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A humidor and method for high humidity, ambient temperature storage of items includes a water reservoir with a relatively large surface area which is gradually and uniformly heated in response to a humidity sensor. The temperature in the reservoir is raised at a rate of less than 1 degree Fahrenheit

A humidor and method for high humidity, ambient temperature storage of items includes a water reservoir with a relatively large surface area which is gradually and uniformly heated in response to a humidity sensor. The temperature in the reservoir is raised at a rate of less than 1 degree Fahrenheit per 4 minutes to a maintained temperature of less than 5 degrees F. above ambient temperature until a desired humidity level is reached. The humidor enclosure includes convection heating elements which create a convection current between air inlets and outlets to draw fresh air into the humidor. A water level sensor in the water reservoir deactivates the reservoir heater and convection heating elements when the water level drops below a minimum level and simultaneously actives a water level low warning signal.

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[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A method for storing items at a high humidity level and at an ambient temperature comprising:providing an enclosure around said items;providing a water reservoir in said enclosure;partially filling said water reservoir with water;gradually heating said water reservoir to

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A method for storing items at a high humidity level and at an ambient temperature comprising:providing an enclosure around said items;providing a water reservoir in said enclosure;partially filling said water reservoir with water;gradually heating said water reservoir to an elevated temperature of less than 5 degrees Fahrenheit above an ambient temperature to increase a rate of evaporation of said water;maintaining said elevated temperature until a desired humidity level is reached;ceasing heating said reservoir when said desired humidity level is reached thereby allowing said water to return to said ambient temperature; andrepeating said heating and maintaining steps when said humidity level drops below said desired level.