Abstract: A machine for pulling paper off of a roll and crumpling the paper increasing the surface area and bulk of the compressible crumpled paper. The crumpled paper is used as packing material, cushioning packaged parts and filling package voids.

Abstract: Method and system for making custom-sized open packaging boxes from cardboard having a width WCBB and corresponding separate closing lids from cardboard having a width WCBL, the cardboard being continuously supplied to a system comprising structure for cutting, creasing and folding the cardboard to form custom-sized boxes and corresponding lids such that each box comprises a rectangular bottom panel having four edges, a first and a second rectangular end panel joined via respective crease lines to opposite edges of said bottom panel, a first and a second rectangular side panel joined via respective crease lines to opposite edges of said bottom panel, two first and two second rectangular corner panels, the first corner panels joined via respective crease lines to opposite edges of the first end panel, and the second corner panels joined via respective crease lines to opposite edges of the second end panel, each lid comprises a rectangular top panel having four edges, a first and a second rectangular end panel

Abstract: A register (20; 60) for a processing machine (1) for processing plate-like elements (10) includes a gripping element (21; 22) for placing the plate-like elements (10) in a gripper bar (31) of a conveyor (30) of a processing machine (1) conveying the plate-like elements (10) in a longitudinal direction, an actuator module (201, 202) to drive the gripping element (21; 22), at least one front correction sensor module (7) configured to measure the front position of register marks (12a) printed on a front section of the plate-like element (10) grasped by the gripping element (21; 22).

Abstract: Machine for cutting cardboard tubes, including a cutting unit (CU) with a carriage (7) on which is mounted a blade (6) and a support element (4, 5, 8) for supporting a cardboard tube (1) intended to be transversely cut by the blade (6). The support element (4,5,8) allows the tube (1) to slide along a predetermined direction (A) parallel to its axis longitudinal (x) and to rotate about the same axis, and the carriage (7) is adapted to move bidirectionally the blade (6) parallel to the longitudinal axis (x) of the tube (1). The support element (4,5,8) has, where the cutting unit (CU) is arranged, apart (5) movable from and towards the blade (6) to maintain the tube (1) spaced from the latter and, respectively, for approaching the tube to the same blade (6) during a cutting phase.

Abstract: A system for applying a material to a substrate comprising: a feed section that comprises a feed roll and configured for advancing a material along a predetermined path; a material applicator roll configured to receive the material from the feed roll and apply a cut length of material to a substrate; a knife element located between the feed section and the material applicator roll; and a non-vacuum anvil roll positioned near the knife element, wherein the knife element and the non-vacuum anvil roll are positioned along the path of the material and engage the material to cut the material into the cut length of material for applying to the substrate, and wherein the material contacts the peripheral surface of the non-vacuum anvil roll only at a cut engagement point.

Abstract: A sheet processing apparatus according to the embodiment has an inspection section to inspect a sheet, a cutting section to cut a sheet in accordance with a result of the inspection by the inspection section, a shape sensor arranged between the inspection section and the cutting section, to detect a shape of the sheet which has entered the cutting section, and a detecting section to detect the number of the sheets which have entered the cutting section, based on the shape of the sheet detected by the shape sensor.

Abstract: A carton sizing system (1) that has a frame (2), a controller (4), one or more cutters (51) movably mounted to the frame (2) and operatively connected to the controller (4), one or more markers (61) movably mounted to the frame (2) and operatively connected to the controller (4). The carton sizing system (1) also has a measuring means (7) that is operatively connected to the controller (4) and configured to determine, in use, the footprint of an open top carton and to determine the height of one or more objects contained within the carton. The controller (4) is configured to position the one or more cutters (51) based on the determined footprint and to cut vertical edges of the carton based on the determined height and also to position the one or more markers (61) based on the determined footprint and height and to score or crease vertical walls of the carton between the vertical edges to at least partially define foldable panels.

Abstract: A bag making machine and method automatically produces bags upon demand by feeding, sealing and cutting a tubular film. The bag is fully released upon formation to allow the formed bag to be freely removed from the machine.

Abstract: A method and a system for controlling the relative position between a printed pattern and a non-printed pattern, such as for example a pattern of creasing lines or holes, on a running web-shaped material, involves providing the material web with at least one impressed indentation mark with a three-dimensional topographic configuration, at a pre-determined distance from a printed register mark and detecting the marks with a same sensor control system. The controlling method and system is used for the manufacturing of a laminated packaging material, having a printed décor and creased folding lines in register.

Abstract: A personalized package creation system uses an imaging device to capture an image of a barcode. An image capture module decodes the barcode to retrieve data, such as package dimension data and one or more package structural parameters. Based on the package dimensions and the structural parameter, a processing device defines a set of cutting instructions. An automated package generation device applies the cutting instructions and uses a cutting device to creating a package.

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: A method and apparatus for performing an order change in a corrugator uses a minimum slit head configuration with all slit heads carried on two sides of a single tool support structure. A single robot is operable on the support structure to independently reset the positions of slit heads during a running order to prepare for subsequent order change in a most efficient manner, utilizing order scheduling that eliminates order changes that cannot be formed with the minimum slit head configuration.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for making bags is disclosed. It includes receiving a film and imparting a plurality of successive seals to the film to form bags. The location of the imparted seals is determined by monitoring at least two sensors. A plurality of perforations are imparted to the film at locations relative to a corresponding seal in response to the determination. The position of a perforator such as rotary position, of a knife may be controlled in response to determining the location. The seals may be formed by a rotary drum, and the perforation by a rotary knife. The sensors may be at the same or different cross machine direction and/or machine direction locations. Startup may include adjusting and recording the position of a prior perforation relative to a prior corresponding seal, and using that recording as a base relative location in another embodiment.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a apparatus for performing operations, in particular cutting, embossing, creasing, folding and/or sealing, on a moving web provided with a series of identical images, which apparatus comprises a sensor for at least partially detecting the images on the web, and a processing unit which, dependent on a comparison of the data obtained with the sensor and a reference, generates an output signal to be used for one or more of the said operations. The processing unit comprises a memory and is arranged to select at least part of the detected data, store the selected data in the memory, and utilize the selected data as the reference. The invention further pertains to module for performing operations on a moving web and method of generating an output signal.

Abstract: A device for processing a flat material web including a sensor for detecting processing marks of the material web is provided. A control unit assigns a first location information to each detected processing mark. Furthermore, the control unit and a processing unit assign a second location information to the time of processing of the processing mark. Both pieces of location information are calculated together by the control unit to determine a correcting value. A processing position of the material web is corrected by the correcting value.

Abstract: A system and method for making bags in a continuous in-line process includes a central processing unit and a camera oriented to take an image of a bag based on a triggering signal. The camera provides an image to the central processing unit. The central processing unit is programmed to process the image and calculate a timing signal based on the image. A cylindrical rotatable drum having at least one seal bar provides a triggering signal to the central processing unit, to trigger when the camera should take the image. A perforation knife is controlled by a servo drive. The perforation knife is downstream of the drum. The servo drive receives the timing signal for activating the perforation knife from the central processing unit. The CPU uses the image and based on the distance between the seal region and the perforated line, counts pixels to result in an actual pixel count. The CPU then calculates a pixel count error by subtracting the actual pixel count from a predetermined pixel count setpoint.

Abstract: In the production of packs with outer wrappers which have a tear-open strip (12), the latter of continuous material strips (18), for the purpose of severing the tear-open strips (12), are provided with printing, markings (24), etc. Moreover, the film webs (13) from which the outer wrappers are made also are preferably provided with markings, printing or printed marks (25). Sensing elements help to detect the relative positions of the tear-open strip (12) and the film webs (13) on account of the printing and the drive of the film web (13) and/or of the material strip (18) is controlled accordingly.

Abstract: Known folded box gluing machines for producing folded boxes (1) from blanks comprise—a folding station (3), in which the parts of blanks provided with an adhesive strip are folded,—an adjoining transfer station (5) which is configured as a transport device and has at least two conveyer belt pairs, each consisting of an upper and a lower belt (7, 8) and a device for ejecting defective boxes (11) and—a collection and pressing device (6), in which the flat folded boxes are pressed together, in order for the adhesive to bind.

Abstract: A rotating cutting cylinder and an opposing member, wherein the cutting cylinder is fitted with a plurality of blade segments distributed along the length of the cutting cylinder and connected to one or more actuators for producing a movement of selective extension and retraction of said blade segments with respect to said cutting cylinder.

Abstract: A rail assembly is provided for supporting a blanking tool insert on an outer frame for a lower blanking tool of a die cutting machine. The rail assembly includes an elongated insert receiving structure for receiving a portion of the blanking tool insert. A plate member is interconnected to the outer frame and a clamping structure is operatively connected to the plate member. The clamping structure is movable between a clamping position for rigidly retaining a portion of the insert receiving structure against the plate member and a release position.

Abstract: A rotating cutting cylinder and an opposing member, wherein the cutting cylinder is fitted with a plurality of blade segments distributed along the length of the cutting cylinder and connected to one or more actuators for producing a movement of selective extension and retraction of said blade segments with respect to said cutting cylinder.

Abstract: The labels present a central portion (13) provided with at least one brand name, and two opposing lateral tails (11b) folded against the rear face. The method consists of advancing a continuous fabric tape (10) consisting of a succession of label portions (11n) joined together, and cyclically halting the tape (10) in such a manner that its front end becomes disposed in a cutting and folding station (30) where it undergoes separation of each label portion (11n) from the front end of the tape (10) and folding of the two opposing tails (11b) of the label along two fixed folding planes (B1 and B2).

Abstract: There is provided a paper cutting apparatus for a folder, the folder for a web rotary press being provided with a forming roller pair and at least one nipping roller pair on a downstream side of the forming roller pair in a paper passage between a former and a folding cylinder group, and provided with a paper jam detector S for detecting an occurrence of a paper jam at least in the folding cylinder group, including a first cutter A provided so as to be capable of cutting a paper 1 running between the forming roller pair under the former and a nipping roller pair just on the downstream side of the forming roller pair; a second cutter B provided so as to be capable of cutting the paper running between the folding cylinder group and the nipping roller pair just on the upstream side of the folding cylinder group; and control unit D which receives a paper jam signal generated from the paper jam detector S and sends a cutting signal to the first cutter A and the second cutter B.

Abstract: A method, which is implemented via software on a computer, configures punches to be used on a web or sheet handling machine. The method includes: determining a queue of jobs to be processed on the machine; gathering setup information for each job; defining a punch configuration for each job; establishing punch sharing between jobs; and generating one or more punch configuration files for each job. The method can be transferred to a computerized controller via a computer-readable medium containing punch configuration code.

Abstract: The apparatus for cutting a weblike material (N) fed continuously along a path (P) through said apparatus comprises a rotating cutting cylinder (101) and an opposing member (105), these being arranged on opposite sides of said path (P). On the cutting cylinder are a plurality of blade segments (111) distributed along the length of the cutting cylinder and connected to actuators (119, 121) for producing a movement of selective extension and retraction of the blade segments (111) with respect to the cutting cylinder (101).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a “poly” bag machine and, more particularly, to mechanisms for operating the seal bar component of such machines. The machine according to the invention includes a mechanism for reciprocatingly raising and lowering the sealing bar in which the movement and position of the sealing bar are controlled by the drive shaft and are selectively adjustable by one or two separate servo-drives. A main link is coupled to a seal bar drive shaft for movement in direct response to its rotation. A second link is movably coupled to the main link. A servo-drive system including a servo motor or servo valve is coupled to the second link for adjusting the position of the second link with respect to the main link while the main link is moving in response to the rotation of the drive shaft.

Abstract: In the production of packs with outer wrappers which have a tear-open strip (12), the latter or continuous material strips (18), for the purpose of severing the tear-open strips (12), are provided with printing, markings (24), etc. Moreover, the film webs (13) are preferably provided with markings, printing or printed marks (25). Sensing elements help to detect the relative positions on account of said printing and the drive of the film web (13) and/or of the material strip (18) is controlled accordingly.

Abstract: A method, which is implemented via software on a computer, configures punches to be used on a web or sheet handling machine. The method includes: determining a queue of jobs to be processed on the machine; gathering setup information for each job; defining a punch configuration for each job; establishing punch sharing between jobs; and generating one or more punch configuration files for each job. The method can be transferred to a computerized controller via a computer-readable medium containing punch configuration code.

Abstract: This invention pertains to methods of defining and developing first and second sets of periodic features of a web wherein neither the first set or second sets of features is readily sensed as a reliable registration element against which the location of the other can be registered. The method comprises applying registration images along the web, leading edges of the images being consistent with sufficient acuity and measurable intensity of image, and having suitable outline, to be discerned by a registration sensor. The registration images can thus serve as registration marks for determining positions along the length of the web. The web features are applied periodically along the web, forcing registration of the first set of web features to the registration images. The trim material is removed from the web, defining and developing the cut-outs in registration with ones of the first set of web features.

Abstract: This invention pertains to methods of checking for successful removal of trim material from trim areas disposed at periodic intervals along a web in a processing line. Marking material is marked, optionally as reference marks or reference images on the trim material pieces. Trim material is severed and removed to develop cut-outs at the trim areas. After removing the trim material, the method senses for the marking material at and adjacent the trim areas. The method thus detects marking material on trim material pieces which are not successfully removed from the web. In preferred embodiments, the web, outside the trim areas, is free from the specific marking material used for the reference marks or reference images. The marking material is preferably detectable, using a suitable sensor, independently of visible light emanating from, or reflected from, the marking material.

Abstract: A cigarette filter rod system comprises a plug combiner machine having a knife located downstream from a sensor. The knife generates a trigger signal which prompts an Inspection Unit to locate a previously stored frame of sensor data corresponding the rod which was cut by the knife. The Inspection Unit applies thresholds to the frame of sensor data to determine the location of filter segment boundaries, and then determines whether air rings are present in the data. The Inspection Unit then compares measurements made on the frame of sensor data with a pre-stored recipe indicating expected values for the frame. Statistical data is sent to a Human-Machine Interface Unit for analysis and display. The system performs filter rod rejection and cut registration based on the analysis performed by the Inspection Unit and the Human-Machine Interface.

Abstract: Packaging, particularly for a carton of cigarette packs, includes opening structure permitting easy access to one or more of the objects or packs of cigarettes which it contains. The opening structure includes a line of pre-weakened resistance, comprising pre-cuts, either passing completely through the material constituting the packaging or incompletely through the thickness of that material. Individual pre-cuts may be separated by interconnected attachment portions. The line of weakened resistance may partially or completely surround a surface disposed on one, two, or three faces of the packaging. Structure for starting the opening may be provided. A process and a device permitting such packaging are also disclosed.

Abstract: A packaging system and method according to the invention are generally characterized by a cushioning conversion machine for forming and dispensing cut sections of a cushioning product through a discharge outlet, an inclined dispensing chute for sequentially receiving the cut sections of the cushioning product, a cut section presence detector for detecting the presence of a cut section on the inclined chute at a pick-up location remote from the discharge outlet of the conversion machine, and a controller which initiates dispensing of a cut section of cushioning product in response to a detected absence of a cut section by the cut section presence detector.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in a form, fill, and seal packaging machine using preprinted web. The punch apparatus includes a registration sensor, a controller, a punch mechanism, a secondary servo feed drive and a dancer system. The registration sensor reads a registration mark on the web to send a signal to the controller which stops the secondary servo feed drive in a position one panel pitch downstream from the registration sensor. The punch is activated to punch holes along a cut line. The secondary feed drive is activated to advance the punched web to a dancer system. The web is moved from the dancer system to a conventional pouch forming machine by a primary feed drive.

Abstract: A cushioning conversion machine for converting a sheet-like stock material into a dunnage product includes a frame having an upstream end and a downstream end, conversion assemblies, mounted on the frame, which convert the sheet-like stock material into a continuous strip of a dunnage product, a feeding assembly, mounted on the frame, for feeding the stock material through the conversion assemblies, a cutting assembly, mounted on the frame downstream of the conversion assemblies, which cuts the continuous strip of dunnage into a section of a desired length, and a diagnostic device which monitors the operation of the machine, the diagnostic device including, a sensing device for sensing the mode of operation of the feeding assembly and the cutting assembly, a processing device which determines improper operation of the feeding assembly and the cutting assembly for the sensed mode of operation and generates signals in accordance with such improper operation, and a displaying device which displays codes correspo

Abstract: A method of and an apparatus for producing stacks of bags where, instead of connecting the position of the foil web, a marking on the foil web is detected and used to correct the positions of the devices which operate on the web. These devices can include a cutter for removing a strip from the upper layer of the flattened blown tubular web, the punch for punching holes in the lower layer, and the device for infolding are among the devices controlled in response to the marking. The latter can be printed on the web as it is unrolled or formed during the extrusion or foil blowing process.

Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing containers or bags includes a sealer that produces seals on a moving film. These seals are spaced at intervals that determine the length of the containers. An operator can change the desired container length while the film is moving. In response to such changes, a control arrangement adjusts the speed at which the sealer rotates and, in turn, the spacing of the seals and the length of the containers.

Abstract: A rigid plastic enclosure is made from flat blanks. The enclosure is particularly well suited for use as an electrical or electronic component enclosure. The top, bottom, back, and side walls of the enclosure are parts of a structure made by cutting and/or routing a sheet of plastic which can be folded into an open-faced, box-shaped structure. A cover or face plate can be fastened to the structure to complete the enclosure. Because the enclosure is constructed from plastic, holes can be easily drilled into its walls, eliminating the need for providing knockout holes at predetermined locations.

Abstract: A cushioning conversion machine for converting a sheet-like stock material into a dunnage product includes a frame having an upstream end and a downstream end, conversion assemblies, mounted on the frame, which convert the sheet-like stock material into a continuous strip of a dunnage product, a feeding assembly, mounted on the frame, for feeding the stock material through the conversion assemblies, a cutting assembly, mounted on the frame downstream of the conversion assemblies, which cuts the continuous strip of dunnage into a section of a desired length, a probe for determining the packaging requirements of a particular container, and a controller which controls the feeding and cutting assemblies to produce the required sections of dunnage product for the container as determined by the probe.

Abstract: An on-demand exact registration form web perforating method is simple yet effective, and can operate at high speed and a long life. A form web is moved in a predetermined path past first and second rotatable continuous circumferential perforator wheels mounted on stationary axes and spaced from and in alignment with each other along the path. First and second anvil cylinders are spaced along the path for cooperation with the wheels, each cylinder having an interrupted circumference including a raised portion and a depressed portion, and an axis of rotation.

Abstract: An apparatus for the dimensionally accurate cutting of a product carrier (1) which is in the form of a strip, is transported further in a cyclic or continuous manner in the longitudinal direction and has cells which are arranged one behind the other and are sealed in an airtight manner comprises a rotating cutter roller (15), which severs the product carrier (1) in each case in the region of a sealing web (4) which is situated between two cells (2), is arranged transversely with respect to the longitudinal direction and is provided with a lattice-like embossing (19). In order to identify and localise the sealing web (4), an optical reflection sensor (6) is arranged above and/or below the product carrier (1) and generates an AC voltage signal which corresponds to the lattice structure when the sealing web (4) is located in the region of the reflection sensor (6), the number of periods being a measure of the width b of the sealing web (4).

Abstract: A machine for manufacturing a cushioning product starting from a multi-ply stock (R) material or the like includes a frame (12) having a housing (14) with an exit opening, a stock supply supported by the frame, a forming assembly (28) causing the lateral edges of the stock material to roll inwardly to form a continuous strip (36) having lateral pillow-like portions and a central band, a gear assembly (34) for feeding the stock material through the forming assembly and out the exit opening, a cutting assembly (26) intermediate the gear assembly and the exit opening for cutting a determined length of the continuous strip to produce a cushioning product and, an access assembly (46) for permitting the cushioning product to be fed therethrough and inhibiting access to the cutting assembly from outside the housing.

Abstract: A cushioning conversion machine, and method of using such a machine, in which stock material is converted into a cushioning product. The machine and method are characterized by providing stock material having information encoded thereon and then retrieving the encoded information from the stock material for machine control, diagnostic, inventory, and other purposes.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for preparing discrete blanks from a wound strip comprising a plurality of connected blanks. Each blank has a determined separation point and a marker at a determined distance from the determined separation point for making soft-type wrappers. First, the wound strip is unwound under tension. Next, at least a section of a particular blank of the unwound strip is cut and any other milling and preparatory steps are performed by appropriate rollers and mechanisms. The tension of the unwound strip is slackened periodically, e.g., via chocking these rollers, and the unwound strip is realigned relative to the marker of the particular blank during this slackening, e.g, by identifying the marker via a sensor and driving the strip via rollers. The particular blank of the realigned strip is separated at the determined separation point of the particular blank to separate the particular blank from the realigned strip.

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for producing discrete packages which can be individually varied in length so that they can be used for packaging articles such as cuts of meat which vary in length. The apparatus comprises drive rolls for feeding a flat tube of plastics packaging material through a cut off device. The apparatus may also comprise a heat sealing device (to form the tube into a bag) and a blower head combined with a suction device which opens the leading portion of the bag to facilitate the placing of an article in the bag. A proximity sensor is provided adjacent the cut off device and immobilises the drive rolls when it detects the arrival of a leading portion. In one form of the apparatus the sensor is mounted on a movable carriage which can be quickly moved by hand or by a ram.

Abstract: According to the invention, there is provided a bag making machine including feeding means for feeding two or more superposed layers of plastic film longitudinally thereof and intermittently for a length, the layers of plastic film having void area means such as notch hole means, and a cutter for cutting the layers of plastic film crossly thereof along a line predetermined with respect to the void area means whenever feeding the layers of plastic film are temporarily stopped, to thereby successively make plastic bags. A detector is disposed near the cutter for recognizing the contour of the void area means as an image data immediately before or when the layers of plastic film are temporarily stopped. A computer is connected to the detector for calculating the difference between the position of the predetermined line of the layers and the position of the cutting edge means of the cutter in accordance with the image data of the detector.

Abstract: A pouch making machine which simultaneously creates perimeter seams for a plurality of pouches on a web and temporarily stores the seamed web in an accumulator at the conclusion of the seaming step, and then withdraws the web from the accumulator to sever the individual pouches from the web. The withdrawal of the web from the accumulator is carried on independent of the seaming step, except that regulating means is included to make the long term average web speed the same through the seaming step and the cutoff step.

Abstract: An apparatus for facilitating the registration of printed matter during the manufacture of bags on fixed-size bag formation equipment, from a continuous web of a substantially non-stretchable material. Printed matter, printed upon the continuous web at regularly-spaced intervals, includes a plurality of periodically spaced reference markers. While a finishing drum propels the continuous web in a direction of flow emanating from a supply of web material, at a substantially constant speed, feed rollers, positioned upstream from the finishing drum, propel the continuous web at a variable speed, relative to the substantially constant speed.

Abstract: A cushioning conversion machine for converting sheet-like material into a cushioning dunnage product. The machine includes a forming assembly which forms the sheet-like stock material into a three-dimensional strip of dunnage, a feed assembly which feeds the stock material to the forming assembly, and a cutting assembly which cuts the strip of dunnage into sections of a desired length. An operating assembly includes a handle member which when moved to a first position activates the feed assembly and which when moved to a second position activates the cutting assembly.

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for producing discrete packages which can be individually varied in length so that they can be used for packaging articles such as cuts of meat which vary in length. The apparatus comprises drive rolls for feeding a flat tube of plastics packaging material through a cut off device. The apparatus may also comprise a heat sealing device (to form the tube into a bag) and a blower head combined with a suction device which opens the leading portion of the bag to facilitate the placing of an article in the bag. A proximity sensor is provided adjacent the cut off device and immobilizes the drive rolls when it detects the arrival of a loading portion. In one form of the apparatus the sensor is mounted on a movable carriage which can be quickly moved by hand or by a ram.