Desiccant shipping cap

Abstract

Disclosed herein is an apparatus and method for transporting and storing equipment.SOLUTION: The apparatus consists of a shipping cap configured to be inserted into an inlet portion and an outlet portion of a piece of rotating equipment. The shipping cap is configured to receive a desiccant and insert the desiccant into the inlet and outlet portions of the instrument to prevent moisture ingress.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 640,994, filed May 1, 2024, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0002] Background technology Compressors, motors, pumps, and other rotating equipment typically have plugs in their inlet and outlet ports when shipped from the manufacturer. The equipment may also be stored in a storage facility for extended periods of time before installation. These plugs prevent moisture from entering the internal mechanisms and oxidizing or otherwise damaging them. However, these plugs may not be watertight or airtight and may only have a friction fit in the inlet and outlet ports. Therefore, over time, moisture may be able to enter the internal mechanisms.

[0003] This application relates to a removable shipping cap with a desiccant. When the shipping cap is inserted into the inlet and outlet ports of compressors, motors, pumps, and other equipment for transportation or storage, the desiccant is trapped within the inlet and outlet ports. The desiccant ensures that any moisture that gets into the internal mechanisms is absorbed before it reaches the internal mechanisms. Additionally, the desiccant may be replaceable.

[0004] Summary of the Invention A first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is provided. The embodiment includes an apparatus for sealing a port in a component of rotating equipment. The apparatus includes a base having a first side and a second side, a handle connected to the first side of the base, a positioning protrusion connected to the first side of the base, and a desiccant receptacle connected to the second side of the base, the desiccant receptacle configured to receive a desiccant.

[0005] Another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is provided. The embodiment includes a method for controlling moisture in a piece of rotating equipment. The method includes providing a shipping cap configured to form a seal, the shipping cap including a base having a first side and a second side, a handle connected to the first side of the base, a positioning protrusion connected to the first side of the base, and a desiccant receptacle connected to the second side of the base, the desiccant receptacle configured to receive a desiccant, and the method further includes inserting the shipping cap into an inlet or outlet port on the piece of rotating equipment.

[0006] Another exemplary embodiment is the decorative design depicted in Figures 9-16.

[0007] Another exemplary embodiment is the decorative design depicted in Figures 17-22.

[0008] Another exemplary embodiment is the decorative design depicted in Figures 23-29.

[0009] Another exemplary embodiment is the decorative design depicted in Figures 30-36.

[0010] Another exemplary embodiment is the decorative design depicted in Figures 37-43.

[0011] Another exemplary embodiment is the decorative design depicted in Figures 44-50.

[0012] Other exemplary embodiments are provided within the numbered paragraphs of the specification below.

[0013] Advantages of the present disclosure will become more apparent to those skilled in the art from the following description of preferred embodiments thereof, which have been shown and described by way of illustration. As will be realized, the disclosed subject matter is capable of other and different embodiments, and its details are capable of modification in various respects. Accordingly, the drawings and description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature, and not as restrictive. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1] 1 is a top perspective view of a shipping cap according to a first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the underside of the shipping cap of FIG. 1. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a right side view of the shipping cap of FIG. 1. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a left side view of the shipping cap of FIG. 1. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a top view of the shipping cap of FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a bottom view of the shipping cap of FIG. 1. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is an exemplary installed front view of two shipping caps in a compressor. [Figure 8] FIG. 1 is an exemplary installed perspective view of two shipping caps within a compressor. [Figure 9] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a decorative design for a shipping cap that can extend into an opening in a machine or a component within a machine. The cap includes a trademark (in this embodiment, "MAHLE") formed thereon that can indicate the manufacturer of the machine or the OEM (contract manufacturer) of the vehicle (or larger machine) that includes the machine as a subassembly, or the name of the vehicle or machine, or a trademark associated with a vehicle or machine sold by the OEM. The trademark or word, number(s), letter(s), or symbol(s), or combination thereof, can be changed as desired or needed for use with the machine. Alternatively, in place of a trademark, the cap may include instructions for use or removal of the cap formed thereon. This figure depicts in dashed lines an exemplary desiccant material for use with the cap. The desiccant material can be any size or shape that fits within the receptacle. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a top view of the cap of FIG. 9. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a front view of the cap of FIG. 9. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a view of the right side of the cap of FIG. 9. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a view of the left side of the cap of FIG. 9. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a rear view of the cap of FIG. 9. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a bottom view of the cap of FIG. 9. [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of another decorative cap design having a portion that can extend into a machine opening (an exemplary desiccant material used in the cap is depicted in dashed lines). [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a top view of the cap of FIG. 16. [Figure 18] FIG. 17 is a front view of the cap of FIG. 16. [Figure 19] FIG. 17 is a view of the right side of the cap of FIG. 16. [Figure 20] FIG. 17 is a left side view of the cap of FIG. 16. [Figure 21] FIG. 17 is a rear view of the cap of FIG. 16. [Figure 22] FIG. 17 is a bottom view of the cap of FIG. 16. [Figure 23] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of another decorative cap design having a portion that can extend into a machine opening (an exemplary desiccant material used in the cap is depicted in dashed lines). [Figure 24] FIG. 24 is a top view of the cap of FIG. 23. [Figure 25] FIG. 24 is a front view of the cap of FIG. 23. [Figure 26] FIG. 24 is a view of the right side of the cap of FIG. 23. [Figure 27] FIG. 24 is a left side view of the cap of FIG. 23. [Figure 28] FIG. 24 is a rear view of the cap of FIG. 23. [Figure 29] FIG. 24 is a bottom view of the cap of FIG. 23. [Figure 30] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of another decorative cap design having a portion that can extend into a machine opening (an exemplary desiccant material used in the cap is depicted in dashed lines). [Figure 31] FIG. 31 is a top view of the cap of FIG. 30. [Figure 32] FIG. 31 is a front view of the cap of FIG. 30. [Figure 33] FIG. 31 is a view of the right side of the cap of FIG. 30. [Figure 34] FIG. 31 is a left side view of the cap of FIG. 30. [Figure 35] FIG. 31 is a rear view of the cap of FIG. 30. [Figure 36] FIG. 31 is a bottom view of the cap of FIG. 30. [Figure 37] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of another decorative cap design having a portion that can extend into a machine opening (an exemplary desiccant material used in the cap is depicted in dashed lines). [Figure 38] FIG. 38 is a top view of the cap of FIG. 37. [Figure 39] FIG. 38 is a front view of the cap of FIG. 37. [Figure 40] FIG. 38 is a view of the right side of the cap of FIG. 37. [Figure 41] FIG. 38 is a left side view of the cap of FIG. 37. [Figure 42] FIG. 38 is a rear view of the cap of FIG. 37. [Figure 43] FIG. 38 is a bottom view of the cap of FIG. 37. [Figure 44] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of another decorative cap design having a portion that can extend into a machine opening (an exemplary desiccant material used in the cap is depicted in dashed lines). [Figure 45] FIG. 45 is a top view of the cap of FIG. 44. [Figure 46] FIG. 45 is a front view of the cap of FIG. 44. [Figure 47] FIG. 45 is a view of the right side of the cap of FIG. 44. [Figure 48] FIG. 45 is a left side view of the cap of FIG. 44. [Figure 49] FIG. 45 is a rear view of the cap of FIG. 44. [Figure 50] FIG. 45 is a bottom view of the cap of FIG. 44.

[0015] MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION While the concepts of the present disclosure are susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and are herein described in detail. It should be understood, however, that there is no intention to limit the concepts of the present disclosure to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives consistent with the scope of this disclosure and the appended claims.

[0016] References herein to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “an illustrative embodiment,” etc. indicate that the described embodiment may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but that all embodiments may or may not necessarily include that particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Moreover, such phrases do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Furthermore, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with one embodiment, it is believed to be within the knowledge of one of ordinary skill in the art to achieve such feature, structure, or characteristic in connection with other embodiments, whether or not explicitly described. Additionally, it should be understood that items in lists of the form “at least one of A, B, and C” can mean (A), (B), (C), (A and B), (A and C), (B and C), or (A, B, and C). Similarly, items listed in the format "at least one of A, B, or C" can mean (A), (B), (C), (A and B), (A and C), (B and C), or (A, B, and C).

[0017] In the drawings, some structural features may be shown in a particular arrangement. However, it should be understood that such a particular arrangement may not be required. Rather, in some embodiments, such features may be arranged in a manner different from that shown in the exemplary figures. Additionally, the inclusion of a feature in a particular figure does not imply that such feature is required in all embodiments, but rather that in some embodiments, it may not be included or may be combined with other features.

[0018] The present disclosure relates generally to shipping caps, and more particularly to shipping caps containing desiccant material. The purpose of the desiccant is to prevent moisture from entering the internal mechanisms of a compressor, motor, pump, or other equipment during shipping and storage. The equipment may be configured to receive liquid or air inside the equipment during shipping and storage, such as rotating equipment or equipment with moving components within the equipment housing. The shipping cap is removed before installation and can be discarded or reused. The desiccant is contained within the shipping cap and may be replaceable.

[0019] Referring initially to FIG. 1, an exemplary embodiment of a shipping cap 100 is shown.

[0020] FIGS. 9-50 depict various embodiments of different decorative designs for the shipping cap 100. The shipping cap 100 can exhibit any version of the decorative design depicted in FIGS. 9-50 or various combinations of the decorative designs depicted in FIGS. 9-50, as discussed below. The shipping cap can be as depicted in those figures. Features depicted in dashed lines in one or more of FIGS. 9-50 are discarded from the decorative design and do not form part of the decorative design for protection, but are provided to illustrate the environment of the decorative design or to illustrate other unclaimed structures that may exist with the decorative design depicted in solid lines. In other embodiments, decorative designs that are combinations of the decorative designs depicted in the figures may be possible, such as the combination of FIGS. 23 and 30, in which both the handle (120, described below) and the desiccant receptacle (130, described below) are discarded from the decorative design. Another embodiment is possible that is a combination of Figure 23 and Figure 37, in which both the handle (120) and the positioning protrusion (150, described below) are abandoned from the decorative design. Another embodiment is possible that is a combination of Figure 30 and Figure 37, in which both the desiccant receptacle (130) and the positioning protrusion (150) are abandoned from the design. Another embodiment is possible that is a combination of Figure 16 and one or more of Figures 23, 30, and 37, in which a trademark (such as MAHLE depicted in the figures) is provided and one, two, or all three of the handle (120), the desiccant receptacle (130), and the positioning protrusion (150) are abandoned. In other embodiments, other trademarks or trademark symbols may be provided in or adjacent to the location where the trademark MAHLE is provided in Figure 16. These possible different decorative design drawings described above are combinations of the elements depicted and abandoned in the figures provided herein.

[0021] The shipping cap 100 includes a base 110, a handle 120 connected to the base 110, a desiccant receptacle 130 connected to the base 110 and configured to hold a desiccant 140 within an interior volume 130a of the desiccant receptacle 130, and, in some optional embodiments, a positioning protrusion 150 connected to the base 110. The base 110 further includes a first side 112 and a second side 113. The second side 113 is configured to face, and in some embodiments, contact, one or more surfaces of the device 1103 when the desiccant receptacle 130 extends into the device within the opening, as discussed below. The shipping cap 100 further includes a sealing portion 160. The sealing portion 160 is located on or extends from the second side 113 of the base. The sealing portion 160 is configured to provide a frictional seal with the compressor, motor, or other component of the device 1103 (see FIGS. 7-8 ) into which the transport cap 100 is inserted. In some optional embodiments, the sealing portion 160 further includes a gasket, O-ring, or liquid sealant to create a watertight, airtight, or substantially watertight or airtight barrier on the compressor, motor, or other component of the device 1103. The term substantially airtight means airtight and includes minimal airflow therethrough that may occur due to manufacturing tolerances, improper engagement between opposing surfaces, and component wear. Those skilled in the art will recognize that different sized transport caps 100 can be used for devices 1103 having inlet and outlet ports with different diameters. As discussed below, two or more transport caps 100 may be provided on a single component of the device 1103 to seal two or more air or fluid ports within the device 1103.

[0022] Referring now to FIG. 2 , a bottom perspective view of the shipping cap 100 is shown. The desiccant receptacle 130 is configured to be removable so that the desiccant 140 can be replaced if it becomes depleted during long-term transport or storage. A suitable type of desiccant 140 may be selected from silica gel, clay, molecular sieves, calcium oxide, calcium sulfide, or a combination thereof. This disclosure will enable those skilled in the art to select a desiccant 140 appropriate for the location where the device 1103 will be transported or stored. Alternatively, a portion of the desiccant receptacle 130 may be removed or opened to provide access to the interior volume 130 a to allow removal and replacement of the desiccant 140.

[0023] The desiccant receptacle 130 may further include any number of different attachment mechanisms to the shipping cap 100, including, but not limited to, a threaded attachment mechanism, a detent attachment mechanism, a locking tab mechanism, or a friction fit attachment mechanism. In some optional examples, the desiccant receptacle 130 may be molded into the shipping cap 100 for single use scenarios where the desiccant 140 does not need to be replaced.

[0024] In some embodiments, the desiccant receptacle 130 can have a sidewall 132 that encloses the desiccant material 140 therein and an end plate 133. The sidewall 132 can be a wall formed in the same or similar shape as the outer cross section of the opening 1101 of the device 1103 that receives the desiccant receptacle 130. For example, in embodiments with an opening 1101, the desiccant receptacle wall 132 can also be circular in cross section with a slightly smaller diameter than the opening 1101. In some embodiments, the sidewall can be cylindrical, while in other embodiments, the sidewall 132 can be truncated or frusto-conical with a cross-sectional area that decreases from the end proximate the base 110 toward the end plate 133. This can be beneficial because the space that can surround the opening 1101 allows the desiccant receptacle 130 to be installed within an opening in a device that requires the desiccant receptacle 130 to approach the opening at an acute angle relative to the central axis of the opening 1101, rather than at an angle along the central axis of the opening 1101.

[0025] In some embodiments, the wall 132 may be a solid wall around the circumference. In other embodiments, the wall 132 may be formed from a plurality of ribs 132b aligned and supported by the base 110 and the end plate 133. The ribs 132b are aligned with spaces 132a between adjacent ribs, which may allow air flow therethrough but do not allow the desiccant material 140 (or a significant portion of the desiccant material) to extend from the interior volume 130a through the spaces 132a. In some embodiments, when the desiccant receptacle 130 is installed in the opening 1101, as discussed below, air from within the interior volume of the device 1103 can interact with the desiccant material through the spaces 132a and the holes 131 in the end plate 133, as discussed below.

[0026] 3-4, which show right and left side views, respectively, of shipping cap 100. Shipping cap 100 includes a base 110, a handle 120 connected to base 110, a desiccant receptacle 130 connected to base 110 and configured to hold desiccant 140 within an interior volume 130a thereof, and, in some optional embodiments, a positioning protrusion 150 connected to base 110. Shipping cap 100 further includes a sealing portion 160.

[0027] FIG. 5 shows a top view of the shipping cap 100. The handle 120 is configured to be pulled to remove it from the device 1103. The positioning protrusion 150 is also shown. The positioning protrusion 150 is configured to slide over a corresponding protrusion (not shown) on the device 1103 to align the desiccant receptacle 130 with an inlet or outlet port on the device 1103. This allows the desiccant receptacle 130 to be inserted into the inlet or outlet of the device 1103. This further allows the sealing portion 160 to create a seal with the inlet or outlet of the device 1103 to prevent as much water or air intrusion as possible. The positioning protrusion 150 can also receive a fastener (not shown, but which may be a screw, bolt, or the like; Z in FIG. 8 ) that can connect to the device (at aperture 1102, FIG. 8 ) to further secure the shipping cap 100 to the device when the shipping cap 100 is installed.

[0028] 6 shows a bottom view of the shipping cap 100, showing the desiccant receptacle 130. The desiccant receptacle 130 further comprises a plurality of openings 131. The plurality of openings 131 of the desiccant receptacle 130 allows any moisture within the interior portions, such as the flow paths of the components of the device 1103 or the operating mechanical equipment, such as impellers or blades, to enter the interior volume 130a and come into contact with the desiccant 140. This allows any residual moisture in the components of the device 1103 after manufacture, or any moisture intrusion that may occur during transportation and storage, to be absorbed by the desiccant 140. This prevents any damage to the internal mechanisms of the components of the device 1103 during long-term storage or transportation.

[0029] 7-8, an exemplary shipping cap 100 is shown when inserted into an instrument 1103 to form a sealed component 200 of the instrument. The shipping cap 100 can be inserted into an inlet or outlet 1101 of a component of the instrument 1103. Any number of shipping caps 100 can be inserted into a component of the instrument 1103. For example, if a component of the instrument 1103 has multiple inlet and outlet ports 1101, each port 1101 must be inserted to seal the internal mechanisms and allow desiccant to be removed and protect the internal mechanisms of the component of the instrument 1103.

[0030] It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the exact details of structure, operation, precise materials or embodiments shown and described, since obvious modifications and equivalents will be apparent to those skilled in the art. While specific embodiments have been illustrated and described, numerous modifications are contemplated without materially departing from the spirit of the invention, the scope of protection being limited only by the appended claims.

[0031] This specification can be best understood with reference to the following numbered paragraphs:

[0032] Numbered paragraph 1: A device for sealing a port on a piece of rotating equipment, comprising: a base having a first side and a second side; a handle connected to a first side of the base; a positioning protrusion connected to a first side surface of the base; a desiccant receptacle connected to the second side of the base; Equipped with The apparatus, wherein the desiccant receptacle is configured to receive a desiccant.

[0033] Numbered paragraph 2. The apparatus of numbered paragraph 1, further comprising a seal.

[0034] Numbered paragraph 3. The apparatus of numbered paragraph 2, wherein the seal is a gasket, an O-ring, or a liquid sealant.

[0035] Numbered paragraph 4. The apparatus of any one of numbered paragraphs 1-3, wherein the desiccant is selected from silica gel, clay, molecular sieves, calcium oxide, calcium sulfide, or combinations thereof.

[0036] Numbered paragraph 5. The apparatus of any one of numbered paragraphs 1-4, wherein the desiccant further comprises a replaceable desiccant.

[0037] Numbered paragraph 6: The apparatus of any one of numbered paragraphs 1 through 5, wherein the desiccant receptacle is connected to the second side of the base using a threaded mounting mechanism, a detent mounting mechanism, a locking tab mechanism, or a friction-fit mounting mechanism.

[0038] Numbered paragraph 7: A method for controlling moisture in a component of rotating equipment, comprising: providing a shipping cap configured to form a seal; The transport cap is a base having a first side and a second side; a handle connected to a first side of the base; a positioning protrusion connected to a first side surface of the base; a desiccant receptacle connected to the second side of the base; Equipped with providing a desiccant receptacle configured to receive a desiccant; Inserting a shipping cap into an inlet or outlet port on a piece of rotating equipment; A method comprising:

[0039] Numbered Paragraph 8. The method of numbered paragraph 7, further comprising a seal.

[0040] Numbered paragraph 9. The method of numbered paragraph 7, wherein the seal is a gasket, an O-ring, or a liquid sealant.

[0041] Numbered paragraph 10. The method of any one of numbered paragraphs 7-9, wherein the desiccant is selected from silica gel, clay, molecular sieves, calcium oxide, calcium sulfide, or a combination thereof.

[0042] Numbered paragraph 11. The method of any one of numbered paragraphs 7 to 10, further comprising replacing the desiccant in the shipping cap when the desiccant is depleted.

[0043] Numbered paragraph 12: The method of any one of numbered paragraphs 7 through 11, wherein the desiccant receptacle is connected to the second side of the base using a threaded mounting mechanism, a detent mounting mechanism, a locking tab mechanism, or a friction-fit mounting mechanism.

[0044] Numbered Paragraph 13: Ornamental design for a cap for a machine opening as depicted in Figures 9-15. The ornamental design is depicted in solid lines in the drawings. Any dashed or phantom lines in the drawings do not form part of the claimed design.

[0045] Numbered Paragraph 14: Ornamental design for a cap for a machine opening as depicted in Figures 16-22. The ornamental design is depicted in solid lines in the drawings. Any dashed or phantom lines in the drawings do not form part of the claimed design.

[0046] Numbered Paragraph 15: Ornamental design for a cap for a machine opening as depicted in Figures 23-29. The ornamental design is depicted in solid lines in the drawings. Any dashed or phantom lines in the drawings do not form part of the claimed design.

[0047] Numbered Paragraph 16: Ornamental design for a cap for a machine opening as depicted in Figures 30-36. The ornamental design is depicted in solid lines in the drawings. Any dashed or phantom lines in the drawings do not form part of the claimed design.

[0048] Numbered Paragraph 17: Ornamental design for a cap for a machine opening as depicted in Figures 37-43. The ornamental design is depicted in solid lines in the drawings. Any dashed or phantom lines in the drawings do not form part of the claimed design.

[0049] Numbered Paragraph 18: Ornamental design for a cap for a machine opening as depicted in Figures 44-50. The ornamental design is depicted in solid lines in the drawings. Any dashed or phantom lines in the drawings do not form part of the claimed design.

[0050] Numbered Paragraph 19: An ornamental design for a cap for a machine opening as depicted in the combination of the ornamental designs of Figures 23-29 and 30-36, disclaiming features disclaimed (in dashed lines) in both sets of figures. The ornamental design is depicted in solid lines in the drawings. Any dashed or phantom lines in the drawings do not form part of the claimed design.

[0051] Numbered Paragraph 20: An ornamental design for a cap for a machine opening as depicted in the combination of the ornamental designs of Figures 23-29 and Figures 37-43, disclaiming features disclaimed (in dashed lines) in both sets of figures. The ornamental design is depicted in solid lines in the drawings. Any dashed or phantom lines in the drawings do not form part of the claimed design.

[0052] Numbered Paragraph 21: An ornamental design for a cap for a machine opening as depicted in the combination of the ornamental designs of Figures 23-29 and 37-43, disclaiming features disclaimed (in dashed lines) in both sets of figures. The ornamental design is depicted in solid lines in the drawings. Any dashed or phantom lines in the drawings do not form part of the claimed design.

[0053] Numbered Paragraph 22: An ornamental design for a cap for a machine opening as depicted in the combination of the ornamental designs of Figures 23-29, 30-36, and 37-43, which abandons features abandoned (in dashed lines) in all three sets of figures. The ornamental design is depicted in solid lines in the drawings. Any dashed or phantom lines in the drawings do not form part of the claimed design.

[0054] Numbered Paragraph 23: An ornamental design for a cap for a machine opening as depicted in the ornamental design combination of one of the sets of Figures 23-29, Figures 30-36, and Figures 37-43, or a combination of two or more of these figures as described in numbered paragraphs 19-22 above, including a word, number, symbol, or trademark in a position on the ornamental design similar to the manner and positioning of the trademark "MAHLE" depicted in Figures 16-22. The ornamental design is depicted in solid lines on the drawings. Any dashed or phantom lines in the drawings do not form part of the claimed design.

Claims

1. 1. An apparatus for sealing a port on a piece of rotating equipment, comprising: a base having a first side and a second side; a handle connected to the first side of the base; a positioning protrusion connected to the first side surface of the base; a desiccant receptacle connected to the second side of the base; Equipped with The apparatus, wherein the desiccant receptacle is configured to receive a desiccant.

2. The device of claim 1 further comprising a seal.

3. The apparatus of claim 2 , wherein the seal is a gasket, an O-ring, or a liquid sealant.

4. 10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the desiccant is selected from silica gel, clay, molecular sieves, calcium oxide, calcium sulfide, or combinations thereof.

5. The device of claim 1 , wherein the desiccant further comprises a replaceable desiccant.

6. 10. The device of claim 1, wherein the desiccant receptacle is connected to the second side of the base using a threaded attachment mechanism, a detent attachment mechanism, a locking tab mechanism, or a friction fit attachment mechanism.

7. 1. A method for controlling moisture in a component of rotating equipment, comprising: providing a shipping cap configured to form a seal; The shipping cap comprises: a base having a first side and a second side; a handle connected to the first side of the base; a positioning protrusion connected to the first side surface of the base; a desiccant receptacle connected to the second side of the base; Equipped with providing a desiccant receptacle configured to receive a desiccant; inserting the shipping cap into an inlet or outlet port on the rotating equipment piece; A method comprising:

8. The method of claim 7 further comprising a seal.

9. The method of claim 7 , wherein the seal is a gasket, an O-ring, or a liquid sealant.

10. 8. The method of claim 7, wherein the desiccant is selected from silica gel, clay, molecular sieves, calcium oxide, calcium sulfide, or combinations thereof.

11. The method of claim 7 further comprising replacing the desiccant in the shipping cap when the desiccant is depleted.

12. The method of claim 7 , wherein the desiccant receptacle is connected to the second side of the base using a threaded attachment mechanism, a detent attachment mechanism, a locking tab mechanism, or a friction fit attachment mechanism.

Images