摘要 |
PURPOSE: A gas, such as oxygen, concentrator for a breathing apparatus is provided. CONSTITUTION: In a molecular sieve gas concentration controller system for controlling a molecular sieve device separating a selected gas from an input gas supply, the apparatus comprises n gas concentrating molecular sieve beds(11,13); and a valve assembly having at least n different states, where n is at least 2; the valve further having: an input(10) for receiving the input gas supply and at least n outlets(11,12,13); in each state of the valve assembly, the valve creates an open passageway(16) permitting for flow of gas from the input of the valve to at least one different outlet; and from a second outlet to a vent(12); the valve having a first position having an open passageway from the input to a selected outlet, and a second position having a blockage between the input to the selected outlet; and, transitioning the valve from the first to the second position creates a variable amount of restriction in the flow of gas between the input and the selected outlet; and from second outlet to the exhaust; an input connection for each of the n sieve beds in gas flow communication with an outlet of the valve; movement means for controllably moving the valve assembly for one state to another; and, control means operably connected to the movement means for varying the restriction in a selected open passageway in the valve assembly; whereby a mass flow restriction is created between the inlet or outlet and the sieve beds reducing performance of the molecular sieve beds below optimum levels.
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