Air Bar with Independently Adjustable Plugs

Abstract

An air bar for guiding a web is provided. The air bar includes a body having holes formed therein, a first plug inside of the body and a second plug inside of the body. The first and second plugs define a cavity inside of the body. The air bar also includes an adjusting device for selectively moving the first plug and the second plug independently of one another.

1 . An air bar for guiding a web:
 a body having holes formed therein;   a first plug inside of the body;   a second plug inside of the body, the first and second plugs defining a cavity inside of the body; and   an adjusting device for selectively moving the first plug and the second plug independently of one another.   
     
     
         2 . The air bar recited in  claim 1  wherein the adjusting device is also adapted to selectively move the first plug and the second plug simultaneously. 
     
     
         3 . The air bar recited in  claim 1  wherein the adjusting device includes a first shaft coupled to the first plug and a second shaft coupled to the second plug. 
     
     
         4 . The air bar recited in  claim 3  wherein the adjusting device further includes a crank coupled to the first and second shafts, the crank being adapted to rotate the first shaft and move the first plug axially within the body and to rotate the second shaft and move the second plug axially within the body. 
     
     
         5 . The air bar recited in  claim 4  wherein the adjusting device includes a first fastener for selectively coupling the first shaft to the crank independent of the second shaft. 
     
     
         6 . The air bar recited in  claim 5  wherein the adjusting device includes a second fastener for selectively coupling the second shaft to the crank independent of the first shaft. 
     
     
         7 . The air bar recited in  claim 3  wherein the first shaft is hollow and a portion of the second shaft passes inside of the first shaft.