Abstract: The present invention is directed to an apparatus and a method for continuously removing water vapor from a closed loop, re-circulated gas flow in an ion mobility spectrometer using a water permeable membrane, having a first side and a second side opposite the first side. The gas flow is disposed adjacent and carried past the first side to deposit water vapor that passes through the membrane to the second side. An exhaust flow is disposed adjacent and carried passed the second side of the membrane to remove the water vapor from the system. Therefore, the water removal apparatus continuously regenerates in-situ. Heaters, heat sinks and additional treatment systems including charcoal filters can also be included in the system to enhance its performance.

Abstract: A reconnaissance pod for viewing a scene has a structural backbone extending generally parallel to a pod axis, a forward housing affixed to the backbone, and an aft housing affixed to the backbone. The aft housing is separated from the forward housing along the pod axis. A central housing is mounted between the forward housing and the aft housing along the pod axis. The central housing includes a central body, a window through the central body, and at least a portion of a sensor assembly supported within the central housing from the forward housing and/or the aft housing. A rotational drive assembly has a forward support rotationally supporting the central body from the forward housing, with a forward bearing oriented to permit rotation of the central housing about the pod axis. The rotational drive assembly also includes an aft support rotationally supporting the central body from the aft housing, with an aft bearing oriented to permit rotation of the central housing about the pod axis.