Abstract: A method for cutting a metallic film is disclosed. The method includes: feeding the metallic film between a scoring blade and an anvil at a first speed; feeding a first protective film between the metallic film and the scoring blade; feeding a second protective film between the metallic film and the anvil; moving the scoring blade toward the anvil for applying a pressure onto the first protective film, the metallic film, and the second protective film disposed between the scoring blade and the anvil for making a score along a width of the protective film; and pulling the metallic film having passed between the scoring blade and the anvil at a second speed. The second speed being greater than the first speed. A difference between the first and second speeds causes the metallic film to cut at the score. A system for cutting a metallic film is also disclosed.

Abstract: Folding machines and methods are provided. A folding machine that utilizes a direct transfer of sheets from a knife roll to a folding roll is provided. Sheet handling rolls are provided that incorporate movable vacuum ports to assist in transfer of a sheet from one roll to another roll.

Abstract: Decorative grass and methods of providing same are disclosed wherein the decorative grass is either maintained in a flattened configuration until restraint is removed and/or the decorative grass is curled and/or crimped at a point of use and/or sale.

Abstract: A personalized packaging production system includes an in-feed tray, an out-feed tray, a cutting table disposed intermediate the in-feed tray and the out-feed tray and an interchangeable cutting/creasing assembly. A sheet feeder is positioned between the in-feed tray and the cutting table to feed media sheets from the in-feed tray to the cutting table, and an exit nip is positioned between the out-feed tray and the cutting table to remove media sheets from the cutting table to the out-feed tray.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for creating tabs from regular cut-sheet stock after printing by partially punching out a section of a sheet and folding the punched out section back on itself at the remaining side. The location of the punched out section is such that when folded back, a portion of the punched out section sticks out beyond the border of the original paper size. Tab labels may be printed on the back side of the sheet so that when folded out, the tab label is in the correct orientation, i.e., facing front on the folded out tab. The punch head, which is used to punch out the section of the sheet, may be oriented flexibly and moved outboard or inboard. Tabs may be cut and folded to produce a readable set of tabs along any of the top, bottom, lead or trail edges of a sheet.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for producing a thatch roofing material for building construction, the apparatus includes a pair of stanchions, a supporting frame, at least one holding member for holding the container, a first shaft extending substantially perpendicular to each stanchion of the pair of stanchions, and a blade coupled to the first shaft for cutting the container.

Abstract: To fold sheets of newsprint (1), a ring gear 7 is driven in rotation by a motor 11 under the control of a controller 12 such that, for most of the time, the ring gear 7 rotates at the same speed as a folding cylinder 2 and arms 8. When it is desired to initiate a folding operation, the ring gear 7 is momentarily stopped or slowed. The relative motion that occurs between the ring gear 7 and planet gears on the arms 8 causes the planet gears 9 to rotate about their axes and respective tucking blades 6 mounted on the planet gears 9 to protrude above the surface of the cylinder 2, where they engage collated sheets on the cylinder surface and push them into the nip of folding rollers (4). Upon completion of the movement of the planet gears 9 and associated tucking blades 6, the ring gear 7 is again caused to move at the same angular speed as the arms 8, such that the tucking blades 6 retain their “silenced” positions below the surface of the cylinder 2.

Abstract: A folding device capable of folding signatures and includes a blade cylinder, which is provided with at least one blade; a counter-pressure cylinder, which is provided with at least two counter-pressure elements which together define an axial gap; and a conveying element which is capable of conveying a signature, and which extends in the axial gap. The blade extends over the axial gap and the conveying element extends in the axial gap with spacing from the blade when the blade co-operates with the counter-pressure elements.

Abstract: Sheets can be manipulated for punching, perforating and/or folding. The systems and methods according to this invention allow sheets to be punched and/or perforated in various configurations. The systems and methods according to this invention allow sheets to be folded in various forms and/or configurations. Sheets can be inverted to ensure proper orientation. The systems and methods according to this invention allow the number and/and or locations of punches and/or perforations and the type and/or length of folds to be controlled on a sheet-by-sheet basis. The systems and methods according to this invention allow the sheet preparation module to be optionally configured within the photocopying system depending on the needs and flexibility of the finishing requirements of the operator. The modularity of the sheet preparation module design as a “plug and play” unit enables greater functionality for the manipulation of sheets.

Abstract: A sheet finishing apparatus includes a media path configured to receive a sheet of media moving along the media path. A creasing tool is located proximate to the media path and is configured to form a crease in the sheet of media. The apparatus also includes a sheet folding device configured to fold the sheet of media along the crease. The creasing tool is preferably configured to operably move from a first position wherein the creasing tool is retracted away from the media path, to a second position wherein the creasing tool can contact a sheet of media moving along the media path and thereby form a crease in the sheet.

Abstract: Machine for the production of flexible material sheets comprising at least one folding unit housing at least one cutting cylinder, to which a suction cylinder is opposed, and a gripping cylinder for transversal folding and/or conveying flat products by suction. A second suction cylinder for a second transversal fold and/or for conveying flat products and a second conveyor cylinder for conveying folded products or flat unfolded products may be associated downstream to said machine.

Abstract: A discharge and transfer system for receiving interfolded sheets from a folding mechanism. The system includes a guide arrangement for receiving the interfolded sheets in a vertical direction from the discharge of the folding mechanism, and for guiding the interfolded sheets to a substantially horizontal direction of movement onto a discharge table. The sheets are moved along the discharge table by a belt arrangement. When the endmost group of sheets attains a predetermined position on the discharge table, a clamping mechanism engages the endmost group of sheets toward an end of the endmost group of sheets. The clamping mechanism includes a first clamping member which moves into the endmost group of sheets at a location outwardly of the separation between the endmost group of sheets and the next adjacent group of sheets, and further includes a second clamping member which moves toward the first clamping member to clamp a portion of the endmost group of sheets therebetween.

Abstract: A cutting apparatus comprises a casing, a driving mechanism and an upper roller set. The roller set comprises a first roller, a second roller, a third roller and a fourth roller parallel to each other and rollers have a plurality of cutting blades and fold-mark forming blades. The driving mechanism has a motor to rotate the rollers and has a controller to control the rotation direction of the motor. The cutting apparatus provides two inlets for articles to be cut and has fold-mark function, whereby the paper or cardboard can be cut to desired size and folded.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for distributing wear over a plurality of elements on a rotating member. In the case of a cutoff or perforation roll, a plurality of retractable cutoff or perforation blades can be actuated to be extended or retracted to selectively cut or perforate a web. To distribute blade wear, extended blades are occasionally retracted while other blades are extended. Where it is desired to continue producing cuts or perforations of a desired length through such blade indexing, the spacing and number of blades before and after indexing are preferably the same. Most preferably, each blade retracted during indexing is replaced by a blade on the same side of and at the same distance from the blade being retracted. To hold the web during web cutting or perforating operations, the roll is preferably provided with vacuum apertures to which is supplied vacuum via vacuum lines, vacuum valves, and a vacuum source, thereby creating suction through the vacuum apertures.

Abstract: A high speed paper folding machine for cutting a continuously fed web of paper into sections and folding said sections is disclosed. The machine includes a rotating hollow drum on which the web is deposited and on which the cutting and folding operations are performed without transferring the web or the cut or folded sections off of the drum. The drum includes a knife for cutting the web. The knife preferably is situated within the drum interior and adapted to extend through elongated apertures defined on the drum outer surface. Grippers on the drum hold the web on the drum through the operation. At least one folding station is operably associated with the drum. At least one pack-off station can be provided for stacking the folded product in separate stacks.

Abstract: The present invention discloses folded corrugated material for producing segments or strips for use as Easter grass, packing material and the like or for use as flower pot covers, floral wrappings and ribbon materials.

Abstract: An apparatus for making prototype packaging or boxes for various products includes a support surface for supporting a sheet material and a cutting tool for cutting contour lines of the box from the strip material. The support surface includes a recess to accommodate a bristle insert for providing a bristle surface for the cutting tool to engage during cutting operations. As the cutting tool penetrates the sheet material during the cutting operation and comes into contact with the bristle surface, the cutting tool does not become dulled and does not damage the bristle surface. The bristle surface also supports a creasing operation when crease lines are formed with a creasing tool within the sheet material. Alternatively, the apparatus of the present invention accommodates a grooved insert interchangeable with the bristle insert for creasing operations.

Abstract: A folder having at least one folding unit with at least two mutually cooperating product-carrying cylinders, the folder having further folding attachments, and devices for increasing cutting accuracy, includes retaining elements engageable with at least one material web for retaining the web, and a rotating support surface assigned to one of the product-carrying cylinders within a transfer region, the rotating support surface serving to support the web when it is engaged by the retaining elements.

Abstract: Rigid packets of the type with a hinged lid are fashioned from diecut blanks presenting a central longitudinal portion flanked by two lateral portions, each consisting in a series of longitudinally disposed flaps. The method of manufacture involves directing the blanks singly and in succession between a pair of contrarotating rollers with dies shaped and positioned to engage each lateral portion; the dies are designed to modify a pair of adjoining flaps on each side, which ultimately will be bent through a right angle to form an internal layer of the relative flank face of the packet, by producing at least one bend in one flap at an end adjacent to the other flap, and forming a projection on the longer flap which in the finished packet will be breasted permanently in contact with an inner reinforcing frame.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a product cutting device for flat material, such as sheets, webs of material or the like. A product folding cylinder rotates about an axis of rotation and has a surface for supporting the incoming material to be cut. A cutting cylinder cooperates with the product folding cylinder and has knife assemblies mounted thereon. Cyclically engageable product seizing elements are assigned to at least one of the product folding cylinder and the cutting cylinder, and are moveable opposite to a sense of rotation of the product folding cylinder. The product seizing elements engage a respective next product's front portion after the cutting operation is terminated.

Abstract: A pinless folder has a hold-down blade in a cut-off cylinder having, together with paper presses, a cut-off knife capable of cutting a web a in its entire width. A folding cylinder contiguous to the cut-off cylinder is provided, in addition to a cutter pad and a gripping jaw, with a gripper board for holding the front end of the web a held down by the hold-down blade. The web a passing between the cut-off cylinder and the folding cylinder is cut in one operation at an even speed. The even-speed, one-stage cutting results in improved quality and a reduced number of component parts.

Abstract: A device for the mechanical connection of documents comprising a base, a paper support, a cover pivotably connected to said base, a stylus with an eye for creating a cut, a stamping and bending element for stamping out and pushing a plurality of paper tongues though said eye, said stamping and bending element having a cutting face in the form of a stamping plunger and a projection for bending the stamped out paper tongues, and a carrier for actuating the pivot movement. The stamping and bending element is pivotably fastened on the base. The paper support forms a pushing element which can be lowered into the base and which is maintained in an upper position of rest by a spring. The paper support, as a die plate for stamping the paper tongues, forms a first recess, and, for stamping the cut, forms a second recess.

Abstract: A rotating cutting apparatus has an arrangement for controlling and finishing the cutting which is arranged between a cutting station and a receiving station. This arrangement includes a conveying arrangement for box blanks, an arrangement for acting on the cut flaps of the box blanks to bend them out of the plane of the blank and an arrangement for pressing the flaps back into the plane of the blank.

Abstract: The present invention involves a tape dispenser which automatically generates non-sticky segments at the end or tab of tape or at successive segments of tape being pulled therefrom. This is accomplished by a media dispenser which deactivates the adhesive or by a roll member which creates a fold on the distal end of the tape, to provide the user non-sticky segments or end thereon.

Abstract: Apparatus for perforating paper including a roll for holding a supply of paper to be perforated, and a roll for taking up paper from the supply roll. The apparatus moves the paper in a forward direction along a reach extending between the supply roll and the take-up roll at a selected speed so that a perforating roller between the supply roll and the take-up roll can perforate the paper in the reach from edge to edge. The perforating roller is rotated so that its teeth travel in the same direction as the paper at the location of engagement with the paper, but the perforating roller is rotated at a rate such that the speed of the teeth is less than the speed of the paper in the forward direction along the reach.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a printed paper folding apparatus comprising: conveyor means provided from the upstream side of a folded paper conveying path located below a folder unit to a folded paper cutting position on the downstream side thereof so as to convey a sheet of printed paper which is folded and discharged by the folder unit in a zigzag fashion; a folded paper separating position indicating device provided along the paper conveying path so as to indicate separating positions at intervals of a predetermined number of folds of the printed paper which is folded and discharged by the folder unit; a folder paper cutting device provided by the cutting position so as to automatically cut the paper, which is continuously conveyed by the conveyor means along the conveying path, into an upstream portion and a downstream portion relative to the conveying path; and a paper sorting device provided near the cutting position so as to automatically sort the upstream portion of the paper from the downstream p

Abstract: An apparatus for automatically applying a pressure-sensitive tab to the edge of a mailer which includes a feed spool of pressure-sensitive tape. The pressure-sensitive tape is fed through a tape slot of a tape guide block from where it is wound upon a driven windup spool. A pneumatically driven (or, if desired, solenoid driven) punch and die arrangement is positioned so that upon actuation, the die cuts a circular segment of the tape and wiper arms apply the circular cut tape segment to the edges of a mailer. This can be done while the edges of the mailer are stationary or moving parallel to the direction of the tape.

Abstract: A tape like material including synthetic resin for a filter element is bent into a corrugated pattern while the material is passed between pairs of forming and cutting rollers. Since pairs of cutters are provided within the rollers and since guide plates are provided around the rollers, the material is held abutting the rollers even when the material is cut by the cutters. The material is then conveyed within a reducing drum. The pitch of the corrugated portions formed on the material is reduced and the material is formed into a semicircular shape within the reducing drum. After passed the reducing drum, the material is transferred to a forming path.

Abstract: A cap-lining machine is disclosed for producing cap liner inserts of the type used to provide a tamper evident seal on the tops of bottles and other containers. To facilitate removal of this seal, it is desirable to have a tab attached to one edge of the seal which can be grasped to pull the seal off the top of the bottle. The liner insert, with an attached tab, is formed in one step by a mating punch and die, each having first and second portions corresponding to the primary portion of the cap insert and the tab, respectively. The structure of the punch and die is such that the tab first is formed and then is folded beneath the main portion of the cap insert in a single operation. The punch includes a reciprocating tamper inside the main portion for pushing the cap insert, with the folded under tab, into a cap located beneath the punch.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a machine for forming zigzag-shaped piles from an endless band of paper wherein the band is deposited and folded on an appropriate support and, at the end of the formation of a pile, a rupture of the band is provoked along a predetermined folding line, the first folding flap of the following pile to be formed is brought into a predetermined position, the forward movement of the band is stopped and the pile which has just been completed is removed, the traction force for rupturing the band being exerted during the forward motion of the same, by applying the band by one of its surfaces advantageously at the predetermined rupture line, against stationary means, by deviating the band downstream and upstream of its part under application, from its normal path, advantageously in a perpendicular direction with respect to the plane of the band, while guiding the band.

Abstract: A stapleless stapler has a reciprocating punch and chisel, the punch of hollow U-shaped form for cutting tongue shaped sections from sheets. A pivoting bending member bends the tongue shaped sections down and up, the free ends of the sections extending into a slot in the paper sheets cut by the chisel.

Abstract: A tape dispenser of the type where the tape passes over the cutter that has the means to allow a tab to be formed on the end portion of the tape that will not accidentally bond back to the tape roll. The means comprises three different embodiments. First, a raisable lifting member, with a horizontal projection and an opening, is located between the tape roll and cutter and below the outstretched tape. When the lifting member is raised it forms a hump in the outstretched tape. The hump is then pinched, in the opening under the projection, to form a tab. The second embodiment consists of a stationary tab-forming structure, consisting of a generally horizontal projection, located between the tape roll and cutter, but above the normal axis of the outstretched tape. To form the tab, the tape is lifted and draped over the elevated horizontal projection, and then pinched in the opening under the projection to form the tab.

Abstract: A tab-forming apparatus for forming a tab on the end of the outstretched tape on a tape dispenser, the tape dispenser being of the type where the outstretched tape passes from the tape roll and under the tape cutter, with the adhesive side of the tape facing down. A joint allows the outer end of the cutter to swing down and onto the tape causing the tape to fold back on itself creating a tab where the two adhesive surfaces contact each other. Two short positioning projections hold the tape in contact with the swinging cutter. The positioning projections located under the adhesive side of the tape having rotating surfaces to reduce the interference with the tape passing over them.

Abstract: A unique and novel storage package and method and apparatus for making the same wherein differences in dimension between the outer receptacle and a package stored therein are compensated by a unique corrugated spacer to provide snug storage, such as in the packaging of cigarette packs.

Abstract: A zigzag folding apparatus has conveyors for transporting a zigzag folded web from a folding station to a discharge station, and an adjustable web cutter for separating the web at adjacent folds into groups of folded web segments during the process of transporting the web and before the web reaches the discharge station.

Abstract: An apparatus dispenses an elongate tape product, with a leading end portion tab. The tape product is drawn along a feeding path to a dispensing end at which a cutting edge is disposed. A stationary touch element is positioned just upstream of the cutting edge, and a movable touch element is disposed in the feeding path upstream of the stationary touch element. The movable touch element translate along the feeding path toward the stationary touch element and into juxtaposition therewith and away from the stationary touch element to a position remote therefrom.

Abstract: To permit formation of a transverse perforation in advance of a second cross fold, a first folding blade cylinder (5) equipped with needles (6) and preferably forming a collection cylinder has folding blades, to receive products, cooperation with a first folding flap cylinder (8). In accordance with the invention, the folding flap cylinder is formed with at least one axially extended perforating groove (10) and an associated folding and perforating blade cylinder (11) has a combination perforating and folding blade (13) which engages a folded product once to push the folded product into the perforating groove (10) to form perforations and, upon further travel of the folded product, transfers the product to a second folding flap cylinder (14) having folding flaps (16) to again engage the products with the combination perforating and folding blade to form a second transverse fold in the folding flaps of the second folding flap cylinder (14).

Abstract: A tape tab forming unit for tape roll holders wherein wear is minimized by distributing stress between a slotted cylindrical spring supporting upwardly extending struts on the one hand and a flexible forward strut on the other hand. The cylindrical spring may be formed as part of a tape roll holder or connected to such a holder. The slot in the spring defines forward and rearward spring edges from which the struts extend upwardly. The spring is strengthened by providing a thickened region between the forward and rearward edges. A tape tab is formed by combined rearward flexing of the forward strut and compression of the slotted spring.

Abstract: A tab-forming device for adhesive tape dispensers which provides for variable length tabs by incorporating a ratchet spool and pawl in a flexible spring for expanding the spacing between two attached diverging tab-forming struts. The device may be attached to existing tape roll dispensers or molded as an integral part with the dispenser.

Abstract: A machine for installing a foil insert in a container lid such that the insert may be subsequently sealed to the mouth of a container after the lid is placed on the container includes a punch for blanking an insert from foil sheet, and a plunger having a head that emerges from the punch and carries the blanked insert forwardly to the lid. As the plunger advances, a folding arm presses against the tab and folds it over onto remaining or disc portion of the insert, and while the arm folds the tab, retaining fingers of a holding element hold the insert against the plunger head on each side of the tab to ensure that the tab folds at the proper location. Only after the tab is folded over does the plunger deposit the insert in a lid that is supported in the path of the plunger on a lid holder.

Abstract: A bale tagging apparatus for a hay baler for automatically inserting an identification tag into a hay bale at a specified location includes a support member for attachment to a baler housing adjacent a bale chamber and including an elongated reciprocably mounted plunger and an associated intermittently connected cutter for selectively intermittently cutting a tag from a supply roll and forcing the tag through an opening in the wall of the baler housing into position within the bale chamber.

Abstract: A tape dispenser with a tab forming device which includes a pair of upwardly extending forward and rearward struts joined at lower extremities within a cylindrical slotted spring which limits maximum separation of the struts. Upper extremities of the struts are terminated in two wings which, when brought together, cause a tape loop to be made, forming a tape tab. The rearward strut is adapted with a downwardly extending leg and foot for being secured within a tape roll holder, while the forwardly extending strut is adapted with an inverted hook over the wing at the upper extremity of the strut. The hook includes a forward serrated edge for tearing tape. The entire construction may be molded as a unitary article.

Abstract: An apparatus for connecting together a plurality of webs of flexible material. The apparatus comprises a base having an anvil with a sharp edged opening therein the opening comprising a shank region and an enlarged head region. A punching head movable towards and away from the base carries a punch having a sharp edge and also comprising a shank region and elongated head region which are capable of fitting closely within the corresponding regions of the anvil opening. Either or both of the punch and anvil opening are devoid of a sharp edge adjacent that end of the respective shank region which is remote from the respective enlarged head region. When two or more webs are placed between the punch head and the anvil and the punch is moved into the anvil opening the sharp edges of the punch and opening punch a portion of material having a shank and enlarged head from each web and said portion remains joined at the base of said shank to the associated web.