A process for freeze drying a material. The process has the steps of (a) placing material to be freeze-dried in a vessel, the vessel comprising a container having a base, and at least one wall defining an opening at one end; (b) applying a membrane to the at least one wall to thereby cover the opening, wherein the membrane comprises an aperture which, in use, is aligned with the opening; and (c) subjecting the vessel to a lyophilisation procedure, wherein the membrane is in place on the container during the lyophilisation procedure.

A process for freeze drying a material. The process has the steps of (a) placing material to be freeze-dried in a vessel, the vessel comprising a container having a base, and at least one wall defining an opening at one end; (b) applying a membrane to the at least one wall to thereby cover the opening, wherein the membrane comprises an aperture which, in use, is aligned with the opening; and (c) subjecting the vessel to a lyophilisation procedure, wherein the membrane is in place on the container during the lyophilisation procedure.

Disclosed herein is technology related to a heater device and corresponding systems and method. In examples the heater device has a frame having a base structure and a support beam. The support beam extends upward from the base structure. The frame is translatable across a ground surface. A cantilevered elongate heater extends from the frame. The elongate heater has a proximal end and a distal end, where the proximal end is coupled to the support beam of the frame. In some examples the elongate heater has a first heater element rotatable about an elongate axis central to the elongate heater. Additionally or alternatively, a plurality of heater elements are coupled to the cantilevered beam.

Disclosed herein is technology related to a heater device and corresponding systems and method. In examples the heater device has a frame having a base structure and a support beam. The support beam extends upward from the base structure. The frame is translatable across a ground surface. A cantilevered elongate heater extends from the frame. The elongate heater has a proximal end and a distal end, where the proximal end is coupled to the support beam of the frame. In some examples the elongate heater has a first heater element rotatable about an elongate axis central to the elongate heater. Additionally or alternatively, a plurality of heater elements are coupled to the cantilevered beam.

The cosmetic brush dryer comprises a base unit, a water pan, a drain panel, one or more brush stands, and a top cover. The cosmetic brush dryer may dry one or more cosmetic brushes. As a non-limiting example, the one or more cosmetic brushes may be wet after being used and cleaned. An air moving device in the base unit may blow air through a heating element and the warm air produced may circulate around the one or more cosmetic brushes within the top cover. Water dripping from the one or more cosmetic brushes may pass through the drain panel and may be collected in the water pan. An electrical timer in the base unit may energize the air moving device and the heating element for a predetermined time interval.

Embodiments herein include devices adaptable to dehydrate articles, including foods. Embodiments are shown which can be compacted for reduced storage, and/or shipping requirements and/or for other purposes. Embodiments include simple, inexpensive means for controlling dehydrating conditions, including airflow. Various article holding devices, including devices to hold foods being dehydrated, are also shown. Such devices include vertical, diagonal, and horizontal panels to secure articles. Embodiments shown have variations which include the use of non-motorized convection airflow, as well as devices which incorporate motor driven air movement means. Embodiments are shown which may be used for preparing articles, including foods, for dehydration, including slicing such articles.

Embodiments herein include devices adaptable to dehydrate articles, including foods. Embodiments are shown which can be compacted for reduced storage, and/or shipping requirements and/or for other purposes. Embodiments include simple, inexpensive means for controlling dehydrating conditions, including airflow. Various article holding devices, including devices to hold foods being dehydrated, are also shown. Such devices include vertical, diagonal, and horizontal panels to secure articles. Embodiments shown have variations which include the use of non-motorized convection airflow, as well as devices which incorporate motor driven air movement means. Embodiments are shown which may be used for preparing articles, including foods, for dehydration, including slicing such articles.

A cathodic protection system for use with a wood veneer dryer is provided. The system includes a DC power supply and an anode mounted inside the dryer in a position to be electrolytically coupled to metallic structures or surfaces inside the dryer when an electrolytic medium is present inside the dryer. The electrolytic medium comprises a high-humidity atmosphere. A method for reducing the corrosion of metallic structures or surfaces inside the dryer is further provided. The method comprises mounting an anode inside the dryer in a position to be electrolytically coupled to the metallic structures or surfaces inside the dryer when an electrolytic medium is present. Wood veneer is conveyed through the dryer and heated to a temperature sufficient to produce a high-humidity atmosphere inside the dryer. A controlled amount of current is supplied by the DC power supply to electrolytically couple the anode to the metallic structures or surfaces.

A cathodic protection system for use with a wood veneer dryer is provided. The system includes a DC power supply and an anode mounted inside the dryer in a position to be electrolytically coupled to metallic structures or surfaces inside the dryer when an electrolytic medium is present inside the dryer. The electrolytic medium comprises a high-humidity atmosphere. A method for reducing the corrosion of metallic structures or surfaces inside the dryer is further provided. The method comprises mounting an anode inside the dryer in a position to be electrolytically coupled to the metallic structures or surfaces inside the dryer when an electrolytic medium is present. Wood veneer is conveyed through the dryer and heated to a temperature sufficient to produce a high-humidity atmosphere inside the dryer. A controlled amount of current is supplied by the DC power supply to electrolytically couple the anode to the metallic structures or surfaces.

Embodiments provide a unidirectional multi-path kiln with two or more chambers and generally parallel flow paths extending through the kiln, on opposite sides, from charge entry portals at a first end of the kiln to charge exit portals at a second end of the kiln. Moist heated air flowing from the second heated chamber is received in the first chamber and circulated around the lumber charges with one or more fans. The lumber charges proceed in the same direction on the flow paths through the heated second chamber, which may be an existing kiln. Charge exit portals at the distal end of the kiln and/or intermediate charge portals between the second chamber and a third chamber may be provided with insulating members configured to reduce airflow from the second chamber through the charge exit portals.