Patent ID: 6270629
Filing Date: 2001-08-07
Classification: B65H,D21G

Abstract:
An apparatus for transporting at least a portion of a web of flexible material between first and second structures spaced from each other, comprising:at least two pulleys located at spaced locations from each other;an air-pervious endless belt movably mounted on said first and second pulleys, the belt having a run traveling from said first pulley, adjacent the first structure, to said second pulley, adjacent the second structure;said belt being adapted and arranged to receive the at least a portion of the web from the first structure;an underpressure source arranged to produce an underpressure adjacent to said run of said endless belt;a nose shoe disposed beyond said second pulley and spaced from said second pulley, thereby defining an opening between said nose shoe and said second pulley at a position where the at least a portion of the web leaves said endless belt;said nose shoe comprising an inlet adapted to receive a supply of air, and an air jet outlet positioned adjacent said second pulley;said air jet outlet being adapted to direct at least one air jet into the opening in a direction contrary to a rotation of said second pulley, whereby said at least one air jet is sufficient to lift the at least a portion of the web from said endless belt;a guiding tray arranged beyond the nose shoe having an upstream section positioned adjacent said nose shoe; andsaid upstream section comprising an air slot, which extends cross-wise to a web travel direction, being adapted for emitting an air curtain that flows along the surface of the guiding tray.