Belt tensioning system

Claim 3

An apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein said post includes a groove extending substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis thereof for receiving said spherical member therein.

Claim 4

An apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein said post includes an interior chamber coupled to said pressurized source.

Claim 5

An apparatus as recited in claim 3, further including a second post spaced from said first mentioned post and having the belt entrained thereabout, said second post having an interior chamber coupled to said pressurized source.

Claim 6

An apparatus as recited in claim 4, further including: a drive roller in engagement with the belt; and means for rotating said drive roller to advance the belt.

Claim 7

A reproducing machine of the type wherein an endless belt arranged to have a latent image of an original document recorded thereon moves in a recirculating path through a plurality of processing stations disposed thereabout, wherein the improvement includes: at least one post having the endless belt entrained thereabout; a source of pressurized fluid in communication with said post for generating a fluid film between said post and the belt to at least partially support the belt and reduce friction therebetween; means for supporting said post slidably and pivotably; a spherical member engaging said post; a rod having one end portion thereof defining a generally planar surface substantially normal to the longitudinal axis of said rod and engaging said spherical member; and a spring urging resiliently said rod to press said spherical member against said post to maintain the belt under substantially uniform tension.

Claim 8

A reproducing machine of the type wherein an endless belt arranged to have a latent image of an original document recorded thereon moves in a recirculating path through a plurality of processing stations disposed thereabout, wherein the improvement includes: at least one post having the endless belt entrained thereabout; a source of pressurized fluid in communication with said post for generating a fluid film between said post and the belt to at least partially support the belt and reduce friction therebetween; means for supporting said post slidably and pivotably; a spherical member engaging said post; a rod having one end portion thereof defining a generally planar surface substantially normal to the longitudinal axis of said rod and engaging said spherical member; and a spring urging resiliently said rod to press said spherical member against said post to maintain the belt under substantially uniform tension.

Claim 9

A reproducing machine as recited in claim 6, wherein said post includes a groove extending substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis thereof for receiving said spherical member therein.

Claim 10

A reproducing machine as recited in claim 6, wherein said post includes an interior chamber coupled to said pressurized source.

Claim 11

A reproducing machine as recited in claim 8, further including a second post spaced from said first mentioned post and having the belt entrained thereabout, said second post having an interior chamber coupled to said pressurized source.

Claim 12

A reproducing machine as recited in claim 9, further including: a drive roller in engagement with the belt; and means for rotating said drive roller to advance the belt.