Disclosed are apparatuses and methods for non-contact processing a substrate, for example a glass substrate, overtop a gas layer. The support apparatus includes a plurality of gas bearings positioned on a pressure box supplied with a pressurized gas. Some embodiments are directed to a method of supporting and transporting softened glass. The method includes placing the glass in proximity to a gas bearing device having a support surface with a plurality of outlet ports disposed therein. Some embodiments are in directed to a glass processing apparatus comprising an air table configured to continuously transport and support a stream of glass and a plurality of modular devices supported by a support structure and disposed above the air table. Some embodiments are directed to a method for flattening viscous glass using a two-sided gas bearing device or a one-sided gas bearing device.

A tape-and-reel system for processing components is disclosed. In the embodiment, the tape-and-reel system includes a first carrier tape reel for holding unloaded carrier tape, a component loading system for loading components into pockets of the unloaded carrier tape, an air-guided cover tape feeder through which cover tape travels, an alignment tool for guiding the cover tape into alignment with the loaded carrier tape and adhering the cover tape to the loaded carrier tape to secure the components into the loaded carrier tape, and a second carrier tape reel for holding the loaded carrier tape.

A tape-and-reel system for processing components is disclosed. In the embodiment, the tape-and-reel system includes a first carrier tape reel for holding unloaded carrier tape, a component loading system for loading components into pockets of the unloaded carrier tape, an air-guided cover tape feeder through which cover tape travels, an alignment tool for guiding the cover tape into alignment with the loaded carrier tape and adhering the cover tape to the loaded carrier tape to secure the components into the loaded carrier tape, and a second carrier tape reel for holding the loaded carrier tape.

Method for unwinding web materials from two parent reels (1, 2), wherein a first parent reel (1) in a depletion phase is replaced by a second parent reel (2), wherein during said replacement a first and a second web material (N1, N2) are unwound from both parent reels, wherein before the completion of said replacement the first web material (N1) is joined to the second web material (N2) and then it is cut, wherein the joining of said web materials (N1, N2) is preceded by the insertion of the second web material in an area where the two web materials are joined, and during the step of inserting the second web material in said joining area the second web material is guided on a guide surface (41, 44) which guides it towards the joining area. In said insertion step, the second web material adheres pneumatically to guide surface.

Method for unwinding web materials from two parent reels (1, 2), wherein a first parent reel (1) in a depletion phase is replaced by a second parent reel (2), wherein during said replacement a first and a second web material (N1, N2) are unwound from both parent reels, wherein before the completion of said replacement the first web material (N1) is joined to the second web material (N2) and then it is cut, wherein the joining of said web materials (N1, N2) is preceded by the insertion of the second web material in an area where the two web materials are joined, and during the step of inserting the second web material in said joining area the second web material is guided on a guide surface (41, 44) which guides it towards the joining area. In said insertion step, the second web material adheres pneumatically to guide surface.

A strip diverting mechanism includes a negative pressure unit and an air discharge unit. The negative pressure unit and the air discharge unit are arranged opposite each other, and a gap through which a strip passes is formed between the negative pressure unit and the air discharge unit. The negative pressure unit is configured to provide a suction force to the strip and the air discharge unit is configured to provide a repulsive force to the strip, to prevent the strip from contacting the negative pressure unit and the air discharge unit.

The problem of web flutter experienced by webs spanning the draw between a drying area of a fiber web manufacturing machine and winder, wherein the web is assisted by airfoils is mitigated by using at least one airfoil having multiple conduits connected to at least one air supply, at least two areas with openings in form of slots or rows of holes (or elongated openings) are oriented a direction substantially parallel to the direction of web movement, wherein the openings communicate with the multiple conduits, a Coanda surface disposed adjacent to the openings, and wherein the openings are configured to direct air flowing from the air source through the multiple conduits, through the openings over the Coanda surface in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction of web movement.

The problem of web flutter experienced by webs spanning the draw between a drying area of a fiber web manufacturing machine and winder, wherein the web is assisted by airfoils is mitigated by using at least one airfoil having multiple conduits connected to at least one air supply, at least two areas with openings in form of slots or rows of holes (or elongated openings) are oriented a direction substantially parallel to the direction of web movement, wherein the openings communicate with the multiple conduits, a Coanda surface disposed adjacent to the openings, and wherein the openings are configured to direct air flowing from the air source through the multiple conduits, through the openings over the Coanda surface in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction of web movement.

In wide format web printing the loading of a new web medium is a cumbersome process, requiring the operator to raise a very wide flexible web from the supply roll up to the print surface. The present invention provides a simple apparatus to aid in the manual loading process. The web transport assembly of the apparatus comprises a supply unit arranged for supplying the web from a media roll to a transport path and a pick-up device comprising a pick-up surface and a holding mechanism configured for releasably holding a leading edge section of the web onto the pick-up surface, wherein the pick-up device is moveable between a first position near the supply unit for attaching the leading edge section and a second position near the print surface. The leading edge section is moved upwards towards the print surface while held by the holding mechanism.

An assembly for entraining a cut end of a web in a fluid flow, the assembly comprising an arrangement for delivering a fluid flow proximal to an entrainment region where a web is cut. The assembly further has an arrangement for guiding the fluid flow and the entrained end of the web from the web entrainment region to a web delivery region.