Apparatus and method for retaining and releasing solid material

摘要

An apparatus for making a structure comprising solid material and typically a substrate, said apparatus comprising a first moving endless surface and adjacent thereto one or more stationary primary (vacuum) gas containers (chambers), at least one thereof being connected to a secondary (vacuum) gas container, whereby the pressure difference between primary and secondary containers is minimized; and methods using such an apparatus.

主权项

1. An apparatus for making a structure comprising a solid material and a substrate, said apparatus having a first moving endless surface for receiving or transferring a solid material and for releasing the solid material to a second moving surface,
said surface having a multitude of openings for allowing gas passage; and said apparatus comprising a gas-supply system for applying a gas to said first moving endless surface and through said openings, for facilitating release of said solid material from said surface, wherein said gas-supply system comprises a primary gas container and at least one secondary gas container, connected to said primary gas container, said primary gas container being adjacent said first moving endless surface and in gas communication therewith; and wherein the pressure difference between the pressure in said primary gas container (P1) and the pressure in said secondary gas container (P2) is more than 0% and less than 40%; and wherein the pressure in said primary gas container (P1) and the pressure in said secondary gas container (P2) are both at least 1 kPa.