RICH INTERNATIONAL TRADE CO .,LTD

Summary of the oxygen generator
According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an oxygen generator comprising:

 

    * (a) chemical oxygen generating means for generating oxygen when ignited; and
    * (b) ignition means for igniting the generating means to initiate oxygen generation from the generating means,
      the generating means being arranged during operation to sustain propagation of a plurality of burn fronts therethrough, the fronts propagating in generally mutually different directions.

The oxygen generators means may, for example, comprise at least one first element positioned and arranged for ignition by the igniting means, and a plurality of second elements each positioned and arranged for ignition by a first element, so that in operation a plurality of burn fronts is propagated through the at least one first element and through the plurality of second elements, the direction of propagation of one of the burn fronts differing from the direction of propagation of at least one other of the burn fronts.

The ignition means may, for example, be located in the central region of a PSA nitrogen generator of a generally cylindrical shape, the length of the generator being greater than its diameter so that in operation two burn fronts are propagated from the central region toward opposite ends of the generator. In this case also, there are preferably provided at least one first element of the generating means arranged for ignition by the ignition means and a plurality of second elements for ignition by a first element. As will be explained in greater detail below, there may be a succession of elements extending toward one or preferably both ends of the nitrogen generator, each arranged for ignition by the immediately preceding element.

The oxygen generators is of advantage in that the generator is capable of providing a more accurately controlled supply of oxygen, and/or distributing heat generated within the generating means more uniformly in operation.