Desiccant cartridge having desiccant cap

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