Longitudinal Web Folding Patents (Class 270/41)
  • Patent number: 10990862
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for printing on a printing substrate which is a web which is elongate in a longitudinal direction, wherein frames of a maximum printing format can be printed in a sequence on the web. The printing includes arranging a number of pages on sheets of a given sheet format, wherein the maximum printing format is larger in the longitudinal direction of the web than the sheet format, wherein pages which are adjacent in the longitudinal direction of the web are separate from each in the longitudinal direction of the web, imposing pages of more than one sheet into printing frames which are larger in the longitudinal direction of the web than the sheet format but not larger than the maximum printing format, printing the frames, and grouping the pages from the printed frames to sheets on which the pages are arranged as originally.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2021
    Assignee: HP Indigo B.V.
    Inventors: Raz Zamir, Moshe Koko Havive, Gilad Greenberg, Michal Hod, Shlomi Ben David
  • Patent number: 9321286
    Abstract: A digital printing machine for printing onto a medium, the digital printing machine comprising a chassis, a digital print means, an advancing mechanism for advancing the medium; the machine further comprising a widthwise cutter coupled to the chassis, wherein the digital print means and the widthwise cutter are controlled by a common computer controller, thereby ensuring that the cutting of the cutter is in registration with printing by said digital print means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Inventors: Yaron Bar-Tal, Avi Zahavi, Erez Zimerman, Hanan Yosefi, Ori Avivi
  • Patent number: 8422935
    Abstract: In an image forming system equipped with a small-sized post-processing apparatus capable of producing pamphlets without being limited in terms of the number of sets, a folding device, an interposing device and an ejecting device for ejecting a pamphlet formed by interposing a sheet into a sheet to be folded are provided in the post-processing apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: Konica Minolta Business Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Shinya Tanigami
  • Patent number: 8398063
    Abstract: A ribbon transport apparatus for a printing press is provided. The ribbon transport apparatus includes a vacuum conveyor belt transporting a ribbon and a manifold supporting the vacuum conveyor belt. The vacuum conveyor belt and the manifold are arranged to draw the ribbon towards the vacuum conveyor belt via a suction. A method of transporting a ribbon in a printing press is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: Gross International Americas, Inc.
    Inventors: Dieter Theodor Ebert, Barry Mark Jackson, Dave John Gagnon
  • Patent number: 8235372
    Abstract: A web guiding apparatus is provided. The web guiding apparatus includes an angle bar and an angle bar support supporting the angle bar. The angle bar support has a first end portion and a second end portion. The web guiding apparatus also includes a first actuator coupled to the angle bar support for moving the first end portion along a vertical axis and a second actuator coupled to the angle bar support for moving the second end portion along a horizontal axis. A folder for a printing press is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Goss International Americas, Inc.
    Inventor: Ronald Henry Boucher
  • Patent number: 8171847
    Abstract: A superstructure of a printing press includes a turning tower with at least one turner bar that is usable to deflect a web section from a transport direction by 90°. A second turner bar, that is shorter than the first turner bar, is also used to deflect a web section from the transport direction by 90° in the same direction as the first web section. These first and second turner bars are offset vertically in relation to one another in the same turning tower. The first turner bar is supported at both ends on at least one first lateral support and at least one second lateral support. The second turner bar is supported only on one end on the lateral support in a floating manner. The second support side of the second turner bar is provided with access from that support side into the interior of the turning tower.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: Koenig & Bauer Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Burkard Otto Herbert
  • Patent number: 8163221
    Abstract: A method of forming, on a strip-shaped laminate of multiple reinforcing fiber sheets superimposed one upon another, two flexures with respect to the cross-section configuration thereof, wherein in the forming of the two flexures with the use of two flexure forming dies independent from each other, respectively, the two flexure forming dies are arranged so that the relative distance of the two flexure forming dies is changeable in the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the strip-shaped laminate. This method can be effectively utilized in the production of a reinforcing fiber molding with changing of the distance between the two flexures namely, width of web portion or gauge between two flange portions from the strip-shaped laminate, or the production of fiber reinforced resin (FRP) molding therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: Toray Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Tamotsu Suzuki, Masatoshi Tsukamoto, Nobuo Asahara
  • Patent number: 8020325
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a pop-up article from one or more continuous webs of material using an inline printing press. The article comprises a curved or generally semi-cylindrical pop-up device enclosed within a base piece, such that when the base piece is in a closed position, the pop-up device lies flat therein, but when the base piece is moved to an open position, the pop-up device is forced outwardly from the base piece to form a curved or generally semi-cylindrical shape. The method comprises processing a first web or ribbon to define a base piece having a front and back cover, processing a second web or ribbon to define a pop-up device, separating the pop-up device from the second web or ribbon, adhering a tab of the pop-up device to the front cover, adhering a front flap of the pop-up device to the rear cover, and separating the article from the first web or ribbon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: Vertis, Inc.
    Inventors: John Robert Ross, Jeffrey T. Stanlaw, John Robert Muessig
  • Patent number: 7988608
    Abstract: An apparatus for producing longitudinally folded products has a machine frame (17) which is arranged below a former arrangement which can be charged with web material. Transporting and processing units are arranged in tandem in the machine frame (17), and a superstructure wall (18) which carries web guiding members (19) associated with the former arrangement is mounted on the machine frame (17). At least one web ribbon (2a) is guided through the superstructure wall (18). The machine frame (17) has at least two modules (22, 23) arranged one above the other which are rotatable by 180° relative to one another and can be connected to one another. Each module (22, 23) has its own at least one drive motor, and every unit provided in the region of the dividing line (24) between modules (22, 23) which are rotatable relative to one another is constructed symmetrically with respect to a center working plane containing the axis of rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: manroland AG
    Inventors: Helmut Schnell, Urban Spatz
  • Patent number: 7845099
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a pop-up article from one or more continuous webs of material using an inline printing press. The article comprises a curved or generally semi-cylindrical pop-up device enclosed within a base piece, such that when the base piece is in a closed position, the pop-up device lies flat therein, but when the base piece is moved to an open position, the pop-up device is forced outwardly from the base piece to form a curved or generally semi-cylindrical shape. The method comprises processing a first web or ribbon to define a base piece having a front and back cover, processing a second web or ribbon to define a pop-up device, separating the pop-up device from the second web or ribbon, adhering a tab of the pop-up device to the front cover, adhering a front flap of the pop-up device to the rear cover, and separating the article from the first web or ribbon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Assignee: Vertis, Inc.
    Inventors: John Robert Ross, Jeffrey T. Stanlaw, John Robert Muessig
  • Patent number: 7841276
    Abstract: A product section is produced in a printing machine that has at least one former. A web or a partial web of material is guided over the former. At least one web or one partial web is initially guided over a plow fold device and then over one, or another odd number of turning bars. This at least one web or partial web is then united, without passing through the former, and on a side that has been folded in by the plow fold device, over at least one guide roller as a partial strand with a partial strand that was guided over the former as a strand bundle before this partial strand is cut transversely in a transverse cutting direction into product sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2010
    Assignee: Koenig & Bauer Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Günther Oskar Eckert, Margit Kohl-Eckert, legal representative, Burkard Otto Herbert, Stefan Wander
  • Patent number: 7644912
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for leading together a number of printed webs is disclosed. Using a device for leading together several printed webs into a multi-layer web sandwich with a harp formed by the deflection rolls assigned to the individual printed webs, the inclusion of air between the webs can be prevented, in that a deflecting web sandwich guide is provided in the exit area of the harp and lies at right-angles to the running direction of the web sandwich.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Assignee: MAN Roland Druckmaschinen AG
    Inventor: Klaus Theilacker
  • Publication number: 20090295058
    Abstract: A device for distributing successive products of a product flow, particularly the successive folding products produced by a cross cutting device by dividing a material web, to two branch flows, with a wedge arrangement which is arranged in a stationary manner in the transporting plane of the product flow and which engages between two cam rollers which flank it and which are arranged symmetrically with respect to the center working plane. The device is characterized in that the wedge arrangement engages between two guide plates which flank it and which, together with the wedge arrangement, define a path fork. The guide plates have slots through which they are alternately penetrated by cams of the respective adjacent cam roller which are associated with the slots, so that the penetrating cams and the guide plate which is not penetrated form a feed for a belt guide associated with a branch flow.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2009
    Publication date: December 3, 2009
    Applicant: manroland AG
    Inventors: Helmut Schnell, Urban Spatz
  • Patent number: 7575228
    Abstract: A sheet combining device includes at least one former, at least one longitudinal cutter, and at least two partial web guide routes. A respective partial sheet of partial cut webs can be conveyed on each of the at least two partial web guide routes. These sheets can be combined to form a principal sheet at an exit of the sheet combining device. A stapler is provided on one of the at least two partial web guide routes and is used to staple the partial sheet which is conveyed on that guide route.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2009
    Assignee: Koenig & Bauer Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Burkard Otto Herbert, Stefan Wander
  • Patent number: 7523925
    Abstract: A device is used for at least one of treating and conveying a strip of material in one of a treating and processing machine. The device includes at least one strip-treating tool which is embodied in the form of a folding cone, and one strip-treating tool which is provided as a knife. The knife and the folding cone are both transversely displaceable in the direction of travel of the strip of material by the operation of a regulating element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2009
    Assignee: Koenig & Bauer Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Burkard Otto Herbert, Stefan Wander
  • Patent number: 7461836
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming individual insert assemblies using an inline printing press comprising forming from a web at least one first ribbon defining an insert; forming from the web at least one second ribbon defining an advertising panel; applying repositionable or stick once glue to the advertising panel; and attaching the advertising panel to the advertising insert by the repositionable or stick once glue, thereby creating an insert having a removably attached advertising panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2008
    Inventor: Kenneth E. Moring
  • Publication number: 20080116625
    Abstract: A longitudinal folding device comprising a) a first former having a first width (b/2), b) and a second former having a second width (rb/2), c) the second width (rb/2) being greater than the first width (b/2) and smaller than twice the first width (b/2). Additionally, a printing press and a process for producing printed copies.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2005
    Publication date: May 22, 2008
    Inventors: Goetz Stein, Noel McEvoy
  • Patent number: 7364148
    Abstract: A sheet combining device includes at least one former, at least one longitudinal cutter, and at least two partial web guide routes. A respective partial sheet of partial cut webs can be conveyed on each of the at least two partial web guide routes. These sheets can be combined to form a principal sheet at an exit of the sheet combining device. A stapler is provided on one of the at least two partial web guide routes and is used to staple the partial sheet which is conveyed on that guide route.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2008
    Assignee: Koenig & Bauer Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Burkard Otto Herbert, Stefan Wander
  • Patent number: 7333246
    Abstract: A method, system and computer program provides for making an image area correction in a printing system. Print data is provided in a logical page order corresponding to at least one signature for printing. At least one parameter of a recording medium on which the print data are printed is determined, this parameter being relevant to the position of the printing format on the recording medium, which is folded according to the signature. The position of the pages is then corrected according to this parameter prior to printing, in such a way that the print formats of successive pages of the finished signature are positioned accurately.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: Oce Printing Systems GmbH
    Inventors: Jacek Kowalski, Petra Wegele
  • Publication number: 20070222134
    Abstract: There are provided a pair of rollers (W, W1; W, W2; W2, W3; W3, W4) for taking a sheet in a buckle zones (b1-b4), and a pair of rollers (W, W2; W2, W3; W3, W4; W4, W5) for folding a portion of the sheet deflecting from the buckle zones (b1-b4). A rotating shaft of at least one of the rollers of each of the roller pairs is carried by one end of a lever (6). The lever (6) is arranged for swing around a supporting point (8), and the other end of the lever (6) is provided with a spring resiliently biasing the roller carried by the lever (6) in a direction in which the roller is pressed against the counter roller. One end of an adjustment rod (15a-15e) is brought into contact with the other end of the lever (6). The adjustment rod (15a-15e) is guided by a guide (14) in a direction of its axis. The other end of the adjustment rod (15a-15e) is provided with a pulse motor (M1-M5) moving the adjustment rod (15a-15e) through the guide (14).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2007
    Publication date: September 27, 2007
    Inventors: Eiji Katayama, Hiroki Yamamoto, Tatsuaki Ida, Takehito Yokogi
  • Patent number: 7066368
    Abstract: At least one paper web is drawn into a web-fed rotary printing press. A draw-in device is provided with permanently fixed pointed bars or spikes. These can be moved or oriented so that they penetrate the paper web only during drawing in of the web into the printing press.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2006
    Assignee: Koenig & Bauer Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Wolfgang Günter Ruckmann, Horst Bernhard Michalik
  • Patent number: 6966475
    Abstract: A draw roller for pulling web-shaped material with at least one pull ring arranged on at least one part of the circumference of the roller. The at least one pull ring can be displaced on the draw roller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2005
    Assignee: Maschinenfabrik WIFAG
    Inventors: Hans Zweifel, Thomas Treuthard
  • Patent number: 6820869
    Abstract: In order to provide a variable folder which allows smearing-free operation, the cutting blade of an upstream cross-cutting arrangement is provided with recesses, which leave behind residual crosspieces in the strand which is to be cut, and arranged in the product-directing region, between the cross-cutting arrangement and a collecting cylinder, are accelerating and tearing-off cams which grip the incoming product and tear it off from the strand at the residual crosspieces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2004
    Assignee: MAN Roland Druckmaschinen AG
    Inventors: Klaus-Ulrich Lange, Helmut Schnell
  • Publication number: 20040124574
    Abstract: A roller arrangement for booklet makers comprises at least a first (1) and a second (2) pair of rotatably driven rollers, between which booklets (4) are intended to pass successively for folding. The first pair of rollers comprises two rollers (1) that are arranged such that they can move towards and away from each other and having a spring loading towards each other, while the second pair of rollers (2) comprises two rollers with a mutual separation that can be adjusted. Mechanical means (3) are arranged to, following the insertion of a booklet between the rollers of the first pair of rollers, automatically adjust the mutual separation of the rollers of the second pair of rollers depending on the distance between the rollers of the first pair of rollers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2003
    Publication date: July 1, 2004
    Applicant: PLOCKMATIC INTERNATIONAL AB
    Inventors: Andreas Tillman, Per-Erik Norberg
  • Publication number: 20040120745
    Abstract: A paper post-processing apparatus for folding a paper ejected from an image forming apparatus at a paper folding process section, having a pair of folding rollers; a pair of fold/transporting rollers each of which contacts with each of the pair of folding rollers; a driving unit; a folding roller moving unit; and a drive direction switching unit. When transporting a paper without folding the paper, the holding roller moving unit moves the folding rollers to a releasing position, and the drive switching unit switches the folding rollers to the same rotation direction with each other; and when folding the paper, the holding roller moving unit moves the folding rollers to the pressure contact position, and the drive switching unit switches the folding rollers to the reverse rotation direction with each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2003
    Publication date: June 24, 2004
    Applicant: KONICA MINOLTA HOLDINGS, INC.
    Inventors: Mikihiro Yamakawa, Toshio Shida, Teruhiko Toyoizumi, Masahiro Kaneko
  • Patent number: 6712749
    Abstract: A longitudinal folding device includes formers for longitudinally forming and folding paper webs having different widths. Each former, together with its folding rollers, hopper roller and longitudinal cutting device is supported in a frame such that the former can be displaced in the axial directions of both the folding rollers and the hopper roller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2004
    Assignee: Koenig & Bauer Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Horst Bernhard Michalik, Manfred Wolfgang Hartmann
  • Patent number: 6588739
    Abstract: A device for feeding a web of material utilizes a pair of low angle bar superstructures situated adjacent to each other. Two cross or transverse folding devices are situated on the same or on different planes after, in the direction of web travel, the superstructures. Wide webs of material can be processed and if one of the transverse folders fails, production can be shifted to the other folder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2003
    Assignee: Koenig & Bauer Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Anton Weis
  • Publication number: 20020195764
    Abstract: The invention relates to a stack of fan folded material and related systems and processes. The stack includes at least two clips of fan folded material. Each clip includes a plurality of fan folded sheets, with each sheet joined to at least one adjacent sheet by a weakened line. Each clip is joined to an adjacent clip by a last sheet of one clip being separably joined to a first sheet of a succeeding clip.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2001
    Publication date: December 26, 2002
    Inventor: Gerald Keith Sosalla
  • Patent number: 6422552
    Abstract: A movable folder assembly includes one or more folders slidingly supported on a pair of rails and an actuator for moving the folder on said pair of rails. The actuator may include a hydraulic cylinder and a control unit for controlling said hydraulic cylinder. The folder(s) is supported on said rails by bearings. Preferably, the bearings are linear bearings, and most preferably, the folder(s) is supported on at least one of said rails by dual-type linear bearings. The folder(s) may be used in conduction with a former board arrangement in a web-fed rotary newspaper printing press which includes a first and a second row of former boards each row including a first, second and third former board for longitudinally folding one or more ribbons passing over the former boards. The first row of former boards is arranged above the second former board, and a movable folder is located below one of the former boards of the second row of former boards for crossfolding and cutting the ribbons into signatures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2002
    Assignee: Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG
    Inventors: Lewis Bradley Chesno, Charles Henry Dufour, Robert Michael Riotto
  • Patent number: 6250622
    Abstract: The present invention is related to a paper conducting cylinder in a folder which is assigned to a rotary printing press such as a rotary newspaper printing press. A plurality of cylinder's surface sections (19) is mounted about the circumference of said cylinder (8). Each of said surface sections (19) being of layered structure comprises a compressible material (24) adhesively attached thereto. Said surface sections (19) are removably secured to mounting surfaces (29) of said cylinder (8), preferably on its side walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2001
    Assignee: Heidelberger Druckmaschinen Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Gary Frank Fowler, Wayne Harvey Garland, Michael Alexander Novick
  • Patent number: 6139003
    Abstract: A device is provided for the production of multi-layered longitudinally folded newspaper products with a tabloid section having a variable number of pages in one layer of the newspaper product. An additional longitudinal separating device is placed upstream, in the direction of the travel of the web, of the longitudinal former.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2000
    Assignee: Koenig & Bauer-Albert Akiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Horst Bernhard Michalik, Otto Theodor Weschenfelder
  • Patent number: 6042672
    Abstract: In a method of making sealed paper, a web of paper is unrolled and fed, while under a given tension, from a paper roll, and is single-folded or multiple-folded. Prior to the or each folding step, the unrolled web of paper is treated by having an adhesive applied to margin portions thereof destined to be margins of the sealed paper on an inner surface thereof other than along a fold line at which the paper is to be folded. The folded web of paper is then cut to yield a number of sealable paper units so treated and folded as above. The method further includes pressing the sealable paper units to have them sealed with the adhesive applied and thereafter discharging the sealed paper units each of which represents a sealed paper. The method may further include printing a given message or information on a sheet of paper before the paper is rolled into the above mentioned paper roll.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2000
    Assignee: Miyakoshi Printing Machinery Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshiaki Kishine, Mikio Yoshikawa, Toshikazu Yamada
  • Patent number: 6024684
    Abstract: Folded products are produced in a web-fed press by directing the printed web to longitudinal formers and then to multi-width transverse folders. The longitudinal formers are supported so that at least selected ones of them can be shifted vertically with respect to the transverse folders. A parallelogram-like linkage is used to shift the longitudinal formers vertically. Vertical shifting of the formers accomplishes transverse shifting of the location of the delivery of formed products from the formers to the multi-width transverse folders.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2000
    Assignee: Koenig & Bauer Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Edgar Maylander, Horst Bernhard Michalik
  • Patent number: 6010122
    Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for producing high page count signatures for printed publications. Signatures with a 96 page count and 128 page count are illustrated and described herein. In either case, the signature is constructed of four sheets of printed sheet materials which are preferably continuous webs of sheet material that are fed to a folding and cutting apparatus. The four sheets or webs are folded in half along a main longitudinal fold line extending in the direction in which the web travels. Preferably, the webs are perforated along the main longitudinal fold line prior to being folded. The webs, after being folded in half, are perforated to create a longitudinally extending hinge. Also, the webs are preferably perforated to create cross fold lines. In the case of the 96 page count signature, the folded webs are divided into thirds by the cross fold lines. The folded webs of the 128 page count signature are divided into fourths by the cross fold lines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2000
    Assignee: Wallace Computer Services, Inc.
    Inventor: William C. Weber
  • Patent number: 5937757
    Abstract: In order to permit automated setting of operating parameters while also facilitating the removal of paper jams, a device for adjusting the gap size between folding rollers of a rotary press folding machine includes a pair of counter-rotating folding rollers which define a folding nip or gap therebetween. Each folding roller is mounted to one end of a pivoting support arm, and a link arm is slidably and pivotably mounted to the other end. An extensible member connects the link arms to each other, which enables the distance between the rollers to be quickly and easily adjusted. An inflatable bag is disposed between the support arms which forces the rollers towards each other to resist spreading of the rollers when a paper passes through the gap between the rollers. The bag can be quickly deflated from a remote location to allow removal of jammed papers, and can be quickly re-inflated to the desired setting to minimize down time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1999
    Assignee: Goss Graphic Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: John C. Jackson, Stanley Momot
  • Patent number: 5902222
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for guiding a thin web material while folding the web material over a triangular former. The apparatus includes two guide rolls over which the web material is driven. The second guide roll is secured to a baseline of the triangular former. The triangular former and the guide roll may be tilted back and forth about a longitudinal axis of a bearing axle extending through a tip of the triangular former. The longitudinal axis is parallel with the web material extending between the two guide rolls. The position of the triangular former is controlled by a non-contacting edge scanning member that scans the position of the web material on the guide roll and causes the adjustment device to tilt the guide roll and the triangular former to ensure that the edges of the folded web material are precisely aligned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 11, 1999
    Assignee: Tetra Laval Holdings & Finance S.A.
    Inventor: Bo Wessman
  • Patent number: 5816434
    Abstract: A sheet folding device that enables a single operator to easily fold bed sheets (fitted and flat), bed spreads, tablecloths and other sheet-like materials, the device employing a sheet clutching clamp 20 and a folding bar 28 both attached to a mounting plate 7. Placement of the mounting plate 7 onto any vertical surface enables the device to accommodate articles of differing sizes. A sheet clutching clamp 20 in my preferred embodiment is a spring clip 20. The folding bar 28 is the element about which a fold is made. In my preferred embodiment a 90 degree hook with an elastomeric sleeve 40 is effective for this task. The present invention can be mounted to a wall, mobile cart or any vertical surface. A sheet may refer to a bed sheet (fitted or flat), bed spread, tablecloth or any other material that requires folding. To fold a sheet, an operator slides a portion of the sheet, such as a corner, into the spring clip 20.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1998
    Inventor: Alan Gil Weinstein
  • Patent number: 5788226
    Abstract: A ribbon gathering and folding assembly including a plurality of guide rollers positioned in superimposed relation to each other, the guide rollers being adapted to guide a ribbon, and a ribbon former including a former board that is positioned to receive ribbons from the guide rollers. The former board has a longitudinally extending forming surface that is positioned such that a direction of each ribbon travelling between the guide rollers and the former board is always within about 35 degrees of the forming surface. The ribbon former further includes a former roller positioned to guide the ribbons travelling from the guide rollers to the former board, and preferably also a control roller positioned between the former roller and the guide rollers on an opposite side of the ribbons from the former roller. A coating device is positioned to coat a low friction substance (e.g., silicone) onto a the upper surface of the upper-most ribbon and another coating device coats the lower surface of the lower-most ribbon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 4, 1998
    Assignee: Quad/Tech, Inc.
    Inventor: Craig J. Peglow
  • Patent number: 5732315
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus which includes a paper delivery unit which is provided as to be rockable and displaceable between an operating position close to a photosensitive drum and a standby position remote from the photosensitive drum; a supporting link system, operably coupled to the paper delivery unit, for holding the paper delivery unit at the operating position; and energizing device, operably coupled to the supporting link system, for energizing the paper delivery unit so as to move from the standby position to the operating position. The paper delivery unit includes a transferring device for transferring a toner image from the photosensitive drum onto a sheet, a tractor for feeding the sheet, disposed in the upstream of the transferring device in a paper delivery direction, and a suction feeder for holding and delivering the sheet, disposed in the downstream of the transferring device in the paper delivery direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 24, 1998
    Assignee: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventors: Makoto Inoue, Tatsuhiro Taniwa, Tomoaki Fukuda
  • Patent number: 5644380
    Abstract: A method for producing a printer wherein tractor drives move a length of fan-fold, continuous-form paper upwardly from a stacked source thereof, through a print mechanism, across a paper directing assembly and then downwardly to refold onto an output stack, the method including steps for detecting misfolds of the fan-fold paper in the printer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 1, 1997
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Robert Frederic Jessen, Christopher Alan Mertens, Nathan J. Olsen, Robert Joseph Telfer
  • Patent number: 5605267
    Abstract: A device for automatically advancing the end of a web in a priming press. The device is particularly useful for advancing the web end over a former and into a folder unit in a press. The device includes at least one endless belt which moves from a retracted position to an engaged position, to thereby grip the web end and, upon rotation of the endless belt, advance the web end to the desired location in the press. The device of the present invention can also be used to advance a web end over a former roll, as well as over an angle roll, in a printing press.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 25, 1997
    Assignees: Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG, Heidelberg Harris, Inc.
    Inventor: David E. Whitten
  • Patent number: 5558615
    Abstract: A folder apparatus is disclosed which has a removable mounting plate supporting both of the corresponding exit rollers of a single lead-in tape assembly. The modular cartridge formed by the mounting plate and exit rollers allows for easy replacement of these parts in the folder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 24, 1996
    Assignees: Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG, Heidelberg Harris Inc.
    Inventor: Kevin F. Albert
  • Patent number: 5503379
    Abstract: A device for making folded products, which is usable to simultaneously make two different folded products, includes a plurality of partial paper web train fold formers arranged on lower and upper levels and a double wide folding station. The fold formers located in the upper level are shiftable in the direction of the axis of rotation of the cylinders in the folding station. This axial movement of the upper level fold formers allows the production of various folded products having different signature arrangements by the insertion of the partial web trains from the upper level fold formers into either the right or left sides of the double wide folding station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 2, 1996
    Assignee: Koenig & Bauer Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Horst B. Michalik, Otto T. Weschenfelder
  • Patent number: 5490666
    Abstract: A folder apparatus is disclosed which has at least one lead-in tape mechanism having a left lead-in tape and left exit roller and a corresponding right lead-in tape and right exit roller, the fight and left lead-in tapes forming a signature passage for delivery of a stream of signatures. One of the exit rollers is spring-loaded in the direction of a fixed exit roller. The spring loading takes place with two springs acting opposite one another, the springs having different spring rates or modula. This dual spring action reduces pounding caused by the signatures as they pass through the lead-in tapes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 13, 1996
    Assignees: Heidelberger Druchemaschiner AG, Heidelberg Harris, Inc.
    Inventor: Kevin F. Albert
  • Patent number: 5429627
    Abstract: Reusable, washable feminine napkins and panty liners have multiple absorbent layers encasing a fluid imperiable layer. The napkin has a side opening pocket for an extra absorbent filler pad. Both the napkin and the panty liner employ a centrally located mounting device which is not connected to the fluid imperiable layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 4, 1995
    Assignee: Lotus Trading Company
    Inventors: Stacey A. Johnson, Kirk A. Johnson
  • Patent number: 5413658
    Abstract: Apparatus for folding a web of sheet material moving along a given linear path comprise three longitudinally spaced plates forming an overall slot having a base portion through which the central portion of the web passes, and short reversely curved slot portions at the ends of the base portion which join outer end slot portions which fold the opposite longitudinal edge portions of the web toward each other. The outermost of the plates having large aligned apertures whose margins fall along the outer margins of the slot. The plate between the outermost plates has a tongue with margins which fall along the inner margin of the slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 9, 1995
    Assignee: Newell Operating Company
    Inventors: Bryan K. Ruggles, Cary L. Ruggles
  • Patent number: 5321464
    Abstract: Tractor drives of a high speed printer move a length of continuous-form paper longitudinally up from a box of fanfold stacked paper, through a print mechanism, across paper directing means, and downward to refold onto a fanfold stack. A misfold detector is positioned at the paper directing means to sense the jumble of paper caused by misfolding prior to jamming of paper movement through the tractor drive to prevent damage to the paper, complex restarting procedures, or data loss.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 14, 1994
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Robert F. Jessen, Christopher A. Mertens, Nathan J. Olsen, Robert J. Telfer
  • Patent number: 5303909
    Abstract: A paper web guide assembly utilizes a plurality of longitudinal formers that are arranged in three levels. The formers in the upper level receive a web from a first six plate width press while the formers in the intermediate and lower levels receive web segments from a second six plate width press. The formed ribbons can be directed over a plurality of paths of travel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 19, 1994
    Assignee: Koenig & Bauer Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Edgar Maylaender
  • Patent number: 5242521
    Abstract: A method of making an improved fragrance-releasing sampler designed to prevent individuals from being unknowingly or involuntarily exposed to the fragrance. Preferably, the steps of the method are performed on a continuous moving web of material by in-line finishing equipment associated with a web offset printing press. The method includes applying slurry of adhesive and fragrance-containing microcapsules to a location on a moving web of material; longitudinally folding a margin of said moving web of material onto said slurry, or positioning a second web of material onto the location of said slurry; partially cutting around said slurry to define a removable element; and transversely severing the continuous moving web of material into individual fragrance-releasing samplers having a removable element carrying a fragrance which can be activated by separating said removable element from said sampler and spreading the thicknesses of the removable element apart.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1993
    Assignee: The Lehigh Press, Inc.
    Inventors: Susan Hibsch, Sharon Rubar
  • Patent number: 5230501
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for forming an insert assembly on a printing press includes at least one processing mechanism for delivering at least one first ribbon defining an insert and at least one second ribbon defining at least a binding hanger, and a fastening arrangement for joining the first ribbon and the second ribbon to facilitate attachment of the insert to at least one signature during a perfect binding or saddle stitching operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1993
    Assignee: Quad/Tech, Inc.
    Inventor: James P. Melton