Rotary valve for an oxygen generator

Abstract

A breathing system control valve having a housing with a distribution chamber therein which communicates with a source of air under pressure. A shaft which extends into the distribution chamber engages a plurality of discs and is operatively connected to a motor which provides the shaft with a rotative torque to alternately communicate air under pressure through a portion of the discs to either a first chamber or a second chamber wherein an oxygen enriched product effluent is developed while another portion of the discs allows a purge fluid from the other of the first and second chambers to escape to the atmosphere. Prior to the transfer of the air under pressure from one of the first and second chambers to the other, an equalization passage is opened to permit communication therebetween to establish a rapid operational build-up of air under pressure.