APPARATUS AND PROCESS FOR SUPPLYING OXYGEN-ENRICHED GAS

摘要

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 source with one or more other remaining pistons being driven by a second drive shaft.