Patent Description:
Tire belt formation techniques may involve pulling multiple cords through an extrusion die. The extruder heats elastomeric material, such as rubber, and coats the cords traveling through the die. Cooling drums adjacent to the extruder act both to pull the cords through the die and cool the reinforced material before the cutting and splicing phase of production. After traveling through the cooling drums, the fiber reinforced material may be allowed to hang with some slack in order to remove some residual forces. The fiber reinforced material then may be drawn onto a cutting station. In most current systems, the cutting station includes a strip vacuum transfer, a cutter and an outfeed belt conveyor. The strip vacuum transfer advances the fiber reinforced strip and positions it on the outfeed belt conveyor so that the cutter may cut the fiber reinforced material. The outfeed belt conveyor then indexes a predetermined distance. The strip vacuum transfer again advances the strip onto the conveyor so that the cutter again cuts it. This process results in a continuous belt of fiber reinforced material with the reinforcing cords lying at some angle typically not parallel to the central axis of the belt. The angle of the cords with respect to the lengthwise direction of the belt is known in the art as a bias angle.

The cut sections of this material overlap one another on the outfeed belt conveyor by a predetermined distance. This overlap is generally known in the art as a splice. A uniform splice is needed to maintain proper material strength and quality. The outfeed belt conveyor is typically aligned at an angle relative to the fiber reinforced material entering the cutting station, such that after the splicing process, a continuous strip of material lays on the conveyor, comprised of fibers or cords oriented at a predetermined bias angle.

Depending on the belt width that is being manufactured, a different amount of strip material comes into contact with the vacuum transfer tooling and is pulled through the cutter. Conventional transfer tooling utilizes an internal slide, which selectively closes off the vacuum chamber channel to either provide vacuum pressure or positive pressure to the tooling area that is contacting the strip, where the vacuum pressure retains the strip against the transfer tooling and the positive pressure blows the strip off the transfer tooling, respectively.

One drawback to such transfer tooling is that user intervention is required to operate the slide, particularly each time a strip of different width is selected for use. In each instance, the user must physically adjust the slide position to accommodate strip segments of different widths.

Further drawbacks arise in situations where the slide is not adjusted properly, which can yield a lack of vacuum pressure sufficient to allow the strip to be picked up and placed by the transfer tooling. For example, if the channel is adjusted to be more open than the desired strip length, then the open contact area that is not touching the strip will not allow a sufficient vacuum pressure to be generated adjacent to the strip, and the strip will not be picked up. On the other hand, if the channel is adjusted to be narrower than the strip length, then the front edge of the material will not have sufficient vacuum pressure to pick it up, and the material will roll-up when the transfer tooling attempts to move the material.

In each of these cases, another adjustment is required to get the transfer tooling to operate properly. This requires additional downtime of the machine, and further creates scrap each time a strip misfeed happens.

<CIT> discloses an apparatus for making a reinforced fabric from a ribbon of uncured elastomeric material, <CIT> discloses a gripper assembly and a method for gripping a tire component, <CIT> discloses a vacuum chuck apparatus and <CIT> discloses a flexible sheet handling apparatus.

The invention relates to transfer systems configured to move a portion of a strip within a belt forming system according to claims <NUM> and <NUM> and to a method for transferring a portion of a strip within a belt forming system according to claim <NUM>.

In one embodiment, a transfer system is configured to move a portion of a strip within a belt forming system. The transfer system may comprise a first segment comprising a main body adapted to engage a strip, and a second segment coupled to a fluid supply. An elongate support may extend between a portion of the first segment and the second segment. A plurality of slots may be disposed in a surface of the main body. Fluid communication may be provided from the fluid supply to the plurality of slots, such that the fluid communication with the plurality of slots enables holding the strip against the main body or blowing the strip off the main body. The plurality of slots may be arranged in a series of rows, wherein a first slot in a first row is positioned directly adjacent to a second slot in the first row.

The main body comprises a horizontal centerline disposed equidistant between first and second lateral boundaries of the main body, and the first slot may be positioned between the horizontal centerline and the first lateral boundary, while the second slot may be positioned between the horizontal centerline and the second lateral boundary. In one example, an inner boundary of the first slot may be positioned less than <NUM> inches (<NUM> centimeters) from an adjacent inner boundary of the second slot.

The transfer system comprises a plurality of holes, wherein a first hole provides fluid communication between the fluid supply and the first slot, and wherein at least one additional hole provides fluid communication between the fluid supply and a different slot than the first slot. A single hole is provided to each of the plurality of slots, such that there is a one to one correspondence of holes to slots. Each of the holes may be confined within a perimeter of their respective slots. In one example, a diameter of the first hole is in a range between about <NUM>-<NUM>% of a width of the first slot.

The first row may be closer to a front end of the main body, and a subsequent row of slots may be closer to a rear end of the main body. The first hole in the first row may comprise a diameter greater than a subsequent hole contained in a slot of the subsequent row. In one example, the first row always engages a strip regardless of dimensions of the strip, while the subsequent row engages strips of larger dimensions but lacks engagement with strips of smaller dimensions.

In one embodiment, first and second tubes extend along at least a portion of the elongate support. The first and second tubes facilitate the fluid communication between the fluid supply and the plurality of slots. In one example, the first tube has a downstream endpoint that terminates at a location upstream relative to a downstream endpoint of the second tube.

The transfer system may further comprise a chamber disposed adjacent to the main body, wherein the chamber enables fluid communication between the first and second tubes and the plurality of slots.

The present embodiments also provide for methods for transferring a portion of a strip within a belt forming system. In one example, the method comprises providing a transfer system having a first segment comprising a main body adapted to engage a strip, and a rear segment coupled to a fluid supply, wherein a plurality of slots are disposed in a surface of the main body. Fluid communication from the fluid supply may be provided to the plurality of slots, such that the fluid communication with the plurality of slots enables holding the strip against the main body or blowing the strip off the main body. A first strip of a first dimension is transferred by engagement with the main body. Subsequently, a second strip of a second dimension is transferred by engagement with the main body. The second dimension is different than the first dimension. The second strip may be transferred after the first strip without any mechanical adjustments being made to the main body. In one example, a first row of the plurality of slots engages each of the first and second strips, while a subsequent row of the plurality of slots engages the first strip only and lacks engagement with the second strip.

Other systems, methods, features and advantages of the invention will be, or will become, apparent to one with skill in the art upon examination of the following figures and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional systems, methods, features and advantages be within the scope of the invention, and be encompassed by the following claims.

Referring to <FIG>, an exemplary belt forming system is adapted to form a portion of a tire belt, depicted as bias belt <NUM>, which is formed after cutting and positioning steps described below. Bias belt <NUM> is generally formed of an elastomeric material, such as rubber, and comprises a plurality of parallel cords, where the cords are oriented at an angle relative to the lengthwise direction of the belt equal to a bias angle α. The belt forming system may comprise at least a first conveyor <NUM> and a second conveyor <NUM>. In various embodiments, a conveyor may comprise a belt conveyor, a strip vacuum transfer, or any other device adapted to move a rubber strip along an exemplary path, as depicted by conveyors <NUM> and <NUM>. In the depicted embodiment, a belt cutting system <NUM> is positioned at least partially between the first conveyor <NUM> and the second conveyor <NUM>.

Rubber strip <NUM> is generally reinforced, and may be reinforced with a plurality of cords or fibers. It may have a plurality of steel cords running parallel to the lengthwise direction of the rubber strip <NUM>. The rubber strip <NUM> is typically formed by a process where uncured rubber is extruded around the plurality of steel cords, but any process may be utilized. After its formation, the rubber strip <NUM> may be fed onto the first conveyor <NUM>. The rubber strip <NUM> is often tacky and relatively soft when it is fed onto the first conveyor <NUM>.

The first conveyor <NUM> may serve as an infeed conveyor adapted to feed the rubber strip <NUM> to the belt cutting system <NUM> or otherwise move the rubber strip <NUM> into communication with the belt cutting system <NUM>. The belt cutting system <NUM> is adapted to cut the rubber strip <NUM>. The cuts are preferably straight cuts oriented at a desired angle corresponding to the bias angle α, and separate a strip section <NUM> from the rubber strip <NUM>. The strip section <NUM> then moves onto the second conveyor <NUM>.

The bias belt <NUM> comprises a plurality of the strip sections <NUM>, where the steel cords of each strip section <NUM> may be substantially parallel. The strip sections <NUM> overlap one another on the second conveyor <NUM> by a predetermined distance, forming a uniform splice. After each splice is formed, an additional strip section <NUM> becomes a portion of the bias belt <NUM>.

The belt cutting system <NUM> includes a belt cutter <NUM>, which preferably comprises a knife or blade for cutting through the rubber strip <NUM>. As depicted by <FIG>, the belt cutter <NUM> may be embodied as a guillotine-style cutter, where a sharp knife or blade approaches the rubber strip <NUM> from above and continues with a downward force for cutting through the rubber strip <NUM>, thereby separating the rubber strip <NUM> into at least two portions. Any other device for cutting a reinforced rubber strip may be used. Referring to <FIG>, the belt cutter <NUM> is preferably adapted to cut the rubber strip <NUM> at an angle relative to the lengthwise direction of the rubber strip <NUM>, and preferably an angle corresponding to a preferred bias angle α.

In accordance with one aspect, transfer tooling <NUM> having a main body <NUM> is adapted to lift the strip from the first conveyor <NUM> and place the strip onto the second conveyor <NUM>. As explained further below, a fluid supply <NUM> may selectively provide a vacuum force to the main body <NUM> to engage with the rubber strip <NUM> before the cut to assist with advancing rubber strip <NUM> for proper engagement with the belt cutter <NUM> (e.g., advancing rubber strip <NUM> under a guillotine-style knife or blade). After the cut, which occurs at a predetermined indexed amount, the fluid supply <NUM> is capable of providing a positive pressure to the main body <NUM> that blows the strip off the tooling, as described further in the embodiments of <FIG> below.

In one embodiment, the transfer tooling <NUM> has two axes of movement. A servo drive motor may be connected to the transfer tooling <NUM> by a timing belt and provides the horizontal axial movement through the belt cutter <NUM> as guided by the elongate support <NUM>. A pneumatic cylinder may provide the vertical axis of movement that allows the transfer tooling <NUM> to pick up and drop off the strip material <NUM> and <NUM>.

It is preferred that strip section <NUM> is placed such that its edge parallel to the cords slightly overlaps a second strip section <NUM>, ensuring that the two strip sections <NUM> are desirably spliced. If needed, sensors or other technology may actively correct for position errors. The sequence of using the transfer tooling <NUM> to advance the rubber strip <NUM>, having the belt cutter <NUM> cut the strip <NUM>, and having the strip sections <NUM> overlap one another, is repeated until a desired dimension of the bias belt <NUM> is formed.

Referring now to <FIG>, a first embodiment of transfer tooling <NUM>, which may be used to move strip <NUM> of <FIG> from the first conveyor <NUM>, through the cutter <NUM> and towards the second conveyor <NUM>, is shown and described. As shown in <FIG>, the transfer tooling <NUM> generally comprises a first segment <NUM> and a second segment <NUM>. The first segment <NUM> comprises a main body <NUM> having a series of slots and holes, as best seen and explained further with respect to the bottom views of <FIG>, below. The series of slots and holes of the main body <NUM> of the first segment <NUM> enable a range of strip sections 71a and 71b to be selectively engaged with the main body <NUM>, as explained further below. In contrast, the second segment <NUM> of the transfer tooling <NUM> lacks the main body <NUM> and does not engage the strip sections directly.

An elongate support <NUM> extends along a majority of the axial length of the first segment <NUM> and the second segment <NUM>. A frontal region <NUM> of the elongate support <NUM> terminates adjacent to a frontal segment <NUM> of the main body <NUM> of the first segment <NUM>, while a rear region <NUM> of the elongate support <NUM> terminates adjacent to a rear region <NUM> of the second segment <NUM>, as depicted in <FIG>.

The elongate support <NUM> comprises a housing <NUM> and at least one fluid communication chamber, as best seen in <FIG> and described further below. In this example, the housing <NUM> comprises at least three wall segments 184a, 184b and 184c, as depicted in the cross-sectional views of <FIG>, and the at least one fluid communication chamber is at least partially contained within the three wall segments 184a-184c. A side of the housing <NUM> that is adjacent to the main body <NUM> may omit a continuous wall segment. As depicted in <FIG>, a flange <NUM> of the wall segment 184a may securely engage a complementary flange <NUM> of the main body <NUM>, thereby allowing sliding of the main body <NUM> onto the elongate support <NUM>, such that the side of the housing <NUM> without a wall segment is held adjacent to the main body <NUM>. The use of means, such as bolts, solder, welds, mechanical clips or the like, may be used to stabilize the elongate support <NUM> relative to the main body <NUM>. In this manner, a chamber <NUM> is formed, which is generally bounded by the three wall segments 184a-184c of the housing <NUM>, plus the exterior of the main body <NUM>.

A fluid supply connection <NUM> is disposed near the rear region <NUM> of the elongate support <NUM>. The fluid supply connection <NUM> is coupled to each of a vacuum source and a compressed fluid source, which in turn supplies either vacuum pressure or positive compressed fluid pressure that travels along a length of the elongate support <NUM> towards the main body <NUM>. The vacuum pressure is adapted to lift the strip material <NUM> off the first conveyor <NUM> and advance it through the cutting area and onto the second conveyor <NUM>, while the positive compressed fluid pressure blows the strip segment <NUM> off the tooling after being cut by the cutter <NUM>, as described further below.

In a presently preferred embodiment, as seen in <FIG>, <FIG>, first and second tubes <NUM> and <NUM> span the second segment <NUM> of the transfer tooling <NUM>, and further span at least a portion of the first segment <NUM> comprising the main body <NUM>. In this example, the first tube <NUM> comprises a downstream endpoint <NUM> while the second tube <NUM> comprises a downstream endpoint <NUM>, as best seen in <FIG>. Further, the first and second tubes <NUM> and <NUM> comprise channels <NUM> and <NUM>, respectively, as best seen in the cross-sectional views of <FIG>.

In this example, the first and second tubes <NUM> and <NUM> are fully contained within wall segments 184a-184c of the housing <NUM>, as depicted in <FIG>. However, in alternative embodiments, the first and second tubes <NUM> and <NUM> may only be partially contained within wall segments 184a-184c, or may be disposed outside of the wall segments 184a-184c along a length of the transfer tooling <NUM>. Moreover, although elements <NUM> and <NUM> are described as tubes for ease of reference, it will be appreciated that such conduits need not comprise a tubular or cylindrical cross-sectional shape, and that other channels and shapes may be provided without departing from the present embodiments.

In this example, the first and second tubes <NUM> and <NUM> may each deliver vacuum pressure or positive compressed fluid pressure from the fluid supply connection <NUM> towards the main body <NUM> of the transfer tooling <NUM>. For example, a single hose coupled to the fluid supply connection <NUM> may split equally into the first and second tubes <NUM> and <NUM>, such that the first and second tubes <NUM> and <NUM> effectively supply the same positive or negative pressure in tandem.

The first and second channels <NUM> and <NUM> may be placed in fluid communication at a downstream location with the chamber <NUM>, as depicted in the cutaway segment of <FIG> and the cross-sectional view of <FIG>. A control valve, such as a pneumatic valve, may control whether vacuum pressure or positive pressurized fluid is selectively supplied to the channels <NUM> and <NUM>, and in turn to the chamber <NUM> and the main body <NUM>.

As explained further below, in accordance with one aspect, the downstream endpoint <NUM> of the first tube <NUM> terminates at a location upstream relative to the downstream endpoint <NUM> of the second tube <NUM>, as shown in the cutaway segment of <FIG>. After extensive experimental testing, it was determined that the performance characteristics for holding a wide array of strips <NUM> against the main body <NUM> was improved by staggering the downstream endpoints <NUM> and <NUM> of the first and second tubes <NUM> and <NUM>, respectively, as opposed to both tubes terminating at the same upstream or downstream location.

Referring to <FIG>, further features of the main body <NUM> of the transfer tooling <NUM> are shown and described. In addition to frontal and rear segments <NUM> and <NUM>, the main body <NUM> comprises two axial boundaries <NUM> and <NUM>, which are spaced apart relative to one another. An axial centerline <NUM> is disposed equidistant between the axial boundaries <NUM> and <NUM>, as depicted in <FIG>.

In this example, the frontal segment <NUM> of the main body <NUM> comprises an angle α relative to a main longitudinal axis L, since an end 141a of the frontal segment <NUM> terminates upstream relative to an opposing end 141b, as shown in <FIG>. The angle α may correspond to the bias angle of the belt being formed. In contrast, the two axial boundaries <NUM> and <NUM> are generally parallel to the main longitudinal axis L, while the rear segment <NUM> is generally perpendicular to the main longitudinal axis L, as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>.

The main body <NUM> further comprises a plurality of slots <NUM>. In this example, the plurality of slots <NUM> are angled relative to the main longitudinal axis L. The angle of the slots <NUM> may be same angle α that the frontal segment <NUM> has relative to the main longitudinal axis L, or it may be a different angle.

A first series of slots <NUM> is disposed between the axial centerline <NUM> and the axial boundary <NUM>, where for illustrative purposes the slot <NUM> closest to the frontal segment <NUM> is labeled 152a and the slot closest to the rear segment <NUM> is labeled 152n (regardless of the actual number of slots in this series). Similarly, a second series of slots <NUM> is disposed between the axial centerline <NUM> and the axial boundary <NUM>, where for illustrative purposes the slot <NUM> closest to the frontal segment <NUM> is labeled 154a and the slot closest to the rear segment <NUM> is labeled 154n.

The main body <NUM> further comprises a plurality of openings <NUM>. In this example, one opening <NUM> is placed in fluid communication with a respective slot <NUM>, as seen in <FIG>.

As best seen with reference back to the cross-sectional view of <FIG>, the slots <NUM> extend a depth <NUM> into a lower face <NUM> of the main body <NUM>. Each opening <NUM> extends between its respective slot <NUM> and the chamber <NUM>, as seen in <FIG>. As described above, the first and second channels <NUM> and <NUM> are placed in fluid communication at their downstream locations with the chamber <NUM>, and therefore vacuum or positive pressures provided through the first and second channels <NUM> and <NUM> are ultimately routed to the slots <NUM>, by way of the chamber <NUM> and the openings <NUM> as intermediary pathways.

In this manner, a strip <NUM> is held adjacent to the lower face <NUM> of the main body <NUM> when vacuum forces are provided to the slots <NUM>, and conversely the strip <NUM> will be blown off the lower face <NUM> of the main body when a positive pressure is provided to the slots <NUM>.

In accordance with one aspect, extensive amounts of experimental testing has resulted in the unique placement and sizing of the slots <NUM> and holes <NUM> in a manner that can accommodate a wide range of strip dimensions, without any adjustments by a user. For example, <FIG> shows a first strip 71a that spans a relatively long length, and in fact is depicted as spanning each of the slots 152a though 152n and further slots 154a through 154n. In <FIG>, an alternative strip 71b spans a shorter length than the strip 71a, i.e., the strip 71b begins at slots 152a and 154a, but terminates prior to slots 152n and 154n.

In past designs, an internal slide was provided that required user intervention to adjust the internal slide each time strips of different dimensions were selected for use, e.g., the strip 71a versus the strip 71b. If the internal slide was not adjusted properly, it could yield a lack of vacuum pressure sufficient to allow the strip to be picked up and placed by the transfer tooling. Specifically, if the internal slide was adjusted so more slots were open than the desired strip length, then the open slot areas that are not touching the strip will not allow a sufficient vacuum pressure to be generated adjacent to the strip, and the strip will not be picked up. On the other hand, if the internal slide was adjusted to be narrower than the strip length, then the leading edge of the material will not have sufficient vacuum pressure to pick it up, and the material will roll-up when the transfer tooling attempts to move the material.

In the present embodiments, the placement and sizing of the slots <NUM> and holes <NUM> provides sufficient pressure to hold and blow off strips of varying dimensions, such as strips 71a and 71b, without the need for an internal slide, or any adjustment to the transfer tooling <NUM> whatsoever. In other words, the mere selection of the placement and sizing of the slots <NUM> and holes <NUM> has been optimized to provide pressures sufficient to handle an enhanced number of strips. Still further, the level of pressure provided to the chamber <NUM>, and thus the slots <NUM>, does not need to change for strip 71a versus strip 71b.

As one important feature of the present embodiments, each hole <NUM> is provided to communicate with a respective slot <NUM>. In other words, each hole <NUM> is confined to a location between an inner boundary <NUM> of a specific slot <NUM> and an outer boundary <NUM> of the same slot <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>. In contrast, in prior designs, single holes were placed centrally in-between adjacent slots, but not in the slots themselves, where as noted above an internal slide was adjusted based on a strip size to supply positive or negative pressure to the slots.

In accordance with another aspect, by omitting centrally located holes of prior designs, which were not within slots at all, the slots of the present invention extend a longer length D<NUM> towards the axial centerline <NUM> of the main body <NUM>. Therefore, a distance D<NUM> between slots in adjacent rows has been reduced considerably compared to previously known designs. In the example of <FIG>, the distance D<NUM> is less than one inch (<NUM> centimeters), and preferably less than <NUM> inches (<NUM> centimeters). In this specific embodiment, the distance D<NUM> is about <NUM> inches (<NUM> centimeters). In short, the extensive testing has revealed that by moving slots in adjacent rows considerably closer to one another, the main body <NUM> is optimized to handle an enhanced number of strips <NUM> without the need for an adjustment of an internal slide.

Notably, the two axial boundaries <NUM> and <NUM> of the main body <NUM> are spaced apart a distance D<NUM> relative to one another. In one example, where the distance D<NUM> is about <NUM> inches (<NUM> centimeters), the distance D<NUM> is about <NUM> to <NUM> inches (<NUM> to <NUM> centimeters) and the distance D<NUM> is about <NUM> inches (<NUM> centimeters).

In practice, the distance D<NUM> may be varied dependent upon the incoming strip width being manufactured, and in turn the length of the slots D<NUM> may change along with the distance D<NUM> based on the strip width being processed. However, the distance D<NUM> between slots in adjacent rows may be a fixed dimension for different sizes of the transfer tooling <NUM> regardless of strip width or bias angle. Testing by the applicant has demonstrated that a constant distance D<NUM> works well for numerous strip widths and bias angles, while the distances D<NUM> and D<NUM> are adjusted to be longer for wider strips and smaller for narrower strips.

In accordance with yet another aspect, a diameter d of the holes <NUM> (as best seen in <FIG>) is in a range between about <NUM>-<NUM>% of the width w<NUM> of the slots <NUM> (as best seen in <FIG> and labeled at slot 154a). In one embodiment, the diameter d of the holes <NUM> to the width w<NUM> of their respective slots is approximately <NUM>-<NUM>%. Testing has revealed that such ranges are advantageous for handling an enhanced number of strips <NUM> without the need for an adjustment of an internal slide.

In accordance with yet another aspect, at least one hole <NUM> closer to the frontal segment <NUM> of the main body <NUM> comprises a diameter that is different than a hole closer to the rear segment <NUM>. Specifically, a diameter d<NUM> of the holes <NUM> in the slots 152a and 154a in <FIG> may be greater than a diameter d<NUM> of alternative holes <NUM>' in the slots 152n and 154n. In one non-limiting embodiment, the diameter d<NUM> of the holes <NUM> may be approximately <NUM> inches (<NUM> centimeters). thereby yielding an approximately <NUM>% ratio of the hole diameter to the slot width in the slots 152a and 154a. By contrast, in the same example, the diameter d<NUM> of the holes <NUM>' may be approximately <NUM> inches (<NUM> centimeters), thereby yielding an approximately <NUM>% ratio of the hole diameter to the slot width in the slots 152n and 154n, considering the width of the slots 152a and 154a remained the same as the slots 152n and 154n. Advantageously, such variable hole diameter allows the frontal row to be a wider percentage relative to the slot to provide sufficient pressure considering the strips <NUM> and 71b, regardless of size, will always be at the frontal segment <NUM> of the main body <NUM>. On the other hand, since smaller strips (such as strip 71b) may not cover the rear slots, the design limits the amount of open space where pressure is lost should a strip not be present. In some embodiments, several of the frontal rows of slots (e.g., slots 152a and 154a plus the ensuing <NUM>-<NUM> rows) may comprise the larger hole diameters, while the remaining rows of slots may comprise the smaller hole diameters.

As noted above, the downstream endpoint <NUM> of the first tube <NUM> terminates at a location upstream relative to the downstream endpoint <NUM> of the second tube <NUM>, as shown in the cutaway segment of <FIG>. After extensive experimental testing of tube placements, in conjunction with the hole and slot configurations described above, it was determined that the performance characteristics for holding a wide array of strips <NUM> against the main body <NUM> was improved by staggering the downstream endpoints <NUM> and <NUM> of the first and second tubes <NUM> and <NUM>, respectively, as opposed to both tubes terminating at the same upstream or downstream location.

Referring to <FIG>, an alternative main body <NUM> is shown and described. The primary difference between embodiments is that in <FIG> the frontal region <NUM> and slots <NUM> of the main body <NUM> are angled relative to the main longitudinal axis L, while in <FIG> the frontal region <NUM> and slots <NUM> of the main body <NUM> are substantially perpendicular relative to the main longitudinal axis L. Like reference numerals in <FIG> correspond to like numerals in <FIG>, e.g., the slots <NUM> in <FIG> correspond to slots <NUM> in <FIG>. Notably, the operation of the transfer tooling and advantages for the design of <FIG> are generally the same as those discussed in detail with respect to <FIG>.

Claim 1:
A transfer system configured to move a portion of a strip within a belt forming system, the transfer system comprising:
a first segment (<NUM>) comprising a main body (<NUM>) adapted to engage a strip;
a second segment (<NUM>) coupled to a fluid supply;
a plurality of slots (<NUM>) disposed in a surface of the main body,
a plurality of holes (<NUM>),
wherein fluid communication is provided from the fluid supply to the plurality of slots, such that the fluid communication with the plurality of slots enables holding the strip against the main body or blowing the strip off the main body,
characterized in that the plurality of slots are arranged in a series of rows, wherein a first slot in a first row is positioned directly adjacent to a second slot in the first row;
wherein a first hole provides fluid communication between the fluid supply and the first slot, such that a single hole is provided to each of the plurality of slots, such that there is a one to one correspondence of holes to slots.