Apparatus and methods for improving the safety and efficiency and
decreasing the cost of producing liquid oxygen with a small-scale use
liquefaction device, according to various embodiments of the present
invention. In one embodiment, a switch is electrically coupled to a
storage dewar pressurizing means, the switch positioned to be activated
by a portable dewar upon engagement of portable dewar with storage dewar.
Cryocooler and/or cooling fan enter low power mode when dewar liquid
level reaches a predetermined level, and to return to a fall power mode
when dewar liquid level drops to another predetermined level. A cold
finger of the cryocooler extends within the dewar and may prevent
overfilling of the dewar. The cold finger has a temperature gradient. As
the gas liquefies and fills the dewar, the liquid level rises only to a
level on the cold finger at which the temperature exceeds the boiling
point of oxygen.