Abstract:
An environmental test chamber comprises a first chamber and a second chamber separated by a partition. The first chamber receives one or more electronic components to be tested. The first chamber includes an exhaust area through which air is introduced to the first chamber and an intake area from which air is evacuated from the first chamber. The exhaust area and intake area are both fitted with a panel having a plurality of apertures. The size and/or the distance between the apertures is varied to provide a uniform airflow through the first chamber, thereby insuring that each electrical component housed within the first chamber experiences the desired temperature and humidity conditions. An air intake assembly is provided which draws air into a control panel chamber housing the electrical circuitry necessary to operate the environmental test chamber, and transports the air into the second chamber to thereby permit both the control panel chamber and the second chamber to receive ambient air. An air manifold is positioned below the partition and injects dry, compressed air upward through the partition to thereby pressurize the same. Pressurization of the partition assures that heated air and/or moisture residing within the first chamber does not migrate into the second chamber and thus avoids thermal and humidity gradients within the first chamber.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The invention relates generally to environmental test chambers. In particular, the present invention relates to environmental test chambers for thermal and humidity cycling of components. The invention is especially adapted for use in testing electronic components, but may find other applications. 
     Environmental test chambers are frequently utilized in order to test a variety of devices. Electrical components, and in particular, computer hard drive data storage units are normally tested in an environmental test chamber in order to assure that the hard drive can operate under pre-selected temperature and humidity conditions frequently encountered during its use. 
     In one common design, an environmental test chamber used to test computer hard drives includes a housing having a main or first chamber, and an auxiliary or second chamber separated by a partition. The hard drives are stacked within the first chamber in a pre-selected array. The central processing units, or CPU&#39;s, responsible for controlling the operation of the hard drives, are positioned within the second chamber. The CPUs and hard drives are maintained in electrical connection by one or more electrical cables passing through the partition. 
     One common type of partition that may be used to separate the chambers is composed of a plurality of foamed polymeric or ceramic bricks, provided with throughholes dimensioned to enable an electrical cable to pass therethrough. Alternatively, the electrical cables may be passed through the interstitial areas between the bricks. The partition attempts to provide a sealed wall between the chambers such that the temperature and humidity conditions of one chamber does not alter the temperature and humidity conditions of the other chamber. 
     In operation, the first chamber is loaded with hard drives in a pre-selected spatial arrangement, while the CPUs are placed in the second chamber and separated from the main chamber by the partition. The hard drives positioned within the first chamber are exposed to an airflow of varying temperature and humidity, according to a pre-selected temperature and humidity schedule. Specifically, the treated air is introduced to the first chamber through an exhaust area, is drawn through and about the hard drives, and is evacuated therefrom at an intake area. Once evacuated from the interior of the first chamber, the air is treated to assure that the air re-entering the first chamber conforms to the preselected temperature and humidity schedule. Thereafter, the air is recirculated to the first chamber. The control units, or CPUs, positioned in the secondary chamber are maintained at room temperature, or slightly above, and normal humidity conditions so as not to overheat. During testing, the CPUs command the hard drives to execute certain operations in order to verify acceptable performance of the hard drives under varying temperature and humidity conditions. 
     One problem frequently encountered by existing environmental test chambers is inadequate, non-uniform airflow through the first chamber. The purpose of environmental testing is to determine whether a particular unit, such as an electrical component, will operate in a sufficient manner under preselected temperature and humidity conditions. Consequently, in order to determine whether the unit actually performs sufficiently under the preselected criteria, each unit should receive approximately the same airflow so that it experiences the preselected temperature and humidity conditions. However, existing environmental test chambers often experience airflow gradients within the first chamber. These airflow gradients, in turn, generate thermal and humidity gradients. Failure to establish a uniform airflow throughout the first chamber results in ineffective and inaccurate testing of the hard drives or other electrical components positioned within the environmental test chamber. 
     Additionally, most environmental test chambers are provided with an electrical control panel chamber which supports the electrical devices and circuitry necessary to operate the environmental test chamber. In most circumstances, this control panel chamber is carried by the housing and is external to both the first chamber and the second chamber. Given the elevated temperatures at which environmental test chambers are operated, the control panel chamber often becomes hot, and must be supplied with a quantity of ambient air to cool the electrical devices. The ambient air is drawn into the control panel chamber through a separate air intake assembly from that which draws ambient air into the second chamber to cool the CPUs. An air exhaust assembly evacuates air from the control panel chamber. The control panel chamber air exhaust assembly is also separate from the air exhaust assembly governing the removal of air from the second chamber. The necessity for two separate air intake and exhaust assemblies is inefficient and increases manufacturing and operation costs. 
     Still another problem confronted by the industry is the inability of existing environmental test chambers to provide an effective barrier or partition between the first chamber and the second chamber. As the partition is usually a plurality of tiles or bricks stacked in a vertical array, interstitial spaces between these bricks enables the migration of air between the chambers. As a result, the humid, heated air, or cooled air, positioned within the first chamber will escape into the second chamber, resulting in deleterious consequences. First, increased humidity levels within the second chamber may damage the CPUs. Furthermore, migration of air to and from the first chamber generates a thermal and humidity gradient in proximity to the partition and consequently reduces the effectiveness of any test conducted therein. 
     Accordingly, there exists a need for an environmental test chamber capable of providing a uniform airflow through the first chamber. There is also a need for an environmental test chamber which can efficiently draft both the control panel chamber and the second chamber, and also, provide a sealed barrier between the first chamber and the second chamber. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention overcomes the difficulties confronted by the prior art by advancing an environmental test chamber which provides a uniform airflow within the first chamber such that each unit under test is exposed to the desired temperature and humidity level. Also, the environmental test chamber of the present invention is configured to circulate ambient air through both the control panel area and the second chamber, and provides an effective partition between the first and second chambers such that temperature and humidity conditions within each chamber are maintained. 
     According to an aspect of the invention, an environmental chamber includes a housing positioned a preselected distance above the floor by a support. The housing defines a main or first chamber into which computer hard drives or other electrical components are positioned in a preselected array. The first chamber includes an exhaust region through which treated air is introduced to the first chamber and an intake region wherefrom air is evacuated. The exhaust region and the intake region are configured to provide a substantially uniform airflow across the vertical cross section or height of the first chamber. 
     In a preferred form, a uniform airflow is established within the first chamber by an exhaust panel and an intake panel positioned within the exhaust region and intake region, respectively. Both the exhaust and intake panel are formed with a plurality of apertures the size of which, and/or the horizontal or vertical distance between, is varied to provide a uniform laminar airflow into and out of the first chamber. Configuring the intake and exhaust regions of the first chamber to provide a substantially uniform airflow minimizes the occurrence of thermal and moisture gradients and assures that each hard drive or electrical component positioned therein will experience approximately the same temperature and humidity conditions. 
     According to another aspect of the invention, the environmental test chamber includes a first chamber separated from a second chamber by a partition. The housing is further provided with a control panel chamber external to both the first and second chamber. An air intake assembly is positioned in both the control panel chamber and the second chamber, enabling air to be drawn into the control panel chamber, across the electrical circuitry, and subsequently forwarded into the second chamber. Once the air is drawn through the CPU&#39;s placed within the second chamber, it is vented to the atmosphere by one or more blowers or fans positioned in the second chamber. Providing an air intake assembly capable of drawing air into both the control panel area and the second chamber eliminates the need for separate fans in both the control panel area and second chamber, and hence, reduces both operation and manufacturing costs. 
     According to another aspect of the invention, the partition separating the first and second chamber is formed of a plurality of foamed polymeric or composite bricks stacked in a vertical arrangement. The opposing sides, top and bottom of each brick are provided with a cut-out section such that when placed in relation to an adjacent brick, the cut-out sections are in registration. The environmental test chamber further includes an air manifold positioned below the partition. The air manifold contains a plurality of throughholes, each of which is positioned in registration with the cut-out sections of the bricks. The air manifold injects pressurized, heated air into the cut-out sections between the bricks to thereby pressurize the partition. Pressurization between the bricks prevents air migration between the chambers via the interstitial spaces defined between the bricks. Consequently, temperature and humidity conditions within both chambers is maintained. Maintenance of environmental conditions within the first chamber reduces the potential for localized thermal and humidity gradients in proximity to the partition, and thereby increases the effectiveness of the environmental testing. Furthermore, prohibiting moisture from entering the second chamber protects the CPUs from damage. 
     In an alternative preferred embodiment, the partition is a one-piece panel having a plurality of interconnected horizontal and vertical channels formed therein. These horizontal and vertical channels form an internal lattice, allowing pressurized, heated air from the air manifold to pressurize and maintain the panel at a preselected temperature, and thereby prevents the exchange of air and moisture between the chambers. 
     These and other objects, advantages and features of this invention will become apparent upon review of the following specification in conjunction with the drawings. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1 is a front, partially exploded perspective view of an environmental test chamber according to the present invention; 
     FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the environmental test chamber depicted in FIG. 1; 
     FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken along line III—III of FIG. 1; 
     FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken along line IV—IV of FIG. 1; 
     FIG. 5 is a rear, partially fragmented view of the environmental test chamber of FIGS. 1-4, depicting the fans of the air intake assembly; 
     FIG. 6 is a rear, partially fragmented view of the environmental test chamber of FIGS. 1-5, depicting the slots positioned within the divider wall; 
     FIG. 7 is a front view of an exhaust panel according to the invention; 
     FIG. 7 a  is a front view of an exhaust panel according to an alternative preferred embodiment of the invention; 
     FIG. 8 is a front view of an intake panel according to the invention; 
     FIG. 9 is a front view of an intake panel according to an alternative preferred embodiment f the invention; 
     FIG. 10 is an exploded, perspective view of the bricks which define a partition used in the environmental test chamber of the present invention; 
     FIG. 11 is a detailed, fragmentary view of an air manifold according to the invention, illustrated positioned below the partition; 
     FIG. 12 is a detailed, fragmentary view of an air manifold according to the invention, illustrated positioned below the partition, wherein the partition is illustrated as a panel shown in phantom; 
     FIG. 13 is a diagrammatic representation of piping system in fluid communication with an air manifold, according to the present invention; 
     FIG. 14 is a front perspective view of an environmental test chamber according to an alternative preferred embodiment of the present invention, with the front door illustrated in phantom; 
     FIG. 15 is a rear perspective view of the environmental test chamber depicted in FIG. 14; and 
     FIG. 16 is a rear, partially fragmented view of the environmental test chamber of FIGS. 14 and 15, depicting the fans of the air intake assembly. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     The present invention advances an environmental test chamber for testing electronic components which provides a uniform airflow through the chamber which receives the electronic components. As used herein, the term “airflow” shall mean the rate of flow measured in mass or volume per unit time. Furthermore, the environmental test chamber provides an air intake assembly capable of providing an air current through both the control panel chamber and the second chamber. Moreover, the environmental test chamber of the present invention provides a pressurization device for pressurizing the partition to thereby prevent migration of air and moisture between the chambers. Although the following detailed description will make reference to the testing of hard drives for a computer system, it will be understood by those with ordinary skill in the art that the environmental test chamber of the present invention may be used to test other electrical components and other non-electrical components. Furthermore, those with ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the environmental test chamber of the present invention may be manufactured in various sizes to thereby accommodate electrical components having different dimensions. 
     Referring now to FIGS. 1 through 9, there is shown an environmental test chamber  10 , according to a preferred embodiment of the invention. Environmental test chamber  10  includes a housing  20 , that may be supported a preselected distance above the floor by a support  80 . However, other means of support for housing  20  are possible. Support  80  includes a plurality of legs  82 . Positioned between legs  82  are one or more horizontal members or shelves  84  on which a conditioning unit  86  is placed in order to condition the air within housing  20 . The particular condensing unit  86  utilized may be any condenser normally utilized in the art providing the required temperature variation, given the dimensions of environmental test chamber  10 . Non-limiting examples of a condensing unit  86  for use with the present invention include an air condenser or water cooled condenser. Attached to legs  82  are support panels  87 , one or more of which are provided with air vents  89 . 
     Housing  10  is formed with a front  22 , back  24 , and opposing sides  26  and  28 . Interior  30  of housing  20  includes a main or first chamber  32 , and an auxiliary or second chamber  34 . First chamber  32  is dimensioned to accept a predetermined number of units which, in the illustrated embodiment, are computer hard drive units  110  or other electrical components. Hard drives  110  are stacked in a vertical array within first chamber  32 . The number of hard drives  110  positioned within first chamber  32  varies as a function of the size of environmental test chamber  10  and the desired number of hard drives  110  to be tested. Second chamber  34  is separated from first chamber  32  by a partition  70 . As will be discussed in detail below, partition  70  provides a physical barrier, preventing treated air present within first chamber  32  from entering second chamber  34 . Second chamber  34  supports the testing electronic controls such as one or more central processing units (“CPUs”)  112 , maintained in electrical connection with hard drives  110 . Electrical connection between hard drives  110  and CPUs  112  is established via electrical cables  113  placed through interstitial spaces defined in partition  70 . During testing, CPUs  112  issue commands, resulting in the performance of certain operations by hard drives  110  under specified temperature and humidity conditions. 
     A front door  38  is attached to front  22  of housing  20  to thereby removably seal first chamber  32 . Interior surface  38 ′ of front door  38  is provided with a barrier  39 . Barrier  39  maintains the airflow direction such that hard drives  110  gain maximum air exposure. A pair of rear doors  40 ,  42 , hingedly attached to back  24  of housing  20 , enclose second chamber  34 . Second chamber  34  includes a horizontally disposed tray or shelf  44 , positioned a preselected distance above bottom  29  of housing  20 . CPUs  112  are positioned on shelf  44  and thereby maintained a preselected distance above bottom  29 . Consequently, in the event moisture or water is collected within second chamber  34 , the water will drain below shelf  44  and hence prevents water damage to CPUs  112 . 
     A control panel chamber  60  is positioned in housing  20  and is exterior to both first chamber  32  and second chamber  34 . Control panel chamber  60  is defined between front  22  and back  24  of housing  20 , inner wall  62  and side  28  of housing  20 . Control panel chamber  60  has positioned therein various electrical control devices  64  required to operate environmental test chamber  10 . Control devices  64  are supported on inner wall  62 . A side door  28 ′ is hingedly connected to side  28  and allows access to control panel chamber  60 . Control devices  64 , positioned within control panel chamber  60 , are in electrical connection with a controller  66  positioned in front  22  of housing  20 . Controller  66  may be any controller normally utilized within the industry which permits an operator to control environmental test chamber  10 . 
     An air circulation enclosure or plenum  50  surrounds first chamber  32 . Plenum  50  is defined between the outer surfaces of first chamber  32 , inner sidewall  62 , side  26  and top  27  of housing  20 . A jack shaft assembly  52  is supported by top  27  of housing  20  and depends a preselected distance within plenum  50 . Jack shaft assembly  52  contains an air blower  54 , positioned within plenum  50 , which is configured to draw air from region  51  of plenum  50  and direct air towards region  53  of plenum  50 . Air blower  54  may be any air blower commonly utilized in the art having the power required to generate a preselected fluid velocity. Positioned within region  51  of plenum  50  is an evaporator coil  55  and a dehumidifier coil  57 . Both evaporation coil  55  and dehumidifier coil  57  are in operational connection with condensing unit  86 . Additionally, a steam generator  56 , supported by bottom  29  of housing  20 , extends a preselected distance within region  51  of plenum  50 . Steam generator  56  produces steam which is entrained within the airflow pattern developed by jack shaft assembly  52 . A heater  58  is supported by, and depends from, top  27  of housing  20 . Heater  58  depends a preselected distance within plenum  50 , and alters the temperature of air circulating within plenum  50 . Heater  58  may be any heater utilized in the art capable of heating the air within plenum  50  to a preselected temperature value. 
     First chamber  32  is configured with an exhaust area  88  through which air from region  53  of plenum  50  is exhausted into first chamber  32 . Jack shaft assembly  52  draws air into region  51  of plenum  50  from the interior of first chamber  32  through an intake area  90 , opposing exhaust area  88 . Once evacuated from first chamber  32  via intake area  90 , air residing within region  51  of plenum  50  is treated to condition the air to a preselected temperature and humidity by selectively activating evaporator coil  55 , dehumidifier coil  57 , and/or steam generator  56 . Thereafter, the air may be further treated by activating heater  58 . Selective activation of evaporator coil  55 , steam generator  56 , dehumidifier coil  57 , and/or heater  58  is dictated by the desired temperature and humidity conditions of the preselected temperature/humidity schedule. Upon proper treatment, jack shaft assembly  52  transports the air into region  53  where it is recirculated into first chamber  32  via exhaust area  88 . 
     Exhaust area  88  and intake area  90  of first chamber  32  are configured to provide a substantially uniform airflow through first chamber  32 . Specifically, exhaust area  88  and intake area  90  provide a substantially uniform airflow pattern across the vertical cross section of first chamber  32 . The substantially uniform airflow through first chamber  32  is achieved by equipping exhaust area  88  with a vertically positioned exhaust panel  92  and intake area  90  with a vertically positioned intake panel  94 . Both exhaust panel  92  and intake panel  94  are formed having a plurality of throughholes  95 , placed in spaced relation. Furthermore, both exhaust panel  92  and intake panel  94  are segmented into an upper or top region  96 , a middle region  97  and a bottom or lower region  98 . Within each region  96 ,  97  and  98 , the size of throughholes  95 , and/or the horizontal distance  99 , and/or the vertical distance  99 ′, between throughholes  95  is varied. Variation in the size of, and/or the horizontal or vertical distance between throughholes  95  permits control of the quantity of air exhausted into, and subsequently drawn from first chamber  32  such that the lower region  32 ′, middle region  32 ″ and upper region  32 ′″ of first chamber  32  experience the same airflow. Altering the size of the throughholes  95 , horizontal distance  99 , or vertical distance  99 ′ enables the selective control of the quantity of surface area through which air is exhausted into, and subsequently evacuated from, regions  32 ′,  32 ″ and  32 ′″ of first chamber  32 . The exact horizontal and vertical distance between throughholes  95  and the size of throughholes  95  within top region  96 , middle region  97  and lower region  98 , will depend on the desired airflow through first chamber  32  and is therefore application specific. 
     When plenum  50  has a general C-shape with a pair of vertical regions  51  and  53  which are in communication with intake panel  94  and exhaust panel  92 , respectively, exhaust panel  92  may be configured such that horizontal distance  99  and vertical distance  99 ′ between throughholes  95  are approximately equal in top region  96 , middle region  97 , and bottom region  98 , while the size of throughholes  95  increases from top region  96  to bottom region  98 . Furthermore each region  96 ,  97 ,  98  occupies approximately 33% of the height of exhaust panel  92 . Preferably, as shown in FIG. 7 a , the size of throughholes  95  in exhaust panel  92  remains approximately equal from top region  96  through bottom region  98 . Horizontal distance  99  remains substantially equal in top region  96  and middle region  97 , and decreases in bottom region  98 . Vertical distance  99 ′ decreases from top region  96  to middle region  97 , while the vertical distance  99 ′ in bottom region  98  is greater than the vertical distance  99 ′ of top region  96  or middle region  97 . Also, in this embodiment, middle region  97  occupies approximately 37% of the height of exhaust panel  92 , while top region  96  occupies approximately 30%, and bottom region  98  approximately 33% of the height of exhaust panel  92 . Furthermore, intake panel  94  may be configured such that the size of throughholes  95  increases from top region  96  to bottom region  98 , while the distance  99  and  99 ′ between throughholes  95  decreases from top region  96  to bottom region  98 . 
     Exhaust panel  92  is formed with a flange  101  projecting from side  102  and  104 . Top  103  and bottom  105  are formed with a flange  101 ′. Flange  101  extending from side  102  is of greater length than the flange  101  extending from side  104 . Prior to installation, flanges  101  are bent to assume a generally orthogonal position with respect to face  107  of exhaust panel  92 , to thereby enable exhaust panel  92  to be secured to members  31  and  31 ′ projecting from the interior surface of side  26  of housing  20 . Securement is achieved by the insertion of one or more bolts, or like fasteners through notches  109  formed in flanges  101  and throughholes  106  formed in flanges  101 . Additionally, face  107  of exhaust panel  92  includes cut-out sections  108 , permitting a wrench or like fastening device to be used in securing exhaust panel  92  to members  31  and  31 ′. Intake panel  94  is formed with a flange  114  projecting from the perimeter of intake panel  94 . A plurality of throughholes  115  are attached to flange  114  to permit attachment between intake panel  94  and front  22  of housing  20  and inner wall  63 , by bolts or like fasteners. 
     In an alternative preferred embodiment, as depicted in FIG. 9, intake panel  94  may be configured to have a bottom region  98  which is completely open. In this embodiment, top region  96  of intake panel  94  would be positioned in fluid communication with upper region  32 ′″ of first chamber  32 , and middle region  97  of intake panel  94  would be in fluid communication with middle region  32 ″ of first chamber  32 . Lower region  32 ′ of first chamber  32  would be in direct fluid communication with region  51  of plenum  50  and would not be obstructed by a panel section. As jack shaft assembly  52  is located above region  51  of plenum  50 , the least amount of vacuum is experienced in lower region  32 ′ of first chamber  32 . The absence of a panel section in intake area  90  corresponding to lower region  32 ′ of first chamber  32  ensures a sufficient evacuation of air from lower region  32 ′ of first chamber  32 , to thereby maintain uniformity in airflow between lower region  32 ′, middle region  32 ″ and upper region  32 ′″ of first chamber  32 . 
     Environmental test chamber  10  is equipped with an air intake assembly which inducts air into control panel chamber  60  and forwards the same into second chamber  34  to provide ambient air to both control devices  64 , positioned within control panel chamber  60 , and CPUs  112  located within second chamber  34 . The air intake assembly includes one or more air intake vents  120 , and a pair of air blowers or fans  122  and  124  placed within second chamber  34 . Air intake vents  120  are positioned within side door  28 ′ of side  28 , and are preferably positioned proximate to front  22  of housing  20 . Air intake vents  120  are in fluid communication with control panel chamber  60 . Fan  122  is secured to bottom  29 , and exhausts air from second chamber  34  via an exhaust vent positioned in bottom  29  (not shown). Fan  124  depends from top  27  of housing  20  and exhausts air from second chamber  34  via an exhaust vent  126  positioned in top  27 . In order to provide fluid communication between control panel chamber  60  and second chamber  34 , a plurality of apertures or slots  118  are formed in a divider wall  117  which separates second chamber  34  from control panel chamber  60 . In operation, fans  122  and  124  are actuated to pull a vacuum, resulting in the induction of air into control panel chamber  60  via air intake vents  120 . The air is drawn over the electrical devices  64  positioned within control panel chamber  60  and approaches divider wall  117 . Slots  118  permit air from control panel chamber  60  to enter second chamber  34 . Once in second chamber  34 , the ambient air reduces the temperature of CPU&#39;s  112  positioned on shelf  44 . Thereafter, fans  122  and  124  exhaust the air to the atmosphere. 
     As depicted in FIGS. 15 and 16, in order to increase the flow of air through second chamber  34 , in a preferred embodiment, the air intake assembly further includes air vents  41 , attached to rear doors  40 ,  42 , and in fluid communication with second chamber  34 . In the illustrated embodiment, a single vent  41  is attached to each rear door  40 ,  42 . However, it will be appreciated that more than one vent  41  may be formed in each rear door  40 ,  42 . 
     In an alternative preferred embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 14 and 16, second chamber  34  is equipped with fan  124 , and at least one fan  123  mounted within second chamber  34 , along side  26 . In the illustrated embodiment, there are three fans  123 , but it will be appreciated by those with ordinary skill in the art that less than three or more than three may be used without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Fan  124  and fans  123  draw air from control panel chamber  60 , through slots  118 , and over CPUs  112  positioned in second chamber  34 . As shown in FIG. 14, fans  123  exhaust air to the atmosphere through vents  123 ′ formed in side  26 . 
     Turning now to FIGS. 10 through 13, partition  70  divides first chamber  32  from second chamber  34 . Normally, partition  70  is composed of a plurality of foamed polymeric or composite bricks  71 , stacked in a vertical array. Furthermore, opposing sides  73 , top  74  and bottom  75  are equipped with complementary components of a hook-and-loop fastener  77  to provide interconnection between bricks  71 . Electrical cables  113 , attached to both CPUs  112  and hard drives  110 , are passed through the interstices formed between adjacent bricks  71  of partition  70 . Bricks  71  are further provided with a cutout section  78 . Cutout section  78  is formed on opposing sides  74 , top  75  and bottom  76 . When stacked in a vertical arrangement, cutout section  78  of each brick  71  is in registration with the cutout section  78  of the adjacent brick  71 . Preferably, cutout sections  78  are formed in an arcuate or semi-circular shape. When bricks  71  are in position, the cut-out sections  78  of each brick  71  forms a vertical and horizontal grid or lattice pattern through partition  70 . 
     In a preferred embodiment, as shown in FIG. 12, partition  70  is formed of a single panel  150  of foamed polymeric or composite material. Panel  150  is dimensioned to frictionally engage the interior walls of housing  20  and thereby separate first chamber  32  from second chamber  34 . Interior  152  of panel  150  is formed with a plurality of interconnected vertical and horizontal channels  154 ,  156 , respectively. Vertical channels  154  and horizontal channels  156  form an internal grid or lattice of channels within panel  150 . Panel  150  is formed having a plurality of electrical connectors  158  positioned therethrough. Electrical connectors  158  enable an electrical connection between CPUs  112  within second chamber  34  and hard drives  110  within first chamber  32  by attaching the cable from a CPU  112  and hard drive  110  to the opposing sides of an electrical connector  158 . 
     A channel  130  is formed within floor  23  of housing  20 . Channel  130  is positioned generally perpendicular to sides  26  and  28  of housing  20 . Bricks  71  or panel  150  is positioned directly over channel  130 . An air manifold  132  is dimensioned to be received by channel  130 . Formed along the upper periphery of air manifold  132  are a plurality of exhaust holes  134 , placed in spaced relation. Exhaust holes  134  are positioned in registration with cutout sections  78  formed in bricks  71  or vertical channels  154  of panel  150 . Air manifold  132  is in fluid communication with an air inlet  127  positioned within top  27  of housing  20 . A source of pressurized air  160  is connected to inlet  127 . When activated, pressurized air is forwarded through air inlet  127  and transported via piping  128  to a filter  129  supported by wall  119  (FIG.  6 ). Filter  129  removes oil and other particulates from the pressurized air stream. Once the air is filtered, it is further transported via piping  128  to a dry air purge  140  which dries the air. Dry air purge  140  may be any device commonly utilized in the art to dry a gas stream. Thereafter the dried, pressurized air is forwarded to a flowmeter  144  for monitoring the volumetric flow rate of the air stream. The air stream is then bifurcated, or branched, by piping  128 ′ and  128 ″. Air within piping  128 ′ is controllably exhausted into first chamber  32  by a valve  145 . Valve  145  may be a solenoid valve or other valve commonly employed in the art. Air from piping  128 ′ enters first chamber  32  through exhaust port  146  (FIG.  3 ), and provides an additional source of dehumidified air in order to control the environmental conditions of first chamber  32 . Air in piping  128 ″ is forwarded to a heater  148  and heated to a preselected temperature. Thereafter, the heated, pressurized air is controllably released into air manifold  132  through a valve  149 . Valve  149  may be a solenoid valve or other valve commonly employed in the art. Injection of dried, pressurized air into cutout section  78  of bricks  71  pressurizes partition  70 , resulting in a seal between bricks  71 . This seal prevents the migration of moisture of air between the chambers  32 ,  34  via the interstices between bricks  71 , and thereby maintains the environmental conditions of each chamber  32 ,  34  at their desired levels. 
     When air manifold  132  is used in conjunction with panel  150 , the injection of dry, heated, pressurized air into panel  150  increases the insulative ability of panel  150  to thereby maintain the humidity and temperature conditions of each chamber  32 ,  34 . Additionally, the air from air manifold  132  pressurizing the interstices surrounding electrical connectors  158  and consequently minimizes the undesired migration of air and moisture between first chamber  32  and second chamber  34 . 
     Changes and modifications to the specifically described embodiments can be carried out without the departing from the principals of the invention, which is intended to be limited only by the scope of the appended claims, as interpreted according to the principals of patent law including the doctrine of equivalents.