Patent ID: 7285156
Filing Date: 2007-10-23
Classification: B01D,B01J,Y10S

Abstract:
1. A low-profile dryness indicator apparatus for point-of use operation in an air/gas line delivering compressed air or gas to an air/gas-driven tool, comprising: a vessel having a first end, a second end, and a central portion disposed between said first and second ends; said central portion of said vessel being formed by a light transmissive vessel wall that defines a containment chamber for containing a desiccant material; a dryness-indicating, color-changing desiccant in said containment chamber; a rigid protective housing having first and second ends and a durable, crush-resistant, central cover portion disposed around said vessel wall; a closed-perimeter view port in said central portion of said protective housing for viewing said dryness-indicating material in said containment chamber; first and second air/gas-permeable closures respectively closing said first and second ends of said vessel, said closures each having a central raised portion on an inner side thereof extending into said containment chamber and a plenum-defining cavity on an outer side thereof facing away from said containment chamber; first and second end cap fittings respectively disposed on said first and second ends of said protective housing, said end cap fittings each being configured for connection to an air/gas line or a tool and comprising an air passage for transferring air or gas to or from an adjacent one of said plenum-defining cavities; and said protective housing having a major surface portion that is substantially the same cross-sectional size as an air/gas line to which said dryness indicator is adapted to be attached.