is connected to the bottom platform, and wherein the air separation system is disposed in the enclosed volume; and one or more rechargeable batteries detachably connected to the outer wall of the shell and adapted to provide power to drive the air separation system. The air separation system may comprises a pressure swing adsorption system having two or more adsorbent columns and a rotary valve for directing gas flow sequentially to, from, and among the columns. A base assembly attached to the bottom platform may be adapted to support the two or more adsorbent columns and the rotary valve.

Abstract: Apparatus for providing positive airway pressure therapy comprising a mask adapted for the delivery of pressurized air to maintain positive airway pressure in a patient's airway and an air pump system comprising a plurality of pump elements adapted to supply pressurized air to the mask, wherein the air pump system is attached directly to the mask or is adapted to be worn on a part of the patient's body spaced apart from the mask.

Abstract: The present invention provides a scroll pump device comprising external and internal scroll members, and wherein the scroll pump device is separated into inner and outer zones. The flow streams in the two zones are kept separate, and each stream may have different chemical compositions and flow rates. The scroll pump system can provide both vacuum and pressure flow streams in a compact lightweight package, and may be used for the separation and concentration of oxygen from atmospheric air, for use, inter alia, in portable medical systems.

Abstract: System for producing an oxygen-rich gas comprising (a) a primary gas mover including a first and a second compressor, wherein the primary gas mover is characterized by a weight Wp; (b) a drive motor adapted to drive the first and second compressors; (c) a rechargeable power supply characterized by a weight, Wb; and (d) a pressure/vacuum swing adsorption unit adapted to separate the pressurized feed air into an oxygen-rich product at a product flow rate Fp and an oxygen-depleted waste gas, wherein the adsorption unit comprises a plurality of adsorber beds containing an adsorbent and characterized by a total adsorbent weight Wa; and wherein the combined weight, Wt, of the adsorbent, the primary gas mover, and the rechargeable power supply is characterized by the expression 0.75 Fp<Wt<2.02 Fp where Fp is in liters per min (at 23° C. and 1 atma pressure), and Wa, Wp, and Wb are in pounds.

Abstract: Oxygen generation system comprising a portable oxygen generator unit including a portable air separation device for the generation of an oxygen-rich gas, a primary gas pump including means to supply air to the portable air separation device, a primary motor to drive the gas pump, a rechargeable power supply to drive the motor, connector means adapted to deliver power to the rechargeable power supply, flow coupling means to transfer the oxygen-rich gas from the portable oxygen generator unit, and a first oxygen-rich gas product discharge port. The system also includes a stationary base unit adapted to couple with the portable oxygen generator unit, wherein the stationary base unit comprises a stationary power supply system including connector means adapted to recharge the rechargeable power supply in the portable oxygen generator unit, flow coupling means to receive the oxygen-rich gas from the portable oxygen generator unit, and an optional second oxygen-rich gas product discharge port.

Abstract: Oxygen concentrator system comprising a portable oxygen generator unit adapted to generate a non-humidified oxygen-rich gas and a stationary base unit adapted to generate a humidified oxygen-rich gas, wherein the portable oxygen generator unit and the stationary base are adapted for operation in a coupled mode and an uncoupled mode. The portable oxygen generator unit includes a first flow coupling adapted to receive the humidified oxygen-rich gas when operating in the coupled mode, piping means adapted to combine the non-humidified oxygen-rich gas and the humidified oxygen-rich gas to form a humidified oxygen-rich gas product, and an oxygen-rich gas product delivery port. The stationary base unit is adapted to recharge a rechargeable power supply system in the portable oxygen generator unit when the units are coupled.

Abstract: A cantilever supported vehicle seating system for a vehicle with the vehicle having a floor, the seating system comprising a cantilever base structure coupled to the vehicle and extending longitudinally in the middle of the vehicle. A first pair of occupant seats, with each seat cantilever coupled to the cantilever base structure and with each seat of the first pair of occupant seats including a seat back and a seat base. A second pair of occupant seats, with each seat cantilever coupled to the cantilever base structure and with each seat of the second pair of occupant seats including a seat back and a seat base.

Abstract: An activity center for a vehicle includes a base defining a storage area and a panel having first and second surfaces. The base is connected to the rear surface of a vehicle seat back. The panel, in turn, is connected to the base for movement between a closed position, which prevents access to the storage area and an open position which allows access to the storage area. The panel is also preferably coupled to the base so that either the first or second surface thereof may face away from the base. The two surfaces of the panel may be configured for a wide variety of educational, entertainment or work-related uses.

Abstract: An apparatus for releasably mounting a vehicle accessory to the floor attachments of a motor vehicle having a floor panel and removable seats. The apparatus includes an attachment mechanism adapted to releasably engage the floor attachments of the motor vehicle and a frame coupled to the attachment mechanism The frame is adapted for contacting the floor of the vehicle to steady the device and for mounting the vehicle accessory thereto.

Abstract: A cargo retention system for a vehicle having a seat is described. The seat has a seat bottom with an upper surface and a seat back with a front surface. The intersection of the upper surface and the front surface defines a bight. The cargo retention system includes a first anchorage adapted to be coupled to the vehicle. A portion of the first anchorage is adapted to be positioned in the bight. A retainer releasably interconnects a vehicle accessory and the first anchorage.

Abstract: An apparatus for releasably mounting a vehicle accessory to the floor attachments of a motor vehicle having a floor panel and removable seats. The apparatus includes an attachment mechanism adapted to releasably engage the floor attachments of the motor vehicle and a frame coupled to the attachment mechanism The frame is adapted for contacting the floor of the vehicle to steady the device and for mounting the vehicle accessory thereto.