Air enhancement system

Abstract

An oxygen enrichment system is provided. The system includes an electrochemical cell for generating oxygen from ambient air. The electrochemical cell extracts oxygen from ambient air based on hydroxide conduction. A mixer is provided in fluid communication with ambient air, and an outlet provides oxygen enriched air to a user or air-breathing apparatus. In further embodiments, a purification system is also included. The air enrichment system may be employed with suitable batteries to provide a portable air enrichment device.

1 - 17 . (Canceled)  
     
     
         18 . An oxygen enrichment system comprising: 
 an electrochemical cell for generating oxygen through hydroxide conduction;    a mixer coupled to said electrochemical cell, wherein said mixer mixes oxygen generated by said electrochemical cell with ambient air;    an outlet coupled to said mixer, wherein enriched air is expelled.    
     
     
         19 . The oxygen enrichment system as in  claim 18 , where the electrochemical cell comprises a first electrode, a second electrode, an electrolyte in ionic communication with the first electrode and the second electrode.  
     
     
         20 . The oxygen enrichment system as in  claim 19 , wherein the electrolyte comprises an ion conducting membrane.  
     
     
         21 . The oxygen enrichment system as in  claim 20 , wherein the ion conducting membrane comprises a hydroxide conducting membrane.  
     
     
         22 . The oxygen enrichment system as in  claim 21 , wherein the hydroxide conducting membrane comprises a gelatinous alkaline material.  
     
     
         23 . The oxygen enrichment system as in  claim 21 , wherein the hydroxide conducting membrane comprises an aqueous electrolyte.  
     
     
         24 . The oxygen enrichment system as in  claim 20 , wherein the ion conducting membrane comprises an anion exchange membrane.  
     
     
         25 . The oxygen enrichment system as in  claim 18 , further comprising a power source.  
     
     
         26 . The oxygen enrichment system as in  claim 25 , wherein the power source comprises a battery.  
     
     
         27 . The oxygen enrichment system as in  claim 26 , further comprising a controller for controlling the amount of oxygen from the oxygen source.