Patent ID: 8533973

Claim:
A flash dryer apparatus comprising: a first plurality of heated rollers rotating in a first direction, the heating and rotation of each of the first plurality of heated rollers being individually controlled; a second plurality of heated rollers rotating in a second direction, the heating and rotation of each of the second plurality of heated rollers being individually controlled and a control system configured to individually control rotation and heating of each of the heated rollers, wherein the first and second pluralities of heated rollers are provided in proximity to one another such that material carrying paste may be carried along a path provided between the first and second pluralities of heated rollers by contact with the first and second pluralities of heated rollers, wherein the contact of the first and second pluralities of heated rollers removes moisture from the paste carried on the material, wherein a speed of rotation and heating of each of the rollers included in first and second plurality of heated rollers are controlled by the control system on an individual basis, wherein the control of the heating of each heated roller is performed based on a feedback signal generated in each of the rollers indicating a surface temperature of the respective roller and wherein a rotation rate of each of the rollers is also controlled on an individual basis, and wherein a rotary coupler unit is provided for each of the heated rollers, each rotary coupler unit controlling heating thereof on an individual basis thereof as well as providing both electrical and data signal connection as well as maintaining that ability of each heated roller to rotate.