Patent ID: 6216848
Filing Date: 2001-04-17
Classification: B65H

Abstract:
A vacuum table conveying apparatus comprising:a frame;a vacuum chamber positioned to extend along an upper portion of the frame;a plurality of fans positioned in fluid communication with said vacuum chamber for applying a low vacuum with a high volume of air of up to about 700 cubic feet per minute for retaining articles, such as pieces of mail, to said vacuum chamber;a plurality of spaced-apart rollers mounted to said frame;at least one vacuum belt mounted to and extending between said plurality of spaced-apart rollers and overlying said vacuum chamber, the at least one vacuum belt having a plurality of openings extending through upper and lower surfaces thereof so that vacuum from said vacuum chamber extends through the plurality of openings and applies to articles, such as pieces of mail, mounted on the upper surface of the at least one vacuum belt; andat least one drive connected to said frame for driving the plurality of rollers to thereby drive the at least one vacuum belt mounted thereon and convey articles mounted on the at least one vacuum belt.