Patent ID: 6443389
Filing Date: 2002-09-03
Classification: B65H

Abstract:
An air-bearing apparatus for aiding in conveying a web comprising:(a) a central web support housing including a cylindrical surface and two sides; (b) an end cap positioned adjacent each of the two sides, the end caps and the central web support housing defining at least one plenum therein; and (c) a plurality of bores extending from the at least one plenum to the cylindrical surface, the plurality of bores forming at least one row of air jet orifices in the cylindrical surface wherein each bore is directed approximately parallel to a cylindrical axis of the central web support housing with adjacent bores being oppositely directed, the at least one row of air jet orifices extending around at least a portion of the circumference of the cylindrical surface over which the web travels, the air jet orifices configured to emit a plurality of jets of air that create a low pressure zone between the web and the cylindrical surface.