Stewart S Olson

US Patent:

49250809, May 15, 1990

Filed:

Oct 13, 1988

Appl. No.:

7/257679

Inventors:

Jere W. Crouse - Beloit WI
Stewart B. Olson - Lexington KY

Assignee:

Beloit Corporation - Beloit WI

International Classification:

B65H 2324

US Classification:

226196

Abstract:

A spreader bar apparatus is disclosed for separating slit portions of a web. The apparatus includes a first spreader bar which extends in a cross-machine direction relative to the web. The first spreader bar is bowed relative to the slit portions such that the slit portions are separated axially relative to each other when the slit portions are guided around the first spreader bar. A second spreader bar is disposed downstream relative to the first bar and extends in a cross-machine direction relative to the web for guiding the separated slit portions. The second bar is bowed relative to the separated slit portions such that each of the slit portions disposed downstream relative to the second bar is disposed parallel to each other. A first and a second porous layer are connected to the first and second bars respectively such that when the bars are connected to a source of pressurized air, air flows through the bars and the porous layers towards the slit portions for generating respectively a first and second air cushion. The cushions reduce the frictional resistance between the moving slit portions and the bars.