Plural Folding Actions Patents (Class 493/440)
  • Patent number: 9802722
    Abstract: Pallet roping and wrapping machines having a plurality of spools of stretch film supported on one or more spools and guides that form ropes of stretch film without cutting. Specific implementations of guides include guides formed or rings and rollers. Positions of guides may be adjustable. A primary roll of stretch film may be positionally coupled to a primary spool core, and a plurality of secondary rolls of stretch film may be positionally coupled to one or more secondary spool cores. The wrapping machines may include a plurality of guides positioned to narrow the stretch film from the plurality of secondary rolls to form a plurality of ropes fully overlapping a web of the primary roll of stretch film when wrapped around a palletized load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2017
    Inventor: Darrel Bison
  • Patent number: 8939879
    Abstract: An apparatus for folding articles advancing in a machine direction including a rotatable roll having a roll surface, at least one protrusion that defines an outermost surface of the roll and at least one pocket that defines an innermost surface of the roll. The apparatus also includes a first and second vacuum conveyor assembly, each comprising two vacuum conveyors. The roll and the vacuum conveyor assemblies are cooperatively configured to fold an article. A method for folding articles by accelerating a portion of the article to create slack in the article, as may be practiced using an apparatus as described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventor: Yoichiro Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 8900110
    Abstract: A paper folding apparatus for a binding machine, capable of discharging paper sheets by folding the paper sheets twice, includes a first knife unit and a second knife unit. The first knife unit has a first feeding path and a pair of first paper folding rollers. The second knife unit has a second feeding path and a pair of second paper folding rollers. A paper arranging guide is installed in front of the pair of first paper folding rollers, and the second knife unit includes a pinion, a rack selectively engaged with the pinion, a rack guide configured to provide a path on which the rack is moved, a resilient member resiliently supporting the rack, and a second paper folding knife configured to move back and forth between the second paper folding rollers in association with a moving direction of the rack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: Biztechone Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kijo Jung
  • Publication number: 20130244854
    Abstract: Pre-stretched films may be used to increase the rate at which loads can be wrapped and to minimize the exertion required when using traditional handheld film. However, the edges of pre-stretched films are easily damaged, which may result in tearing or failure of the film during use. The present disclosure describes devices, systems, and methods for folding the edges of the film, resulting in a film that is less susceptible to damage and easier to use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2013
    Publication date: September 19, 2013
    Applicant: Paragon Films, Inc.
    Inventors: Shaun Eugene Pirtle, Khurrum Shamsi, Robert Earl Cochlin
  • Patent number: 8357078
    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
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2013
    Assignees: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba, Toshiba Tec Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Hiroyuki Taguchi
  • Publication number: 20110245060
    Abstract: A system is provided for bifolding disposable absorbent articles on a high speed production line on which the disposable absorbent articles are moved along a predetermined path. The system includes the use of one or more vacuum conveyor assemblies to engage and transfer the leading end portion of the article from the surface of a peel-roll to a folding drum. Thereby potentially reducing the occurrence of undesirable misalignment between opposing edges of an article during a bifolding process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2011
    Publication date: October 6, 2011
    Inventors: John Glasgow Burns, JR., Yoichiro Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 7955244
    Abstract: A system is provided for bifolding disposable absorbent articles on a high speed production line on which the disposable absorbent articles are moved along a predetermined path. The system includes the use of one or more vacuum conveyor assemblies to engage and transfer the leading end portion of the article from the surface of a peel-roll to a folding drum, thereby potentially reducing the occurrence of undesirable misalignment between opposing edges of an article during a bifolding process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: John Glasgow Burns, Jr., Yoichiro Yamamoto
  • Publication number: 20100104799
    Abstract: A stack of folded sheets comprises first and second groups of folded sheets. Each of the sheets of each group includes a center panel, a second panel, and a V-shaped portion including third and fourth panels. The sheets of the two groups are alternately arranged so that the second panel of each sheet of each group is adjacent a fourth panel of a sheet of the other group. The adjacent second and fourth panels may or may not be interleaved. Adjustable folding boards are provided for folding elongated webs into the first and second folded sheets. Each of the folding boards includes a slidably mounted first plate which folds the fourth panel of the folded sheet. A second plate extends downwardly from the first plate and is also slidably mounted for movement transversely to the web. Third and fourth plates are mounted in front of the second plate. Adjusting the first and second plates relative to the web changes the width of the fourth panel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2008
    Publication date: April 29, 2010
    Applicant: PAPER CONVERTING MACHINE COMPANY
    Inventor: John H. Wunderlich
  • Patent number: 7534201
    Abstract: A sheet conveying section (B) sequentially conveys a sheet (P) from a sheet feeding section (A), and a sheet folding section (D) folds the sheet (P) received from the sheet conveying section (B) in a conveying direction. The sheet conveying section (B) comprises a conveyer belt (3), and a positioning ruler (4) for positioning the sheet (P) while it is conveyed. The sheet folding section (D) comprises a folding knife (9), a pair of folding rollers (10), and first and second guides (11a, 11b) arranged on either side of the folding knife (9). The sheet (p) is positioned to a fold position by the first and second guides (11a, 11b) and folded by the folding knife (9) and the folding roller (10). The positioning ruler (4) is moved in a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction by a first driving mechanism (5, 6). The first and second guides (11a) are moved in the direction perpendicular to the conveying direction respectively by second and third driving mechanisms (21, 22; 23, 24).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2009
    Assignee: Horizon International, Inc.
    Inventors: Hiroki Yamamoto, Tatsuaki Ida
  • Publication number: 20090098995
    Abstract: A system is provided for bifolding disposable absorbent articles on a high speed production line on which the disposable absorbent articles are moved along a predetermined path. The system includes the use of one or more vacuum conveyor assemblies to engage and transfer the leading end portion of the article from the surface of a peel-roll to a folding drum, thereby potentially reducing the occurrence of undesirable misalignment between opposing edges of an article during a bifolding process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 3, 2008
    Publication date: April 16, 2009
    Inventors: John Glasgow Burns, JR., Yoichiro Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 7094195
    Abstract: A method of folding and stacking multiple-sheet sets utilizes a folder having a set feeder that by-passes the folder in-feed station. Sets of multiple sheets are directed directly to the folder processing station, such as a folder station. The set feeder comprises a guide mechanism that guides a set through a cover opening and along a lower guide to the input of the processing station. A sensing device senses the presence of the set and operates the processing station without operating the in-feed station. Alternately, a sensing device is not required, and the folder is operable to process sets using the set feeder by manually assuring that the in-feed station does not simultaneously propel any sheets to the processing station. The folder further comprises a telescoping stacker that holds the number of processed sheets equal to at least the number of sheets loaded at the in-feed station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2006
    Assignee: Bescorp, Inc.
    Inventor: Timothy D. Lindsay
  • Patent number: 7066871
    Abstract: A folder includes a set feeder that by-passes the folder in-feed station. Sets of multiple sheets are directed directly to the folder processing station, such as a folder station. The set feeder comprises a guide mechanism that guides a set through a cover opening and along a lower guide to the input of the processing station. A sensing device senses the presence of the set and operates the processing station without operating the in-feed station. Alternately, a sensing device is not required, and the folder is operable to process sets using the set feeder by manually assuring that the in-feed station does not simultaneously propel any sheets to the processing station. The folder further comprises a telescoping stacker that holds the number of processed sheets equal to at least the number of sheets loaded at the in-feed station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2006
    Assignee: Bescorp, Inc.
    Inventor: Timothy D. Lindsay
  • Patent number: 7063656
    Abstract: A folder includes a set feeder that by-passes the folder in-feed station. Sets of multiple sheets are directed directly to the folder processing station, such as a folder station. The set feeder comprises a guide mechanism that guides a set through a cover opening and along a lower guide to the input of the processing station. A sensing device senses the presence of the set and operates the processing station without operating the in-feed station. Alternately, a sensing device is not required, and the folder is operable to process sets using the set feeder by manually assuring that the in-feed station does not simultaneously propel any sheets to the processing station. The folder further comprises a telescoping stacker that holds the number of processed sheets equal to at least the number of sheets loaded at the in-feed station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2006
    Assignee: Bescorp, Inc.
    Inventor: Timothy D. Lindsay
  • Patent number: 6730012
    Abstract: Disclosed is a sheet stack manufacturing process. At first, a plurality of band sheets are fed. Each band sheet is folded at least once along a longitudinal direction thereof at a first folding step, to form folded bands. Then, each folded band is folded along the longitudinal direction at a second folding step to have at least three fold lines by the first and second folding steps and to sandwich a portion of at least one of an overlying sheet and an underlying sheet thereof, thereby to form a band-shaped sheet stack in which a plurality of sheets are combined with one another so as to be stacked on one another. The band-shaped sheet stack is cut to a predetermined length to be separated into individual sheet stacks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2004
    Assignee: Uni-Charm Corporation
    Inventor: Takeshi Bando
  • Patent number: 6729109
    Abstract: A flat bottom bag or flexible package, and method for manufacturing same, constructed by modification to existing vertical form and fill packaging machines. The invention involves producing a flat bottom bag from a single sheet of packaging film by creating two vertical creases along opposite sides of a packaging film tube prior to forming a transverse seal on the tube. These creases are formed using fixed or stationary modifications to prior art vertical form, fill, and seal machines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2004
    Assignee: Recot, Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony Robert Knoerzer, Garrett William Kohl, Steven Kenneth Tucker
  • Patent number: 6723035
    Abstract: A method of tucking a pair of side panels into a body portion of a pant-like garment in which the fold locations can be controlled. The garment is positioned between an upper vacuum conveyor and a lower vacuum conveyor. Opposing vacuum zones from the upper and lower conveyors hold a front region of the garment away from a back region of the garment. While the garment is in the opened, or pulled apart, position, the side panels are pushed between the front and back regions toward one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Kent Allan Franklin, David Michael Lehner, Jesse Paul Sorenson, Rodney Steele Gardinier
  • Patent number: 6722106
    Abstract: A vertical stand-up pouch or flexible package, and method for manufacturing same, constructed by modification to existing vertical form and fill packaging machines. The invention involves producing a vertical stand-up pouch from a single sheet of packaging film by creating a vertical crease along one edge of a packaging film tube prior to forming a transverse seal on the tube. Said vertical crease is formed using a stationary tucker bar positioned outside the packaging film tube and between two forming plates positioned inside the packaging film tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Assignee: Recot, Inc.
    Inventors: Lawrence Joseph Bartel, Anthony Robert Knoerzer, Garrett William Kohl, Steven Kenneth Tucker
  • Patent number: 6718725
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for folding and packaging an airbag includes a tapered concentrator. The airbag can be a head or side-window airbag. The concentrator has an inlet and an outlet whose dimension is smaller than the inlet. Feeding the airbag through the concentrator squeezes or compresses (i.e., folds) the airbag to a predetermined cross section corresponding the outlet size of the concentrator. The airbag can include a strap at one end portion thereof. The strap is feed through the concentrator, such as by pulling the strap therethrough. Pulling the strap pulls the airbag through the smaller outlet, which compresses or folds the airbag. Also, by placing an airbag package having an inlet sized to the outlet of the concentrator adjacent to the outlet of the concentrator, and feeding the strap through the airbag package, the folded airbag is inserted into the package substantially simultaneously with the folding operation. The concentrator can include pre-orienting elements for forming uniform folds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2004
    Assignee: Takata-Petri AG
    Inventors: Imre Farwig, Tobias Pausch, Alexander Zeller, Hubertus Krause
  • Publication number: 20040038797
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming informationbal items such as outserts and booklets may include folding a sheet of paper having product information printed thereon by making a plurality of folds in the sheet of paper to form a first folded article, the folds in the sheet of paper being made using a first folding apparatus having a plurality of folding rollers; (b) making a fold in the first folded article to form a second folded article, the fold being parallel to a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, the fold being made using a second folding apparatus having a plurality of folding rollers; (c) applying pressure at least about 30 psi and no greater than about 500 psi to the second folded article a first pressing unit having a pair of pressure rollers; and (d) making one or more folds in the second folded article to form an outsert using a third folding apparatus having a plurality of folding rollers having a nip therebetween and a movable blade member, the movable blade member making con
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2003
    Publication date: February 26, 2004
    Inventors: William C. Neubauer, Roger Mattila, Ilija Ilijevski
  • Patent number: 6669619
    Abstract: A device for folding printing copies in a web-fed rotary printing machine includes a folding knife, controls for reciprocatingly moving the folding knife at least approximately in one plane, the controls including a first and a second toggle lever, which, at one of the ends thereof, respectively, are movably attached to frame-fixed parts of the printing machine and at the other ends thereof, respectively, are movably attached to the folding knife, and a rotary element simultaneously actable upon both the first and the second toggle levers for operating the controls; a folder including the folding device; and an assembly including the folder with the folding device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2003
    Assignee: Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG
    Inventor: Herbert Bialek
  • Patent number: 6623415
    Abstract: The present invention provides exemplary sheet folding systems and methods, including systems and methods for printing on a continuous sheet, and removing and folding individual sheets from the continuous sheet. In one embodiment, a sheet folding system (100) includes a separator (200) adapted to separate an individual sheet from a continuous form sheet, a receiver (300) adapted for receiving the individual sheet, a first folder (500) adapted to perform a first fold of the individual sheet, and a second folder (800) adapted to perform a second fold of the individual sheet. In some embodiments, the first and second folders include two different types of folders.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2003
    Assignee: First Data Corporation
    Inventors: Jon A. Gates, Fred C. Casto
  • Patent number: 6620088
    Abstract: Apparatus for splitting a stream of products coming from a folding group making any desired fold and feeding it to either of two further folding groups making a respective further fold includes a stripper assembly guiding the products away from a folding cylinder of the folding group making the desired fold, a diverter element, and tape guide systems that transport the products from the latter to the further folding groups. The stripper assembly includes a tape guide module that can be pivoted towards the folding cylinder, and at least one stripper tongue; the tape guide systems and the diverter element being integrated into a splitter module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2003
    Assignee: MAN Roland Druckmaschinen AG
    Inventors: Andreas Jeschke, Frank Schmieder
  • Patent number: 6598377
    Abstract: In a folding and guiding apparatus for use in a filling and packing machine, film F that is drawn out and guided from a film winding core and fed continuously is double-folded up along the longitudinal direction thereof, and pack-target material is filled and packed while the four sides of the double-folded film are sealed. A film guide member 12 for regulating and holding the outer surface portions of the folded portions of the double-folded film is provided between a film folding mechanism 4 and a longitudinal sealing mechanism 5 so as to be adjacent to the longitudinal sealing mechanism 5.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2003
    Assignee: Nippon Seiki Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yoshimori Takahashi
  • Patent number: 6599228
    Abstract: A device and a method for producing a batch of products having a multiplicity of interfolded, generally rectangular sheets including wet wipes, from a limited amount of a web material, at a high production speed and in efficiently used floor space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2003
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Kerri Crain Hailey, Jonathan Paul Brennan, David A. Harnish
  • Patent number: 6588175
    Abstract: A device for folding vertical flaps of a container (1) moved along a line (100) for packaging products (3) into these containers (1) includes a (cam) member (11), guided along a cyclical trajectory (T) by support and operating means (20) cooperating with trajectory correcting means (6). The trajectory (T) includes a first part (T1), along which the (cam) member (11) moves close to container (1), upstream of said rear vertical flap (5) with respect to the container (1) movement direction (W), and a second part (T2), along which the rear vertical flap (5) is pushed. The second part (T2) is substantially parallel to the direction (W) and concordant therewith. The supporting and operating means (20) include a pulley (21) and a connecting rod (22), aimed at guiding the (cam) member (11) and a bar (13), connected thereto, along a circumference arc. The trajectory correcting means (6) include a rotating body (31), aimed at receiving slildingly the bar (13) in a seat (32) made therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2003
    Assignee: I.M.A. Industria Macchine Automatiche S.p.A.
    Inventor: Rodolfo Gaudenzi
  • Patent number: 6468197
    Abstract: A cushioning conversion machine for converting sheet-like stock material into a relatively low density cushioning dunnage product. The machine has at least one conversion assembly for forming the stock material into a three-dimensional shape. The machine includes a feed mechanism for drawing the stock material over a shaping member in the conversion assembly. Any one of a plurality of manually operated severing mechanisms can be mounted in the second unit for cutting the cushioning dunnage product into cut sections. One severing unit has a circular cutting disc which is driven by a rack and pinion faster than rolling contact along a reaction member. Another severing mechanism has a fixed blade with an inclined cutting edge that moves across the path of the converted material. A third mechanism has straight edged blade that moves on vertical tracks downward through the path of the emerging converted material to sever the material against a fixed reaction member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2002
    Assignee: Ranpak Corp.
    Inventors: Michael Lencoski, Richard O. Ratzel, James A. Simmons
  • Patent number: 6279890
    Abstract: A printing press having a jaw mode assembly and a rotary mode assembly with a single folding cylinder adapted to feed either the jaw mode assembly or the rotary mode assembly is disclosed. A moving web of material is initially trained about the folding cylinder and cut into a signatures which are then temporarily held on the folding cylinder. A folding blade extends from the folding cylinder to initiate a fold in each signature and direct each signature to either the jaw mode assembly or the rotary mode assembly. The timing of the folding blade is coordinated and adjusted using an indexable spider assembly to feed either the jaw mode assembly or the rotary mode assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2001
    Assignee: Goss Graphic Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Charles Tomczak
  • Patent number: 6276045
    Abstract: Upper and lower mirror image die plates are resiliently supported and have predetermined displacement values for forming vortex generators and foldline crease channels without compressive deformation in a porous sintered metal fiber sheet material. Cutters and ridges coupled to the upper and lower die plates form the respective vortex generators and channels. The sheet of so formed material is then placed in an apparatus for bending the sheet at the foldline channels to corrugate the sheet without deformation of the sheet material between the corrugation bends. Fingers align with and engage the channels. The fingers are on plates that are ramped closer together simultaneously while the fingers on two mirror image coplanar sets of plates displace toward each other as the sheet material is folded. Pins on a pair of rotating levers engage each of the finger plates of the two sets for relatively horizontally displacing the plates and corresponding fingers as they are ramped together vertically.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2001
    Assignee: ABB Lummus Global, Inc.
    Inventors: Franz Büchi, Ernst Vogt, Peter Dubach, Timothy Griffin, Jonathan Lloyd, Bettina Paikert
  • Patent number: 6263814
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2001
    Assignee: BKI Holding Corporation
    Inventor: Lawrence J. O'Connor
  • Patent number: 6238328
    Abstract: A sheet material assembly comprising a stack of longitudinally folded sheet material webs including a first web and second web. The first web includes a first fold, a second fold overlying a portion of said first fold, and a third fold lying between the first and second folds. The second web includes a first fold underlying the first fold of the first web, a second fold overlying the second fold of the first web and a third fold underlying the third fold of the first web. A folding device for forming a web includes a first, second and third folding edge extending from a first junction and formed in a first plane, a fourth folding edge extending from the first junction out of the first plane, a fifth and sixth folding edge extending from a second junction formed in a second plane parallel to and above the first plane, and a seventh folding edge extending from the second junction out of the second plane. The fifth folding edge crosses over the third folding edge in a spaced apart relationship.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2001
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Jay Loppnow, David K. Traugott, Brian E. Keating
  • Patent number: 6168559
    Abstract: A cushioning conversion machine (10) comprising conversion assemblies (52, 54) which convert a sheet-like material (22) into a continuous strip (30) of a cushioning product; a cutting assembly (56) which cuts a leading portion of the strip (30) into a cut pad (32) of a desired length; and a pad-transferring assembly (12). The pad-transferring assembly (12) is mounted to the machine's frame (36) downstream of the cutting assembly (56) and it is designed to engage the leading portion of the strip (30) prior to it being cut. Once the strip (30) is cut, and the pad (32) is formed, the pad-transferring assembly (12) transfers the cut pad (32) away from the cutting assembly (56).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2001
    Assignee: Ranpak Corp.
    Inventor: James A. Simmons
  • Patent number: 6042530
    Abstract: A tool (8) of a folding device (1) for edge tabs (5) of a material web (2) comprises a conveyance path (19) having a folding surface area (13) for said edge tabs (5) and a further, separate conveyance path (18) for wider edge tabs (4) intended not to be folded at said folding surface area (13). The tool (8) distinguishes the edge tabs (4, 5) by their width and steers the wider edge tabs (4) downwards out of the way prior to attaining the processing conveyance path (19).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2000
    Assignee: bielomatik Leuze GmbH & Co.
    Inventors: Martin Bohn, Wolfgang Scheller
  • Patent number: 6024684
    Abstract: Folded products are produced in a web-fed press by directing the printed web to longitudinal formers and then to multi-width transverse folders. The longitudinal formers are supported so that at least selected ones of them can be shifted vertically with respect to the transverse folders. A parallelogram-like linkage is used to shift the longitudinal formers vertically. Vertical shifting of the formers accomplishes transverse shifting of the location of the delivery of formed products from the formers to the multi-width transverse folders.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2000
    Assignee: Koenig & Bauer Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Edgar Maylander, Horst Bernhard Michalik
  • Patent number: 5755655
    Abstract: A device for folding layer material, the layer material defining layer sections including at least one folded layer section and a connecting layer section laterally directly connecting to the at least one folded layer section, comprises: a device base; a conveying path for conveying the layer material relative to the device base in a conveying direction along a folding path section; and, a folding member including guiding members for longitudinally folding the layer material from an initial layer state to a folded state only within the folding path section while the layer material is conveyed therethrough. The folding path section defines folding path ends including a beginning end where the layer material initially begins to be folded by partly erecting the at least one folded layer section from the initial layer state with respect to the connecting layer section and with respect to the device base, and a finishing end where the layer material reaches and then maintains the folded state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1998
    Assignee: bielomatik Leuze GmbH & Co.
    Inventors: Martin Bohn, Wolfgang Scheller
  • Patent number: 5716314
    Abstract: A corrugated board folder is disclosed for folding the flap of a corrugated board onto the base of the corrugated board along a fold line having an inside fold line and an outside fold line. The corrugated board folder includes a conveyor mounted on a frame for supporting the corrugated board during folding and a series of rollers that engage the flap of the corrugated board. Each roller in the series of rollers is supported adjacent the conveyer by a roller bracket. The roller has an axis which pivots about a bracket pivot point of the roller bracket. The bracket pivot point for each bracket is aligned with the inside fold line of the corrugated board and each roller is angularly positioned to squarely engage the flap of the corrugated board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 10, 1998
    Assignee: Corrugated Gear & Services, Inc.
    Inventor: David M. Lauderbaugh
  • Patent number: 5554095
    Abstract: A bias tape maker comprises a thin walled outer member and an inner core member fitted in the outer member. The outer member includes a bottom wall, a pair of side walls extending upright from the bottom wall, and a pair of roof margins bent toward each other. Further, the outer member has a tape entry opening and a tape exit slit. The inner core member has a pair of longitudinal grooves for receiving the pair of roof margins. A tape guide passage is formed between the outer member and the inner member to extend from the tape entry opening of the outer member to the tape exit slit. The tape guide passage includes a tape folding portion adjoining the tape exit opening. The bottom wall of the outer member is formed with a tape advancing slot extending longitudinally between the tape entry opening and the tape exit slit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 10, 1996
    Assignee: Clover Manufacturing Co. Ltd.
    Inventor: Yoshimi Matsuo
  • Patent number: 5496253
    Abstract: Apparatus and method are disclosed for preparing a preprinted book cover for application to a book block in a perfect binding system A double-walled tubular attachment strip is adhesively attached to the cover spine portion of successive covers in a continuous process. Covers are fed onto a conveyor at a constant speed with a spacing between covers and adhesive is applied to the spine areas. Simultaneously a continuous double-walled attachment strip with a longitudinal lap joint in one wall is formed without adhesive from a source of paper web stock and pressed, lap joint down, onto the cover spines to form a continuous string of covers. The attachment strip is cut by laser cutting beam between each cover while the covers are moving. The double-walled attachment strip is formed by pulling the web under constant tension through side scoring wheels, hold-down shoes, and forming devices which have surfaces to fold the edges of the moving web through 180.degree. toward each other to form a lap joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 5, 1996
    Assignee: Norfin International, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald L. Snellman, Dean G. Tonkin
  • Patent number: 5466210
    Abstract: A tube material opening apparatus includes two pairs of rotatable wheels which are positioned at upstream and downstream locations within tube material. The peripheral edge of each rotatable wheel is rounded or tapered and contacts the inner surface of the tube material as the material travels in a longitudinal direction. The wheels are mounted to provide appropriate lateral tension to the tube material. The apparatus may include T-shaped bearing members or positioning rollers for maintaining the rotatable wheel positioning within the tube material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 14, 1995
    Assignee: Reynolds Metals Company
    Inventor: Karl M. Wilcox
  • Patent number: 5439206
    Abstract: Product delivery system for a printing-press folder having a cutting unit for dividing printed webs of material into a multiplicity of printed copies or signatures, and a gripper cylinder includes a device for alternatively feeding cross-folded copies from the gripper cylinder to a device for producing a second longitudinal fold and to delivery units disposed down-line therefrom, on the one hand, and to a further chargeable delivery unit for cross-folded copies, on the other hand, the copy delivery units being chargeable facultatively in accordance with a respective production mode, the alternative feeding device including a first conveyor surface formed of delivery belts encompassing a 90.degree.-turn, a second conveyor surface disposed within the folder and formed of a conveyor belt, and a swivelable diverter for selectively delivering copies alternatively onto the first conveyor surface and onto the second conveyor surface, the swivelable diverter being connectible with a stacker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 8, 1995
    Assignee: Heidelberger Druckmaschinen
    Inventors: Gerd Raasch, Richard Mack
  • Patent number: 5328437
    Abstract: A paper web folder for a rotary web-fed press uses two laterally shiftable formers and folding roller pairs on a first level and a stationary former and folder on a second level to provide the capability of forming and folding various full width paper webs into two or three equal part web width ribbons. These ribbons can then be associated with each other to form various products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 12, 1994
    Assignee: Koenig & Bauer Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Edgar Maylander, Gunther O. Eckert, Burkard O. Herbert
  • Patent number: 5211620
    Abstract: A cushioning conversion machine for converting a sheet-like stock material, which may be viewed as having two edge sections and a central section, into a cushioning product is provided. The machine includes a conversion assembly for converting the sheet-like stock material into a cushioning product and a supply assembly which supplies the sheet-like stock material to the conversion assembly. The stock material is supplied to the conversion assembly in such a manner that its edge sections must travel in a longer path than the central section thereby creating edge-tension in the edge sections of the stock material. While a certain minimum conversion-tension is necessary in the edge sections of the stock material to properly convert the stock material into a cushioning product, a certain continuous tearing-tension, greater than the minimum conversion-tension, will cause a continuous tear in the stock material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 18, 1993
    Assignee: Ranpak Corp.
    Inventors: Richard O. Ratzel, James A. Simmons
  • Patent number: 5188582
    Abstract: An apparatus for forming thin plastic, film, aluminum, paper, glassine and other similar material into a double folded "z" shape as shown and described. In this apparatus, a first ramp folds the material initially in one direction, and a continuously variable die forms the second bend of a "z" shape of the material edge. In order to maintain accuracy, an initial crease is placed at the location of the first fold. The material is drawn through the die by any suitable roller or drawing means which can pull the material through the die. There are no rollers within the edge forming die.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 1991
    Date of Patent: February 23, 1993
    Assignee: Boardman Molded Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Myron Ullman
  • Patent number: 5188581
    Abstract: A converter mechanism and method for producing a relatively narrow width and small size cushioning dunnage product of pad-like form, from sheet-like stock material. A conversion kit comprising a funnel-like chute member and a coacting elongated generally rectangular shaped (in top plan) bar former is provided for conversion of a known cushioning dunnage converter into one which can produce the relatively narrow and small size pad-like cushioning dunnage product of the invention. The bar former has its forwardmost end disposed generally adjacent the exit end of the funnel-like chute member, with its rearward end extending rearwardly of the entrance to the funnel-like chute member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 1991
    Date of Patent: February 23, 1993
    Assignee: Ranpak Corp.
    Inventor: Bruno H. Baldacci
  • Patent number: 5186707
    Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus and process for gusseting plastic film web having a means for applying an electrostatic charge of negative or positive polarity to the gusset to maintain stable gusset folds prior to storing or processing the gusseted web into a multiplicity of gusseted bags.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 1990
    Date of Patent: February 16, 1993
    Assignee: Dowbrands L.P.
    Inventor: Raymond D. Barta
  • Patent number: 5152738
    Abstract: The adjustable film folding tooling assembly includes a frame assembly supporting a pair of shoe assemblies. The shoe assemblies are horizontally adjustable with respect to the frame assembly to accommodate varying widths of flexible film to be folded. Each shoe assembly includes an internal shoe and an external shoe. The internal shoes are configured in a defined geometry to provide two or three turning edges depending on whether single or double folding of flexible film material is desired. The pair of external shoes include features to permit angular adjustment with respect to a longitudinal axis of the tooling assembly as well as extension and retraction thereof to accommodate loose or baggy film material as well as positioning of the overlap of film after folding. The internal and external shoes of the adjustable film folding tooling assembly have a defined geometry which facilitates production and manufacture of the tooling assembly without costly empirical research or modeling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 1991
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1992
    Assignee: Reynolds Metals Company
    Inventor: David N. Zehender
  • Patent number: 5137505
    Abstract: A bag-making apparatus which comprises a support table carrying a bag material which is put thereon, a pair of side guides being provided above the support table, being movable in the direction perpendicular to the traveling direction of the bag material and controlling both side of the bag material, a pair of top guides being movable in the direction perpendicular to the traveling direction of the bag material together with the side guides, having the space therebetween gradually narrower from the approach side to the leaving side of the bag material, and controlling the front face of the bag material made tubular, and forming rollers being disposed on the approach side of the bag material from the top guides, being movable in the direction perpendicular to the traveling direction of the bag material, and pressing the bag material onto the support table.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 11, 1992
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Akira Ishii, Yoshiyuki Ishii, Shigehisa Shimizu
  • Patent number: 5088975
    Abstract: The apparatus for the production of paper napkins or other similar products which includes a feeder for continuously supplying a web of material, a slitter for cutting the web into a plurality of longitudinal strips, a first folder to fold the strips lengthwise, a transverse cutter for providing lengths of longitudinally folded strips, a second folder to fold the strips transversely, and a stacker to pile up the finished napkins. A driving roller matches the two edges of the longitudinally folded strips and downstream of the driving roller are inclined surfaces to separate the longitudinally folded strips to lay them down on a common geometric plane parallel to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1990
    Date of Patent: February 18, 1992
    Assignee: Pablo Perini S.p.A.
    Inventor: Mauro Ghilardi
  • Patent number: 5083999
    Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus and process for gusseting plastic film web having a means for applying an electrostatic charge of negative or positive polarity to the gusset to maintain stable gusset folds prior to storing or processing the gusseted web into a multiplicity of gusseted bags.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 1990
    Date of Patent: January 28, 1992
    Inventor: Raymond D. Barta
  • Patent number: 5027988
    Abstract: A process for the production of a pleated textile fabric, which comprises first forming a spiral tube from a plane fabric by joining together the two selvedges of said fabric; then in known manner pleating this spiral tube and fixing the pleats thus formed; and finally undoing the join connecting the two selvedges of the fabric.The invention relates also to a weft and warp woven pleated fabric wherein the pleats are disposed on the bias and the weft threads are inclined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 1989
    Date of Patent: July 2, 1991
    Assignee: Corbiere S.A.
    Inventor: Claude Corbiere
  • Patent number: RE41976
    Abstract: A sheet conveying section (B) sequentially conveys a sheet (P) from a sheet feeding section (A), and a sheet folding section (D) folds the sheet (P) received from the sheet conveying section (B) in a conveying direction. The sheet conveying section (B) comprises a conveyer belt (3), and a positioning ruler (4) for positioning the sheet (P) while it is conveyed. The sheet folding section (D) comprises a folding knife (9), a pair of folding rollers (10), and first and second guides (11a, 11b) arranged on either side of the folding knife (9). The sheet (p) is positioned to a fold position by the first and second guides (11a, 11b) and folded by the folding knife (9) and the folding roller (10). The positioning ruler (4) is moved in a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction by a first driving mechanism (5, 6). The first and second guides (11a) are moved in the direction perpendicular to the conveying direction respectively by second and third driving mechanisms (21, 22; 23, 24).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2010
    Assignee: Horizon International, Inc.
    Inventors: Hiroki Yamamoto, Tatsuaki Ida