Device and process for handling printing media inside a microwave mechanism

1. A process for handling a printing medium ( 1 ) in a microwave mechanism ( 5 ), of a printing machine, comprising the steps of: removing moisture from the microwave mechanism ( 5 ), and conveying the printing medium ( 1 ) by supporting the printing medium ( 1 ) by flowing air prevented from flowing out of a slot area ( 18 ) that is used to convey the printing medium ( 1 ) through the microwave mechanism ( 5 ) and into an application area ( 17 ) that incorporates the slot area ( 18 ), the air being heated by energy dissipated by the microwave mechanism ( 5 ) before it flows into the microwave mechanism ( 5 ), the temperature of the air being adjusted automatically, in particular, as a function of the measured level of moisture and the velocity of the air stream.

2. A process according to claim 1 , wherein the moisture content inside the microwave mechanism ( 5 ) is determined, preferably in the vicinity of a travel path of the printing medium ( 1 ).

3. A process according to claim 1 , wherein the velocity of the air flow is automatically adjusted, in particular, as a function of the temperature of the flowing air, the measured moisture, the type of printing medium ( 1 ), and the weight of the printing medium ( 1 ).

4. An apparatus for handling a printing medium ( 1 ), that includes a microwave mechanism ( 5 ) for a printing machine, including a slot area ( 18 ) that is used for conveying the printing medium ( 1 ) along a travel path through an application area ( 17 ), comprising: a dielectric load ( 29 ), located in the microwave mechanism ( 5 ), said dielectric load containing air passage holes ( 35 ) that make the passage of flowing air possible, and sheets ( 26 ) that at least partially seal off said slot area ( 18 ), said sheets being made of a material that either does not absorb microwaves or does so only to a slight degree, said sheets being preferably located in the vicinity above and below the travel path of the printing medium ( 1 ).

5. An apparatus according to claim 4 , wherein said sheets ( 26 ) at least partially seal off an area that extends beyond the application area ( 17 ) and that incorporates the application area ( 17 ).

6. An apparatus according to claim 4 , wherein said sheets ( 26 ) that at least partially seal off said slot area ( 18 ) are perforated for the purpose of guiding flowing air.

7. An apparatus according to claim 4 , wherein said material of sheets that do not absorb microwaves is PTFE.

8. An apparatus according to claim 4 , wherein the apparatus further incorporates air inlet boxes ( 11 and 12 ), preferably below and above the application area ( 17 ).

9. An apparatus according to claim 4 , wherein walls ( 15 and 16 ) of said application area ( 17 ) contain air inlet openings ( 24 ).

10. An apparatus according to claim 9 , wherein said air inlet openings ( 24 ) have a geometry to prevent or minimize the escape of microwave radiation.

11. An apparatus according to claim 4 , further including at least one air barrier ( 19 and 20 ) preferably made of PTFE, and said at least one air barrier ( 19 and 20 ) separates a slot area ( 18 ) inside the application area ( 17 ) that is used to pass the printing medium ( 1 ) through the application area ( 17 ) from the remaining applicator ( 48 ).

12. An apparatus according to claim 4 , further including a device for measuring moisture ( 36 ) that is located in the vicinity of the microwave mechanism ( 5 ).

13. An apparatus according to claim 12 , wherein said device for measuring moisture ( 36 ) contains at least two electrodes ( 31 and 32 ) located on a nonconductive surface, preferably on one of the sheets ( 26 ).

14. An apparatus according to claim 4 , further including, at least one preheating mechanism for preheating incoming air.