Abstract: A conveying device includes a pair of rotary bodies and a movable member. The pair or rotary bodies includes a first rotary body disposed in a first region, and a second rotary body disposed in a second region and facing the first rotary body across a sheet conveyance passage through which a sheet applied with liquid is conveyed. The movable member is disposed upstream from the first rotary body in a sheet conveyance direction. The movable member is configured to move between the first region and the second region with respect to the sheet conveyance passage. The movable member is configured to move to the second region in a middle of conveyance of the sheet between the first rotary body and the second rotary body.

Abstract: The preferred embodiment of a dunnage apparatus includes a crumpling device configured for crumpling sheets of paper to produce low-density packaging dunnage. A paper feeder is provided to feed feeding sheets of paper into the crumpling device for crumpling.

Abstract: A dunnage crumpling apparatus is provided having first and second entry-side crumpling members and first and second exit-side crumpling members. The first and second entry-side crumpling members define an entry therebetween. The first and second exit-side crumpling members define an exit therebetween that is disposed along the longitudinal path downstream of the entry. A crumpling zone being defined between the entry and exit. The first entry-side crumpling member is configured for moving at an first rate and is associated with the second entry-side crumpling member for moving sheet material through the entry in a first direction along a longitudinal path at an entry rate. The first exit-side crumpling member is configured for moving at an second rate and is associated with the second exit-side crumpling member for moving the sheet material through the exit in the first direction along the path at a exit rate that is slower than the entry rate to crumple the sheet material for producing dunnage.

Abstract: A media cutting and ribbon curling device has opposing first and second surfaces bound by two side edges. The device includes a head comprising a cover and a guide disposed underneath the cover, the guide having an attached end and a free end and a blade disposed therein; and an elongated handle extending from the attached end of the guide, the handle comprising a ribbon curling region having (i) first and second ends, the first end disposed proximate to the attached end of the guide and (ii) a curling edge disposed on at least one of the first and second surfaces of the device, the ribbon curling region being tapered at its second end.

Abstract: A method and tool for forming decorative picots is provided. The tool comprises a triangular substrate having a base and two sides intersecting at an apex, indicia defining a centerline extending from the apex to the midpoint of the base, and indicia defining one or more guidelines extending from one side of the substrate to the other, parallel to the base. The method comprises placing the substrate on a rectangular strip of fabric having a width twice its height, aligning the substrate on the fabric such that the apex is positioned at the midpoint of the top edge of the fabric and the bottom edge is positioned parallel to the base of the substrate, folding the top edges of the fabric over the substrate to align with the centerline and applying an iron to the folded fabric to crease the fold.

Abstract: Curled decorative grass having a variety of configurations and methods for making such decorative grass is provided which, because of its increased bulk, can also be used as a packing material, an animal bedding, cat litter, mulch for soil, and a media for plants. The curled decorative grass is produced by curling a substantially flat sheet of material and thereafter cutting the resulting curled sheet of material, or by cutting a pre-curled material.

Abstract: Distorted fragments having a variety of configurations and methods for making such distorted fragments is provided which, because of its increased bulk, can also be used as packing materials, decorative grasses, an animal bedding, cat litter, mulch for soil and a media for plants. The distorted fragments can be produced by extrusion and the extrudate is distorted while in a semi-solid state.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an image forming unit that forms an image on a sheet; a curling unit that curls the sheet on which the image is formed; a sheet folding unit that performs a folding process for the sheet on which the image is formed; and a control unit that controls an operation of the curling unit and the sheet folding unit so that the sheet is substantially curled in a first direction to be folded.

Abstract: Curled decorative grass having a variety of configurations and methods for making such decorative grass is provided which, because of its increased bulk, can also be used as a packing material, an animal bedding, cat litter, mulch for soil and a media for plants. The curled decorative grass is produced by curling a substantially flat sheet of material and thereafter cutting the resulting curled sheet of material, or by cutting a pre-curled material.

Abstract: Curled decorative grass having a variety of configurations and methods for making such decorative grass is provided which, because of its increased bulk, can also be used as a packing material, an animal bedding, cat litter, mulch for soil and a media for plants. The curled decorative grass is produced by curling a substantially flat sheet of material and thereafter cutting the resulting curled sheet of material, or by cutting a pre-curled material.

Abstract: A ribbon curling device having opposing first and second surfaces bound by two side edges and front and rear ends. The device has an elongated handle and a ribbon curling region extending from the handle and comprising a curling edge, the region having first and second ends. The first end of the ribbon curling region lies proximate to the front end of the handle and wherein the second end of the ribbon curling region is tapered.

Abstract: A media cutting and ribbon curling device has opposing first and second surfaces bound by two side edges. The device includes a head comprising a cover and a guide disposed underneath the cover, the guide having an attached end and a free end and a blade disposed therein; a head comprising a cover and a guide disposed underneath the cover, the guide having an attached end and a free end and a blade disposed therein; and an elongated handle extending from the attached end of the guide, the handle comprising a ribbon curling region having (i) first and second ends, the first end disposed proximate to the attached end of the guide and (ii) a curling edge disposed on at least one of the first and second surfaces of the device, the ribbon curling region being tapered at its second end.

Abstract: A device for curling polypropylene ribbon comprises means (12) for delivering a supply of curlable ribbon, curling means (17) for the ribbon, and drive means (31–33) for drawing the ribbon across said curling means. The device may include guide means to control the approach angle of ribbon to the curling means, drag means to impose drag on said ribbon, and shredding means to shred said ribbon subsequent to curling.

Abstract: An airbag is pushed in portions by at least one slide means into at least one compartment in order to generate the folding. So that even complex folds are possible using a relatively simple apparatus, in accordance with the invention the airbag is arranged on the apparatus with a first portion in a substantially vertical position, and a second portion of the airbag is pushed into a compartment, during which the second portion is pre-tensioned by the weight of the first portion in front of the associated slide means. Further provided is pushing the airbag in a first direction into at least one first compartment and pushing in a second direction into at least one second compartment, this second direction being directed at an angle in relation to the first direction.

Abstract: A product comprising curly cued tissue paper packaging material and a method for making said product are described. The method employs feeding a substantially continuous web of tissue paper material having a weight of between 1 pound and 20 pounds per 3,000 square feet of tissue paper under tension over at least one knife edge prior to slitting and cutting the paper web into desired widths and lengths. The results are a curly cue product that makes superb packing material for any number of delicate elements that need to be shipped and is eminently useful in decorative packaging. The product described herein is easy to use, has considerably more packing value than other paper packing products and is environmentally safe.

Abstract: A running web is decurled by controlling web tension as well as the angle of wrap on a decurler roll and a cooperating pivot roll, all without affecting web tension in the downstream web converting process. An upstream brake roll and a downstream pull roll control web tension within the decurler apparatus and independent decurler rolls are provided for removing up-curl and down-curl.

Abstract: The present invention discloses folded corrugated materials for producing segments or strips for use as Easter grass, packing material and the like wherein the folded corrugated materials are formed of paper and polymeric film.

Abstract: Curled decorative grass having a variety of configurations and methods for making such decorative grass is provided which, because of its increased bulk, can also be used as a packing material, an animal bedding, cat litter, mulch for soil and a media for plants. The curled decorative grass is produced by curling a substantially flat sheet of material and thereafter cutting the resulting curled sheet of material, or by cutting a pre-curled material.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for reducing or eliminating the precurl in a web of paper. The apparatus includes a decurler which may operate in conjunction with a lead in roll and a bowed roll. Motions are provided to the lead in roll and decurler so that the wrap of the web on the bowed roll remains essentially unaffected by the movement of the decurler into and out of the web. One of the above apparatus or a lead out roll may be skewed to address uneven cross machine curl profile, while the bowed roll addresses baggyness and the decurler, of course curl.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for winding conditioned material onto a spool so as to maintain its desirable properties. In one embodiment, decorative ribbon is conditioned using a curling device and wound onto an elongated spool having a predetermined radius in an alternating, helical lay pattern so as to maintain the curl of the ribbon, and permit easy removal and storage thereof. In a second embodiment, two or more different types or colors of ribbon are wound either concentrically or in juxtaposed orientation onto the same spool. An apparatus for winding one or more of the aforementioned spools is also disclosed. A multi-spool dispenser for the curled ribbon is further described.

Abstract: A web of air-permeable uniting band material for use in a filter tipping machine is advanced lengthwise by a first pair of driven rollers and a second pair of driven rollers, first through a magazine which is located between the two pairs of rollers, thereupon around a roller-shaped flanged adjustable braking device which is located upstream of the second pair of rollers, and around an adjustable curling device between the braking device and the second pair of rollers. The braking action is regulated for the purpose of subjecting the running web to a predictable curling action. This enhances the quality of filter cigarettes wherein the tobacco-containing and the filter material-containing parts are connected to each other by adhesive-coated uniting bands constituting sections of the thus treated web.

Abstract: A method of folding an air bag having a bottom wall portion with an inlet opening for introducing inflating gas, and a ceiling wall portion opposite to the inlet opening includes sewing outer circumferential edges of the bottom wall portion and the ceiling wall portion with each other so as to form the air bag. The air bag is pre-folded to make a circumferential edge of the sewed air bag close to the inlet opening after the sewing and before reversing so that creases to be formed when said air bag is received in a case are formed partly in advance. The pre-folded air bag is reversed through the inlet opening. The reversed air bag is folded so as to make the circumferential edge of the air bag close to the inlet opening.

Abstract: A curl bow machine manufactures curl bows. Ribbon unwinds from spools and a curling rod applies controlled tension onto the ribbon, thereby curling it. Several strands of ribbon may be curled simultaneously. The resulting curled ribbon stream passes on to a wire stitcher. The wire stitcher may take hang tags from a hang tag delivery and cutting system to attach individual hang tags to the curled ribbon stream. Alternatively, a backing material or wire tie is used instead of a hang tag. A venturi suction and discharge system may deliver the curled ribbon stream and attached hang tags to a cutter to separate individual curl bows from the ribbon stream. A second nip roller may also be used in place of the venturi suction and discharge system.

Abstract: Curled decorative grass having a variety of configurations and methods for making such decorative grass is provided which, because of its increased bulk, can also be used as a packing material, an animal bedding, cat litter, mulch for soil and a media for plants. The curled decorative grass is produced by curling a substantially flat sheet of material and thereafter cutting the resulting curled sheet of material, or by cutting a pre-curled material.

Abstract: A method and machine for making a plurality of accordion-folded strips each having a predetermined unfolded length. A sheet of material is longitudinally and transversely separated into a plurality of strips and the strips are folded into a plurality of accordion-folded strips. The method/machine are characterized by the transverse separation of the strip occurring at completion of the longitudinal separation.

Abstract: Curled decorative grasses and methods for producing same are disclosed wherein the curled decorative grasses have improved bulk and simulate Spanish moss in color and appearance.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for automatically forming at least two sheets of material into an article, such as a flower pot cover, is provided. The apparatus includes a first roll of sheet material, a second roll of sheet material, a female die and a male die. A first sheet of material and a second sheet of material are automatically formed from the first and second rolls of sheet material, respectively, and the first and second sheets of material are positioned between the male die and the female die. The male and female dies are shaped such that at least a portion of the male die is receivable in the opening of the female die to form the article. The formed articles are automatically stacked.

Abstract: A curl bow machine manufactures curl bows. Ribbon unwinds from spools and a curling rod applies controlled tension onto the ribbon, thereby curling it. Several strands of ribbon may be curled simultaneously. The resulting curled ribbon stream passes on to a wire stitcher. The wire stitcher may take hang tags from a hang tag delivery and cutting system to attach individual hang tags to the curled ribbon stream. Alternatively, a backing material or wire tie is used instead of a hang tag. A venturi suction and discharge system may deliver the curled ribbon stream and attached hang tags to a cutter to separate individual curl bows from the ribbon stream. A second nip roller may also be used in place of the venturi suction and discharge system.

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

Abstract: An apparatus and method for covering a flower pot by automatically providing a sheet of material in a vertical or semi-vertical orientation and automatically wrapping the sheet about the flower pot.

Abstract: A curl bow machine manufactures curl bows in accordance with a curl bow manufacturing process. Ribbon is controllably unwound from spools and prepared for stretching by a curling rod. The curling rod applies controlled tension onto the ribbon, thereby curling it. Several strands of ribbon may be curled simultaneously, with the ensuing curled ribbon stream passed on to a wire stitcher. In a specific embodiment, a wire stitcher takes hang tags from a hang tag delivery and cutting system so that individual hang tags may be attached as by staples to the curled ribbon stream. The wire stitcher forms and attaches such staples to the ribbon and hang tag. In other instances, a backing material or wire tie is used in lieu of a hang tag. In a preferred embodiment, a venturi suction and discharge system then delivers the curled ribbon stream with its attached hang tags to a cutter so that individual curl bows may be separated from the ribbon stream.

Abstract: For levelling webs of paper (3) gaps (20) are provided, each defined by a deflection roll (17) and a stationary bending face (16). For changing the wrap angle at the bending face (16) and also for non-bended passage of the web (3) through the device (1) the deflection roll (17) is transferable into varying positions powered by a positioning device (30). Thereby high speed operation with reliable function and simple construction are achieved.

Abstract: This invention provides a method and associated apparatus in which decorative ribbons of varying thickness, width, and material can be automatically produced, curled, grouped, and combined in a decorative element which is packaged for distribution. The apparatus serves to impart a helical curl to at least one of a plurality of ribbon strands, meters the strands into preselected lengths, separates the lengths from the ribbon stock, and packages the resulting coiled ribbon arrangements for distribution to customers. The apparatus includes one or more roll stands for storing rolls of ribbon stock, a feed unit for advancing the ribbon through the apparatus and imparting a tendency to curl the strands, a tension regulator unit for accumulating metered lengths of the stands and regulating the advancement of the ribbon strands through the apparatus, and a packaging unit for attaching the ribbon on a placard, to form a decorative element having a cluster of curled ribbon strands.

Abstract: A device for curling polypropylene ribbon comprises means (12) for delivering a supply of curlable ribbon, curling means (17) for the ribbon, and drive means (31-33) for drawing the ribbon across said curling means. The device may include guide means to control the approach angle of ribbon to the curling means, drag means to impose drag on said ribbon, and shredding means to shred said ribbon subsequent to curling.

Abstract: In an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, curling occurs in the sheet when it passes through the thermal fixing device. The invention equips the apparatus with a decurling path having a decurling mechanism and a path without any such mechanism, as well as an alternating claw that guides the sheet to either of the paths, such that the alternating claw 9 alternates between the paths based on the settings for each sheet supply unit that supplies the sheets. The sheets from a sheet supply unit that requires decurling are guided to the decurling path and decurling is performed. On the other hand, sheets from a manual paper tray in which special types of paper, such as transparencies, are often placed are guided to the path without any decurling mechanism and no decurling is performed.

Abstract: A curl bow machine manufactures curl bows in accordance with a curl bow manufacturing process. Ribbon is controllably unwound from spools and prepared for stretching by a curling rod. The curling rod applies controlled tension onto the ribbon, thereby curling it. Several strands of ribbon may be curled simultaneously, with the ensuing curled ribbon stream passed on to a wire stitcher. In a specific embodiment, a wire stitcher takes hang tags from a hang tag delivery and cutting system so that individual hang tags may be attached as by staples to the curled ribbon stream. The wire stitcher forms and attaches such staples to the ribbon and hang tag. In other instances, a backing material or wire tie is used in lieu of a hang tag. In a preferred embodiment, a venturi suction and discharge system then delivers the curled ribbon stream with its attached hang tags to a cutter so that individual curl bows may be separated from the ribbon stream.

Abstract: A device for curling polypropylene ribbon comprises means (12) for delivering a supply of curlable ribbon, curling means (17) for the ribbon, and drive means (31-33) for drawing the ribbon across said curling means. The device may include guide means to control the approach angle of ribbon to the curling means, drag means to impose drag on said ribbon, and shredding means to shred said ribbon subsequent to curling.

Abstract: An apparatus for straightening material includes a first guide surface and a second guide surface opposite the first guide surface. Pin (20) for pivoting the second guide surface is included, this operating to pivot the second guide surface toward the first guide surface and away from the first guide surface. A spring (22) for biasing the second guide surface toward the first guide surface is also included, with a variable rate characteristic resulting from contact of the spring with a post (34). The variable rate characteristic allows the second guide surface to pivot away from the first guide surface in proportion to a rigidity of the material to be straightened. Material of varying rigidities is passed between the first guide surface and the second guide surface and the apparatus straightens the material for subsequent processing.

Abstract: A curl-suppressing device for a paper web in a paper processing machine has a stationary deflecting bar (1) that extends transversely to the direction of travel (A) of the paper, a deflecting roller (4) parallel to the deflecting bar (1) and arranged downstream of the deflecting bar (1) in the direction of travel of the paper and two supporting plates (3) that carry the ends of the deflecting bar and deflecting roller and may be displaced around a swivelling axis (A3) on a stationary support (9). The paper web (2) to be decurled runs in a S-shaped path between the deflecting bar (1) and the deflecting roller (4) and is frictionally drawn over the deflecting bar (1). A regulating motor is associated to one of the supporting plates (3) to swivel the supporting plate (3) until at least the deflecting bar (1) may be moved out of contact with the paper web (2).

Abstract: In combination, an inline delivery vehicle for substantially improving performance of a first stage printing press delivery table, for substantially eliminating paper jamming, and for substantially increasing safety of operations. The first stage printing press delivery table has a plurality of driven rollers for increasing the advancing speed of a paper and an upwardly adjustable bracket structure extending above the plurality of driven rollers. The inline delivery vehicle comprises: a first vehicle side positioned perpendicular and proximate the plurality of driven rollers and a second vehicle side positioned perpendicular and proximate the plurality of driven rollers and adjacent the first vehicle side. The first vehicle side and the second vehicle side are removably connected to the upwardly adjustable bracket structure.

Abstract: A heat roller fixing device includes a heat roller, a press roller, and at least one curl correction mechanism. The curl correction mechanism is constituted by three discharge rollers that form an S-shaped nip portion. The curl correction mechanism is arranged on a recording medium discharge side of a fixing nip portion which is formed at a contact portion between the heat roller and the press roller.

Abstract: A decurler has an arched plate and a rotatable paper sheet feed roll defining an adjustable gap through which paper sheets driven by the roll exiting a copier or printer apparatus which causes the paper sheet to be curled transversely of the feeding direction, and the gap is selectively adjusted to control the decurling effect dependent upon the extent of the curl in the paper induced by the copying or printing process.

Abstract: A strip of material is fed continuously to a machine, along a given path extending through a curling station for the strip, at which the path has a curved segment which forms a loop. The strip inside the curling station is subjected to flexing, by applying suction to the strip along at least part of the loop.

Abstract: A device for curling polypropylene ribbon comprises means (12) for delivering a supply of curlable ribbon, curling means (17) for the ribbon, and drive means (31-33) for drawing the ribbon across said curling means. The device may include guide means to control the approach angle of ribbon to the curling means, drag means to impose drag on said ribbon, and shredding means to shred said ribbon subsequent to curling.

Abstract: A device for stiffening workpieces of paper includes elements that provide the workpieces with an undulated profile. The elements may be in the form of freely rotatable disks or belts that revolve around freely rotatable rollers. Respective sections of the disks or belts which come in contact with the workpieces extend through a common central plane in such a way that they provide the workpieces with an undulated profile. In order to prevent the profiling elements from laterally displacing the workpieces, a conveyor is provided which clamps the workpieces between respective conveyor sections.

Abstract: A paper dispenser includes a housing having a controlled-stroke hinged device mounted onto a reel-holder. A protective housing cover features longitudinal ribs fitting the stroke hinged device such that, when the cover is closed and the stroke-hinged device lowered in position, an extending paper length the user pulls on is folded with the long ends partly under the paper band being fed out by the upper contact of the stroke hinged device so that it may be introduced folded between the drum and a tensioning device, be severed by a paper-cutoff device, folded, and then be pulled out as a folded napkin or towel by the user. Alternately, and when the stroke hinged device is moved into a raised position relative to the reel-holder and an assembly consisting of the drum and the tensioning device, the paper is fed unfolded between the drum and the tensioning device, to be severed by the cutoff device when pulled onto by the user.

Abstract: Packaging material, particularly for forming blanks for hinged lid packets, is delivered to a packaging machine in web form and at least one creasing or shaping operation is performed (44; 112) on the web (2) prior to severing individual blanks (50) from the web. Folding or wrapping of a blank around an article to be packed in the machine is monitored and the creasing or shaping operation varied to optimise machine performance: for example, an adjustable creasing tool can be adjusted to compensate for tool wear. Individual blanks are inspected for longitudinal curl, usually caused by the web having been wound on a reel, and where necessary a correction is applied during feeding of the web, e.g. by adjusting the angle of wrap of the web around a decurling roller (38; 108).

Abstract: A device for curling polypropylene ribbon comprises means (12) for delivering a supply of curlable ribbon, curling means (17) for the ribbon, and drive means (31-33) for drawing the ribbon across said curling means. The device may include guide means to control the approach angle of ribbon to the curling means, drag means to impose drag on said ribbon, and shredding means to shred said ribbon subsequent to curling.

Abstract: A tamper evident container assembly includes a container body having a bottom wall and peripheral side wall, the side wall terminating in an outwardly curled rim. A reusable lid includes a top wall portion and a depending skirt portion, the depending skirt portion constructed of spiral wound stock and having a free end, a major peripheral portion of the free end tucked under the upper rim and upwardly into engagement with the side wall, with a minor peripheral portion of the free end left untucked to thereby provide a gripping area to facilitate tearing and removal of the tear strip. The depending skirt portion is further provided in a lower portion thereof with a line of weakening extending annularly about the skirt portion to thereby define an annular removable tear strip inclusive of the free end, with the line of weakening lying on the rim, between upper and lower edges of the rim.

Abstract: This invention relates to a curl correcting device comprising a sheet transport path, an opening member openable from a main body of the device, for opening the sheet transport path, transport means for transporting a sheet along the sheet transport path, a first guide member for guiding the sheet transported by the sheet transport means, a second guide member for guiding the sheet transported by the sheet transport means and correcting the curl of the sheet in cooperation with the first guide member, and moving means for moving at least one of the first and second guide members to a position not correcting the curl tendency, in a state in which the opening member is closed.