Abstract: A device and process for processing flat articles such as pieces of paper by utilizing a stream of under-shingled flat articles and generating a gap at predetermined intervals. The under-shingling process incorporates an accelerating and decelerating portion wherein each flat article is accelerated and then decelerated while a tail portion of the article is lifted such that the next flat article can slide underneath to establish an under-shingled stream.

Abstract: A device and process for processing flat articles such as pieces of paper by utilizing a stream of under-shingled flat articles and generating a gap at predetermined intervals. The under-shingling process incorporates an accelerating and decelerating portion wherein each flat article is accelerated and then decelerated while a tail portion of the article is lifted such that the next flat article can slide underneath to establish an under-shingled stream.

Abstract: A device and process for processing flat articles such as pieces of paper by utilizing a stream of under-shingled flat articles and generating a gap at predetermined intervals. The under-shingling process incorporates an accelerating and decelerating portion wherein each flat article is accelerated and then decelerated while a tail portion of the article is lifted such that the next flat article can slide underneath to establish an under-shingled stream.

Abstract: A device and process for processing flat articles such as pieces of paper by utilizing a stream of under-shingled flat articles and generating a gap at predetermined intervals. The under-shingling process incorporates an accelerating and decelerating portion wherein each flat article is accelerated and then decelerated while a tail portion of the article is lifted such that the next flat article can slide underneath to establish an under-shingled stream.

Abstract: A device and process for processing flat articles such as pieces of paper by utilizing a stream of under-shingled flat articles and generating a gap at predetermined intervals. The under-shingling process incorporates an accelerating and decelerating portion wherein each flat article is accelerated and then decelerated while a tail portion of the article is lifted such that the next flat article can slide underneath to establish an under-shingled stream.

Abstract: A device and process for processing flat articles such as pieces of paper by utilizing a stream of under-shingled flat articles and generating a gap at predetermined intervals. The under-shingling process incorporates an accelerating and decelerating portion wherein each flat article is accelerated and then decelerated while a tail portion of the article is lifted such that the next flat article can slide underneath to establish an under-shingled stream.

Abstract: An off-line web finishing system performs plural functions on a pre-printed and rewound web at a series of pieces of equipment arranged in a line. Tension in the web is set at a variable infeed at a substantially constant value that is sufficient to facilitate handling of the web. A common web-transport system drives all draw rolls in the line in unison, at substantially the same speed, and without slippage between the web and the rolls. A second drive system, preferably one using a second drive shaft, rotates the function cylinders of one or more registration sensitive pieces of equipment in unison. A continuously adjustable variable transmission is operatively connected between the secondary line shaft and a main line shaft for the web transport. A control system adjusts the variable transmission. It includes a central microprocessor, an optical scanner associated with each function cylinder, and an encoder to measure the speed of rotation of the function cylinder.

Abstract: An off-line web finishing system performs plural functions on a pre printed and rewound web at a series of pieces of equipment arranged in a line. Tension in the web is set at a variable infeed at a constant value that is sufficient to facilitate handling of the web. A common web-transport system drives all draw rolls in the line in unison, at the same speed, and without slippage between the web and the rolls. In the preferred form, a second drive line rotates in unison the function cylinders of pieces of equipment that are registration sensitive. The second line is driven by a main line shaft of the web transport system via a variable transmission that is adjusted in response to at least one optical scanner that senses misregistrations between the printed pattern on the web and the function cylinders. The registration sensitive function cylinders operate on the web only intermittently.

Abstract: An off-line web finishing system performs plural functions on a pre-printed and rewound web at a series of pieces of equipment arranged in a line. Tension in the web is set at a variable infeed at a constant value that is sufficient to facilitate handling of the web. A common web-transport system drives all draw rolls in the line in unison, at the same speed, and without slippage between the web and the rolls. In the preferred form, a second drive line rotates in unison the function cylinders of pieces of equipment that are registration sensitive. The second line is driven by a main line shaft of the web transport system via a variable transmission that is adjusted in response to at least one optical scanner that senses misregistrations between the printed pattern on the web and the function cylinders. The registration sensitive function cylinders operate on the web only intermittently.

Abstract: A rotary die cutter includes an anvil roll and at least one die roll. One or more sheet metal dies with raised cutting edges are carried on the die roll to cut patterns in a web of material passing between the die and the anvil roll. The die cutter has a pair of rigid side frames spanned by a very rigid spreader. While the anvil roll is end-mounted between the side frames, the die roll is mounted from the spreader. A drive shaft rotatable in the side frames and driven from a lineshaft by a gear system transits rotation to the die roll, while allowing the die roll freedom of movement for independent vertical, axial and circumferential adjustments. This mounting and drive of the die roll can accommodate a full width press web using die rolls having a small diameter, typically a single repeat roll, and one whose length is comparable to its circumference. A pair of mutually slidable wedges acting against a spring clamping force adjusts the vertical position of bearing blocks that rotatably mount the die roll.

Abstract: A stacking apparatus for signatures includes a signature-carrying belt positioned with respect to incoming signatures to raise the trailing edge of each signature and form a reverse shingle stream of signatures. A retarding wheel positioned above the signature carrying belt slows the travel of the signatures as they enter the stacker. The signatures pass through a nip created between the retarding wheel and the signature carrying belt. The signature carrying belt carries the reverse shingle stream from a horizontal orientation to a vertical orientation and then to a signature collector that includes a transport belt. A belt drive activated by a sensor of the pressure in the stack collected on the belt carriers the stack in a direction away from the signature carrying belt. The collector includes a vertical barrier that supports the collected signatures in a vertical orientation and automatically adjusts its position to accommodate varying quantities of signatures stacked in the collector.

Abstract: A paper product traverses a straight line path through a folding apparatus defined by two folding stations that are mounted independently of one another. Each station includes supports, a central frame extending along the paper folding path, and belt arrangements for gripping, propelling and folding a laterally projecting portion of the paper. Each station is mounted for a lateral translation of the entire station perpendicular to the paper path. In the preferred form, this translation is accomplished with racks associated with each stand and pinions carried on a common drive shaft that engage the racks. Both stations also preferably include an arrangement for rotating the station as a whole in the horizontal plane to adjust the squareness of the fold.