Abstract: A method for determining the surface quality of a substrate passing from an initial state into a converted state during a conversion process including the steps of acquiring first information relating to surface defects detected on the initial substrate, acquiring second information relating to surface defects detected on the converted substrate, of processing the first information and the second information, and of classifying the converted substrate as a function of the first acquired information relating to the surface defects detected on the initial substrate and as a function of the second acquired information relating to the surface defects detected on the converted substrate.

Abstract: A slowing device includes a flexible slowing member that extends transversely to the trajectory of sheets being fed. The member is movable between at least two limit positions, one in which its trajectory encounters that of the sheets, the other in which the slowing member is moved aside from the trajectory of the sheets. A drive device moves the slowing member between its limit positions. The drive device for the slowing member includes a pneumatic actuator which acts on a linear cam that pivots about a transverse shaft. A roller rolls along the surface of the linear cam. The roller and the slowing member are supported by a support that pivots about a transverse shaft.

Abstract: A transport device for transporting sheet elements into a folder-gluer comprising two longitudinal support structures between which there extend one or more movement slides, one or more lead screws and a drive shaft for a belt. At least one longitudinal member supports at least one endless conveyor belt driven by the shaft. The longitudinal member is mounted in sliding connection on the movement slides and on the drive shaft and is in helical connection with the lead screws. A protecting device over the drive shaft blocks user access to the shaft. It is illustrated as a profile over the shaft and slide. The protecting device transversely connects the two longitudinal support structures.

Abstract: A filling device including a web-forming station (A), a filling station (B), a sampling station (C), and a retrieval station (D). A first box conveyor (3) for conveying boxes exiting a folder-gluer (1) and for forwarding them from the web-forming station (A) to the filling station (B) along a forwarding path (Ta). A second box conveyor (10) for conveying boxes forwarded by the first box conveyor (3) and for transferring them from the sampling station (C) to the retrieval station (D) along a transfer path (Tt).

Abstract: A coupling device for driving an engraved cylinder of a printing device. The coupling device comprises a single part of chromium, nickel and molybdenum alloyed steel having undergone core hardening. The coupling device includes a central cylindrical portions, first and second flanges at the respective first and second ends of the cylindrical portion, each flange having a side portion operable to distort under stress and act as a membrane. The ratio of the difference between the diameter and the flange and the diameter of the central portion divided by the average thickness of the side portion of the flange is between 7 and 15.

Abstract: Folding device for folding blanks, including an internal tool fit to cooperate with an external tool for forming a longitudinal fold in a blank, and a supporting guide fit to cooperate with the internal tool to sandwich the fold as the external tool folds the blank as the blank is conveyed.

Abstract: A transformation station for a packaging production machine comprises side frames between which tool-carrier cassettes are mounted. The side frames support slides on which members slide for the mounting of the tool-carrier cassettes. The members for mounting the tool-carrier cassettes comprise cassette supports that can be moved in opposition across and according to material advancing direction dimensions of the tool-carrier cassettes. The cassette supports are fitted with first devices for attaching in position the cassette supports and second devices for locking the tool-carrier cassettes to the supports.

Abstract: A method and an installation operable for cleaning an inking blade acting against a chambered printing cylinder of a flexographic printing machine. A cleaning device includes a blade cleaner, a recovery device for ink removed from the blade, a first prewash cleaning system, a subsequent regular wash system and an air nozzle system to clean out ink. The ink is recovered before the washing. The ink washed out is recovered and this polluted wash fluid is used in a subsequent cleaning as a prewash.

Abstract: Device for printing Braille characters on cardboard blanks travelling in a folder-gluer along a substantially planar path, the device comprising rotary embossing tools carried by two respective parallel shafts rotatably mounted above and below of the plane of said path and operable for printing Braille characters on their blanks during their run through the folder-gluer. The tools are supported on shafts and the tools are adjustable axially and angularly with respect to each other.

Abstract: A device for holding lateral tabs of box blanks filing along a conveyor particularly in a folder-gluer. At least one rotary support is actuated in synchronicity with the passage of said blanks the activation being via a drive member arranged on an adjustable bearing structure. At least one sensor detects the blanks. The sensor is connected to an electronic control unit that commands the drive member which is rendered autonomous.

Abstract: Method of positioning thin flat objects within a processing machine comprising an inserter for positioning these objects in a plurality of gripper members belonging to a conveyor drawing them discontinuously through successive stations. This method consists in calculating, for each of the gripper members, variations in the positioning distance of these members relative to a reference position, assigning these variations to the respective gripper members, and incorporating them into a primary procedure of the controller to improve the positioning of the thin flat objects in the gripper members.

Abstract: Compression-resistant heating frame, comprising an upper plate and a lower plate which are secured to each other, and a heating layer interposed between the two plates. Force-absorption studs are disposed between the two plates in order to protect the heating layer against deformation by compression of the plates against each other. The studs are distributed to permit regular heating of each plate. The force-absorption studs are distributed at the nodes of a rectangular, hexagonal or centered square network. The force-absorption studs preferably include a flange to distribute the compression force on a metal base sheet which is interposed between the upper plate and the heating means. Thermal insulation material is interposed between the heating layer and the upper plate. The heating layer may comprise a film through which an electric circuit passes in order to produce heating by joule effect.

Abstract: Method and device for pivoting plate elements travelling on a flat conveyor, the conveyor being provided with two parallel left and right paths, respective driven at different speeds. The paths define between them a separating line on which the plate elements are rotated around an axis by application of each of the two path speeds on a left portion of the plate element and on a right portion of the plate element defined by the separating line. The method involves maintaining the barycenter of each plate element sufficiently close to the separating line to extend the effect of the rotation applied to these plate elements.

Abstract: A device for positioning and assembling successive frames in a machine of a production line. The device is intended in particular for relative positioning of two adjacent frames, namely an upstream frame and a downstream frame. At least one link connects the upstream frame to the downstream frame and supports the upstream part of the downstream frame. The link comprises a cylinder that extends across the successive frames and is received in a bearing at each of the adjacent frames. A tightenable tension rod locks the selected relative positions of the successive frames.

Abstract: A driving element is divided into two coaxial toothed members elastically attached to one another. A first of the toothed members is fixed to a shaft. The second of the toothed members is freely mounted on this shaft. The second toothed member has a planar face, opposite and facing away from the first toothed member. That face has seats arranged around the shaft to receive first respective ends of deflection rods. The rods extend, with the shaft, outside of the toothed member. A flange has an axial passage for receiving an end of the shaft. The flange has seats for receiving second respective ends of the deflection rods. A device for clamping the flange on the end of the shaft and in an angular position around the shaft fitted to apply a deflection stress to the rods.

Abstract: A delivery station and a method for unblanked sheet delivery uses a delivery pull-out frame provided with front jogging stops and transverse gripper bars. The ends of the bars are fixedly attached to two respective endless loops flexible drive elements for conveying the sheets in process. The front jogging stops of the delivery pull-out frame are spaced apart to allow the passage between them of grippers of the gripper bar. The gripper bar is inclined around a transverse shaft, for lowering the level of the grippers below the level of the respective upper edges of the front jogging stops, by simultaneously opening the said grippers, in order to separate the sheet from the grippers by bringing the front edge of the sheet against the front stops.

Abstract: A device for aligning plate-like workpieces traveling in a machine direction in a machine processing them, more particularly in a folder-gluer, comprising an upper aligner and a lower aligner. The lower aligner is equipped, on the one hand with a guiding member mounted on a lower guide, and on the other hand with a lower conveyor having at least one useful portion which is fixedly attached to an upper guide movable in the horizontal plane with respect to the lower guide. The lower and upper guides form a bearing element unit, which is weakened by an opening extending between the guides.

Abstract: A module for supporting and driving a wound foil matter for a machine processing it. The module is entirely located outside that machine. The module comprises a bearing structure in which a plurality of reel stands are arranged. Each stand supports at least one reel. At least one drive device for the reels which are mounted freely rotatably on their respective reel stands. Each reel is repositionable on supports in the module and is also motor driven to rotate. At least one additional member for processing the foil matter.

Abstract: Apparatus for transferring a foil matter from outside to inside of a machine. The apparatus has a longitudinal axis. The machine includes a frame comprising a first wall and a second wall. A window in the second wall. The outside and inside areas are separated by the first wall. The foil matter is held at a level of use outside by a first idling roller arranged in a frame. The device guides the foil matter so that its transfer from outside to inside is effected by at least one progressive turning of this foil matter around a second idling roller during passage of the foil matter through the window. The second roller intersects an edge of the window. The foil matter passes over a third idling roller angled with respect to the second one and to reoriented the foil matter along the longitudinal axis of the machine.

Abstract: A device for folding flaps of box blanks having crease lines transverse to the travel direction of the blanks, for use in a folder-gluer. A rotary member is rotatable around a transverse axis and provided with at least one folding arm. A removable linking device linking to a support secured to a frame of the folder-gluer. An adjusting device adjusts the position of the folding arm with respect to the support. A motor drives the rotary member. A synchronization device of the motor comprises an encoder in desmodromic connection with a drive mechanism for driving the box blanks in the drive direction and a detector of the passage past a reference position of the box blanks on the folder-gluer.