DEVICE FOR CARRYING CONTINUOUS WEB ALONG CURVED PATH

摘要

Disclosed is an apparatus for transporting a web about a nonlinear path without allowing the apparatus to contact the web. The apparatus includes a series of positive pressure nozzles which emit a primary jet flow of fluid in a single direction, and a secondary jet flow of fluid in a direction perpendicular to the primary flow. The two flows merge and transport the web on a cushion of air along the nonlinear path. The magnitude of the cushioned pad is controlled by a series of slide dampers which are positioned between adjacent nozzles, and the opening of these slide dampers controls the amount of exhaust from the merged flow so as to control the cushioned path. The last nozzle in the series will direct its primary flow in a direction opposite to that of the other nozzles in the series in order to maintain the overall pressure pad under the web. In an alternate embodiment, a second set of nozzles which provide a negative pressure are arranged around the convex side of the web to provide additional stability and to enable the drying of the web on both sides of the web.