Patent ID: 7841103
Filing Date: 2010-11-30
Classification: D21F,F26B

Abstract:
1. An apparatus for through-air drying webs comprising: a cylindrical deck having sufficient open space to permit air flow therethrough; a stationary support shaft concentrically positioned with respect to the cylindrical deck; a support structure positioned between the cylindrical deck and the support shaft for supporting the cylindrical deck, the support structure being configured to rotate on the support shaft, the support structure comprising a first hub spaced from a second hub, each hub engaging an opposite end of the cylindrical deck, the support structure further comprising a rotating tube surrounding the support shaft, the rotating tube being connected at a first end to the first hub and at a second end to the second hub; and a gas source in communication with the cylindrical deck and being configured to supply a gaseous stream through the cylindrical deck for drying webs thereon.