Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide new and improved folding apparatuses and methods for interfolding a continuous stream of sheets into a single-fold interfolded pattern of sheets while passing all of the sheets substantially along a single sheet path. More particularly, all sheets in the continuous stream of sheets pass through the nips between adjacent components.

Abstract: An off line apparatus for converting a rolled web into a fan-fold web and method of fan folding a web is described. The apparatus has a creasing station capable of receiving the web at a feed rate. The creasing station has a first die roller, wherein the first die roller comprises a first blade and a first cushion, and a second die roller. A coupling mechanism synchronizes rotation of the rollers such that the first blade engages the second cushion and the second blade engages the first cushion during one each rotation. A reader determines the location of a gap between the labels. A controller receives the location of the gap from said reader and communication with a drive mechanism to adjust the rotation rate such that the first blade and the second cushion engage.

Abstract: In an image forming system equipped with a small-sized post-processing apparatus capable of producing pamphlets without being limited in terms of the number of sets, a folding device, an interposing device and an ejecting device for ejecting a pamphlet formed by interposing a sheet into a sheet to be folded are provided in the post-processing apparatus.

Abstract: A folding method includes feeding a sheet to be folded to a folding unit, folding the sheet repeatedly by the folding unit, thereby creating a folded package, and discharging at least a part of the folded package from the folding unit. While at least a part of the folded package is discharged from the folding unit in the step of discharging, a part of the sheet is held back. The method includes unfolding at least one fold of the folded package. A folding apparatus is provided for carrying out the method.

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 interfolding apparatus and method, utilize, first and second sheet-cutting-and-overlapping arrangements and an interfolding arrangement simultaneously mounted and operatively interconnected in a common frame, for alternatively selectively forming a first or a second interfolded pattern having a given folded width, without replacement of components of the interfolding apparatus. The first interfolded pattern is formed from a first stream of overlapped sheets of a first length cut from a web of sheet material fed along a first path extending through the first sheet-cutting-and-overlapping arrangement to the interfolding arrangement. The second interfolded pattern is formed from a stream of overlapped sheets of a second length cut from the web of sheet material fed along a second path extending through the second sheet-cutting-and-overlapping arrangement to the interfolding arrangement.

Abstract: An interfolding machine having a modular structure and with variable cut-off, including a frame having a first plate and a second plate, parallel to each other, interconnected by means of beams. Between the plates are arranged folding rollers, means for moving and an overlap roller. Each plate has a complementary shape to a respective upper plate, with upper plates connected by means of beams among one another. Between the plates, the cutting roller, the transfer roller and the cutter with the blade are arranged, such that a modular portion is formed removable independently from a main portion of the frame. Alternatively, the removable portion can include the only cutting roller and the cutter with the blade.

Abstract: An interfolding apparatus and method, utilize, first and second sheet-cutting-and-overlapping arrangements and an interfolding arrangement simultaneously mounted and operatively interconnected in a common frame, for alternatively selectively forming a first or a second interfolded pattern having a given folded width, without replacement of components of the interfolding apparatus. The first interfolded pattern is formed from a first stream of overlapped sheets of a first length cut from a web of sheet material fed along a first path extending through the first sheet-cutting-and-overlapping arrangement to the interfolding arrangement. The second interfolded pattern is formed from a stream of overlapped sheets of a second length cut from the web of sheet material fed along a second path extending through the second sheet-cutting-and-overlapping arrangement to the interfolding arrangement.

Abstract: A device for the folding of flexible material in the form of a continuous strip (10) or single sheets, of the type comprising a pair of parallel and opposite rolls (12, 14) respectively equipped with at least one gripping element (18), consisting of at least one moveable jaw (20) and at least one fixed jaw (22), and at least one comb element (16) situated along directrix lines parallel to the axes of the respective rolls (12, 14). The comb elements (16) are assembled on an actuator group (50) inside each of the rolls (12, 14) to move them from a substantially withdrawn position with respect to the surface of the roll (12, 14) to a protruding position, whereas the moveable jaws (20) of the gripping element (18) are assembled on an actuator group (52) inside each of the rolls (12, 14) to allow them to be moved towards and away from the fixed jaws (22).

Abstract: A fabric folding machine structure is used for receiving and folding a fabric woven by a circular knitting machine. A fabric folding machine is added to the circular knitting machine without changing the length, width, and height of the fabric rolling machine. The fabric folding machine has a carrying base for carrying the fabric, and both ends of the carrying base are fixed to the bottom of two side seats, and a plurality of fabric rolling rods disposed between the two side seats define a carrying space, and the two side seats include a fabric folding unit for driving the fabric on the carrying base, and the fabric folding unit can drive the fabric back and forth in the carrying space to fold the fabric on the carrying base, so as to provide a larger carrying space and a higher fabric storing capacity than a prior art fabric folding machine.

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: An interfolding apparatus including a knife roll rotatable about an axis and operable to cut successive sheets from a stream of web material issuing from a source in a downstream direction. A folding roll is positioned downstream of the knife roll and is rotatable in a first direction at a first roll speed. An additional roll is disposed adjacent to the folding roll and is rotatable about an axis in a second direction at a second roll speed. The additional roll is operable to receive the successive sheets and release the successive sheets in the downstream direction toward the folding roll. The folding roll and the additional roll define a nip therebetween, the successive sheets passing through the nip. The first roll speed of the folding roll is different from the second roll speed of the additional roll, the difference in speed between the folding roll and the additional roll operable to overlap adjacent portions of the successive sheets onto the folding roll.

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: The folding machine comprises; a pair of counter-rotating folding cylinders (1, 3), each provided with at least one gripping member (43) to fold a continuous web material (N) in a zigzag manner; and a cutting member (60) disposed in front of the folding cylinders to cut the zigzag folded web material and divide it into two piles (M) of folded articles. Each gripping member is a suction member which retains the web material by suction at the level of the respective folding line.

Abstract: A pleating apparatus comprises a support surface, first and second pleating surfaces, and a driver for compressing a portion of a filter material between the first and second pleating surfaces to form a pleat, where at least one of the pleating surfaces is curved or extends at an acute angle with respect to a support surface.

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: The folding machine comprises a pair of folding rollers (1, 3) rotating about axes essentially parallel to each other and defining a nip (5) through which a web material (N) to be folded passes. Disposed on each of the folding rollers are folding members (61, 61A; 63, 63A) which form folds on the web material parallel to the axis of rotation of the folding rollers. For each folding roller (1, 3) a transferring device (11, 13) is also provided to transfer packs of products folded by the folding rollers towards an unloading area (9), which comprises a plurality of separating fingers (15) movable along a closed path, from an area of engagement with the folded products to an unloading area of the folded products. Each of the transferring devices extends inside an annular groove (1G, 3G) of the respective folding roller (1, 3).

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 pleating method comprises disposing a filter material on a support surface and compressing a portion of the filter material between first and second pleating surfaces to form a pleat, where at least one of the pleating surfaces is curved or extends at an acute angle with respect to a support surface.

Abstract: In document output including mixture of different sizes, regarding a paper (A4 size) which is not Z-folded, header/footor information is printed on the paper as a designated manner, and, regarding a paper (A3 size) which is to be Z-folded, the header/footor information is combined with document data in such a manner that the position of the header/footor information after Z-folding apparently becomes the same as the position of the information on the A4 size. For example, in an opened condition, two header/footor information are printed at two positions, and positions of two header/footor informations are adjusted so that an information component (99/1) printed on an area A and an information component (2/31) printed on an area D constitute one header information as “99/12/31”. As a result, the header/footor information can be recognized at a glance without opening the folded page, apparently similar to the non-Z-fold paper.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for folding an airbag of a vehicle occupant restraining system, having a conveyor means, in which a first portion of the spread-out airbag is moved in order thus to push a second portion of the airbag against an abutment which has at least one abutment surface extending substantially parallel to the direction of movement, so that the second portion of the airbag is laid in folds. In order to obtain a regularly folded airbag in a particularly simple manner, the conveyor means is formed with at least one rotating conveyor element which can move the first portion of the airbag in the direction of the abutment.

Abstract: A paper folding mechanism for folding continuous paper is provided. The folding mechanism includes a swing guide caused to pivot for guiding the paper, and first and second paper guides which are spaced from each other. The first paper guide is displaceable relative to the second paper guide. The folding mechanism also includes a paper presser arranged adjacent to the first paper guide for folding the paper along fold lines. The paper presser is designed to move relative to the first paper guide.

Abstract: A finisher includes a folding device which folds a sheet having an image formed surface, a reversing mechanism which reverses the sheet, and a conveying path for conveying the sheet bypassing the reversing mechanism. The finisher decides whether to pass the sheet through the reversing mechanism based on whether the sheet is to be folded. The finisher adjusts both folded sheets and unfolded sheets in the order of page numbers and staples a sheaf of the sheets easily and accurately, and also utilizes space efficiently and prevents the finisher size from enlarging.

Abstract: A method of producing a newspaper (7, 8, 9) comprises at least one section (3, 4, 5) which is formed from at least one centrally folded printed sheet (1), and an apparatus implements the method.

Abstract: A paper folding mechanism for folding continuous paper is provided. The folding mechanism includes a swing guide caused to pivot for guiding the paper, and first and second paper guides which are spaced from each other. The first paper guide is displaceable relative to the second paper guide. The folding mechanism also includes a paper presser arranged adjacent to the first paper guide for folding the paper along fold lines. The paper presser is designed to move relative to the first paper guide.

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 machine (1) for interfolding sheet material (4a, 4b) starting from a web (3a, 3b) of paper and the like. A sequence of offset sheets (4a, 4b) is formed on folding rollers (7a, 7b) which are counter-rotating with respect to each other and have a plurality of circumferential grooves (15a, 15b), in which oscillating folding arms engage (20a, 20b) so as to form a stack (17) of interfolded sheets (4a, 4b). The folding arms (20a, 20b) have pivots (21) very close to the periphery of the folding rollers (7a, 7b), inside or outside of the grooves (15a, 15b). Moreover they can be operated by a crank mechanism that allows to the grooves (15a, 15b) to be shallow enough also in case of rollers (7a, 7b) of enlarged diameter. For the same reason, the folding arms (20a, 20b) can have a bent portion.

Abstract: A method and a machine for the production of interfolded stacks (17) formed by a plurality of sheets (4a,4b) comprising the steps of: transversally cutting or tearing sheets obtained from at least one web (3a,3b) and offset with respect to one another so that a sequence of offset sheets is created; passage of the sheets on folding rollers (7a,7b) which comprise sucking means for the alternate holding of the sheets (4a,4b) in order to obtain an interfolded disposition; formation of a continuous interfolded stack downstream of the folding rollers. Upstream of the folding a step of treatment of the sheets is provided in order to make them, at least in certain zones (14), enough permeable to air, in particular through perforating means. These perforating means can be provided on rollers (10a,10b) having sharpened points (11a,11b).

Abstract: A method of forming a plurality of easy to open handle bags is provided. The method includes providing a flattened tube of thermoplastic material oriented in a generally longitudinal direction. The flattened tube has a first longitudinal side edge, a second longitudinal side edge, and a transverse heat seal. The tube has first, second, and third sections. The second section is disposed between the first and third sections. The first section is joined to the second section along a generally longitudinal first fold line. The second section is joined to the third section along a generally longitudinal second fold line. A generally rectangular hole is cut through the second section. The generally rectangular hole has a top edge and a bottom edge. The generally rectangular hole is contained transversely between the first and second fold lines.

Abstract: A tissue stack (10) including a plurality of discrete leaves (11-14), which each leaf including a pair of panels (15A) between which there is folded a pair of panels (15B) of the next adjacent leaf. There is also disclosed a machine and method for manufacturing the stack.

Abstract: In order to set the sheet guidance devices of a folder simply and quickly for the production of once or twice cross-folded products and to guide the products reliably and carefully, a tongue and a tongue bar are arranged in the runout gap of the folding blade cylinder and gripper/folding knife cylinder. To produce twice cross-folded products, the tongue can be moved out of the runout gap, after which a guidance device with a somewhat arc-shaped contour is directed to the runout gap.

Abstract: A folding device is provided which produces folded printed products from an incoming web of printed material. The folding device has a mechanism for automatically converting the folding device from a configuration that forms a single transverse fold to a configuration that forms a second transverse fold parallel to the first fold. The conversion mechanism has a set of movable belts wound partially around a first folding cylinder and partially around a second folding cylinder.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for folding and interfolding single-ply webs, in which single-ply webs are first-folded alternately on their respective lines, tail portions and head portions of the webs are overlapped alternately while reducing the feeding distance of the webs which are already first-folded on their respective lines, and the overlapped webs are second-folded alternately.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus produce a stack of overlapping, U-folded- or zig-zag-folded individual material sheets, in particular of absorbent paper, that mesh with one another. The stack is formed by two roller systems or roller sets, one for each of two material webs. Each system includes a stacking roller (8, 9) in a stacking station. The two stacking rollers cooperate in the stack formation. Each set of rollers includes at least one cutting roller (11) with a cutting knife (12) for each material web, a transport roller (13), and a pulling and guide roller (14). All rollers are arranged and driven in a machine frame. Each stacking roller (8,9) has at least one crimping- and folding-edge (16,20,21) and at least one tiltable suction gripper flap. At least one suction element (23) is part of the suction gripper flap and at least one further suction element (24) is arranged behind the suction gripper flap or behind the crimping- and folding-edge as viewed in the sheet travel direction.

Abstract: This invention relates to a paper interfolding machine of the type having first and second folding rolls mounted adjacent each other for rotation about parallel axes with porous tissue paper carried by each roll. A wedge-shaped protrusion on a first folding roll and a mating recess on a second folding roll is provided. A resilient member filling at least a portion of the mating recess forms an elastic anvil which is deformed by the protrusion received in the recess to crease a sheet of paper received in the nip between the rolls. Vacuum ports on the second folding roll are used to selectively adhere the sheet to the second roll during creasing.

Abstract: A plant for the production of stacks of intermeshed blanks of paper, cellse or the like folded together in a zig-zag fashion, in which two supply rolls are associated with the plant. Material webs on the rolls correspond to a multiple of two, four, or six or a higher even-numbered multiple of the width of the individual blanks. Longitudinal cutting stations divide the material webs into partial webs. The partial webs are opposite each other and run toward each other in the longitudinal direction of the webs and are fed to a stack-producing unit from two opposing sides. The stack-producing units of partial webs adjacent to each other are arranged in displaced relation to each other.

Abstract: Apparatus and processes for receiving sheets from a sheet stacker, separating them into bundles, and removing the bundles from the discharge area of the sheet stacking apparatus. The apparatus includes a frame, a rotatable receiving means mounted on the frame, means for separating the bundles of sheets being received, and means for rotating the rotatable receiving means. The receiving means may include a plurality of sheet receiving chambers, each chamber having an elevator which may be lowered in the respective chamber. The apparatus also has means for raising each elevator. The separating means accumulates the sheets being received from the sheet stacker while the receiving means is being rotated.

Abstract: A folder unit according to the teachings of the preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown as including front and rear sets of spirals for folding a continuous web of paper. The spirals are driven by first and second shafts whose ends extend through elongated slots formed in the side plates of the unit. A third drive shaft is further provided rotatably related to the first and second shafts and including a slideable helical gear. When the helical gear is slid on the third drive shaft, the third drive shaft is forced to rotate due to the helix of the helical gears simultaneously changing the rotational position of the spiral sets with respect to the other folder unit components. To prevent the spiral gear boxes from rotating with the first and second shafts, anti-rotation bars are provided which also extend through the elongated slots of the side plates.

Abstract: A folding apparatus for preparing a zigzag web of paper or paper pulp or sues or similar material for the production of paper handkerchiefs, paper serviettes or similar articles, has two oppositely rotating folding rolls each having a folding stick and at least one row of suction orifices for temporary retention of the web. Each roll also has two guard guides disposed before the folding stick and two guides disposed before the suction orifice row.

Abstract: A method and means is provided for folding material such as paper hand toweling in either a single "V-fold" or multiple "Z-fold" configuration. In either case, the paper is forced by a tucker into a vise which consists of one stationary jaw and one movable jaw operated by a cam on opening and a spring mechanism on closing. The movable vise is leading through the roll nip. The tucker blade may be split into individual segments, the width of one towel rather than the full width of the machine. Further, leaf springs such as two leaf springs per segment rather than extension springs on each end of the blade are adapted to be used.