PORTABLE GAS FRACTIONALIZATION SYSTEM

• US 20080087170A1
• Filed: 10/30/2007
• Published: 04/17/2008
• Est. Priority Date: 10/07/2003
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Andrew March, Andrew Scherer, Bradley Sargent, Brenton Taylor, Geoffrey Deane, Jeffrey Smith, Joseph Merchant, Rex Bare
• Original Assignee: Andrew March, Andrew Scherer, Bradley Sargent, Brenton Taylor, Geoffrey Deane, Jeffrey Smith, Joseph Merchant, Rex Bare
• Inventors: Taylor, Brenton, Merchant, Joseph, March, Andrew, Smith, Jeffrey, Scherer, Andrew, Sargent, Bradley, Bare, Rex, Deane, Geoffrey
• Application Number:
  US11/928,230
• Publication Number:
  US 20080087170A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 96/399
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 16/101 using an oxygen concentrator
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 16/107 in the inspiratory path
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2202/0007 introduced into the body
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2202/0208 Oxygen
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2202/03 Gases in liquid phase, e.g. cryogenic liquids
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2205/8206 battery-operated
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2209/084 Supporting bases, stands for equipment
• CPC Class Codes: B01D 2253/108 Zeolites
• CPC Class Codes: B01D 2256/12 Oxygen
• CPC Class Codes: B01D 2259/40035 Equalization
• CPC Class Codes: B01D 2259/40066 Six
• CPC Class Codes: B01D 2259/402 using two beds
• CPC Class Codes: B01D 2259/4533 for medical purposes
• CPC Class Codes: B01D 2259/4541 for portable use, e.g. gas masks
• CPC Class Codes: B01D 53/0415 Beds in cartridges
• CPC Class Codes: B01D 53/053 with storage or buffer vessel

Abstract

A portable gas fractionalization apparatus that provides oxygen rich air to patients is provided. The apparatus is compact, lightweight, and low-noise. The components are assembled in a housing that is divided into two compartments. One compartment is maintained at a lower temperature than the other compartment. The lower temperature compartment is configured for mounting components that can be damaged by heat. The higher temperature compartment is configured for mounting heat generating components. An air stream is directed to flow from an ambient air inlet to an air outlet constantly so that there is always a fresh source of cooling air. The apparatus utilizes a PSA unit to produce an oxygen enriched product. The PSA unit incorporates a novel single ended column design in which all flow paths and valves can be co-located on a single integrated manifold. The apparatus also can be used in conjunction with a satellite conserver and a mobility cart.

Claims

1. An oxygen concentrator, comprising:

at least one current actuated flow control valve;

a Pulse Width Modulated (PWM) current source connected to the at least one control valve by providing a PWM signal to the current source which converts the PWM signal to a valve actuation current;

wherein the oxygen concentrator is portable and weighs less than about 10 pounds.

2. The oxygen concentrator of claim 1, wherein a first current amplitude corresponding to a value of PWM duty cycle is sufficient to open or close the valve, and a second current amplitude which is lower than the first current amplitude and corresponds to a lower PWM duty cycle is sufficient to maintain the valve in the open or closed state.