Abstract: Apparatus providing at least one thermoelectric device for pressurizing a liquefied gas container and methods employing same are disclosed. A thermoelectric device including a heating surface and a cooling surface is used for pressurizing a container by vaporizing liquefied gas within the container by transferring heat energy from a portion of the liquefied gas in contact with the cooling surface to another portion of the liquefied gas in contact with the heating surface of the thermoelectric device to convert some of the liquefied gas to a vapor state. Liquefied gas vapor and/or liquid phase may be supplied by disclosed apparatus and methods. The apparatus may also be used as a vapor pump or a liquid pump, or fluid pump. Methods of operation are also disclosed.

Abstract: A portable, cryogenic gas delivery apparatus includes a chamber which contains cryogenic material, such as oxygen, in both liquid and gas phases. A probe is mounted to move relative to the chamber in response to variations in pressure in the gas phase within the chamber. The probe has one part positioned within the chamber so that it is exposed to the pressure and temperature of the gas within the chamber and a second part located outside the chamber. The probe thus introduces heat from the ambient into the chamber. The probe preferably moves relative to the chamber in response to variations in pressure, moving away from the chamber to reduce the amount of thermal energy introduced into the chamber and toward the chamber to increase the amount of thermal energy introduced into the chamber. The apparatus includes a conserver which receives gas evaporating from the chamber and delivers it in efficient pulses to the end user in response to the user's inhalation.

Abstract: Method for loading ceramic moulds presenting a die plate having at least one forming cavity in which a die is slidingly received, comprising the following operative steps for each complete loading cycle: preparing a powder layer at least the upper part of which has properties conforming to the required aesthetic characteristics of the exposed face of the tile; transferring said layer to above said at least one forming cavity; depositing into said at least one cavity a powder layer having a thickness greater than that necessary to obtain the desired tile thickness, and before pressing removing, by suction, the surface layer of the powder contained in the mould cavity, without appreciable mixing of the powder present at the interface between the surface layer and the underlying material.

Abstract: A fueling facility and method for dispensing liquid natural gas (LNG), compressed natural gas (CNG) or both on-demand. The fueling facility may include a source of LNG, such as cryogenic storage vessel. A low volume high pressure pump is coupled to the source of LNG to produce a stream of pressurized LNG. The stream of pressurized LNG may be selectively directed through an LNG flow path or to a CNG flow path which includes a vaporizer configured to produce CNG from the pressurized LNG. A portion of the CNG may be drawn from the CNG flow path and introduced into the CNG flow path to control the temperature of LNG flowing therethrough. Similarly, a portion of the LNG may be drawn from the LNG flow path and introduced into the CNG flow path to control the temperature of CNG flowing therethrough.

Abstract: A front opening unified pod (FOUP) used for temporarily and portably storing semiconductor wafers between processing steps includes a manifold for uniformly distributing a purge gas in the FOUP during a purging process between wafer processing steps. The manifold can be a variety of shapes, and can be located in a number of appropriate locations within the FOUP. The manifold generally extends the full height of the FOUP and includes a plurality of openings configured to direct a flow of purge gas above and below each wafer held by the FOUP.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a filling station for filling a motor vehicle with gaseous fuel. The fuel is compressed, stored temporarily and expanded in the fuel tank of said vehicle. The fuel has a high water content. According to the invention, oil or an oil mixture is added in a dosed manner to said fuel.

Abstract: An apparatus for fabricating a liquid crystal display panel includes a chamber for holding a substrate, wherein the substrate includes first and second metal patterns, a spray nozzle connected to the chamber for spraying spacers onto the substrate, wherein the spacers are charged with a predetermined polarity, and a first power supplier connected to the chamber for applying a first voltage with a positive polarity and a second voltage with a negative polarity to the first and second metal patterns of the substrate.

Abstract: A method for filling a container involves supplying a barrier layer to the inside of a container and irradiating the inside with a high energy ray to form a barrier layer on the inner surface of the container and simultaneously sterilizing the inside and discharging a residual barrier material precursor gas and a by-product gas from the container before or during the filling of liquid food into the container. The method allows the formation of a continuous barrier layer covering edges, gloves, clearances and gaps inside the container. Automatic and effective discharge of a residual barrier material precursor gas and a by-product gas from the container through the filling of liquid food is allowed. The method avoids the necessity of chemical disinfectants through sterilization of the inside of a container by irradiation with a high energy ray and thereafter filling a liquid food in an aseptic state.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods and apparatus for removing a gaseous bubble confined in a microvolume of liquid in a chamber. A source of liquid, a barrier region and an exit region are provided in fluid communication with the chamber. The source of liquid has an energy potential as regards movement of the gaseous bubble that is higher than the energy potential of the barrier region, the barrier region has a higher energy potential than the chamber, and the chamber has a higher energy potential than the exit region. The energy potential is reduced within the chamber, the source of liquid, the barrier region, and the exit region by an amount such that the energy within the gaseous bubble is sufficient to displace the gaseous bubble from the chamber through the barrier region and out the exit region and to fill the chamber with the liquid from the source.

Abstract: The present invention relates to pre-filled contained media volumes and methods of media filling using pre-filled contained media volumes. In particular, the present invention relates to apparatus and methods of media filling a tooling for a fuselage using pre-filled contained media volumes. In one implementation, the pre-filled contained media volume comprises a bag formed of a porous fabric and media located in that bag. The pre-filled contained media volume is attached to a tooling prior to filling the tooling with additional media.

Abstract: Disclosed is a powder filling method in which powder is filled in a powder box having a discharging port at its bottom segment, the powder box is moved over a cavity to be targeted while being slid on a die plate, thereafter the powder in the powder box is dropped into the cavity by its own gravitational force and filled there, wherein the powder in the powder box is applied with a mechanical agitation when the powder in the powder box is at least dropped into the cavity in the powder filling method for filling the powder in the powder box while being dropped at least into the cavity.

Abstract: A method wherein the particles are homogeneously distributed like rain to constitute a horizontal bed of particles on the entire section of the chamber (1). The invention is characterised in that it consists in temporarily modifying at least once the loading conditions, so that the profile of the surface (8) of the bed of particles forms, at least at the periphery thereof, an angle &agr; with the horizontal ranging between 6° and 25°, preferably, between 10° and 20°, and in subsequently restoring the loading conditions to obtain a horizontal bed.

Abstract: A method and filling station are disclosed for introducing a compressed gas stream into one or more vessels such that upper and lower temperature material limits are not exceeded and preferably such vessels are not over or under filled by controlling the filling temperature of the compressed gas stream. The compressed stream is produced by compressing a stream composed of a vapor phase located within a cryogenic liquid storage tank. The density of the vapor phase is held constant by adding heat to a liquid phase, preferably by addition of a subsidiary stream composed of the compressed gas stream. The filling temperature of the compressed gas stream is controlled by adding heat to the compressed gas stream by a trim heater or to the vapor stream to be compressed by recirculating part of the compressed gas stream to an inlet of the compressor.

Abstract: According to certain embodiments of the present invention, there is disclosed herein a method and system of recovering concrete which includes admitting a concrete slurry to a tank, pressurizing the tank with a fluid under pressure, discharging through a discharge line the pressurized fluid-slurry from the tank, cleaning the tank by admitting a cleaning liquid into the tank after discharging fluid-slurry therefrom, and discharging the cleaning liquid from the tank through the discharge line for cleaning purposes.

Abstract: A mobile bulk materials bagging machine equipped to convert compacted bulk materials into baggable material of uniform consistency. The bagging machine includes a feed hopper which may be loaded with compacted bulk materials with heavy duty loaders. The bagging machine conducts a series of processing steps for converting compacted bulk material into a restructured material of a more uniform and free-flowing consistency for bagging. The operation of the bagging machine includes partitioning compacted bulk materials into segmented portions, agitating and leveling systems which, in cooperative association with electronic sensors for intermittently terminating the flow of feed materials, prevents excessive product build up and recompaction of the processed material into an unbaggable material.

Abstract: Encapsulated oral dosage pharmaceutical products are produced utilizing a system including a hopper and a dosator, where the hopper receives particles having irregular geometries and sizes greater than about 100 &mgr;m for delivery to the dosator. A gaseous fluid is directed into the hopper to fluidize particles within the hopper so as to minimize or eliminate the formation of voids within the bed of particles disposed within the hopper. The fluidization of the particles within the hopper maintains a substantially continuous and uniform flow of particles from the hopper to the dosator, which results in the formation of encapsulated products with desirable weights and particle size distributions.

Abstract: A method and system for producing a flavored beverage wherein the flavor is added in a separate step to a combination of the base ingredients of the beverage is provided. The flavor can be added to a container either before, during or after a thermally processed master batch base is hot filled into the container.

Abstract: The methods and apparatus for transporting compressed gas includes a gas storage system having a plurality of pipes connected by a manifold whereby the gas storage system is designed to operate in the range of the optimum compressibility factor for a given composition of gas. The pipe for the gas storage system is preferably large diameter pipe made of a high strength material whereby a low temperature is selected which can be withstood by the material of the pipe. Knowing the compressibility factor of the gas, the temperature, and the diameter of the pipe, the wall thickness of the pipe may be calculated for the pressure range of the gas at the selected temperature. The gas storage system may either be modular or be part of the structure of a vessel for transporting the gas to the storage system. Since the pipe provides a bulkhead around the gas, the gas storage system may be used in a single hull vessel. The gas storage system further includes enclosing the pipes in a nitrogen atmosphere.

Abstract: A novel method for the preparation of a pre-filled plastic syringe, and preferably the preparation of a plastic syringe pre-filled with a diagnostic contrast agent wherein said syringe comprises as components a barrel, a tip seal capable of sealing the nozzle of the barrel and a piston capable of sliding in the barrel and sealing the open end of the barrel opposite the nozzle, comprising the steps of: (a) providing at least one component of said syringe which is molded under conditions which are substantially free of pyrogens and viable and non-viable articulates; and (b) filling and assembling said syringe.

Abstract: An assembly and method enhances particulate matter retention during the filling of a moving cavity. The assembly further reduces the tendency of particulate matter to come to rest at a point other than in the moving cavity. The assembly for enhancing particulate matter retention comprises a transport for continuously moving a stream of empty cavities in a downstream direction. The assembly further includes a feed for depositing particulate matter from a supply into the empty cavities on the transport. A vibrator engages the cavities on the transport thereby vibrating the cavities to enhance particulate matter retention within the cavities and to remove any excess particulate matter from areas adjacent the cavities. The assembly and method are particularly suited for efficiently filing cavities in a multiple component cigarette filter preform with carbon or similar type granules.

Abstract: A scoop is used to collect a liquid slurry upstream of an internal collection tank. The scoop is in fluid communication with a downcomer, which receives at least part of the collected slurry, thereby maintaining a continuous flow of liquid slurry through the scoop to prevent plugging. Collected slurry can be removed for treatment from the scoop or the downcomer. In an application to a wet flue gas desulfurization (FGD) scrubber, the scoop collects an effluent slurry of partially reacted liquid scrubbing reagent and scrubbing byproducts before they drain into an internal reaction tank. Partially reacted liquid scrubbing reagent and scrubbing byproducts can therefore be withdrawn for treatment before the addition of fresh reagent alters the pH of the treatment stream.

Abstract: A defoaming apparatus (22) defoams a foamable product that is dispersed into a container such as a TETRA REX gable-top carton (80). The defoaming apparatus (22) creates a sonic shock wave (110) that destroys most if not all of the bubbles of the foamable product. The defoaming apparatus (22) has a body (100) that defines a recessed cavity (102). A pair of electrodes (106, 108) is located within the recessed cavity (102). The opening to the cavity (102) can include a radio frequency filter (114) covering to absorb radio waves created from the sonic shock wave (110). The defoaming apparatus (22) is preferably disposed immediately after the filling of the container (80).

Abstract: The invention provides methods, systems and apparatus for the metered transport of fine powders into receptacles. According to one exemplary method, the fine powder is first fluidized. At least a portion of the fluidized fine powder is then captured. The captured fine powder is then transferred to a receptacle, with the transferred powder being sufficiently uncompacted so that it may be dispersed upon removal from the receptacle.

Abstract: A gas-assisted flow and filling device for transporting particulate material and filling die cavities includes a source of low-pressure gas for delivering gas to a chamber that is separated from a fluidizing chamber by a porous distributor plate which permits the gas to flow through the particulate material and out a vent screen so that the particulate material is permitted to flow out of the fluidizing chamber essentially free of gas and wherein the pressure of the gas delivered to the fluidizing chamber is sufficient to provide a gas bearing to said particulate material adjacent the distributor plate, but not high enough to cause turbulence in said fluidizing chamber.

Abstract: A ventilating/sterilizing system for food-quality liquid storage tanks has a weatherproof overhead hood. Incoming air, drawn up into the hood is first filtered at the intake of an electric blower forcing the airflow through a main filter to be sterilized by ultraviolet radiation then heated for tank entry, where airflow drives out moisture and displaces air in the head region through a specially designed weather protective tank outlet vent with a removable cone-shaped dual-screen filter unit. A remote indicator light panel indicates normal operation and malfunctions. Stainless steel construction throughout minimizes deterioration and contamination. The main filter is enclosed in a housing mounted on a base unit containing the ultra-violet chamber, the heating chamber, and electrical components. The hood is hinged for intake filter access; similarly the blower assembly is hinged for main filter access for replacement or cleaning.

Abstract: A method of delivering fluid into constricted openings arranged in a workpiece substantially eliminates the occurrence of voids or air bubbles in the fluid filling the constricted orifices. Coextensive recesses are formed in a support base for securing the workpiece from movement during fluid flow. The constricted openings are exposed to the recesses so that fluid introduced into the openings do not overflow.

Abstract: A pathology distribution system 10 is provided for automated sample container 14, 15 distribution. The system 10 comprises a loading station 500 for loading samples in primary containers 14 of different types, a sample handling station 16 for receiving the containers 14 and identifying the container types and samples therein, and a container distribution station 38 for distributing the containers in areas or racks in the distribution station 38 marked for analyzing processes prescribed for the samples therein.

Abstract: A system is provided that includes a load lock apparatus having an interior configured to receive an object. At least one inlet valve may be flow coupled to the interior of the load lock apparatus, and at least one outlet valve may also be flow coupled to the interior of the load lock apparatus. A controller may be configured to selectively control opening and closing of the at least one inlet valve. The load lock apparatus may include an object receiving mechanism that is movable within the interior of the load lock apparatus to throttle the evacuation of the interior. Several methods of using the system and load lock apparatuses are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of delivering fluid into constricted openings arranged in a workpiece substantially eliminates the occurrence of voids or air bubbles in the fluid filling the constricted orifices. Coextensive recesses are formed in a support base for securing the workpiece from movement during fluid flow. The constricted openings are exposed to the recesses so that fluid introduced into the openings do not overflow.

Abstract: An apparatus for delivering a gaseous product includes a horizontal container having inlet and outlet ports, an elongated hollow tube inside the container, a purifying medium inside the tube, inlet and outlet control means adapted to control delivery of the fluid to the inlet port and to control delivery of a gaseous product from the outlet port. The tube has a first opening, a second opening spaced apart from the first opening, and an internal axis between the first and second openings. The first opening is in fluid communication with the outlet port and the second opening is in fluid communication with a vapor space in the container. A portion of the internal axis adjacent the second opening is at an angle greater than zero degrees relative to the horizontal longitudinal axis of the container. Each of the inlet and outlet control means preferably are single ported valves.

Abstract: An apparatus for delivering a gaseous product includes a horizontal container having inlet and outlet ports, an elongated hollow tube inside the container, a purifying medium inside the tube, inlet and outlet control means adapted to control delivery of the fluid to the inlet port and to control delivery of a gaseous product from the outlet port. The tube has a first opening, a second opening spaced apart from the first opening, and an internal axis between the first and second openings. The first opening is in fluid communication with the outlet port and the second opening is in fluid communication with a vapor space in the container. A portion of the internal axis adjacent the second opening is at an angle greater than zero degrees relative to the horizontal longitudinal axis of the container. Each of the inlet and outlet control means preferably are single ported valves.

Abstract: Foaming apparatus for displacing the remaining air volume in a container, particularly bottles (2), filled with filling material using foaming, with the apparatus comprising a nozzle arrangement which comprises at least one injection nozzle (12) disposed above a transport conveyor (4) and which apparatus is provided for the displacement of the remaining air volume and is configured to impact the bottle with a jet of a gaseous or liquid foaming medium. It is thereby provided that the foaming medium is guided through a protection gas space (40) into the bottle opening, with the protection gas space being configured in part in the ambient air.

Abstract: A device for program-controlled variation of the composition of a gaseous mixture for inflating a tire for performing the method, comprising a first source of at least one main gas, a second source of at least one additional gas, at least one first compressor suitable for compressing to a preset pressure a gaseous mixture of at least said main gas and additional gas, at least one dispenser of compressed mixture which is connected to the delivery of said compressor, and further comprising at least one mixer for said at least one main gas and said at least one additional gas which is suitable for delivering a gaseous mixture having a desired composition, a gas analyzer means arranged downstream of said mixer, valve means for controlling the flow between said mixer and said first and second gas sources, and program control means arranged to control said valve means in response to control signals from said analyzer means.

Abstract: A flowback method for a product contained in the distribution circuit of a filling machine. The distribution circuit (22, 24, 26, 28, 30) creates an upstream/downstream link between a storage tank for said product and a filling tube (22) that is placed opposite the opening of a receptacle (12) that is to be filled. The method includes a step whereby a closed area around the filling tube (22) is defined by a sealed housing (38). The method further includes a step whereby a circulating liquid is injected into the above-mentioned area under pressure. The liquid passes through an auxiliary port (70), whereupon the product contained in the distribution method (22, 24, 26, 28, 30) flows back in the direction of the storage tank.

Abstract: A compressed natural gas (CNG) refueling system has banks of cylinders containing CNG, a hydraulic fluid reservoir containing a hydraulic fluid which does not readily mix with CNG, and reversible flow valves. Each cylinder has a fitting installed in an opening at one end. The fitting contains a hydraulic fluid port and a gas port. The other end of each cylinder is closed. Hydraulic fluid is pumped from the reservoir into each cylinder through the hydraulic fluid port. Inside each cylinder, the hydraulic fluid directly contacts the CNG, forcing the CNG out through the gas port. When a sensor detects that the cylinders are substantially drained of CNG, the reversible flow valves will reverse orientation, allowing the hydraulic fluid to flow back into the reservoir.

Abstract: A method for filling a receiver with expanded fibers includes the steps of feeding at least one bundle of fibers from at least one roving; introducing the at least one bundle into a portable tool having a manual gripping element, a spray nozzle, an air supply device connected for supplying air to the nozzle, an extraction system configured to hold the at least one bundle and feed the at least one bundle to the nozzle, and an inlet guide positioned to guide the at least one bundle to the extraction system; and using the air supply device to expand the fibers of the at least one bundle in said spray nozzle, and spray the expanded fibers into the receiver.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for cleaning candles in a candle filter using a cleaning fluid that flows inside the candle from the side of the filtrate, whereby said fluid is pressed in an opposite direction to the direction of the filtrate from the inside to the outside, through said candles, by a gaseous medium subjected to an overpressure. Water is or can be used as an appropriate cleaning fluid and air is used as a gaseous medium. The prior art teaches nozzle-shaped contractions that are respectively disposed on the outlet end of the candles or deflectors arranged inside the candle at a distance from said contractions, whereby the in-flowing cleaning fluid is deflected towards all sides in the direction of the inner walls of the candles, are provided for distribution of said cleaning fluid.

Abstract: The present invention provides a syringe including a tubular barrel. The tubular barrel has an open proximal end, a distal end with a fluid expelling passage defined therein, and a barrel chamber. A seal is disposed within the barrel chamber a predetermined distance away from the open proximal end in fluid-tight and axially-sliding engagement with the barrel chamber, so that fluid held in the barrel chamber between the fluid expelling passage and the seal can be expelled from the barrel chamber to the outside via the fluid expelling passage by sliding the seal towards the fluid expelling passage.

Abstract: An inventive method, system and apparatus are provided for syringe handling, and more particularly, for syringe labeling, filling and capping operations. To facilitate syringe handling, an inventive apparatus includes a plurality of syringe bodies interconnected in a predetermined orientation by a belt. Such belt may be of pliable construction and may define a predetermined spacing in between adjacent ones of the syringe bodies, such predetermined spacing corresponding with a distance between holders provided in a handling apparatus. The syringe handling apparatus may provide for the placement of contents-related information on belt segments between adjacent syringe bodies and for separating the belt segments, wherein a flap is left interconnected to each syringe body. The syringe handling apparatus may alternatively or also provide for automated filling of the syringe bodies wherein cap removal, filling and cap replacement operations are completed free from manual handling.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for identifying a characteristic of a bulk flowable material. An identification marker is inserted into a bulk flowable material. The identification marker carries information identifying a specified property or properties of the material. A marker dispenser can be located at one or more handling sites of the bulk flowable material. The identification markers can be pre-prepared or property-related information can be added to the marker prior to or subsequent to dispensing. The identification markers can be paper-like labels, for example, or more complex devices. The system can be used to track the lifespan of a material or to indicate a property of the material to others, such as whether the material is a genetically modified organism (GMO). A pre-printed marker source containing a single continuous bar code is also disclosed.

Abstract: A container for use in a processing chamber to lessen the amount of contaminant particles found within the chamber after processing. The container fits closely within the chamber and includes ports for a gas conduit and a vacuum conduit. The container may be locked to the chamber through a locking mechanism and a recess in the container. The container may be guided into the chamber with a plurality of chamfers. The container may be used in inductively coupled plasma chambers, electron cyclotron resonance chambers, and chambers capable of receiving microwaves.

Abstract: A method for filling a plastic container (8) while it is still hot and deformable without damaging it, when the filling comprises a phase (17; 13) during which a noticeable difference in pressure between the container inside and the environment external to the filling installation occurs, at least during part of said phase, consisting in placing the container in a sealed chamber (9) isolating it from the external environment and modifying (18; 12) the pressure inside the chamber to reduce, even cancel, the difference in pressure between the container inside and outside. The invention is applicable to the filling of plastic containers, with aerated beverages and/or their filling after a vacuumizing phase of their internal volume, immediately after they have been made by blowing.

Abstract: A pipe is connected to a panel of a plasma display panel. Non-porization type getters are arranged in the pipe. The panel, getters, and a portion of the pipe located between the panel and the gatters are heated. The inner space of the heated panel is evacuated through the heated pipe. After evacuation, the heating is stopped and the panel is cooled. A discharge gas is introduced into the panel through the pipe. The impurity gases contained in the discharge gas are absorbed and removed by the activated getters which is actavated by the heat. During the evacuation, impurity gases are not absorbed in the inner wall of the heated portion of the pipe. Therefore, no impurity gases are mixed to the discharge gas whose impurity gases are absorbed by the getters. Therefore, no impurity gases are introduced into the panel. After the panel is filled with the discharge gas, the pipe is cut and sealed.

Abstract: A container access system and method for accessing the contents of a container within a sealed containment vessel. A preferred embodiment of the access system includes a sealable vessel for housing a container to be accessed, a remotely operated container valve actuator within the vessel, and a tapping assembly positioned within the containment vessel for accessing the contents of a target container. One or more fluid seals may be made with access mechanisms and the target container. An access mechanism capable of inserting a dip tube into the container to facilitate liquid removal.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing a pharmaceutical product in a micronised form. The pharmaceutical product is delivered at a predetermined flow rate from a gravimetric feeding device into a delivery line. An air compressor generates an air stream which is delivered along an airline into which the pharmaceutical product delivery line is discharged for delivering the product to a microniser which micronises the product to a desired size range. The micronised product is delivered through a cyclone filter apparatus from which the micronised product is collected through an outlet valve to a storage drum.

Abstract: A filling head apparatus for filling a container in sterile conditions. The filling head comprises a regulating valve displaceable in three positions: open position, closed position, and displacement position. The inner wall of the spout of the container is cleaned by a pushing cylinder of the regulating valve traveling from the closed position to the displacement position. In addition, the filling head can freely move in respect to a sterile filling chamber encompassing the filling tip of the filling head. Furthermore, the filling head of the present invention comprises a diversion path to minimize the "water hammer" effect.

Abstract: A method for leveling and compacting candle wax using is a small, hand held, plastic and wood device to pack or tamp the surface wax of a larger diameter (4') glass-jar candle to an even level.

Abstract: A system for fueling an automotive vehicle includes a transmitter mounted on the vehicle for identifying the type of fuel required by the vehicle and a fuel control and communication subsystem providing fuel which is blended to achieve the characteristics called for by the vehicle mounted transmitter.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for storing wafers without the moisture absorption problem by providing a wafer storage container that has a cavity therein and an inert gas supply line into the cavity for flowing an inert gas at a substantially constant flow rate into the cavity while allowing a portion of the inert gas to escape into surrounding environment outside the cavity such that there is always a positive pressure differential maintained between the cavity and the outside environment to keep out moisture.

Abstract: In a system for applying material to a substrate, a first material is applied to the substrate and the substrate coated with the first material is drawn between a pair of rollers to form a material layer. The roller which contacts the first material is grounded and an electrostatic charging device sprays electrostatically charged particles of a second material onto the roller such that the particles are evenly dispersed on the surface of the roller. The particles of the second material on the roller tend to prevent the first material from adhering to the roller and are preferably incorporated into the second material.