Portable System for the Production of Oxygen

Abstract

A portable device for oxygen generation comprising at least one reservoir for holding a hydrogen peroxide solution, a reactor, for reacting hydrogen solution with a catalyst, a feeding system for supplying said hydrogen peroxide solution to said reactor from said reservoir, a system for cooling, interconnected to an outlet of said reactor, a hydrophobic filter membrane, for removing water at an oxygen outlet of said cooling system and an oxygen flow regulator, for regulating oxygen flow at said oxygen outlet.

Claims

1. A portable device for oxygen generation comprising: a. at least one reservoir for holding a hydrogen peroxide solution; b. a reactor, for reacting hydrogen solution with a catalyst; c. a feeding system for supplying said hydrogen peroxide solution to said reactor from said reservoir; d. a system for cooling, interconnected to an outlet of said reactor; e. a hydrophobic filter membrane, for removing water at an oxygen outlet of said cooling system; and f. an oxygen flow regulator, for regulating oxygen flow at said oxygen outlet; wherein said cooling system is an open system operatively located between said reactor outlet and said hydrophobic filter membrane, said cooling system configured to cool oxygen gas flowing between said reactor and said hydrophobic filter membrane.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein said reservoir is configured: a. to hold hydrogen peroxide, a hydrogen peroxide complex or a hydrogen peroxide solution; or b. as a cartridge.

3. The device of claim 2, wherein said hydrogen peroxide solution is at least 20% hydrogen peroxide.

4. The device of claim 2, wherein said cartridge is attached to said feeding system.

5. The device of claim 4, wherein at least one of the following holds true: a. said cartridge is configured to be instantly replaceable once it gets empty; b. an attachment system of said cartridge enables rapid attaching said cartridge to said feeding system; and c. said cartridge is collapsible, has a collapsible liner, is hard-sided or soft-sided.

6. The device of claim 5, wherein said feeding unit is characterized by at least one of the following: a. said feeding unit is configured to generate pressure on a said cartridge. b. said feeding system is a pump, said pump selected from a group consisting of displacement pump, peristaltic pump, syringe pump, piston pump, plunger pump, screw pump and reciprocating pump.

7. The device of claim 6, wherein said pressure is generated by a spring, a piston or pneumatic pressure.

8. The device of claim 1, wherein said reactor is characterized by at least one of the following: a. said reactor is configured to decompose hydrogen peroxide to water and oxygen; b. said reactor contains a catalyst.

9. The device of claim 8, wherein said catalyst comprises: a. an active compound selected from a group consisting of a metal, a metalloid, an alloy of a metal, an alloy of a metalloid, a compound of a metal and a compound of a metalloid; or b. an electronegative element.

10. The device of claim 1, wherein said device additionally comprises a catalytic filter.

11. The device of claim 10, wherein said catalytic filter comprises at least one catalyst, wherein: a. said catalyst comprises an active compound selected from a group consisting of a metal, a metalloid, an alloy of a metal, an alloy of a metalloid, a compound of a metal and a compound of a metalloid; b. said catalytic filter comprises the same catalysts as said reactor.

12. The device of claim 1, wherein said cooling system is characterized by at least one of the following: a. comprising at least one heat sink; b. comprising at least one fan, said fan is electric; c. comprising at least one condenser; d. comprising at least one drain, configured to drain water condensed by said cooling system.

13. The device of claim 12, wherein said water drain is characterized by at least one of the following: a. configured to drain said condensed water from at least one point along said cooling system; b. said draining of said water is done immediately upon condensation and continuously; c. comprising a receptacle for collecting said condensed water.

14. The device of claim 1, wherein said device is characterized by at least one of the following: a. a hydrophobic membrane constructed from a material selected from a group consisting of Polytetrafluoroethylene, Polysulfones and polycarbonate; b. an oxygen flow regulator that is a heat/mass oxygen (O.sub.2) flow meter configured for real-time flow measurement. c. additionally comprising an electronic control and display unit, comprising at least one of the following: i. Unit sensors; ii. Unit controls; iii. Unit alerts; iv. Biofeedback sensors and v. Unit feedback circuits

15. The device of claim 14, wherein said control unit is characterized by at least one of the following: a. comprising a designated Printed Circuit Board; b. comprising unit sensors configured to measure at least one perimeter selected from a group consisting of user set O.sub.2 flow, exit O.sub.2 flow, exit O.sub.2 Temperature, Battery capacity, H.sub.2O.sub.2 reservoir level, RC pressure and water tank capacity (weight); c. is configured to control at least one perimeter selected from a group consisting of Peristaltic Pump RPM, Cooling Fan speed, and Water tank drainage solenoid; d. comprising feedback circuits for at least one of the device parameters, selected from a group consisting of user set O.sub.2 flow, exit O.sub.2 flow, exit O.sub.2 Temperature, Battery capacity, H.sub.2O.sub.2 reservoir level, RC pressure and water tank capacity (weight) Peristaltic Pump RPM, Cooling Fan speed, Water tank drainage solenoid; e. is configured to emit an alert in the case of any of: i. low H.sub.2O.sub.2 reservoir; ii. low Battery; iii. high water tank level; iv. high device pressure; and v. device maintenance. f. additionally comprising a data logger, said data logger configured to record the status of said device. g. is configured to communicate with an external system, said communication comprising: i. transferring recorded data to an external system; ii. receiving treatment protocol from an external system.

16. The device of claim 1, wherein said device is powered by a unit battery, said battery is a 12-18V/4-5 Ah Rechargeable.

17. The device of claim 14, wherein said biofeedback sensor is configured to: a. detect the peripheral blood O.sub.2 saturation level in said patient; and b. communicate with said control unit.

18. The device of claim 17, wherein said control unit is configured to emit an alert in the case of low or high O.sub.2 patient saturation levels.

19. A method for generating oxygen, comprising steps of obtaining a device of claim 1 and operating said device by: a. combining a hydrogen peroxide solution with a catalyst; b. cooling oxygen and water vapor; c. draining liquid water, said water condensed from said water vapor; d. filtering oxygen, removing said water vapor; and e. passing oxygen through a flow regulator.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein said method additionally comprises at least one of the following steps: a. generating a flow of said hydrogen peroxide solution into a reactor; b. passing oxygen and water vapor through a catalytic filter; c. generating a stream of air, said air generated by a fan; d. analyzing the oxygen flow and temperature of oxygen exiting said cooling system; e. alerting the user in the case of Low H.sub.2O.sub.2 reservoir, Low Battery, High system pressure, High water tank level and/or low patient O.sub.2 saturation levels; f. providing oxygen to a patient; g. storing said oxygen; h. detecting the O.sub.2 saturation levels in a patient; i. logging the data of said device; j. logging the data of said patient; k. transferring said data to an external system; l. regulating the oxygen flow rate, said regulation controlled by regulating at least one parameter selected from a group consisting of flow of said hydrogen peroxide solution into a reactor and flow via said flow regulator, said flow regulation determined by at least one parameter selected from a group consisting of system pressure, reactor pressure, oxygen flow and/or patient O.sub.2 saturation level;

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0087] The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the invention and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and together with the description serve to explain the principles of the invention wherein:

[0088] FIG. 1is a schematic representation of one embodiment of the present invention

[0089] FIG. 2depicts an embodiment of the present invention

[0090] FIG. 3depicts an embodiment of the cooling system of the present invention

[0091] FIG. 4depicts an embodiment of the heat sink system of the present invention

[0092] FIG. 5depicts an embodiment of the cooling system of the present invention

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0093] The following description is provided, alongside all chapters of the present invention, so as to enable any person skilled in the art to make use of the invention and sets forth the best modes contemplated by the inventor of carrying out this invention. Various modifications, however, are adapted to remain apparent to those skilled in the art, since the generic principles of the present invention have been defined specifically to provide compositions and methods.

[0094] Unless otherwise stated, with reference to numerical quantities, the term about refers to a tolerance of 25% of the stated nominal value. Unless otherwise stated, all numerical ranges are inclusive of the stated limits of the range.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENT

[0095] FIG. 1 schematically shows the basic unit 10, comprising 9 main units:

[0096] 11) Reservoir

[0097] The reservoir 11 holds the Hydrogen peroxide solution. The holder can be single use or refillable. In some embodiments the reservoir is a cartridge that holds the solution and is feed into the system. In some embodiments the reservoir is part of the system and is refiled from another container. The reservoir can be hard or soft-sided. The reservoir must be constructed from inert, non-reactive, medicinal grade materials such as stainless steel or polymers. In some embodiments the reservoir is constricted like a syringe i.e. is constructed from a barrel and a plunger (or piston).

[0098] In some embodiments the reservoir is a canister capable of holding a solution of hydrogen peroxide (H.sub.2O.sub.2) in water. The percentage of H.sub.2O.sub.2 is at least 20% and in some embodiments is 30-60%.

[0099] 12) Feeding Unit

[0100] The feeding unit 12 controls the flow of the solution into the reactor. In some embodiments the feeding unit is a pump. The pump could be a displacement pump, peristaltic pump, syringe pump, piston pump, plunger pump, screw pump or reciprocating pump. In some embodiments, the reservoir 12 is collapsible and the feeding unit is configured to put pressure on the reservoir, pushing the hydrogen peroxide solution into the reactor. In some embodiments, the feeding unit acts as a reciprocating pump with the reservoir forming part of the pump.

[0101] The feeding unit can be set to control the flow rate according to various parameters: Hydrogen peroxide solution flow rate, Oxygen flow rate (at the exit of the device), and reaction chamber pressure. In some embodiments the feeding unit additionally comprises a pressure sensor.

[0102] 13) Reactor

[0103] The reactor 13 is constructed from an inert, non-reactive material that can withstand temperatures of at least 100 C. In some embodiments, the solution entered the reactor from the feeding unit through at least one aperture or outlet such as a nozzle or a spray nozzle. The reactor contains a catalyst that catalyzes the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide to water and oxygen. In most embodiments the catalyst comprises a metal, a metalloid, an alloy of a metal, an alloy of a metalloid, a compound of a metal and a compound of a metalloid. In a preferred embodiment the catalyst is heterogeneous catalyst comprising a metal, a hydrogen molecule and an electronegative element.

[0104] The solution mixes with the solid Catalyst particles, instantly breaking (decomposing) the H.sub.2O.sub.2 to H.sub.2O and O.sub.2. The reaction is thermogenic, reaching temperatures to 90 C. The gas produced by the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide flows out of the reactor and through the catalytic filter 14.

[0105] The reaction chamber can additionally comprise a pressure valve. In some embodiments the pressure valve is configured to regulate the pressure in the reaction chamber by releasing excess gas or by regulating the solution flow rate. Regulation of the flow rate by the pressure valve can be conducted directly or by the control unit.

[0106] 14) Catalytic Filter

[0107] The catalytic filter 14 is constructed to decompose any hydrogen peroxide that has been vaporized or distilled by the decomposition reaction. The filter can be constructed of the same catalyst as the reactor or of another catalyst.

[0108] 15) Cooling Unit and Water Tank

[0109] Gas that flows through the filter 14 passes into a cooling unit 15. The cooling unit is configured to cool the gas, condensing the water vapor into liquid water. The cooling unit enables the liquid to be drained into a tank. In some embodiments, the cooling unit enables draining throughout the length of the cooling unit. In some embodiments the liquid is drained instantly and continuously. The water tank holds the water and can be drained.

[0110] 16) Hydrophobic Membrane

[0111] Gas that passes through the cooling unit 15 passes through a hydrophobic membrane (or filter) to remove any water vapor that was not condensed throughout the cooling unit. The filter can be a membrane.

[0112] 17) Oxygen Flow Regulator

[0113] An oxygen flow regulator comprises a flow meter that measures the amount of Oxygen that passes the filter 16. The flow meter can regulate the feeding unit to ensure that the flow of oxygen is continuous and at the required level. The flow regulator can also measure the temperature of the gas to make sure that the oxygen is not too hot for the patient. In some embodiments the flow regulator additionally comprises a valve for regulating the oxygen flow. The valve can be manual, mechanical or electro-mechanical. In some embodiments the valve is controlled by the user, the control unit or directly by the flow meter.

[0114] 18) Control and Display Unit and Power Source

[0115] A display unit can display all of the critical device parameters: oxygen flow, oxygen temperature, water tank content level, reservoir level, system pressure, battery power level etc.

[0116] In some embodiments, the system additionally comprises a biosensor. In some embodiments, the biosensor is an O.sub.2 blood saturation sensor that is connected to a patient. The sensor can be connected to the control unit to track the saturation level of the patient. In some embodiments, the control unit is configured to control the Oxygen flow rate according to the O.sub.2 saturation level of the patient. The control unit can control the oxygen rate by regulating the exit valve or the feeding unit.

[0117] The control and display unit can also track the overall status of the system, such as usage status, catalyst status, maintenance etc.

[0118] 19) Exit Tube

[0119] The final oxygen produced exits the device and can then be delivered to a patient or stored for later use.

[0120] Reference is now made to FIG. 2. It is within the scope of this patent to disclose a specific embodiment of the invention, an example of a device 20, comprising:

[0121] A hydrogen peroxide (H.sub.2O.sub.2) Cartridge 21: H.sub.2O.sub.2 [50%-60%] is the substrate of the chemical reaction, producing H.sub.2O and O.sub.2. The cartridge volume is 750-1000 ml, sufficient to produce a flow of 10 l/min O.sub.2 for 30-45 min. The cartridge designed to be instantly replaceable once it gets empty, enabling continues flow of O.sub.2.

[0122] Peristaltic Pump 22: The peristaltic pump drives the H.sub.2O.sub.2 from the cartridge to the Reaction Chamber, where the chemical reaction takes place. The pump speed (RPM) is controlled by the Control unit (5)

[0123] Reaction Chamber 23 (RC): H.sub.2O.sub.2 flow into the RC, mixing with the solid Catalyst particles, instantly breaking (decomposing) the H.sub.2O.sub.2 to H.sub.2O and O.sub.2. The reaction is thermogenic, reaching to 90 C. and creating a constant Power up to 1,500 W.

[0124] Exiting the RC are O.sub.2, H.sub.2O as steam, and some liquid and gaseous H.sub.2O.sub.2. The flow of the reaction products (O.sub.2, H.sub.2O) is directly proportional to the pump RPM (the reaction is saturated with Catalyst). A pressure gauge 24a tracks the pressure in the RC. In cases of excess pressure a pressure valve 24b can release excess gas.

[0125] Catalyst Filter 25: The mixed steam exiting the RC is directed into a filter, packed with catalytic particles. Traces of H.sub.2O.sub.2 (liquid or gaseous) are chemically decomposed to O.sub.2 and H.sub.2O, preventing any corrosive H.sub.2O.sub.2 reaching the patient.

[0126] Heat Sink Air Cooling System 26a (HS): The mixed steam exiting the Catalyst Filter flows straight into an active air cooling system. While going through the system condensation takes place, water is pouring down through holes at the bottom of each curve within the HS. This arrangement directs efficiently the HS cooling capacity towards low mass steam condensation, rather than cooling high mass water. An Electric Fan 26b (60 W) is used as the active component of the cooling system.

[0127] Water is collected into a water tank 27 of 1000 cc, and drained out timely through a solenoid controlled tap.

[0128] Hydrophobic membrane 28: Humid O.sub.2 exiting the cooling system flows through a hydrophobic membrane, filtering traces of water. Liquid within the O.sub.2 pipe can interfere with accurately measuring the O.sub.2 flow.

[0129] O.sub.2 Flow Meter: A Heat 29a and Mass O.sub.2 flow 29b meter is used for real-time flow measurement of the gas exiting the device 29c.

[0130] Reference is now made to FIG. 3, describing a cooling system 30. The cooling air is generated by a fan 31 and funneled 32 to an area 33 surrounding the pipe containing the oxygen and water vapor generated by the reactor 34. The gas stream is then de-humidified by a hydrophobic membrane 35 before exiting the system 36, to be provided to a patient.

[0131] Reference is now made to FIG. 4 describing a heat sink system 40. The steam 41 enters the sink at one end of the heat sink. As the gas is cooled, and the water vapor is converted to liquid, it is drained 42 to that the amount of water that exits the system 43 is limited. FIG. 4 presents the cooling unit of FIG. 3 at a 90 rotation on the Y axis.

[0132] Reference is now made to FIG. 5, another description of the cooling unit 50, where the pipe containing the oxygen and water vapor generated by the reactor 51 is surrounded by the cooling air 52 and cooling flaps 53. The dehumidified oxygen exits the system via a connection 54 while the water that is condensed is removed to a holding tank 55. FIG. 5 presents the cooling unit of FIG. 4 at a 90 rotation on the Z axis.