Belt feed apparatus for continuous expanded graphite web

Abstract

A belt feed apparatus receives and feeds a continuous web of expanded graphite. The apparatus comprises a first pair of endless belts for receiving the web of expanded graphite therebetween, a drive motor operably connected to the first pair of belts for driving the first pair of belts at a drive speed, a controller for varying the drive speed, and a first load means for varying a friction force applied to the web by the first pair of belts.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A belt feed apparatus for receiving and feeding a continuous web of expanded graphite, the apparatus comprising: 
 a frame;    a first pair of belts comprising a first and second endless belt operably connected to the frame for receiving the web of expanded graphite therebetween, each of the belts having a substantially flat web contacting surface and an inner surface;    a first drive motor operably connected to the first pair of belts for driving same at a drive speed;    a controller for varying the drive speed; and    a first moveable pressure plate operably connected to the frame and adapted to contact a portion of the inner surface of the first belt for applying a variable friction force to the web.    
     
     
         2 . The belt feed apparatus of  claim 1  further comprising a support plate operably connected to the frame and adapted to contact an opposing portion of the inner surface of the second belt.  
     
     
         3 . The belt feed apparatus of  claim 1  further comprising a piston operably connected to the frame and the pressure plate for urging the pressure plate against the first belt.  
     
     
         4 . The belt feed apparatus of  claim 1  further comprising a pneumatic or hydraulic bladder operably connected to the frame and the pressure plate for urging the pressure plate against the first belt.  
     
     
         5 . The belt feed apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising a guide member operably connected to the frame for guiding the web to the first pair of belts.  
     
     
         6 . The belt feed apparatus of  claim 1  wherein at least one of the first and second belts is moveably connected to the frame for varying a gap between the first pair of belts.  
     
     
         7 . The belt feed apparatus of  claim 1  further comprising: 
 a second pair of belts comprising a third and fourth endless belt operably connected to the frame for receiving the web of expanded graphite therebetween, each of the belts having a substantially flat web contacting surface and an inner surface;  
 a second drive motor operably connected to the second pair of belts for driving same at a drive speed; and  
 a second moveable pressure plate operably connected to the frame and adapted to contact a portion of the inner surface of the third belt for applying a variable friction force to the web,  
 wherein the first and second pairs of belts are substantially parallel to each other and positioned to contact the web at opposing edge sections thereof.  
 
     
     
         8 . The belt feed apparatus of  claim 7  wherein the first and second drive motors are the same.  
     
     
         9 . The belt feed apparatus of  claim 8  further comprising: 
 a first drive pulley operably connected to one of the first pair of belts;  
 a second drive pulley operably connected to one of the second pair of belts,  
 wherein the first and second drive pulleys are connected by a common drive axle.  
 
     
     
         10 . The belt feed apparatus of  claim 7  wherein the first and second pressure plates are the same.  
     
     
         11 . The belt feed apparatus of  claim 7  further comprising a support plate operably connected to the frame and adapted to contact an opposing portion of the inner surface of each of the second and fourth belts, respectively.  
     
     
         12 . A belt feed apparatus for receiving and feeding a continuous web of expanded graphite, the apparatus comprising: 
 a first pair of endless belts for receiving the web of expanded graphite therebetween, each of the belts having a substantially flat web-contacting surface;    a drive motor operably connected to the first pair of belts for driving the first pair of belts at a drive speed;    a controller for varying the drive speed; and    a first load means for varying a friction force applied to the web by the first pair of belts.    
     
     
         13 . The belt feed apparatus of  claim 12  wherein the first load means comprises a moveable pressure plate for contacting a portion of one of the first pair of belts and urging the one of the first pair of belts towards an opposing portion of the other belt.  
     
     
         14 . The belt feed apparatus of  claim 12  wherein the first load means comprises a pneumatic or hydraulic bladder for contacting a portion of one of the first pair of belts and urging the one of the first pair of belts towards an opposing portion of the other belt.  
     
     
         15 . The belt feed apparatus of  claim 12  wherein the first load means comprises a plurality of rollers for contacting a portion of one of the first pair of belts and urging same towards an opposing portion of the other belt.  
     
     
         16 . The belt feed apparatus of  claim 12  wherein at least one of the first pair of belts is moveable for varying a gap between the first pair of belts.  
     
     
         17 . The belt feed apparatus of  claim 12  further comprising: 
 a second pair of endless belts for receiving the web of expanded graphite therebetween, each of the belts having a substantially flat web contacting surface; and  
 a second load means for varying a friction force applied to the web by the second pair of belts,  
 wherein the drive motor is operably connected to the second pair of belts for driving the second pair of belts at the drive speed, and the first and second pairs of belts are substantially parallel to each other and positioned to contact the web at opposing edge sections thereof.