Methods and apparatus to generate liquid ambulatory oxygen from an oxygen concentrator
US6651653B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignees
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 29, 1999 |
| Grant date | Nov 25, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 29, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02P70/10
- WIPO fieldChemical engineering
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
The present invention is directed to a much safer and less expensive way of providing portable oxygen from a gas concentrator for patients who do not want to be tied to a stationary machine or restricted by present oxygen technology. In one preferred embodiment, the present invention splits off some of the excess capacity gas flow from a gas concentrator which is then stored via liquefaction. The stored gas can then be used as a portable supply. A portion of the oxygen gas flow generated by the oxygen concentrator is channeled to a condenser which receives and liquefies the oxygen gas using cryocooler. A storage dewar is used for storing the oxygen liquefied by the condenser. Liquid is then selectively transferred to a smaller portable dewar. A controller can be used for monitoring the parameters of liquefaction, including oxygen concentration, the amount of liquid oxygen in the dewar, and for controlling the parameters of liquid oxygen generation and transfer. In one embodiment, the flow rate into the condenser is chosen to exceed the capacity of the condenser to minimize the liquefaction of argon, nitrogen and trace gases, and to purge the system. In another embodiment, condenser…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.