FLUID SUPPORTED BELT RETURN

摘要

An air supported conveyor belt return reduces debris accumulation beneath the belt by shaping the belt to be higher in the center and supports it on a concave plenum wall that delivers air to the center so that debris migrates from under the belt due to the force of the air and gravity.

主权项

1. In an air supported conveyor system including an arcuate elongated trough having a series of perforations along the centerline thereof, a driven endless belt positioned within said trough, and a fan system supplying air through said perforations beneath said endless belt to lift said endless belt within said trough, the improvement comprising:
A return support for said endless belt said return including an elongated plenum receiving air from said fan system, said plenum including an upper curved wall extending downwardly from a longitudinal centerline thereof such that said belt is supported along the centerline, said upper curved wall having a series of apertures therethrough beneath said belt such that air from within said plenum flows beneath said belt and outwardly from said centerline.