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OXON Forms to Produce Rechargable Breathing Systems for Mining and The Military

BOISE, Idaho — OXON Medical LifeSystems, Inc. has formed to develop non-pressurized, non-explosive, non-flammable breathing systems for the mining industry and military. Founder and president is Frank Fosella Jr., who resigned last year as chairman of OX-GEN. OX-GEN was the first company to receive approval from the federal Food and Drug Administration for a non-pressurized, non-explosive, non-flammable emergency oxygen system that can be sold without a prescription.

“OXON will concentrate on a new, safer generation of breathing systems for the mining and military market,” Fosella said. He expects to submit prototypes of the rechargeable, hybrid breathing systems this fall for certification for the mining industry by the National Institute for Occupational Health and Safety in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The devices are known as self-contained, self-rescue units or SCSRs. Congress last year passed legislation requiring units that supply at least two hours of oxygen for all workers in underground mines. Most SCSRs currently approved by NIOSH rely on either compressed oxygen or oxygen-generating chemicals such as potassium superoxide, which is corrosive. Whether potentially explosive or a harsh respiratory irritant, each poses potential dangers for the user.

OXON’s SCSR sharply contrasts with existing products by rejecting compressed oxygen and utilizing benign chemicals to both produce oxygen and “scrub” carbon dioxide from exhaled breath. Additionally, OXON’s new SCSR is dockable, or rechargeable, to protect users for very long periods of time without interrupting their oxygen supply. A hybrid filter component will extend the usability of the system after oxygen generation is depleted. Compact size and ease of use are also of utmost importance. In addition, Fosella said, OXON plans research and development in the area of plasma and freeze-dried human red blood cells for waste-free, on-demand use in space and military programs. OXON is headquartered in Boise. Additional information is available by telephone at 208-342-1682. Fax is 208-342-1690.

OXON Medical LifeSystems, Inc., has developed the Charger 10 and Charger 150, respectively offering 10 and 150 minutes of oxygen, specifically for the mining industry. A miner can carry a 10-minute supply of oxygen on his belt, giving him time to reach a Charger 150 for an extended supply of oxygen. The breathing system is non-pressurized, non-explosive, and non-flammable. OXON Medical LifeSystems, Inc., has developed the Charger 10 specifically for the mining industry. The breathing system is nonpressurized, non-explosive, and non-flammable.