Methods and apparatuses for drying electronic devices

• US 9,746,241 B2
• Filed: 04/04/2017
• Issued: 08/29/2017
• Est. Priority Date: 02/01/2012
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Revive Electronics, LLC
• Original Assignee: Revive Electronics, LLC
• Inventors: Zielinski, Reuben, Trusty, Joel, Douberteen, David, Earle, Mark, Arain, Imran
• Primary Examiner(s): GRAVINI, STEPHEN MICHAEL
• Application Number:
  US15/478,992
• Publication Number:
  US 20170205143A1
• Time in Patent Office: 147 Days
• Field of Search: 34 92, 34287
• CPC Class Codes: F26B 2200/00 Drying processes and machines for solid materials characterised by the specific requirements of the drying good
• CPC Class Codes: F26B 25/22 Controlling the drying process in dependence on liquid content of solid materials or objects
• CPC Class Codes: F26B 3/02 by convection, i.e. heat being conveyed from a heat source to the materials or objects to be dried by a gas or vapour, e.g. air F26B3/283 and F26B3/343 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: F26B 5/04 by evaporation or sublimation of moisture under reduced pressure, e.g. in a vacuum F26B11/049 and F26B17/128 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: F26B 9/06 in stationary drums or chambers

Abstract

Methods and apparatuses for drying electronic devices are disclosed. Embodiments include methods and apparatuses that heat and decrease pressure within the electronic device. Some embodiments increase and decrease pressure while adding heat energy, such as by using a heated platen in contact with the electronic device or by supplying a gas (e.g., air), which may be heated, into the interior of the electronic device. Embodiments include heating the gas supplied into the interior of the electronic device with pump used to decrease pressure within the electronic device and/or a separate heater. Still other embodiments include controlling the temperature of the gas supplied into the electronic device. Still further embodiments automatically control, such as by using an electronic processor, some or all aspects of the drying of the electronic device.

Claims

1. A method comprising:

placing a portable electronic device, that has been rendered at least partially inoperable due to moisture intrusion, into a low-pressure chamber;

heating the portable electronic device;

decreasing pressure within the low-pressure chamber;

removing moisture from an interior of the portable electronic device to an exterior of the portable electronic device;

increasing the pressure within the low-pressure chamber after the decreasing pressure, the increasing further comprising;

measuring a humidity within the low-pressure chamber;

increasing the pressure after the humidity has decreased or after a rate of change of the humidity has decreased;

equalizing the pressure within the low-pressure chamber with pressure outside the low-pressure chamber; and

removing the portable electronic device from the low-pressure chamber.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the humidity comprises relative or absolute humidity.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the increasing the pressure after the humidity has decreased or after a rate of change of the humidity has decreased further comprises increasing the pressure after the humidity has decreased and the rate of change of the humidity has decreased.

4. The method of claim 1, comprising:

detecting when an amount of moisture has been removed from the portable electronic device.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein the decreasing pressure and increasing the pressure are repeated sequentially before the removing the portable electronic device.

6. The method of claim 5, comprising:

controlling the repeated decreasing pressure and increasing the pressure according to at least one predetermined criterion.

7. The method of claim 5, comprising:

detecting when an amount of moisture has been removed from the portable electronic device; and

stopping the repeated decreasing pressure and increasing the pressure after the detecting.

108. The method of claim 1, wherein the humidity comprises relative humidity.

109. The method of claim 1, wherein the humidity comprises absolute humidity.

110. The method of claim 1, wherein the increasing the pressure after the humidity has decreased or after the rate of change of the humidity has decreased further comprises increasing the pressure after the humidity has decreased.

111. The method of claim 1, wherein the increasing the pressure after the humidity has decreased or after the rate of change of the humidity has decreased further comprises increasing the pressure after the rate of change of the humidity has decreased.

112. The method of claim 1, wherein the portable electronic device is selected from a group consisting of a cell phone, a digital music player, a watch, a pager, a camera, and a portable computer.

8. An apparatus comprising:

a low-pressure chamber defining an interior and having the interior configured for placement of an electronic device in the interior and removal of the electronic device from the interior;

an evacuation pump connected to the low-pressure chamber;

a heater connected to the low-pressure chamber; and

a first controller connected to the evacuation pump and a second controller connected to the heater, the first controller controlling removal of moisture from the electronic device by controlling the evacuation pump to decrease pressure within the low-pressure chamber, and the second controller controlling operation of the heater to add heat to the electronic device.

113. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the electronic device is selected from a group consisting of a cell phone, a digital music player, a watch, a pager, a camera, and a portable computer.

9. An apparatus comprising:

a low-pressure chamber defining an interior and having the interior configured for placement of an electronic device in the interior and removal of the electronic device from the interior;

an evacuation pump connected to the low-pressure chamber;

a heater connected to the low-pressure chamber; and

a controller connected to the evacuation pump and to the heater, the controller controlling removal of moisture from the electronic device by controlling the evacuation pump to decrease pressure within the low-pressure chamber and controlling operation of the heater to add heat to the electronic device.

10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the controller connected to the evacuation pump and to the heater comprises either a single controller connected to the evacuation pump and to the heater, or a first controller connected to the evacuation pump and a second controller connected to the heater.

11. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the controller controls the evacuation pump to decrease the pressure within the low-pressure chamber multiple times, and wherein the pressure within the low-pressure chamber increases between successive decreases in the pressure within the low-pressure chamber.

12. The apparatus of claim 9, comprising at least one of:

a pressure sensor connected to the low-pressure chamber and the controller, wherein the controller controls the evacuation pump to control the pressure within the low-pressure chamber based at least in part on a signal received from the pressure sensor;

a temperature sensor connected to the heater or the low-pressure chamber, and the controller, wherein the controller controls the heater to control temperature associated with the heater or the low-pressure chamber based at least in part on a signal received from the temperature sensor;

a humidity sensor connected to the low-pressure chamber and the controller, wherein the controller controls the evacuation pump to control the pressure within the low-pressure chamber based at least in part on a signal received from the humidity sensor;

a valve connected to the low-pressure chamber and the controller, wherein the pressure within the low-pressure chamber increases between successive decreases in the pressure at least in part due to the controller controlling the valve to change the pressure;

a sterilizing member connected to the low-pressure chamber, the sterilizing member being configured to kill germs associated with the electronic device;

or

a gas injector configured for introducing a gas into an interior of the electronic device.

13. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the heater comprises a platen with which the electronic device is in direct or indirect contact during removal of moisture from the electronic device.

14. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the controller controls the evacuation pump to stop decreasing the pressure within the low-pressure chamber when a humidity in the low-pressure chamber decreases, or when a rate at which the humidity in the low-pressure chamber changes decreases or is approximately zero.

15. The apparatus of claim 9, comprising at least one of:

a humidity sensor connected to the low-pressure chamber and the controller, wherein the controller controls the evacuation pump to control the pressure within the low-pressure chamber based at least in part on a signal received from the humidity sensor, wherein the humidity sensor detects maximum and minimum values of the humidity as the evacuation pump decreases the pressure within the low-pressure chamber multiple times, and wherein the controller determines that the electronic device is sufficiently dry when a difference between successive maximum and minimum humidity values is equal to or less than a value;

or

a valve connected to the low-pressure chamber and the controller, wherein the pressure within the low-pressure chamber increases between successive decreases in the pressure within the low-pressure chamber at least in part due to the controller controlling the valve to increase the pressure within the low-pressure chamber, wherein the controller at least one of;

controls the valve to increase the pressure within the low-pressure chamber at approximately the same time the controller controls the evacuation pump to stop decreasing the pressure within the low-pressure chamber;

or controls the valve to equalize pressure between the interior of the low-pressure chamber and an outside of the low-pressure chamber.

16. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the heater is in indirect contact, via one or conductive mediums, with a surface of the electronic device.

17. The apparatus of claim 9,

wherein the low-pressure chamber is manufactured from rigid thin-walled plastic and comprises substantially vertical ribs, or

wherein at least a portion of the low-pressure chamber is covered with a substantially transparent cover.

18. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the low-pressure chamber comprises at least one of:

an electrical connector to transmit electrical signals in or out of the low-pressure chamber, or a charging connector for charging the electronic device.

19. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the low-pressure chamber comprises a connection for charging the electronic device once the device is determined to be sufficiently dry.

20. The apparatus of claim 9,

wherein at least one of the low-pressure chamber or the interior is configured as a collapsible body or space that substantially forms around the electronic device.

21. The apparatus of claim 20,

wherein at least one of a humidity sensor, a pressure sensor, or a temperature sensor is integrated with or connected to the collapsible body or space, or

wherein the collapsible body or space is comprised of, formed with, integrated with, or connected to conductive elements or devices providing heat transfer to the electronic device inside the collapsible body or space.

22. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the heater or a heating surface connected to the heater comprises surface mount (SMT) resistors mounted on a printed circuit board and are at least partially covered with thermally conductive silicone.

23. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein a surface either of the heater or connected to the heater is modifiable to at least partially conform to a shape of the electronic device placed in the low-pressure chamber.

24. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the evacuation pump is comprised of at least two pumps in series, or wherein the evacuation pump comprises at least one volume pump and at least one vacuum pump in series.

29. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein at least one of:

the electronic device is placed on a resistive heating surface, or

the apparatus further comprises a door hingedly connected to at least one of the low-pressure chamber or the interior.

30. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the controller is comprised in or comprises a power and control system, the controller being configured to at least one of:

control a valve comprised in the apparatus for modifying pressure in the low-pressure chamber in response to detection of a first control event, or

stop a drying operation or cycle in response to detection of a second control event.

31. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the controller connected to the evacuation pump and to the heater comprises a single controller connected to the evacuation pump and to the heater.

32. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the controller connected to the evacuation pump and to the heater comprises a first controller connected to the evacuation pump and a second controller connected to the heater.

33. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the controller controls the evacuation pump to decrease the pressure within the low-pressure chamber multiple times.

34. The apparatus of claim 33, wherein the pressure within the low-pressure chamber increases between successive decreases in the pressure within the low-pressure chamber.

35. The apparatus of claim 9, comprising a pressure sensor connected to the low-pressure chamber and the controller, wherein the controller controls the evacuation pump to control the pressure within the low-pressure chamber based at least in part on a signal received from the pressure sensor.

36. The apparatus of claim 9, comprising a temperature sensor connected to the heater or a heating surface associated with the heater or the low-pressure chamber or the interior, and the controller, wherein the controller controls the heater to control a temperature associated with the heater or the heating surface associated with the heater or the low-pressure chamber or the interior based at least in part on a signal received from the temperature sensor.

37. The apparatus of claim 9, comprising a humidity sensor connected to the low-pressure chamber and the controller, wherein the controller controls the evacuation pump to control the pressure within the low-pressure chamber based at least in part on a signal received from the humidity sensor.

38. The apparatus of claim 9, comprising a valve connected to the low-pressure chamber and the controller, wherein the pressure within the low-pressure chamber increases between successive decreases in the pressure within the low-pressure chamber at least in part due to the controller controlling the valve to change the pressure within the low-pressure chamber.

39. The apparatus of claim 9, comprising a sterilizing member connected to the low-pressure chamber, the sterilizing member being configured to kill germs associated with the electronic device.

40. The apparatus of claim 9, comprising a gas injector configured for introducing a gas into an interior of the electronic device.

41. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the heater comprises a platen with which the electronic device is in direct contact during removal of moisture from the electronic device.

42. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the controller controls the evacuation pump to stop decreasing the pressure within the low-pressure chamber when a humidity in the low-pressure chamber decreases.

43. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the controller controls the evacuation pump to stop decreasing the pressure within the low-pressure chamber when a rate at which a humidity in the low-pressure chamber changes decreases or is approximately zero.

44. The apparatus of claim 9, comprising a humidity sensor connected to the low-pressure chamber and the controller.

45. The apparatus of claim 44, wherein the controller controls the evacuation pump to control the pressure within the low-pressure chamber based at least in part on a signal received from the humidity sensor.

46. The apparatus of claim 45, wherein the humidity sensor detects maximum and minimum values of a humidity in the low-pressure chamber as the evacuation pump decreases the pressure within the low-pressure chamber multiple times.

47. The apparatus of claim 46, wherein the controller determines that the electronic device is sufficiently dry when a difference between successive maximum and minimum humidity values is equal to or less than a value.

48. The apparatus of claim 9, comprising a valve connected to the low-pressure chamber and the controller.

49. The apparatus of claim 48, wherein the pressure within the low-pressure chamber increases between successive decreases in the pressure within the low-pressure chamber at least in part due to the controller controlling the valve to increase the pressure within the low-pressure chamber.

50. The apparatus of claim 49, wherein the controller controls the valve to increase the pressure within the low-pressure chamber at approximately the same time the controller controls the evacuation pump to stop decreasing the pressure within the low-pressure chamber.

51. The apparatus of claim 50, wherein the controller controls the valve to equalize pressure between the interior of the low-pressure chamber and an outside or exterior of the low-pressure chamber.

52. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein a heating surface associated with or comprised in the heater is in indirect contact, via one or conductive mediums, with a surface of the electronic device.

53. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the low-pressure chamber is manufactured from substantially rigid thin-walled plastic and comprises substantially vertical ribs.

54. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein at least a portion of the low-pressure chamber is covered with a substantially transparent cover.

55. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the low-pressure chamber comprises an electrical connector to transmit electrical signals in or out of the low-pressure chamber.

56. The apparatus of claim 9, further comprising a charging connector for charging the electronic device.

57. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the low-pressure chamber comprises a connection for charging the electronic device once the device is determined to be sufficiently dry.

58. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein at least one of the low-pressure chamber or the interior is configured as a collapsible body that substantially forms around the electronic device.

59. The apparatus of claim 58, wherein at least one of a humidity sensor, a pressure sensor, or a temperature sensor is integrated with or connected to the collapsible body.

60. The apparatus of claim 58, wherein the collapsible body is comprised of, formed with, integrated with, or connected to conductive elements or devices providing heat transfer to the electronic device inside the collapsible body.

61. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein at least one of the low-pressure chamber or the interior is configured as a collapsible space that substantially forms around the electronic device.

62. The apparatus of claim 61, wherein at least one of a humidity sensor, a pressure sensor, or a temperature sensor is integrated with or connected to the collapsible space.

63. The apparatus of claim 61, wherein the collapsible space is comprised of, formed with, integrated with, or connected to conductive elements or devices providing heat transfer to the electronic device inside the collapsible space.

64. The apparatus of claim 58, wherein the collapsible body comprises a pouch.

65. The apparatus of claim 64, wherein at least one of a humidity sensor, a pressure sensor, or a temperature sensor are integrated in a plenum pneumatically connected to the pouch.

66. The apparatus of claim 64, wherein the pouch is integrated with conductive circuitry providing heat transfer to the electronic device comprised in the collapsible pouch.

68. The apparatus of claim 35, comprising a temperature sensor connected to the heater or a heating surface associated with the heater or the low-pressure chamber or the interior, and the controller, wherein the controller controls the heater to control a temperature associated with the heater or the heating surface associated with the heater or the low-pressure chamber or the interior based at least in part on a second signal received from the temperature sensor.

69. The apparatus of claim 68, comprising a humidity sensor connected to the low-pressure chamber and the controller, wherein the controller at least one of controls the evacuation pump to control the pressure within the low-pressure chamber, or controls the temperature associated with the heater or the heating surface associated with the heater or the low-pressure chamber or the interior, based at least in part on a third signal received from the humidity sensor.

70. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the heater or a heating surface connected to or comprised in the heater comprises surface mount (SMT) resistors mounted on a printed circuit board.

71. The apparatus of claim 70, wherein the SMT resistors are at least partially covered with thermally conductive silicone.

72. The apparatus of claim 70, wherein the SMT resistors are at least partially covered with a staggered airway chamber for gas to be heated while the gas flows over the SMT resistors.

73. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein a surface of the heater is modifiable to at least partially conform to a shape of the electronic device placed in the low-pressure chamber.

74. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein a surface connected to the heater is modifiable to at least partially conform to a shape of the electronic device placed in the low-pressure chamber.

75. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the evacuation pump is comprised of at least two pumps in series.

76. The apparatus of claim 75, wherein the at least two pumps comprise at least one volume pump and at least one vacuum pump.

77. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the electronic device is placed on a resistive heating surface connected to or comprised in the heater.

78. The apparatus of claim 77, wherein the apparatus further comprises a door hingedly connected to the low-pressure chamber.

79. The apparatus of claim 77, wherein the apparatus further comprises a door hingedly connected to the interior.

80. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the apparatus further comprises a door hingedly connected to the low-pressure chamber.

81. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the apparatus further comprises a door hingedly connected to the interior.

82. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the controller comprises a power and control system.

83. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the controller is comprised in a power and control system.

84. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the controller comprises or is comprised in a power and control system, and wherein the electronic device is placed on a resistive heating surface connected to or comprised in the heater.

85. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the controller initiates control of a valve comprised in the apparatus for modifying the pressure in the low-pressure chamber in response to detection of a first control event.

86. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the controller initiates stopping of a drying operation or cycle in response to detection of a control event.

87. The apparatus of claim 83, wherein the controller is configured to control a valve comprised in the apparatus for modifying the pressure in the low-pressure chamber in response to detection of a first control event.

88. The apparatus of claim 83, wherein the controller is configured to stop a drying operation or cycle in response to detection of a control event.

89. The apparatus of claim 88, wherein the drying operation or cycle is a next drying operation or cycle.

90. The apparatus of claim 88, wherein the drying operation or cycle is a current drying operation or cycle.

91. The apparatus of claim 84, wherein the controller is configured to control a valve comprised in the apparatus for modifying the pressure in the low-pressure chamber in response to detection of a first control event.

92. The apparatus of claim 84, wherein the controller is configured to stop a drying operation or cycle in response to detection of a control event.

93. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the controller is comprised in a power and control system, and wherein the electronic device is in contact with a conduction surface connected to or comprised in the heater.

94. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the controller comprises a power and control system, and wherein the electronic device is in contact with a resistive surface connected to or comprised in the heater.

95. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the controller is comprised in a power and control system, and wherein the controller is configured to determine when an amount of moisture has been removed from the electronic device.

96. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the controller is comprised in a power and control system, and wherein the controller is configured to determine when the electronic device is sufficiently dry.

97. The apparatus of claim 95, wherein the controller is configured to control a valve comprised in the apparatus for modifying the pressure in the low-pressure chamber in response to detection of a first control event.

98. The apparatus of claim 96, wherein the controller is configured to stop a drying operation or cycle in response to detection of a control event, the control event comprising the determination that the electronic device is sufficiently dry.

99. The apparatus of claim 96, wherein the controller is configured to stop a drying operation or cycle in response to detection of a control event, the control event causing the heater or a heating surface associated with the heater to be powered off.

100. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the controller is comprised in a power and control system, wherein the controller is configured to control a valve comprised in the apparatus for modifying the pressure in the low-pressure chamber in response to detection of a first control event.

101. The apparatus of claim 100, wherein the controller is configured to stop a drying operation or cycle in response to detection of a second control event.

102. The apparatus of claim 77, wherein the controller is comprised in a power and control system, wherein the controller is configured to control a valve comprised in the apparatus for modifying the pressure in the low-pressure chamber in response to detection of a first control event.

103. The apparatus of claim 102, wherein the controller is configured to stop a drying operation or cycle in response to detection of a second control event.

114. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the electronic device is selected from a group consisting of a cell phone, a digital music player, a watch, a pager, a camera, and a portable computer.

115. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the electronic device comprises a mobile phone.

116. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the electronic device comprises a watch.

117. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the electronic device comprises a portable computer.

118. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the electronic device is placed on a heating surface connected to or comprised in the heater.

119. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the controller is operable to control a valve comprised in the apparatus for modifying the pressure in the low-pressure chamber in response to detection of a control event.

120. The apparatus of claim 119, wherein the control event comprises a determination that a humidity in the low-pressure chamber or the interior is equal to or less than a threshold humidity.

121. The apparatus of claim 119, wherein the control event comprises a determination that a first temperature in the low-pressure chamber or the interior, or a second temperature associated with the heater or a heating surface located in the low-pressure chamber or the interior, is equal to or greater than a threshold temperature.

122. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the controller is operable to stop a drying operation or cycle in response to detection of a control event.

123. The apparatus of claim 122, wherein the control event comprises a determination that a humidity in the low-pressure chamber or the interior is equal to or less than a threshold humidity.

124. The apparatus of claim 118, wherein the heating surface is electrically powered through power wires.

125. The apparatus of claim 118, wherein the heating surface is manufactured with at least partially thermally conductive material.

126. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the electronic device is placed on a conduction platen or surface connected to the heater, wherein the conduction platen or surface is powered by a power and control system located in the apparatus, and wherein the power and control system comprises the controller.

127. The apparatus of claim 126, wherein the conduction platen or surface is powered on for a first portion of time and powered off for a second portion of time.

128. The apparatus of claim 127, wherein the powered on and the powered off portions of time are repeated sequentially multiple times.

169. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the pressure in the low-pressure chamber or the interior is decreased to at least approximately 28 inches of Hg below external pressure outside the low-pressure chamber.

170. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the pressure in the low-pressure chamber or the interior is decreased to at least approximately 30 inches of Hg below external pressure outside the low-pressure chamber.

171. The apparatus of claim 114, wherein the pressure in the low-pressure chamber or the interior is decreased to at least approximately 30 inches of Hg below external pressure outside the low-pressure chamber.

173. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the electronic device is placed on a heating platen connected to or comprised in the heater.

174. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the electronic device is placed on a heating surface connected to or comprised in the heater, wherein the heating surface is energized for a first period of time, and wherein the heating surface is de-energized for a second period of time.

175. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the heater comprises a platen with which the electronic device is in indirect contact during removal of moisture from the electronic device.

176. The apparatus of claim 69, comprising a valve connected to the low-pressure chamber and the controller, wherein the pressure within the low-pressure chamber increases between successive decreases in the pressure at least in part due to the controller controlling the valve to change the pressure.

177. The apparatus of claim 170, wherein the controller controls a temperature of the heater or a heating surface associated with the heater to maintain the temperature at or above approximately 110 deg. F. and at or below approximately 120 deg. F.

178. The method of claim 9, wherein the controller is comprised in a power and control system, and wherein the controller is configured to determine an amount of moisture removed from the electronic device.

179. The method of claim 9, wherein the controller is comprised in a power and control system, and wherein the controller is configured to determine an amount of moisture remaining in the electronic device.

180. The apparatus of claim 9, comprising a humidity sensor connected to the low-pressure chamber and the controller, wherein the controller controls a temperature associated with the heater or a heating surface associated with the heater or the low-pressure chamber or the interior based at least in part on a signal received from the humidity sensor.

181. The apparatus of claim 37, wherein the controller controls a temperature associated with the heater or a heating surface associated with the heater or the low-pressure chamber or the interior based at least in part on the signal or a second signal received from the humidity sensor.

25. An apparatus comprising:

a low-pressure chamber defining an interior and having the interior configured for placement of an electronic device in the interior and removal of the electronic device from the interior;

an evacuation pump connected to the low-pressure chamber;

a heater connected to the low-pressure chamber, the heater providing heat, via conduction through one or more contoured surfaces, to the electronic device; and

one or more controllers connected to the evacuation pump and to the heater, the one or more controllers controlling removal of moisture from the electronic device based on controlling the evacuation pump to decrease pressure within the low-pressure chamber and controlling operation of the heater to add heat to the electronic device.

26. The apparatus of claim 25, wherein the heater comprises a resistance heater, or wherein the interior is sized, by the one or more contoured surfaces, for the electronic device in the interior.

27. The apparatus of claim 25, wherein the interior is shaped by the one or more contoured surfaces for substantially closely fitting the electronic device in the interior.

28. The apparatus of claim 25, wherein the one or more controllers connected to the evacuation pump and to the heater comprises either a single controller connected to the evacuation pump and to the heater, or a first controller connected to the evacuation pump and a second controller connected to the heater.

67. The apparatus of claim 25, wherein the one or more contoured surfaces substantially conforms to a shape of the electronic device.

104. The apparatus of claim 25, wherein the heater comprises a resistance heater.

105. The apparatus of claim 25, wherein the interior is sized, by the one or more contoured surfaces, for fitting the electronic device in the interior.

106. The apparatus of claim 25, wherein the one or more controllers connected to the evacuation pump and to the heater comprises a single controller connected to the evacuation pump and to the heater.

107. The apparatus of claim 25, wherein the one or more controllers connected to the evacuation pump and to the heater comprises a first controller connected to the evacuation pump and a second controller connected to the heater.

129. The apparatus of claim 25, wherein the electronic device is selected from a group consisting of a cell phone, a digital music player, a watch, a pager, a camera, and a portable computer.

130. An apparatus comprising:

a low-pressure chamber defining an interior and having the interior configured for placement of an electronic device in the interior and removal of the electronic device from the interior, wherein the electronic device is selected from a group consisting of a cell phone, a digital music player, a watch, a pager, a camera, and a portable computer;

an evacuation pump connected to the low-pressure chamber;

a heater connected to the low-pressure chamber, the heater comprising or connected to a heating surface; and

a power and control system comprising a controller connected to the evacuation pump and to the heater, the controller controlling removal of moisture from the electronic device by controlling the evacuation pump to decrease pressure within the low-pressure chamber or the interior, and controlling operation of the heater to add heat to the electronic device,

the power and control system powering on the heater or the heating surface for a first period of time and powering off the heater or the heating surface for a second period of time, and

the power and control system controlling a valve associated with the low-pressure chamber or the interior for modifying the pressure within the low-pressure chamber or the interior in response to detection of a first control event.

131. The apparatus of claim 130, wherein the first control event comprises a humidity determination in the low-pressure chamber or the interior.

132. The apparatus of claim 130, the power and control system stopping a drying operation or cycle in response to detection of a second control event.

133. The apparatus of claim 132, wherein the second control event comprises a humidity determination in the low-pressure chamber or the interior.

134. The apparatus of claim 132, wherein the drying operation or cycle comprises a current drying operation or cycle.

135. The apparatus of claim 132, wherein the drying operation or cycle comprises a next drying operation or cycle.

136. The apparatus of claim 132, wherein the drying operation or cycle comprises a subsequent drying operation or cycle.

137. The apparatus of claim 132, further comprising a door hingedly connected to the low-pressure chamber or the interior.

138. The apparatus of claim 137, wherein the pressure in the low-pressure chamber or the interior is decreased to at least approximately 30 inches of Hg below external pressure outside the low-pressure chamber.

139. The apparatus of claim 132, wherein the pressure in the low-pressure chamber or the interior is decreased to at least approximately 30 inches of Hg below external pressure outside the low-pressure chamber.

140. The apparatus of claim 130, further comprising a door connected to the low-pressure chamber or the interior.

141. The apparatus of claim 140, wherein the door is hingedly connected to the low-pressure chamber or the interior.

142. The apparatus of claim 130, wherein the heating surface comprises a resistive heating surface.

143. The apparatus of claim 130, wherein modifying the pressure within the low-pressure chamber comprises increasing the pressure within the low-pressure chamber.

144. The apparatus of claim 130, wherein modifying the pressure within the low-pressure chamber comprises decreasing the pressure within the low-pressure chamber.

145. The apparatus of claim 130, wherein the pressure in the low-pressure chamber or the interior is decreased to at least approximately 30 inches of Hg below external pressure outside the low-pressure chamber.

146. The apparatus of claim 130, wherein the electronic device is in direct contact with the heating surface.

147. The apparatus of claim 130, wherein the electronic device is not in direct contact with the heating surface.

148. The apparatus of claim 130, wherein the heating surface heats the electronic device via one or more conductive mediums or surfaces.

172. The apparatus of claim 142, wherein the pressure in the low-pressure chamber or the interior is decreased to at least approximately 30 inches of Hg below external pressure outside the low-pressure chamber.

149. An apparatus comprising:

a low-pressure chamber defining an interior and having the interior configured for placement of an electronic device in the interior and removal of the electronic device from the interior, wherein the electronic device is selected from a group consisting of a cell phone, a digital music player, a watch, a pager, a camera, and a portable computer;

an evacuation pump connected to the low-pressure chamber;

a heater connected to the low-pressure chamber, the heater comprising or connected to a heating surface; and

a power and control system comprising a controller connected to the evacuation pump and to the heater, the controller controlling removal of moisture from the electronic device by controlling the evacuation pump to decrease pressure within the low-pressure chamber or the interior, and controlling operation of the heater to add heat to the electronic device,

the power and control system powering on the heater or the heating surface and powering off the heater or the heating surface, and

the power and control system stopping a drying operation or cycle in response to detection of a first control event.

150. The apparatus of claim 149, wherein the first control event comprises a humidity determination in the low-pressure chamber or the interior.

151. The apparatus of claim 149, wherein the first control event comprises a first temperature determination in the low-pressure chamber or the interior, or a second temperature determination associated with the heating surface or the heater.

152. The apparatus of claim 149, the power and control system controlling a valve associated with the low-pressure chamber or the interior for modifying the pressure within the low-pressure chamber or the interior in response to detection of a second control event.

153. The apparatus of claim 152, wherein the second control event comprises a humidity determination in the low-pressure chamber or the interior.

154. The apparatus of claim 152, wherein the second control event comprises a first temperature determination in the low-pressure chamber or the interior, or a second temperature determination associated with the heating surface or the heater.

155. The apparatus of claim 149, wherein the drying operation or cycle comprises a current drying operation or cycle.

156. The apparatus of claim 149, wherein the drying operation or cycle comprises a next drying operation or cycle.

157. The apparatus of claim 149, wherein the drying operation or cycle comprises a subsequent drying operation or cycle.

158. The apparatus of claim 149, further comprising a door hingedly connected to the low-pressure chamber or the interior.

159. The apparatus of claim 152, wherein the pressure in the low-pressure chamber or the interior is decreased to at least approximately 30 inches of Hg below external pressure outside the chamber.

160. The apparatus of claim 149, wherein the pressure in the low-pressure chamber or the interior is decreased to at least approximately 30 inches of Hg below external pressure outside the chamber.

161. The apparatus of claim 149, wherein the heating surface comprises a resistive heating surface.

162. The apparatus of claim 152, wherein the heating surface comprises a resistive heating surface.

163. The apparatus of claim 149, wherein the first duration of time is different from the second duration of time.

164. The apparatus of claim 149, wherein the first duration of time is substantially equivalent to the second duration of time.

165. The apparatus of claim 161, wherein the pressure in the low-pressure chamber or the interior is decreased to at least approximately 30 inches of Hg below external pressure outside the low-pressure chamber.

166. The apparatus of claim 149, wherein the electronic device is in direct contact with the heating surface.

167. The apparatus of claim 149, wherein the electronic device is not in direct contact with the heating surface.

168. The apparatus of claim 149, wherein the heating surface heats the electronic device via one or more conductive mediums or conductive surfaces.