Progress Made and anleg to fluidimustransport objects

摘要

A process for conveying thin-walled cup-shaped circular cylindrical articles on a cushion of fluid by positioning them between a plurality of longitudinally-extending members formed with opposing shape-conforming supporting surfaces and having ports therealong for discharging a pressurized fluid against the walls of the article. The magnitude of fluid discharged is controlled to effect an inward deflection of the walls of the article along its trailing open end, imparting a converging taper thereto and producing a force vector for propelling the article in the direction of intended travel along the members. The discharge of fluid from the opposed members is also controlled to produce a separating air cushion between the ends of adjacent articles, resisting impact therebetween during their conveyance along the members.