| 摘要 |
<p>An apparatus and a process for conveying articles on an elongated rail formed with a plurality of ports therein, which are disposed in communication with a plenum connected to a supply of pressurized fluid for discharge through said ports for supporting and conveying an article along said rail on a cushion of fluid. In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, each of the ports incorporates an apertured disc incorporating deflection means thereon for controlling the quantity and fluid flow pattern discharged from each port. In accordance with another embodiment of the invention, the apparatus is of a modular construction comprising individual sections, each comprising a rail enclosed within a housing including duct work for recovering a controlled proportion of the fluid discharged from the rail and effecting a recirculation thereof through the fluid supply means for reuse. It is also contemplated that heating means can be incorporated in the fluid supply system for heating the fluid to a preselected elevated temperature, effecting a corresponding heating of the articles conveyed along the rail in a manner to effect a heat treatment or drying of the articles during the course of their conveyance.</p> |
