Abstract: The invention provides a translucent glazing panel comprising: (a) a thermoplastic panel comprising (i) an outer wall having an inner surface defining an internal channel, the internal channel having an internal volume, and (ii) at least one inner wall protruding from the inner surface into the internal channel, and (b) hydrophobic aerogel particles, the hydrophobic aerogel particles being disposed within the channel. The invention also provides an insulated glazing system comprising: (a) a first U-shaped element, (b) a second U-shaped element, the first and second elements being disposed to define a cavity therebetween, and (c) an insulating panel disposed within the cavity. The insulated glazing system can further comprise hydrophobic aerogel particles disposed within the internal channel of the insulating panel. The insulating panel of the glazing system also can be the same as the translucent glazing panel described herein.

Abstract: The invention provides a translucent glazing panel comprising: (a) a thermoplastic panel comprising (i) an outer wall having an inner surface defining an internal channel, the internal channel having an internal volume, and (ii) at least one inner wall protruding from the inner surface into the internal channel, and (b) hydrophobic aerogel particles, the hydrophobic aerogel particles being disposed within the channel. The invention also provides an insulated glazing system comprising: (a) a first U-shaped element, (b) a second U-shaped element, the first and second elements being disposed to define a cavity therebetween, and (c) an insulating panel disposed within the cavity. The insulated glazing system can further comprise hydrophobic aerogel particles disposed within the internal channel of the insulating panel. The insulating panel of the glazing system also can be the same as the translucent glazing panel described herein.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and an apparatus for filling a vessel having an internal volume with particulate matter. The method generally comprises the steps of providing a vessel having a length, width, and an internal volume, providing a supply of particulate matter, filling at least a portion of the internal volume of the vessel with the particulate matter, and repeating the aforementioned steps until the internal volume of the vessel has been filled with the desired amount of particulate matter. While the vessel is being filled with the particulate matter, the vessel also is subjected to a vibratory motion or at least one tamping motion, or the static electricity produced upon filling the vessel with the particulate matter is discharged. The apparatus generally comprises a carrier assembly, a container, and at least one of an actuating assembly, a vibrator assembly, and a static discharge assembly.