Abstract: A conveying unit (100) of a web, or sheet, of paper, or similar products, arranged to transfer along a transfer direction the web, or sheet, of paper, having a support (41) having a lateral surface (42) provided with at least one peripheral suction groove (43). A suction belt (45) is arranged to move along a closed trajectory (46) comprising the suction portion (44). The suction belt (45) is configured to air-tightly engage the suction portion and provides at least one through hole (47) arranged to be positioned at a respective suction portion (43) in order to cause a suction effect on the web, or sheet, and to transfer it from a first point P1 to a second point P2 of a production line of paper products. It is, furthermore, provided a driving device (60) configured to move the suction belt (45) with respect to the support (41).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fiber product folding apparatus, mainly including a hoisting seat, a baffle, a pressing plate, and a folding portion, where the baffle is connected to at least one swing arm and can actuate the baffle to swing through the swing arm, so as to block stacked fiber products. The pressing plate is connected to the hoisting seat though a connecting rod, where the connecting rod can actuate the pressing plate to swing relative to the hoisting seat and pressurize to the stacked fiber products. A folding portion is arranged on the pressing plate and can move along the pressing plate, so as to fold a first fiber product of the stacked fiber products.

Abstract: A stack of a web material, such as a tissue web material, said stack having fold lines (fn) extending laterally across the web, the distance between two consecutive fold lines being equal to the stack width (sw), and perforation lines (pn) extending laterally across the web, to form sheets of web material having a length corresponding to the distance between consecutive perforation lines (pn), the majority of said sheets having sheet lengths being greater than the stack width (sw) and other than evenly divisible with the stack width (sw), wherein the perforation lines (pn) are positioned along the web material such that all perforation lines are located at least a distance M from any fold lines in the stack, such that all perforation lines are separate from any fold lines in the stack. Also, a method for producing said stack.

Abstract: This invention provides a system and method for separating, folding, stacking and transporting a continuous web that allows stacks of web that are relatively large (four-feet-high or more) to be generated at high speed directly beneath the folding mechanism and to be transferred as complete, discrete stacks to downstream locations and stack utilization devices without interrupting the ongoing, upstream stack-folding and stack-formation process. A zigzag folded web passes by a pair of opposing front and rear compression plate assemblies, with fingers that are extended to selectively project into the folding area, onto a stack supported by a vertically moving supporting mechanism. The supporting mechanism cycles between an ever-lower position in which upper, loose pages of the folded web pass by plate fingers (when retracted) and an upper position in which the stack engages and presses upwardly against the now-extended plate fingers to compress the stack.

Abstract: According to an embodiment, a sheet folding apparatus includes: a conveying roller pair configured to convey a sheet; a conveying path provided on a downstream side of the conveying roller pair, an opening being formed in a part of the conveying path if the sheet is triple-folded and being closed if the sheet is double-folded; a retracting conveying path, an inlet of which is opened to the opening of the conveying path and an outlet of which is closed by a stopper, the retracting conveying path leading the front end of the sheet, which is conveyed through the conveying path, from the inlet to the stopper and temporarily retracting the front of the sheet if the sheet is triple-folded; a first folding roller pair disposed near the inlet of the retracting conveying path, the first folding roller pair nipping, if the sheet is triple-folded, a bend caused by pushing of the sheet led by the conveying rollers into the retracting conveying path to form a first fold and nipping, if the sheet is double-folded, the fron

Abstract: Interfolding machine of sheet material for making a stack of interfolded sheets (1) equipped with cutting and transferring means, including, for example, a cutting roller 2 that operates the division of the web (10) into sheets (11) of determined length. The cut sheets (11), all having the same length, are carried along the machine up to a transfer roller (3) that transfers them to an “overlap” roller (4). In particular the cutting roller (2) has peripherally a first series of cutting blades (21a)-(21d) arranged at a first angular distance equal to 90° and a second plurality of cutting blades (21?a)-(21?c) arranged at a second angular distance equal to 120°. The length of sheets 11 is therefore achieved by the angular distance existing between the blades (21). In order to adjust the length of the sheets, or cut-off length, one selects the blades on the cutting roller (2) located at an angular distance corresponding to the desired sheet length.

Abstract: An installation for folding and stacking an endless web of corrugated cardboard comprises at least one corrugated cardboard production device for producing an endless web of corrugated cardboard, a squeezing device which is arranged downstream of the at least one corrugated cardboard production device for embossing folds into the web of corrugated cardboard, and a folding device which is arranged downstream of the at least one squeezing device for folding the web of corrugated cardboard along the folds. The folding device has a first engagement member which is guided for displacement so as to carry along the web of corrugated cardboard in the region of a first fold and at least one second engagement member which is guided for displacement independently of the first engagement member so as to carry along the web of corrugated cardboard in the region of a second fold which is arranged upstream of the first fold.

Abstract: An interfolding machine having a framework (1) comprising a first plate (20a) and a second plate (20b), parallel to each other, interconnected by means of beams (15, 25, 26). Each plate (20a or 20b), has a modular structure and comprises at least one lower portion (22a or 22b) and an upper portion (23a or 23b). The upper portions (23a, 23b) of the plates (20a, 20b) are connected by beams (25), whereas the lower portions (22a, 22b) are connected by relative beams (26, 15). The upper portion has a portion (5) removable independently from the framework (1). The removable portion (5) comprises cutting rollers (8), the rollers bringing a cutting tool (10) and folding rollers (9). The web conveying rollers (6, 7), conveying the paper along the direction of process are mounted on the fixed portion (24) of the upper portion (23) of the framework (1).

Abstract: A device for laying continuously supplied web material in zigzag lengths has a pendulous arm positioned within a supply path of the web material and a holding-down device pushing down the web material at least in the area of the reversal points of the zigzag length. By arranging the holding-down device on the pendulous arm, a particularly a simple construction of such a laying device is provided.

Abstract: An interfolding machine for sheet material for making a stack of interfolded sheets includes at least one web of material to interfold that is cut into sheets of predetermined length and rolls for partially overlapping the sheets in order to form an overlapped portion between two consecutive sheets. Interfolding rolls are also provided, adapted to produce the stack, as well as a conveyor adapted to convey the partially overlapped sheets in a zone set between the roll and the interfolding rolls. Further, the overlapping portion of the sheets is maintained constant through a plurality of belts and guides facing the belts so that between the belts and the respective guides a channel is formed for conveying the partially overlapped sheets.

Abstract: This invention provides a system and method for separating, folding, stacking and transporting a continuous web that allows stacks of web that are relatively large (four-feet-high or more) to be generated at high speed directly beneath the folding mechanism and to be transferred as complete, discrete stacks to downstream locations and stack utilization devices without interrupting the ongoing, upstream stack-folding and stack-formation process. A zigzag folded web passes by a pair of opposing front and rear compression plate assemblies, with fingers that are extended to selectively project into the folding area, onto a stack supported by a vertically moving supporting mechanism. The supporting mechanism cycles between an ever-lower position in which upper, loose pages of the folded web pass by plate fingers (when retracted) and an upper position in which the stack engages and presses upwardly against the now-extended plate fingers to compress the stack.

Abstract: Methods and devices for folding a continuous web of material are provided. Systems can include a spiral folder assembly having first and second sets of rotatable spirals, a deflection means to guide the continuous web toward the first set of spirals and the second set of spirals, a beater assembly to urge the continuous web against the first set of spirals to form a first fold in the web against the second set of spirals to form a second fold in the web, and a conveyor assembly to receive and transport the folded continuous web as it exits the spiral folder assembly, the conveyor assembly providing a support between the first and second sets of spirals, the support modulating an amount of sag in the continuous web as the web is suspended between the first and second sets of spirals.

Abstract: An interfolding apparatus including first and second interfolding rolls. The interfolding rolls issue a stream of web material to form a stack of interfolded web material. A first packer finger is movable with respect to the first interfolding roll and includes a retracted position at least partially received within the first interfolding roll and an extended position at least partially inserted into the stream of interfolded web material. A second packer finger is movable with respect to the first interfolding roll and includes a retracted position at least partially received within the first interfolding roll and an extended position at least partially inserted into the stream of interfolded web material.

Abstract: Methods and devices for folding a continuous web of material are provided. Systems can include a spiral folder assembly having first and second sets of rotatable spirals, a deflection means to guide the continuous web toward the first set of spirals and the second set of spirals, a beater assembly to urge the continuous web against the first set of spirals to form a first fold in the web against the second set of spirals to form a second fold in the web, and a conveyor assembly to receive and transport the folded continuous web as it exits the spiral folder assembly, the conveyor assembly providing a support between the first and second sets of spirals, the support modulating an amount of sag in the continuous web as the web is suspended between the first and second sets of spirals.

Abstract: A folding machine includes a first folding roll with a series of the gripper assemblies and a series of tucker assemblies uniformly and alternately spaced to interact with a series of gripper and tucker assemblies of an adjacent second folding roll. The series of alternately spaced gripper and tucker assemblies interact to grip, carry, and release a sheet material in a manner so as to generate an interfolded stack of sheet material. The folding machine further includes a phase adjustment assembly configured adjust the location of the fold in the sheet material, to locate the fold in a proper position on the sheet relative to the leading end of the successive sheet. The phase adjustment assembly generally includes a first helical gear that moves along an axial direction, and an input device configured to cause the axial movement of the first gear so as to cause a change in phasing and a change in location of the fold in the sheet material.

Abstract: An interfolding machine, having first and second folding counter rotating rollers, a substantially cylindrical body and a plurality of folding means for engaging at a contact line (15) for making a stack of folded and/or interfolded sheets in a folding area. Each folding roller (1) is held by at least one support (10) arranged substantially opposite to the contact line in order to not impede folding operations in the folding area. Between the support and the folding roller, a bearing (20) is mounted that allows free rotation. The support holds the folding roller at an angular portion circumferentially unoccupied by folding elements or mechanical clamps and inclined at an angle with respect to a plane containing the axes of the two rollers. The support does not interfere with the adjusting operation of the folding roller and allows processing of the sheet or web of paper without interrupting continuity.

Abstract: A system and method for selectively replacing one set of folding boards for another set of folding boards is provided. The system can include a first frame assembly secured to a first set of folding boards. The first set of folding boards can be initially placed in a web-receiving position for receiving and folding webs, such as tissue webs. The system can also include a second frame assembly secured to a second set of folding boards, which is placed in another position. The first set of folding boards at the web-receiving position can then be selectively replaced by the second set of folding boards. For example, in one embodiment, each frame assembly can be simultaneously rotated about an axis to replace the first set with the second set.

Abstract: A packed tape (1) comprises a folded tape (2) and a package (3) preferably made of plastic film. The tape (2) is zigzag folded into an oblong stack in such a manner that some (2a) of the bendings of the tape flush with the ends of the stack whereas the remaining bendings (2b) are positioned at varying distances therefrom. The resulting tape, especially a seed tape, is suited for being pulled out through a dispensing opening in a germinating box on a bedding machine.

Abstract: An apparatus for printing continuous paper wherein, when a paper uppermost portion sensor produces an unstable output due to the position of the paper in controlling the operation for raising or lowering a table for stacking the continuous paper, the output value is invalidated and the operation for raising or lowering the table is continued. The sensor detects the uppermost position of the paper on the paper table on which the continuous paper carried through a printer unit is folded by a guide member and is stacked, and a control unit controls a moving mechanism relying upon the sensor output to change the distance between the paper table and the guide member. When the sensor is producing an unstable output due to the position of the paper being stacked, the control unit works to continue the operation of the moving mechanism even when the sensor has detected the paper.

Abstract: The present invention is a new elongate single-ply paper napkin that achieves the necessary absorbency, strength, hand feel and softness for commercial use but which is less expensive than traditional napkin products. More particularly, the invention is a single-ply napkin that contains folds running only in the transverse direction of the product, i.e. perpendicular to the length of the napkin.

Abstract: A package of a continuous strip of material includes a plurality of parallel side by side stacks each containing a length of the strip which is folded back and forth such that each folded portion of the stack is folded relative to the next portion about a line transverse to the strip and such that the side edges of the strip portions are aligned. The strip of material includes a splice defined by the two ends of the strip. The two ends of the strip are held together by yarn stitches passing through and bridging the strip ends.

Abstract: An apparatus for laying band-like or strip-like material is disclosed, having a carrying structure and a platform, having at least one laying arrangement, which is assigned to the carrying structure and is intended for laying the material, having at least one material-feed device, which is assigned to the laying arrangement, and having at least one receiving device, which is assigned to the platform and is intended for the material which is to be laid by the laying arrangement. The laying arrangement comprises a laying arm, which is assigned to the receiving device, and wherein the platform and the laying arm can be moved at least horizontally, in each case orthogonally with respect to one another and reversibly.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for packaging tissue in a pop-up tissue dispenser is disclosed. The pop-up dispenser being a carton having a top wall, a bottom wall and four sidewalls which join the top wall to the bottom wall. The carton also has an opening formed in the top wall through which the tissues can be withdrawn. The method includes the steps of providing several tissues that are substantially identical to one another. The tissues are described as a first tissue and a plurality of other tissues. The several tissues are transported to a folding station and are interfolded to form an interfolded assemblage. Only the first tissue is colored or has a visual indicator printed or applied to it to form a visually distinctive tissue. The interfolded assemblage is then cut to form a plurality of clips of interfolded tissues. Each of the clips includes one of the visually distinctive tissues and a plurality of the other tissues.

Abstract: A method and mechanism for sensing the position of the top of a stack of material in a stacking apparatus. The mechanism includes, a hub assembly, an arm, a stop, a torsion device that biases the arm toward the stop, a first trigger and a second trigger. The hub assembly has a hollow center portion configured to accept a shaft that is rotatably and driveably mounted to a stacking apparatus. The hub assembly includes a hub having a first form and a second form each mounted to a respective hub end. The arm has a first end pivotally mounted to the first form, and a second end configured to removably contact the stack of paper. The first trigger is configured to trigger a height sensor. The height sensor is mounted to the stacking apparatus, and the height sensor is configured to provide a first signal to a central processing unit to lower a collection table when the arm triggers the height sensor. The stop is mounted to the first form below the arm, the stop configured to stop the pivoting movement of the arm.

Abstract: A method by which a sheet, formed with peak and valley folds which are parallel and alternate, can be rapidly and smoothly folded and shaped, and an apparatus therefor. The method includes supplying a sheet in a naturally relaxed state onto a support guide, and applying a light pressing pressure on the sheet in a direction by which the angles between the folds are increased by means of a pressing guide. The pressing guide moves toward a support surface of the support guide when a pair of bending tools begin to apply a bending pressure to the sheet to correctly and smoothly fold and shape the sheet along the respective folds.

Abstract: A continuous fan folded paper stacker that is easily adjustable to stack various sizes of forms comprising a base, guide arm and receiving platform. The guide arm acts in conjunction with the platform to allow stacking of various sized forms. The Z-shaped guide arm may be vertically adjusted with respect to the base and may be inverted to accommodate smaller than standard sized paper. The L-shaped platform works in conjunction with the guide arm by sliding horizontally with respect to the base to neatly stack different sizes of paper.

Abstract: Two movable members, one on either side of a pre-folded continuous form entering a paper stacking area, are driven according to a determined position of the pre-folded form to push a leading edge of the form to one or another side of the stacking area so that the folds in the form will develop correctly in a stack. Only one of the members is permitted to contact the form at any time, and the members are separated by a sufficient angle so that no position of the members permits both members to contact the form. After directing the first and second sheets of the form, the members return to a home position in which neither member obstructs or interferes with subsequent stacking of the form. The position of the pre-folded form may be determined by a leading edge sensor, by a sheet feed rate sensor, by a fold position sensor, by a fold orientation sensor, by timing from a predetermined position, or by manual input.

Abstract: A swing guide is provided under a fixed paper guide for guiding a paper sheet so as to swing through a specified angle. A movable paper guide is disposed at a paper transfer station where the paper sheet is transferred from the fixed paper guide to the swing guide. The movable swing guide swings, following the swinging movement of the swing guide and has a resistance reducing material on its inner face.

Abstract: An active stacker which accepts paper through a formed wire guide at the top thereof. The wire guide directs the paper into a drive roller and idler set which pulls the paper from the printer and drives the paper downward so that it drops at about the center of the stack. The paper stacks on a horizontal tray which drops as the weight of the paper thereon increases, so that the top of the accumulated paper stack maintains a substantially constant position. The edges of the paper are packed by fingers which move vertically downward to the ends of the stack. One or more edge or side guides may be provided to prevent the stack from skewing sideways as it builds.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus which includes a paper delivery unit which is provided as to be rockable and displaceable between an operating position close to a photosensitive drum and a standby position remote from the photosensitive drum; a supporting link system, operably coupled to the paper delivery unit, for holding the paper delivery unit at the operating position; and energizing device, operably coupled to the supporting link system, for energizing the paper delivery unit so as to move from the standby position to the operating position. The paper delivery unit includes a transferring device for transferring a toner image from the photosensitive drum onto a sheet, a tractor for feeding the sheet, disposed in the upstream of the transferring device in a paper delivery direction, and a suction feeder for holding and delivering the sheet, disposed in the downstream of the transferring device in the paper delivery direction.

Abstract: An apparatus for folding and receiving a continuous tape, which is being continuously fed, in a tape container, comprising: tape feed rollers disposed at a fixed position in a traveling path of the tape and driven for rotation to continuously feed the tape; a shooter disposed in a predetermined position downstream in a tape traveling direction of the tape feed rollers and having an upper end pivoted in such a manner that the shooter is pivotally movable with respect to the X axis and the Y axis; and first and second shooter-swinging means for pivotally moving a lower end of the shooter through a controllable width about the X axis and the Y axis.

Abstract: Assembly of a loading means with a horizontal loading surface and a strip stacker for depositing an unvulcanized rubber strip on the loading surface. The strip stacker containing a depositing mechanism with a depositing end and with a pair of conveyor belts for transporting a rubber strip vertically between the conveying belts to the depositing end and a feed conveyor for transporting a rubber strip to the depositing mechanism in a transport direction. The feed conveyor has an input end and an output end. The loading means is provided with means for variably adjusting the distance between the depositing end and the loading surface. The depositing mechanism is provided with means for moving recriprocably in one direction the depositing end with regard to the loading surface. The strip stacker is provided with means for moving the output end of the feed conveyor substantially transverse to the transport direction.

Abstract: An adjustable paper collection device constructed with an inward guiding panel and outward guiding panel facilitating the automatic folding of continuous feed printer paper during the discharge thereof for purposes of stacking. The paper collection device may be formed with or separately from a discharge area of a conventional printer and disposed immediately therebeneath. The inward guiding panel being positioned to intercept continuous feed paper from the printer and urge the continuous feed paper in a downward and inward direction; the outward guiding panel positioned to receive the continuous feed paper from the inward guiding panel and urge the continuous feed paper in an inward and downward direction relative to the printer. In this manner, the printer paper will automatically fold as the paper deposits in the basket.

Abstract: Machine for folding a web (3) in a zigzag manner includes a transport mechanism (2) for the web (3), a receiving device (5) at the bottom for collecting the folded web, a folding mechanism (4) mounted between the transport mechanism (2) and the receiving device (5) and a detection device (19,20) to detect improper folds mounted under the folding mechanism (4), wherein the machine includes a device arranged to move the web (3) backward in the folding mechanism (2) and a control device (22) connected to the backward moving device and the detection means (19,20), so that, at least upon a first detection of an improper fold, the web (3) is moved backward in the folding mechanism (4) by said backward moving device over such a distance that the improper fold is entirely unfolded and so as to afterwards allow again for the normal forward movement of the web (3) through the folding mechanism (4).

Abstract: A printer output paper collector 70 is described for refolding and stacking fanfold paper 20 that is discharged from a continuous form printer 12. The collector 70 includes a base 72 with opposing end walls 74 and 76 having guiding surfaces for receiving the fold lines or ends of the sheets and guiding the sheets downward to progressively form the restack. The collector 70 has a resilient support assembly 82 that includes a central pedestal 84 extending above the base 72 for supporting the restack above the base 72. A resilient plastic sheet member 102 is mounted on the pedestal 84 with cantilevered wing sections 108 and 110 extending from the pedestal 84 outward toward the end walls 74, 76 to resiliently support the restack adjacent the fold lines. As the height and weight of the restack increases, the additional weight causes the wing sections 108, 110 to deflect downward to maintain the top layer 62 of the restack substantially flat to facilitate the refolding of the sheets 26.

Abstract: A paper stacker includes adjustable sides to receive paper passively of different widths. The uppermost ends of the sides are flared to avoid paper encountering these ends, permitting the received paper to slide down between the sides to settle on a bottom surface without assistance. Each of the sides has a portion cut away to permit grasping a paper stack for removal. A trapezoidal platform is located on the bottom between the sides and has a friction material on a substantially flat upper surface to prevent paper slippage.

Abstract: Apparatus to separate web parts from a continuous web and feed them in zig-zag fashion onto a stack. Arranged at the sides of stack are holding-down elements designed in the manner of a paddle. These holding-down elements are moved along an elliptical path in such a way that they execute a movement directed downwards and laterally outwards towards the sides of the stack. In this movement, they come into contact in the region of the folding locations with the material web parts, be they individual sheets or longer parts to be folded in a zigzag form and press the engaged region of the material web parts downwards and outwards towards the sides of the stack. In this way, a satisfactory fold is formed at the respectively correct location, even in the case of material web sections which have neither been prefolded nor provided with lines of weakness beforehand. Also, a process for forming web parts, feeding them to a stack, and pressing them down as described.

Abstract: A conveying mechanism 11 conveys a mat material M along a first conveying path 11A and then downwardly along a second conveying path 11B while holding the material M between first and second conveyor belts 20, 30. The second conveying path 11B oscillates about a fulcrum defined by a downstream point 23A on the first conveying path 11A. A reciprocating mechanism 70 causes a substantially horizontal reciprocating motion of the discharge end of the mat material M from the second conveying path 11B, and also imparts a force which urges the discharge end in the reversal direction to accelerate said discharge end on reversal. In this manner, the collection of cotton takes place evenly across the folded areas of the piled-up material M, thereby increasing the effective width and reducing the amount of edge trimming from the folded areas.

Abstract: Continuous forms (e.g. computer paper with individual sheets separated by perforations) of one job are automatically folded and separated from the forms of the next job. Detectable marks are printed within a window onto the first form of one job, or the last of another, in a first mode, or the forms are counted in a second mode. The marks within the window are sensed by an LED sensor, which feeds information to a computer (microprocessor) control. The computer control effects operation of a cutting blade to sever the last form of one job from the first form of the next. The forms are automatically folded in a festooning action by a Bunch folder. Hall effect sensors are mounted for cooperation with notched discs on the same shaft as beaters of the Bunch folder, and function as end of travel limit switches for the folder swing chute, to provide relevant data to the microprocessor for proper operation of the cutting blade.

Abstract: A web separator is provided that cuts a web at predetermined separation locations. Downstream of the cutting, the web is folded at predetermined fold locations. A continuously swinging director, downstream of the folding, guides advancing sections of web to opposing fold edges of a supported zig-zag stack. The web is driven into the continuously swinging director by a driving member. The driving member is deactivated selectively by a clutch, while other elements of the separator continue to operate. A central drive motor may be interconnected with each of the drive member, swinging director, folding and support elements. Fold and separation locations may be determined by a bar code detector and selectively operable upper and lower conveyor belts may be disposed below the supported zig-zag stack.

Abstract: Continuous fan-fold paper, the flexure of whose folds has been lessened by laser printing, is re-stacked between a pair of paddle towers whose paddles, hinged on continuous vertical belts, urge the paper into folds at its transverse perforations. No synchronization of paddles with the printer is required.

Abstract: A web separator is provided that cuts a web at predetermined separation locations. Downstream of the cutting, the web is folded at predetermined fold locations. A continuously swinging director, downstream of the folding, guides advancing sections of web to opposing fold edges of a supported zig-zag stack. The web is driven into the continuously swinging director by a driving member. The driving member is deactivated selectively by a clutch, while other elements of the separator continue to operate. A central drive motor may be interconnected with each of the drive member, swinging director, folding and support elements. Fold and separation locations may be determined by a bar code detector and selectively operable upper and lower conveyor belts may be disposed below the supported zig-zag stack.

Abstract: Machine for high speed folding in an accordion-like manner of bands of elastic materials such as paper, thin plastic laminates or metal sheets coming from coils onto which are stored in a rolled up form, comprising an orientable guide (104) launching the band (102) against an obstacle (24, 26) so as to cause a length of the band to be bent into an arc-shaped manner, thus forming a loop (150), towards a first roller (20) having circumferential grooves (40) and areas (136, 138, 140) having high friction coefficient with respect to the material of the band to be folded, the roller (20) being rotated at a speed such that its peripheral speed is greater than the advancing rate of the band (102), whereby the loop (150) formed by the band is drawn by the roller (20) up to impinge against releaves (32) engaged within the circumferential grooves (40), causing the band (102) to be pinched, thus forming a sharp fold and then to start again the arc-shaped folding in the opposite direction until it comes into contact with

Abstract: A passive paper stacker for a printer is disclosed which is able to stack a series of pages of a Z-fold paper web, each page having a length L and a width W. The stacker includes a tray that extends from a surface of the printer. The paper web, as it exits from the printer intersects that surface. A ramp is provided to receive the paper web and has both proximal and distal ends, the proximal end receiving the paper web as it exits from the printer and the distal end positioned closer to the tray than the proximal end and at a distance from the printer surface that is at least equal to L/2. First and second sets of chains define a paper web fall path from the distal end of the ramp to the base. The first set of chains are positioned between the distal end of the ramp and the printer surface and the second set of chains are positioned so as to place the distal end of the ramp between the second set of chains and the printer surface. A basket is positioned on the tray and receives the paper web.

Abstract: An apparatus and method in which a rotary cutter is disposed upstream from a folder so that a continuous web received from a high speed printer is first severed with transverse cut lines located along or offset from perforated lines in the continuous web, and then folded. When transverse cut lines offset from perforated lines are made, a tail is formed between the transverse cut line and adjacent perforated line which may be used to facilitate identification and separation of the folded forms from others in a stack.

Abstract: Web material, such as slit, tubular knit cloth from a dye batch used for binding in garment construction, is festooned instead of rolled so that the binding can be used in a completely relaxed condition. The web is caused to move back and forth in a festooning action in a first horizontal dimension, and to be deposited on a platform by a spreader mounted on a frame. The spreader is oscillated to effect festooning by a completely pneumatic drive. The pneumatic drive is an automatic, variable speed pneumatic drive, automatically adjustable to the speed of the cloth. The exhaust from both faces of a piston in a pneumatic cylinder are connected to a valve with a number of adjustable orifice exhaust ports in it. An acutator for selectively allowing progressive flow through one or more of the exhaust ports of the valve engages the web and thereby controls the speed of the pneumatic drive so that it is closely related to the speed of the web.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for separating and folding forms cut from a continuous web is provided wherein a swing chute having opposing first and second conveying surfaces positively conveys a form to a delivery table, maintaining control of the form until the trailing edge exits therefrom. The apparatus includes a swing chute for use in a dynamic or zig-zag folding apparatus.

Abstract: Apparatus for producing continuous form stationery by refolding a strip of paper along transverse lines of weakening formed therealong. Successive lines of weakening formed in the paper are distributed in substantially opposite directions by a chute. The distributed paper is received and folded by rotating paddle wheels.

Abstract: The automated print media stacking apparatus makes use of a passive guide in the bottom of the stacking bin to automatically initiate the folding operation on printed continuous feed fan fold print media (e.g. - paper) and to precisely refold and stack the printed media as it is output by the high speed line printer. The automated print media stack apparatus includes a slotted forms refold tray that is located at the bottom of the stacking bin. The slotted refold tray includes a slot located in the center thereof for automatically receiving the leading edge of the first sheet of print media that is output by the high speed line printer. An associated media puller is used to insure the proper positioning of the leading edge of the first sheet of print media into the slot in the paper refold tray.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for fan folding a continuous web of paper having transverse fan fold lines in fan folds having a preselected fan fold length when the continuous paper is moved along a feed line from an upstream area to a folding area. A controller energizes a drive motor to oscillate a discharge chute through a predetermined arc and at a predetermined rate to permit the continuous web of paper to be fan folded as the paper is moved through the discharge chute at the folding area.