Abstract: One aspect of the disclosure provides a system for storing a cryogenic mixture of liquid air and providing a source of breathable air. In an embodiment, the system comprises an insulated storage vessel, a cryocooler, and a vaporizing unit. The insulated storage vessel contains a cryogenic mixture of liquid air comprising liquid nitrogen (LN2) and liquid oxygen (LO2) The cryocooler is mounted to an exterior of the storage vessel to condense liquid air that vaporizes within the storage vessel, thereby returning the vaporized liquid air to a liquid phase such that concentrations of the LN2 and LO2 in the cryogenic mixture remain approximately constant. The vaporizing unit is external of the storage vessel and is in fluid communication with an interior of the storage vessel. Liquid air from the interior of the storage vessel passes through, vaporizes, and exits the vaporizing unit as the breathable air.

Abstract: An apparatus for storing liquid air (a cryogenic mixture of about 80% liquid nitrogen and about 20% liquid oxygen) in a stable condition within a storage vessel by providing a heat exchanger in fluid communication with vaporized liquid air within vessel condense the vaporized liquid air back to liquid form. This will result in condensing the nitrogen-rich vapor into the mass as a liquid, thereby reducing ullage pressure, cooling the mass, and ultimately precluding oxygen-enrichment through boil-off. A cryocooler may be mounted externally to the vessel and in fluid communication with an interior of the vessel to condense liquid air vaporized within the vessel. The system may be used to supply air to safe haven areas of a mine or building, or piped in through a building HVAC system and/or mounted on vehicle.

Abstract: An apparatus or system is provided for withdrawing a cryogenic liquid from a container. The liquid may be drawn from the container independent of the orientation of the container. The apparatus includes a conduit having a flexible metallic hose portion and a metallic head. The flexible hose portion has a first end in fluid communication with an outlet portal of the container and a second end to which the head is attached.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention comprises an apparatus or system for withdrawing a cryogenic liquid from a container wherein the liquid may be drawn from the container independent of the orientation of the container. The apparatus comprises a conduit having a flexible metallic hose portion and a metallic head. The flexible hose portion has a first end in fluid communication with an outlet portal of the container and a second end to which the head is attached.