Patent ID: 8739812

Claim:
A product handling apparatus, comprising a rotary supply joint having one or more outlet ports and one or more inlet ports configured to provide a connection for fluid flow between the one or more outlet ports and the one or more inlet ports, the rotary supply joint including: first and second surfaces, configured to rotate relative to each other and to have corresponding shapes such that, during relative rotation of the first and second surfaces, a substantially constant separation may be maintained between the first and second surfaces; wherein each of said one or more inlet ports is connected for fluid flow to at least one opening on the first surface; each of said one or more outlet ports is connected for fluid flow to at least one opening on the second surface; and as the first and second surfaces rotate relative to each other, at least one opening on the first surface is at least periodically at least partially aligned with at least one opening on the second surface, permitting a flow of fluid from one to the other; a gas bearing, provided between the first and second surfaces, configured to provide a bearing force between the first and second surfaces; and an under-pressure source connected to said at least one inlet port; the product handling apparatus further comprising at least one product holder, mounted to the second surface and connected for fluid flow to one of said one or more outlet ports; wherein the rotary supply joint is configured such that said outlet port is at least periodically connected for fluid flow to said at least one inlet port such that the product holder is at least periodically connected for fluid flow to said under-pressure source, and wherein the product holder is configured to rotate relative to the second surface at least while holding a product in a product receiving portion of the product holder.