Abstract: Various implementations of a freeze-drying method are described where the material is cooled by reducing the pressure in a chamber to evaporate and/or sublimate water in the material. In one implementation, the material is dried in the chamber by sublimating ice in the material to water vapor. In another implementation, the freeze-drying method includes actively cooling the chamber. In another implementation, at least a portion of the water vapor is deposited on an actively cooled interior surface of the chamber. In another implementation, the freeze-drying method includes cooling the material to ?25° F. or below. In another implementation, the material is cooled at approximately ambient pressure to 30° F. or below and then cooled by reducing the pressure in the chamber.

Abstract: A freeze drying method including vacuuming freezing food, confirming operational status of at least one of a pressure sensor, a temperature sensor, a heating system, a cooling system, and/or a vacuum pump, and/or performing at least one of pre-frozen or not frozen status check, a chamber pre-freezing process, a vacuum leak check, a drying process, a final dry process, including any of such processes described in the specification.

Abstract: A freeze drying method includes decreasing pressure to a first vacuum pressure and, as a result of reaching the first pressure, a control system automatically activating a heater. The method includes sublimating solid water, increasing pressure to a second vacuum pressure greater than the first pressure, and, as a result of reaching the second pressure, the control system automatically deactivating the heater. As a result, a decrease in pressure, pressure-activated heater activation, material heating, water sublimation, and increase in pressure occur, accomplishing pressure-activated heater cycling. Another freeze drying method includes decreasing a temperature in a chamber to ?50° F. or less using a refrigeration system with single-stage compression and sublimating solid water at a vacuum pressure. A freeze drying apparatus includes a chamber, a vacuum pump, a heater, and a control system programmed with instructions operable to accomplish pressure-activated heater cycling.

Abstract: A dome hub includes a body and a spoke extending radially from the body. The spoke is configured to receive a dome strut. The spoke includes a strut band configured to receive an end of a dome strut. A dome assembly kit includes a strut and a hub. The hub retains the strut within a spoke without threaded fasteners when assembled. The spoke includes a strut band that receives an end of the strut when assembled. A dome assembly method includes using a hub with a spoke and a strut band. The method includes using a strut and inserting the strut into the spoke. The strut is retained within the spoke without threaded fasteners. The method includes sliding the strut toward a center of the hub until an end of the strut is positioned against the strut band.

Abstract: A dome hub includes a body and a spoke extending radially from the body. The spoke is configured to receive a dome strut. The spoke includes a strut band configured to receive an end of a dome strut. A dome assembly kit includes a strut and a hub. The hub retains the strut within a spoke without threaded fasteners when assembled. The spoke includes a strut band that receives an end of the strut when assembled. A dome assembly method includes using a hub with a spoke and a strut band. The method includes using a strut and inserting the strut into the spoke. The strut is retained within the spoke without threaded fasteners. The method includes sliding the strut toward a center of the hub until an end of the strut is positioned against the strut band.