Steven L Porter

US Patent:

6488230, Dec 3, 2002

Filed:

Jan 3, 2001

Appl. No.:

09/755552

Inventors:

Steven S. Porter - Hillsboro OR

Assignee:

Coorstek, Inc. - Hillsboro OR

International Classification:

B65H 2332

US Classification:

24261521, 2426154, 2261961, 26 87, 26101

Abstract:

Bowed spreader apparatus for laterally stretching, or stressing, a web of material carried in a selected direction along a conveyor path includes an elongate stationary spreader bar extending laterally of the path. The spreader bar has a web support face which is convexly curved both about the longitudinal axis of the bar and along the longitudinal axis. The bar includes a formed elongate support body having a degree of flexibility allowing the body to be bent in a bowed configuration. A face surface of the body is formed in a convex curve about the longitudinal axis of the body and a plurality of hardened elements are individually secured to and cover the face surface of the support body. An underlying interchangeable profiling support having a convexly curved upper surface forms the spreader bar into a selected bowed configuration.