Air supported flat belt conveyor and method of conveying articles.

摘要

An air supported conveyor (20) has a generally flat center section (41) with outer sections (43) that curve or angle upwardly. Guides (67) are mounted adjacent the angled outer sections (43). Disposed along the length of the belt (37) and between an underside of each guide (67) and the angled outer belt sections (43) are elongated members (55). Each recess (69) directs air from the belt (37) underside up and around the belt side edge (51), across the upper surface of the belt (37) and out a slot egress (73). The recess (69) assists in creating a pressure against the upper surface (53) of the belt (37).