Air bearing for optical reader

Claim 1

An optical reader for a noncontacting printing system comprising: a. a pair of plate members extending in spaced parallel relationship to each other, b. a first roller positioned adjacent one end of said plate members, c. a second roller positioned in spaced parallel relationship to said first roller adjacent another end of said plate members opposite said one end, d. roller means cooperating with said first and second rollers for supporting an endless belt under tension, e. said first and second rollers being positioned relative to each other and to said plate members such that a reach of said endless belt extends tangent to the peripheries of said first and second rollers between said spaced parallel plate members, f. a series of photosensitive devices mounted in one of said plate members, g. a corresponding series of light-projecting means mounted in the other of said plate members to direct discrete beams of light toward said photosensitive devices, h. means defining a series of openings in each of said plate members intermediate said photosensitive devices and said light-projecting means, and i. means for directing a gaseous fluid under pressure through each of said openings toward the plate member opposite thereof.