Abstract: A device for adsorbing water vapor from a gas stream. The device can be incorporated with an enclosure or garment in such a manner so as to enable water vapor to be adsorbed, thereby decreasing the relative humidity in the micrlimate surrounding the user. The water adsorption device is light-weight, has a high mass and volumetric energy capacity. A desiccant material is included within the water adsorption device to adsorb water vapor and a phase-change material is located in thermal communication with the desiccant to increase the loading capacity of the desiccant and maintain a cool gas stream by extracting the heat of adsorption from the desiccant.

Abstract: Novel sorption cooling devices capable of providing cooling over an extended period of time are disclosed. The sorption cooling devices are particularly useful for temperature-controlled shipping containers that are required to maintain a temperature below ambient for a time sufficient to complete delivery of the container and its contents. The shipping containers can be utilized to cost-effectively transport temperature-sensitive products.

Abstract: A flat-panel display is fabricated according to a process in which a liquid-containing film (92, 116, 124, 132, 144, or 166) is formed over a substrate (80). In addition to suitable liquid, the liquid-containing film contains oxide or/and hydroxide. Liquid is removed from the liquid-containing film to convert it into a solid porous film (82 or 150) having (a) a porosity of at least 10% along an exposed face of the film, (b) an average resistivity of 108-1014 ohm-cm at 25° C., and (c) an average thickness of no more than 20 &mgr;m. A spacer (24) formed with at least a segment of the substrate and overlying solid porous film is positioned between opposing first and second plate structures (20 and 22) of the display. The second plate structure (22) emits light upon receiving electrons emitted by the first plate structure (20).

Abstract: A sorption cooling device capable of providing cooling over an extended period of time. The sorption cooling device is particularly useful in a temperature-controlled shipping container that is required to maintain a temperature below ambient for an extended period of time. In one embodiment, the cooling device includes a means for restricting the flow of refrigerant liquid to control the degree of cooling over an extended period of time.

Abstract: A sorption cooling device adapted to cool a gas or liquid flowing through a conduit. The cooling device has a high cooling density and a user can independently control the cooling rate. The cooling device can be incorporated in a number of apparatus and in one embodiment is incorporated in a personnel cooling apparatus, such as a closed-loop breathing apparatus or a body cooler.

Abstract: A sorption cooling device adapted to cool a gas or liquid flowing through a conduit. The cooling device has a high cooling density and a user can independently control the cooling rate. The cooling device can be incorporated in a number of apparatus and in one embodiment is incorporated in a personnel cooling apparatus, such as a closed-loop breathing apparatus or a body cooler.

Abstract: A temperature-controlled container utilizing a sorption cooling unit to maintain the temperature within the container. The sorption cooling unit cools the interior of the container and rejects waste heat to the exterior. The sorption cooling unit provides a lightweight and low volume alternative to the traditional gel pack cooling systems that are commonly used in the modern shipping industry for shipping containers.

Abstract: A desiccant composition and a method for making the desiccant composition. The dessicant composition includes an absorbent such as calcium chloride or lithium chloride which is impregnated onto a highly porous support such as activated carbon that has well controlled porosity characteristics. The material is particularly useful for absorbing high levels of water.