Method and apparatus for embossing expanded graphite sheet material under reduced pressure

An apparatus for embossing expanded graphite sheet material at a pressure less than atmospheric pressure comprising:

• (a) at least one embossing device;
• (b) at least one compression mechanism adapted to urge said embossing device against said material;
• (c) an embossing chamber comprising said at least one embossing device and adapted to receive said material, and to be substantially gas-tight at least when said embossing device is urged against said material by said compression mechanism;
• and
• (d) an evacuation mechanism for reducing the pressure within said embossing chamber.

An apparatus for embossing expanded graphite sheet material, said apparatus comprising:

• (a) a chamber adapted to receive said material and to maintain a reduced pressure less than atmospheric pressure at least when said material is in said chamber;
• (b) an evacuation mechanism for reducing the pressure within said embossing chamber;
• and
• (c) at least one roller die associated with said chamber for receiving said material from said chamber.

An apparatus for embossing expanded graphite sheet material at a pressure less than atmospheric comprising:

• (a) means for embossing said material;
• (b) an embossing chamber comprising said embossing means, and adapted to receive said material and to be substantially gas-tight at least during embossing;
• and
• (c) means for reducing the pressure in said embossing chamber to less than atmospheric pressure.

An apparatus for embossing expanded graphite sheet material, said apparatus comprising:

• (a) a chamber adapted to receive said material and to maintain a reduced pressure less than atmospheric pressure at least when said material is in said chamber;
• (b) means for reducing the pressure in said chamber to less than atmospheric pressure;
• and
• (c) means for embossing said material.