DE60125826T2 - DEVICE AND METHOD FOR SUPPLYING OXYGENATED GAS - Google Patents

Description

The The present invention relates to an apparatus and a method for feeding of concentrated oxygen, especially for storage of enriched oxygen, which is then under high pressure in one portable container for Use by an outpatient is recorded, thereby better mobility of the Patient allows using a radial compressor to produce the desired gas to put pressure on. The enriched oxygen can with a reduced pressure from a product reservoir tank to a patient and with the tank tank pressure generally a buffer tank and then the Radial compressor supplied become.

So far are oxygen concentrators for caring for patients over a longer Period with a high oxygen concentration Gas has been used. Oxygen concentrators typically produce a breathable gas with about 80 percent to about 96 percent oxygen from ambient air and thus find in the field the domestic one Health care widespread use.

US-A-4,627,860 relates to a microprocessor and a cooperating with this Device for monitoring or capture features and performance of various components of the concentrator. A test device with a device for Choose any of the functions monitored by the microprocessor is included Connected to the concentrator and shows the selected monitored functions in order Diagnosis of performance levels and component problems or failures.

US-A-5,071,453 relates to an oxygen concentrator used in airplanes becomes. A booster compressor is used to increase the pressure of the Concentrator coming product gas to increase the amount of gas, the can be stored in a collector. The booster has two moving pistons rigidly connected to each other, and a series of check valves on, which control the gas flow through the compressor. One of the pistons is driven by air from the rotary valve in the concentrator, and the other piston compresses the product gas for delivery to the collector. A small sample of concentrator product gas is monitored by an oxygen sensor for oxygen concentration. When the oxygen concentration reaches an acceptable level has, fills the booster compressor the collector with product gas. After that, then, when the oxygen concentration of the product gas supplied from the concentrator to the crew below those at a certain height required concentration falls, the product gas stored in the collector is supplied to the crew. Of the Monitored oxygen sensor the product gas discharged from the concentrator to the respiratory regulator, when the gas stored in the collector is not used.

US-A-5,354,361 relates to a pressure change adsorber system with a pneumatically operated booster compressor to increase the pressure of the dispensed product gas. A pair of intake valves controls the feed air to the screen beds and the power cylinder of the booster compressor and is cyclically switched so that a valve opens to pressurize a strainer bed before the other valve closes bleed the other screen bed in the environment to allow. When both valves open are equal, the pressure in the two sieve beds and on each other opposite Sides of the drive cylinder and becomes a part of the gas in the pressurized sieve bed and on the drive cylinder side retained vented into the environment instead to become. System efficiency is increased by selecting whether trapped gas from the last pressurized sieve bed or from the power cylinder side first, the next below Pressure to be set sieve bed reached.

US-A-5,858,062 relates to an apparatus for supplying oxygenators Air with a first pressure and a second pressure, wherein the second Pressure is greater as the first pressure. The device has in combination a pressure change adsorption system and a pressure booster. The pressure change adsorption system to enrich the oxygen content of the air has a pressure that at least equal to the first pressure. The pressure change adsorption system is to supply oxygen-enriched air with the first Pressure to a first outlet and delivering oxygen-enriched Air provided with the first pressure to a pressure booster. The pressure booster sets the oxygen-enriched air under pressure and supplies the oxygen-enriched Air at the second pressure to a second outlet.

As described in WO-A-99/16529, which may be considered to be the closest prior art, an oxygen concentrator is used in combination with a compressor to produce a highly enriched and highly compressed oxygen gas in a mobile container such as a gas cylinder. used. The combination and the manufacturing method are for easy production of a source of enriched oxygen for use by an outpatient or wheelchair patient. The oxygen concentrator employs two or more molecular sieves to produce a respirable gas having from about 80 to about 98 percent oxygen from ambient air. The oxygen-enriched gas is stored in a concentrator product tank and may be prioritized to provide a patient with a correct amount of oxygen and concentration, and secondarily to deliver an excess or enriched oxygen to a compressor. The compressor uses multiple stages to produce the high density oxygen-enriched gas and a two-piece low rpm piston to reduce wear and noise. Either all of the multiple pistons of the compressor may rotate at the same RPM or, in an alternative embodiment, at least the first piston may rotate at higher RPM than the remaining pistons. It is desirable that at least the first piston of the alternative embodiment is driven by a drive shaft, wherein one or more of the remaining pistons are driven by a second drive shaft.

Of the The oxygen concentrator described in US Pat. No. 5,144,945 is an inhaler for oxygen-rich air for feeding of oxygen-rich inhalation gas with 40% to 60% oxygen up to about 25% Oxygen designed for relaxation and activation purposes. Of the Inhaler has a housing, an inlet channel and an exhaust duct. The case is divided by a partition in a compressor chamber and a Stickstoffadsorberkammer. The inlet channel has an inlet that extends to an end wall the side of the adsorber chamber is open and at an upper part the adsorber chamber is provided to communicate with the compressor chamber To connect. The exhaust duct has an exhaust outlet open to an end wall on the side of the adsorber chamber is and is provided at a lower part of the adsorber, to communicate with the compressor chamber. A suction fan and at least one Compressor are arranged in the compressor chamber. At least two Nitrogen adsorbers over a selector valve communicating with the compressor, and a Tank for oxygen-rich air associated with adsorber air outlets are arranged in the adsorber chamber. An air inlet for the compressor and an exhaust outlet for Desorbed air from the adsorbers are connected downstream of the compressor chamber. An inhalation mask is oxygenated for inhalation Air with the tank for oxygen-rich air in connection.

One Oxygen concentrator for welding and other industrial purposes is described in US-A-4,552,571. A first compressor, such as e.g. a carbon blade compressor, delivers Ambient air or other gas mixtures with a first relatively low Pressure to a cross-over valve. The cross-over valve supplies alternately the ambient air to a first molecular sieve bed and a second molecular sieve bed while simultaneously the other one Molecular sieve bed adsorbed gas components of the ambient air via a Drain exhaust port can. A second compressor, such as a membrane compressor, sucks the oxygen that the molecular sieve beds goes through without being adsorbed by a throttle and a needle valve at. The throttle and the needle valve are selected and set that lower oxygen pressure at least before the needle valve is maintained. The second compressor increases the pressure of oxygen and pumps it into a storage tank, from which it flows the sweat- or another industrial device can be supplied.

In US-A-5 823 186 describes a respirator in which no central one Gas supply system is needed and the at least two gas supply lines which leads to a gas mixing device in the inspiratory line to lead. The gas lines are part of a mixing and dosing unit, wherein a gas line has a compressor for ambient air and the or each additional Gas supply line one Dosing unit for an auxiliary gas coming from a reservoir, in particular oxygen, having. The compressor may be a radial compressor, a Roots blower, a Side channel blower or a scroll compressor, and preferably a scroll compressor act. Upstream of the gas mixing device are gas volume flow meters in the respective gas supply lines arranged. A pressure sensor is connected downstream of the gas mixing device arranged in the inspiratory line. The expiratory line contains a drain valve, wherein a pressure sensor is connected upstream of the discharge valve. A central Control unit is connected to the compressor, the dosing unit (s), the Drain valve and the pressure sensors connected. The gas volume flow meters and the control unit are for controlling the respiratory pressure and the Mixed gas composition according to a comparison of the pressure sensors measured signals and by means of the gas volume flow meter provided with predetermined setpoints.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of filling a high pressure, high pressure oxygenated high pressure container, comprising the steps of:
Providing a source of concentrated oxygen having at least 50% by volume of oxygen,
Transferring a portion of the concentrated oxygen at an initial pressure from the source to ei a compressor,
Compressing the concentrated oxygen transferred to the compressor to a high pressure,
Transferring the high-pressure concentrated oxygen from the compressor to the container for subsequent use by a patient,
Supplying a further portion of concentrated oxygen from the source to a conduit capable of delivering the concentrated oxygen to a subject, and
Prioritizing the supply of concentrated oxygen between the line and the compressor to ensure that the line is continuously supplied with the concentrated oxygen,
characterized in that the prioritizing comprises detecting when the oxygen concentration of the concentrated oxygen falls below a predetermined minimum by an oxygen sensor and stopping the compressor when the concentration of the concentrated oxygen supplied thereto falls below a predetermined level by an electronic control device responsive to the Oxygen sensor responsive includes.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided an apparatus for use in filling a high pressure, high pressure oxygen, high pressure vessel comprising:
a source means for delivering concentrated oxygen having at least 50 volume percent oxygen,
a compressor,
a first transfer device for use in transferring a portion of the concentrated oxygen at an initial pressure from the source device to the compressor,
a second transferring means for use in transferring the high-pressure concentrated oxygen from the compressor to the container for subsequent use by a person,
a lead, and
a prioritizer, from which the concentrated oxygen is prioritized between supplying a further portion of the concentrated oxygen through the conduit to a person and supplying the former portion of the concentrated oxygen to the compressor, the prioritizer comprising an oxygen sensor for determining when the oxygen concentration of the concentrated oxygen falls below a predetermined minimum,
characterized in that the prioritizer comprises an electronic controller responsive to the oxygen sensor for stopping the compressor when the concentration is less than the predetermined minimum.

It is thus possible a method and apparatus for storing under high Pressurized high purity oxygen in a pressure vessel to Use in the domestic Healthcare or related areas for outpatients, sitting in wheelchairs Persons and bedridden to accomplish.

at preferred embodiments The invention relates to a method and an apparatus for generating an oxygen-enriched gas from air and to the initial one Store the gas provided in a concentrator product tank. At least a portion of the oxygen-enriched gas is absorbed Application of various methods to an optional, however desired compressor buffer tank supplied where it is stored. When a predetermined pressure is reached, The gas is fed to a compressor in which it is at a high pressure Pressure is compressed and stored in a mobile or portable high-pressure vessel. This preserves a patient by using the one or more portable high-pressure oxygen containers, the filled at his home can be, greater mobility.

advantageously, is a circuit for ensuring the prioritization of the flow rate and concentration of the enriched gas supplied to the patient intended. The excess gas, if present, simultaneously becomes the autonomous multistage compressor delivered.

at the preferred embodiments The invention is an oxygen concentrator for use in the domestic one Health care for the physical separation of oxygen molecules from provided the air, with oxygen in a subsequent process a high pressure vessel supplied becomes. The concentrator has one or more molecular sieve beds, containing a material intended for physical deposition, a first (i.e., feedstock) compressor as a compressed air supply source, a control device for regulating the product gas flow through the beds to a concentrator product tank, a second storage tank for enriched Gas (e.g., a buffer tank) and the radial compressor which is not is operated by the first compressor, but independent of this works and it allows that the oxygen-enriched gas is compressed and supplied to a high-pressure vessel.

In the preferred embodiments, the radial compressor is used to compress oxygen from an optional but desired buffer tank connected to an oxygen source. The radial compressor has radially around a central drive shaft arranged around piston and compresses the Oxygen to a high pressure and stores the oxygen in a compact storage cylinder. This configuration is more compact and less bulky than typical linearly configured compressors and allows the compressor to be housed in a relatively small unit that is thus easier to transport. An oxygen sensor determines whether a patient is supplied with a required minimum oxygen concentration and, if not, interrupts the flow of compressed oxygen to the cylinder while maintaining current to the patient.

A particularly preferred embodiment has an oxygen storage tank that is operational to a patient supplies oxygen-enriched gas and further independently and operatively enriched oxygen with another and generally greater pressure feeds to a buffer tank, in which the oxygen subsequently is compressed by the radial compressor, that of a first compressor for feeding is independent of air to the molecular sieves.

to better and complete Illustrative of the invention will now be embodiments with reference to explained in the accompanying drawings. Show it:

1 a block diagram of an oxygen concentrator for separating oxygen from a gas mixture, such as air;

2 a block diagram showing an apparatus and a method according to an embodiment of the present invention for compressing oxygen-enriched air and supplying the air to a portable container;

3 a block diagram showing an apparatus and a method according to an embodiment of the present invention for supplying a portion of an enriched gas at a controlled rate to a patient and another portion of the enriched gas to a compressor for high pressure storage in a portable container;

4 a block diagram showing the apparatus and method according to another embodiment of the present invention for supplying a portion of an enriched gas at a controlled rate to a patient and another portion of the enriched gas to a compressor for high pressure storage in a portable container;

5 a schematic representation of a portion of a control circuit for operating a multi-stage compressor according to any embodiment of the present invention;

6 a schematic representation of the remaining part of the control circuit 5 ;

7 a side view of a non-inventive compression device;

8th a plan view of the device 7 ;

9 a side view of the upper part of the two-piece piston device 8th ;

10 a side view of the lower part of the two-piece piston device 8th ;

11 a plan view of a radial compressor according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

12 a perspective view of the radial compressor 11 showing inlet and outlet connections of the compression cylinders;

13 a perspective view of the portable high-pressure oxygen storage device according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

14 a schematic representation of a mechanical and pneumatic radial compressor and the flow system according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

15 a block diagram of the electrical circuit according to the first embodiment of the present invention showing an oxygen concentration test mode;

16 3 is a block diagram of the apparatus and method of the present invention illustrating the general flow at different pressures of the oxygen-enriched gas from an oxygen or product reservoir to a patient, and finally to a compressor for compressing and delivering the gas to a portable high-pressure vessel. supply cylinder;

17 a schematic representation of the 14 corresponds, however, to the second embodiment of the present invention; and

18 a block diagram, the off 15 corresponds, however, the second embodiment.

Although preferred embodiments below It should be noted that the various configurations and parameters of the present invention may vary and differ, such as the pressure and purity of the oxygen-enriched gas exiting a concentrator product tank, the pressure at which the enriched gas is injected is supplied to the patient, and the flow rate of the gas, the pressure maintained in a buffer tank, the pressure at which the compressor initially sucks enriched gas from the buffer tank, the buffer tank pressure at which the compressor is turned off, and the like. Further, while reference will be made to a particular oxygen concentrator which will be described immediately below, generally any type of oxygen concentrator may be used which provides a source of enriched air having about 50 percent oxygen to about 99 percent by volume.

According to 1 the device has one or more, preferably two beds 10 and 12 containing a physical deposition material or material. The deposition material selectively adsorbs one or more adsorbable components from the air and passes one or more nonadsorbable components of such a gas mixture. The physical deposition material may be a molecular sieve having pores of uniform size and substantially equal molecular dimensions. These pores selectively adsorb molecules according to the molecular shape, the polarity, the saturation degree, and the like. In the preferred embodiment, the physical deposition material is an aluminasilicate compound having pores of 4 to 5 Å (angstroms). In particular, the molecular sieve is a sodium or calcium form of aluminasilicate, such as zeolite type 5A. Alternatively, the alumina silicate may have a higher silicon to aluminum ratio, larger pores, and an affinity for polar molecules, eg, zeolite type 13x. The zeolite adsorbs nitrogen, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, water vapor and other significant components of the air.

A cross-over valve device 20 , which is preferably a four-way valve 21 in the generating phase selectively and cyclically successively connects the inlet end of two beds to a gas mixing source, eg pressurized air coming from a first compressor 22 (ie the feed compressor) while the other bed is vented to the environment in a cleaning phase. It is a specific feature of the present embodiment that the cross-over valve device selectively selectively one of the beds in fluid communication with an air pump or a compressor 22 which provides air at about 15 to about 21 psi (about 1.03 to about 1.45 bar). As used herein, "fluid communication" refers to a device that allows flow of the appropriate gases. Of course, in the present invention in the cleaning phase, a vacuum can be used for better evacuation. The compressor 22 , the air from an inlet 23 receives is with a first drive motor 25 connected, in the preferred embodiment, an electric motor with approximately ¼ hp. A solenoid (not shown) or other cross-over valve actuator selectively causes the cross-over valve device to alternately move between a first and a second position. In the first position is the first bed 10 with the compressor 22 connected to cause nitrogen adsorption and oxygenation in the product gas, and the second bed 12 is vented to the environment to allow evacuation. In the second position, the first bed is vented to the atmosphere to allow evacuation, and the second bed is connected to the air compressor to effect nitrogen adsorption. The invention will be described in particular with reference to a pressure change control. However, it is equally applicable to other methods of sequencing gas flow through the screen beds, such as a time base system.

The composition of the gas in the cavities of the zeolite varies from substantially pure primary product gas at the outlet end to the ambient gas mixture composition at the inlet end. As the gas mixture passes through a bed inlet to an adsorbed, gas-free or regenerated bed, a finite, relatively large size adsorption zone is formed. This adsorption zone is a region of the bed in which the full capacity of the adsorbent for holding the adsorbable components has not yet been reached. This adsorption zone moves at a rate substantially lower than the surface gas velocity from the bed inlet toward a bed outlet. As the adsorption zone reaches the outlet end of the bed, the adsorbable components begin to flow through the bed outlet into the non-adsorbable primary product stream. This time will be referred to as "breakthrough" below. For a given gas composition, breakthrough is defined as the size and configuration of the bedding container as well as the packing configuration of the molecular sieve and the flow rate and gas bed pressure. The configuration of the bed is generally cylindrical and the dispensing volume can vary from about 0.1 to 6 liters per minute. The breakthrough is the time required for the diffusion reaction when nitrogen saturates and the this is weakly connected to the sieve bed. When breakthrough occurs, the primary product enriched bed gas in the zeolite cavities will vary from a higher primary product gas concentration at the bed outlet to a lower concentration at the bed inlet. In the preferred embodiment, the primary product enriched bed gas is about 80 percent primary product at breakthrough. While the adsorption takes place in one bed, the adsorbable components adsorbed by the deposition medium of the other bed become separated from the other due to the pressure drop caused by the venting into the environment and the fact that they are exposed to relatively pure product gas from the first tank Bed cleaned.

The first bed 10 is via a first check valve 32 or another unidirectional valve device with a reservoir or product tank 30 connected. The first check valve 32 allows the primary product gas from the first bed 10 over a line 46 into the reservoir or the product tank 30 to flow when the product gas pressure in the first bed 10 the pressure of the product gas in the reservoir or product tank 30 exceeds. The first check valve allows the product gas from the reservoir or product tank 30 to flow when the pressure in the first bed 10 is lower than in the reservoir or product tank. In particular, in the preferred embodiment, the check valve effects a bias of 1.5 psi (about 0.10 bar) so that flow is only possible when the pressure in the first bed increases the pressure in the reservoir or product tank by 1.5 psi (0.10 bar). The second bed 12 is via a second check valve 34 or another unidirectional valve device with the reservoir or product tank 30 connected. The second check valve 34 also provides here for a unidirectional flow of the primary product gas from the second bed 12 to the reservoir or product tank 30 ,

A pressure compensation flow path 40 runs between outlets of the first and second bed. A concentration equalization valve 42 is either open or closed to selectively enable or prevent gas flow across the flow path between the first and second beds. A control device 50 causes cyclic actuation of the cross-over valve actuator (ie, two solenoids) and the concentration equalization valve 42 , The controller periodically and cyclically activates a concentration equalization valve actuator, which is also an electromagnet.

An oxygen sensor 43 registers the oxygen concentration of the product gas and can be stored in the product tank 30 be arranged. The sensor 43 transmits a detected value to the microprocessor (ie, the controller). In substantially the same way, a pressure sensor registers 45 the pressure in the product tank and transfers it to the microprocessor.

The control device causes the cross-switching valve device 20 alternates between its first and second positions for a reasonable period of time during each cycle segment. A cycle segment may be either the product gas generation cycle or the cleaning cycle. The cycle time is chosen such that each bed is connected to the air source for a period of time equal to or shorter than the breakthrough time. The mechanism that triggers the cross-over valve may be based on the pressure, such as a pressure setpoint or set point range, in the withdrawal line from the product tank, as is the case with a pressure-based control cycle, or may be strictly limited to a dwell time in FIG based on the product generation bed, as is the case with a time cycle based control cycle, for example. According to another embodiment of the invention, in the control cycle, a variable pressure may be used to achieve the residence time in a defined range based on a projected breakthrough time. In the preferred embodiment, the beds are 3.5 inches (8.89 cm) in diameter, 15 inches (38.10 cm) in length, and contain 6.5 pounds (2.95 kg) of 5A zeolite.

The gas mixture is delivered to the first bed at a pressure of up to 21 psi (1.45 bar). Consequently, the second bed (ie, a "used" bed) is vented to the environment to effect purification of the nitrogen-enriched molecular sieves. Prior to breakthrough time, the concentration equalization valve is opened allowing primary product enriched gas to flow from the first bed into the evacuated second bed. During the concentration equalization period, one bed is evacuated and the other bed has just reached the pressure setpoint that drives the flow between the beds. The flow has a high oxygen content, so that it is the first product that flows through the pipe 46 is to enter the product tank, is essentially produced by the oxygen beds product gas. The pressure of the second bed is that of the product-enriched gas for cleaning the sieve bed. Prior to evacuation of the primary product enriched gas from the first bed via the second bed, the cross-over valve device 20 pressed to reverse his position. By actuating the cross-over valve device, the supply of the gas mixture to the first bed is interrupted and begins the evacuation of the first bed and is simultaneously the Evacuation of the second bed interrupted and started feeding the gas mixture to the second bed.

After actuation of the cross-over valve device, the concentration compensation valve remains 42 open so that a purification amount of product-enriched gas can continue to flow into the second bed. Thereby, the concentration of the gas supplied to the product tank is compensated because the periodic cycling is sequenced, so that the product gas flows from the breakthrough zone further into the product tank. Subsequently, the concentration equalization valve closes and interrupts the flow of primary product gas between the beds. In the second cycle segment, the pressure in the second bed increases and approaches the gas mixture source pressure. At the same time, the pressure in the first bed drops and approaches the atmospheric pressure. Before the secondary product molecules have passed through the second bed, the concentration equalization valve becomes 42 and allows the primary product enriched gas in the second bed zeolite cavities to flow into the first bed. As the primary product enriched gas flows into the first bed, the cross-over valve device is actuated. By operating the cross-over valve device, the evacuation of the first bed is stopped and the supply of the gas mixture is started, and at the same time the supply of the gas mixture to the second bed is interrupted and the evacuation of the second bed is started. After actuation of the cross-over valve device, the concentration equalization valve is closed, whereby the pressure equalizing flow of the primary product-enriched gas between the beds is interrupted. The steps are repeated cyclically to cause the fractionation of the primary product gas from the mixture to proceed.

According to 1 in a preferred embodiment, holds the reservoir or product tank 30 an oxygen reservoir at a minimum pressure of about 14 psi (0.97 bar). The oxygen-enriched gas contains about 50 to about 90 volume percent, desirably about 70 to about 98 volume percent, and preferably about 84 to about 96 volume percent oxygen. In conventional processes, the product tank 30 be connected to a pressure regulator (not shown) for controlling the pressure of oxygen supplied to a patient. Typically, a pressure of 5 psi (0.34 bar) is used. A (also in 1 not shown) can be used to limit the flow rate to the patient, for example, to 0.1 to about 6 liters per minute, often employing a flow rate of about 3 liters per minute. If desired, a humidifier (not shown) may humidify the oxygen-enriched gas. The gas is delivered to the patient through a tube and ventilator that can be inserted into the patient's nostrils.

According to others Embodiments of the present invention may be oxygen-enriched gas from an oxygen concentrator, e.g. the one described above, be supplied to a compressor by a variety of methods, in which it compresses to a very high pressure and then into one portable or mobile containers, such as. a gas cylinder is stored.

At the in 2 In the embodiment shown, all the oxygen-enriched gas is fed to a compressor. A concentrator (not shown, but constructed as described above) has a tank 30 for an oxygenated product in which the pressure may vary from about 14 to about 21 psi (about 0.97 to about 1.45 bar). The oxygen-enriched gas therein is pressurized with the concentration tank, i.e., about 14 to about 21 psi (about 0.97 to about 1.45 bar) via a conduit 201 a flow meter 210 fed. The flowmeter 210 controls the flow rate of the oxygen-enriched gas via a conduit 211 a buffer tank 220 The gas pressure prevailing therein may also be between about 14 and about 21 psi (about 0.97 to about 1.45 bar). About a line 221 is predominantly oxygen gas a compressor 100 fed. The compressor 100 In the manner described above, compresses the oxygen-enriched gas to a pressure of about 2250 psi (155.14 bar) and stores it in a mobile or portable cylinder 500 , Depending on the rate of removal of the oxygen-enriched gas by the compressor, the supply pressure may be between 21 psi (1.45 bar) and a predetermined shut-off pressure of, for example, about 5 or 7 psi (about 0.34 or 0.48 bar), whereupon the compressor automatically switched off by a pressure sensor switch.

3 and 4 show embodiments in which oxygen-enriched air from the product tank 30 the oxygenator is preferably supplied to a buffer tank of the compressor using different methods, but this supply is prioritized in terms of oxygen concentration and / or sufficient pressure. For example, the delivery rate to a patient may vary between 0.1 and 6 liters per minute at a pressure of a predetermined value, such as 5 psi (0.34 bar), with the remainder of the oxygen-enriched gas generally associated with ei another pressure is supplied to the buffer tank. The buffer tank may generally have a wide pressure range, such as between 14 and 21 psi (0.97 and 1.45 bar). How, however, in relation to 2 According to the rate of gas withdrawal from the buffer tank by the compressor, the pressure may drop to a predetermined cut-off pressure, such as 7 psi (0.48 bar), which is higher than the pressure of the gas supplied to the patient, to provide adequate flow oxygen-enriched gas to the patient.

At the in 3 The embodiment shown leads a 5 psi (0.34 bar) regulator 210 oxygen-enriched gas from the product tank 30 in a flow line 220 and leads this to a flow meter 230 which then supplies the oxygen-enriched gas to a patient at a predetermined flow rate of 0.1 to 6 liters per minute. Optionally, the flow meter may be closed so that all of the oxygen-enriched gas is directed to the compressor. The gas not directed to the patient is delivered via a conduit 240 a two-way valve 250 fed. A very small part of the gas in the pipe 220 is through a line 260 via a throttle 262 in the oxygen sensor 265 which determines if the oxygen concentration has a predetermined value, such as at least 84 percent. When the oxygen sensor detects a concentration at or above the predetermined level, the two-way valve becomes 250 opened, and it allows a flow of oxygen-enriched gas through a conduit 270 in a buffer tank 200 in that the pressure is substantially equal to the pressure prevailing in the oxygen product tank. However, if the oxygen sensor does not detect a suitable oxygen concentration, the two-way valve becomes 250 closed, so that the oxygen concentrator can build up a sufficient oxygen concentration. In this case, the flow of the oxygen-enriched gas is prioritized such that it is ensured that the patient is supplied with a gas having a minimum oxygen concentration. The buffer tank 200 can be a regulator 280 which is generally set at 12 psi (0.83 bar) to allow the oxygen-enriched gas to enter the compressor when needed. Alternatively, the pressure regulator may be set to any pressure between about 13 and about 21 psi (about 0.90 and about 1.45 bar). A throttle 290 controls the gas flow rate from the buffer tank to the compressor. Should the compressor lower the pressure in the buffer tank below a predetermined value, a pressure sensor (not shown) will automatically shut off the gas flow at a pressure that is above the pressure of the gas supplied to the patient. This prioritization ensures that the patient gets priority over the oxygen-enriched gas.

In the 4 The illustrated embodiment directs the oxygen-enriched gas through a 14 to about 18 psi (0.97 to about 1.24 bar) regulator 300 in a flow line 305 that have a flow restrictor 307 having. The flow is then split, with a portion over a pipe 310 through a 5 psi (0.34 bar) regulator 320 into a flowmeter 330 which then supplies the gas to the patient at a desired flow rate of generally 0.1 to 6 liters per minute, although optionally the flow meter may be closed. The remaining part of the gas is via a pipe 340 to a two-way valve 350 directed. A small portion of the gas supplied to the patient is via a conduit 365 through a flow restrictor 367 to an oxygen sensor 360 derived. According to 3 For example, the oxygen sensor is set at a predetermined value, such as a concentration of 84 percent, so that when the level is not reached, the two-way valve 350 via an electrical line 355 is closed. This embodiment makes it possible to increase the amount of oxygen in the concentrator tank through the oxygenator unit. This prioritizes the oxygen concentration to ensure that the patient receives an amount of oxygen with at least the predetermined minimum value. When the oxygen concentration is sufficient, the gas flows through the two-way valve 350 in a line 370 and in the buffer tank 200 in that it is generally stored at a pressure of about 14 to 18 psi (0.97 to 1.24 bar). A relief valve 385 , which can be set to any desired value, such as about 14 psi (0.97 bar), ensures that the gas enters the buffer tank under sufficient pressure. The oxygen-enriched gas passes through a pipe 380 in the compressor. If the compressor takes out gas faster than the buffer tank receives gas, the pressure drops. A pressure sensor switch (not shown) may be set to a predetermined value [eg, about 7 psi (0.48 bar)] to ensure or prioritize that a sufficient amount of gas or gas flow is supplied to the patient. The predetermined cut-off pressure of the compressor is always above the pressure at which the gas is supplied to the patient. In the 4 embodiment shown is preferred.

Although the above description, by way of example with reference to 2 . 3 and 4 is carried out, generally represents a preferred embodiment of the present invention, it should be noted that this is modifiable. For example, the oxygen product tank needs 30 not to be used. Instead, the oxygen-enriched air from an oxygen concentrator, such as the one in 1 shown, over the flow lines shown and described according to the different embodiments 2 . 3 and 4 the buffer tank are supplied. Accordingly, the oxygen-enriched air is split, with one component directed to the patient and the other component directed to the buffer tank. Prioritization of the oxygen-enriched gas to the patient having either a minimum oxygen concentration or a sufficient pressure in the buffer tank is still generally employed. Alternatively, a product tank 30 can be used for enriched oxygen, and the buffer tank can optionally be omitted. In other words, enriched oxygen from the product tank can be supplied via a component to the patient and be supplied via a second component through the illustrated flow line to the compressor. In doing so, prioritizing the desired flow and oxygen concentration to the patient is maintained as described above, either with reference to the oxygen concentration level or by supplying adequate pressure to the compressor.

At the compressor device 100 out 7 and 8th generally becomes an AC electric drive motor 105 used, which can run at any desired speed, for example at 1700 rpm. The motor 105 may include a fan (not shown) either in or immediately adjacent to the engine housing that draws and cools air through the engine. Energy gets from the engine via a shaft 106 to a drive wheel 107 transfer. Desirably, the drive wheel has a plurality of grooves for receiving a V-belt, such as the main drive belt 109 , on. Such belts are generally fiber reinforced and have a very long life. The main drive belt 109 is with the main gear 110 connected, the several grooves 113 having. The number of circumferentially formed grooves 113 as well as their size and position coincide with those of the grooves of the drive wheel 107 match, and these engage with a plurality of projections on the main drive belt 109 together. From the main gear 110 is a staggered hub gear 114 before, which has a much smaller diameter than the main gear 110 , The hub gear 114 also has grooves 115 for receiving a secondary drive V-belt 122 on. A second or secondary large gear 116 has grooves on its circumference with the secondary drive V-belt 122 together access. The staggered hub 114 stands over the secondary drive V-belt 122 with the secondary gear 116 in contact and drives this, which in turn with a crankshaft 130 connected is.

By using the two large gears 110 and 116 a double reduction is achieved, so that the speed of the crankshaft 130 a desirably low speed, such as about 50 rpm. Both drive belts 109 and 122 Desirably have spring-loaded clamping arms 125 respectively. 127 on, which apply a small amount of tension. The actual tension of the first belt may be about 20 pounds (9.07 kg), while the tension of the second belt may be about 100 pounds (45.36 kg).

The multi-stage compressor device may comprise any number of pistons which are in 8th However, it has three shown, wherein two pistons, ie, the first and the third piston, are arranged on the same crankshaft crank, while the second piston is arranged at a offset by 180 ° from the first and the third piston crank. The reason for this is that pistons one and three suck in air when the second piston is depressed, and vice versa. Although not shown, a crankshaft may be used that has three cranks each offset from one another by approximately 110 ° to 130 °, eg, approximately 120 °, to minimize the rotational resistance applied to the engine during the compression stroke.

The compressor has three pistons, ie piston no. 1 ( 131 ), No. 2 piston ( 133 ) and piston no. 3 ( 135 ). Each piston is received in a separate cylinder, and thus piston # 1 in the first cylinder (FIG. 132 ), the second piston is in the second cylinder ( 134 ), and the third piston is in the third cylinder ( 136 ). The diameter of the head 140 of the first piston is approximately equal to the diameter of the base part of the piston, as in FIG 8th and 9 shown, the diameter of the head of piston No. 2 ( 133 ) is smaller than that of piston No. 1, and the diameter of the head of piston No. 3 (FIG. 135 ) is smaller than the diameter of piston no. 2 ( 133 ). The base part of each piston 131B . 133B and 135B however, has the same size for reasons described below. In order for piston # 2 and # 3 to operate properly, each has an annular bushing 1345 and 1365 on the inside of the cylinder wall whose inner diameter is approximately equal to the outer diameter of the piston heads No. 2 and No. 3, respectively.

Regardless of the size of the piston head has this two rings, as in 9 shown. Since the rings of all three piston heads are generally the same, only the first piston is in 9 shown. The piston head has two annular grooves or recesses, namely an upper piston annulus 141 and a lower annulus 144 , The upper annulus contains a U-shaped seal which is generally made from a ^Teflon® alloy or other friction poor material is made. The seal has a coil spring 143 which presses the seal radially outward against the cylinder wall to prevent compressed air from escaping through the piston head between the piston and the cylinder wall. In order to further ensure the maintenance of a good sealing effect, the seal 142 U-shaped, so that when a pressure build-up in the cylinder head, the pressurized gas is supplied to the seal and enters into this and presses the outer edge of the seal radially outwardly against the cylinder wall. The lower annulus 144 the piston head has a flat or vertical slide ring 145 which runs around the annulus and also by a helical tension spring contained therein 146 is pressed radially outward. The lower seal ring 145 can be made of a Teflon ^® alloy and serves as a piston sliding ring.

A connecting rod 148 connects the piston head to the piston base part 150 , The piston base parts of all three pistons have the same diameter and correspondingly engage with a matching cylinder of substantially the same diameter. The piston base part has an upper base part annulus 151 and a lower base part annulus 155 on, which are both provided with a sliding ring, the sliding ring 145 the piston head annulus 144 essentially the same, if not identical. Thus, the upper base part annulus 151 a sliding ring 152 on top of a coil spring 153 is pressed radially outward. In substantially the same way, the lower base part annulus 155 a sliding ring 156 on top of a coil spring 157 is pressed radially outward. Although the three slip rings have been shown and described as identical slip rings, they may, among other things, be made differently and made of different materials. The piston base part 150 has a hole 158 on, the laterally through the piston base part 150 runs. The hole 158 takes a piston pin 159 on. The piston pin and the coil spring both serve to hold the sliding ring 156 in a radially outer position so that it rests against the cylinder wall.

The two-piece piston device has a lower connecting rod 160 on that in 10 is shown. The connecting rod has an upper bore 161 on, through which the piston pin 159 runs. A lower hole 163 the connecting rod extends around a corresponding part of the crankshaft and engages with this. To turn the connecting rod 160 around the crankshaft 130 to allow, has a sealed part 164 the connecting rod bearing on.

The two-piece piston ring device causes the bearing 164 the connecting rod 160 can rotate freely with the crankshaft in a rotary or circular motion, with the upper bore 161 moved only in a linear or reciprocating motion, causing the piston rod 148 with the piston head and -basisteil it can move only linearly reciprocating. This prevents lateral forces from being applied to the cylinder wall, often resulting in wear and an oval shape of the cylinder wall. The two-part piston ring device thus leads to a long service life of the piston and the cylinder wall.

Although each piston is for compressing the gas to a higher pressure, a desirable configuration, as described above, is that each successive piston head has a smaller area. For example, piston no. 1 ( 131 ) have a diameter of about 1¾ inches (4.45 cm) while piston no. 2 has a diameter of about 1¼ inch (3.18 cm) and piston no. 3 has a diameter of about 1/2 inch (1.27 cm) which may be essentially the diameter of the piston rod 148 can act. Desirably, the pressure increase from each stage or piston is proportional to that of the others. The compression ratio of each piston can vary, but is generally the same. Although compression ratios up to 10 may be used, the desirable pressure range is about 6 to about 8.

As heat develops during compression of the oxygen-enriched gas, the flow conduits between the pistons may be made to be long enough for the heat of compression to be absorbed by the ambient air and thus to cool the enriched pressurized gas contained therein. According to 8th can one of the ers th piston extending to the second piston cooling line 182 be designed as a wave-shaped path or the like, and the same applies to the cooling line 184 between the second and third pistons.

The compressor part of the device operates as follows. The electric motor 105 that about the drive belt 109 and 122 operates independently of the compressor which supplies air to the molecular sieves in the oxygen concentrator portion of the apparatus, the crankshaft rotates 130 causing piston no. 1, no. 2 and no. 131 . 133 . 135 ) and compress air in their respective chambers. In particular, enriched oxygen gas is supplied from the compressor buffer tank to the first piston. The piston 131 has an inlet check valve 172 that allows air to enter the cylinder head space above the piston and an exhaust rear check valve 173 on, which allows compressed gas to escape from the first piston. The check valves allow gas flow in one direction, so that when the gas has passed to the first piston, the gas can not be pushed back out of this out into the buffer tank during the compression stroke. In substantially the same way, the outlet check valve prevents 173 in that the gas, once it has been pushed out of the piston, is sucked in during the intake stroke of the first piston. In substantially the same way, the second piston 133 an inlet check valve 175 which allows the compressed air from piston # 1 to headspace above the piston 133 is sucked, but prevents the compressed air is pushed back into the first piston. An outlet check valve 176 prevents the gas compressed from the second piston from being sucked back into the piston after it has exited it. In substantially the same way, the gas which has been further compressed in piston no. 2 is passed through an inlet check valve 178 the piston No. 3 ( 135 ), in which it is further compressed. The compressed gas is then passed through an outlet check valve 179 a stock cylinder 500 supplied for enriched oxygen gas. The outlet check valve 179 thus prevents the highly compressed gas stored in the cylinder from getting back into the third piston.

During compressor operation, the gas in the portable cylinder 500 , which is initially at ambient pressure, gradually brought to a desired pressure. A suitable pressure is about 2,250 psi (155.14 bar). Of course, other cylinders can take up or maintain either higher or lower gas pressures. A rupture disk 180 is provided as a safety structure that bursts at a pressure that is above the desired storage pressure of the gas cylinder. Thus, in the present embodiment, such a pressure may be about 2,800 psi (193.06 bar). Although not shown, rupture discs may also be provided in the flow lines emanating from the exit of the first and second cylinders to prevent excessive pressure build-up in these lines. A pressure regulator 181 is used to deliver the oxygen-enriched gas to a patient at a pressure of about 5 psi (0.34 bar) via a flow meter (not shown) at any desired rate, such as about 0.1 to about 6 liters per minute.

As described above, the buffer tank has oxygen-enriched gas at a pressure generally between about 7 or 14 psi (0.48 or 0.97 bar) and about 21 psi (1.45 bar). The compressor is designed to generally begin compression when the pressure in the tank is generally at a maximum until it drops to a predetermined pressure, eg, at 7 or 8 psi (0.45 or 0.55 bar) ). Generally, the pressure of various switches, sensors, relays and the like is electrically controlled. In short, a master ON / OFF switch sends power to the compressor motor 105 which in turn causes the crankshaft to rotate, thus compressing air. There are two pressure sensitive switches: a low pressure switch that detects a pressure below a predetermined value, eg, 7 to 12 psi (0.45 to 0.83 bar), and a high pressure switch that provides a pressure above 2250 psi (155.14 bar) ) detected. When the low pressure switch detects a pressure below the predetermined level, the engine becomes 105 switched off via a relay switch. This allows an oxygen feed from the concentrator in the buffer tank to be brought to a desired pressure. The low pressure sensor is a solid state relay. If the relay fails, it does not close and the motor can continue running. Accordingly, this relay switch is connected in series with the mechanical relay switch of the high pressure sensor which shuts off the engine when the pressure in the cylinder reaches about 2,250 psi (155.14 bar).

5 and 6 show the electrical circuit of the compressor. Energy is initially supplied to the compressor via the resettable breaker 600 and then the power switch 610 fed. When the power switch is in the "on" position, power is supplied to the engine start switch 620 and the contacts common to the starting relay 630 and also illuminates the performance indicator 640 , When the start switch is pressed, the starter coil is energized, causing both switches of the relay to close.

One of these closed switches directs the energy to a high pressure switch 650 which is normally closed when the output pressure of the compressor is below 2,250 psi (155.14 bar). The output of the high pressure switch is returned to the starting relay coil to hold the starting relay coil in the driven state without the start switch being depressed, but the energization to the coil is cut off when a high pressure is reached. (This happens when a tank is filled). The output of the high pressure switch is also connected to the low pressure switch 660 connected. As long as the inlet pressure from the concentrator is above the predetermined value, eg 7 psi (0.48 bar), the low pressure switch is closed and the normally closed contact is energized. This power signal is supplied to the control contact of the solid state relay, which in turn allows the solid state output "abgeschal th". The output signal of the High pressure switch is also with the running indicator 670 connected, which then lights up.

The second closed switch of the starter relay is connected to the "input" of the solid state relay. When the solid state relay is turned on by the signal coming from the low pressure switch, the motor is turned on 105 and fed its start capacitors through the solid state output. A common line is connected to the other side of the motor to complete the circuit. An hour counter 690 is connected in parallel with the motor to monitor the motor running time.

In the situation described above, the engine starts to run and remains in operation until one of two cases occurs. The first case would be that the inlet pressure of the compressor falls below a predetermined pressure, eg 7 psi (0.48 bar). This causes the low pressure switch 660 opens and the solid state relay 695 turns off, which in turn turns off the engine 105 is switched off. When the input pressure of the compressor rises above a desired predetermined pressure, the low pressure switch closes 660 and the solid state relay turns on again and starts the engine. This is a normal process that depends on the concentrator efficiency and can be repeated. The second case where the engine is shut down occurs when an oxygen tank is filled. The outlet pressure rises above 2,250 psi (155.14 bar) and therefore causes the high pressure switch 650 opens. This shuts off power to the starter coil, opening both switches and shutting off power to both the high pressure switch input and the solid state relay input, turning off the motor. For the subsequent start of the engine, the start switch must 620 be pressed. If a pressure greater than 2,250 psi (155.14 bar) remains, the high pressure switch will remain open and no signal will be returned to the starter coil to keep it energized, leaving the engine shut down. As long as the high pressure switch is open, the run indicator remains 670 off.

Direct shorts between power and common line or cases where more than 8 A of power is consumed cause the resettable breaker 600 suddenly opens.

As described above, the operation of the compressor is 100 completely independent of the oxygen concentrator and the use of this compressed gas as a power or energy source for the compressor. In other words, the pressure accumulated in the oxygen concentrator is not used for driving or operating a pressure booster.

One clear advantage of the device and the method for generating of oxygen-enriched gas and compressing the gas in providing a mobile or portable source of gas with high purity oxygen. Patients with approximately 80 to approximately 98 percent oxygen require enriched gas, are not longer limited to close by an oxygen concentrator, such as in a bed, at home, in a hospital or in a wheelchair. Rather, the patient can comfortably carry the mobile gas cylinder with them wear, such as in a backpack, and so can with the wheelchair, Car and even planes and trains to travel. Depending on the pressure and size of the storage cylinder the oxygen supply can be about 2 to about 24 hours or even longer to last; to endure, to continue.

RADIAL COMPRESSOR

A particular embodiment of the present invention relates to an electromechanical oxygen distribution device or an electromechanical oxygen distribution system for domestic use, with which the concentrated oxygen is supplied to the patient and, at the same time, pressurized concentrated oxygen is supplied to a storage cylinder for personal ambulatory use by a patient. The device is intended for use in conjunction with an oxygen source capable of producing oxygen at a preferred concentration of at least 85 or 90 volume percent at various pressures, such as generally from about 2 to about 20 psig (about 0.14 to 1 , 38 bar), and desirably from about 2.5 or about 4 to about 10 psig (about 0.17 or about 0.28 to about 0.69 bar). Concentrated oxygen sources include an oxygen concentrator as described above or conventional or commercial oxygen concentrators such as, but not limited to, Mallinckrodt-Aeris 590 ; Russ Products - Millienum, Sunrise, and the like. These concentrators may have various oxygen concentration deliveries, pressures, and desirable flow rates, such as at least about 3.5 or 6 liters per minute.

According to 13 indicates the oxygen distribution system or the oxygen distribution device 800 a housing 810 and an oxygen test mode inlet 815 , an oxygen normal operation inlet 820 for receiving oxygen from a source of concentrated oxygen, an oxygen outlet 825 for delivering oxygen to a patient, an oxygen flow meter 830 to regulate the flow of oxygen to one Patient, a pressure gauge 835 , a power switch 840 for turning on and off the compressor unit or device and a filling port 845 for connecting the compressed gas with a gas storage cylinder 1000 ,

At the in 11 and 12 shown radial compressor is generally an AC electric motor 905 which may run at any desired speed, such as generally from about 500 or 1000 to about 3600 or 6000 rpm, preferably from about 1100 to about 1300 rpm. In general, the drive motor may have any PS number desirably between about 1/100 to about 1/2 PS (about 7.46 to about 372.85 W), with 1½ PS (62.14 W) being most preferred. The drive motor 905 may include a fan (not shown) in or adjacent the engine housing, which sucks air through the engine and thereby cools it. Energy is taken from the engine via a motor shaft 906 to a drive wheel, not shown, desirably having a plurality of grooves and / or teeth for receiving a belt, such as a drive belt 909 , having. The drive belt may generally have a desired suitable composition, such as rubber or reinforced rubber, which provides a long service life. The drive belt 909 is with a compressor pulley 910 connected, which has a plurality of grooves and / or teeth. Optionally, a tensioner arm (not shown) may be used to maintain tension on the drive belt. The compressor pulley 910 is with a crankshaft 911 connected. Although the present embodiment is shown with a simple reduction, more pulleys and reduction gears may be provided. The simple reduction gear used in the present embodiment is lighter and more compact and contains fewer parts than a device having more than one reduction.

The multi-stage centrifugal compressor according to the present embodiment of the invention may have any number of pistons, such as from 2 to about 12, desirably from about 3 to about 8 or 10, with about 5 being preferred. According to 11 and 12 The preferred embodiment has 5 pistons 915 . 916 . 917 . 918 and 919 on, that is, the first to fifth pistons, radially around the crankshaft 911 are arranged around. Each piston is located in a separate cylinder 925 . 926 . 927 . 928 and 929 , where the first piston 915 in the first cylinder 925 is arranged etc. According to 11 For example, the pistons and cylinders or various parts thereof have different shapes and sizes, such as diameter and length, to facilitate the gradual or incremental pressure build-up from the first cylinder to the last or fifth cylinder. For example, the first cylinder 915 and the second cylinder 916 an upper part and a base part, which are integrally formed from a single element and generally have the same diameter. The third piston 917 , the fourth piston 918 and the fifth piston 919 each have upper parts that are smaller than their base parts. Since each successive piston is disposed substantially on the opposite side of the housing, the forces exerted by the crankshaft and the air expanding in the cylinders on the various pistons are generally balanced and effect efficient energy transfer. Further, the radial configuration results in a lightweight housing that may be made of aluminum.

The radial compressor is configured such that the gas volume in each subsequent piston / cylinder device is desirably proportionally reduced. Thus, according to 11 the compressible area 935 the first piston / cylinder device greater than the compressible region 936 the second piston / cylinder device and so on. The compression ratio may generally be between about 1 and about 10, and is preferably between about 2 and about 5, with about 2.5 being most preferred. The motor 905 drives the annular crankshaft 911 on which a master connecting rod 920 as well as slave connecting rods 921 above 924 drives, with whom she is in operative connection. The crankshaft has a crank which allows reciprocating movement of the pistons.

The radial compressor generally works as follows: the drive motor 905 turns over the drive belt 909 and the pulley 910 the crankshaft 911 and thus causes the first to fifth pistons 915 - 919 to reciprocate and compress a source gas in their respective chambers. In particular, a gas, which is preferably enriched oxygen gas, is the first piston 915 fed. The gases supplied to or delivered to the radial compressor may be supplied from various sources, which is hereby incorporated by reference, such as a molecular sieve oxygen concentrator, a product tank, or a buffer tank. Alternatively, gases from a liquid or high pressure oxygen cylinder, which is typically too large and too heavy to be easily moved, may serve as source gas supplied to the compressor. These large cylinders contain a large amount of oxygen, such as typically from about 800 to about 900 cubic feet (about 22.65 to about 25.49 m ³ ) compressed or liquefied oxygen.

The piston / cylinder devices in each cylinder head have conventional check valve elements, such as ball and spring devices such as those described in U.S. Pat 8th shown, which allow gas in a desired manner, ie in one direction, flows into and out of the piston / cylinder device. The preferred check valve element according to the present embodiment has a spring rate of preferably 2 psi (0.14 bar) or less. To ensure that the compressed concentrated oxygen does not flow back from a subsequent compression cylinder to a preceding cylinder, each cylinder head assembly has two sequentially arranged outlet check valves, as in FIG 14 shown schematically.

11 and 12 showed various fittings and piston head assemblies having check valves. An inlet check valve 940 The first piston means allows the gas to be in the first compressible region 935 enters, and an outlet check valve 941 allows the pressurized gas to escape from the first piston. The check valves allow gas flow in one direction so that once the gas has entered the first piston, it can not be pushed back through the inlet check valve during the compression stroke of the piston. In substantially the same way, the outlet check valve prevents 941 in that gas which has been forced out of the first piston is sucked in on the intake stroke of the first piston. In substantially the same way, the second piston 916 an inlet check valve 942 on, which allows the compressed gas from the first piston / cylinder device in the second compressible region 936 is sucked, but prevents the compressed gas is pushed back into the first piston. An outlet check valve 943 prevents the gas compressed in the second piston / cylinder device from being sucked back into it after it has exited it.

In substantially the same way, the third piston 917 an inlet check valve 944 on, which allows the compressed gas from the second piston / cylinder device in the third compressible region 937 is sucked, but prevents the compressed gas is pushed back into the second piston. An outlet check valve 945 prevents the compressed in the third piston / cylinder device gas is pushed back into this after it has leaked out of this.

In substantially the same way, the fourth piston 918 an inlet check valve 946 on, which allows the pressurized gas from the third piston / cylinder device to the fourth compressible region 938 is sucked, but prevents the compressed gas is pushed back into the third piston. An outlet check valve 947 prevents the gas compressed in the fourth piston / cylinder device from being pushed back into it after it has exited it.

Finally, in substantially the same way, the fifth piston 919 an inlet check valve 948 which allows the pressurized gas from the fourth piston / cylinder device to the fifth compressible region 939 is sucked, but prevents the compressed gas is pushed back into the fourth piston. An outlet check valve 949 prevents the gas compressed in the fifth piston / cylinder device from being pushed back into this after it has exited it. According to 14 connects a suitable hose capable of withstanding high pressures, such as a metal hose, in a conventional manner known to those skilled in the art, various parts of the oxygen distribution device, such as the various piston / cylinder devices, the buffer tank, the various regulators , the storage cylinder etc.

According to 11 For example, each sequential piston / cylinder device is not circumferentially adjacent to the compressor adjacent the next higher pressurization piston / cylinder device, but at least one piston / cylinder device is offset or staggered relative to one another to stagger the Compressor and the crankshaft acting forces. In other words, each subsequent piston / cylinder device is circumferentially offset by at least two device positions with respect to the pressure increase of the enriched oxygen from the previous device, so that desirably at least one interposed piston / cylinder device between each set or pair of sequential or subsequent piston / cylinder devices is provided.

When supplying concentrated oxygen to the centrifugal compressor, the first cylinder gradually builds up pressure, the second cylinder gradually builds up a higher pressure, etc., until a desired pressure in the supply cylinder 1000 is reached. Although the ranges in each cylinder can vary widely, the desired range from the concentrator or other oxygen source is from about 2 to about 20 psig (about 0.14 to about 1.38 bar) to about 34 psig (2.34 bar). built up. The second compression gradually becomes a pressure of about 110 psig (7.58 bar), with a third compression gradually establishing a pressure of approximately 300 psig (20.69 bar). The fourth compression gradually builds up to a maximum pressure of about 800 psig (55.16 bar), while the final or fifth compression builds up to a maximum pressure of about 2,000 psig (137.90 bar). The above pressures generally refer to a desired pressure of about 2,000 psig (137.90 bar) and, of course, vary proportionally with a five-stage compressor at any other desired ultimate pressure, such as about 1,500 psi (103,43 bar), 2,500 psig (172.38 bar), 3.000 psig (206.85 bar) etc. Generally, the cylinder can 1000 Generally, pressures range from about 500 to about 4,000 psig (about 34.48 to about 275.80 bar), desirably from about 1,500 psig (103.43 bar) to about 3,000 psig (206.85 bar), and preferably about Record 1,900 psig (131.01 bar) to approximately 2,100 psig (144,80 bar).

The compressed gas is then via a connector check valve 950 and via suitable hoses, connectors, valves and the like a gas storage cylinder 1000 fed. These storage cylinders may generally be of any conventional size, with standard sizes such as M6, C, D and E being suitable. Typically, the gas cylinder may accommodate a pressurized gas volume in a range of generally from about 10 to about 650, desirably from about 50 or 100 to about 400 or 500, preferably from about 150 to about 250 liters. Desirably, the cylinder has a built-in pressure gauge ranging from about 0 to about 3,000 psig (206.85 bar) and an independent bleed valve, and a high pressure rupture disk that can be raised to any desired pressure, such as about 6,000 psi (413.70 bar). It may further include a tube outlet for connection to a patient cannula.

As described above, the radial compressor 900 directly instead of the compressor device 100 that is, in the context of an oxygen concentrator and with various circuitry, configurations, etc., and whether it is preferably prioritized to ensure that a patient receives or does not prioritize a required amount of oxygenated gas. Accordingly, the flow chart off 2 . 3 or 4 It should be noted, however, that other flow systems are generally also used to pass the enriched oxygen from the product tank 30 either directly or indirectly, etc. to the radial compressor 900 can be used.

The oxygen distribution system or the oxygen distribution device having the radial compressor is shown in FIG 14 shown schematically. The oxygen distribution device generally has an oxygen sensor 860 , a reservoir or a buffer tank 875 to record or store the concentrated oxygen, the multistage radial compressor 900 , a high pressure switch 880 , a pressure gauge 835 , an oxygen dispensing fitting or an oxygen dispensing connector 885 and the portable high-pressure cylinder 1000 on. Further, a flow regulator 877 and a flow meter 830 intended. According to 14 For example, the oxygen device further includes a test mode structure, which will be discussed in more detail below, determining at least the concentration of oxygen from an oxygen concentrator, a large oxygen cylinder, or other source prior to connection to the oxygen source. Although the oxygen distribution device 800 primarily intended for home use, it may also be used in other facilities, such as nursing homes, clinics, hospital rooms, offices and the like. As described, the oxygen distribution device may accommodate various levels of oxygen concentrations, such as at least about 50% or 75%, desirably at least about 80%. However, in the present embodiment, the oxygen device is generally designed to hold at least about 85% by volume, preferably at least about 90% by volume oxygen, and in a more preferred variant about 93% by volume plus / minus 3%.

When the level of oxygen concentration from the oxygen concentrator, etc., from the test mode system has been determined to account for the predetermined maximum requirement or the predetermined maximum level, the oxygen source, such as a concentrator, with an oxygen inlet 820 connected. From there, a small part of the oxygen sensor 860 fed, which monitors the oxygen concentration continuously. The remainder of the oxygen becomes a reservoir or buffer tank 875 after which it is channeled into two streams, wherein a selected or predetermined portion of the oxygen, such as from about 1 to about 3, 4 or 5, and preferably about 2 liters per minute are fed to the compressor and a selected or predetermined part, such as for example, from about 0.1 to about 6, desirably from 1 to about 0.5 to about 5, preferably from about 1 to about 3, liters per minute of a patient. Of course, these two parts add up to the total amount of oxygen flow from the reservoir or buffer tank 875 ; that is, a current, such as that going to the patient, is the difference to the current going to the compressor relative to the total flow or the total amount of oxygen exiting the buffer tank. The oxygen distribution system is prioritized such that the radial compressor only runs when the oxygen sensor 860 determines that the oxygen concentration is at or above a minimum level of, for example, 90% by volume. Should the oxygen concentration drop below a predetermined level during compressor operation, the sensor will switch 860 Depress the compressor until the concentration reaches the predetermined level. However, while the compressor is shut down to build up the oxygen level, the patient continues to receive the enriched oxygen. According to 14 The enriched oxygen from the buffer tank passes through the pressure regulator 877 and the flowmeter 830 , The pressure regulator 877 is set at any desired predetermined pressure level, such as from about 1 to about 5, desirably to about 3 psig (about 0.07 to about 0.34, and desirably to about 0.21 bar). The flow meter may be adjusted to a desired flow rate by the patient or other competent medical practitioner, such as a physiotherapist, physician, etc.

The oxygen supplied to the compressor undergoes, as described above, a series of compressor stages or cylinders, each successive stage bringing the gas to a higher pressure until finally at the last stage the desired indication pressure is reached, whereupon the cylinder pressure switch 880 the compressor engine 905 off. As a safety structure is a rupture disk 884 for preventing an unacceptable pressure build-up in the storage cylinder.

In general, when operating the oxygen distribution device according to the present embodiment, the patient only has to turn on the power switch 840 and set the flowmeter to a rate set by a medical practitioner or the like.

According to 14 can the device 800 advantageously also have an oxygen concentration test function. This test mode system has the test mode inlet 815 on. The inlet 815 stands over a check valve 854 , the downstream side thereof with the downstream side of a check valve 872 which is normally gas from the normal mode inlet 820 lets through, with the oxygen sensor 860 in connection. The downstream sides of the check valves 854 . 872 both stand with a flow limiter 856 connecting the gas flow to the oxygen sensor 860 limited. The check valve 872 prevents the gas from entering the test mode inlet 815 towards the normal mode inlet 820 flows. The check valve 854 prevents the gas from the normal mode inlet 820 towards the test mode inlet 815 flows.

A test pressure switch 852 detects the on test mode inlet 815 applied gas pressure. The desk 852 generates an indication that the pressurized gas is on the test mode input 815 is applied. The desk 852 For example, it can be operated with a gas pressure of 2.1 psi (0.14 bar) or more.

When it indicates that pressurized gas is entering the test mode inlet 815 Applied is the compressor 900 deactivated and becomes the oxygen sensor 860 then to test the oxygen level or oxygen concentration of the test mode inlet 815 applied gas applied.

According to 15 can the operation of the device 800 for example, advantageously from a controller 1100 to be controlled. The controller 1100 is preferably a microcontroller, but may for example be a microprocessor with this associated memory and associated input / output circuitry, an application specific integrated circuit, a user programmable gate array, or other suitable programmable device.

The controller 1100 receives input signals from the oxygen sensor 860 , the high pressure switch 880 and the test pressure switch 852 and provides output signals to the compressor 900 and the ads 1102 . 1104 . 1106 . 1108 . 1110 , The controller 1100 Further, for example, the above-described control device 50 exhibit. The ads 1102 . 1104 . 1106 . 1108 . 1110 For example, LEDs (light emitting diodes), incandescent lamps, an LCD (liquid crystal display) screen, or other suitable displays, including, for example, acoustic displays.

When the power switch 840 is turned on for the first time, the FULL indicator will appear for a short time (eg 1 second) 1102 , the wait display 1104 , the ERROR indicator 1106 and the TEST indicator 1108 to indicate that these ads are working. Then the ads go out 1102 . 1106 . 1108 ,

The wait display 1104 lasts long enough until the oxygen sensor 860 has reached its operating temperature (eg 3.0 minutes).

The controller 1100 Further monitors the heating current and the heating voltage and the output current voltage of the oxygen sensor 860 when the device 800 is switched off. If there is a fault in the oxygen sensor 860 is detected, the WAIT display flashes 1104 at a one-second rate, the ERROR indicator will turn on 1106 activate and deactivate all other displays. In this condition are the compressor 900 and the test mode function is not operational.

If no gas pressure from the test pressure switch 852 is detected, the device operates 800 in normal mode. That is, if an acceptable level of oxygen, that of the oxygen sensor 860 in the on the normal mode inlet 820 applied gas (eg, more than 91 percent) has been detected, the compressor is running 900 and becomes the FILL indicator 1110 activated. When the high pressure switch 880 is enabled by the controller 1100 the FULL ad 1102 activated, the FILL indicator 1110 disabled and the compressor 900 disabled.

When the high pressure switch 880 is activated during the warm-up [eg full bottle (eg 2,000 psi) (eg 137,90 bar) already with the oxygen outlet 825 connected], causes the controller 1100 that the ERROR indicator 1106 flashes at a one-second rate and needs the device 800 reset to work.

When the test pressure switch 852 a gas pressure at the test mode input 815 detected, the device works 800 in test mode. When the gas pressure from the entrance 815 is taken away, the device works 800 again in normal mode.

When the device 800 enters or exits the test mode, the controller continues 1100 the operation of the device for a period of time (eg 30 seconds) and activates the WAIT display 1104 , so that the oxygen sensor 860 Time has come to stabilize with a new input gas.

In test mode, the controller disables 1100 the compressor 900 , he activates the TEST indicator 1108 and uses the oxygen sensor 860 to test the oxygen level of the test mode input 815 applied gas. If there is an acceptable level of oxygen, the controller activates 1100 the FULL ad 1102 , Otherwise, the controller activates 1100 the ERROR indicator 1106 ,

Of the Test mode allows a user to control the oxygen content at the output of a cylinder or concentrator in a simple manner to consider, without activating the compressor of the device. The user activates the test mode by simply connecting a gas source with the test mode inlet. The normal mode is resumed, when the gas source has been removed. The user does not have to take further steps. This is especially for disabled, coarse or technically unfamiliar users of Advantage.

The radial compressor and the device with connecting hoses, etc. are compact and lightweight, and have approximately ¼ the size of in 8th shown compressor device 100 and about 1/4 of its weight. Advantageously, the radial compressor according to the present embodiment may be used in conjunction with any commercially available oxygen concentrator and has a modular construction and compact configuration for ease of placement and storage. The radial compressor according to the present embodiment is very efficient in terms of power consumption, runs quietly and generates a very small vibration. In addition, despite its low power consumption, the unit generally offers the same features as other units, such as those in 1 - 10 shown, for example, the same filling time.

Another embodiment of the present invention, which corresponds to the in 11 to 15 is essentially the same, is in 16 . 17 and 18 and delivers enriched oxygen primarily to a patient and secondarily to a buffer tank and then to a radial compressor. Unless otherwise specified below, the embodiment is made 16 . 17 and 18 the in 11 to 15 shown and described above substantially the same and hereby made the subject of the present disclosure. It should also be understood that all pressures referred to in this specification refer to pressures above atmospheric, that is, 5 psi (0.34 bar) means 5 pounds per square inch gauge (psig). In the in 16 to 18 shown Ausführungsbei game enriched oxygen is supplied from an oxygen or product storage tank via two different outlets or lines, one of which leads to the patient and the / the other is connected to a buffer tank. The buffer tank flow conduit contains oxygen-enriched gas at a pressure generally equal to that of the storage tank, whereas the flow conduit leading to the patient supplies oxygen-enriched gas at a reduced, low pressure to the patient. The apparatus uses two different and independent compressors, a first compressor for compressing air and feeding the air to molecular sieves for concentration or concentration to a large volume of oxygen and a second radial compressor which is independent operates from the first and compresses the oxygen-enriched gas to a very high pressure for delivery to a high-pressure supply cylinder. That is, the second compressor is operated by an energy source other than the oxygen-enriched gas compressed by the first compressor (such as in a pressure booster), eg, a motor, a drive unit. As in the previous embodiment, the in 16 to 18 As shown embodiment, the oxygen-enriched gas such that always a continuous flow of the patient and optionally the buffer tank is supplied.

A description will now be given of the apparatus for compressing and storing an oxygen-enriched gas. A first or concentrator compressor 1205 takes in air from the atmosphere and leads it through a pipe 1207 an oxygen concentrator 1210 to. The concentrator may be any conventional or standard concentrator known in the art and literature, or as described above. Such a concentrator is available from Invacare Corporation, Elyria, Ohio, as type 5LX or 5LX02. Typically, due to the use of molecular sieves, these oxygen concentrators enrich the oxygen to a desired level, such as at least about 50 volume percent or 75 volume percent, desirably at least about 80 volume percent, and preferably at least about 85 volume percent or 90 volume percent and, in a more preferred variant, approximately 93% by volume plus / minus 3%. The oxygen-enriched gas is passed over a product flow line 1215 an oxygen product storage tank 1220 fed. The pressure in the storage tank is generally the same as that produced by the oxygen concentrator and may vary between about 15 and about 20 or 22 psi (about 1.03 and about 1.38 or 1.52 bar). The storage tank 1220 It serves primarily as a storage tank for supplying the oxygen-enriched gas to the patient, but also provides oxygen-enriched gas to a buffer tank, which is then fed to a second independent compressor operating independently of the oxygen concentrator compressor and subsequently to a high-pressure supply cylinder.

Integral with the storage tank 1220 is a pressure regulator 1225 adapted to reduce the oxygen-enriched gas to a desired value for flow through a patient flow line 1230 to a patient flow meter 1235 serves. Accordingly, the pressure regulator releases oxygen-enriched gas at a reduced or low pressure from the product supply tank to a first outlet, such as the conduit 1230 , out. Although the pressure regulator 1225 may be arranged on or in any part of the storage tank, it is preferably an integral part of the storage tank cover or the storage tank cap. That is, concentrated or oxygen-enriched gas in the product reservoir tank prior to exiting the product reservoir tank is associated with the pressure regulator 1225 which reduces the pressure to a desired predetermined low pressure, such as from about 3 or 4 to about 10 psi (about 0.21 or 0.28 to about 0.69 bar), with a desired pressure at about 4 to is about 6 or 8 psi (about 0.28 to about 0.41 or 0.55 bar) and preferably about 5 psi (0.34 bar). The oxygen-enriched gas is then sent to the patient flowmeter 1235 in which, as in the previous embodiments, it may be adjusted to any flow rate, such as from about 0.1 or 1.0 to about 3, 5 or 6 liters per minute. The flowmeter 1235 can be adjusted by a patient or a physiotherapist or another person working in the medical field.

An oxygen sensor can either be in the oxygen concentrator 1210 or, as shown, on the patient flow line 1230 as an oxygen sensor 1233 be arranged. When the sensor is placed in the oxygen concentrator, it measures the oxygen volume level in the gas, and if it is below a predetermined range, a safety alarm, such as a light, a buzzer, etc., is activated, giving the patient or user a low value of the oxygen-enriched gas. This prevents the patient from using the oxygen concentrator when the oxygen level is too low. Alternatively, the sensor further monitors when it is at the patient flow line 1230 is arranged, the oxygen level in the gas to ensure that the concentration is above a predetermined value. Otherwise, a security alarm, such as a light, a buzzer, etc., is activated to indicate low oxygen levels to the patient.

An independent or separate second outlet carries oxygen-enriched gas from the oxygen or product reservoir via a buffer tank flow line 1245 to a buffer tank 1240 , The pressure of the oxygen-enriched gas of the second outlet is independent of and greater than the low pressure of the first outlet and is generally at the pressure of the product supply tank 1220 , Desirably, the moderate pressure is in the buffer flow line 1245 at about 10, 12 or 15 to about 20 or 22 psi (about 0.69, 0.83 or 1.03 to about 1.38 or 1.52 bar).

One in the buffer tank flow line 1245 arranged flow restrictor 1249 serves to limit the flow of the oxygen-enriched gas such that in general always a sufficient amount of the patient is available and the remaining amount, which is often small, exclusively the buffer tank, etc. is supplied. The flow line 1245 also has an oxygen sensor 1248 on, which monitors the oxygen concentration continuously. The oxygen concentration of the buffer tank is maintained at a predetermined level or set point, typically at 93 percent by volume oxygen plus / minus 3 percent. If a sensor 1248 detects a value lower than the predetermined target value, the electronics of the device switches a compressor 1250 from. Stopping the radial compressor allows the oxygen concentrator to process air at a slower rate, resulting in higher oxygen concentration or purity so that the predetermined oxygen concentration, such as about 93% oxygen by volume, can be quickly recovered.

The right side of 16 showing the buffer tank, the compressor and the high pressure cylinder etc. is in 17 shown in more detail.

The buffer tank 1240 serves as a storage tank for the oxygen-enriched gas that is the compressor 1250 over a line 1255 is supplied. The compressor 1250 is a radial compressor, preferably one as described herein and accordingly incorporated herein by reference, wherein like reference numerals designate like parts. In the various stages, such as those described above, the oxygen-enriched gas is compressed in stages until a suitable final stage oxygenates for storage in a high pressure storage cylinder 1260 outputs appropriate pressure. After being compressed by the radial compressor and after supplying a sufficient amount of oxygen-enriched gas to the high-pressure supply cylinder 1260 to achieve a desired predetermined pressure, the pressure switch switches 880 automatically the compressor 1250 from. The pressure gauge 835 is also as a visual indicator of in the cylinder 1260 provided by prevailing pressure. The check valve 885 prevents oxygen-enriched gas from the high-pressure cylinder 1260 flows when the compressor is not in operation. As a safety structure is the rupture disk 884 provided, for whatever reason, the automatic high pressure switch 880 the compressor 1250 does not shut off at a predetermined high pressure level.

As described in the previous embodiment with reference to the radial compressor assembly, the pressure of the high-pressure supply cylinder 1260 be any desired or predetermined pressure. Although the desired pressure of the cylinder 1260 It may be between about 500 and about 4,000 and desirably between about 1,500 and about 3,000, and preferably between about 1,900 and about 2,100 psi (about 34.48 to about 275.80 and desirably between about 2,000 psi (137.90 bar)) 103.43 to about 206.85 and preferably between about 131.01 to about 144.80 bar).

The advantage of in 16 and 17 In the embodiment shown, it is possible to use independent and different pressures from the product supply tank, wherein the pressure component supplied to the buffer tank, second compressor, etc. is greater than and independent of the component supplied to the patient. The second or radial compressor 1250 works independently of the compressor 1205 which directs air to the oxygen concentrator.

According to 18 can the device 1200 from a controller to the above based on 11 to 15 be operated described manner. Here is the controller 1100 Preferably, however, it may also be a microprocessor having this associated memory and associated input / output circuitry, an application specific integrated circuit, a user programmable gate array, or other suitable programmable device.

The controller 1100 receives input signals from the oxygen sensor 1233 or the concentrator oxygen sensor and the high pressure switch 880 and provides output signals to the compressor 1250 and the ads 1102 . 1104 . 1106 . 1108 . 1110 , The controller 1100 Further, for example, the above-described control device 50 exhibit. The ads 1102 . 1104 . 1106 . 1108 . 1110 For example, LEDs, incandescent lamps, an LCD screen, or other suitable displays, including, for example, acoustic displays.

When the power switch 840 is turned on for the first time, the FULL indicator will appear for a short time (eg 1 second) 1102 , the wait display 1104 , the ERROR indicator 1106 and the TEST indicator 1108 to indicate that these ads are working. Then the ads go out 1102 . 1106 . 1108 ,

The wait display 1104 lasts long enough until the oxygen sensor 1233 or the concentrator oxygen sensor its operating temperature has reached (eg 3.0 minutes).

The controller 1100 Further monitors the heating current and the heating voltage and the output voltage of the oxygen sensor 1233 or the concentrator oxygen sensor when the device 1200 is switched off. If there is a fault in the oxygen sensor 1233 or the concentrator oxygen sensor is detected, the SERVICE indicator flashes 1104 at a one-second rate, the ERROR indicator will turn on 1106 activate and deactivate all other displays. In this condition are the compressor 1250 and the test mode function is not operational.

If from the oxygen sensor 1233 or the concentrator oxygen sensor, an acceptable level of oxygen in the normal mode inlet 1215 applied gas is detected (eg more than 90%), the compressor is running 1250 and becomes the FILL indicator 1110 activated. When the high pressure switch 880 is activated, the FULL ad will be displayed 1102 activated, the FILL indicator will appear 1110 disabled and becomes the compressor 1250 from the controller 1100 disabled.

If the oxygen sensor 1248 detects an acceptable predetermined oxygen level, the radial compressor 1250 work. Should, however, the oxygen sensor 1248 detect an amount of oxygen below a predetermined level, the controller automatically interrupts or stops the operation of the radial compressor 1250 , When the oxygen concentration has risen above the predetermined level, the compressor may 1250 to work again.

When the high pressure switch 880 is activated during the warm-up [eg full bottle (eg 2,000 psi) (eg 137,90 bar) already with the oxygen outlet 825 connected], causes the controller 1100 that the ERROR indicator 1106 flashes at a one-second rate and needs the device 1200 reset to work.

Test mode operation is based on a pressure value being applied to a test fitting. If the pressure of the gas flow at the test inlet is greater than a predetermined value, the controller should 1100 temporarily suspend the operation of the radial compressor and then wait a predetermined period of time (typically 30 seconds) for the gas levels to stabilize. After the timeout, the controller then uses the oxygen sensor 1248 for determining whether the feed gas used by the radial compressor to fill the high-pressure tank is above a predetermined concentration value.

Of the Operation of the test mode is basically the same independently whether the unit enters or leaves test mode. It always gives a delay, to make sure the gas flow meets the requirements the oxygen concentration minimum values when filling the high-pressure tank or Test the gas value in test mode. This delay is provided to ensure that the gas flow in case of possible changes in the gas wells within the internal piping of the system full value reached.

The test switch 852 may be either a preset value for a mechanical pressure-actuated switch or an on-board pressure sensor that provides an electrical value for the gas pressure applied to the test fitting. The main purpose of the test switch 852 is the continuous monitoring of the oxygen concentration of the feed gas to the centrifugal compressor to ensure that it meets the requirements for the predetermined percentage oxygen concentration.

Claims (22)

Method for filling a high-pressure container with concentrated, high-pressure oxygen, comprising the following steps: providing a source ( 1210 ) of concentrated oxygen having at least 50 volume percent oxygen, transferring a portion of the concentrated oxygen at an initial pressure from the source ( 1210 ) to a compressor ( 900 ; 1250 ), Compressing to the compressor ( 900 ; 1250 transferred concentrated oxygen to a high pressure, transferring the high-pressure concentrated oxygen from the compressor ( 900 ; 1250 ) to the container ( 1000 ; 1260 ) for subsequent use by a patient, supplying a further portion of concentrated oxygen from the source ( 1210 ) to a line ( 825 ; 1230 ) which is capable of supplying the concentrated oxygen to a person and prioritizing the supply of concentrated oxygen between the line ( 825 ; 1230 ) and the compressor ( 900 ; 1250 ) to ensure that the line ( 825 ; 1230 ) is supplied continuously with the concentrated oxygen, characterized in that the prioritizing the detection, when the oxygen concentration of the concentrated oxygen falls below a predetermined minimum, by an oxygen sensor ( 860 ; 1248 ) and stopping the compressor ( 900 ; 1250 ), when the concentration of the concentrated oxygen supplied thereto falls below a predetermined level, by an electronic control device ( 1100 ), which point to the oxygen sensor ( 860 ; 1248 ). Method according to Claim 1, in which the compressor ( 900 ; 1250 ) a radial compressor ( 900 ; 1250 ). Method according to Claim 2, in which the compressor ( 900 ; 1250 ) several cylinders ( 925 - 929 ), each of which is internally provided with a piston ( 915 - 919 ), the pistons ( 915 - 919 ) radially about a crankshaft ( 911 ), wherein the concentrated oxygen sequentially from each piston ( 915 - 919 ) and each sequentially arranged piston ( 916 - 919 ) compresses the concentrated oxygen to a higher pressure than the preceding piston ( 915 - 918 ). Method according to one of the preceding claims, in the concentration of concentrated oxygen at least 70 percent by volume. The method of claim 4, wherein the volume concentration of oxygen approximately 93% plus / minus 3%. The method of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the concentrated oxygen has a pressure of from about 500 to about 4,000 psi (about 34.48 to about 275.80 bar) in the vessel ( 1000 ; 1260 ) having. The method of claim 6 wherein the concentrated oxygen has a pressure of about 1,500 to about 3,000 psi (about 103.43 to about 206.85 bar) in the vessel ( 1000 ; 1260 ) having. Method according to one of the preceding claims, in which the source ( 1210 ) an oxygen concentrator ( 1210 ) having. Method according to one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the source having an oxygen cylinder. Method according to one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the source having a liquid oxygen cylinder. Method according to one of the preceding claims, in which the other part of the concentrated oxygen is continuously passed as low-pressure gas through the line ( 825 . 1230 ) and the former part of the concentrated oxygen is separated as medium pressure gas from the source ( 1210 ) via a to a buffer tank ( 875 ; 1240 ) leading buffer tank flow line ( 1245 ) the compressor ( 900 ; 1250 ), wherein the average pressure is greater than the low pressure and lower than the high pressure. Method according to one of the preceding claims, in which the container ( 1000 ; 1260 ) is portable or portable. Apparatus for use in filling a high pressure container with concentrated, high pressure oxygen, comprising: source means ( 1210 ) for delivering concentrated oxygen having at least 50% oxygen by volume, a compressor ( 900 ; 1250 ), a first transfer device ( 820 . 875 ; 1215 . 1220 . 1240 - 1249 . 1255 ) for use in transferring a portion of the concentrated oxygen at an initial pressure from the source device ( 1210 ) to the compressor ( 900 ; 1250 ), a second transfer device ( 885 ) for use in transferring the high-pressure concentrated oxygen from the compressor ( 900 ; 1250 ) to the container ( 1000 ; 1260 ) for subsequent use by a person, a line ( 825 ; 1230 ), and a prioritization facility ( 860 . 1100 ; 1248 . 1100 ), of which the concentrated oxygen between the supply of a further portion of the concentrated oxygen through the line ( 825 ; 1230 ) to a person and supplying the former part of the concentrated oxygen to the compressor ( 900 ; 1250 ) is prioritized, the prioritizer ( 860 . 1100 ; 1248 . 1100 ) an oxygen sensor ( 860 ; 1248 ) for determining when the oxygen concentration of the concentrated oxygen falls below a predetermined minimum, characterized in that the prioritizing device ( 860 . 1100 ; 1248 . 1100 ) an electronic control device ( 1100 ) pointing to the oxygen sensor ( 860 ; 1248 ) to the compressor ( 900 ; 1250 ) to stop when the concentration falls below the predetermined minimum. Apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the compressor ( 900 ; 1250 ) a radial compressor ( 900 ; 1250 ). Apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the compressor ( 900 ; 1250 ) several cylinders ( 925 - 929 ), each of which is internally provided with a piston ( 915 - 919 ), the pistons ( 915 - 919 ) radially about a crankshaft ( 911 ), wherein the concentrated oxygen sequentially from each piston ( 915 - 919 ) and each sequentially arranged piston ( 916 - 919 ) compresses the concentrated oxygen to a higher pressure than the preceding piston ( 915 - 918 ). Apparatus according to claim 15, wherein each sequentially arranged cylinder ( 926 - 929 ) has a smaller compression area than the preceding cylinder ( 925 - 928 ). Device according to one of Claims 13 to 16, in which the source device ( 1210 ) an oxygen concentrator ( 1210 ) having. Device according to one of claims 13 to 16, in which the Source device comprises a pressure oxygen cylinder. Device according to one of claims 13 to 16, in which the Source device a liquid oxygen cylinder having. Device according to one of Claims 13 to 19, in which the first transfer device ( 820 . 875 ; 1215 . 1220 . 1240 - 1249 . 1255 ) one between the source device ( 1210 ) and the compressor ( 900 ; 1250 ) arranged buffer tank ( 875 ; 1240 ) having. Device according to Claim 20, in which the prioritizing device ( 1248 . 1100 ) a prioritization between the feeding of the other part via the line ( 1230 ) to a person and feeding the former part over the buffer tank ( 1240 ) to the compressor ( 1250 ). Apparatus according to claim 17 or any one of claims 18 to 21 with reference to claim 17, further comprising a second compressor ( 1205 ), the concentrator ( 1210 ) upstream and receives ambient air, wherein the first transfer device ( 1215 . 1220 . 1240 - 1249 . 1255 ) a product reservoir ( 1220 ) facing the concentrator ( 1210 ) and whose first outlet is intended to be the other part of the product storage tank ( 1220 ) to the line ( 1230 ), wherein a second outlet is provided to separate the former part from the other part to the compressor ( 1250 ) to deliver.