Coated media bearing surface for conveying abrasive media and the like

Apparatus for conveying abrasive media of indeterminate length, comprising:

• a frame;
• first and second rollers mounted for synchronous rotation in said frame, said first and second rollers being closely spaced to form a nip therebetween, wherein at least one of said first and second rollers has a media bearing surface comprising a composite coating, said composite coating containing inorganic particulates in a polymeric binder, and an inner layer comprising a polymeric material bonded to said media bearing surface, wherein said inorganic particulates are selected from the group consisting of:
• metal oxides;
• metal carbides;
• metal nitrides;
• and metal borides, and wherein said composite coating has a Shore D hardness in the range of between 40 to 75;
• and,
• drive means operably connected to any one of said first and second rollers for rotating said any one of said first and second rollers and for causing the other of said first and second rollers to synchronously rotate therewith, wherein said media bearing surface provides sufficient friction to cause said abrasive media of indeterminate length when disposed in said nip to pass between said first and second rollers while being conveyed at least partially through said nip.