Method of supporting and/or applying particulate materials
First Claim
1. A method of applying particulates to a surface comprising:
- providing at a location a mass of particulates having an average particle diameter;
providing a porous surface with pores having a shortest average dimension of pore openings, the shortest average dimension of pore openings being less than the average particle diameter, providing a gas pressure on a first side of the porous surface, providing a lesser gas pressure on a second side of the porous surface to create a pressure differential across the porous surface, contacting the first side of the porous surface with the mass of particulates, removing the porous surface from the location, carrying a portion of the mass of particulates on the first side of the porous surface by pressure established by the differential pressure.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Masses of particles are structurally supported by the application of vacuum through a support surface having holes thereon that are smaller than the average diameter of the particle mass that is to be supported. The reduced pressure structurally supports particles on the support surface. The mass of particles tends is so well supported that it tends retain its shape unless additional forces are applied. The system comprises the vacuum applicator (e.g., pump), a vacuum carrying system and the support surface. When a mass of particles is supported on the support surface under vacuum, the particles can be carried to a target surface, the mass of particles pressed against the target surface, the mass conforming to the target surface, and the vacuum reduced or stopped, depositing the particle mass onto the surface in excellent shape compliance with that surface.
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Citations
21 Claims
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1. A method of applying particulates to a surface comprising:
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providing at a location a mass of particulates having an average particle diameter;
providing a porous surface with pores having a shortest average dimension of pore openings, the shortest average dimension of pore openings being less than the average particle diameter, providing a gas pressure on a first side of the porous surface, providing a lesser gas pressure on a second side of the porous surface to create a pressure differential across the porous surface, contacting the first side of the porous surface with the mass of particulates, removing the porous surface from the location, carrying a portion of the mass of particulates on the first side of the porous surface by pressure established by the differential pressure. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21)
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Specification