Abstract: First and second bundles of interfolded webs are formed. The uppermost web half of the first bundle is interfolded with the lowermost web half of the second bundle at a merging station. These web halves travel along parallel and inclined fold surfaces and become interfolded upon being discharged therefrom. To unfold the uppermost web half for travel along its associated fold surface a freely rotatable roller is positioned upstream of such fold surface. The roller is arranged to be contacted and frictionally driven by the uppermost web half. The roller is oriented toward the fold line of the uppermost web half so that upon driving the roller, the uppermost web half becomes unfolded. To promote unfolding of the lowermost web half of the second bundle a stationary elongate band is disposed between the lowermost web half and the remaining web halves of the second bundle.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for counting paper straws and the like is disclosed, wherein the straws are arranged within channels of an endless conveyor so that the straws may be counted by an optical scanning device. As the straws are manufactured, they are conveyed to a hopper by means of a first endless conveyor. The hopper terminates in a pair of feed compartments above a second endless conveyor having a plurality of transverse channels. Rotating brushes are provided at the sides of the feed compartments, adjacent to the second conveyor to oscillate the straws in the compartments and to urge the straws into the transverse channels. The rotating brushes prevent more than one straw from occupying any one of the transverse channels. An optical scanning device accurately counts the straws while they are on the second conveyor, before they are deposited into a boxing apparatus.

Abstract: A machine for interfolding webs of material which includes a plurality of interfolding mechanisms for interfolding webs into a plurality of elongate bundles. Drive mechanism is provided for advancing first and second ones of the bundles in taut condition, with the second bundle being disposed beneath the first bundle. First and second fold plates are disposed vertically intermediate the first and second bundles. These plates are inclined relative to a vertical plane and lie in generally mutually parallel planes. The first fold plate is arranged to guide the top web of the first bundle in an upwardly unfolded condition during advancement of the first bundle. The second fold plate is arranged to guide the bottom web of the second bundle in a downwardly unfolded condition during advancement of the second bundle.

Abstract: An automatic packaging machine for sanitary paper products such as rolls of toilet tissue, packs of paper napkins, towels, etc. The machine comprises an article feeding section, a bag-supporting magazine section, and a package sealing section. The feeding section includes a reciprocal device having a support surface for underlying a plurality of articles and pushing means for moving the articles or packs. The feeding device is shifted in one direction from beneath a selected quantity of articles or packs to displace the articles downwardly, and in a reverse direction to push the displaced articles or packs into a wrapper to form a package. Continued movement of the feeding device causes the package to be transferred to the sealing mechanism.A magazine section is provided for supporting an irregularly shaped stack of bags. The magazine includes hinged table sections which are automatically pivoted as the stack is raised.