Patent ID: 6025867
Filing Date: 2000-02-15
Classification: B65H,G03F,H04N

Abstract:
A method for retaining a thin medium in a predetermined mutual spaced relation in a gap between a face on a first body and a face on a second body, comprising the steps of:arranging said first body and said second body so as to be mutually displaceable in a direction substantially perpendicular to a portion of said gap where said spaced relation is to be maintained,biasing said first body and said second body in said direction of displaceability by subjecting at least one of said first body and said second body to a biasing force acting toward the other of said first body and said second body,forming an air cushion by directing an amount of air from a separate source of compressed air, said source of compressed air being independent of any speed of movement of said thin medium between said face of at least one of said first body and said second body and said thin medium, said at least one of said first body and said second body being connected with said separate source of compressed air and having a plurality of compressed air outlets in said face of said at least one of said first body and said second body for connection with said separate source of compressed air and establishing said air cushion and,regulating a thickness of said air cushion by varying at least one of the amount of air from said separate source of compressed air and said biasing force.