Portable Oxygen Generator

This SBIR program will produce a portable oxygen concentrator that weighs less than seven pounds, consumes less than 100 watts, and delivers oxygen continuously at 4 liters per minute. Our approach combines an advanced gas compressor with SeQual's recent breakthroughs in Pressure-Swing Adsorption (PSA). In Phase I, we will test two candidate compressors: a spherical-piston design and linear piston design with an integrated motor. Other tasks will include (1) testing new simulation techniques to enable further improvements in the PSA cycle, (2) a design study and performance projections and (3) supporting form-fit-function analysis by Integrated Medical Systems (IMS) of an oxygen source for the LSTAT evacuation platform. In Phase II, we will demonstrate the new system, and provide a breadboard unit for inte-gration into LSTAT. Phase III product development will result in building units for the LSTAT oxygen source, a medic-portable unit and commercial systems for civilian trauma care and medical oxygen in the home. This program brings together (1) our unique PSA technology, (2) our record of success in commercializing PSA systems, (3) our ongoing collaboration with IMS, (4) advanced simulation software from the University of South Carolina and (5) innovative compressor designs from SynClast, Inc. and Aker Industries.