Abstract

A process and apparatus for separating and concentrating breathing-grade oxygen, that is therapeutically equivalent to 100% pure oxygen, from ambient air is provided. The oxygen concentrating process employed in the method of the invention is implemented in a housing having a main chamber. A solid anion conducting membrane is situated in the main chamber so as to divide the chamber into separate first and second reaction chambers. Electrocatalytically active cathodic and anodic electrodes are situated on the respective opposed surfaces of the membrane. A direct current source is coupled between the cathodic and anodic electrodes such that when ambient air is provided to the cathodic electrode, therapeutically pure and moist oxygen is produced at the anodic electrode by electrolytic action of hydroxyl ions passing through the solid membrane. The oxygen concentrator advantageously operates at room temperature making it well suited for production of therapeutic oxygen especially for appli

Document Type

Patent

Patent Number

US 5,296,110

Application Serial Number

7/919,153

Issue Date

3-22-1994

Current Assignee

UCFRF

Assignee at Issuance

UCFRF

College

Florida Solar Energy Center (FSEC)

Department

FSEC

Filing Date

7-23-1992

Assignee at Filing

UCFRF

Filing Type

Nonprovisional Application Record

Donated

no

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