Abstract: The unwinder includes a pair of tailstocks adapted to engage and support a reel to be unwound and a peripheral unwinding device adapted to coact with a reel in the unwinding station. There is also provided a shuttle adapted to insert reels into the unwinding station, movable between a loading position of the reel on the shuttle and a position aligned with the pair of tailstocks, to transfer a reel from the shuttle to the tailstocks or vice versa. In use, the peripheral unwinding device is positioned under the reel of web material, so that the force exerted by the peripheral unwinding device on the reel being unwound has a component that is subtracted from the weight force of the reel.

Abstract: The invention relates to a registration system for sheet fed processing machines that reduces or eliminates the need to calibrate the register and/or timing dials of such a machine. The system uses known measurements and the elapsed time between electrically generated pulses to determine the relative position of processing cylinders in the machine relative the timing of a feed mechanism. The relative positions are displayed in real-time and can be adjusted by an operator. The machine need not be ‘in time’ to properly register the machine.

Abstract: A machine for converting a fabric from a rolled fabric into a superimposingly folded fabric for delivery to a dyeing machine. The machine includes a frame, a cradle, and a carriage. The frame rests on an unyielding surface. The cradle is operatively connected to the frame, holds the rolled fabric, and dispenses the fabric from the rolled fabric. The carriage is movably mounted to the frame, and receives the fabric dispensed from the rolled fabric, and in response thereto, moves back and forth relative to the frame to dispense the fabric into the superimposingly folded fabric for delivery to the dyeing machine.

Abstract: A method of and an apparatus for the folding of paper to produce accordion folds in which the web is engaged at each second groove previously formed in the web and moved at a speed matched to the feed of the web upwardly along a linear path and downwardly along an arcuate path so as to produce the accordion fold.

Abstract: An accumulator system for foldable sheet-like material. The system includes an accumulator bin having a pair of sidewalls, a pair of end walls, a bottom wall, and an open top. An infeed mechanism conveys the material to the accumulator bin. A chute receives the material from the infeed mechanism and guides the material inside the chute. In a first state, the chute is stationary and the system operates in a steady-state condition with a loop in the material between the infeed mechanism and an outfeed mechanism. In a second state, the outfeed mechanism is shut off and the chute is capable of reciprocating such that the material is guided toward the bottom wall of the bin. The reciprocating motion of the chute causes the material to be folded endwise in alternating fashion.