Air bearing mechanism for flattening paper in a printing machine

摘要

A device (1) for enhancing the transport of sheets in a printing machine is constructed upstream of the image transfer station (3) to flatten the paper (2) against the transport belt (4) or drum on which it is riding. An air cushion is generated by expelling pressurized air through an array of holes (20) to provide an air bearing for the sheets as it travels in its transport path. The air cushion is designed to flatten the paper against the belt or drum.