Contamination-free photoreceptor drying apparatus

The present invention relates to photoreceptor manufacturing, and more particularly, relates to a contamination-free apparatus for drying a dip coated photoreceptor or multi-layer optical photoconductive member, such as the type used in electrostatographic imaging systems. A contamination-free apparatus is provided for moving and drying coated photoreceptors. The contamination free apparatus includes an oven assembly having first and second side walls defining a heating chamber, a guiding track for guiding a photoreceptor carrier or pallet, and first and second magnetic drive loops mounted externally of said first and second side walls. Each of the first and second magnetic loops has first magnetic elements for inducing magnetic forces into the heating chamber. The contamination-free apparatus also includes a carrier or a pallet for holding coated photoreceptors for movement through the heating chamber. The carrier or pallet includes track followers, first and second end walls for facing the first and second side walls of the heating chamber, and second magnetic elements. The second magnetic elements are mounted on the first and second end walls for coupling with the first magnetic elements and thus enabling the first and second magnetic loops to magnetically move the carrier means through the heating chamber. The contamination-free apparatus further includes an air bearing assembly for holding the track followers out of contact with the guiding track as the carrier or pallet is magnetically moved through the heating chamber.