Abstract: The present invention provides an automatic lug loader to place blocks on each lug on a lug conveyor in a finger jointing machine. The lug loader includes a support structure with a control station and a feed table. A powered loading conveyor overlies the support structure with an infeed end disposed over the control station. The loading conveyor extends downstream to an outfeed end which is disposed over the upstream end of the lug conveyor. A powered adjuster is connected to the loading conveyor and shifts the loading conveyor toward and away from the control station to selectively grip a block. The invention also encompasses an automatic cornering apparatus to transfer blocks from a side-to-side relationship on the lug conveyor to an end-to-end arrangement on a transverse conveyor. The cornering apparatus includes a first conveyor with an upstream end and a downstream end.

Abstract: An apparatus having a series of conveyor belts for flattening and stacking a plurality of flexible, generally planar articles, such as tortillas. The apparatus includes a first conveyor belt extending along first end, upper, second end and lower surfaces of a belt support. The conveyor belt is adapted to move the planar articles placed on the upper surface of the belt support from the first end to the second end. A second conveyor belt is biased against the first belt at the second end of the belt support for applying compressive and lateral forces to the planar articles as they are moved along the second end of the belt support. A third conveyor belt is located beneath the first and second conveyor belts for receiving the planar articles from the first belt, forming stacks of them, and then discharging the stacked planar articles. Motor assemblies drive the first, second, and third conveyor belts.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a cylindrical device comprising having at least one distinct outer layer comprising providing a preformed rigid cylindrical support drum having a predetermined outer circumference, a first end and a second end, providing a flexible belt having an inner circumference at least about 0.05 percent smaller than the outer circumference of the support drum, circumferentially expanding the belt with a flowing fluid under pressure until the circumference of the inner surface of the belt adjacent the first end is stretched to a new dimension at least about 0.

Abstract: A seamless belt is fabricated by application of a coating to an endless substrate. The substrate is elastically stretched over a hollow cylindrical elongated support mandrel. The mandrel is formed of a porous material. Fluid is applied under pressure through the mandrel to form a layer of fluid between the outer surface of the mandrel and the inner surface of the substrate. The flow of fluid is manipulated to axially displace and to rotate the substrate on the outer surface of the mandrel. The flow of fluid is manipulated to orient a selected portion of the surface of the substrate to an angle to a direction of application of a coating. The temperature of fluid is manipulated to assist in substrate temperature control at steps of the coating and drying process.

Abstract: A bulk material analyzer of the type in which the bulk material is transported through the material analyzer assembly on a conveyor belt between at least one radiation source and at least one radiation detector, includes a plurality of lower and upper modules that contain radiation shielding material and are so shaped as to define a passageway for the conveyor belt between the upper modules and the lower modules when the upper modules are placed on the lower modules. A primary centrally located lower module also includes the radiation sources and a primary centrally located upper module also includes the radiation detectors. Some of the outwardly located modules contain less radiation shielding material. The radiation shielding material includes a plurality of personally portable blocks. The conveyor belt is supported by compressed air passed through central upper wails in the outwardly located lower modules.

Abstract: An optical inspection system (10) has a conveyor belt (18) that turns at a non-rotating turning bar (22). An inner surface (20) of the conveyor belt contacts a turning surface (22T) of the turning bar. A reservoir (60) for holding a lubricant (62), such as water, is formed by a free surface (22F) of the turning bar, two reservoir side walls (54, 56), a free surface (52F) of a feed bar (52), and a lower surface (58). The feed bar has orifices (69) for discharge of the lubricant into the reservoir and is connected to a source of lubricant subject to volume regulation. When the conveyor belt is in operation, the volume of lubricant supplied to the reservoir keeps the line of contact (22L) between the inner surface and the turning surface covered with lubricant. Rods (64, 66) regulate the flow of lubricant so as to maintain adequate coverage with lubricant of the region (46) where the conveyor belt turns over the turning bar and of the line of contact between the inner surface and the turning surface.

Abstract: A media transport mechanism including a high accuracy vacuum belt used in conjunction with a pinch roller assembly. The media transport mechanism includes a vacuum belt supportably wrapped around two sprocket assemblies and a plenum and disposed in facing relation to a print head. The vacuum belt has two pinch roller assemblies disposed in spaced-apart relation across the front surface of the vacuum belt, with each pinch roller assembly including two pinch rollers which, in conjunction with the vacuum belt, grip and advance a sheet of media across the front surface of the vacuum belt during printing. The plenum provides a vacuum hold-down force for holding the media flat against the front surface of the vacuum belt.

Abstract: Accordingly, an apparatus has been provided for printing identifying indicia on a work product. The apparatus includes a print mechanism and a transport for imparting relative motion between the work product and the print mechanism. The work product and the print mechanism are positioned in close proximity to one another. A control is provided for causing the print mechanism to print predetermined identifying information on the work product when the work product and the print mechanism reach a desired location as they move with respect to each other. In the preferred embodiment the print mechanism has a fixed print electrode with a moving resistive ribbon associated therewith. A track is provided for supporting the work product on air bearings. A moving vacuum belt moves the work product along the track and thereby moves the work product with respect to both the print electrode and the ribbon.

Abstract: Improvements in the primary and the secondary of linear induction motors for a SAILRAIL air bearing support and conveying systems increase the efficiency of such systems. In the primary the core includes a plurality of laterally adjacent toothed laminations with the edges of the teeth being complementarily curved to the curvature of the rail. The electrical windings extend around air ducts formed in the primary, improving cooling. Additional cooling is achieved by bleeding air to vertical nozzles in the core, the cooling bleed air also helping to support a runner as it passes over the primary. The secondary is provided in the runner and includes two sets of curved flexible plates held in a pocket in the runner adjacent the operating surface thereof. The inner plates are ferromagnetic and the outer plates are copper or aluminum and are generally wider than the inner plates.

Abstract: An air supporting system is provided for a handrail of a passenger conveyor and includes a plenum. An air supply provides air flow to the plenum. A guide is mounted on one side thereof to the plenum. The guide includes at least one air pocket. A handrail is slidably engaged with the guide. An orifice through the guide allows air to pass from the enclosed space to the air pocket. The air in the pocket generates pressure and lift to the handrail as it is driven to decrease friction between the handrail and the guide and to support the handrail above the guide.

Abstract: An endless flexible belt extends around a set of end rollers supported by a frame with the axes of the rollers definng an angle of 90 degrees therebetween, and one of the end rollers is driven by a variable speed electric motor and gear reducer unit. A pair of vertically spaced and non-rotating parallel belt guide tubes have end portions rigidly supported by the frame and extend within the belt at a transverse angle of 45 degrees for changing the direction of the belt travel by 90 degrees. The belt wraps around the tubes and extends between the tubes to the driven roller. Pressurized air is supplied to the tubes, and the air flows outwardly through spaced holes within a high pressure zone on each tube to produce a film of air between the tube and the belt portion extending around the tube. The air films permit circumferential and axial movement of the belt on each tube with minimum friction so that the belt may be driven at a high speed with minimum belt wear.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an assembly for loading or unloading cargo which comprises a cargo space having a base portion and a loading-unloading apparatus having a supporting structure. A cargo conveyor has an upper part and a lower part, the upper part of the conveyor bearing against the supporting structure of the loading-unloading apparatus. Lifting devices are connected to the supporting structure for lifting the supporting structure to alter the distance between the supporting structure and the base portion. The raising of the supporting structure with respect to the base portion, when cargo is moved on the loading-unloading apparatus, transmits a substantially concentrated weight exerted by the cargo through the lifting devices to the base portion, and the lower part of the conveying means is freely movable beneath the supporting structure.

Abstract: Pipe conveyor apparatus which includes an endless conveyor belt having a forward part and a return part. A section of the forward part is arranged into a substantially continuous form and a section of the return part is also arranged into a substantially continuous form. In accordance with the invention, the forward section is surrounded by the return section. Preferably, there is also provided a plurality of articulated structure components and a plurality of support frames wherein each structure component is interposed between adjacent support frames and pivotally attached to each adjacent and support frame. The apparatus for arranging the forward form may also function as a spacer between the forward part and the return part to maintain both the return part and the forward part in a spaced and co-axial orientation.

Abstract: Apparatus for guiding and supporting a blank made from board or a similar material which in particular has a sealable plastic surface, with a conveyor belt, that is located in a U-shaped section in the side of which facing the conveyor belt openings are provided to allow compressed air to pass through, being provided to guide the blank.

Abstract: An animal exerciser having a water pool in which there is a submerged treadmill. The treadmill includes an endless belt with a top run on which the animal rests. A rigid support plate supports the top run. The support plate is perforated, and air is blown through its perforations to lubricate and separate in the region between the support plate and the top run. The discharged air tends to attach itself to particulate matter in the pool, which is readily removed for screening from the pool.

Abstract: An endless flexible belt extends around a set of end rollers supported by a frame with the axes of the rollers defining an angle of 90 degrees therebetween, and one of the end rollers is driven by a variable speed electric motor and gear reducer unit. A pair of vertically spaced and non-rotating parallel belt guide tubes have end portions rigidly supported by the frame and extend within the belt at a transverse angle of 45 degrees for changing the direction of the belt travel by 90 degrees. The belt wraps around the tubes and extends between the tubes to the driven roller. Pressurized air is supplied to the tubes, and the air flows outwardly through spaced holes within a high pressure zone on each tube to produce a film of air between the tube and the belt portion extending around the tube. The air films permit circumferential and axial movement of the belt on each tube with minimum friction so that the belt may be driven at a high speed with minimum belt wear.

Abstract: In a belt conveyor, the belt parts are carried by a gas. Each belt run moves over a trough bottom with apertures allowing gas to enter between the trough bottom and the belt run to carry it with low friction. The invention, aiming at optimum operating conditions, proposes to draw in the gas from the environment by a compressor through the apertures for the return, non loaded run of the belt and to blow gas by the same or another compressor to the apertures in the trough bottom for the upper, loaded run of the belt and to choose the apertures for the lower run so that there are at least 2 and at most 40 per meter length of the belt and that the total surface area of these apertures is at least 1.5 cm.sup.2 and at most 20 cm.sup.2 per m.sup.2 belt surface area.

Abstract: A fuser belt for a reproduction machine is disclosed. The belt may have one of several configurations which all include ridges and interstices on the outer surface which contacts the print media. These interstices are formed between regularly spaced ridges, between randomly spaced particles, between knit threads. These interstices allow the free escape of steam from the media during high-temperature fusing of the reproduction process. As the steam escapes freely, the steam does not accumulate in the media causing media deformations and copy quality deterioration. Additionally, media handling is improved because the ridges and interstices reduce the unwanted but unavoidable introduction of thermal energy into the copy media.

Abstract: The side edges and return end of an endless belt conveyor are sealed to prevent particulate material deposited thereon from leaking off the sides and being lost, or worse, from working its way beneath the belt, onto the slide pan, and into the pulleys and end rollers. The front or discharge end in a preferred embodiment is also provided with an air seal to prevent occurrence of the same problems there. The top of the conveyor is covered with a hood.

Abstract: An apparatus for separating articles advanced in series and in a mutually contacting relationship, includes a first conveyor advancing the articles in a series and in contact with one another on a first conveyor surface, and a second conveyor arranged for receiving articles from the first conveyor and advancing the articles in series on a second conveyor surface. The second conveyor has a conveying speed greater than that of the first conveyor, whereby the articles are advanced on the second conveyor surface in a spaced relationship to one another. There is further provided a third conveyor having article carriers which convey the articles downstream of the second conveyor surface as viewed in a direction of article advance. A suction device generates, in zones of the first and second conveyors, a force exerted on the articles and oriented for pressing the articles against the first and second conveyor surfaces.

Abstract: A conveyor system for transporting wafers to and from different work stations in a clean-controlled environment includes a platform being magnetically levitated above a U-shaped rail by a magnetic cushion provided by first magnets on the platform and the rail, the first magnets having their magnetic poles arranged to repel one another. A nonmagnetic tube within which is a free-sliding magnetic piston of the same polarity as the first magnets extends along the center of the track. A second magnet is disposed on the platform such that its polarity will repel (or attract) the piston magnet such that as the pressure differential in the tube is changed the piston magnet slidably moves within the tube and pushes (or draws) the platform along the track with it.

Abstract: For belt conveyors in which the loaded part of the belt is supported by a gas layer in a trough, the energy needed to drive the belt is lower if the belt is more fully out of contact with the trough. But much energy is needed to compress the gas carrying the belt. The invention proposes to provide for measuring the power for these two purposes and to alter the gas flow into the trough so that the total power requirement is at a minimum. The latter may be performed in steps and as soon as a step appears to result in an increase of power required, this step may be undone. Drives of the belt (1) and of a compressor (6) by electric motors (5, 8) make measurement of electric power supplied thereto preferable. A control member (14) receives signals of power measurements and issues signals to change the power for drive of the compressor. Instead of separate measurements added by the control member (14) the latter may be fed with a measurement of the total power supplied for both purposes.

Abstract: In manufacturing concrete tiles a stiff concrete mass is molded and heavily compacted by means of a rapidly rotating pressing roller on sheet metal molding trays, which during the molding operation are supported by carriers having relief-like supporting surfaces which are generally complementary to the bottom sides of the tiles. The tray carriers form parts of an endless conveyor passing a concrete extruding station, in which the pressing roller is included, the tray carriers being formed as platforms placed freely between a pair of driving chains, to which each platform is connected by one pair of coaxial pivots only. Each platform is composed of two segments, which are hingedly interconnected independently of the chains. When passing the concrete extruding station the tray carrying platforms rest on an endless intermediate belt moving over a stationary supporting bed, through the top side of which pressurized air is supplied in order to reduce the friction.

Abstract: The side edges and return end of an endless belt conveyor are sealed to prevent particulate material deposited thereon from leaking off the sides and being lost, or worse, from working its way beneath the belt, onto the slide pan, and into the pulleys and end rollers. The front or discharge end in a preferred embodiment is also provided with an air seal to prevent occurrence of the same problems there. The top of the conveyor is covered with a hood.

Abstract: An aircushion and fluid film bearing arrangement particularly suitable for supporting the undersurfaces of the outer edges of the transport belt in a horizontal belt vacuum filter is disclosed wherein the respective air box sections beneath the edges are fabricated into parallel members each exteriorly rectangular in form and having an air pressure chamber therein triangular in cross-section with its apex forming a longitudinal slot centrally disposed in the flat upper surface of the box, which slot communicates the air pressure admitted to the chamber to the upper surface of the box. Longitudinal sealing guides are upstandingly mounted on the upper edges of each air box and form fluid-pressure chambers above the flat upper surfaces in cooperation with the undersurface of the transport belt, which chambers contain the communicated air pressure and create a fluid cushion exerting evenly balanced supporting forces across the outer undersides of the belt.

Abstract: A vacuum operated accumulating conveyor including a table with a slick top surface having an elongated gap. A perforated belt moves along said gap above the open ends of a plurality of vacuum chambers arranged end-to-end at spaced intervals beneath the upper run of the belt. A vacuum generator is coupled to each vacuum chamber. A proximity sensor is arranged adjacent to each vacuum chamber. A controller controls the operation of the vacuum accumulating conveyor to collect a group of bundles upon the conveying table by selective operation of the vacuum generators which create a vacuum condition in the associated vacuum chambers to draw a bundle toward the belt to move each bundle a predetermined distance for initially collecting a group of bundles of a desired number and thereafter delivering the group of bundles collected to suitable take-off apparatus. Bundles may also be advanced without being collected in groups. The selective operation of the vacuum generators conserves energy.

Abstract: The invention comprises an apparatus and method for abrading a work piece to a desired flat surface by using a compact, high speed endless abrasive belt which travels a pathway over a drive roller and an idler roller and in which an air cushion is formed between the belt and the support table surface therebeneath during the upper run of the belt. The air cushion is created by a plurality of cavities in the idler roller which introduce an air flow between the belt and support table surface at the beginning of the upper run of the belt. The air cushion formed is maintained beneath the length of the upper run of the belt by the milled surface of the support table which serves to restrain the air flow and confine it between the belt and table surface. In this fashion a compact and high speed abrading machine is provided which requires only a relatively small horsepower motor for motivation and which obviates complex and expensive cooling systems utilized heretofore.

Abstract: The invention relates to a wide belt sander for the treatment of surfaces of materials where the sanding belt 3 is provided on the sliding contact 6 pressing against the blank 1 with air discharge perforations 10 and 11 provided on the lower side of the sliding contact for the formation of a dynamic air cushion 18 between sliding contact 6 and sanding belt 3. A pair of shims are located on opposite sides of the sliding contact 6 and are aligned with the lateral edges of the sanding belt to provide sliding surfaces for the edges and a sealing edge for the air cushion.

Abstract: This invention relates to apparatus for transporting articles from one location to another by use of vacuum to suspend them from the underside of a perforated conveyor belt as it moves along the apertured underside of a vacuum box. Embodiments include a vertically actuable flat plate having a compressible bottom surface positioned within the box, whereby upon actuation of the plate downwards, vacuum acting through the apertures of the underside of the vacuum box may be interrupted and a slight positive pressure introduced into the apertures, to effectuate release of suspended articles.

Abstract: Improvements to the various components of hydrostatic bearing levitation systems, systems wherein fluid pressure between a load and the rails of a track system supports and guides the load, are described. The rail has a plurality of lengthwise extending ports and nozzles communicating from the innermost ports through the curved upper wall to the interface area between the rail and the load. The nozzles are arranged in longitudinally aligned groups and in a pair of parallel rows with the groups of one row being longitudinally staggered with respect to the groups of the other row. The nozzles can be inexpensively produced by boring an oversize hole through the upper wall and fixing a cannula, such as a hypodermic needle, in the bore. The cannula's internal diameter is the desired nozzle diameter. The load support member has a compliant outer cover, a central core, and a filler material wound tightly on the core.

Abstract: Improvements to the various components of hydrostatic bearing levitation systems, systems wherein fluid pressure between a load and the rails of a track system supports and guides the load, are described. The rail has a plurality of lengthwise extending ports and nozzles communicating from the innermost ports through the curved upper wall to the interface area between the rail and the load. The nozzles are arranged in longitudinally aligned groups and in a pair of parallel rows with the groups of one row being longitudinally staggered with respect to the groups of the other row. The nozzles can be inexpensively produced by boring an oversize hole through the upper wall and fixing a cannula, such as a hypodermic needle, in the bore. The cannula's internal diameter is the desired nozzle diameter. The load support member has a compliant outer cover, a central core, and a filler material wound tightly on the core.

Abstract: A fluid levitated generally convex support member particularly useful in supporting a pallet, plate or belt such that the pallet, plate or belt load may be moved in an air powered track system, the system including at least one concave track with means for supporting and guiding the convex member and the pallet, plate or belt thereabove on a thin film of pressurized air jetting from nozzles in the track. The support member includes a generally tubular, flexible and partly deformable outer member and means for internally stressing the outer member so that under load there will be controlled deformation thereof. The deformed member will be closely complementary to the track surface to maximize load carrying capacity while minimizing fluid support power requirements and the detrimental effect of track deformities.

Abstract: A web conveying method and apparatus in which a metal web is maintained substantially parallel to an adjacent electrode despite fluctuations in the flow of an electrolytic solution in which the web is immersed. A guide plate is disposed adjacent the web on the side thereof opposite the electrode. A plurality of through-holes are formed in the guide plate which are evenly distributed thereon. Due to the flow of solution through the guide plate, a static pressure is applied to the web which maintains it substantially parallel at all times to the electrode.

Abstract: A fluid levitated generally convex support member particularly useful in supporting a pallet, plate or belt such that the pallet, plate or belt load may be moved in an air powered track system, the system including at least one concave track with means for supporting and guiding the convex member and the pallet, plate or belt thereabove on a thin film of pressurized air jetting from nozzles in the track. The support member includes a generally tubular, flexible and partly deformable outer member and means for internally stressing the outer member so that under load there will be controlled deformation thereof. The deformed member will be closely complementary to the track surface to maximize load carrying capacity while minimizing fluid support power requirements and the detrimental effect of track deformities.

Abstract: An aircushion and fluid film bearing arrangement particularly suitable for supporting the undersurfaces of the outer edges of the transport belt in a horizontal belt vacuum filter is disclosed wherein the respective air box sections beneath the edges are fabricated into parallel members each exteriorly rectangular in form and having an air pressure chamber therein triangular in cross-section with its apex forming a longitudinal slot centrally disposed in the flat upper surface of the box, which slot communicates the air pressure admitted to the chamber to the upper surface of the box. Longitudinal sealing guides are upstandingly mounted on the upper edges of each air box and form fluid-pressure chambers above the flat upper surfaces in cooperation with the undersurface of the transport belt, which chambers contain the communicated air pressure and create a fluid cushion exerting evenly balanced supporting forces across the outer undersides of the belt.

Abstract: An extended nip press for a paper machine for removing water from a wet paper, cardboard or similar fibrous or porous web. The press comprises a rotating press roll and at least one stationary loading shoe as well as a band impermeable to a medium and movable between said press roll and loading shoe. The loading shoe is provided with a sliding surface against which the press roll is pressed through the band for forming an extended press zone. A paper web to be dried is passed through the press zone together with a felt for receiving water. The band is made compressible, and in its surface facing the sliding surface are formed a plurality of separated recesses into which a lubricating medium is sprayed.

Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus for applying mainly a thin rubber sheet, such as an inner liner or insulation, onto a tire making drum, which is used in a series of raw tire making processes. The apparatus can realize a proper applying of the sheet in such a manner that the rubber sheet, not previously cut to a specified length although it is longer than the circumference of the drum, is pressed at the foremost end onto the tire making drum, is applied thereto in a length corresponding to about one circumference of the drum through rotary control thereof, is thereafter cut automatically to the specified length, and is subsequently applied at the rear end of the cut sheet onto the drum.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for transporting articles, such as cylindrical containers, between differing elevations by initially conveying articles onto a foraminous belt, conducting the belt over a first plenum having a curved supporting surface to secure the articles to the belt and the belt to the surface by means of vacuum while transitioning the articles and belt from a level to an inclined orientation, conveying the articles to a differing elevation while inclined by securing the articles between parallel, spaced belts, and again transitioning from an inclined orientation to a level orientation by passing the foraminous belt over a second plenum having a curved supporting surface and securing the articles to the belt and the belt to the surface by means of vacuum during transition from the inclined orientation to the horizontal orientation.

Abstract: An electrophotographic copier with an endless photoconductor belt adapted to move around a cylindrical drum and a flat platen. A vacuum column is positioned between the cylindrical drum and the platen. The vacuum column creates a concave bend in the photoconductor, enabling a latent image of a document to be placed on a flat run of the photoconductor belt, and enabling charging, developing, transferring and cleaning of the photoconductor belt to occur about a curved run of the photoconductor belt.

Abstract: An elevator-conveyor for conveying bulk material over a predetermined path, at least a portion of which path is in a vertical or near vertical direction and comprising a pair of juxtaposed belts between which the bulk material is to be located, at least one of said belts passing through an elongated airbox when travelling in said vertical or near vertical direction, and air pressure means being provided adapted to act directly on one or both of the outer belt surfaces via said airbox(es) when the belts are in the vertical or near vertical direction so that the belts are pressed towards one another and against the interposed bulk material so as to enclose the same and so that the juxtaposed longitudinal side portions of the belts are pressed towards each other, specific mechanical sealing means and belt constructions being provided.

Abstract: Aligned conveyors support and supply a single file of articles to the infeed lug conveyor of a horizontal form, fill and seal wrapping machine. The aligned conveyors are oriented to intersect the infeed conveyor at an angle which can range from 90 to 135 degrees. The chosen angle of intersection is dependent upon article size and geometry. One of the aligned conveyors functions to organize the articles in abutting relation and yet maintains crowding forces or backlog pressure to a minimum. As the leading article of the row of abutting articles arrives at the intersection of the aligned conveyors and the infeed conveyor, it is controllably propelled to the infeed lug conveyor of the wrapping machine.

Abstract: This invention relates to a troughed belt conveyor intended primarily for conveying bulk material, for example coal, aggregate and animal feeding stuffs etc. The troughed belt conveyor is supported at its infeed and outfeed ends by waisted rollers and is supported between its ends by horizontal and inclined rollers which maintain the belt in its troughed shape.

Abstract: An apparatus in which a belt is supported to move in a pre-determined path. A pressurized fluid flows between the belt and at least one support with the side marginal regions being sealed to substantially reduce leakage thereat. This forms a fluid film which at least partially supports the belt and reduces friction between the belt and support.

Abstract: An apparatus in which an endless belt is supported for movement in a recirculating path. A pressurized fluid flows between a support post and the belt to reduce friction therebetween. The post is urged resiliently toward the belt to maintain the belt under substantially uniform tension.

Abstract: An apparatus in which a belt is supported for movement in a pre-determined path. The lateral movement of the belt relative to the pre-determined path is controlled. A pneumatic system provides pressurized fluid to at least partially support the belt and control the lateral movement thereof.

Abstract: A machine for making wood moldings includes an endless feed belt extending downstream from the upper face cutter head for holding short lengths of wood pieces securely between the working stretch of the feed belt and the underlying bed plate and delivering it through side and lower face cutter heads. An air plenum container overlies and bears against the working stretch of the feed belt to provide uniform feed pressure to the wood throughout the length of the working stretch and delivers air under pressure through a multiplicity of holes in the plenum container to the confronting side of the working stretch of the belt for minimizing friction between the belt and container. Short lengths of wood pieces are delivered in spaced-apart relationship to the upper face cutter head between an elongated side feed belt and an elongated air fence.

Abstract: An apparatus in which an endless belt is at least partially supported on the fluid film in a predetermined path of movement. A pneumatic system, responsive to a deviation of the belt from the path of movement, restrains the movement of the belt to the pre-determined path of movement.

Abstract: The invention relates to a conveyor comprised of an arcuate endless belt, a stationary trough below the belt and a device including perforations in the trough for introducing a fluid under pressure between the trough and the belt to support the belt. The belt is flexible in planes perpendicular to its length to shape itself to the contour of the trough by virtue of its own weight.

Abstract: An apparatus which prevents lateral movement of a belt moving in a pre-determined path. The apparatus includes a readily deformable surface which moves the belt in the pre-determined path and a support for preventing lateral movement. Strains induced in the belt by preventing the lateral movement thereof distort the deformable surface which, in turn, cause the belt to return to the pre-determined path.

Abstract: An arrangement comprises a pipeline filled with liquid at atmospheric pressure. The pipeline serves for displacement of containers with cargo therein by means of driven conveyors arranged along the pipeline. Endless traction members of the conveyors comprise belts having at least one row of equally spaced elements. Each container has at least one longitudinal groove with stops for engagement with the belt elements during the displacement of the containers. The arrangement according to the invention enables transportation of cargoes with comparatively low power consumption.