초록 ▼

Method and apparatus for smoothing and laterally guiding a longitudinally moving web of material wherein the web is longitudinally moved in a generally upward vertical direction past first pressurized fluid discharge manifolds disposed adjacent the web path on either side of the plane of the web to

Method and apparatus for smoothing and laterally guiding a longitudinally moving web of material wherein the web is longitudinally moved in a generally upward vertical direction past first pressurized fluid discharge manifolds disposed adjacent the web path on either side of the plane of the web to continuously direct streams of pressurized fluid, such as air, outwardly of the central portion of the web and toward side edges of the web to smooth and remove wrinkles from the same, and second pressurized fluid discharge manifolds located adjacent at least side edge portions of the web path for intermittently directing streams of air across opposite faces of the web toward one or the other of the side edges thereof, in response to web edge sensing means, to laterally move and guide the web during its longitudinal travel.

대표청구항 ▼

Apparatus for guiding a web of material during its longitudinal movement comprising means for supporting an indefinite length of web material for movement in a longitudinal path of travel; fluid pressure means positioned adjacent the path of travel of the web for intermittently directing pressurized

Apparatus for guiding a web of material during its longitudinal movement comprising means for supporting an indefinite length of web material for movement in a longitudinal path of travel; fluid pressure means positioned adjacent the path of travel of the web for intermittently directing pressurized fluid laterally across the surface of the web selectively toward one or the other of the side edges thereof to move the web laterally in its longitudinal path of travel; means positioned adjacent the path of travel of the web for detecting the lateral position of the web and for activating said fluid pressure means to selectively move the web laterally with respect to its longitudinal path of travel; said means for supporting the web for movement includes means for guiding the web in a substantially vertical path of travel past said fluid pressure means while maintaining the web in a free-hanging, relaxed condition to facilitate lateral movement of the web by said fluid directed therefrom; said detecting means comprises sensing means for detecting the position of the edge of the web without mechanical contact therewith, and said fluid pressure means includes valve means operatively associated therewith for selectively controlling the flow of pressurized fluid from said fluid pressure means toward one or the other of the side edges of the web in response to said sensing means.