초록 ▼

A portable breathing air supply apparatus uses a membrane separation module to obtain oxygen enriched air from ambient air which is blown into the module by an electrically powered fan. Oxygen enriched air is withdrawn from the permeate side of the membrane by a vacuum pump and is stored in a reserv

A portable breathing air supply apparatus uses a membrane separation module to obtain oxygen enriched air from ambient air which is blown into the module by an electrically powered fan. Oxygen enriched air is withdrawn from the permeate side of the membrane by a vacuum pump and is stored in a reservoir while the user exhales. In a preferred mode, a conserver valve in a tube leading from the reservoir to the user's mouth or nose is triggered to feed the enriched air for a preselected duration after a sensor in the tube detects onset of inhalation. Power for the electrical components can be supplied by batteries. The portable apparatus is sufficiently compact and light to be transported by persons weakened by certain chronic breathing disorders, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and emphysema, and thus frees the user to roam for long periods away from a primary source of oxygen.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A process comprising the steps of(a) feeding ambient air to an apparatus comprisinga membrane separation module comprising an oxygen gas selectively permeable membrane defining within the module a retentate chamber on one side of the membrane and a permeate chamber on the

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A process comprising the steps of(a) feeding ambient air to an apparatus comprisinga membrane separation module comprising an oxygen gas selectively permeable membrane defining within the module a retentate chamber on one side of the membrane and a permeate chamber on the opposite side of the membrane;an ambient air intake fan having an exhaust port in fluid communication with the retentate chamber;a vacuum pump having a suction port and a discharge port, the suction port being in fluid communication with the permeate chamber;breathing nozzle means for delivering oxygen enriched air to an animal; anda gas transfer tube extending to the breathing nozzle meansin which the membrane separation module, ambient air intake fan, and vacuum pump are positioned in a case comprising (i) an internal baffle defining an air-cooled chamber in which the vacuum pump is located and a main chamber in which the module is located, which internal baffle conforms closely in shape to the vacuum pump with a narrow air gap between the pump and baffle and which internal baffle has a baffle port in fluid connection between the air-cooled chamber and the main chamber but otherwise separates the two chambers, and (ii) an air vent port from the air-cooled chamber through the case to outside atmosphere, andin which the retentate chamber of the membrane separation module comprises an outlet port in fluid communication with the main chamber of the case, the outlet port being adapted to discharge retentate air from the membrane separation module into the main chamber, through the baffle port into the air-cooled chamber within the narrow air gap and out to the outside atmosphere through the air vent port(b) producing oxygen enriched air in the apparatus, and(c) supplying the oxygen enriched air to breathing air of an animal.