Granted Patent B2

US 8,322,047 · App. 12/215,465 · Granted Dec 4, 2012

Abstract

Claims (11)

1. A drying unit, comprising:

a base frame;

a plurality of rollers that define a web path within the base frame;

a heat source that is removably attached to the base frame;

an air box mounted within the base frame including an insulating panel disposed adjacent the heat source, an intake port and an exhaust port, wherein a drying space for a continuous web in the web path is defined between the heat source and the air box insulating panel, and wherein a side surface of the heat source is urged into sealing contact with a sealing wall of the insulating panel when the drying unit is operational; and

means for movably mounting the heat source relative to the base frame such that the heat source is movable between a first position in the base frame and a second position spaced from the base frame while the continuous web is in the web path.

2. The drying unit of claim 1 , wherein the insulating panel includes an aperture through which heated air from the heat source enters the air box.

3. The drying unit of claim 2 , wherein the aperture is in heat transfer relationship with the air box.

4. The drying unit of claim 1 , wherein the means for movably mounting comprises a ball-bearing based mechanism.

5. The drying unit of claim 1 , wherein the means for movably mounting comprises a slider assembly.

6. The drying unit of claim 5 , wherein the slider assembly is attached to an underside of a heat source frame that carries the heat source.

Assignments (20)