WO2018009947A1

WO2018009947A1 - System method and apparatus for enclosure environmental control

Info

Publication number: WO2018009947A1
Application number: PCT/US2017/041428
Authority: WO
Inventors: Henrik F. Bernheim; Marcia R. Martin
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2016-07-08
Filing date: 2017-07-10
Publication date: 2018-01-11
Anticipated expiration: 2019-01-08

Abstract

An active container controls internal humidity by managing respective airflows and air pressures at the internal and external surfaces of one more membranes.

Description

I THE UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMAR OFFICE PCT

RECEIVING OFFICE

SYSTEM METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR ENCLOSURE ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0000] The present application claims the benefit of United States provisional patent application number 62/359,742 filed on July 8, 2016, and of United States provisional patent application number 62 421,442 filed on November 14, 2016,, and of United States provisional patent application number 62/467,125 filed on March 4, 2017 the disclosures of which are herewith Incorporated by reference in their entireties.

FI ELD OF THE IN VENTION

[0001] The present invention is directed to systems, methods and apparatus for environmental control an , more specifically to systems methods and apparatus for localized humidity and temperature control,

SUMMARY

[0002] The abilit to control atmospheric humidity within an enclosed

environment is significant in a wide variety of domestic, commerciai and industrial applications. In fields as diverse as the growth and preserv tion of grain_., vegetables, meat, tobacco, and other organic materials, the storage of musical instruments, the transportation of organs for transplant, and the manufacturing and packaging of pharmaceuticals and electronic devices, humidity is an Important parameter. [0003] Whereas effective humidity control in fixed locations has been achievable for several decades, the ability to control humidity in sensitive mobile environments remains a significant challenge. This is because mobile containers generally do not have access to indefinite reservoirs of water for humidification. nor to the significant power required for conventional refrigeration based dehumidification.

[0004] The inclusion of desiccant devices,, such as silica gel bead packets, has some efficacy where open-endeci mobile dehimiidification is desired, in the state of the art, hermetic sealing in impermeable containers remains the primary means of maintaining humidity in goods under transportation. As will be well understood by one of skill in the art, this approach yields, at best, stable humidity in transit.

Effective schemes fo mobile humidification, and especiall well -controlled and programmable humidification and dehumidification remain elusive.

[0005] The inventors of the present invention has, through personal experience, analysis, and careful observation, come to understand that there is an opportunity to create an active container capable of maintaining particular internal conditions despite varying external conditions and events. Moreover, this opportunity extends to providing a transportation environment with a programmable internal humidity condition. On the basis of this novel understanding, they have conceived and developed an inventive method, system and apparatus for the optimal preservation of goods over time while allowing those goods to be safely transported through, and stored in, a wide variety of environments and environmental conditions.

[0006] The resulting new and useful methods, apparatus and systems for achieving these and other goals and objectives will be described below in such detail that one of skill in the art will readily appreciate their significance, and their novelty in comparison to existing technologies. Among the features of the invention are, in certaan embodiments, solid polymer electrolyte (SPE) membranes employed in conjunction with electromotive forces and fluid dynamic control of adjacent atmospheric gases. It should be noted that while the present invention primarily discusses and electrically motivated SPE membrane, the invention, will be beneficially applied in conjunction with any membrane having appropriate selective qualit (whether already known or yet to be discovered). Moreover, alternative motivation energy sources will be applied in corresponding embodiments of the invention. Notwithstanding these alternative approaches, one of skill in the art will, readily understand based on the present disclosure that the particular arrangements and configurations exemplified in the course of the present materials will be beneficially applied to achieve the stated goals.

[0007] Thus, in certaan embodiments, a humidity control system prepared according to principles of the invention will include a humidity control apparatus for an active container that includes an apparatus housing. The apparatus housing has an air separation plate having an external side and an internal side. The air separation plate exhibits a first internal circumferential surface region defining a humidification aperture and a second internal circumferential surface region defining a dehumidification aperture therethrough. A first chemically selective membrane is disposed across the humidification aperture. The first chemically selective membrane has a first external-side surface regio and a second internal- side surface region, A second chemically selective membrane is disposed across the ciehumidification aperture. The second chemically selective membrane has a third external-side surface region and a fourth internal-side surface region. An. external fan is arranged to controllabiy direct a first flow of air across said external surface region of the first external-side surface region and, thereafter, through a first orifice and, thereafter, across the third external-side surface region. An internal fan is arranged to controllabiy direct a second flow of air across the second internal-side surface region and, thereafter, through a second orifice and, thereafter, across the fourth internal -side surface region. When in operation, this humidify control apparatus allows the control of a humidity parameter of a local atmosphere proximate to the internal side of the air separation plate at a desired level.

[0008] The following description is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make and use the disclosed inventions and sets forth the best modes presently contemplated by the inventor for carrying out his inventions. I the following description, for purposes of explanation,, n merous specific details are set forth i order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention, it will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown, i block diagram form in order to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the substance disclosed. The foregoing and other advantages and features of the invention will be more readily understood in relation to the following detailed description of the invention, which is provided in conjunction with the

accompanying drawings,

[0009] It should, be noted that, while the various figures show respective aspects of the invention, no one figure is intended to show the entire invention. Rather, the figures together illustrate the invention in its various aspects and principles. As such, it shou d not be presumed that any particular figure is exclusively related to a discrete aspect or species of the invention. To the contrary, one of skill in the art would appreciate that the figures taken together reflect various embodiments exemplifying the invention.

[0010] Correspondingly, references throughout the specification to "one

embodiment" or "an embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the appearance of the phrases "in one embodiment" or "in an embodiment" in various places throughout the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore., the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form a part of the specification, illustrate the embodiments of the present invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention. In the drawings:

[0012] Fig. 1 shows, in schematic plan view, a portion of an active container prepared according to principles of the invention;

[0013] Fig. 2 shows, in schematic cross-section, a portion of an active container prepared according to principles of the invention;

[0014] Fig. 3 shows, in schematic cross-section, certain furthe aspects of a portion of an active container prepared according to principles of the invention;

[0015] Fig. 4A shows, in schematic cross-section, furthe aspects of a portion of an active container prepared according to principles of the invention;

[0016] Fig. 4B shows, in schematic cross-section, further aspects of a portion of an active container prepared according to principles of the invention;

[0017] Fig. 5 shows, in schematic cross-section, further aspects of an active container prepared according to principles of the invention; [0018] Fig. 6 shows, in schematic sectional view,, a further active container prepared according to principles of the invention;

[0019] Fig. 7.A shows, in schematic perspective view, a portion of a further active container prepared according to principles of the invention;

[0020] Fig, 7B shows, in schematic perspective view, a portion of a further active container prepared according to principles of the invention;

[0021] Fig, 8 shows, in schematic perspective view, a further portion of an active contamer prepared according principles of the invention;

[0022] Fig. 9A shows, in schematic perspective view, a further active container prepared according to principles of the invention;

[0023] Fig. 9B shows, in schematic perspective view, a further active container prepared according to principles of the invention;

[0024] Fig. 10A shows, in schematic perspective view, a further active container prepared according to principles of the in en ion;

[0025] Fig. 10B shows, in schematic perspective view, a further active container prepared according to principles of the inve tion;

[0026] Fig. It shows in schematic plan view a further portion of a humidity control apparatus for an active container prepared according to principles of the invention;

[0027] Fig. 12 shows in schematic side view a further portion of a humidit control apparatus for an active container prepared according to principles of the invention; [0028] F%. IS shows in s ¾ema ic side ew a further portion of a cover assembly for: an active eohtalner prepared according to principles of the invention;

[0029] Fig; 14 shows in schema ti side vi w a fur her portion of a hinged cover assernhly for an active container prepare according to principles of the indention

[0030] Fig. 15 shows in schematic plan view a still ferther portion of a hiuni dity control apparatus for an active container prepared according to principles of trie indention;

[0031 J Fig, 16 shows in schematic bottom view: a f rther portion of a htimidity; control appa atus for an active container prepared according to principles of th jnyerrtion;

[0032] Fig. 17 shows in schematic plan view yet another portion of a humidity control apparatus for an active container prepared according to principles of the invention;

[0033] Fig. 18 shows in. schematic plan -view a further aspect of a. humidity control apparatus for an ctlye container prepared according to principles of the invention;

[0034] Fig. 19 shows i schematic plan view further characterist cs of a humidify control apparatus for an active container prepared according to principles of the invention;

[0035] Fig., 20 shows in schematic plan view still another embodiment of a humidity control apparatus for an active on aine prepared according to principles of the Invention; [0036] Fig. 21 shows in schematic plan view additional illustrative features of a humidity control apparatus for an active container prepared according to principles of the invention;

[0037] Fig. 22 shows in schematic plan view addi ional detail of one embodiment of a humidity control apparatus for an active container prepared according to principles of the invention;

[0038] Fig, 23 shows, in block diagram form, certain aspects of an electronic controller of a humidity control apparatus for an active container prepared according to principles of the invention;

[0039] Fig. 24 shows, in block diagram form, still, further aspects of an electronic controller of a humidit control apparatus for an active container prepared according to principles of the Invention;

[0040] Fig. 25 shows, in block diagram form, additional features of an electronic controller of a humidity control apparatus for an active container prepared according to principles of the invention;

[0041] Fig. 26 shows, in graphical form, certain operational timing aspects of an electronic controller of a humidity control apparatus for an active container prepared according to principles of the invention;

[0042] Fig, 27 shows, in graphical form, certain further operational timing aspects of an electronic controller of a humidity control apparatus for an active container prepared according to principles of the invention; [0043] Fig. 28 shows, in graphical form, still further operational timing aspects of an electronic controller of a humidity control apparatus for an active container prepared according to principles of the invention;

[0044] Fig. 29 shows, in graphical form, yet more operational timing aspects of an electronic controller of a humidity control apparatus or an active container prepared according to principles of the invention;

[0045] Fig, 30 shows, in graphical form, various additional operational timing aspects of an electronic controller of a humidity control apparatus for an active container prepared according to principles of the invention;

[0046] Fig. 31 shows, in graphical form, additional useful timing aspects of an electronic controller of a humidity control apparatus for an active containe prepared according to principles of the invention;

[0047] Fig. 32 shows in schematic plan view additional detail of a further embodiment of a humidity control apparatus for an active container prepared according to principles of the invention;

[004$] Fig. 33 shows in schematic plan view additional aspects of an embodiment of a humidity control apparatus for an active container prepared according to principles of the invention;

[0049] Fig, 34 shows in schematic plan view still other characteristics of and embodiment of a humidity control apparatus for an active container prepared according to principles of the invention; [0050] Fig. 35 shows in schematic plan view yet further characteristics of an embodiment of a humidity control apparatus fo an active container prepared according to principles of the invention;

[0051] Fig. 36 shows in schematic front view certain external features of one embodiment of an active container prepared according to principles of the invention;

[0052] Fig. 37 shows in schematic front view certain external features of a further exemplary embodiment of^" an active container prepared according to principles of the invention;

[0053] Fig, 38 shows in graphical format a convention for illustrating the operation of an active container prepared according to principles of the invention;

[0054] Fig. 39 shows in graphical format certain exemplary features of an operation of an active container prepared according to principles of the invention;

[0055] Fig. 40 shows in graphical format other exemplary features of an operation of an active container prepared according to principles of the invention;

[0056] Fig. 41 shows in graphical format still further exemplary features of an operation of an active container prepared according to principles of the invention;

[0057] Fig, 42 shows in perspective view certain, external features of one

embodiment of an active container prepared according to principles of the invention;

[0058] Fig, 43 shows in schematic screenshot view certain operational features of one em bodiment of an active container prepared according to principles of the invention; [0059] Fig. 44 shows in schematic screenshot view certain additional operational features of one embodiment of an active container prepared according to principles of the invention;

[0060] Fig. 45 shows as a schematic block diagram certain operational features of a control system, for one embodiment of an active container prepared according to principles of the invention;

[0061] Fig, 46 shows in perspective view certai external features of a further embodiment of an acti ve container prepared according to principles of the invention;

[0062] Fig. 47 shows in perspective view certain external features of still another embodiment of an active container prepared according to principles of the invention;

[0063] Fig. 48 shows in graphical form certain operational characteristics of a humidity control apparatus for an embodiment of an active container prepared according to principles of the invention;

[0064] Fig. 49 shows in in schematic cross-section certain structural and

operational characteristics of a humidity control apparatus for an embodiment of an active container prepared according to principles of tire invention;

[0065] Fig, 50 shows in graphical form certain further operational characteristics of a humidity control apparatus for an embodiment of an active container prepared according to principles of the invention;

ri [0066] Fig. 51 shows in graphical form yet further operational characteristics of a humidity control apparatus for an embodiment of an active container prepared according to principles of the invention;

[0067] Fig. 52 shows in schematic plan view yet further characteristics of an embodiment of a humidity control apparatus for an active container prepared according to principles of the invention;

[0068] Fig, 53 shows in schematic plan view still other characteristics of an embodiment of a humidity control apparatus for an active container prepared according to principles of the invention;

[0069] Fig. 54 shows in graphical form yet additional operational characteristics of a humidity control apparatus for an embodiment of an active container prepared according to principles of the invention;

[0070] Fig. 55 shows in bar chart form still other operational characteristics of a humidity control apparatus for an embodiment of an active container prepared according to principles of the invention;

[0071 ] Fig. 56 shows in graphical form additional operational, characteristics of a humidity control apparatus for an embodiment of an active container prepared according to principles of the invention;

[0072] Fig. 57 shows electronic schematic form yet further structural features of a humidity control apparatus for an embodiment of an active container prepared according to principles of the Invention; [0073] Fig. 58 shows in graphical form yet further operational characteristics of a humidity control apparatus for an embodiment of an active container prepared according to principles of the invention;

[0074] Fig. 59 shows in schematic plan view still other useful characteristics of an embodiment of a humidity control apparatus for an active container prepared according to principles of the invention; and

[0075] Fig, 60 shows in schematic plan view yet still other characteristics of an embodiment of a humidity control apparatus for an active container prepared according to principles of the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE IN VENTIO

[0076] The present invention includes, in certain exemplary aspects., an active container having an internal region where desirable environmental conditions are established and/or maintained. In various embodiments of the invention, these desirable environmental conditions will include an internal atmosphere having particular and desirable characteristics of humidity and/or tempera ure. According to principles of the invention, the desirable atmospheric characteristics will, i certaan embodiments, be maintained in steady state or vary dynamically according to a pre-established program, or in response to external conditions, as determined by any of a wide variety of control parameters. Thus, in certaan embodimen ts, a device or system prepared according to principles of the invention will include an enclosure and an environmental control feature, where the environmental control feature serves to maintain within the enclosure certain favorable atmospheric conditions.

[0077] Fig. 1 shows, in schematic perspective view, an active container 100 prepared according to principles of the invention. Active container 100 incorporates

Id exemplary features including a body portion 102 having an externa! surface region 104, and an internal surface region 106. Internal surface region 106 defines an internal cavity 108 configured to receive a stored material there within. In eertaan embodiments, the body portion includes a material selected to be chemically inert with respect to an anticipated chemical composition of the stored material. In some embodiments of the invention,, the chemically inert material will be disposed as a surface layer substantially continuously covering surface regio .106 and isolating a bulk structural material of the bod portion 102 from the internal cavity 108.

[0078] In the Illustrated embodiment, the body portion 102 is coupled through a mechanical, hinge 110 to a lid portion. 112. As shown, the hinge 110 is frictionall coupled to, and supported by, a portion of external surface region 104 through a band 114 disposed in tension around a circumferential region of the body portion 02. It will be appreciated by one of skill in the art, however, that any of a wide variety of mechanical arrangements will be employed in respective embodiments of the invention to support the lid portion 112. Moreover, in some embodiments, the lid portion will be readily decoupled and entirely removable from the body portion 102.

[0079] Lid portion 1 2 includes, in the embodiment shown, a humidity control apparatus 116 prepared according to principles of the invention. As will be comprehensively described below, when in operation, the humidity control apparatus 116 is arranged and configured to provide active control of a humidity parameter of an internal atmosphere disposed within cavity 108. In various embodiments of the invention, the humidity control, apparatus 116 will include a solid polymer electrolyte membrane advantageously arranged within control housing portion 18 of the humidity control apparatus 116.

[0080] A surface region 120 of the control housing portion 118 includes first 122 and second 124 internal circumferential surface regions which define respective apertures 126, 128. When lid portion 112 is disposed in a closed configuration, apertures 126 and 128 allow the movement of an enclosed atmosphere disposed within die cavity 108 through external surface region 120 and into an interior region of the control housing portion 118. In typical operation, airflows primarily into the control housing portion 118 through aperture 126 and hack out of the control housing portion 118 through aperture 128 into the bulk region of cavity 108. In cert an embodiments, this motion of the air will effect a controlled air circul tion, from within the bulk region of cavity 108 through the humidity control apparatus 116 and back into the bulk region of cavity 308.

[0081] As will be further described below, in certaan embodiments of the invention, one or more electric air handlers (e.g., fans or air pumps), will be provided to motivate this controlled air circulation. In a further aspect of the

invention, certaa embodiments will include an energ storage device such as,, for example, an electric battery within an internal region of the control housing portion 118.

[0082] Fig. 2 shows, in schematic cross-section,, certain further aspects of an active container lid 200, including a lid member 202 and a humidity control apparatus 204. The humidity control apparatus 204 includes a housing portion 206 with an external housing portion 208 and an internal housing portion 210,

[0083] In the illustrated embodiment, the external housing portion 208 includes a plurality of internal surface regions, e.g. 212, 214 defining, respectively, an inlet chamber 216 and an outlet chamber 218. A first internal circumferential surface region 220 defines an inlet aperture 222 which communicates between the inlet chamber 216 and an external environment 224. A second internal circumferential surface region 226 defines an outlet aperture 228 which communicates between the outlet chamber 218 and the external environment 224. A third internal circumferential surface region 230 defines an orifice 232 which communicates between the inlet chamber 216 and the outlet chamber 218.

[0084] An air mover 234, shown here as an electric fan, is disposed within the inlet chamber 216 and adjacent to inlet aperture 222. When in operation., the air mover 234 urges air from the external environment 224 inwardly 236 towards the inlet chamber 216. This tends to impart a velocity (referred to as the inlet chamber velocity) to the air and raise the local air pressure within inlet cham ber 214 and consequently to urge air outwardly through orifice 232 into outlet chamber 218,

[0085] A dimension 238 of outlet chamber 218 is smaller than a corresponding dimension 240 of inlet chamber 216. Consequently, as air passes from inlet chamber 216 through orifice 232 and outlet chamber 218, its velocity tends to increase and its air pressure tends to decrease in accordance with ^'Bernoulli's principle. That is, in certaan embodiments of the invention, when the air mover 234 is in operation, air velocity within the outlet chamber 218 freferred to as the outlet chamber velocity) is larger than the inlet chamber velocity and air pressure within outlet chamber 218 is lower than air pressure within inlet chamber 216.

[0086] It will he apparent on inspection that the active container lid 200 exhibits a partial rotational symmetry, within the plane of the drawing, such that the internal housing portion 210 has features like those of the external housing portion 208.

Accordingly, the internal housing portion 210 includes an internal inlet chamber 250, an internal outlet chamber 252, an Internal inlet aperture 254,, an Internal outlet aperture 256, an orifice 264 and an air mover 258 (again, an electric fan in the illustrated embodiment). As with the external housing portion, a dimension 260 of the internal inlet chamber 250 is larger than the corresponding dimension 262 of the internal outlet chamber 252. Consequently, and as discussed above, air urged into the internal inlet chamber 250 from the environment 224 by the air mover 258 tends to accelerate and diminish in pressure as it passes through orifice 264 that communicates between the internal inlet chamber 250 and the internal outlet chamber 252.

[0087] As will be apparent from the drawing_., the external housing portion 208 and the internal housing portion 210 are mutually coupled to, and separated from one another by, an air separation plate 266. A. first internal circumferential surface region. 268 of the separation plate 266 defines a humidification aperture 270. A second internal circumferential surface region 272 of the air separation plate 266 defines a dehumid if i cation aperture 274. A humidification membrane assembly 276 is disposed transverse to and occluding the humidification aperture 270. Likewise, a dehumidification membrane 278 is disposed transverse to and occluding the dehumidification aperture 274.

[0088] It should be appreciated that, when either air mover is operational, a positive differential air pressure is developed between the inlet chamber i.e., 216, 250 containing the air mover and the opposed outlet chamber i.e., 218, 252, and thus across the respective membrane 276, 278. This differential pressure, in conjunction with the directed airflow transverse to the corresponding (humidification,

dehumidification.) aperture, results in an improved operation, of the respective membrane, thus encouraging the transfer of water vapor from the inlet chamber to the corresponding outlet chamber,

[0089] The effect of these applied pressure differentials and airflows is surprisingly significant, enhancing the electrically motivated membrane activity in a tashion that has not been predicted by those of skill in the art. This surprising benefit yields an opportunity to solve problems of humidification and dehumidification. in diverse applications, includin mobile applications, where the state of the art previously offered no acceptable solution. [0090] In certaan embodiments of the invention, screens of appropriate material (e.g., woven wire, polymer textile, etc.) will be disposed 280, 282, 284, 286 across respective apertures 222, 228, 254, 256 of the housing portion 204. in addition, a groove 288 Is provided to receive a gasket (not shown) disposed around the periphery of the container Hd 200. In various embodiments, the screens and gasket respectively will be effective to reduce or prevent the ingress of foreign substances, including, without limitation, dust, insects, chemical aerosols, bacteria and viruses,, etc. from entering the inlet and outlet chambers and an internal cavity of an active container.

[0091] As will be described in additional detail below, operation of the air movers 234, 258 and of the membranes 276, 278 will proceed under open-loop and/or closed- loop control to provide and/or maintain a desired level of humidity within the internal cavity of the active container.

[0092] In addition, i certaan embodiments, the dimensions of the orifice, e.g. 232, 264, will be subject to selection, adj ustment, and/or ongoing automatic control so as to modify the current of air passing therethrough and thus the velocities and pressures of air adjacent to the membranes. In certaan embodiments, the aperture of the orifice will be dynamically controllable and will, include, for example and without limitation, motorized iris blades.

[0093] To achieve these results, an embodiment prepared according to principles of the invention will include, for example, a controller, such as an electronic controller with the ability to store a plurality of sof ware and/or firmware elements, in certain aspects, portions of the software and/or firmware elements will, be stored locally at the active container. In other arrangements and. as will be further described below, portions of the software and/or firmware elements will be stored externally for the operation and control of the active container.

[0094] Fig. 3 shows, in schematic cross-section, certain further aspects of an active container, including a lid 300 prepared according to principles of the invention. As illustrated, this further embodiment of the active container lid includes a lid member 302 and humidity control apparatus 304. The humidity control, apparatus 304 includes a housing portion 306 with an external housing portion 308 and an internal housing portion 310. The external housing portion 308 includes an external inlet aperture 311, and external inlet chamber 312, an external orifice 314 and external outlet chamber 316 and an external outlet aperture 318. The internal housing portion 310 includes an internal inlet aperture 320, an internal inlet chamber 322, an internal orifice 324, an internal outlet chamber 326 and an Internal outlet aperture 328. In light of the description of lid 200, it will be apparent that aperture screens and gaskets will be employed in some embodiments of the invention.

[0095] In the illustrated embodiment, an external fan 330 and a hu.mid.ifi cation membrane assembly 332 are disposed in the external inlet chamber 312. An internal fan 334 and a dehumidification membrane assembly 336 are disposed in the internal inlet chamber 322.

[0096] In contrast to the embodiment of Fig. 2, the external 316 and infernal 326 outlet chambers each contain a respective valve assembly 338, 340. As illustrated, each, exemplary valve assembly includes a flapper valve portion 342 pivotally mounted at a hinge portion thereof 344 to the housing portion 306. Each exemplary valve assembly also includes a servo arm portion 346 pivotally mounted through a shaft 348 to an actu or (not shown). Also visible in Fig. 3 is a circuit board 339, or similar device, supporting the electronic control devices which control operation of the fans 330_., 334 and valve assemblies 338_., 340.

[0097] Figs. 4.A and 4B respectivel show an exemplary flapper valve in an open configura ion 402 and a closed configuration 404. In. the open configuration 402_., the servo arm 406 is disposed in a fully relaxed configuratio at its maximum clockwise 408 extent, in response, the flapper valve portion 410 has rotated fully

counterclockwise 412 about its hinge pin 414 in response to the urging of, for example, helical, or torsion spring (not shown). A gasket 416 is coupled at a proximal surface region thereof 418 to a. corresponding distal surface region of the flapper valve portion 410,

[0098] A distal surface region 420 of the gasket 41 is disposed at an oblique angle to an airflow 422 entering the outlet chamber 424 from the orifice 426. This orientatio of the distal surface region 420 tends to further constrict (and accelerate) the airflow and. direct it towards the air separation plate 428 and the membrane surface of the membrane assembly 430.

[0099] In the closed configuration 404, the servo arm 406 is disposed i a fully deployed configura tion at its maximum counterclockwise 432 extent. In response,, the flapper valve portion 410 has rotated fully clockwise 434 about its hinge pin 414 against the urging of its return spring. The gasket 416 is disposed such that its distal surface 420 is disposed substantially coplana.r t a proximal surface 436 of the air separatio plate 428. Thus, the gasket 416 serves to effectively close off the

membrane aperture 438 more or less preventing airflow from the orifice 426 from reaching the membrane of the membrane assembly 430 and di erting that airflow 440 a wav and into the outlet chamber 424. [0100] In passing, the attention of the reader is drawn to a stop 442 which serves to limit the extent to which the adjacent flapper valve portion 410 opens.

[0101] Fig. 5 shows further aspects of an active container 500 prepared according to principles of the invention in which a heat transfer device 502 is mutually

disposed between an inlet cav ty 504 and an outlet cavity 506 of the active container 500. In the exemplary arrangement illustrated, the heat transfer device 502 is

disposed within an aperture 508 of the air separation plate 510. One heat exchanger (e.g., heat conducting vanes) 512 extends into the airflow 514 as it leaves inlet chamber 506 and passes through orifice 516. The other heat exchanger 518 extends into the airflow 520 as it leaves inlet chamber 522 and passes through orifice 524.

[0102] One of skill in the art will appreciate that a Pelletier Effect device will be well-suited to such an application, since by reversing the polarity of voltage and current applied to the device, the direction of heat transfer (from heat exchanger 512 to heat exchanger 518 or vice versa) may likewise be reversed. That said, any of a variety of heat exchanger devices such as are known, or may become known, in the art are intended to be included within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0103] F.ig.6 shows, in schematic sectional view, a further embodiment of an active container 600 prepared according to principles of the invention. In contrast to container 100, discussed above, active container 600 includes a humidify control apparatus 602 disposed near the base 604 of the container 600, rather than in its lid 606.

[0104] As illustrated, the humidity control apparatus 602 includes an internal portion 604 and an external portion 606 separated from one another by an air separation plate 608. Respective membrane assemblies 610,, 612 are supported by the air separation plate 60S and disposed adjacent respective apertures 616, 618 of the air separation plate 608.

[0105] On inspection, one of skill in the art will understand that air from within an internal cavity 620 of the active container 600 is caused to flow 622 through the internal portion 604 of the humidity control apparatus 602, past the membranes 610 and 612, and back 624 into the internal cavity 620. Concurrently, air from the external environment 626 is drawn 628 through the external portion 606 of the humidity control apparatus 602, past the membranes 610 and 612, and ejected 630 back out nto the external environment 626. During this process, activation (e.g.,, by the application of a voltage across the membrane) of the humidity-up membrane 610 tends to increase humidity within the internal cavity 620. Activation of the humidity- down membrane 612 tends to decrease humidity within the internal cavity 620.

[0106] Figs. 7 A and 7B show portions of active containers 702, 704 prepared according to principles of the invention with, respectively, a Hd-mounted humidity control apparatus 706 and a base-mounted humidity control apparatus 708. in the figures, vent apertures are visible 710 in the lid-mounted version 706 and 712 and the base-mounted version 708,

[0107] Fig. 8 shows, in schematic perspective view, a portion of an active container including a humidity control assembly 800. The humidity control assembly 800 includes an air separation plate 802. Coupled to a first side 804 of the air separation plate is an internal humidity control module 806. In an exemplary embodiment, the internal humidity control module includes an inlet chamber with a fan or air pump, an outlet chamber, an orifice communica ing between the inlet and outlet chambers, a membrane and, optionally, a valve assembly. [0108] Coupled to a sec nd side.808 of the air separation plate 802: is an external humidify control module 8l¾ an external power^' connector 812, an electrical battery (not shown), a power management circuit board 81 (optionally including voltage conversion, components), a logical control circuit board 816 optionally includin a digital controller and/or a digital signal processor, input/output interface

components (optionally: operativel coupled to temperature, and/or humidity sensors), memory cornponents configured to store control program information and process data, and power amp ifier elements (including, in some embodiments pulse width modulated amplifier elements) for the control of, for example, fan m tors, pump motors, heaters an coolers (Including, without limitation Pelletier effect heat exdhangers) solenoid valves, annunciators and other electrical and electro- mechanical equipment,

[01.09] Figs. 9 A and 9^'B .show, in schematic perspectiv view, still further

embodiments of an active container 900 prepared according t prirVeiples of the invention. Fig, 9A shows, in contrast to container 100 discussed above, active container 900 which includes a humidity control apparatus 902 disposed within the body of ¾ case for example, a musical instrument case such as, for example, a violin easse,

[0110] Fig, 9B shows, in schematic perspective view, and a tive shippin container for a plant or ther bipiogical sample prepared according t principles of the invention. A humidity co trol appa atus 902 will, in eeriaan embodiments, the contained within a housing portion 904. integrally formed as part of a case member 906 at the time of manufacturing, in other mvolvement of the invention, humidity control apparatus 902 il be applied as an aftermarket retrofit to a existing case.

[0111] Figs. I^'D A & lO show, in schematic perspective i w, still furthe

embodiments of an active container prepared according to principles of th invention. Fig. iOA shows an active container 1000 especially constructed as a museum case for the shipping of, for example, a fine art painting. The museum case includes a humidity control device 1002 (as described above) opera lively coupled to an external surface of a body of^" the museum case.. Fig. 10B shows a further embodiment wherein a humidity control device 1004 is embedded within a case, such as, for example, a suitcase or a specialized shipping case for delicate goods such as, for example, electronics, photographic equipment, scientific intra-mentation, etc.

[0112] In certaart embodiments, an active container prepared according to principles of the invention will include one or more cavities. Thus in. certaan.

embodiments, an active container will include an electronics area cavity, at least one sample containment area cavity, and at least one environmental conditioning area cavity. It should be noted, that while the term "cavity" is used in the course of the present description, there is no mandate that any device, apparatus or system prepared according to principles of^* the invention include electronics disposed within a cavity. Rather, in certaan embodiments, the electronics will be embedded (i.e., potted) wi hin a m erial of the co ainer.

[0113] In exemplary embodiments, the number of sample containment area cavities to environmental conditioning area cavities may he 1:1, 2:1, 3:1, or greater depending on the purpose and cost tolerance of a particular embodiment of the invention. The interior of the floor, walls, and lid of a sample containment area cavity and, in some embodiments, an environmental conditioning area cavity, have a non-reactive, non- or minimally-permeable lining. The electronics area cavity does not permit gasses or liquids to flow into any other cavity from the electronics area cavity, or from any other cavi y into the electronics area cavity, but air in the electronics area cavity may communicate with the outside air for the purpose of cooling the electronic components. An environmental conditioning area cavit permits conditioned air exchange with one or more sample containment area cavities. An environmental conditioning area cavit transfers gasses but not liquids between the cavity and the outside air, conditioning tine air inside the cavity by filtering unwanted gasses and particulate m tter out of the external air supply, and regulating the flow of water vapor into or out of the environmental, conditioning area cavity to maintain a near-constant interior humidity level regardless of changes in the humidity of the outside air. In some embodiments, a near-constant

atmospheric pressure is also maintained inside the conditioning area/sample containment area, in some embodiments, the internal air temperature is also regulated. The active contamer may monitor environmental factors even if it lacks devices to control that factor. For example, an active container embodiment lacking a cooling system may still monitor temperature and alert if the internal temperature becomes too high or too low, allowing a person to remedy the situation by moving the active container to a different external environment (e.g. putting it into a refrigerator).

[0114] Fig. 11 depicts the exterior top view of a simple embodiment of the invention, having a sample containment area with a hinged cover and a cover lock, an environmental conditioning area with a screw-on removable cover, and an electronics area with a screw-on removable cover.

[0115] Refer now to Fig. 11, which is a top view of a first embodiment of the active container having exactly one electronics area cavity, one sample containment area cavity, and one environmental conditioning area cavity. In this Fig. the covers of each cavity are attached and closed. Sample containment area cover 1110 has sample containment area cover hinge 1115 and cover lock 1105. This allows cover 1120 to be opened and closed without removing the cover, and to be locked for security during transport and to prevent unauthorized access to the contained sample,

environmental conditionin area cover 1120 and electronics area cover 1125 are attached via set-screws 1130 and are not removed during normal operation of the invention. However, both covers 1120 and 125 may be removed for the purpose of replacing or repairing functional components inside the cavity. In some

embodiments of the invention a non-standard screw-head and/or reversed threads may he employed to discourage tampering. Cover lock 1105 is shown as admitting a key, but the lock could be an of a combination lock, a magnetically activated lock, or a switched lock remotely activated by a wireless means such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or infrared.

[0116] Fig, 12 depicts a side view of a simple embodiment of the invention, indicating how a gasket is employed between the lower enclosures of the screw-on areas of the container as the mechanism for maintaining a hermetic seal, when the covers are attached,

[0117] Refer now to Fig. 12 which depicts a schematic side view of one

embodiment of the active container, looking at the side of the electronics area, with the screw-on cover attached. A hermetic seal is formed between cover 1210 and lower enclosure 1205 by interposing a gasket 1215 between the cover and the lower enclosure before screwing on the cover. The material composition of the gasket 1215 may be different depending on whether it is sealing the electronics area or the environmental conditioning area, and, in the case of the environmental conditioning area, also dependent on the environmental conditioning requirements of each particular embodiment of the invention and on the type of samples being stored {this, as shall be shown, is because the environmental conditioning area cavity communicates with the sample containment area cavity).

[0118] Fig, 13 depicts a cross-section end view of a hinged cover assembly for the sample containment area illustrating a wider top plate,, an O-ring gasket fitting between the top plate and bottom plate of the cover, and a cover assembly upon which the O-ring fits. The cover assembl fits inside the sample containment area cavity with the O-ring forming a hermetic seal between the sides of the cavity and the cover assembly. The top plate prevents air from reaching the O-ring when tine cover is locked.

[0119] Fig. 13 shows an end-view cross-section of a simple embodiment of a hinged cover assembly for a sample containment area with the lock visible. Unlike the flat covers of the electronics area and the environmental conditioning area, the sample containment area cover assembly 1305 extends downward into the sample containment area cavity. The lip of the top plate 1330 of the cover extends out over the walls of the sample containment area cavity. When the cover is closed,, a lateral hermetic seal is formed between the sides of the cavity and the lower portion of the cover assembly 1305 b means of O-ring 1315. The material composition of the O- ring 1315 may depend on the environmental conditioning requirements of each particular embodiment of the invention and on the type of samples being stored . The O-ring must form a hermetic seal across the range of temperature, pressure, humidity, and chemical composition of the atmosphere inside and outside of the sample containment area cavity, and must not introduce sample contaminants due to material outgassing or if liquid from the sample comes into contact with the O- ring. While Fig. 3 appears to show the hinged cover assembly as comprising two plates, this could also be constructed as a single molded part with a wide top and narrower bottom neck for the O-ring seal.

[01.20] Fig. 14 depicts a side view detail of a hinged cover assembly showing how the cover hinge extends from the top plate of the cover and the cover assembly with O-ring is not disrupted by the hinge.

[0121] Fig, 14 shows side-view cross section of a simple embodiment of the co ver assembly for a sample containment area. This view shows how the top plate of the cover 1410 with cover hinge 1415 extends further outward from the bottom plate 1405of the cover, so that cover hinge 1420 does not interfere with the O-ring when the cover is closed, and so that the top plate 1430 of the cover may be permanently attached to one wall of the sample containment area cavity. Again, top plate and bottom plate could be constructed as a single molded part.

[0122] Fig. 15 depicts a top view cross section of the simple embodiment of the invention with covers and internal components removed, illustrating the several cavities within the container. The sample containment area cavity connects with the environmental conditioning area cavity, allowing vapor to pass through the vapor ve t port. The environme al conditioning area cavity connects with the outside environment via the humidifier and dehumidifier ports,, allowing the invention to maintain near-constant humidity insicie the environmental conditioning area and sample containment area. Power and control signal wires pass from the electronics area cavity to the humidifier and dehumidifier in the environmental conditioning area cavit through the wiring port, but the wiring port does not permit the transfer of gasses or liquids between the environmental conditioning Area and the

electronics area cavity. Similarly, the on/off Switch, indicators), and power/data ports of the electronics area cavity do not permit the transfe of gasses or liquids from the external environment,

[0123] Refer now to Fig. 15, which is a top view cross section the lower enclosure of a simple embodiment of the invention showing the three cavities, Sample containment area, cavity 1505, electronics area cavity 1560, and environmental conditioning cavity 1520. Covers and internal components have been removed. Note- that the drawing is not to scale. Particularly some walls may be thicker to

accommodate attaching the hinged cover of the sample containment area cavity, and in. some embodiments walls ma be thicker because they hold insulation, cooling or heating elements, and the like. The primary purpose of Fig 5. is to identify the ports through, which the several cavities communicate with one another or the outside environment,

[0-124] Wiring port. 1:540 allows wiring; for s nsor)?- and control sig als: to pass between electronics area cavity 560 and environmental conditioning area cavity 1520. Afte ti e ^"wiring is installed,, wiring: port 15:40 is sealed so as riot to permit gasses: and. limnds to pass between environme tal conditioning area cavity 1520 and electronics area cavity 1560, Indicator port 1555 allows for a visual display such as one or more LED(s): or a digital displa to be visible outside the electronics area. Power data port 1550 admits a socket for powering the Invention, charging a battery in the electronics area cavity, or both. In some embodiments: the socket m y be a dual-purpose power and data connector such a USBvAs with the wiring port 1540> the Indicator por ) 1555 and power/data port 1550 may he sealed, or constructed so as t prevent r limit the transfer of v p rs or liquids between the electronics area cavity 1560 and the -outside environment,

[0125] Vapor vents 151:5 and 1510 allow the exchange of air hut not liqui s between the sample containment area cavity and the environmental conditioning area cavity. B this means, ai conditioning effected in the nylror meRtal

conditioning a.rea cavit 1520 propagates into the sample containment area. 1505. Mote the: ste in the. vents to house semi-permeabl water barrier membranes. Vapor flows from, environmental conditioning area cavity 1520 to -saniple containment area, cavity 1505 via port 1510 and returns via port 1515.

[0126] Humidifier port 1530 permits air exchange with the environmental conditioning area and the external environment. The primary purpose of this port as will, be seen, is extracting water vapor f m the outside air to rais the humidity in the environmental conditioning area 1520. Dehumidifie port 1535 permits air exchange between the environmental conditioning area cavity 1525 and the external environment. The primary purpose of this is extracting water vapor from the air in the environmental conditioning area cavity and releasing it to -the exterior

environment, with the aim of lowering the humidity i the environmental conditionin area. However, in some embodiments of the invention these ports may have additional functions. Vents to the outside environment may he protected by a grill to prevent damage to the membrane or filter covering the vent. Note the steps in these ports, which, are shaped to house semi-permeable water barrier membranes, permittin the passage of air and water vapor but not liquid water.

[0127] Fig, 16 shows a bottom view of the cover for a sample containment area showing the placement of a magnet activated switch used to detect the open/closed state of the hinged cover.

[0128] Fig. 16 shows a bottom view of the hinged cover assembly for a sample containment area cavity. Top plate of cover 1605 extends beyond bottom plate of cover 1610. Magnet 1615 is used, in conjunction with a magnetic switch, to detect whether the cover is open. Seal 1620 is an O-ring or other similar compression seal. Hinge 1625 shows the protrusion of the hinge from the active container when the cover is closed.

[0129] Refer now to Fig. 17, wherein are shown details of the assembled contents of the cavities in a simple embodiment of the active container. The sample

containment Area 1748 contains magnetic switch 1702, which could be a mechanical switch,, a Hall Effect sensor, a photo detector, or any similar position detection device. The sample containment area also contains two semi-permeable water barriers 1704 and 1706 allowing for exchange of air but not liquid wi h the

environmental conditioning area cavity. [0130] In the environmental conditioning are 1 28, air ump .171.0 sealed by gasket 1708 rnoves air from the r sample containment area via the vapor e t associated with semi-permeable barrier 170 to be replaced with, conditioned ;air through semi-permeable barrier 1706...Airpamp 1,710 m y be a i xoe t ii: pump

one skilled hi the art, Measurement array 1712 measures at least humidity, and may also include other sensors such as for temperature and atmospheric pressure.

enihr n ^ase : dehnmidilying device 1714 when energized permits or encourages transfer Of water vapor from the ehvironiriental eondition g cavity are t the ou tside. Gasket 1716 prevents leakage of gasses through the vapor vent except via the dehnrnidifier membrane of 1714, Membrane 1714 is protected from, being compromised by Mcjirids from the optside environment by a semi -permeable t harrier 1718, and protected from physical damage from the outside by grill assembly 1720,

[0 31 J Similarly, membrane-based humidif ing device 26,: when energized, draws water vapor from the^'OU.ts .e-.enyi¥onment into. the-err.v rQtsineiTi.t l.

conditioning area. Device 1726, like device 1714, is prbteete fey a semi-permeable water barrier 1722,; a gasket 1724, and the grill assembly 1720,, Air-flow routing partition 730 enforces the most efficient movement of vapor between, chambers; via: the conditioning devices and sensors,

[0132] Consider next the contents of electron! es area ca ity 74 which al ways contains at least one battery 1 44, indicators/displa 1 42, _:.a power/data connector 1738, an pn o f switch 1736 and a controller 1732. Controller 1732 comprises a low- cost programmable CPU incorporating circuitry modules for connecting to sensors and controllin environmental conditioning devices, both volatile and non-volatile .memory for storing information about the current nd Mstoric state of the invention, and stored, program, configuration, and settings used by tke controller 1732 to establish the goals and iimitsior maintaining the environment inside the sample eontamment area cavity (s).

[0133] Fig.. 17 is a_: tap: vie of a sin le containment ar a ca i y without covers, showing internal components including cover state detection om ponents, water barriers gaskets, sensors, and membranes.

[0134] Still referring to R , 17, in some embodiments of: the invention, ba tery 1744 ma be the sole power source: tor the devices^' in the electronics area cavity 1746 and environmental conditioning area cavity 1,728 which require electrical, power for operation, in other embodiments the device may operate directly from AC power supplied at power/data connector 1 3S, with battery 1744 acting as backup in case of power outages or when the invention is being transported and cannot be connected to A:C power. In ei he case, battery 1744 is capable of being recharged via.

power/data: connectbr 17 8.

[0135] In some embodiments of the i vention, the controller 1 32 ma be capabl of receiving digital inputs via: power/data connector 1738. Such inputs ke the form of the stored programs or algorithms which operate the devices in the environmental conditioning a.rea 1 28 and th e mdicators/dis pi ay 1 42^ the configoratlon data which informs the Stored programs what de vices are available in this particular

embodiment of the invention, and the settings which govern the operation of the device. Settings can include goals for humidity, temperature,, atmospheric pressure, and the like inside the sample containment area cavity 1748. Settings ma also govern when the controller 1732 issues alarms. Exam les of alarm conditions include cover off (for the cavities with screw-on covers}_., cover open too long (for sample containment area cavity(s) 748), batter low_land, environmental conditions inside sample containment area cavity(s) having remained outside the range permitted by the settings, for too long a perio of time. [0136] Controller 1732 may display or indicate alarms on tine indicator{s}/display 1742. indicator(s)/display 1742 may consist of a single LED light or an LED display comprising several digits or even a more highly functional pixelated display.

Controller 1732 may also send alarms in equal or greater detail to a software application (App) on an external device such as a computer or smartphone

connected to the invention via power/data connector 1738. In some embodiments of the invention the controller incorporates a wireless transcei ver (radio) using a low- power, short-range protocol such as Bluetooth or Wi-Fi to communicate with the software application running on the external device. In all cases communications with the software application may he considered equivalent regardless of whether the medium is the wireless transceiver or the power/data connector. Hereafter the communications medium between the software application and the controller 1 32 need not be called out, though details of the software application will be elaborated below.

[0137] Still referring to Fig. 17, other inputs to controller 1732 are recei ved from lid position detector(s) 1702, measurement array 1712, air pump 1710, humidifier membrane device 1726, and dehurnidifier membrane device 1714. Other

embodiments of the Invention may include Peltier temperature conditioning devices, which if present would also provide inputs to controller 1732. Devices 1726 and 1714 are ionic membrane dehumidifiers, with membrane 1726 reversed to provide a humidifying effect on environmental conditioning area 1728. Power to the

membranes, which operate using electrolysis and require a voltage to be applied, data from sensor array 1712 and lid position detector 1702, control signals to turn the voltage to the membranes on and off, and alarms from the membranes are

transmitted to and from controller 1732 via a wiring harness not shown. [0138] On-off display switch 1735 may be used to prevent a t least the indicator/display from consuming power when it is not needed as well as turning the entire active container on and off. Water tight seals 1734, 1740 and 1752 prevent moisture from entering the electronics containment area cavity 1 46 around the openings for the on-off switch, the power-data connector and the display

respectively. Wiring port 1 50, which exists to allow the wiring harness to pass between cavities 1728 and 1746, will be sealed after wires are admitted. While the embodiment of Fig.l 7 illustrates only mechanisms for controlling humidity inside the environmental conditioning area and sample containmen area, it will be known to one skilled in the art that a plurality of related mechanisms can be incorporated into the invention using the same cavity layout, controller, wiring harness, battery, connectors, and indicators. Considerable value may be had in controlling humidity only but monitoring and alerting on other factors such as temperature, pressure, and presence of gaseous and/or particulate contaminants, as the embodiment of Fig, 17 ma do. Other embodiments will be described which add additional active and passive environmental conditioning capability.

[0139] Fig. 18 depicts the top view of a device with two sample containment areas.

[0140] Fig. 18 is a top view of another embodiment of the invention wherein a plurality of sample containment area cavities is provided, each with its own hinged cover (1835,, 1845) and its own hinge (1810, 1820), and lock (1840, 1830). As above, the lock could involve a key, a combination, or a wirelessly-signaled latch. Fig. 18 shows a device with two sample containment areas, but a larger number is possible. Each sample containment area may have its own environmental conditioning area, as shown in Fig, 18 or multiple sample containment areas may share a single environmental conditioning area. Regardless of the plurality of other cavities present, only one electronics area and one electronics area cover 1825 are required. In Fig. 18, screw-down covers 1805 and 1815 allow independent access to each environmental conditioning area. Alternatively, one cover for could serve both environmental conditioning area cavities.

[0141 J Fig. 19 depicts another embodiment of the active container, covers removed, wherein each of a plurality of sample containment area cavities has its own environmental conditioning area cavity. All the environmental conditioning area cavities share the same electronics. This arrangement permits different samples to be maintained at different levels of humidit with no environmental interchange between the containment area cavities when both hinged covers are closed.

[0142] Fig. 19 depicts a top view cross-section of the lower enclosure with covers removed of an embodiment of the active container having a plurality of pairings of one sample containment area cavity with one environmental conditioning area. Each of the plurality of pairings is powered and controlled by the contents of a single electronics area cavit 1932. Here,, in pairing 1 sample containment area cavity 1940 circulates conditioned air from environmental conditioning area 1908 via vapor vent Ports 36 and 1 38. Environmental conditioning area cavit 1908 communicates with the outside environment via vapor flow ports 1902 and 1906, which share recess 1904 for the placement of a protective grid as describe above. Power, signal, and data lines enter cavity 1908 via wiring port 1910 which is sealed after wires are installed, in pairing 2 sample containment area cavity 1934 circulates conditioned air from environmental conditioning area 1918 via vapor vent ports 1928 and 1930.

Environmental conditioning area cavity 1960 communicates with the outside environment via vapor flow ports 1916 and 1912, sharing recess 191 for the placement of a protective grid as described above. Power, signal, and data lines enter cavity 1918 via wiring port 1920 and enter cavity 1908 via wiring port 1910. A single electronics containment area cavity 1932 with a single indicator(s)/display port 1926, as single on/off switch 1922 and a single power/data port 1924 are shared by the plurality of cavity pairings. [0143] Fig, 20 provides in erior detail of the embodiment of Fig, 19. Electronics contaiBrofint; area cavity 2058 contains a battery 2056^ a c0ntroller^■2042_/.

in.dieator(s /iiispl:ay 2052, on/of is witch 2046 and a power data connector 2050, 2052, 204 and- 205 have water-tight: seals 2054, 2044 and 2048 respectively_* Controller 2042 manages pairing 1 pi sample containment area cavi y 2066 and environmental conditioning area 2004 independently of the pairing 2 of sample containment area cavity 2062 an environmental conditioning area cavity 2038, Each of the pairings can have its own set of desired environfrtental conditioning parameters {e.g..

humidity, ternperatpre, and the like). The controller 2042 is capable of handling a phirafity of such pairings: ll independently. Sensory and control signals are transmitted betwee each environmental c¾ lid position detector via the wiring ports as in the previously described embodiments. Where wiring; passes through a cavity wall seals added: after the wirin assembly is installed, prevent the transfer of gasses or cohtaminanis from one cavit to another.

[0144] Lid positio detector 21)64 signals controller 2042 when the hinged cover of

barriers 207B and 2076 permit air and water vapor transfer between sample containment area, cavity 2066 and environmental conditioning area 2004 while preventing the transfer of liq ids. Air pump 2882 in e ironmental conditioning area 2004 moves air f m sample containment area ,2066 to environmental

con itioning; area: 2004 to be replaced, by conditioned air via the vent protected, by water barrier 2076, Air flo routing partition.2020 optimizes air flow to direct air

across sensors: of measiirement array 2002 and freshly conditioned; air .towards the vent associated wi th water barrier 2076. Outside air enters the environmental conditioning cavity area 2004 via semipermeabl water harrier 2008 which protects jmembran based, dehu idif ying; device 2012. Gasket 2006 prevents leakage of outside air around the water barrier and dehumidifying device. Outside air also exchanges with air in the environmental conditioning area cavity via membrane based humidifying device 2018, similarly protected by another semi-permeable water barrier 2016 and gasket 2014. Both openings are protected from physical damage by grill assembly 201.0. Devices 2018 and 2012 act as passive vents permitting air to circulate between the outside environment and the environmental conditioning area cavity 2004 when not energized. When a current is applied device 2018 favors the transfer of water vapor from outside to cavity 2004, having a humidifying effect on cavity 2004. When a current is applied device 2012 favors the transfer of water vapor from cavity 2004 to the outside, having a dehumidifying effect on cavity 2004.

[0145] Air from sample containment area cavity 2066 is sampled regularly (as described below) by measurement array 2002 and transmitted to controller 2042. When changes in humidity, temperature, or any parameter control! able by the devices available so dictate, the controller activates conditioning devices (such as 2012 or 2018) to alter the conditioning of the air in the environmental conditioning area cavity 2004 of pairing 1.

[0146] Pairing 2 of environmental conditioning area cavity 2038 and sample containment area 2062 functions and is controlled identically to pairing 1 described above, but controller 2042 may use a separate profile of environmental settings to determine when conditioning devices of pairing 2 are to be activated. Pairing 2 comprises measurement array 2022, membrane-based humidity control devices 2030 and 2035 with gaskets 2024 and 2032 and semi-permeable water barriers 2026 and 2034. Grill assembl 2028 protects devices 2030 and 2035 from physical damage, and air-flow routing partition 2040 optimizes air flow for pairing 2. Air pump 2074 draws air from sample containment area 2062 through semi-permeable water barrier 2070, with gasket 2072. Air returns to the sample containment area 2062 through semi-permeable water barrier 2068, [0147] Fig. 21 details the arrangement of the cavity walls and vents of the embodiment of a cost-reduced embodiment in which the plurality of sample containment area cavities shares the same environmental conditioning area cavity.

[0148] Refer no to Fig. 21, which shows the skeleton cross-section of the lower enclosure of an embodiment of the invention having a pluralit of sample containment area cavities (here, two, denoted 2145 and 2150) sharing a single environmental conditioning area cavity 21 5 and a single electronics containment area cavity 2140. The purpose of this embodiment is to accommodate the storage of distinct samples which do not have distinct environmental requirements. In this embodiment, sample containment area cavit 2145 has two air-flow ports 2060 and 2055 to the environmental conditioning area 2075. Similarly, sample containment area cavity 2150 has two air-flow ports 2065 and 2070, so that the same

environmental conditions are maintained for the plurality of sample containment areas. As in other embodiments, wiring port 2135 admits wiring not shown, to the environmen al conditionin area 2175 but is sealed against the transfer of gasses and liquids. Indi.cator(s)/display port 2130, on/off switch port 2120, and power/data Port 2125 communicate only with electronics area cavity 2140. environmental

conditioning Area 2175 has two ports for vapor exchange with the outside environment, 2105 and 2110. All vapor ports have a step for holding a semipermeable water barrier, and a recess 2110 is provided for the placement of a protective grill over the external ports 2115 and 2105 for vapor exchange with the ou tside environment.

[01 9] Fig. 22 depicts the interior detail of the embodiment of Fig. 21.

Environmental, conditioning area cavity 2206 contains one membrane based humidifying device 2222 protected from leakage of unconditioned air as above by- gasket 2220 and semi-permeable water barrier 2218, and one membrane based dehumidifying device 2210, protected from leakage of unconditioned air by gasket 2212 and semi-permeable water barrier 2214. Both humidity^" control devices are additionally protected by grill assembly 2216. Environmental conditioning area, cavity 2206 additionally contains a measurement array 2208 capable of at least measurin humidity, and which may also measure temperature,, pressure, and particulate and/or gas contaminant levels. Air flow routing partition 2224 directs air flow to ensure accurate measurements and optimize flow of conditioned air in o, out of, and among the sample containment area cavities. Vents between environmental conditioning area and sample containment areas are each protected by a semipermeable water barrier (2252, 2254, 2256, and 2258).

[0150] Sample containment area cavities 2246 and 2250 each have a lid position detector (2244 and 2248, respectively) which could be a mechanical switch, Hall Effect sensor, photo detector, or other similar device as described above. Electronics area cavit 2242 contains Battery 2240, controller 2228, power/data connector 2236, on/off switch 2232, and indicator(s)/disp.lay 2239. Power/data connector 2236, on/off switch 2232, and indicato.r(s)/display 2239 each have a water-tight seal, respectively denoted as 2234, 2230, and 2238. Wiring port 2226 admits wiring for environmental conditioning devices and sensors, and will be sealed after wiring is installed,

[0151 J It should be noted that, in any of the above embodiments of an active container, or in subsequent embodiments described below,, while tine placement of heating and cooling devices is not shown, means for heating and cooling such as Peltier heat exchangers or passive cooling devices such as externally cooled inserts (e.g. "blue ice") may be placed in the thickened, insulated wails of either an environmental conditioning area cavity or a sample containment area cavity, as is most effective and appropriate for the particular layout of the system. Some such configuration will not require additional ports through a exterior wall of any cavity, but those which do may be sealed with gaskets and/or semi- ermeable water barriers as is described above for similar purposes.

[0152] Fig. 23 is a block diagram showing ho the electronic components of the invention in the embodiment of Fig. 16 are logicall connected to actively maintain the correct environment in the sample containment area cavity.

[0153] Fig. 23 is a block diagram showing the logical relationship of the electronic components in a simple embodiment of the invention. Measurement array 2316, lid position detector(s) 2314, power/data port 2310, and battery 2306 provide sensory inputs to controller 2302. Measurement array 2316 can measure at least humidity, and may also measure temperature, atmospheric pressure, and levels of gas and particulate contaminants. Lid position deteetor(s) 1316 signal whe a sample containment area cover is opened or closed. The power/data port 2310 permits the presence of a connected device and/or power source to be detected and controlled by power management module 2308. Humidifying module/device 2322 and

dehumidifying module/device 2320 may signal problems such as invalid electrolyte levels which indicate that a membrane or filter requires replacement. Air pump module 2324 manages the air pump which circulates air between the environmental conditioning area cavity and the sample containment area cavity.

[0154] On/off control module 2312 may allow manual control of several functions requiring power, enabling a human user to turn off the display, the pump, the heater or cooler or ail powered components, either via the physical, on/off switch or by external software via the radio 2304, which may employ a wireless protocol such as Bluetooth o Wi-Fi to communicate with external software for a plurality of purposes. The latter method will be described below. Once the active container has been, turned completely off the physical on/off switch, not the Radio, must be used to turn the active container back on. Heating module 2326 and cooling module 2328 manage the activation and deactivation of heatin and or cooling devices, if present, in response to temperature measurements and settings stored in the controller which describe the optimal environmen to be maintained by the environmental

conditioning area cavity, in various embodiments of the invention, the

mdicator(s)/display may comprise a light or a plurality of lights which may he turned on or off by controller 2302, and may include a digital display whose content may be set by controller 2302 and display module 2318 to indicate the status of the invention in more detail than can be indicated by lights alone.

[0155] Controller 2340 with modu les 2320 and 2322 starts and stops the

environmental conditionin devices based on several inputs: a) the opening of the sample containment area cover may shut off any environmental conditioning device which is currently energized; b) closing the lid of a sample containment area may trigger a logic sequence resulting in the starting an environmental condi tioning sequence depending on the layout of the invention and the readings from

measurement array 2320; periodic readings of measurement array 2320 may cause any environmental conditioning devices to be started or stopped at any time when the sample containment area cover is already closed; a change in the controller's humidity set-point may activate the humidity control modules and devices. Any of the above events may additionally cause controller 2302 to update the appearance or content of the display. Cooling and heating modules (2326,, 2328} will manage heating and cooling devices in a similar fashion in response to changes in

temperature, lid opening and closing events, and changes in environmental control settings. The air pump will also be stopped when the lid is open.

[0156] Fig, 24 is a block diagram showing how the electronic components in the embodiment of Fig. 19 are logically connected to actively maintain the desired environment in each of a plurality of sample containment area cavities by having the single controller manage a separate humidit and temperature measurement device,, lid position detector, humidifier, and dehumidif ier for each sample containment area cavity,

[0157] Fig. 24 is a block diagram showing the logical relationship of the electronic components an embodiments of the invention containing a plurality of sample containment are cavities and a plurality of environmental conditioning area cavities (herein, two environmental conditioning area cavities). A plurality of measurement arrays (2416, 2420), a plurality of lid position detector (s) (2414, 2418), and

power/data port 2410 and battery 2406 via power management module 2408 provide inputs to controller 2402, Each measurement array can measure at least humidity, and may also measure temperature, atmospheric pressure, and levels of gas and particulate contaminant in the associated environmental conditioning area cavity. Lid position detector(s) (2414, 2418) signal when the associated sample containment area cover is opened or closed. The power /d ta port 2410 permits the presence of a connected device and/or power source to be detected. Battery 2406 may allow its charge level to be read or may signal when the charge reaches a low threshold. The power management module 2408 manages these inputs and generates outputs to switch power from battery to port or the reverse, stop or start charging of the battery, and may additionally generate alarms signaling a condition it is unable to manage (e.g. battery low with no external power source). Any of the plurality of humidifiers (2426, 2436), dehumidifiers (2424, 2434), cooling devices (2432, 2442), heating devices (2430, 2440), and pumps (2428, 2438) may also signal problems. For example, invalid electrolyte levels in a humidifier or dehumidifier may indicate that a membrane or filter requires replacement. The on/off control module 2412 may receive inputs from the on/off switch or the radio, and may shut off or permit the controller to re-power (as needed) any device which consumes power, including membrane-based humidifier/dehumidifiers, hea ing and coolin devices (which are ty pically Peltier-style heat transfer devices but could include other types of devices). the display, and the pumps. Radio 2404 is typically not shut off because it might prevent receipt of future commands,

[0158] Fig. 24 additionally depicts devices which serve as output devices to controller 2402. Displa module 2422 may control a plurality of lights which may he turned on or off by controller 2402, and may con rol a digital display whose value may be set by controller 2402 to indicate status aspects of the invention, such as alarms. Controller 2402 in conkmction with the several control modules (2408, 2424, 2426, 2428, 2430, etc.) starts and stops an or all of the plurality of environmental conditioning devices (humidifiers, dehu.ro.idifi.ers, coolers, heaters, and pumps) based on inputs: a) the opening of any sample containment area cover may shut off one or more environmental conditioning devices depending on the layout of the embodiment of the invention; b) closing the lid of a sample containment area may trigger a logic sequence resulting in the starting of one or more environmental conditioning devices dependin on the layout of the invention and the readings from an associated measurement module (2416, 2420); periodic readings of one of a plurality of measurement arrays may cause an associated environmental

conditioning device to be started or stopped at any time when the associated sample containment area cover is already closed. Any of the above events may additionally cause controller 2402 to update the appearance or content of the display.

[0159] Fig. 25 is a block diagram showing how the electronic components in the embodiment of Fig. 21 are iogically connected. Here, each sample containment area cavity has its own lid position detector, but all other devices are shared by the plurality of sample containment area cavities.

[0160] Fig, 25 depicts a engineering block diagram in which two sample containment area cavities share a single environmental conditioning area cavity, as in Fig. 22. Operation follows the method of Fig's 2300 and 2400, except that a single set of environmental conditioning devices and their associated modules (cooler 2532, heater 2530, pump 2526, humidifier 2526, and dehumidifier 2542) are responsive to a single group of environmental control set tings and measurements f rom a single measurement array 2516 but with two lid position sensors (2514 and 2518).

Environmental conditioning is paused when either lid is in the open position.

Otherwise, the operation of the devices residing in the electronics area cavity, including power management module 2508, power/data port 2510,, battery 2506, on/off switch 2512, radio 2504, controller 2502, and indicators/displa 2522 is the same as in previously described embodiments.

[0161] Fig. 26 depicts a time-line illustrating the operation of the lid position detector, wherein the events of opening and closing the hinged lid of a sample containment area cavity are shown,

[0162] Fig. 26 introduces a timeline convention for depicting the occurrence and consequences of events. In Fig. 26 the progress of time moves from earlier time at the left to later time at the right as indicated by the arrow. Timeline 2605 represents the changing state over time of a lid position detector. When the line is high the lid is closed. When the line is low the lid is open. Curved breaks across the timeline (2610) indicate that an indeterminate time period has ensued. Timeline 2605 begins with the associated sample cavity area cover closed. An indeterminate period of time 2610 passes, and then the lid is opened at point in time 2615, At point in time 2625 the lid is closed.

[0163] Fig. 27 depicts another sample time-line wherein the hinged Lid remains open for a longer period of time before being closed.

[0164] Fig. 27 depicts the same sequence of events, except that in Fig. 27 the Hd remains open for a longer period of time, Timeiine 2705 represents the changing state over time of a lid position detector. When the line is high the lid is closed.

When the line is low the lid is open. Curved breaks across the timeline (2710 2720.-) indicate that an indeterminate time period has ensued. Timeline 1705 begins with the associated sample cavity area cover closed. An indeterminate period of time 2710 passes, and then the lid is opened at point in time 2715. Another indeterminate period of time 2720 elapses, until at point in time 2725 the lid is closed.

[0165] Fig. 28 depicts concurrent timelines illustrating how, in the embodiments of Fig's 1900 and 2100 the state of a plurality of lid positions must he tracked

in.depend en tl y.

[0166] Fig. 28 represents a possibie sequence of opening and closing events of a device having a plurality of sample cavities. Again, the arrow represents the direction of time. Timeline 2805 represents one possible a. sequence of events for a first sample cavity area cover, and timeline 2825, running concurrently with timeline 2805, represents a sequence of events for a second sample cavity area cover. In the first sequence 2805, indeterminate period of time 2810 passes before a lid opening is detected at point in time 28 5. The cover is subsequently closed again at point in time 2820. On timeline 2825, after a different indeterminate period of time 2830, the opening of the second sample cavity area cover is detected at point in time 2835. The second cover is subsequently closed at point in time 2840. Note that there is no mechanism which requires that only one cover may he open simultaneously, or preventing multiple events from occurring at the same point in time. If too much time passes with any sample are containment area cover remaining open, an alarm, may be issued by the controller.

[0167] Fig. 29 depicts a series of concurrent time-lines illustrating how the controller i any embodiment of the invention triggers a measurement sequence following a lid closing detection event to activate an environmental conditioning event in a sample containment area cavity by adjusting the conditions in an environmental conditioning area cavity and allowing the conditions in the cavities to equalize. Environmental conditioning for a specific sample containment cavity area does not occur whe its hinged lid is open. The measurement is not triggered until a specified interval of time after the closing has elapsed without the lid being opened again.

[0168] Fig. 29 illustrates how detected events are used by a controller to optimize the operation of the available environmental conditioning devices {such as humidifiers and dehumid.if.iers, heaters and coolers, and pumps). Timeline 2902 represents events detected by a lid position detector as above. On this timeline, after an indeterminate period of time 2904 a lid opening 2906 is detected, followed by a lid closing at time 2908. Timeline 2910 represents the usage of a lid wait timer maintained inside the controller. In certaan embodiments, conditioning devices are always deactivated by the controller when a sample containment area cover associated with said devices is open, and this action is not shown. Fig. 29 is concerned instead with the restarting of the environmental conditioning devices. For efficient use of the battery and environmental conditioning devices, it is best to wait for an interval of time after a lid is closed sufficient for the conditions in the communicating sample containment area cavity(s) and environmental conditioning area cavity to equalize. Hence, when the lid closing at point in time 2908 is detected, then a lid wait timer represented by timeline 2910 is started, and not until the timer expires at point in time 2912 does the controller begin reading the sensors in the measurement array. For simplicity, assume that the only environmental parameter controllable by this embodiment of the invention is humidity. Timeline 2914 is high when the controller is not sampling the humidity sensor, and is low when the controller is sampling the humidity sensor. Sampling commences immediately at point in time 2912 and continues for an indeterminate period 2916 until point in time 2918. This permits the controller to establish that tine humidity in the environmental conditioning area cavity has stabilized. At that point, the controller compares the stabilized humidity reading with its stored settings for tine environmental

conditioning area cavity. if the humidity is too high or too low at point in time 2918 when stability is established, then an environmental conditioning correction is begun at point on timeline 2920 immediately following point in time 2918. The correction (running a humidifier or dehumidifier) begins at point in time 2918_., runs for a period of time 2922, and ends at point in time 2924.

[0169] Even when all the covers of the device remain closed over an indefini te period of time, the internal environmental conditions may not be constant. Changes in humidity occur because of evaporation from or absorption by the sample, because of passive transfer of water vapor through the vapor vents, etc. Heat transfer always occurs, and may occur at different rates due to changes in exterior Sight and air temperature. Hence, the controller must periodically sample interior conditions and either initiate a correction, or, if this is impossible, raise an alarm.

[0170] Fig. 30 depicts the opera ion of a background timer managed within the controller. The background timer causes a signal pulse to be issued at a regular programmable interval.

[0171] Fig. 30 introduces a background timer line 3005. The background timer runs whenever the invention has power. It expires and is reset periodically at a fixed interval, represented in Fig. 30 by background expiration pulses 3010, 3020, and 3013, and by background timer restart events 3015, 3025, and 3035.

[0172] Fig, 31 is a timeline illustrating how the background timer of Fig, 30 is employed to periodically monitor the humidity in a sample containment area cavity and trigger a humidity correction when conditions in the sample containment area cavity are not within the required parameters. [0173] Fig. 31 illustrates how actions environmental conditioning events can ensue from the expiration of a timing pulse. In Fig. 31, timeline 3105 represents events on the background timer. Timeline 3120 represents measurement events. Timeline 3135 represents environmental conditioning correction events. On timeline 3105 the background timer expires at point in time 3110 and is restarted at point in time 3115. The restart event triggers the start of sampling the measurement array, which continues for an indeterminate period of time 3125 until at point in time 3130 the metrics are determined to have stabilized. Note that interval 3125 may extend across a plurali y of background timer expirations and restarts, which are not shown in Fig. 31 because they would not trigger any new actions. At point in time 3130 an environmental conditioning event (or events) is triggered on timeline 3135, An example of multiple events could be that both a dehumidifier and a cooler (e.g.

Peltier heat exchanger with hot side out) could be energized. The conditioning event lasts for interval 3140 and terminates at time 3145, Note that it would be possible for the plurality of events triggered at point in time 3130 to terminate at different times. Temperature measurements continue during the environmental conditioning event, even though there is no wait timer depicted on timeline 31.20. instead, each conditioning device is stopped when the continuing measurements indicate that the goal state has been, achieved. Measurements also stop when all goals have been achieved, until a subsequent background timer triggers a new measurement and correction cycle.

[0174] The notion, of a background timer is important in other processes carried out by the controller of the active container. The background timer only stops when the device is completely turned off or without any form of power. Thus., counting expirations of the background timer may be used to compute the length of states such as the amount of time a lid. remains open or the length of time that the humidity in a sample containment area remains outside the limits prescribed by the settings. If any such state persists for too long, an alarm may be issued.

[0175] Fig. 32 depicts an alternate configuration of an active container with a single sample containment area cavity.

[0176] Fig. 32 illustrates how alternate configurations of a containment device with a single sample containment area can be constructed, Top view 3205 has an alternate., linear positioning of the air pump, measurement array, external environmental conditioning vents (humidifying and dehumidifying), and internal passive vent for returning conditioned air to the sample containment area cavity. End view 3210 shows how the environmental conditioning area cavity and the electronics area cavity are stacked one atop the other. Side view 3215 clarifies this, showing the deeper sample containment area cavity next to the environmental conditioning area cavity, which is stacked over the electronics containment area cavity also adjacent to the sample containment area cavity.

[0177] Fig. 33 is a top view of an assembled front loadin active container with a removable sample containment area cavity. The sample containment area cavity hay has been removed.

[0178] Fig. 33 is a top view of another embodiment of an active container with a single top-loading sample containment area cavity which pulls out like a drawer from, the front of the body of the active container. In. this view, the sample

containment drawer or tray which would fit into the open area 3302, has been removed. Compression opening valves 3304 and 3308 seal the Environmental conditioning are when the containment dra wer is removed, and when the drawer is replaced, the compressed valves expose the semi-permeable water barriers 3306 and 3310. in the environmental conditioning area cavity, Air pump 3314 is additionally protected from vapor leaks by means of gasket 3312 as usual. When the drawer is in place, the pump 3314 draws air from the sample containment area into

environmental conditioning area cavity 3318 and directed by air-flow routing partition 3334 over measurement array 3316. Membrane-based dehumidifying and humidifying devices 3320 and 3332 are protected by semi-permeable water barriers 3324 and 3328, and sealed by gaskets 3322 and 3330. Grill assembly 3326 protects both devices from physical contact with the outside as in other embodiments of the active container. Magnetic switch 3336, in this embodiment situated in the

environmental conditioning area cavity because the sample containment area cavity is removable, is used to detect and signal the presence of the sample containment area cavity drawer.

[0179] Still referring to Fig. 33, it can b seen that the contents of the electronics containment area cavity 3340 are as in other embodiments of the invention;

controller 3338, on/off switch 3344 with water-tight seal 3342, power/data connector 3348 with water-tight sea! 3346, display 3352 with water-tight seal 3350, battery 3354, and wiring port 3365 which is sealed after wiring to sensors and conditioning devices has been installed .

[0180] Fig. 34 is a top view of an assembled removable sample containment area tray which fits into the active container of Fig. 33.

[0181] Fig. 33 is a top view of a. containment area cavity drawer 3435 fitting the active container of Fig. 33. Water vapor and air flow ports 3410 and 3425 and the associated compression opening valves (3415 and 3420) match up with compression opening valves 3304 and 3306 when the drawer is Inserted. Ports 3 30 and 3425 are additionally protected by semi-permeable water barriers 3405 and 3430. [0182] Fig. 35 is a top view cross section of the active container of Fig's 33 and 3400, The sample containment area tray has been replaced, causing the compression valves to open.

[0183] Fig. 35 shows the top view of the active container of Fig. 33, still without covers hu in this view with the tray or drawer of Fig. 34 fully inserted.

[0184] Fig. 36 is an external front view of the active container of Fig. 35 showing the tray in place within the active container.

[0185] Fig. 36 is a front view of the active container of Fig. 33 and Fig. 34 with the tray in place. Tray 3605 has been inserted into active container body 3610.

[0.186] Fig. 37 is an external front view of a front- loading active container having two removable sample containment area cavity trays.

[0187] Fig. 37 shows a fro t view of a fro -loading active container similar to that of Fig's 33, 34, 35, and 36, except that the active con tainer of Fig. 37 accepts two containment area cavity trays. Each tray and the matching vapor ports into the environmental conditioning cavity Area are arranged as in Fig's 33 and 34. Note that this requires the environmental conditioning cavity area in the embodiment of Fig. 37 to have four vapor flow ports rather than two, with two above and two below, each matching the ports on one of the two trays 3705 and 3710, Front view 3715 illustrates how the active container holds the two trays one above the other with the electronics containment area cavity at the left.

[0188] Fig, 38 introduces a conventional method of representing a timeline involving limits on the range of an environmental parameter such as humidity or temperature. [0189] Fig. 38 introduces a representational convention for showing an upper limit 3805 and a lower limit 3810 on an environmental parameter such as temperature or humidity. The use of the combination of upper and lower limits allows the system to maintain each environmental parameter within an acceptable band without forcing the system to constantly operate the control elements. Following drawings will illustrate methods for maintaining the climate consisting of an environmental conditioning area cavity and its associated sample containment area cavities within a series of pairs of limits wherein the series consists of at least two pairs of limits which are selected over time.

[0190] Fig. 39 illustrates a stair-step method of adjusting one or more

environmental parameter such as temperature or humidity in increments over time. The stair-step line 3905 represents the actual parameter being changed. Using the example of reducing the internal humidity by some function over time, the internal humidity starts at a value between upper limit 3910 and lower limit 3915. The controller of the active container will maintain the humidit within the boundaries of these two values until such time as the boundaries change. After a period of time, the program executing within the controller will command these two values to change, with the upper limit transitioning from 3910 to 3920 and the lower limit transitioning from 3 15 to 3925, When the controller samples the internal humidity, it will detect that the internal humidity exceeds the new upper limit of 3920,, and will turn on the dehumidifying portion of the active co tainer, reducing the internal humidity until it is a value between 3920 and 3925. At this point, the controller will turn of the dehu mid if ying process. Unless the internal humidity drifts outside of the boundaries set by 3920 and 3925, no further action is taken.

[0191] Should an out-of-limits drift occur, the controlle will turn on the

appropriate humidifying or dehumidifying portion of the active container until tine internal humidity returns to a value between 3920 and 3925. This process will repeat as necessary until the program executing within the controller again commands these two limits to change. At such time, the upper limit transitions from 3920 to 3930 and the lower limit transitions from 3925 to 3935. This process continues as the limits are changed m pairs, steppin the upper limit sequentially from 3930 to 3940, from 3940 to 3950, from 3950 to 3960, from 3960 to 3970, from 3970 to 3980, and finally, in this example, from 3980 to 3990. Concurrently with the transitions of the upper limit, the lower limit is likewise stepped from 3935 to 3945, from 3945 to 3955, from 3955 to 3965, from 3965 to 3975, from 3975 to 3985, and finally, in this example, from 3985 to 3995.

[0192] These upper and lower limit transitions can occur at fixed time intervals or time varying intervals, under programmatic control, to facilitate the desired shape of the humidity change profile e.g., linear, exponential, sigmoidal, etc. Likewise, the delta in the value of each step in humidity can be equal in magnitude, or change in varying amounts, again to facilitate the desire shape of the humidity change profile, e.g linear, exponential, sigmoidal, or other such transitions of gro wth, decay, or oscillation, damped oscillation, etc. It should be apparent to one of skill in the art that this programmatic control of upper and lower limi s over time can be applied to humidity, temperature, or any parameter of the atmosphere of the internal environment of the acti e controller, it should also be apparent to one of skill in the art that one or more such programs could be concurrently executed, each on different parameters, resulting in a multidimensional change over time of many parameters of the tmosphere of the internal environmen of the active controller.

[0193] Fig, 40 represents the programmatic time sequence of upper and lower limits from initial value 4010, transitioning In linear steps over time to final value 4015. In this example, the region between the upper and lower limits results in a step function representation of a straight line decay over time. [0194] Fig. 41 represents a more complex step function in which both the

magnitude of each step and the time between the steps are varied in a non-linear manner from initial value 4110 to final value 4115 such that the changes over time result in a step function representation of an exponential growth over time of parameter 4105.

[0195] Fig. 42 shows, in perspective view, an exemplary active 4200 container prepared according to principles of the invention. In the active container 4200 includes a slidab!e tray (or drawer) 4202 disposed in an extended configuration. Th drawer is arranged to slide into and out of a base unit 4204. The base unit 4204 also encloses and supports environmental conditioning components, electronics and battery, together forming a. humidity control apparatus 4206.

[0196] Another aspect of the invention concerns a method for monitoring and controlling the active container via a software application (App) running on a smartphone, notepad, laptop or desktop computer (Host). The App communicates with firmware running on the controller in the electronics area cavit of an active container. The communication medium may eithe be wireless via a standard protocol such as Bluetooth or WI-FI or wired via the power/data connector of the active container and a compatible cable and connector on the host. Exchange of data and control between the host and the active container may be effected by means of any number of application-layer protocols, either a proprietary protocol or a standard protocol such as RES T or SOAP. Generally, the protocol applied is

independent of whether the communi cations medium is wired or wireless.

[0197] Data transmitted from the App to the active container consists chiefly of climate control settings for each environmental conditioning area cavity of the activ container. The App may also inform the active container of events which cannot be detected by the active container but which must be recorded by a human operator via the App, Such events may include loading a new sample into a sample containment area cavity, recording that a sample containment area cavity is empty, and recording that a limited life component such as a semi-permeable water barrier, filter, Boveda™ or Integra Boost™ passive humidity pack (a backup means of maintaining humidity which may be incorporated in some embodiments of the invention), or humidifier or dehumidifier membrane has been replaced, if the replacement cannot be detected directly by the active container. Some embodiments of the invention vvili include sensors to detect such events. Other embodiments will not,

[0198] The App may also transmit commands to the active container to execute procedures stored on the CPU in the electronics area cavity. Such procedures may test components of the active con ainer by: calibrating the capability of the system and time required to raise or lower temperature, pressure, and humidity; when Boveda or Integra Boost passive humidity packs are present, calibrating the humidity set point of the Boveda or Integra Boost passive humidity packs when not augmented by humidifiers and/or dehuidifiers; reading the configuration of the active container from the CPU firmware; reading the software revision level of the CPU firmware; or reading battery levels. The App may also command the active container to accept an updated firmware image or to revert to the previous firmware version. Some of the above-mentioned tests and calibrations also may be initiated by the active container wi hout a command from the App based o policies inherent in the CPU firmware, in certaan embodiments, the execution and outcome of any test or calibration procedure will be entered into the local event log.

[0199] Data transmitted from the active container to the App may consist of:

climate control measurements of humidity, temperature, pressure, and particulate levels; event data including lid openings and closings; start and stop events for humidifiers, fans, and temperature controls; connection and disconnection with a I lost or with a power source; start and stop battery charging; maintenance events such as battery low, power loss, the need to replace a limited -life component such as a filter, Boveda or Integra Boost passive humidity pack, or humidifier or

del mvkiifier membrane; component replacements if component replacement sensors are included in the active container; and test and calibration procedures. The active container may also transmit climate related exception events when a climate- control metric (humidity, temperature, pressure, etc.) falls outside the prescribed range of the current climate control settings.

[0200] The App may have access to a service site located on the Internet. The

Service site may contain: software updates for the App; firmware updates for the active container; a library of profiles containing recommended settings for different sample types, which may be specific not only for different sample types but for different embodiments of the active container. For example, preferred humidit settings for a given sample type may be different for an embodiment of the active container which has the ability to control temperature than for one which does not.

[0201] Fig. 43 Illustrates a dashboard page in one embodiment of a software application (App) used to control and enhance the operation, of the active container.

[0202] In Fig, 43, dashboard display 4301 has at the top of the page a climate indicator 4302 and a profile indicator 4303. Whe more tha one climate is present, as in Fig. 43, a human user may navigate from one climate display to another b swiping the touch-screen of the host within the left-right navigation area 4306.

Profile indicator 4303 shows the name of the current profile assigned to the climate being displayed. The user may select different profile by tapping the profile indicator to choose from a list of available profiles. The upper portion of the dashboard display shows the details of the selected profile as set points (4304) and ranges (4305). At the right next to each set point is displayed the most recent measured value for each set point parameter, in Fig. 33, we see that the humidity is at the set point, but the temperat re is above the set point b within the preferred range,

[0203] Still referring to Fig. 43, the lower portion of the dashboard display indicates the status of the devices and materials available to the environmental conditioning area of the displayed, climate. Two types of status are displayed. In the central column the current operational state of each device is displayed. In Fig. 43, the humidifier and dehumidifier are off because the humidity above is ahead v at the desired set point However, the fan is on and the temperature control is active. At the right are indicators of expected service requirements of the environmental conditioning devices. Shown is an indicator that the HEPA filter may need replacement in approximately 100 hours of operation, if the humidifier/dehumidifier membranes were close to their end of life, an indication would be displayed on those lines as well An embodiments where the active container cannot sense such product life condi ions, the App may still be capable of tracking them, based on alarms and replacements recorded by the user.

[0204] Refer now to Fig. 44, a sample history display 4401 which, in certaan embodiments, may be reached from the screen of Fig. 43 by swiping downward within vertical navigation area 4307, The screen of Fig, 44 displays the history of the sample in cavity 2 of an active container having 6 cavities and at least one

environmental conditioning area cavity (Climate 1). This is indicated at the top of the page at sample cavity indicator 4402. To accumulate a history of a specific sample as opposed to a simple event log for a climate, a user must declare the loading of a new sample by tapping the sample cavity indicator 4402 while the cavity lid is open. Doing so will provide an opportunity to reset the log, choose a new profile, and name the sample. At the top of the sample history display, summary data 4403 is displayed, including the date and time the sample was loaded, which climate conditions the sample containment area cavity holding the sample, the numbe of times the sample has been accessed to date, the number of exceptions the sample has experienced, and the profile and name of the sample. The user may alter the profile by tapping settings 4408 and may rename the sample by tapping the sample name 4409. The user may examine the history of other samples by swiping sideways in left-right navigation area 4410 or return to a dashboard by swiping vertically in vertical navigation area 4406.

[0205] Tlie lower portion of the sample history display 4401 contains a scrollable log 4404 of events, which always begins with the load cavity event and. may contain other events which are prioritized if necessary. High priority events include lid open and close, profile changes, and exception events such as humidity dropping below or rising above the range indicated in the profile. Low priority events include expected state changes such as starting and stopping a humidifier or dehumklifier. If a climate includes multiple sample cavities with separate lids, each open and close event for the climate will be shown in every log because it may affect the quality of all samples in the climate. Profiles may contain policies instructing the active container when to alert because the combination of events and conditions to which a sample has been subjected are likely to have had a detrimental effect on th sample. Alerts may be indicated by means of the active container^'s external indicators (e.g. Fig. 6 item 636), by an audible alarm sounded by the App either when the Alert occurs or when the App first connects to the active container subsequent to the Alert, and by the App automatically displaying the correct sample histor and hunting to the event corresponding to the Alert in the log when an unacknowledged alarm is present.

[0206] Fig. 44 Illustrates an event log display page in one embodiment of an App used to control and enhance the operation of the active container. [0207] Refer now to Fig. 45, which depicts a host 4504 with an App 4526 in communication with an active container 4502. Communication may occur either via a wired connection 4506 or a wireless connection. The two means of connection are equivalent for the purposes of this description. The active container's CPU comprises data stores for the configuration and settings 4524 of the active container, and for a local event log 4522. The active container operates with or without a connection to an App, although for full function the active container must connect to an App at least inteiTmtteiitly, Parts of the firmware of the active container operate in one mode when a connection is present and a second mode when a connectio is not present.

[0208] One example of alternative modes of operation concerns the management of event logs on the active container. The firmware o the active container tracks which events have been uploaded to the App and which have occurred since the last upload. When a new connection to the App is established, events occurring since the last upload are immediately uploaded to the App, and the local log 4522 is purged or shortened . While the connection is .maintained, new events are periodically uploaded. When no connectio is present, new events are stored only in the local event log 4522. If the storage limits of the CPU for local events is reached and no connection to the A p can be established.,, then the size of the local event log may be reduced by removing less important events so that more important events can be retained. For example, recording when a dehumidifier was turned on and off is less important to the sample quality than exception events such as the humidity being ou of range. Thus, in the disconnected mode, the former events would be removed so that the latter events could be retained..

[0209] Referring agai to Fig. 45,, an Internet service si e 451.2 is also shown. The App 4526 is in intermittent communication with service site 4512. The App may- connect to the service site via any physicai means of connection available to the host, such as Wi-Fi or Ethernet. The service site provides digital resources which augment the operation of the App and the active container. Said resources may be

downloaded to the A p and, in some cases, from the App to the active container. The digital resources include; a database 4514 of active container serial numbers, models and configurations, used for authenticating client Apps and active containers and providing the correct version of other digital resources to them; software images 4516 and firmware images 4518 of updated versions of the App and the active container firmware respectively; and a library of profiles 4520 describing optimum control set points and ranges for different sample types and active container models. Profiles may be downloaded and stored on the App in profile Store 4530, and subsequently selected by an operator and loaded onto the active container to match the settings of a climate to the sample or samples it contains. A climate is the term used to refer to the combination of an environmental conditioning area cavity and at least one associated sample containment area cavity operating under a particular profile.

[0210] Fig. 45 shows the active container in context with the other software components and digital resources residing outside the active container on a mobile or fixed computing device and on the Internet, which are used to control and enhance the operation of the active container and provide information relating to the state of preservation and quality of the samples.

[0211] Fig. 46 contains conceptual sketches of a two-part design with a single sample containment area. Unit 4605 combines the sample containment area cavity 4615 with the electronics area 4610. The battery is contained in unit 4620, which is shown assembled with unit 4605,

[0212] Fig. 47 contains conceptual sketches of a two-part design 4705 showin a single sample containment area 4710 in a removable tray 4715. [0213] Fig, 48 shows, in graphical form, the permeability of an exemplary SPE membrane used for dehumidification. As can be seen, the SPE membrane is highly permeable to water vapor (H20). Permeability of all other gasses (H2S - Hydrogen Sulfide, C02 - Carbon Dioxide, C2H4 - Ethylene, CO - Carbon Monoxide, H2 - Hydrogen, 02 - Oxygen, and 2 - Nitrogen) ranges from 1,000 to over 1,000,000 times lower.

[021 ] Fig. 49 depicts, in schematic form, a side view of an exemplary SPE membrane and demonstrates the formula for gas transmission, through, the membrane, which is a function of the cross section of the membrane, the partial pressure differential across the membrane, and the thickness of the membrane,

[0215] Fig. 50 depicts a graph of the inrush current drawn, by a exemplary SPE membrane upon initial applic ion of the D.C. voltage for different temperatures of operation in which the external humidity environment is at 60% relative humidity.

[0216] Fig. 51 depicts a graph of the non-linear self-leakage rate of an exemplary SPE membrane in terms of leakage rate in Relative Humidity % per second per square mm of surface area of the membrane as driven by the differential humidity across the two sides of the membrane. This leakage must be overcome by an external forcing function (the application of a D.C. voltage on the membrane) to increase or decrease humidity in an enclosure, or matched bv an external forcine function to stabilize the humidity in an enclosure. [0217] Fig. 52 depicts a top view of one embodiment of the invention illustrating a symmetry of the invention, several channels for atmospheric conduction, and a pair of increase pressure cavities. This view also exposes a pair of membranes and a pair of fans, showing their placement within the invention.

[0218] Referring again to Fig. 52, with power applied to the external environment input fan or air pump 5220, external air is drawn in through the external input port 5218 by the external environment input fan or air pump 5220 into the external environment high pressure cavity 5222. The passage of air from the external environment high pressure cavity 5222 is restricted by the external environment restriction orifice 5224, causing the static pressure in the external environment high pressure cavity 5222 to rise. The air continues through the external environment restriction orifice 5224 to the external environment low pressure cavit 5234, causing the static pressure in the external environment low pressure cavity 5234 to drop. The air continue to, and exits from, the external environment exhaust port 5216. If a suitable D.C. voltage is applied to the input membrane 5228 while the air is being drawn into and through the external environment high pressure cavity 5222, water vapor is passed from the source side 5226 of the input membrane 5228 to the destination side 5230 of the input membrane 5228 where it is discharged into the internal environment low pressure cavity 5232. Likewise, if power is applied to the internal environment input fan or air pump 5204,, air is draw into the internal environment input port 6502 into the internal en ironment high pressure cavity 5206 through the internal environment restriction orifice 5208 and into the internal environment low pressure cavity 5232. The air is then passed across the destination side 5230 of the input membrane 5228, drawing the water vapor from the internal environment low pressure cavity 5232 and discharging the water vapor from the internal environment exhaust port 5220. In this manner, the air exhausted horn the internal environment exhaust port 5220 has a increased amount of water vapor (increased relative humidity) than that drawn into the internal environment input port 5202.

[0219] Referring again to Fig. 52, with power applied to the internal environment input fan or air pump 5204, external air is drawn in through the internal input port 5202 by the internal environment input fan or air pump 5204 into the internal environment high pressure cavity 5206. The passage of air from the internal environment high pressure cavity 5206 is restricted by the internal environment restriction orifice 5208, causing the static pressure in the internal environment high pressure cavity 5206 to rise. The air continues through the Internal environment restriction orifice 5208 to the internal environment low pressure cavity 5232, causing the static pressure in the internal environment Low pressure cavity 5232 to drop. The air continue to, and exits from, the internal environment exhaust port 5220. If a suitable D.C voltage Is applied to the output membrane 5212 while the air is being drawn into and through, the internal environment high pressure cavity 5206, water vapor is passed from the source side 5210 of the output membrane 5212 to the destination side if you 2 4 of the output membrane where it is discharged into the external environment low pressure cavity 5234. Likewise, if power is applied to the external environment input fan or air pump 5220, air is drawn into the external environment input port 5218 into the external environment high pressure cavity 6522 through the external environment restriction orifice 5224 and into the external environment low pressure ca vity 5234. The air is then passed across the destination side 5214 of the output membrane 5212, drawing the water vapor from the external environment low pressure cavity 5234 and discharging the water vapor from the external environment exhaust port 5216. in this manner, the air exhausted from the external environment exhaust port 5216 has an increased amount of water vapor (increased relative humidity) than that drawn into the external environment input port 5218. [0220] Refer now to Fig. 53, which is a top view of one embodiment of the invention 5302 connected to a chamber 5304 such that the internal input port and internal exhaust port are connected to the chamber and the external input port and external exhaust port are exposed to the external environment. Across the internal input port is exactly one Gor-Tex® or similar such water shielding cover 5308.

Across the internal exhaust port is exactly one Gor-Tex® or similar such water shielding cover 5306, Across the external input port is exactly one Gor-Tex© or similar such water shielding cover 5310. Across the external exhaust port is exactly one Gor-Tex® or similar such water shielding cover 5312. These coverings prevent water or some other liquid from coming in contact with either side of the

membranes.

[0221 J Fig. 54 depicts a graph of various performances of the applicatio of a specific D.C. voltage to an exemplary SPE membrane in order to raise the humidity of the enclosure of Figure 16 in the various cases of a) still air on both sides of the membrane, b) forced air onto the source side of the membrane, c) forced air on both, source and destination sides of the membrane in an oppositional format (i.e., air forced on the surface of the source side of the membrane and air forced on the surface of the destination side of the membrane),, and d) forced air on both source and destination sides of the membrane in an aligned format (i.e.,, air forced on the surface of the source side of the membrane and air drawn from the surface of the destination side of the membrane}.

[0222] Fig. 55 depicts a bar graph showing a set of single val es for rate of change of relative humidity under the various cases demonstrated in Fig. 54. [0223] Fig. 56 graphically depicts the leakage current of a non-powered exemplary SPE membrane when subjected to a differential humidity.

[0224] Fig. 57 depicts another aspect of the invention, in which the SPE membrane can be powered by a direct current (D.C.) voltage, shunted by a toad, or allowed to be disconnected from the D.C. voltage and load.

[0225] Refer now to Fig, 57, which is a schematic of one aspect of the invention consisting of one or more SPE membrane 5702, one or more D.C. voltage supply 5706, one or more power switch 5708, one or more shunt switch 5710, and one or more shunt load 5704.

[0000] Refer again to Fig, 57, in which an SPE membrane 5702 can be connected to the D.C. voltage supply 5706 by the closing of the power switch 5708, or shunted by the closing of the shunt switch 5710 which connects the shunt load 5704 across the SPE membrane 5702, The action of closing the shunt switch 5710 and removing the D.C, voltage supply 5706 by the opening of the power switch 5708 causes the charge which has built up across the SPE membrane 5702 to be discharged, substantially reducing or terminating the gas transfer action of the SPE membrane 5702, thus stopping the transfer of the gas or gasses at the desired point. Note that shunt switch 5710 and power switch 5708 are not normally closed at the same time.

[0226] Fig. 58 graphically depicts the performance of the exemplary SPE membrane as implemented in the invention to increase the relative humidity in a chamber or enclosure under the case in which the external environment (source side of the membrane) is significantly below 30% Relative Humidity. [0227] Refer now to Fig. 59, which is a top vie of an embodiment of the invention having exactly one Enclosure 5900, exactl one internal environment input port 5902, exactly one internal environment input fan or air pump air pump 5904, one internal environment hig pressure cavity 5906, exactly one internal

environment restriction orifice 5908, exactly one internal environment low pressure cavity 5932, exactly one internal environment exhaust port 5920, one or more SPE membrane(s) 5912 in which the source side of the input membrane, or membranes, 6110 is in communication with the one internal environment high pressure cavit 6106 and the destination side of the input membrane 591 is in communication with the one external environment low pressure cavity 5934, exactly one external environment input port 5918, exactly one external environment input fan or air pump 5920, exactly one external environment high pressure cavity 5922, exactly one external environment restriction orifice 5924, exactly one external environment low- pressure cavity 5934, exactly one external environment exhaust port 5916, one or more SPE membrane(s) 5928 in which the source side of the membrane, or membranes, 5926 is in communication with the one external environment high pressure cavity 6922 and the destination side of the membrane 5930 is in

communication with the exactly one internal environment low pressure cavity 5932.

[0228] An oxygen absorption material 5940 serves to absorb excess and/or f ree oxygen as a result of^" the dehydration or dehumidification process, while the

aqueous salt humidification / dehumidification material (as supplied by Boveda™ or Desiecare™) assures that the humidity is maintained in the case of low relative humidity of the complex atmosphere. In this case, the invention recharges the aqueous salt humidification / dehumidification packet when sufficient atmospheric humidity is present,

[0229] Refer now to Fig. 60 which is a top view of an embodiment of the invention 6002 connected to a chamber 6004 such that the internal input port and internal exhaust port are connected to the chamber and the external input port and external exhaust port are exposed to the external environment. ACTOSS the internal input port is exactly one screen cover 6008. Across the internal exhaust port is exactly one screen, cover 6006. Across the external input port is exactly one screen cover 6010. Across the external exhaust port is exactly one screen cover 6012. These coverings prevent foreign objects from coming in contact with either side of the membranes.

[0230] While the foregoing description has primarily been presented using examples and exemplary embodiments that highlights small handheld active containers, these examples will immediately put the practi ioner of ordinary skill in the art in. possession of an understanding that a wide variety of containers of any size - from the microscopic to the very large, will be amenable to humidity control using the very same principles. Thus, it is absolutely within the scope of the inven tors' conception and reduction to practice to prepare a. humidity control chamber as large as a boxcar,, a shipping container, a cargo compartment of a ship, a manufacturing clean room in the building of any necessary size, or indeed, a miniature chamber the size of a wrist watch, or yet a microscopic chamber associated with, for example (and without limitation), electronics packaging such as a surfacemount electronic package. Accordingly, it should be understood that the present inve ion covers a wide scope of possible applications all of which are brought to mind by the foregoing disclosure.

[0231 J While the exemplary embodiments described above have been chosen primarily from the field of food preservation, one of skill in the art will appreciate that the principles of the invention are equally well applied, and that the benefits of the present invention are equally well realized in a wide variety of other fields including, for example, electronics enclosure systems, horticultural cultivation systems, instrument transport systems, bibliographic storage systems, etc. Further, while the invention has been described in detail in connection with the presently preferred embodiments, it should be readily imderstood that the invention is not limited to such disclosed embodiments. Rather, tine invention can be modified to incorporate any number of variations, alterations, substitutions, or equivalent arrangements not heretofore described, but which are commensurate with the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the invention is not to be seen as limited by the foregoing description, but is only limited by the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A humidity control apparatus for an active container comprising;

an apparatus housing, said apparatus housing including an air separation plate having an external side and an .internal side, said air separation plate having a first internal circumferential surface regio defining a humidification aperture therethrough and a second internal circumferential surface region definin a dehumidification aperture therethrough;

a first chemically selective membrane disposed across said humidification aperture, said first chemically selective membrane having a first external-side surface region and a second internal-side surface region;

a second chemically selective membrane disposed across said

dehumidification aperture, said second chemically selective membrane having a third external-side surface region and a fourth mternai -side surface region;

an externa! fan arranged to control!ably direct a first flow of air past said external surface region of said first external-side surface region and, thereafter, through a first orifice and, thereafter, past said third external-side surface region; and

an internal fan arranged to controllably direct a second flow of air past said second internal-side surface region and, thereafter, through a second orifice and, thereafter, past said fourth internal-side surface region, whereby a humidity parameter of a local atmosphere proximate to said internal side of said air separation plate is controlled at a desired level.

2. A humidify control apparatus as defined in claim 1 further comprising:

a digital processor, said digital, processor being operativeiy coupled to said internal fan and to said external fan to control respective operational cycles of said internal and external fans.

3. A humidity control apparatus as defined in claim 1 furthe comprising:

a digital processor, said digital processor being operatively coupled to said humidifi cation membrane and to said dehumidification membrane to control, respective operational cycles of said humidifi cation and dehumidification

membranes.

4. A humidit control apparatus as defined in claim 1 further comprising:

An electrical battery, said electoral battery being operatively coupled to said internal, fan and to said external fan. to motivate respective motions of said internal and external fans.

5. A humidity control apparatus as defined in claim 1, wherein said apparatus housing includes an internal input aperture and an internal exhaus aperture, said internal input and exhaust apertures mutually communicating with an internal cavity of an active container,

6. A humidity control apparatus as def ined in claim 5 further comprising an internal input aperture screen disposed across said internal input aperture and an internal exhaust aperture screen di posed across said internal exhaust aperture.

7. A humidity control apparatus as defined in claim 1, wherein said apparatus housing includes an external input aperture and an external exhaust aperture, said external input and exhaust apertures mutually communicating with an external environment of an active container,

8. A humidity control apparatus as defined in claim 5 further comprising an. external input aperture screen disposed across said external input aperture and an external exhaust aperture screen disposed across said external exhaust aperture.

9. A humidity control apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein a spatial configuration of said orifice is controllable during operation of said humidity control apparatus,

10. A humidity control apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein a spatial

configuration of said orifice is configurable prior to operation, of said humidity control apparatus.