Medical liquid oxygen storage, dispensing, and billing system and method
US6488056B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 15, 2001 |
| Grant date | Dec 3, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 15, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF17C2270/02
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A method and system for the storage and dispensing of medical grade liquid oxygen are provided. Medical grade liquid oxygen is stored in a storage tank located within a medical facility which is capable of dispensing liquid oxygen to portable liquid oxygen reservoirs and to portable liquid oxygen tanks, as well as delivering oxygen gas through a gas pipeline network. The storage tank is filled through a fill station exterior to the facility. A fixed price billing method is provided for the cost of the liquid oxygen delivered for use in the system. Economical storage, delivery and billing services are thereby provided to medium sized facilities such as nursing homes or extended care facilities which utilize both liquid and gaseous oxygen but cannot afford to install the very large exterior liquid oxygen tanks used by major hospitals and research facilities. Increased safety in the storage and dispensing of the liquid oxygen is provided in accordance with the present invention.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.