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Abstract

An apparatus and method for dehumidifying air includes a duct with at least four ports, two at each end. The ports are regulated by valves that are biased in the closed position. A desiccant containing matrix is disposed within the duct. One or more fans are adapted to produce substantially axial air flow in two directions through the duct: a first direction during a regeneration phase of the dehumidifying cycle and a second direction during a process phase of the dehumidifying cycle. In the process direction, air from the enclosure enters one end of the duct, passes through the desiccant containing matrix where moisture is absorbed by the matrix and exits through the opposite end of the duct back to the enclosure. The air is thus at a lower relative humidity when it leaves the apparatus. Upon reversal of the air flow direction, the air is drawn into the duct from a source outside the enclosure, heated by a heater, passed through the desiccant containing matrix where moisture is absorbed from the matrix and exits through the opposite duct back into the source of air. The air is thus at a higher relative humidity when it is exhausted from the apparatus.

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First Claim