Method and apparatus for processing both sides of discrete sheets

Abstract

A method and apparatus for simultaneously processing both sides of a film sheet include a pair of carrier webs extending through a nip defining mechanism and a dispenser for depositing a bead of the processing material on the carrier webs in the nip. The carrier webs are advanced through the nip by a distance greater than the length of the film sheet to be processed in order to spread the processing material, and then retracted and separated. The film sheet is fed to between the carrier webs at those areas which are covered with processing material. The carrier webs with the film sheet between them are advanced through a gap of predetermined width to press the processing material on the carrier webs into contact with the film sheet, thereby forming a sandwich. The film sheet remains in the sandwich for a suitable imbibition time, after which the film sheet is delivered. In one embodiment, the processing material takes the form of a frozen body which is deposited onto the carrier webs and melted.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.