Vacuum drum purge method and apparatus
US5062603A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 25, 1990 |
| Grant date | Nov 5, 1991 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 25, 2010 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB65H2301/4212
- WIPO fieldHandling
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A method and apparatus for supplying gas to a vacuum drum device and which substantially reduces or eliminates the problem of particle and debris buildup in the vacuum passages of the device is provided. The apparatus supplies gas, preferably at a pressure greater than atmospheric pressure, to the vacuum ports of a vacuum drum and includes a source of vacuum, a source of gas, and a rotatable vacuum drum. The drum includes a plurality of vacuum ports on the surface thereof, with the vacuum ports communicating with a plurality of vacuum passages extending generally outwardly from the interior of the drum. A valve alternately connects the passages to the vacuum source and to the source of gas. The selective exposure of the vacuum ports to either a source of vacuum or a source of gas prevents smoke, particles, and other contaminants from being drawn into the vacuum passages of the drum during operation of the system.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.