An apparatus for processing battery electrodes includes: a microwave applicator cavity with slots on opposite ends to allow a continuous sheet to move through the cavity in a first direction; a processing chamber constructed of microwave-transparent material, disposed within the applicator cavity and surrounding the continuous sheet, the processing chamber having slots to allow the continuous sheet to pass through it; a microwave power supply to deliver power to the applicator cavity; a source of heated gas providing a controlled gas flow through the processing chamber in a direction opposite the first direction; and, at least one non-contacting temperature measuring device positioned to measure a surface temperature at a selected location on the continuous sheet as it passes through the processing chamber. The apparatus is particularly suited for removing polar solvents from porous electrode coatings. A related method is also disclosed.

The present invention relates to a method for the production of a film comprising microfibrillated cellulose, wherein the method comprises the steps of; providing a suspension comprising microfibrillated cellulose, applying the suspension on a substrate to form a fibrous web, wherein the web has a first and a second side, conducting the web to a contact drying equipment wherein the first side of said web is in direct contact with of the contact drying equipment at a temperature above 100 C. whereby the web is at least partly dried forming a film. The invention also relates to a film produced according to the method.

A device for applying radiation to a target is provided. The device includes a radiation emitter to emit electromagnetic radiation having a peak emission wavelength in the range from 10 nm-1 mm, and a first reflector that extends in a length direction with a concave cross section. The first reflector defines a cavity area having a perimeter, and includes an inward facing reflective border for at least 50% of the perimeter of the cavity area. Radiation is provided to the cavity area with an intensity distribution I and a maximum intensity I.sub.max. The cavity area includes a focal area defined by all points at which a normalized intensity I/I.sub.max is greater than 0.2. A width of the focal area is 0.0001-0.5 times a width of the cavity area.

Systems and methods are provided for enhanced dryers for printing systems. One embodiment is an apparatus that includes a dryer for a continuous-forms printing system. The dryer includes heating elements located within an interior of the dryer that radiate infrared energy onto a web of printed media as the web travels through the interior, and an air knife that is interposed between the heating elements. The air knife includes a shell that directly absorbs infrared energy from the heating elements and also defines a passage for air to travel through the air knife onto the web. The shell directly absorbs infrared energy from each heating element that would otherwise overlap on the web with infrared energy from another heating element.

An apparatus comprises a dryer to force air onto a printed media during use to dry the printed media, and an air collector comprising at least one suction opening throughout which, in use, air from the dryer is collected. The apparatus may guide the collected air back to the dryer. The at least one suction opening may be arranged so as to stop the printed media from rising due to pressure differential.

An apparatus comprises a dryer to force air onto a printed media during use to dry the printed media, and an air collector comprising at least one suction opening throughout which, in use, air from the dryer is collected. The apparatus may guide the collected air back to the dryer. The at least one suction opening may be arranged so as to stop the printed media from rising due to pressure differential.

A method of drying a wet fabric in a dryer including the steps of; a) attaching a humidity sensor to the fabric; b) placing the fabric in the dryer; c) starting the drying process; d) measuring the equilibrium relative humidity of the fabric using the humidity sensor and e) stopping the drying process when a predetermined level of the equilibrium relative humidity is achieved.

Systems and methods are provided for chokes for microwave radiation. One embodiment is an apparatus that includes a choke assembly. The assembly includes a first choke plate, and a second choke plate. The assembly also includes a first layer disposed at a surface of the first choke plate. The first layer includes a material that attenuates microwave radiation via dielectric heating by converting the microwave radiation into heat, and a substance, disposed between the material of the first layer and the gap, that is transparent to the microwave radiation. The assembly further includes a second layer disposed at a surface of the second choke plate that faces the first layer. The second layer comprises the material that attenuates the microwave radiation via dielectric heating by converting the microwave radiation into heat, and the substance, disposed between the material of the second layer and the gap.

Systems and methods are provided for chokes for microwave radiation. One embodiment is an apparatus that includes a choke assembly. The assembly includes a first choke plate, and a second choke plate. The assembly also includes a first layer disposed at a surface of the first choke plate. The first layer includes a material that attenuates microwave radiation via dielectric heating by converting the microwave radiation into heat, and a substance, disposed between the material of the first layer and the gap, that is transparent to the microwave radiation. The assembly further includes a second layer disposed at a surface of the second choke plate that faces the first layer. The second layer comprises the material that attenuates the microwave radiation via dielectric heating by converting the microwave radiation into heat, and the substance, disposed between the material of the second layer and the gap.

A drying device includes: a dielectric heating unit configured to apply an alternating electrical field to a medium onto which a liquid containing a conductive material, water, and a solvent has been discharged, and perform dielectric heating of the liquid; and a conductive member disposed either to make contact with or to be close to the medium to which the alternating electrical field is being applied.