The present invention is directed to an improved lyophilization process wherein a plurality of vials is not in contact with the shelf of the lyophilization device. The present invention is further directed to lyophilization cake and intermediate cake obtainable according to the process of the invention.

A container of the present invention is for producing or housing a freeze-dried material. The container includes a bottom wall, a side wall, a support part for supporting a fluid to be freeze-dried in such a way that the fluid does not contact the bottom wall; and at least one vent disposed in the bottom wall or in at least a portion of the side wall located below the top of the support part.

A drying rack assembly having a frame that defines a window. A drying support structure with drying rods is provided and mounted in the window by pivot brackets. At least one strap is secured between the frame and drying support structure. The interior sides of the frame include slots that define a top resting position and a bottom resting position with a slidable pole being positioned in the slots. The pole extends across the window with the strap extending behind the pole such that when the pole is moved into the top or bottom resting position, the strap configures the drying rack structure into a full extension position or a partial extension position away from the frame support structure.

A drying rack assembly having a frame that defines a window. A drying support structure with drying rods is provided and mounted in the window by pivot brackets. At least one strap is secured between the frame and drying support structure. The interior sides of the frame include slots that define a top resting position and a bottom resting position with a slidable pole being positioned in the slots. The pole extends across the window with the strap extending behind the pole such that when the pole is moved into the top or bottom resting position, the strap configures the drying rack structure into a full extension position or a partial extension position away from the frame support structure.

A plant curing and drying hanger apparatus for use with harvested plant material which includes a primary frame, a plant support bar and one or more separators arranged to space from one another plant sections positioned on the support bar. The plant support bar is hingedly coupled to the primary frame. A latch releasably joins the plant support bar to one end of the primary frame so that an end of the plant support bar can be dropped away from the primary frame to enable the insertion and removal of plant sections into the spaces between adjacent separators to allow for effective plant drying and efficient loading and unloading of plant material without damaging the product.

A system for drying wet food articles (such as produce) is disclosed herein. The system can comprise a turntable capable of rotating multiple barrel stations. The system can comprise various loading, drying, dumping, and cleaning positions, and the barrel stations can be rotated to each of these positions. The present disclosure also describes various methods for drying wet food articles utilizing such systems.

A system for drying wet food articles (such as produce) is disclosed herein. The system can comprise a turntable capable of rotating multiple barrel stations. The system can comprise various loading, drying, dumping, and cleaning positions, and the barrel stations can be rotated to each of these positions. The present disclosure also describes various methods for drying wet food articles utilizing such systems.

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 device to facilitate painting of a molding, the device including a base having a bottom surface to contact an external surface, and a plurality of pyramid portions to extend away from a top surface of the base, such that the plurality of pyramid portions are linearly disposed along the base to form a plurality of notches between adjacent pyramid portions.