02/21/07
SeQual Technologies Inc, San Diego, will be receiving the Outstanding Manufacturing Engineering Project Award from the San Diego County Engineering Council for its introduction of the Eclipse® Oxygen System. The award will be presented on Friday, February 23 at the Joan Kroc Institute for Peace and Justice on the University of San Diego campus as part of the 55th Annual National Engineers Week.
The commercial launch of the Eclipse in August 2006 marked the debut of an oxygen system envisioned by SeQual chairman and CEO Jim Bixby and his technology experts to meet the needs of an aging yet active generation. This Eclipse allows previously homebound patients to have a lifestyle of freedom and independence, freeing them from stationary home oxygen concentrators and compressed gas cylinder technology.
Bixby said the continued recognition of the Eclipse is a testament to quality of therapy it provides to oxygen patients as well as the cost savings it offers home health care providers.
“Over one million Americans on oxygen therapy now have the ability to travel around town or around the world because of the Eclipse,” said Bixby. “The scientific innovation and development required to make this achievement possible was substantial. We are pleased to have our work recognized as on the cutting-edge of what is possible.”
Developed over 5 years at a cost of $12 million, the Eclipse weighs 17 pounds, has a retractable handle and wheels for mobility, and is about the size of a student’s backpack.
The Outstanding Manufacturing Engineering Project Award recognizes an exceptional project brought to fulfillment within the past five years through design and production that benefits the general public. To be eligible, the project must have been constructed or produced in San Diego County. The National Engineering Week San Diego Committee, comprised of representatives from local engineering societies and engineering schools, judges the nominations.
