Desiccant cartridge having desiccant cap

This invention relates to a desiccant cartridge ( 10 ) adapted for use in a canister ( 14 ) of an integrated receiver/dryer or accumulator assembly of an automotive air conditioning system wherein the canister ( 14 ) has an offset inlet port ( 16 ). The desiccant cartridge ( 10 ) includes a desiccant cup ( 18 ) having a center tube ( 36 ) and a desiccant cap ( 12 ) including a planar portion ( 44 ) having a recessed port area ( 46 ) provided with a first aperture ( 56 ), or first tube ( 72 ), for cooperation with a side tube ( 78 ) and/or the offset inlet port ( 16 ) of the canister ( 14 ). The cap ( 12 ) further includes a docking piece ( 80 ) provided with a second aperture ( 88 ), or second tube ( 92 ), for cooperating with the center tube ( 36 ) of the cup ( 18 ) when the cap ( 12 ) is retained therein. Notably, the docking piece ( 80 ) is designed to cooperate with the recessed port area ( 46 ), preferably via a snap fit, to define a passageway ( 98 ) therebetween so that gas and/or fluid can enter the canister ( 14 ) via the inlet port ( 16 ), circulate through the desiccant cartridge ( 10 ), and finally exit via an outlet port ( 126 ).