Abstract: A potted timer and circuit board assembly for use in a regenerative desiccant air dryer. The potted timer and circuit board assembly comprise a support member of a predetermined size and shape having a first surface and a second surface. A conductive pattern of a predetermined material and thickness is disposed on at least one of the first surface and the second surface of the support member. A predetermined quantity and arrangement of electronic components of a predetermined voltage is disposed on at least one of the first surface and the second surface of the support member for providing a timed electronic signal to a solenoid valve that pneumatically operates an air dryer. A non-conductive material of a predetermined composition encases the electronic components on the support member for insulating the electronic components from environmental elements.

Abstract: In a gas dryer for use in a gas transmission line in which a bed of desiccant tablets is suspended in the flow of gas, making an aqueous solution of the desiccant salts from the moisture taken from the gas, the solution is inhibited from generating solids and precipitates in a sump area by conducting the heat of hydration from the bed area to the sump area.

Abstract: A combination closed-circuit washer and drier apparatus having a washing cycle and a drying cycle. The apparatus comprises a unitary housing having a tub and a tumbler within the tub, the tub also having an air inlet and air outlet which allows air to flow through the tub, wherein air flowing from the air inlet is in communication with the tumbler. The apparatus also includes a desiccant recharging system located within the unitary housing having a entrance and an exit, the entrance coupled to the air outlet and the exit coupled to the air entrance, thus allowing a continuous flow of air through the system. The desiccant recharging system also includes a diverting valve that directs the flow of air primarily through the desiccant system in a closed-loop during the wash cycle. The diverting valve alters the air flow between the washing cycle (desiccant regeneration) to the drying cycle (desiccant water adsorption).

Abstract: A machine for processing semiconductor wafers and similar articles has an ozone remover connected to a processing chamber. The ozone remover has a light chamber surrounded by reflectors. Ozone and other processing gases and vapors flow out of the processing chamber and into the light chamber. Ultraviolet lights in the ozone remover flood the light chamber with ultraviolet light, converting ozone into oxygen. The amount of ozone released into the environment is reduced. A recirculation line receives the gases and vapors flowing out of the ozone remover. Oxygen and any remaining ozone are separated from other gas and vapor components and are recycled back to an ozone generator, to increase the ozone generator efficiency in supplying the machine with ozone.

Abstract: A combined fluidized bed dryer and absorption bed allows an absorbant to be dried to remove any moisture therefrom immediately followed by treating a product material with the dried absorbant, all in the same vessel, such that the absorbant is at its optimum dryness prior to treating the product material therewith The invention has particular application in the ophthalmic lens production where the absorbant is alumina and is used to remove methacrylic acid from liquid monomer prior to using the monomer in producing lenses.

Abstract: An apparatus for drying the air inside of hermetically sealed electronic devices. The apparatus includes a desiccant part and an activation piece that is attached to the desiccant part. The desiccant part and activation piece are attached together and then covered, except for the portions where the two pieces are attached, with a polymer that has a low moisture vapor transmission rate, such as parylene. The apparatus may be added into an electronic device during assembly. The desiccant, or drying agent, is not activated, by removal of the activation piece, until prior to closure of the hermetically sealed electronic device.

Abstract: A monolithic hygroscopic material shaped to facilitate a circulation flow of ambient air. The hygroscopic material may be used to remove various compounds from an ambient gas and may be reactivated to restore its drying capacity. The tendency of the material to seek equilibrium may be utilized to achieve dehumidification or humidification.

Abstract: The present invention provides an odor and moisture removing apparatus and method of manufacturing the same which is suitable for insertion in a shoe or boot. The apparatus includes an outer shell which encloses layers of a woven porous fabric. A porous and absorbent felted material such as “silence cloth” is enclosed between the top/bottom layers and the layers holding the desiccant material. Further, a desiccant material is included between the second and third layers. As embodied, the apparatus is designed to resemble an animal-like creature for added novelty value and customer appeal. Further, an essential oil or fragrance such as vanilla or cinnamon is infused within a portion of the apparatus to mask or further eliminate any remaining odors in the footwear.

Abstract: A method and system for controlling airflow in a desiccant drying system having two desiccant beds. A first diverter valve (14A) communicates with each of the desiccant beds, a regeneration air inlet (22A), and a process air outlet (28A). A second diverter valve (16A) communicates with each of the desiccant beds, a process air inlet, and a regeneration air outlet. A first of the beds is regenerated by moving the first diverter valve to a position which the first bed communicates with the regeneration air inlet and a second of the beds communicates with the process air outlet, and by moving the second diverter valve to a position in which the first bed communicates with the regeneration air outlet and the second bed communicates with the process air inlet. The first bed is subsequently cooled by moving the first diverter valve to an intermediate cooling position in which the second bed communicates with both of the process air outlet and the first bed, and closing the regeneration air inlet.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for control of moisture content of material such as thermoplastic pellets (80) in a hopper (30) is controlled by supplying dehumidified air from a dessicant bed (90) to the hopper (30) and returning air from the hopper (30) to the dessicant bed (90). A dew point sensor (10) in the return air path determines the moisture content of the material (80) in the hopper (30), and when the dew point drops to a pre-set level, a diverter (134) causes the return air flow to bypass the dessicant bed (90) and to be re-supplied to the hopper (30) without dehumidification. Two dessicant beds are provided, one of which is on-process while the dessicant in the other is regenerated.

Abstract: A hygroscopic material having at least one passageway or channel therethrough. In a dehumidifier embodiment, the material is shaped to provide a surface area to facilitate gas flow, and drying of an ambient gas by creating a chimney effect which facilitates mixing of the gas. This causes the heavier water vapor or other compound containing gas to contact adsorbent material adjacent to the passageway or channel, adsorb at least some of the compound, and cause the lighter gas to exit the passageway or channel. The dehumidifier may have various shapes and sizes and can be reactivated to restore its drying capacity. When utilized as a humidifier, the material desorbs or adds the constituent (such as water vapor) to the gas and a downdraft rather than a chimney effect is achieved.

Abstract: An evaporator comprises a base with a vacuum connection. A tray is fixed to the base, and has seating positions in which to seat pans which hold sample liquid. A transparent cover is attached to the base with a hinge. The cover fits over the tray and when closed forms a tight fit with the base and is in close proximity to the pans. The cover has inlets angled down at about 37° to 42° over each pan seating position such that when a vacuum source is connected to the vacuum connection, air from outside the evaporator is drawn in through the inlets and aimed toward the sample liquid in each pan such that the solvent evaporates. Pans are preferably commercially available pans which are about 70 mm in diameter and about 16 mm in height, and tapered outwardly towards the top. Preferably, the cover has two inlets for each pan, aimed in opposite directions, and on opposite sides of each pan, such that when air strikes the sample liquid it induces a swirling motion.

Abstract: Moisture content of material such as thermoplastic pellets (80) in a hopper (30) is controlled by supplying dehumidified air from a dessicant bed (90) to the hopper (30) and returning air from the hopper (30) to the dessicant bed (90). A dew point sensor (10) in the return air path determines the moisture content of the material (80) in the hopper (30), and when the dew point drops to a pre-set level, a diverter (134) causes the return air flow to bypass the dessicant bed (90) and to be re-supplied to the hopper (30) without dehumidification. Two dessicant beds are provided, one of which is on-process while the dessicant in the other is regenerated.

Abstract: A method and device for drying a gas by means of adsorption on a desiccant able to be regenerated (11), whereby a portion of the dried gas is used for regenerating the desiccant. The gas portion used for the regeneration is heated in at least two successive steps, said steps being performed in different zones (30,31 or 33-36) situated successively in the flow direction of the gas portion through the regenerating desiccant (11) and by stopping the heating in a zone (30,31 or 33-36) as soon as the desiccant (11) in this zone (30,31 or 33-36) is regenerated, so that this zone (30,31 or 33-36) may already cool down by the gas portion for regeneration while a successive zone (30,31 or 33-36) is still regenerated by the heated gas. In each vessel (7, 8) at least two individually controllable heating elements (25-26; 27-28; 38-41) are present.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for drying bulk materials, which has a hopper-shaped bulk material container 29 with adjustable side walls 30, by which the container 29 can be adjusted to the amount of bulk material to be dried, by varying the volume of the container and the angle of inclination of the hopper. To dehumidify the drying air, a membrane dryer 12 is provided, which processes preferably the compressed air of a compressed-air system 10, which is previously cleaned by filter elements 13 and 14. The rate of flow of drying air can be adjusted by a throttle 16 to the fill level of the container 29. In this manner an apparatus for drying bulk materials is created which is compact and therefore flexible in its application. Through optimization of the rate of flow of the drying air this apparatus is also economical in its consumption of compressed air.

Abstract: An air-injected dehydration apparatus for dehydrating a food product. The apparatus includes a dehydration chamber having a plurality of controllable heating elements extending therethrough and a device for moving the food product within the chamber. An air injection system providing air to the chamber and an exhaust is provided for exhausting air from the chamber. The air injection system includes an air compressor for supplying pressurized air to the chamber, a pressure conduit to channel the pressurized air from the compressor to the chamber and a device for dispersing the air within the chamber. The air provided to the chamber should preferably be sterilized by a decontamination system. The decontamination system includes an air intake assembly for supplying a flow of air and an air purification chamber comprising an air inlet functionally connected to the air intake assembly, a device for purifying the air as it passes through said chamber, and an air outlet.

Abstract: A structure for detachably attaching a drying agent unit to a lens barrel without increasing the size of the lens barrel. An opening for ventilation is formed in the circumference of the lens barrel. The drying agent unit comprises a container containing the drying agent. The container is provided with an opening. The drying agent unit is detachably attached to the lens barrel through a fixing mechanism such as fixing screws. The container communicates with the inside of the lens barrel through the openings in the attached state. Alternatively, the drying agent may be formed in a shape capable of fitting itself into the opening of the lens barrel, and a part of an outer surface of the drying agent that is exposed in the attached state is coated with an unbreathable coating. This eliminates the necessity of providing a container for the drying agent.

Abstract: A unique switching valve for use with a multi-chamber adsorbent air and gas fractionation system for controlling the flow of fluid which comprises a valve housing including an inlet port, two outlet ports and an exhaust port and first valve and second valve members in the valve housing which are moveable between a first position and second position for alternately permitting and blocking fluid flow between the inlet port and the outlet ports and between the outlet ports and the exhaust port. The first and second valve members include mean for permitting a predetermined controlled flow of fluid between the inlet port and the outlet ports and means for permitting a predetermined controlled flow between the outlet ports and the exhaust port which simplify the design and control of the switching valve by eliminating the need for separate repressurization and depressurization valves.

Abstract: A gas dryer comprises a chamber with an inlet and an outlet for a gas which is to be dried by flowing under pressure through the dryer. The chamber is arranged so that the direction of flow of the gas is between its end faces. The location of the inlet and the outlet for gas to be dried are such that, when the chamber is mounted so that the direction of flow of gas between the inlet and the outlet is off the vertical, neither the inlet nor the outlet is arranged centrally at the low point of the chamber. The dryer includes a medium in the chamber for adsorbing liquid entrained with the gas. A drain tube extends from the low point region of the chamber at which liquid can collect when the dryer is mounted for use off the vertical into a depressurization outlet through which gas leaves the chamber when the dryer is depressurized. Liquid which has collected in the low region of the chamber is discharged into the depressurization outlet.

Abstract: A flux vapor management system for a reflow oven includes temperature control units disposed in heating and cooling regions of the oven. A fan within each of the temperature control units provides suction to an intake port. Intake ports of selected temperature control units in the heating region of the oven are connected with a barrier vent disposed between the heating and cooling regions of the oven. Gas drawn into the barrier vent by the suction from the intake ports prevents flux laden gas from migrating into the cooling region. The flux vapor management system also includes a filter for removing flux vapors from a reflow oven. The filter condenses flux vapors by converging a jet of hot gas from the oven with a cooled gas jet causing the flux vapors to condense while suspended in the gas stream. The flux laden gas does not contact any solid surface below the flux condensation temperature so there is no build-up of flux within the apparatus.

Abstract: A wet gas compression device combining the following stages: a separation stage providing a gas phase and a liquid phase; a conversion stage for converting a gas phase and a liquid phase; a conversion stage for converting the liquid phase provided by the separation stage to a vapor phase by heat exchange; a compression stage for compressing the gases from the separation stage and the conversion stage and for providing a portion of gas for use in the heat exchange of the compression stage.

Abstract: A control module for a twin air dryer system monitors which dryer was used for drying in the previous cycle. The most recently used dryer is then the first to be regenerated. This ensures that the most recently regenerated dryer is used to dry incoming air. This occurs regardless of the drying mode, i.e., whether it is high air use or normal brake system use. The system minimizes the risk of dryer saturation and loss of function. Moreover, maintenance requirements are simplified, since the air dryer cartridges are more evenly used.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for enhancing the evaporation and moisture removal from moisture laden products in a dryer. The invention combines the inventor's prior U.S. Pat. No. 4,719,761, with a rotating drying drum having filters at the output area, and a separate pump for allowing condensation from a chilled coil to drain off, while a desiccant formed from pads or a rotatable wheel is part of a continuous feedback loop for recycling moisture. A condenser is positioned between the desiccant and the drying drum and is used as a heat exchanger for both the air inlet to the drum and the air outlet from the drum. Additionally, the evaporator drain pipe can form an additional heat exchanger when the pipe is used in the pathway of air passing from the desiccant to the evaporator coil. The invention is useful for drying various items such as clothes, agricultural products, wood, vegetables, fruit and electric components such as wafers.

Abstract: An air dryer having dual, spin-on canister assemblies. The unit also includes first and second valve bodies, each containing a moist air inlet valve, a dried air outlet valve and an exhaust and drain valve assembly. A single control valve assembly allows the exhaust valves to open in response to air pressure and close in the absence of pressure. The moist air inlet valves are responsive to high external air pressure for biasing the valves open. The dried air outlet valves have a small orifice therein to allow air to bleed therethrough when the valves are closed. The canisters each include inner and outer imperforate sleeves, and passages arranged such that incoming air passes between the sleeves, through the desiccant and out the dry air outlet valve. When the control valve shifts, the air flow is reversed and the desiccant is regenerated.

Abstract: A compressed air dryer assembly for an air braking system provides for uniform compression of a desiccant bed. Guidance of a housing urged into a dryer shell by a spring force is provided at radially inner and outer regions. This guidance allows for a wide range of movement so that the desiccant bed is maintained under uniform compression. In addition, a sliding seal effectively provides a wide range of movement and yet limits communication between the inlet and outlet openings.

Abstract: In a centrifugal separator for separating a liquid from a compressed gas, a baffle is provided to separate the centrifugal chamber into an upper sub-chamber and a lower sub-chamber but does not contact the walls of the chamber thereby being insufficient to prevent downward flow of separated liquid along the interior wall of the two sub-chambers, and insufficient to prevent flow of compressed gas from one sub-chamber to the other sub-chamber, the baffle nevertheless being sufficient to prevent turbulent gas flow in the lower sub-chamber when collected liquid is drained therefrom.

Abstract: A compressed air control device for a source of compressed air on motor vehicles, forming a unit of an electro-pneumatic unloader, an integrated electro-pneumatic multi-circuit control valve and an air-drier, comprising an inlet and an outlet provided in a common housing in which a chamber for the passage of compressed air is provided, the chamber being connected to the atmosphere via a controlled outlet valve in form of a safety valve in its opened position, a check valve being positioned downstream of the chamber, a means for alternatingly opening and closing the outlet valve and a plurality of control units of the same kind allocated to the respective circuits, the control units each comprising a check valve closing contrary to the flow direction and a means for controlled opening of the check valve.

Abstract: A shuttle valve for a gas drying system that cleans and dries a stream of unpurified pressurized gas received from a source thereof and supplied to a pneumatic system that uses such a purified pressurized air. The valve includes a housing that connects a drying assembly to a structure that conveys the unpurified pressurized air to the drying assembly. The housing contains a choke disc provided with an orifice and a movable piston located in axial alignment with the choke disc. When the unpurified pressurized air is directed into the drying assembly for drying, the piston moves away from the choke disc to permit dry air to freely flow from the drying assembly and through the valve to the system utilizing purified pressurized air.

Abstract: An air dryer includes two desiccant chambers, a control system and a cover member into which a shuttle valve mechanism has been incorporated. Secured atop the chambers, the cover member defines an outlet port, first and second passages, and a horizontal chamber between the passages in which a shuttle valve can be moved reciprocatingly. The horizontal chamber has two ends, a first interconnected to the first desiccant chamber by the first passage and a second interconnected to the second desiccant chamber by the second passage. The outlet port of the dryer extends from the horizontal chamber. Governing the flow of air into and out of the dryer, the control system periodically switches the incoming flow of untreated air between the two desiccant chambers. The control system thus determines which desiccant chamber will operate in a drying mode, with the other being operated in a purge mode.

Abstract: A twin tower gas drying system for cleaning and drying a stream of unpurified pressurized gas received from a source thereof for use of a pneumatic system. The drying system includes a manifold block provided with the plurality of ports. A separator and sump is connected to such block and to one of the ports for initially separating moisture and particulates from such stream of unpurified gas, and for directing the remainder of the stream to the one port in the block. A pair of desiccant containing canisters are threadably mounted on a surface of the block opposite that of the separator and sump by two respective threaded shuttle valves. The canisters and shuttle valves are, in addition, connected in fluid communication with certain of the ports provided in the block for supplying and removing pressurized air from the canisters. A port is provided for discharging dry clean air from the block. Other ports provided in the block exhaust purged air to the atmosphere.

Abstract: A desiccant accessory for shoes and the like is provided for the removal of moisture therefrom. The accessory includes an external pouch having an internal chamber with an opening at one end, a transparent packet made of permeable material detachably connected with the pouch adjacent the open end, a reusable desiccant arranged in the packet for adsorbing moisture from surrounding air, and an indicator combined with the desiccant for alerting a user when the desiccant has adsorbed a maximum amount of moisture.

Abstract: A desiccant media containing cartridge for use in a gas drying apparatus adapted to firstly function in a gas drying cycle in which a moist gas is permitted to pass upwardly through said desiccant media whereby at least a portion of the moisture is removed from said gas, and adapted to secondly function in a desiccant media purge cycle in which a portion of said dried gas is allowed to pass back downwardly through said desiccant media to absorb moisture therefrom thereby at least partially regenerating said desiccant media, including a means for concentrating the desiccant purge cycle at the bottom of the desiccant media, which means comprise a purge tube extending vertically partially through the desiccant media, and a flapper valve adjacent to an upper end of the purge tube adapted to close and restrict flow of gas through the purge tube when the gas is flowing upwardly in during the gas drying cycle and to open and promote gas flow through the purge tube when the gas is flowing downwardly during the desicc

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for regenerating a moist adsorption medium in a multiple vessel drying system utilize a pulsed control of a purge gas outlet valve during a regeneration phase. Internal heaters are embedded in the desiccant beds. During the regeneration phase of a desiccant bed, the internal heater heats the desiccant to remove the moisture therefrom in the form of water vapor. After the water vapor builds up in the drying vessel for a certain period of time, the purge gas outlet valve is opened for a period of time just long enough to flush the built up water vapor from the vessel, and is then closed again. Accordingly, the amount of purge gas required is minimized, which leads to a higher quality purge, higher overall system drying efficiency, as well as reduced energy requirements.

Abstract: A dehumidifying pouch comprising a container having a moisture-absorption compartment and a collection compartment, the moisture-absorption compartment comprising semi-permeable material that encloses a deliquescent desiccant material and an optional deodorizing material. The collection compartment comprises walls made of a moisture impervious material. The collection compartment is connected to the moisture-absorption compartment, preferably by a broken seal, so that liquids from the moisture-absorption compartment can be transferred to the collection compartment of the pouch. The semi-permeable material can comprise polyethylene or expanded polytetrafluoroethylene, individually or a combination thereof. The moisture impervious compartment can comprise either polyethylene film or polypropylene film. Alternatively, the dehumidifying pouch is comprised of one compartment having a moisture-absorption section and a moisture collection section.

Abstract: A twin tower air drying system for cleaning and drying a stream of unpurified pressurized air including a centrifugal separator having a baffle horizontally disposed therein to generally separate the centrifugal chamber into an upper sub-chamber and a lower sub-chamber; a pair of cavities each containing desiccant media and a purge tube with a flapper valve thereover to close and restrict flow of air through the purge tube when air is flowing upwardly through the cavity, and to open and promote air flow through the purge tube when air is flowing downwardly through the cavity; a pair of two-way control valves to either deliver a stream of air from the centrifugal separator to a cavity or to open a cavity to atmosphere; a timer control for alternately and periodically altering the condition of the two-way control valves such that when one is delivering air to a cavity, the other is open to atmosphere; a shuttle valve for admitting an output percentage of air emerging from either of the cavities to a storage cha

Abstract: A valve seal system for passageway through a valve body emerging through a first generally flat and rigid surface, having a valve member including a resilient seal with generally flat exposed surface adapted to be brought into contact with the generally flat rigid surface, and having a generally circular, raised resilient ring portion extending from the generally flat exposed surface, the raised resilient ring portion adapted to be compressed against the generally flat rigid surface to seal the resilient seals against the generally flat rigid surface when said valve member is moved to a closed position by virtue of the raised resilient ring portion being compressed against the generally flat rigid surface.

Abstract: A system adapted to dry microelectronic, optical or other critical parts which in the course of their processing are rendered wet and become contaminated unless fully dried. The system includes an upright drying chamber having an inlet at its lower end and an outlet at its upper end, the parts to be dried being supported in a work zone between the inlet and outlet. Coupled to the inlet of the drying chamber is an input chamber having a blower therein which blows heated gas into the drying chamber through a filter unit covering the inlet thereto The blower creates a negative pressure in the input chamber and a positive pressure in the drying chamber in which the filtered heated gas acts to evaporate moisture from the parts in the work zone.

Abstract: A device has at least one storage container for material to be treated with at least one inlet line and at least one return line for circulating process air therethrough. At least one heating device for heating the process air is provided as well as at least one blower for circulating the process air. A control device for receiving a nominal dew point value is provided. At least one dew point measuring device is connected to the control device for measuring the actual dew point of the process air and transmitting the actual dew point value to the control device. A first mixing valve is connected either to the inlet line or to the return line. The control device controls the first mixing valve by comparing the actual dew point value to the nominal dew point value and sending a respective control signal to the first mixing valve such that the process air has a dew point corresponding to a specific nominal, residual moisture-dependent air dew point of the material to be treated.

Abstract: A dryer appliance for demoisturizing a moisture sensitive item such as an electronic hearing aid, tooth brush, or the like, having a housing with a removable closure cap or door for providing a substantially sealed chamber and access thereto, a desiccant component mounted in the chamber, wall means substantially dividing the chamber into first and second regions, a support in the chamber for supporting at least one item within the first region, one or more passages interconnecting the first and second regions for providing a gas flow circulation path therethrough, gas moving and heater means mounted in the chamber, the circulation path of air in the chamber being such as to bring the air into recirculating contact with the gas moving and heater means and the item for a prescribed period of time to demoisturize the item.

Abstract: A compressed gas system comprises a pressure generator and a consuming installation, a gas drier disposed between the pressure generator and the consuming installation, and an in-flow line connecting the pressure generator to the gas drier. Desirably, an out-flow line connects the gas drier to the consuming installation. A by-pass line also connects the pressure generator to the gas drier in parallel to the in-flow line. The by-pass line includes a pressure-controlled blocking device, such as a check valve, which allows the passage of gas from the pressure generator to the gas drier only when a predetermined opening pressure has been reached.

Abstract: A compact and effective ventilator/drier assembly for heating the room to which it is installed has a case main body 1 divided into a primary zone 3A communicating with an air inlet port 2A, a tertiary zone 3C communicating with an air outlet port 2B and a secondary zone 3B disposed adjacent to the tertiary zone and the primary zone. Moist air A in a room 100 is forced to flow through the air inlet port, the primary zone, the secondary zone, the tertiary zone and the air outlet port and back into the room by a centrifugal type air blower 21 and moisture contained in the room air is adsorbed by a cylindrical rotary type moisture adsorbing device 31 arranged between the secondary zone and the tertiary zone as the air is made to come into contact with a moisture-removing portion 31A of the adsorbing device 31. Dried air B is moved to into the tertiary zone, where it is heated to produce heating air E, which is discharged from the air outlet port into the room.

Abstract: An allergen immunoassay method features the use of a combination of a) closely controlled 1) elevated temperatures for assay reactions, 2) low temperatures for reagents and samples, 3) times for assay steps and especially assay reaction times, 4) reagent concentrations, and 5) reagent amounts; b) the use of a fast and accurate method of sample preparation that removes dust and contaminants; c) the stabilization of samples to avoid auto- and antibody degradation and unwanted effects of sample contaminants; and d) the formation of a colored product to determine the amount of a specific allergen. This combination provides an assay that can be completed in a few hours while retaining the precision, accuracy, sensitivity and response curve of previous methods requiring much longer periods of time.

Abstract: A gas drying canister housing for a desiccant canister in a gas dryer system includes a main portion having an upper base and a lower portion having a lower base. A canister bore is defined between the upper and lower bases when the main and lower portions are fastened to each other. The main portion defines a supply port through which a stream of moisture-bearing gas is directed into the housing for passage through the desiccant canister during a drying mode of operation of the gas dryer system. The main portion also defines a delivery port through which a stream of dried gas is directed from the housing during the drying mode. The lower portion defines a purge port through the lower base through which a stream of remoisturized gas is expelled from the housing during a purge mode of operation of the gas dryer system. The upper base of the main portion features a sealing flange against which an outer rim portion of a top of the desiccant canister is seatable so as to make an air tight seal therebetween.

Abstract: A desiccant canister assembly for use in an air dryer system includes a pair of concentrically disposed casings, top and bottom end caps, top and bottom porous plates and moisture absorbing material. A cylindrical opening is defined in between the casings. The top end cap affixes to the upper ends of the casings. The bottom end cap affixes to the lower ends of the casings. Each end cap features openings that allow air to flow through the cylindrical opening. The bottom porous plate is situated at a bottom of the cylindrical opening against the bottom cap. The top porous plate is slidably disposed within the cylindrical opening near the upper ends of the casings. The absorbing material is disposed within the cylindrical opening between the porous plates. The desiccant assembly also includes a mechanism for compacting the absorbing material between the porous plates.

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.

Abstract: A check valve mechanism is disclosed for a twin tower gas drying system. The drying system filters unpurified gas to supply purified gas to a pneumatic system. The purified gas is supplied alternately from each tower to the mechanism for distribution in an output percentage to the pneumatic system and in a purge percentage to the drying system for purging moisture previously collected. The mechanism includes a valve body and a shuttle choke. The body defines first and second channels connected to the first and second towers, respectively; a shuttle tube having first and second ends connected to the first and second channels, respectively; and an output passage having an initial end communicating with the pneumatic system and a terminal end communicable with the tube. The choke defines an orifice and slides between the ends. When purified gas flows from the first tower, the choke slides to the second end.

Abstract: An air drying cartridge for use in an air drying system is disclosed. The air drying cartridge comprises a telescoping casing resiliently self adjustable in height which has an inner cylindrical apertured wall and an outer cylindrical apertured wall. The inner apertured wall has a facing surface, an upper end and a lower end. The outer apertured wall has a facing surface, an upper end and a lower end. The facing surface of the inner apertured wall is disposed to face the facing surface of the outer apertured wall thereby defining an opening therebetween. The air drying cartridge also includes a porous filter liner, a pair of sealing caps and a moisture absorbing material for extracting moisture from air flowing through the air drying cartridge. The porous filter liner is situated adjacent to each of the facing surfaces within the opening. One of the pair of sealing caps affixes to the upper ends of the apertured walls and another affixes to the lower ends of the apertured walls.

Abstract: An air drying and purification system for compressed air is disclosed. The system is adapted particularly for use with dental compressors. The system comprises: (a) a centrifugal separator chamber for at least partially drying and purifying cooled compressed air from a compressor by separating moisture and other contaminants from the compressed air, (b) a drying chamber containing a bed of absorbent material for absorbing moisture from the cooled, partially dried and purified compressed air, and (c) an assembly for periodically ventilating the separator and drying chambers. A particular feature of the system is that the compressed air that is vented periodically from the drying chamber is used to cool compressed air at elevated temperatures from the compressor.

Abstract: A twin tower gas drying system is disclosed for filtering unpurified gas to supply purified gas to a pneumatic system. The drying system includes a separator, two coalescers, two desiccant towers and a mechanism for controlling flow of unpurified and purified gases therethrough. The separator separates moisture and other particulates from the unpurified gas. Each coalescer removes moisture remaining within the unpurified gas. A first tower removes moisture remaining within unpurified gas received from a first coalescer to provide a first stream of purified gas. A second tower removes moisture remaining within unpurified gas received from a second coalescer to provide a second stream of purified gas.

Abstract: A dryer appliance for demoisturizing a moisture sensitive item such as an electronic hearing aid or the like, having a housing with a removable cap for providing a substantially sealed chamber and access thereto, a desiccant component mounted in the housing and substantially dividing the chamber into first and second regions, a support in the chamber for supporting at least one item within the first region, one or more passages interconnecting the first and second regions for providing a gas flow circulation path therethrough, the circulation path being (a) gas flow into contact with and through the desiccant component, (b) then into and thru the first region for contact with the item, (c) then thru the passage into the second region, and (d) then again into contact with the desiccant component to continue the circulation, and a gas moving mechanism in the chamber for forcing and maintaining the gas flow circulation path.