Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure are directed to apparatuses and methods involving a desiccant chamber and related componentry, as may be utilized for controlling humidity in electrical enclosures. As may be consistent with one or more embodiments, an environmental control module (ECM) includes a desiccant chamber with a desiccant material therein, first and second membranes in a pathway extending from the desiccant chamber and through respective openings in the ECM, and a gasket and enclosure on the ECM which seal the pathway. A seal in the pathway seals the opening in ECM leading to the first membrane and desiccant chamber during evacuation and fill of an electrical enclosure in which the ECM may be employed, and can be broken to couple the desiccant to the electrical enclosure.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the continuous sublimation of a substance includes cascading a material containing a substance capable of sublimation, such as water, between a plurality of trays vertically stacked within a processing zone provided within a processing chamber. A substantially atmospheric environment is maintained within the processing zone at a temperature whereby the substance sublimes forming a sublimate within the environment. The environment containing the sublimate is contacted with a drying agent such as a desiccant to maintain the environment whereby the substance sublimes at substantially atmospheric pressure and at the controlled temperature.

Abstract: Insect pests can be transported around the world in wooden shipping containers. To prevent the spread of wood-borne insect pests, it is necessary to kill insects within the wood. The wood is placed in a vacuum container having a flexible wall. The flexible wall presses against the wood and enables the wood to be heated by conduction. The wood and flexible wall can to be heated by contact with ambient or heated air, for example. Desiccant or dry air can be used to increase the rate of dehydration. Insects in the wood are typically killed after losing 25-50% of their body weight by dehydration. This technique will kill beetle larvae, nematodes and other invasive and destructive insects that live inside solid wood, and is particularly applicable for rendering wood acceptable for use in pallets and other containers shipped internationally.

Abstract: A reversible cooling/heating system has an in-line accumulator/dryer unit. The accumulator/dryer unit has a body having first and second ports. A foraminate conduit is positioned at least partially within the body. A desiccant at least partially surrounds a first portion of the conduit.

Abstract: Various compressed air systems for commercial vehicles are disclosed. In one embodiment, a compressed air system is provided that includes a compressor, an air dryer apparatus, a purge reservoir, and an indicator device. The indicator device comprises a moisture-indicating material that is in contact with the purge air within the purge reservoir.

Abstract: A hydrogen peroxide vapor generation unit (10) receives hydrogen peroxide and water solution at an interface (20) and interconnects with an air dryer (14) by way of nipples (72, 92). In one embodiment, the dryer includes a clamping assembly (42) which is latched (74, 94) with the nipples and which receives a disposable desiccant cartridge (40). In an alternate embodiment, a reusable desiccant cartridge (40?) is connected directly to the nipples (72, 92). When the desiccant cartridge (40?) is saturated, it is removed and placed in a regenerator unit (120). A regenerated cartridge is installed in its place.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing heat-sensitive pharmaceutical powder is disclosed. The original pharmaceutical substances are dissolved in a solution or suspended in a suspension, which is sprayed through an atomizing nozzle and frozen in a cold gas phase or liquid nitrogen atomized directly in the spray-freeze chamber or gas jacket at the same time (for cooling purposes). The particles are freeze-dried at roughly atmospheric pressure in a down-stream fluid flow with exit filter thereby to remove moisture entrapped on or inside the frozen particles. The system has applicability for forming other powders.

Abstract: A process for preserving cellular structures includes the steps of pre-treating the structures with an aqueous polymeric water solution, drying the structures and then post-treating the structures with an organic solvent, non-water-base solution. Once the structure has been treated with the pre-treatment solution, the specimen is allowed to sit for a predetermined period of time in order for the active ingredients of the solution to penetrate the surface area of the specimen. The specimen is then preferably freeze-dried. The solution may also be applied to the cellular material by drawing it systemically through the material.

Abstract: A container is provided for housing desiccant material therein and for facilitating fluid flow therethrough to a surrounding environment. The container comprises a cup member including a base or bottom wall member and a generally cylindrically shaped outer wall connected to the base or bottom wall member to thereby define a housing. A plurality of openings extend through the outer wall and provide communication between the housing and the surrounding environment. At least one recessed, relief portion is provided in communication with one of the openings. The recessed, relief portion has an outer diameter dimension less than the outer diameter dimension of the cup member. Accordingly, when the cup is snugly received in an associated canister or the like, a relief area is formed that defines a fluid flow channel along the interface of the cup member and canister.