Patent ID: 8834073
Filing Date: 2014-09-16
Classification: B65G

Abstract:
1. A transport apparatus for transporting an article, comprising: at least one support structure, the support structure comprising a first side and a second side, and a surface disposed between the first and second sides, the surface being configured to floatingly support an article on a gas layer, the support structure having at least one sensor aperture disposed through the surface; at least one plenum housing, the plenum housing receiving the at least one support structure to define at least one plenum cavity, the plenum cavity configured to receive and direct a flowing gas through at least one gas aperture to the gas layer; at least one sensor assembly in the at least one cavity and associated with the support structure, the sensor assembly comprising a field effect sensor configured to transmit and receive energy emissions at least through the at least one sensor aperture to determine a location of the article relative to the support structure surface, wherein the location of the article relative to the support structure surface comprises a height above the support structure surface; at least one control unit, the control unit configured to communicate with the at least one sensor assembly; and at least one gas flow source, the gas flow source configured to communicate with the at least one control unit, the gas flow source configured to flow gas to the plenum cavity, the control unit configured to adjust gas flow from the gas flow source in response to communication from the sensor assembly to adjust the location of the article above the surface of the support structure.