Abstract: A device for directly measuring a person's respiratory exchange ratio (RER) utilizes a Zn-air battery cell and a constant current load circuit as an O2 pump capable of drawing oxygen from expired air. A thermistor located in the flow path forms a leg of a bridge circuit whose output is proportional to oxygen concentration in the expired air and, therefore, to oxygen uptake. The thermistor flowmeter circuit utilizes the thermal conductivity differences between O2 and CO2 to provide a measure at the relative ratio of the two gases present.

Abstract: A peak flow meter is described with a body having a sample channel and at least one bypass channel. One of at least two flow range scales may be selected using a flow range selector to adjust the sensitivity of the peak flow meter. A flow range selection indicator provides visual reference as to which flow range scale has been selected. A peak flow calculator used in cooperation with zone indicators on the peak flow meter permits a user to customize the peak flow meter for that user's predicted personal best exhalation range.

Abstract: A needle set for a biopsy device is disclosed. The needle set includes an outer member, a cylinder lumen within said outer member, an inner member having a cannula and an inner lumen. The inner member is slidably disposed within the cylinder lumen. The biopsy device also includes a cylinder seal member that is disposed within the cylinder lumen and a cannula seal member attached to the outer surface of the cannula. The cylinder seal member and the cannula seal member define a vacuum chamber therebetween.

Abstract: A system and method for measuring volumes and areas using electromagnetic induction techniques. A current is generated and fed into one of two coil assemblies to induce voltage into another coil assembly to provide accurate values for volume or area.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus and a process for optimized electro-hydraulic pressure pulse generation that records characteristic parameters which can be measured insusceptible to error and compared with set values. The object of the invention is achieved by an apparatus in which an electro-hydraulic shock wave system is provided with a measuring and control device (13a, 13b) that measures the discharge current between the electrode tips (4, 5), and a process that influences the system parameters by means of the apparatus.

Abstract: A method for obtaining an assist torque to be applied to a human joint, in a human assist system in order to reduce the load on muscles, according to the present invention comprises the step of obtaining a moment due to gravity, acting on a joint of each human segment, based on equations of force and moment balance on each segment. The method further comprises the step of obtaining an assist torque to be applied to the joint to compensate for the moment due to gravity, acting on the joint. In one embodiment of the present invention, various criteria are used such as mechanical energy, metabolic energy and/or a stability/equilibrium factor. In addition, the present invention can account for the situation where there is substantially no relative motion between segments of a given joint and thus, where the mechanical energy component of gravity compensation is approximately zero.

Abstract: A locking assembly is provided to simply and effectively prevent any unintentional adjustment of the adjustable valve mechanism in a fluid flow control device, without compromising the function of the device. The locking assembly generally includes at least one gripping arm for frictionally engaging at least a portion of the adjustable valve mechanism, and an actuating mechanism for controlling the deployment and release of the gripping arm. The locking assembly prevents unintentional adjustments that can adversely affect the pressure settings of the fluid flow control device. In particular, the locking assembly prevents unintentional adjustment, such as may be caused by the presence of a strong external magnetic field. The locking assembly can be easily disengaged, such as through the application or removal of an external mechanical force, to allow a clinician to adjust the pressure settings of the fluid flow control device as necessary.

Abstract: A sympatholytic cardiovascular agent delivered by a drug delivery pump to a central nervous system site to alleviate symptoms of acute or chronic cardiac insult or impaired cardiac performance. The drug delivery pump can be external or implantable infusion pump (IIP) coupled with a drug infusion catheter extending to the site. A patient activator can command delivery of a dosage and/or an implantable heart monitor (IHM) coupled with a sensor can detect physiologic parameters associated with cardiac insult or impaired cardiac performance and trigger dosage delivery. The IIP and IHM can be combined into a single implantable medical device (IMD) or can constitute separate IMDs that communicate by any of known communication mechanisms. The sympatholytic cardiovascular agent is one of the group consisting of an alpha-adrenergic agonist and an alpha2-adrenergic agonist (e.g.

Abstract: A passive shield system for a syringe including a body, shield, spring and ring which provide an interlock of the shield in the retracted position prior to receipt of the syringe for bulk transportation and processing and wherein the user selects the timing of the release of the shield to its extended position following injection, but which assures shielding of the syringe needle following release of the syringe plunger.

Abstract: The support device (3) is adapted to be secured to the front face (4) of the injector, and to position an angiographic syringe (1) having a body (7) that presents an outwardly-directed projection (30), the cross-section of the body at the location of said projection being non-circular. The device which is extended forwards by a cradle (23) for supporting the syringe body, includes an upwardly-open recess (24) that presents firstly a non-circular cross-section that is complementary to a portion of the cross-section of the syringe body at the location of said projection, and secondly an abutment front face for said projection. The recess (24) includes a central portion (31) of circularly-arcuate cross-section, which portion is extended by two diametrically-opposite notches (32).

Abstract: An improved reservoir is provided for use in a medication infusion device for operating the reservoir to administer a fluid to a patient. The reservoir comprises a hollow barrel adapted to receive a supply of fluid for delivery through infusion tubing or the like to the patient, in combination with a reservoir plunger. The reservoir plunger is designed to engage a motor-driven lead screw of the medication infusion device. The reservoir plunger has an integral split nut connector formed on the end of the plunger, which is in co-axial alignment with the lead screw whereby the split nut connector can be engaged directly to the lead screw.

Abstract: A molded trocar latch apparatus for locking a safety shield in position is described. The molded latch includes a trocar housing and a shield. The housing has a first monolithically formed cap and a monolithically formed base. A latch mechanism, including a slider and a latch, may be monolithically formed with either the base or the cap of the housing. The slider and the latch are operatively connected to move the latch between a locked and an unlocked position. The latch in the locked position is configured to engage a ledge on the shield and at least stop further proximal movement of the shield that could unintentionally expose the blade of the trocar.

Abstract: An assembly structured to selectively orient a seal between an open position and a closed position. The assembly includes an expander structure disposable into a seal open or a seal closed orientation by being rotated or otherwise movable into and out of forced engagement with predetermined portions of the seal structure. The seal open orientation disposes the seal structure out of engagement with an instrument passing there through and may also facilitate a rapid venting of insufflation gas from an inflated body cavity, such as when the seal positioning assembly is used with a trocar assembly involved in the performance of laprascopic or like surgery. A biasing assembly may be connected to the seal structure to bias it in a normally closed position in the absence of an instrument disposed within the seal structure.

Abstract: A surgical access device including a valve housing and an instrument receiving element mounted in the valve housing having an aperture for flexibly receiving and directing instruments having a wide range of diameters. The instrument receiving element includes a braid or mesh tube generally shaped like an hourglass. The surgical access device may include an access septum seal molded from a gel material. The surgical access device can flexibly engage instruments having diameters ranging from about 3.5 mm to about 12.9 mm.

Abstract: A needleless microprotrusion system for infusion of a medicament into a patient includes a plurality of microprotrusions having a length sufficient to penetrate a stratum corneum of the patient. A chemodenervating agent is disposed for delivery by the microprotrusions and a substrate is provided for supporting the microprotrusions and conforming the microprotrusions to a patient's palm in order to enable uniform penetration of the microprotrusions into the corneum.

Abstract: A card-shaped disposable auto-injector includes a two-step safety mechanism to prevent inadvertent use or activation of the injection mechanism. In one aspect, the auto-injector is sized and shaped so as to be easy to carry in a wallet-shaped case. In one aspect, it is rectangular in shape so as to facilitate carrying and storage, and to provide a relatively large amount of surface space for instructional text, diagrams, identifying information, warnings, and the like.

Abstract: An automatic urine disposal device has a urine collecting pad, vacuum pump, and urine tank. In the urine collecting pad, the top sheet comes in contact with the wearer's skin, the hydrophilic sheet is disposed on the bottom of the top sheet, and the urine absorbent sheet is disposed at the bottom. When discharged urine flows in the top sheet, the hydrophilic sheet widely diffuses urine to saturate its entire surface and then becomes non-breathable. As the vacuum pump vacuums the air from the urine tank, urine is directed from a urine drainage port of the urine collecting pad via a urine drainage tube to the urine tank which is a sealed container.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method includes puncturing, with a piercing element of a hollow connector, an opening of a membrane that encloses the hollow connector in a gas that is essentially sterile. The puncturing of the opening of the membrane generates a laminar flow of the gas along sides of the opening. The method also includes transferring the fluids, through the opening with the piercing element of the hollow connector.

Abstract: A method of inserting a dialysis catheter into a patient comprising the steps of inserting a guidewire into the jugular vein of the patient through the superior vena cava and into the inferior vena cava, providing a trocar having a lumen and a dissecting tip, inserting the trocar to enter an incision in the patient and to create a subcutaneous tissue tunnel, threading the guidewire through the lumen of the trocar so the guidewire extends through the incision, providing a dialysis catheter having first and second lumens, removing the trocar, and inserting the dialysis catheter over the guidewire through the incision and through the jugular vein and superior vena cava into the right atrium.

Abstract: A catheter includes a main body; a first and a second lumen provided in the main body, wherein a first and a second guide wire are insertable in the first and second lumens, respectively; a first inclined surface provided, on a side of the center axis line, such that the first inclined surface is inclined frontward to approach the center axis line; a first opening formed in the first inclined surface and through which the first lumen opens outward; a second inclined surface provided, on the other side of the center axis line, such that the second inclined surface is inclined frontward to approach the center axis line; and a second opening formed in the second inclined surface and through which the second lumen opens outward.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for retrieving a remotely located device equipped with a magnetic coupler is provided. The apparatus includes a magnetic coupling carried at an end of an elongate member for attracting the magnetic coupler of the remotely located device, and aligning the magnetic coupler with the magnetic coupling. A frictional engagement device, substantially housing the magnetic coupling therein, is adapted for trapping the magnetic coupler therein such that a retrieval force applied to the apparatus is transferred to the remotely located device via the frictional engagement device to thereby facilitate sure retrieval of the device as by magnetic mechanical entrapment.

Abstract: A system for performing minimally invasive cardiac procedures. The system includes a pair of surgical instruments that are coupled to a pair of robotic arms. The instruments have end effectors that can be manipulated to hold and suture tissue. The robotic arms are coupled to pair of master handles by a controller. The handles can be moved by the surgeon to produce a corresponding movement of the end effectors. The controller controls and limits movement of robotic arms relative to the patient.

Abstract: An electrosurgical device including a reinforcing underlayment having a non-stick, anti-microbial coating. In one embodiment, the coating includes a non-stick material having anti-microbial particles interspersed in the non-stick material. This coating is applied to the surfaces of the electrode to minimize the build-up of charred tissue on the surfaces of the electrode. Also, the coating tends to kill harmful organisms residing on the surfaces of the electrode. In another embodiment, a primer coating is initially applied to the surfaces of the electrode. A plurality of anti-microbial particles are then applied to the primer coating layer and engage and are embedded in the primer coating layer. A top coat including a non-stick material is applied to the anti-microbial particle layer. In either embodiment, the coating layers applied to the surfaces of the electrode are cured to harden and adhere the layers to the electrode.

Abstract: A bone implantation instrument, punch apparatus and method of forming a recess in a bone are described. The instrument and apparatus include a punch that is extracted from the bone by prying force.

Abstract: A method of closing a puncture in a blood vessel wall, including: positioning a suture placement device in a tissue tract and into a puncture in the blood vessel wall, the placement device having a length of suture with a first end, a second end and a bight between the first and second ends with the bight being prearranged on the device to define a pre-tied knot when the first end of the suture passes through the bight; advancing the first end of the length of suture in a distal direction from the device through a first penetration in the blood vessel wall adjacent to the puncture; guiding the suture length from the first penetration across a proximal side of the puncture to a second penetration adjacent to the puncture opposite the first penetration; and advancing the suture length in a proximal direction through the second penetration, through the device, and through the bight so that the two ends of the suture length are accessible external to the tissue tract for securing the suture across the puncture to

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for controlled grasping and cinching or locking of a tissue anchor are provided. In one variation, a tube is provided having a lumen and a resilient member that obstructs the lumen. A grasper may be advanced coaxially through the lumen, such that it reversibly displaces the resilient member and extends beyond the lumen's outlet to engage an element of the tissue anchor. The grasper then may be retracted within the tube, such that the resilient member again obstructs the lumen of the tube. Continued retraction of the grasper may act to cinch the anchor, for example, via interaction between the anchor and the obstructing resilient member. During cinching, a cinching mechanism of the anchor optionally may be positioned at least partially within the tube to enhance lateral stability. Furthermore, feedback indicative of a degree of cinching or locking may be provided during cinching.

Abstract: The invention relates to shielded reciprocating surgical file system for precisely removing bone and/or other tissue material. The system allows a user to maneuver the system and navigate into hard to access sites under a direct vision mechanism included in the system. A transmission mechanism converts rotary motion from a motor into reciprocating motion and provides it to the surgical file for precision bone and/or tissue removal. A pulsatile pump mechanism is operatively coupled with the transmission mechanism and provides irrigating fluid to the surgical site.

Abstract: A nasal breathing assist device includes a pair of open-ended tubular elements each extending along a central tube axis between a relatively large first end and a relatively small second end, a coupler element extending between the first ends of the tubular elements, and at least one non-resilient tab extends from the first end toward the second end of the tubular element. The tab includes at least one relatively small protrusion extending from a distal end of the tab toward the tubular element. The device may further includes a filer having a peripheral frame contoured to be snap-fitted in an open-faced channel defined within the tubular element. The device may further includes a removable medication carrier which is adapted to bear a therapeutic agent and adapted to insert into the open-faced channel of the tubular element. The tubular element may define at least one channels on an inner surface of the tubular element to receive edges of the medication carrier.

Abstract: A suture anchor system for repairing torn or damaged tissue is provided and generally includes a first suture anchor having at least one length of suture attached thereto, and a second suture anchor having at least one length of suture attached thereto. Each length of suture is coupled to one another such that a distance between the first and second suture anchors with respect to each other can be selectively adjustable. The suture anchor system also preferably includes at least one slip knot that allows the first and second suture anchors to be maintained in a fixed position with respect to one another. In use, the suture anchors can be deployed through tissue to be repaired and into the anchoring tissue at a position spaced apart from one another by a selected distance. The suture length(s) can then be tensioned to re-approximate the torn or damaged tissue toward the anchoring tissue, thereby securely attached the torn tissue to the anchoring tissue.

Abstract: A stent is fabricated utilizing a polymer that is selected for its tendency to degrade from the surface inwardly rather than undergo bulk erosion so as to substantially reduce the risk of large particles becoming detached and being swept downstream. Such polymer is hydrophobic yet has water-labile linkages interconnecting the monomers. Ester or imide bonds are incorporated in the polymer to render the surface degrading materials suitable for use in stent applications. The stent may be coated with such polymer or may be wholly formed therefrom.

Abstract: A device for washing and drying garments or other items in a single unit. The garments or other items are placed in the device on conventional plastic hangers leaving space in between each item. A manifold with arms extends between the items. The manifold moves up and down so that the arms move up and down the length of the items to be treated. The arms have one set of pipes that spray wash water, rinse water and other washing liquids on the items. The arms have another set of pipes that carry air to the items, drying the items. After the cycle is complete the clothes or other items may be left in the device until needed.

Abstract: Nano-particles of calcium and phosphorous compounds are made in a highly pure generally amorphous state by spray drying a weak acid solution of said compound and evaporating the liquid from the atomized spray in a heated column followed by collection of the precipitated particles. Hydroxy apetite (HA) particles formed by such apparatus and methods are examples of particle manufacture useful in bone and dental therapies.

Abstract: The present invention relates to Lithium Metal batteries. In particular, it is related to lithium metal batteries containing a polyimide-based electrolyte. The present invention concerns a new concept of polyimide-based electrolytic component having an electrolyte consisting of at least one solvent and at least one alkali metal salt, with specific amounts of solvents, to optimize the properties of conductivity of the polyimide-based electrolyte and the mechanical properties of the polyimide-based electrolyte separator towards metallic lithium anode to prevent dendrites growths.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fuel gasification furnace including a gasification chamber (1) for fluidizing a high-temperature fluidizing medium therein to form a gasification chamber fluidized bed having an interface, and for gasifying a fuel in the gasification chamber fluidized bed, a char combustion chamber (2) for fluidizing a high-temperature fluidizing medium therein to form a char combustion chamber fluidized bed having an interface, and for combusting char generated by gasification in the gasification chamber (1) in the char combustion chamber fluidized bed to heat the fluidizing medium, and a first energy recovery device (109) for using gases generated by the gasification chamber (1) as a fuel. The gasification chamber (1) and the char combustion chamber (2) are integrated with each other.

Abstract: Internal combustion engine exhaust filter devices and the like are regenerated by placement in a reclamation or burn-off furnace, raising the temperature to at least about 800° F. to 900° F. and conducting relatively low volumes of low pressure air through the filter media to combust entrapped particulates and other materials residing on the filter media. The reclamation furnace includes an afterburner for combusting materials discharged from the filter devices into the furnace chamber so that complete combustion of materials is accomplished before discharge from the furnace. The flow of combustion air for the filter devices is controlled by manifolding and valving connected to a source and the oxygen content of combustion air may be enhanced by a separate source of oxygen injected into the combustion air flow stream.

Abstract: A particle separation apparatus is disclosed. The particle separation apparatus may be for sample air stream preparation and delivery in particle detection systems. The particle separation apparatus may include a first vortex separator coupled to a second vortex separator for selecting particles in the air stream that are within a desirable size range for particle detection. The second vortex separator may further increase the concentration of particles within the desirable size range per unit volume. The particle separation apparatus may deliver the size-selected air stream to a detector, such as a laser-induced fluorescence detection system.

Abstract: A filtration apparatus for use in a system containing a gas or vapor to be cleaned. The apparatus has at least one housing for a filter that removes contaminants from a gas or vapor. The housing contains an inlet portion and an outlet portion in association with valves for closing or regulating the flow of gas or vapors to be cleaned by the filter. A differential pressure gauge is optionally provided to monitor the pressure in the housing and to indicate when the filter should be replaced. One or more housings can be used for the apparatus.

Abstract: The invention relates to a liquid/gas state separating device capable of separating the molecules of vapour (V) of a liquid evaporating under the effect of a partial vacuum (31) maintained by pumping means from drops (L) of said liquid carried along by the flow of vapour (V), characterised in that it comprises a vapour deflector (50) and a drop collector (60), the vapour deflector (50) imposing at least one sudden change of direction on the flow of vapour (V).

Abstract: A hollow filter element for removing material that is entrained in a gas stream. The filter element comprises a wall of a filtration medium which defines a hollow space so that a gas stream can flow from the space through the wall in order to be filtered. The wall comprises a filtration layer, and a drainage layer located outside the filtration layer in which liquid separated from the gas stream can collect. The filter element further comprises first and second end caps at opposite ends of the space, the first end cap including an inlet for a gas stream to be supplied to the space. The drainage layer extends from the wall over at least a part of the external surface of second end cap, over the face thereof which faces away from the first end cap.

Abstract: The invention is a device for purifying drinking water that has at least one fibrous structure. Preferably, there is an upstream and downstream fibrous structure. Each fibrous structure is a mixture of nano alumina fibers and second fibers arranged in a matrix to create asymmetric pores and to which fine, ultrafine, or nanosize particles are attached. Preferably, the device has an upstream antimicrobial for sterilization of retained microbes. The device is substantially more efficient at removing soluble contaminants such as halogens from a fluid stream than those previously available and is also able to retain turbidity, bacteria, and virus.

Abstract: Metal graphite material including a molded body having a collectivity of graphite particles and copper particles comprises graphite and copper as main elements, the copper particles including copper microparticles where each copper microparticle having average diameter between 5 and 100 nm contacts, and a cluster of the copper microparticles fixed on a surface of the graphite particle to form a conductive path of the contacting copper microparticles on the surface of the graphite particle, wherein a charge induced from the graphite particle is conducted, and a method for making metal graphite material comprises the steps of: applying a solution including metal complex whose main element is copper on a surface of a graphite particle and forming a coating film of the solution on the surface of the graphite particle, and calcinating a molded body of a collectivity of the graphite particles on which the coating films are formed under an oxygen including atmosphere, and heating the molded body under a deoxidizing

Abstract: The invention concerns a powder metallurgical composition comprising a major amount of an iron-based metal powder and a minor amount of carbon black. The amount of carbon black is between 0.001 and 0.2% by weight, preferably between 0.01 to 0.1% by weight.

Abstract: Provided is a novel system and apparatus for producing primary standard gas mixtures. The system includes providing a gas permeation device having a constant diffusion rate into a temperature controlled enclosure; connecting a supply source of a component to the permeation device; routing the component from the gas permeation device to a product container until a desired amount of said component in the product container is reached; and supplying a balance of purified gas to the product container to obtain a known concentration of component in the primary standard gas mixture.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are taught for selectively oxidizing carbon monoxide in a source of gas containing carbon monoxide and hydrogen. A gas containing carbon monoxide and hydrogen is fed into a membrane reactor (10, 50, 60) capable of selectively absorbing the carbon monoxide. Preferably, the reactor comprises a substantially defect-free zeolite membrane (4) having at one metal that acts as an oxidation catalyst. The zeolite membrane (4) may be supported on a porous ceramic support (2, 52, 61) and the average pore diameter is preferably between about 0.3 nm and about 1.0 nm. Moreover, the substantially defect-free zeolite membrane (4) preferably has a thickness between about 0.1 micron and about 50.0 microns. The at least one metal is preferably capable of selectively oxidizing the carbon monoxide and is preferably platinum. Preferably, the temperature of reactor housing is maintained at about 200-300° C.

Abstract: In a multiphase hydrogen permeation alloy comprising a phase in charge of hydrogen permeation and a phase in charge of hydrogen embrittlement resistance, a structure in which the phase in charge of hydrogen permeability is continuously interconnected and in which more preferably the growth direction of the aforementioned phase in charge of hydrogen permeation lies aligned in the thickness direction of the permeation membrane. As the hydrogen permeation alloy, an Nb—Ti—Co alloy is exemplified, wherein the phase in charge of hydrogen permeability is made of an (Nb, Ti) phase and the aforementioned phase in charge of hydrogen embrittlement resistance is made of a CoTi phase. By virtue of the fact that the growth direction of the phase in charge of hydrogen permeation lies aligned in the thickness direction of the permeation membrane, the hydrogen permeation pass length becomes short to give further improved hydrogen permeation property.

Abstract: The present disclosure, in embodiments, provides a compound of the formula where R1, R2, R3, n, and m are as defined in the specification. The disclosure also provides an article including: a fused silica capillary column treated with a compound of the formula (I), and optionally coated with a stationary phase. The disclosure also provides a separation method, including chromatographing a mixture of compounds on the article.

Abstract: Method for the separation of a gas mixture comprising providing a pressure swing adsorption system having a plurality of adsorber vessels, wherein each vessel has an inlet, an outlet, and a bed of particulate adsorbent material disposed therein. The adsorbent material is selective for the adsorption of one or more components from the gas mixture, and each bed of adsorbent material is characterized by a bed depth and by an average particle diameter less than about 1.3 mm. A feed step is carried out during a feed time period wherein the gas mixture is introduced into the adsorber vessel, one or more components are selectively adsorbed from the gas mixture, and a product gas is withdrawn from the adsorber vessel. The bed depth in feet times the dimensionless ratio of the empty bed residence time to the feed time period is less than about 4.

Abstract: An electret filter media that includes a thermoplastic resin and a compound of the formula Y2-A(R1)n—Y1, where A is benzene, naphthalene or anthracene, Y1 and Y2 are each independently R2-R3, R2 is an ester linking group or an amide linking group, R3 is an alkyl group having from 10 to 22 carbon atoms, R1 is R2-R3 where R2 and R3 are each independently as defined above, and when A is benzene, n is from 0 to 4, when A is naphthalene, n is from 0 to 6, and when A is anthracene, n is from 0 to 8.

Abstract: An air purifier with front-loading electrodes includes an electrode loading compartment for storing the plate electrodes. When the air purifier is in a closed configuration, the electrode loading compartment cooperates with the housing to fully enclose the plate electrodes. When the plate electrodes need to be removed, the electrode loading compartment can be moved translationally with respect to the housing to define a gap therebetween. The electrode loading compartment can then be rotated to access and remove the plate electrodes.

Abstract: A system (10) for removing water from a flue gas (12) includes a heat exchanger (16) for receiving a flow of heat exchanging fluid and the flue gas (12). An absorber (40) may have a gas inlet (41) for receiving the flue gas (12) from the heat exchanger (16), an inlet (45) for receiving a desiccant solution and a media (42) receiving the desiccant solution for providing surface area contact between the flue gas (12) and the desiccant solution A dual cooler (26) may include a first side (27) through which a heat exchanging fluid and the desiccant solution may be directed for cooling. Valving (72) may be provided for alternating a flow of the heat exchanging fluid and a flow of the desiccant solution through the first side (27) of the dual cooler (26).