Apparatus and method for forming oxygen-enriched gas and compression thereof for high-pressure mobile storage utilization
US6302107A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 16, 1998 |
| Grant date | Oct 16, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 16, 2018 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB01D2259/4541
- WIPO fieldChemical engineering
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
An oxygen concentrator is utilized in combination with a 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 from approximately 80 to about 98 percent oxygen from atmospheric air. The oxygen-enriched gas is stored in a concentrator product tank and can be prioritized so as to supply a patient with a proper amount and concentration of oxygen and secondarily to supply any surplus or excess enriched oxygen to a compressor. The compressor utilizes multiple stages to produce the highly compressed oxygen-enriched gas and utilizes a two-part piston at low rpm to enhance low wear and low noise. The multiple pistons of the compressor can either all rotate at one RPM or in an alternative embodiment, at least a first piston can rotate at a higher RPM than any remaining pistons. Desirably, at least the initial piston of the alternative embodiment is driven by one drive shaft sourc…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.