초록 ▼

A rotary valve at the inlets of a plurality of columns cyclically (1) selects first columns on a cyclic basis to receive compressed air, adsorb nitrogen and other components in the compressed air and pass oxygen and argon to a user (e.g. patient), second columns to desorb the adsorbed components in

A rotary valve at the inlets of a plurality of columns cyclically (1) selects first columns on a cyclic basis to receive compressed air, adsorb nitrogen and other components in the compressed air and pass oxygen and argon to a user (e.g. patient), second columns to desorb the adsorbed components in such columns and (3) third columns to equalize pressures where the first columns change progressively to the second columns and vice versa. A compressor having adjustable characteristics and regulated in an open or closed loop introduces the compressed air through the valve to the first columns to provide an adjustable air flow for obtaining a prescribed oxygen flow to the user. An indication may be provided when the compressor characteristics regulated for obtaining the prescribed oxygen flow rate are outside particular limits. The valve may have a variable speed related to the compressor flow variations to regulate the air pressure in the columns in accordance with the air flow rate into the columns. A variable orifice in a valve in each column outlet becomes constricted with decreases in the oxygen flow rate in each column, thereby further regulating the oxygen pressure in such column. A porous plug in a closed chamber receiving the desorbed pressurized components releases such components slowly, without pulsatile noise, to the atmosphere. The equipment accordingly produces the desired oxygen flow rate with minimal power consumption, minimal noise and optimal efficiency, reliability and life span. The equipment may be designed to pass other components than oxygen.

대표청구항 ▼

In combination for removing a first component from a compressed fluid also having a second component and for providing for the flow of such first component to a user at a prescribed rate, a plurality of columns constructed to provide initially for the introduction of the compressed fluid into such c

In combination for removing a first component from a compressed fluid also having a second component and for providing for the flow of such first component to a user at a prescribed rate, a plurality of columns constructed to provide initially for the introduction of the compressed fluid into such columns and to adsorb the second component of the compressed fluid in such columns and to pass the first component in such columns and constructed to desorb the second component in such columns, first means for compressing the fluid before the introduction of the compressed fluid into the columns in the plurality, second means for providing for the introduction of the compressed fluid into at least a first one of the columns in the plurality on a cyclic basis to obtain the adsorption of the second component in such at least first one of the columns and the passage of the first component from such at least first one of the columns and for providing for the passage of the compressed fluid from at least a second one of the columns in the plurality on the cyclic basis to obtain the desorption of the second component from such at least second one of the columns, third means for collecting the first component passing through the at least first one of the columns in the plurality on the cyclic basis, and fourth means having variable characteristics for providing for the compression of the fluid by the first means at a variable rate of flow dependent upon the prescribed rate of the first component through the at least first one of the columns in the plurality.