(57) An apparatus for processing a continuous web having a first side and a second side
includes a plurality of rollers (60,62,64,66) are arranged for cooperative rotation.
The plurality of rollers are positioned to define a corresponding plurality of nips
(100,102,104,106). The continuous web is processed through at least two of the plurality
of nips. At least a first roller of the plurality of rollers has at least one void
formed in the cylindrical middle surface. First and second sealing panels (108,110)
engage first and second circular ends of each of the plurality of rollers and define
a chamber. A first pressure source (124) is fluidly coupled to the chamber to pressurize
the chamber. A membrane (20) is positioned adjacent the first side of the continuous
web to separate the continuous web from direct communication with the chamber. The
membrane is structured and adapted to have a permeability which permits a predetermined
fluid flow therethrough to the continuous web, and structured and adapted for communicating
with the pressurized chamber and the at least one void to apply a mechanical pressing
force to the continuous web.
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