Portable oxygen enrichment device and method of use

• US 8,888,902 B2
• Filed: 08/15/2012
• Issued: 11/18/2014
• Est. Priority Date: 08/26/2011
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Separation Design Group, LLC
• Original Assignee: Separation Design Group, LLC
• Inventors: Galbraith, Stephen Douglas, Walker, David K., McGowan, Kenneth J., DePetris, Elise N., Galbraith, Judith C.
• Primary Examiner(s): LAWRENCE JR, FRANK M
• Application Number:
  US13/586,223
• Publication Number:
  US 20130216627A1
• Time in Patent Office: 825 Days
• Field of Search: 961/08, 961/21, 961/30, 128/204.26, 128/205.12, 128/205.24, 128/205.27
• US Class Current: 96/121
• CPC Class Codes: A23L 2/54 Mixing with gases
• CPC Class Codes: A23V 2002/00 Food compositions, function of food ingredients or processes for food or foodstuffs
• CPC Class Codes: A61K 33/00 Medicinal preparations containing inorganic active ingredients
• CPC Class Codes: A61L 2/0094 Gaseous substances
• CPC Class Codes: A61L 2/22 Phase substances, e.g. smokes, aerosols or sprayed or atomised substances
• CPC Class Codes: A61L 9/14 using sprayed or atomised substances including air-liquid contact processes
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 16/10 Preparation of respiratory gases or vapours
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 16/101 using an oxygen concentrator
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2205/8206 battery-operated
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2205/8237 Charging means
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2205/8262 connectable to external power source, e.g. connecting to automobile battery through the cigarette lighter
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2205/8293 Solar
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2209/086 Docking stations
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 35/30 Gas therapy for therapeutic treatment of the skin
• CPC Class Codes: B01D 2253/108 Zeolites
• CPC Class Codes: B01D 2253/116 Molecular sieves other than zeolites
• CPC Class Codes: B01D 2256/12 Oxygen
• CPC Class Codes: B01D 2257/102 Nitrogen
• CPC Class Codes: B01D 2257/40 Nitrogen compounds
• 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 53/0446 : Means for feeding or distributing gases
• CPC Class Codes: B01D 53/047 : Pressure swing adsorption
• CPC Class Codes: B01D 53/0473 : Rapid pressure swing adsorption
• CPC Class Codes: B01D 53/053 : with storage or buffer vessel
• CPC Class Codes: C02F 1/78 : with ozone C02F1/4672 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: C02F 2303/04 : Disinfection
• CPC Class Codes: F17D 3/01 : for controlling, signalling, or supervising the conveyance of a product
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 137/0318 : Processes

Abstract

Lightweight, small, portable devices and methods are disclosed that provide oxygen-enriched air using an ultra rapid adsorption cycle based on advanced molecular sieve materials.

Claims

1. A device for oxygen enrichment, comprising:

a compressor (129);

an air storage vessel (113) having a system purge valve (125);

at least one pressure swing adsorption unit (111);

an oxygen purge storage vessel (117);

an oxygen bolus storage vessel (119) having a pressure sensor (137);

an oxygen delivery button and nozzle assembly (103);

at least one power source;

electronic control unit (131);

an optional charging port (109);

a first passageway (A) connecting said compressor (129) and said air storage vessel (113);

a second passageway (B) connecting said air storage vessel (113) and said pressure swing adsorption unit (111);

a third passageway (C) connecting said pressure swing adsorption unit (111) and said oxygen purge storage vessel (117);

a fourth passageway (D) connecting said oxygen purge storage vessel (117) and said oxygen bolus storage vessel (119);

a fifth passageway (E) connecting said oxygen bolus storage vessel (119) and said delivery nozzle (103);

a first pressure swing adsorption valve (123) associated with said second passageway (B), pressure swing adsorption unit (111), and exhaust to ambient pressure;

wherein said first pressure swing adsorption valve is a three-way valve or two two-way valves;

a restrictor assembly (120) positioned between said pressure swing adsorption unit (111) and said oxygen purge storage vessel (117) and connected to said third passageway (C);

wherein said restrictor assembly is a separate component or a part of said pressure swing adsorption unit;

a check valve/restrictor (135) positioned between said oxygen purge storage vessel (117) and said oxygen bolus storage vessel (119); and

a delivery valve (127) positioned between said oxygen bolus storage vessel (119) and said delivery nozzle (103).

2. A device of claim 1,

wherein each of said at least one pressure swing adsorption unit (111), comprises:

a housing unit (144) having a feed end (F) and a product end (G);

at least one input port (H) for incoming air flow in said feed end;

at least one output port (I) for an oxygen-enriched product flow in said product end (G);

an optional rupture plate (143) for said feed end;

an optional rupture plate (143) for said product end;

an optional fibrous pad (139) positioned at either end or both ends of said adsorbent bed; and

at least one adsorbent bed contained in said housing unit, wherein said adsorbent bed comprises at least one molecular sieve material having an average particle size of about 60 μ

m to 180 μ

m and having a substantially spherical shape;

wherein said adsorbent bed has an aspect ratio of length to average width of less than about 10.

3. A device of claim 1,

wherein at least two pressure swing adsorption units (111a, 111b) are present and are connected via a multibed product manifold (145);

wherein each of said at least two pressure swing adsorption units comprises;

a housing unit (144) having a feed end (F) and a product end (G);

at least one input port (H) for incoming air flow in said feed end;

at least one output port (I) for an oxygen-enriched product flow in said product end (G);

an optional rupture plate (143) for said feed end;

an optional rupture plate (143) for said product end;

an optional fibrous pad (139) positioned at either end or both ends of said adsorbent bed; and

at least one adsorbent bed (111) contained in said housing unit, wherein said adsorbent bed comprises at least one molecular sieve material having an average particle size of about 60 μ

m to 180 μ

m and having a substantially spherical shape;

wherein said adsorbent bed has an aspect ratio of length to average width of less than about 10.

4. A device of claim 2,

wherein a single adsorbent bed is presented in a folded linear configuration.

5. A device of claim 2,

wherein said adsorbent bed(s) has (have) a total length of no greater than about 15 cm.

6. A device of claim 2,

wherein said adsorbent bed has an average width of no greater than about 3 cm.

7. A device of claim 2,

wherein said adsorbent bed is replaceable.

8. A device of claim 2,

wherein said molecular sieve material has an average particle size of about 80 μ

m to 120 μ

m.

9. A device of claim 2,

wherein said molecular sieve material has a total mass less than about 10 g.

10. A device of claim 2,

wherein said molecular sieve material comprises zeolite.

11. A device of claim 10,

wherein said molecular sieve material comprises a metal-exchanged zeolite.

12. A device of claim 11,

wherein said metal-exchanged zeolite is Li⁺-exchanged zeolite.

13. A device of claim 1,

wherein said restrictor assembly limits flow of product gas during an adsorption period and limits flow of purge gas during a desorption period.

14. A device of claim 1,

wherein said restrictor assembly (120) is an orifice (121), a porous material (122), or a combination thereof.

15. A device of claim 1,

wherein said check valve restrictor assembly (135) comprises a check valve and a flow restrictor.

16. A device of claim 1,

wherein said oxygen bolus storage vessel (119) is fully or partially filled with at least one micro sized material.

17. A device of claim 1,

wherein said oxygen bolus storage vessel (119) is fully or partially filled with at least one oxygen selective adsorbent.

18. A device of claim 1,

wherein said power source is a battery unit.

19. A device of claim 1,

wherein said power source is a rechargeable battery unit.

20. A device of claim 1, further comprising:

a piercing mechanism (124) attached to a product end receiver (sieve access door) (149).

21. A device of claim 1, further comprising:

a piercing mechanism (124) connected to said first pressure swing adsorption valve (123).

23. A device of claim 1,

wherein said delivery nozzle (103) is retractable.

24. A device of claim 1,

wherein said delivery nozzle (103) is retractable and is capable of being simultaneously exposed and activated by a user to deliver oxygen-enriched air.

25. A device of claim 1, further comprising:

a cannula (130) attached to said delivery nozzle (103).

26. A device of claim 25, further comprising:

a conserver (193) attached to said cannula (130).

28. A device of claim 1,

wherein said device is portable.

29. A device of claim 1,

wherein said device has a mass of less than about 450 g.

30. A device of claim 1,

wherein said device has a mass of less than about 350 g.

31. A device of claim 1,

wherein said device is capable of delivering oxygen-enriched product comprising at least about 90% by weight, based on the total weight of said oxygen-enriched product, of oxygen.

32. A device of claim 1, further comprising:

a case (101);

an optional status display (105);

an external control component (107); and

an optional power or charge port (109).

33. A system, comprising:

a device of claim 1;

an optional docking station (155);

wherein said docking station is optionally capable of performing diagnostic functions;

an optional computer interface (157) capable of performing diagnostic functions;

a battery recharger (108); and

an optional conserver (159).

46. A device of claim 1,

wherein said device is a component of a topical oxygen wound care device.

47. A device of claim 3,

wherein said device is a component of a topical oxygen wound care device.

22. A device for oxygen enrichment, comprising:

a compressor (129);

an air storage vessel (113) having a system puree valve (125);

at least one pressure swing adsorption unit (111);

an oxygen purge storage vessel (117);

an oxygen bolus storage vessel (119) having a pressure sensor (137);

an oxygen delivery button and nozzle assembly (103);

at least one power source;

electronic control unit (131);

an optional charging port (109);

a first passageway (A) connecting said compressor (129) and said air storage vessel (113);

a second passageway (B) connecting said air storage vessel (113) and said pressure swing adsorption unit (111);

a third passageway (C) connecting said pressure swing adsorption unit (111) and said oxygen purge storage vessel (117);

a fourth passageway (D) connecting said oxygen purge storage vessel (117) and said oxygen bolus storage vessel (119);

a fifth passageway (E) connecting said oxygen bolus storage vessel (119) and said delivery nozzle (103);

a first pressure swing adsorption valve (123) associated with said second passageway (B), pressure swing adsorption unit (111), and exhaust to ambient pressure;

wherein said first pressure swing adsorption valve is a three-way valve or two two-way valves;

a restrictor assembly (120) positioned between said pressure swing adsorption unit (111) and said oxygen purge storage vessel (117) and connected to said third passageway (C);

wherein said restrictor assembly is a separate component or a part of said pressure swing adsorption unit;

a check valve/restrictor (135) positioned between said oxygen purge storage vessel (117) and said oxygen bolus storage vessel (119); and

a delivery valve (127) positioned between said oxygen bolus storage vessel (119) and said delivery nozzle (103); and

a moisture control unit (153) comprising at least one desiccant;

wherein said moisture control unit (153) is positioned in said air storage vessel (113) near purge valve (125).

34. A device of claim 22,

wherein said device is portable.

35. A device of claim 22,

wherein said device has a mass of less than about 450 g.

36. A device of claim 22,

wherein said device has a mass of less than about 350 g.

37. A device of claim 22,

wherein said device is capable of delivering oxygen-enriched product comprising at least about 90% by weight, based on the total weight of said oxygen-enriched product, of oxygen.

38. A device of claim 22, further comprising:

a case (101);

an optional status display (105);

an external control component (107); and

an optional power or charge port (109).

39. A system, comprising:

a device of claim 22;

an optional docking station (155);

wherein said docking station is optionally capable of performing diagnostic functions;

an optional computer interface (157) capable of performing diagnostic functions;

a battery recharger (108); and

an optional conserver (159).

27. A device for oxygen enrichment, comprising:

a compressor (129);

an air storage vessel (113) having a system purge valve (125);

at least one pressure swing adsorption unit (111);

an oxygen purge storage vessel (117);

an oxygen bolus storage vessel (119) having a pressure sensor (137);

an oxygen delivery button and nozzle assembly (103);

at least one power source;

electronic control unit (131);

an optional charging port (109);

a first passageway (A) connecting said compressor (129) and said air storage vessel (113);

a second passageway (B) connecting said air storage vessel (113) and said pressure swing adsorption unit (111);

a third passageway (C) connecting said pressure swing adsorption unit (111) and said oxygen purge storage vessel (117);

a fourth passageway (D) connecting said oxygen purge storage vessel (117) and said oxygen bolus storage vessel (119);

a fifth passageway (E) connecting said oxygen bolus storage vessel (119) and said delivery nozzle (103);

a first pressure swing adsorption valve (123) associated with said second passageway (B), pressure swing adsorption unit (111), and exhaust to ambient pressure;

wherein said first pressure swing adsorption valve is a three-way valve or two two-way valves;

a restrictor assembly (120) positioned between said pressure swing adsorption unit (111) and said oxygen purge storage vessel (117) and connected to said third passageway (C);

wherein said restrictor assembly is a separate component or a part of said pressure swing adsorption unit;

a check valve/restrictor (135) positioned between said oxygen purge storage vessel (117) and said oxygen bolus storage vessel (119); and

a delivery valve (127) positioned between said oxygen bolus storage vessel (119) and said delivery nozzle (103);

wherein at least one of said air storage vessel (113);

said oxygen purge storage vessel (117); and

said oxygen bolus storage vessel (119) comprises an antimicrobial substance.

40. A device of claim 27,

wherein said device is portable.

41. A device of claim 27,

wherein said device has a mass of less than about 450 g.

42. A device of claim 27,

wherein said device has a mass of less than about 350 g.

43. A device of claim 27,

wherein said device is capable of delivering oxygen-enriched product comprising at least about 90% by weight, based on the total weight of said oxygen-enriched product, of oxygen.

44. A device of claim 27, further comprising:

a case (101);

an optional status display (105);

an external control component (107); and

an optional power or charge port (109).

45. A system, comprising:

a device of claim 27;

an optional docking station (155);

wherein said docking station is optionally capable of performing diagnostic functions;

an optional computer interface (157) capable of performing diagnostic functions;

a battery recharger (108); and

an optional conserver (159).