Abstract: In addition to oxygen concentrator apparatus utilizing two zeolite beds and alternating, pressure controlled pressurization and exhaust cycles, with a swash plate cylindrical pump having a pressure sensitive idle mode, improved oxygen concentrator apparatus is also disclosed. The improved oxygen concentrator apparatus has an isothermal, high volume, low pressure air flow system with unrestricted air conducting lines and ports throughout for more efficient and effective oxygen production. It includes a unique rotary vane pump designed for essentially isothermal air pumping and has precision collet mounted rotor with centering apparatus, tapered vanes for reduced wear and erosion, and combination cast iron pump chamber liner with external aluminum finned casing to enhance both durability and heat dissipation. It also includes a combination double one-way and balancer valve for controlling the flow of oxygen-enriched air downstream from the zeolite beds.

Abstract: The disclosure of this invention includes a pressure swing adsorption oxygen concentrator having a plurality of zeolitic molecular sieve beds. The pressure and air flow in each bed is alternately charged between pressurizing and air flow in one direction to bleeding and counter flow in the opposite direction. Each time this change occurs, additional oxygen enriched gas from the pressurized bed to increase the incremental oxygen purity. These changes in this invention are initiated by a pressure sensitive transducer which detects a predetermined upper pressure limit. The air compressor drive includes a spring-biased swash plate which reciprocates the piston rods of reciprocating piston compressor pumps.