Air clamp stabilizer for continuous web materials
AssigneeHoneywell International Inc.
InventorsStefan Moeller, Steven Axelrod, Jenson Luis
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A device for non-contact support of a continuous moving web of material employs an air clamp stabilizer that includes a Coanda slot and a backstep that is located downstream of the direction of the airflow extending from the Coanda slot. This configuration permits a Coanda jet to expand and to create an additional suction force. Vortex formation may also occur which further contributes to the strength of the suction force. As the web passes the stabilizer, an area of the web material rides on an air bearing that is maintained above the stabilizer surface and downstream of the backstep.
Claims33
A device for non-contact support of a continuous web that is moving in a downstream direction that comprises:
- (a) a body having an operative surface facing the web wherein the operative surface has an upper portion and a lower portion that is downstream from the upper portion and wherein the body defines a slot that is in fluid communication with a source of gas and that has an opening at the upper surface, and wherein the slot has a curved convex surface at the opening on its downstream side;
- and
- (b) means for directing a gas from the gas source through the slot so that a jet of gas moves through the opening and toward the lower portion whereby a low pressure field is established as the gas passes from the upper portion to the lower portion thereby maintaining a portion of the moving web at a substantially fixed distance to the operative surface.
A method of maintaining a continuous web that is moving in a downstream direction and in a prescribed orientation relative to a reference position that comprises the steps of:
- (a) positioning a web stabilizer below the moving web wherein the stabilizer comprises body having an operative surface facing the web wherein the operative surface has an upper portion and a lower portion that is downstream from the upper portion and wherein the body defines a slot that is in fluid communication with a source of gas and that has an opening at the upper surface, and wherein the slot has a curved convex surface at the opening on its downstream side;
- and
- (b) directing a gas from the gas source through the slot so that a jet of gas moves through the opening and toward the lower portion whereby a low pressure field is established as the gas passes from the upper portion to the lower portion thereby maintaining a portion of the moving web at a substantially fixed distance to the operative surface.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.