Abstract: A method and apparatus that makes provision for the length of a transverse edge of a laundry item to be spread out to be determined upstream of the spreading device. It is thereby possible to determine the length of the transverse edge for each individual laundry item before the laundry item is situated in the spreading device. For this purpose, the length of the laundry item is determined in the region of corner locators provided upstream of the spreading device, and the width of the laundry item, which corresponds to the length of the transverse edge, is derived therefrom. The length dimension of the transverse edge thus determined upstream of the spreading device is then used to move apart the spreading clamps of the spreading device in a targeted and controlled manner in order to spread out the transverse edge in as gentle a manner as possible.

Abstract: A method and apparatus that makes provision for a length of a transverse edge of a laundry item to be spread out to be measured upstream of a spreading device, to be precise preferably from above. It is thereby possible to individually determine the length of the transverse edge for each individual laundry item before the laundry item is situated in the spreading device. The length dimension of the transverse edge determined upstream of the spreading device can then be used to move apart the spreading clamps of the spreading device in a targeted and controlled manner in order to spread out the transverse edge in as gentle a manner as possible.

Abstract: Articles of laundry, such as towels, of different sizes are sorted. The articles are clamped from a jumble. The clamp moves upward for sensing a size. For sorting, different size articles are blown to different tracks, such as different conveyors. The articles, resting on the conveyors, are conveyed to different exits for the different sizes.

Abstract: A document conveying apparatus includes a light source, a disk including a plurality of slits spaced apart with a predetermined interval in a rotation direction of the disk, which rotates in the rotation direction with a rotation speed as a document is conveyed, a light reception element provided at a position facing the light source with the disk interposed therebetween, a first signal generator for generating a first signal in accordance with light received by the light reception element, a second signal generator for generating a second signal obtained by removing, from the first signal, a noise component according to the rotation speed of the disk, and a controller for determining whether a document is conveyed by comparing the second signal with a predetermined threshold value.

Abstract: A cloth piece folding device includes a conveyor (12) to transfer a cloth piece (Y), a bending unit (32) to fold the cloth piece (Y), and a controller (50) to control operation of the bending unit (32). The bending unit (32) includes a bending plate (32a) and an actuator (32d) to make the bending plate (32a) move forward and backward. The actuator (32d) is capable of controlling an operating speed. The controller (50) adjusts a driving speed of the bending plate (32a) by controlling an operating speed of the actuator (32d) depending on a transfer speed of the conveyor (12). The driving speed of the bending plate (32a) is adjusted by the controller (50). This synchronizes the transfer speed of the conveyor (12) and the driving speed of the bending plate (32a) with each other.

Abstract: Systems and methods for folding a stack of substrate sheets are provided. The system may include a roller assembly and a positioning mechanism. The roller assembly is configured for folding the stack of substrate sheets and the positioning mechanism is configured to position the substrate or stack for entry into the roller assembly. The positioning mechanism includes an upper curved form and a lower curved form to guide the stack of substrate sheets into a curved position for folding. The positioning mechanism further includes a folding blade positioned to extend through the gap between the upper and lower curved forms. The roller assembly can move the folded stack of substrate sheets in at least two directions.

Abstract: A bag machine, and method of making bags, has a sealing station a perforating station, and a downstream seal and perforation inspection station, or a perforation detection station and/or a seal inspection station is disclosed. Control of the perforating and sealing stations is preferably closed loop. The seal and perforation inspection station preferably includes a perforation detector that triggers a vision system and/or a camera, and the film is illuminated. Preferably, the inspection station is enclosed in an opaque housing, or the ambient light is otherwise blocked. The seal and perforation inspection station preferably provides an image output a display visible to a user. The vision system preferably includes a perforation location module and/or determines the distance between the seal and perforation. A downstream processing station can be provided, and can have a detected fault input, connected to a fault detect output from the seal and perforation inspection station.

Abstract: The invention provides a system for sensing a cigarette filter, comprising: a plurality of rotary conveyance drums (12) delivering a first cigarette filter and second cigarette filters into which the first cigarette filter is divided by a cutter; two sensors (18) disposed adjacent to the rotary conveyance drum (12) to detect the second cigarette filters; an opto coupler connected to the two sensors (18) and operated by AND logic; a HIP connected to the opto coupler, it controlling a device of supplying cigarette filters to reject a cigarette having defects; and, a PLC connected with the HIP, it controlling the device of supplying cigarette filters, wherein the two sensors (18) detect active charcoal filters located at both ends of the second cigarette filters, the HIP controls the device such that the cigarette having defects are rejected when signals sensed by the sensors (18) are different from signals sensed from the normal active charcoal filter, the PLC controls the operation and stop of the device by pe

Abstract: An inclined position of a product, leaving a nip between two folding rollers of a longitudinal folding machine, is corrected. The product is pressed into the nip between the rollers by a folding blade that can be moved up and down relative to a folding table. The product thus leaves the nip between the rollers and is transported in a direction of transport. The time of passage of a leading or a trailing edge of a product is detected at two measurement points which are spaced apart from each other and which are arranged transversely to the direction of transport of the product to be folded. Based on the times of passage that are detected by the two measurement points, and on commutation and/or data processing techniques, a deviation between a time offset detected during the passage of the corresponding product edge at the two measurement points, and a nominal time offset, is determined and analyzed.

Abstract: A method of determining a total amount of stock material passing through a cushioning conversion machine over a period of time during which a plurality of three-dimensional cushioning products are made. The method includes the acts of providing a sheet stock material; converting the sheet stock material into a plurality of the three-dimensional cushioning products with the cushioning conversion machine during the period of time; monitoring the passage of stock material through the cushioning conversion machine during the period of time; storing in a computer memory information regarding the total amount of stock material that passed through the cushioning conversion machine during the period of time; and retrieving the stored information, the retrieved stored information providing an indication of the total amount of stock material that passed through the cushioning conversion machine during the period of time.

Abstract: A process for assembling wave-cut trash bags for overlapping dispensing includes the steps of providing a flattened blown-film polymeric tube; providing sets of closely spaced, parallel seals extending across the entire width of the flattened blown-film polymeric tube at periodic intervals there along; providing a transversely extending line of perforations between the seals comprising each set of closely spaced, parallel seals; and providing a wave shaped line of perforations extending transversely across the entire width of the flattened blown-film polymeric tube at a location equidistance between adjacent closely spaced, parallel sets of seals. The flattened blown-film polymeric tube is separated along each transversely extending line of perforations and along each wave shaped line of perforations after which the leading end of each following trash bag is positioned in an overlapping relationship with the trailing end of the preceding trash bag to facilitate overlapping dispensing.

Abstract: A device for manufacturing packing bags from two packaging films, comprising two transport rollers, each of which pulls a film from a respective feed roll. The two films have marks printed on them at regular intervals. The transport rollers are pressed against corresponding idler rollers which between them preferably form a feed gap for the films. Downstream of the two transport rollers, there is at least one first buffer taking up slack in the assemblage of the two films or accommodating the lengths of the two films to match each other. The device can be used to synchronize two films that are printed with a regular pattern so that the patterns match.

Abstract: A device for controlling at least one cut in an inner liner for a group of cigarettes in a cigarette packaging machine comprises at least one optical detector consisting of a light source and a sensor.

Abstract: A folder for processing a stream of printed signatures from a printing press and related method. The signatures have a desired path with a path edge and each signature has a lead and trail edge. The folder comprises a plurality of sensor sets, each sensor set for determining if the lead and/or trail edge of the signature deviates from the path edge by more than a certain tolerance.

Abstract: A tabber apparatus includes a frame, a friction drive roller rotatably and operatively connected to the frame, and a take-up spool rotatably and operatively connected to the frame and operatively connected to the friction drive roller to allow backing paper which is wrapped about a portion of the friction drive roller to be taken up into the take-up spool. The tabber further includes a slick tab drive roller to provide proper placement of the tab on the media, a tab brake including a roller positionable between a first and second position to rotate a tab reel spindle, and a tab and media sensor operatively connected to a microcontroller to activate and deactivate a tab dispensing motor. Moreover, the tabber apparatus further includes removable upper shafts which are retained by spring-loaded retaining members which fit into grooves on the shafts.

Abstract: An apparatus for the processing and segmenting of a cover-forming laminate web or sheeting structure which is adapted to interconnect a plurality of containers, such as the base members of blister packages each of which is designed to contain a hydrophilic contact lens in a sterile aqueous solution. More specifically disclosed is an apparatus for the imprinting, perforating, slitting and cutting the laminated web structure such that the severed laminate segments constitute printed covering label for an array of such containers, and whereby the laminated web or sheeting segment may be severed along weakening or perforation lines so as to provide a separable packaging arrangement for individual of the containers which are subsequently adhered thereto.

Abstract: A cushioning conversion machine located below a work table includes a stock supply assembly, a conversion assembly for converting the stock material into a cushioning product and providing it through a machine exit, and a pad transferring system including an upper series of rollers arranged in a path, a lower series of rollers arranged in a path and a motor for powering the rotation of the drive elements, the upper and the lower series of rollers defining a path therebetween leading from the machine exit to a passage in the work table.

Abstract: A cushioning conversion network includes a supervisory controller linked to a plurality of cushioning conversion machines which convert sheet-like stock material into a dunnage product, each machine including a controller for controlling the operation of the machine in accordance with instructions received from the supervisory controller.

Abstract: A series of overlapping envelope blanks are fed into contact with a pull-out roll which engages and accelerates the first blank to separate it from the remaining blanks. From the pull-out roll, the separated blank is fed onto the surface of a rotary aligning wheel. A plurality of aligning pins extend from the surface of the wheel and are positioned in spaced relation around the wheel. The separated blank is fed into contact with the aligning pins forcing the blank with its trailing edge engaged with the pull-out segment to maintain the separated blank aligned on the surface of the wheel. Vacuum ports are positioned on the surface of the wheel adjacent to the aligning pins. The negative pressure from the vacuum ports secures the sheet to the surface of the wheel as the sheet is aligned into a preselected position on the wheel by contact with the pins.

Abstract: A folding apparatus for folding a plurality of sheets of multiple lengths such as mail statements, which includes a plurality of folder rollers, one or more folder gates, and a kicking plate associated with one of the folder gates. An input transport system provides statements to the folder rollers, and an exit transport system receives folded statements therefrom. A system controller monitors movement of statements through the folder rollers and folder gates of the apparatus by a plurality of sensors, and directs operation of the kicker gate at the appropriate time to push or eject the folded statements from the folder rollers. The action of the kicker plate prevents undesirable folding of the tips of shorter sheets in the statement while folding the longer sheet or sheets of the statement.

Abstract: A four-armed pour spout fitment applicator adaptable to rotating two of the arms into open-topped cartons and applying flanged pour spout fitments outwardly through openings in a pair of adjacent carton top panels, while the other two arms are adapted to substantially receive two additional fitments transferred thereto by two air cylinders. External ultrasonic sealers have horns serving to engage the outer panel surfaces to seal the flanges of the fitments to the inner surfaces of the top panels around the openings.

Abstract: A cushioning conversion system includes a cushioning conversion machine which converts stock paper into a plurality of cut pads, and a conveyor system positioned to receive pads produced by the cushioning conversion machine and including a conveyor which conveys the pads away from the machine and at least one moveable gate having an open position allowing a pad to pass therethrough and a closed position for stopping progress of a pad along the conveyor when there is insufficient space on the conveyor downstream of the gate to permit a pad to progress substantially through the gate.

Abstract: A device for feeding stock sheets is provided with a hopper for storing carton blanks as stock sheets in an upright posture, a delivery roller for delivering the carton blanks in the hopper toward a hopper outlet, an auxiliary roller located between the delivery roller and the hopper outlet to deliver the carton blanks toward the hopper outlet, a plurality of gap sensors used to detect gaps between the carton blanks situated between the delivery roller and the auxiliary roller and to control the delivery roller in rotation, and an arrival sensor used to detect a gap between the hopper outlet and the leading stock sheet and to control the auxiliary roller in rotation.

Abstract: For manufacturing cross bottom valve sacks, the ends of continuously transported tubular sections are opened out with the formation of so-called "bottom squares" with triangular corner folds lying opposite each other. A valve leaf or a valve tube is tacked onto one side of an opened-out bottom square in such a way that, after the side folds of the opened-out bottom have been folded-in with a mutual overlap, the leaf forms a valve tube leading into the inside of the sack, and with its outer end freely accessible at one side of the sack bottom. For checking the correct position of the valve leaves or of the valve tube, the valve leaf or the valve tube, or the zone of the corner fold, covered thereby when the leaf is tacked in its correct position, is provided with a mark that can be registered by a photocell device fixed to the frame. The photocell device is activated by a reference pulse when, in the manufacturing installation, the sack bottom has reached its predetermined position to be checked.

Abstract: A folding device includes one folding station in which a sheet can be folded zig-zag consecutively along a first dimension and in a second direction at right angles to said first dimensions. A control device automatically sets the folding device to a first folding program intended for folding an unfolded sheet, or a second folding program intended for folding a sheet already folded in one direction.

Abstract: An apparatus for the processing and segmenting of a cover-forming laminate web or sheeting structure which is adapted to interconnect a plurality of containers, such as the base members of blister packages each of which is designed to contain a hydrophilic contact lens in a sterile aqueous solution. More specifically disclosed is an apparatus for the imprinting, perforating, slitting and cutting the laminated web structure such that the severed laminate segments constitute printed covering label for an array of such containers, and whereby the laminated web or sheeting segment may be severed along weakening or perforation lines so as to provide a separable packaging arrangement for individual of the containers which are subsequently adhered thereto.

Abstract: A phase control system for a fan blade assembly of a folder is provided which includes a fan blade assembly, a folded product transport assembly, and a control system. The fan blade assembly includes a first and second rotating fan blade assembly. The first rotating fan blade assembly has a plurality of first fan blades and has a first circumference. The second rotating fan blade assembly includes a plurality of second fan blades and has a second circumference. A product receiving area is defined at an intersection of the first and second circumferences such that only one of the first and second fan blades can occupy the product receiving area at any instant. The folded product transport assembly is provided for delivering folded products to the product receiving area. The control system includes a first sensor, a second sensor, and a fan blade assembly motor actuator.

Abstract: An applicator and accompanying feed mechanism attaches spouts and other fitments to paperboard cartons and the like in automated packaging equipment. The applicator features a rotatable and translatable anvil having a plurality of radially extending lobes. A mandrel or other engagement mechanism on each lobe engages and holds spouts for attachment to a container. The anvil inserts a spout into a container hole, and an ultrasonic sealer ultrasonically vibrates the carton wall against the anvil to weld the spout to the carton.

Abstract: The present invention features a high-speed registration system for the manufacture of plastic bags. The system has a registration apparatus that senses the leading and trailing edge of each sinusoidally-shaped tie pattern from a continuous web. Each sinusoidally-shaped tie is associated with an individual bag entity and, therefore, represents a midway point for each bag to be cut from the continuous web. The leading and trailing edge of each sinusoidally-shaped tie, therefore, is used to determine the center line of each bag. A plurality of center line determinations are averaged upstream of the sizing apparatus.

Abstract: In an apparatus for making plastic bags or the like from a continuous film of material comprising a sealing drum having at least one seal bar for imparting transverse seals to the film at regularly spaced intervals and a perforator having a rotatable perforator blade for imparting transverse perforations to the film at regularly spaced intervals, an apparatus and method are disclosed for tracking the positions of each seal and each perforation and comparing the difference between these positions to a desired difference and thereafter adjusting the rate of rotation of the perforator blade until the difference between the positions of each seal and each perforation is equal to the desired difference to thereby maintain a desired spacing between each seal and each perforation.

Abstract: The blanks (1) are withdrawn one after another from a storage part (20) by transfer means (21) and are disposed on the cylindrical support surface of a drum (3) driven rotatingly by portions of a revolution. Various processing operations are performed on the blanks either while the drum is rotating or while it is stopped, e.g., folding a flap (16), gluing this flap to a surface portion (15) of the blank, or printing a code (17) on part of the blank. The presence, correct positioning, and proper alignment of the blank on the drum are checked before the aforementioned operations are carried out. After they have been effected, the blank is withdrawn from the drum to be sent on to a packaging machine. The processing apparatus and method can be utilized on a line for processing boxes or the like, particularly cigarette boxes, just before they are assembled to receive their contents.

Abstract: A bonded unitized envelope stack, manufacturing apparatus, and manufacturing method are provided in which envelopes in a stack are inter-connected by application of two spots of adhesive on the front panel of each envelope to engage the lower panel of the next above envelope. In one embodiment of the present invention, a conventional folding machine including a seal folder flap trap is modified to enable the application of the two spots of adhesive on the front panel of each envelope, and to produce bonded envelope stacks having a given fixed quantity of envelopes. When an envelope enters the seal folder flap trap, a photocell detects and triggers one counter of a dual counter system. A first counter increments each time an envelope enters the trap, until a count termed "preset 1" is reached. When "preset 1" is reached by the first counter, the glue applicator is deactivated. A second counter is then incremented.

Abstract: A chopper folding machine including a chopper blade and a conveyor belt driven synchronously by a drive system for a folding apparatus put in juxtaposition with a printing machine, and a timing adjusting device provided in a drive system for at least one of the chopper blade and the conveyor belt for adjusting the timing of chopper folding. Thus, the timing of the conveyance of a signature, to be folded, by the conveyor belt and that of vertical movement of the chopper blade are adjusted.

Abstract: A plotter (1) provides, in accordance with command inputs, drawings on a web (2) of predetermined width; the drawings may have different sizes or formats, and are provided by the plotter for optimal distribution of the sheets across the width (B) of the web. These drawings are placed on the web in groups, and the web is then cut longitudinally as well as transversely to provide the individual sheets which are fed on a separating table. The separating table is provided with longitudinal and transverse feeding systems (6, 56, 14, 24, 61, 63, 15, 15'), and with electric eyes or opto-electric gates (10-13) which, selectively, control longitudinal and transverse feeding apparatus to move the sheets against a reference or alignment rail (25) from where they are then fed sequentially, individually, to a folding apparatus (5). The systems permits automatic cutting and folding of drawing sheets, for example, from a web in accordance with the formats of the sheets, which are known from the plotter program.

Abstract: A system and method for creasing continuous web at predetermined locations. A continuous web material is biased in the first direction. The web is then pinched in a second direction. This pinching is accomplished by drawing a bend in the web into the pinching element, and, following the pinching, the web including a crease is driven out of the pinching element. This section of web containing a crease is then output from the system. A second pinching may also be performed subsequent to the first pinching. This second pinching would occur on the opposite face of the web at a further point along the web. This would result in a zig-zag pattern of creases.

Abstract: A bag machine includes a programmed logic controller intermittently actuating a web feed draw roll motor for controlled web feed during the inoperative period of a cycled seal bar. The controller has separate inputs for the seal bar periods and a web length and establishes a control program of a preferred motion profile, with acceleration and deceleration of the fixed rolls to match the bag length to the available time using the total time available, with acceleration to a maximum and deceleration to reference, with or without a constant speed period. The bag length and time is monitored each machine cycle to calculate the next motion profile and permit changes in the bag length without machine shut-down. A programmed registered mode of control responds to a web mark spacing relative to the seal bar. In the registered mode, a photoscanner detects the mark during a constant speed web feed period prior to the end of the available time and actuates the web feed accordingly.

Abstract: Apparatus and metyod for making a gatefold in a central portion of a sheet along a gatefold line. The apparatus includes a fold pan (30) for receiving a sheet with a first outer leaf folded, and for folding a second outer leaf of the sheet inwardly toward a central portion as the sheet passes between associated rolls (20, 22). A gatefold pan (32) receives the sheet from between the rolls (20, 22). The gatefold pan (32) includes a deflector (62). The deflector (62) is movable, under control of actuators (64, 68), from a retracted position to an extended position into a path of travel of the sheet from the fold pan (30) to the gatefold pan (32). In its extended position, the deflector (62) serves to deflect the first outer leaf of the sheet toward the central portion of the sheet. Sensors (82, 84) are provided in the respective fold pans (30, 32) and are connected to actuator control means.

Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing air-cushion dispatch packages, the apparatus comprising an unwinding mechanism for paper webs and air-cushion foil webs. The apparatus introduces air-cushion foil webs between the paper webs and seals each paper web to a foil web over a large area. Transverse and longitudinal sealers seal the edges of the packages. After each sealing operation, the webs are subsequently cooled. Pulling rollers press the paper webs in the edge regions of the packages and advance the webs. Cutters cut the dispatch packages to the desired format. Web controllers correct deviation of the paper webs. A cycle controller is included.

Abstract: An improved easy open can end having a retained tear strip extending diametrically partly across the can end defined by a score line, and a graspable pull tab adjacent and outside the open end of the score line. The pull tab is attached to the can end by means of a rivet, the can end around the base of the rivet being deformed so as to slightly tilt the rivet toward the finger end of the pull tab. Accordingly, initial lifting of the pull tab is fully directed to the initial fracture of the score line immediately in front of the rivet, thereby ensuring desirable venting action of internal pressure and allowing opening of the can end with less effort.

Abstract: Apparatus for making a gatefold in a central portion of a sheet along a gatefold line where the sheet has first and second outer leaves folded inwardly toward the central portion along first and second parallel fold lines, respectively, include a fold pan for receiving the sheet with the first outer leaf folded. The fold pan has upper and lower plate elements and a stop member therebetween. First and second rolls are positioned to engage the sheet upon movement of the central portion and the first outer leaf of the sheet into the fold pan, thereby folding the second outer leaf of the sheet inwardly toward the central portion at the second parallel fold line as the sheet passes between the second roll and a third roll. A gatefold pan receives the sheet from between the second and third rolls with the second outer leaf folded. The gatefold pan includes upper and lower plate elements and a stop member therebetween.

Abstract: A collator control system capable of stack, collect and collate operations, which automatically finds an appropriate set of empty bins for the desired mode of operation and provides indications of when the bins have been filled. The system operates on sheets of paper, some of which may be unfolded and others of which may be folded one or more times.

Abstract: A machine for forming cardboard boxes of the double-plinth type provides for the supply to the machine of flat punched sheets, already partially glued, intended to constitute the bottom, the side walls and the hinged lid with a first attached plinth of the box, in parallel with the supply of auxiliary punched sheets for defining, after gluing to the bottom of the box, the second plinth of the box itself. The machine forms the box and automatically glues the auxiliary punched sheets to the box itself.

Abstract: A folder suitable for automatically folding successive sheets of paper, such as engineering drawings, by conveying them into a folder pocket to various distances depending upon where the fold is to be formed. To arrest the sheet at the proper position in the pocket, a photosensor senses when the leading edge of the sheet has reached a reference position in the pocket and, when the sheet has advanced further to the desired position, a solenoid-operated clamp is actuated to move transversely into the pocket and clamp the sheet momentarily in the desired position while the fold is being made. The amount by which the sheet advances beyond the reference position is controlled by producing an electrical pulse each time the sheet conveyor moves a predetermined amount, and counting these pulses to cause the clamp to be actuated when a count corresponding to the desired fold position has been accumulated.

Abstract: A tube transfer system wherein a hand of tubes is delivered to ender devices in any of four orientations, the system including a by-pass section for receiving hands when the ender devices are unable to accept tubes. The by-pass section is reversed to deliver by-passed hands to the ender devices when newly formed hands are not delivered to the system.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for serially and automatically folding and gluing container body blanks, with optional lamination of a liner to the body blank prior to folding and gluing thereof. The apparatus includes a blank conveyor arrangement which intermittently advances a body blank along a horizontal straight-line work path through the apparatus. Arrangements are provided for applying adhesive to a flap portion of the body blank, folding the body blank about spaced parallel score lines thereof, and applying pressure to the blank to form a so-called manufacturer's joint at the flap portion. The present apparatus further includes an arrangement for advancing an inner liner into the apparatus in a direction transverse of the body blank work path, with an arrangement provided for maintaining the liner in a horizontally fixed stopped position above the blank work path, and for subsequently lowering the liner into superposition on a container body blank prior to folding and gluing of the blank.

Abstract: A folding machine having a horizontally elongated input plate with front and rear horizontal edges, a mechanism including input wheels disposed at the rear edge, the mechanism having a first position at which the wheels are disposed above the plate and a second position at which the wheels are lowered to said plate, a horizontally elongated roller rotatable about its own axis and disposed at the rear edge, the wheels being engaged with the roller when the mechanism is in the second position and a motor for rotating the roller. The machine also includes first and second spaced apart photoelectric circuits, each circuit producing a vertical light beam, which, when not interrupted, passes the rear edge, said beams defining a vertical plane, as well as a third photoelectric circuit producing a horizontal light beam which, when not interrupted, passes horizontally along the rear edge parallel to said plane.

Abstract: In a counter stacker for stacking and dividing every predetermined number of printed copies including a counter disposed on a first path of convey along which said copies are successively conveyed partially superimposed one on the other at a constant pitch of superimposing, a first dividing plate disposed on said path and adapted to be inserted between said copies, the above mentioned system has an odd copies dividing and delivering mechanism including a second dividing plate located at the same position with the first dividing plate or at least at a downstream side position of the first dividing plate and a second path only for odd copies and shunting from said first path at said second dividing plate.

Abstract: A laundry folding machine for imparting initial folds to an article is disclosed. The article is fed from a first conveyor to a second conveyor across a fold gap which is bridged at this time. The second conveyor pauses and then reverses, a suspended loop being thus formed in the article beneath the fold gap. Finally, the hanging article is tucked into a fold mechanism at the quarter and three-quarter position, thereby folding the article into quarters.