Belt tracking system
AssigneeXerox Corporation
InventorsRalph A. Hamaker, Kenneth J. Buck
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
An apparatus in which the lateral alignment of a belt arranged to move in a pre-determined path is controlled. A support mounted resiliently constrains lateral movement of the belt causing the belt to apply a moment to a pivotably mounted steering post. As a result of this moment, the steering post pivots in a direction to restore the belt to the pre-determined path.
Claims12
An apparatus for controlling the lateral alignment of a belt arranged to move in a pre-determined path, including:
- a steering post arranged to provide support for the belt and being mounted for pivotable movement about an axis substantially normal to the longitudinal axis thereof;
- means for supporting resiliently the belt, said supporting means opposing the movement of the belt laterally from the pre-determined path and causing the belt to apply a moment on said steering post pivoting said steering post in the direction to restore the belt to the pre-determined path;
- means for moving the belt in the pre-determined path;
- and
- means for supplying a pressurized fluid between at least a portion of said steering post and the belt to form a fluid film supporting the belt and reducing friction between the belt and said steering post.
An electrophotographic printing machine of the type having an endless photoconductive belt moving in a pre-determined path through a plurality of processing stations disposed thereabout, wherein the improvement includes:
- a steering post arranged to provide support for the belt and being mounted for pivotable movement about an axis substantially normal to the longitudinal axis thereof;
- means for supporting resiliently the belt, said supporting means opposing the movement of the belt laterally from the pre-determined path and causing the belt to apply a moment on said steering post pivoting said steering post in a direction to restore the belt to the pre-determined path;
- means for moving the belt in the pre-determined path;
- and
- means for supplying a pressurized fluid between at least a portion of said steering post and the belt to form a fluid film supporting the belt and reducing friction between the belt and said steering post.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.