Adjustable Patents (Class 493/475)
  • Patent number: 6231493
    Abstract: A method of making a pleat in a sheet-like material comprising the steps of feeding a flexible and thin sheet-like material having a flat surface in a direction of an extended line of an imaginary straight line which is perpendicular to its one end and along the surface, left and right parts of the sheet-like material being conveyed at a substantially same speed at both sides of the straight line, the one end of the sheet-like material being of a flat form at a start of the feeding, the left and right parts of the sheet-like material being gradually reduced in distance therebetween and drawn near toward the straight line at the middle portion of the extended line so as to face with each other and diagonally cross the surface, and coming in contact with each other perpendicularly to the surface at the forward portion of the extended line, thereby to form the pleat, conveying the sheet-like material through the middle portion to the forward portion with the left and right parts gradually twisted in a direction
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2001
    Assignee: Nakanihon-Juki Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Koshimi Kato
  • Patent number: 6095963
    Abstract: A paperboard corrugating machine for forming board having two corrugated mediums joined at their flute tips without any intervening liner. The machine comprises a relatively heavy main frame (11) and a second frame (12) which is mounted for movement on the main frame. The main frame (11) carries two rolls (13 and 14) and the second frame (12) carries two rolls (15 and 16). Frame (12) can be locked into position and loaded against the upper roll (13), and the four rolls (13, 14, 15 and 16) lie in a single plane when the rolls are operational. With this construction, movement and twisting of the rolls (13 and 15) relative to each other, between which the fluted mediums are aligned flute tip to flute tip, is reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2000
    Assignee: Amcor Limited
    Inventor: Neil William Shaw
  • Patent number: 6062002
    Abstract: The ultrasonic sealing device (50) may be integrated on a packaging machine (20) such as a TETRA REX.RTM. packaging machine and used for sealing one end of a carton (200). The ultrasonic sealing device (50) includes a frame (52), an anvil (56), a horn (54) and a plurality of adjustable shafts (60-65). The anvil (56) is disposed on one side of a carton pathway (32) and moveably attached to the frame (52). The ultrasonic horn (54) is disposed on another side of the carton pathway (32) opposite the anvil (56) and moveably attached to the frame (52). The plurality of adjustable shafts (60-65) includes a first plurality of adjustable shafts (60,61) connected to the frame (52), and allowing for vertical adjustment of the frame (52) relative to the carton pathway (32). It also includes a second plurality of adjustable shafts (62,63) connected to the frame (52) and allowing for transversal adjustment of the frame (52) relative to the carton pathway (32).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2000
    Assignee: Tetra Laval Holdings & Finance, SA
    Inventors: John Lees, Terry Erickson
  • Patent number: 6048297
    Abstract: A gripper cylinder for a folding apparatus, the gripper cylinder having a cylinder shaft on which a cylinder body is mounted and at least two gripper stations mounted to the cylinder body. The gripper stations include grippers and corresponding gripper bases. An adjustment mechanism is provided for adjusting the distance between each gripper and its corresponding gripper base to correspond to the thickness of a product to be gripped. The gripper mechanism is operative to simultaneously adjust all of the gripper stations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2000
    Assignee: MAN Roland Druckmaschinen AG
    Inventors: Klaus-Ulrich Lange, Friedrich Michaelis, Hermann Lenz
  • Patent number: 6019715
    Abstract: An improved cushioning conversion machine and related methodology characterized by one or more features including, inter alia, a feeding/connecting assembly which enables an operator to easily vary a characteristic, for example, the density, of the cushioning product; a feeding/connecting assembly wherein input and/or output wheels or rollers thereof are made at least in part of an elastomeric or other friction enhancing material, which reduces the cost and complexity of the input and output rollers; a manual reversing mechanism that is useful, for example, for clearing paper jams; a modular arrangement of a forming assembly and feeding/connecting assembly in separate units that may be positioned remotely from one another, as may be desired for more efficient utilization of floor space; a turner bar which enables alternative positioning of a stock supply roll; and a volume expanding arrangement cooperative with the feeding/connecting assembly for adjusting the density of the cushioning product and changing pr
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2000
    Assignee: Ranpak Corp.
    Inventors: Richard O. Ratzel, Joseph J. Harding, Michael J. Lencoski, James A. Simmons, Donald J. Barnhouse
  • Patent number: 5997461
    Abstract: A novel dunnage-creating machine and methodology characterized by various features including, inter alia, a modular construction, easier access to interior components, and a low cost cutting assembly. The machine comprises front and rear units having separate housings. The housing of the rear unit includes an outer shell having a converging chute surrounding a shaping member over which sheet-like stock material is drawn to form the stock material into a three-dimensional shape. The front unit includes in the housing thereof a feed mechanism for drawing the stock material over the shaping member and stitching the shaped material to form a strip of dunnage product. The front unit also includes a manual cutting mechanism for cutting the strip to form cut pieces, which manual cutting mechanism includes a readily replaceable blade assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1999
    Assignee: Ranpak Corp.
    Inventors: Steven E. Armington, Richard O. Ratzel, Michael J. Lencoski, James A. Simmons, David V. Murphy
  • Patent number: 5891010
    Abstract: A novel stock roll support assembly and loading method for a cushioning conversion machine that produces dunnage product from sheet stock material supplied as a roll provides for easier loading of the stock roll onto a roll support at the upstream end of the cushioning conversion machine in certain situations, such as where the machine is located against a wall or over (or under) a conveyor, etc. The stock roll support assembly is connected to a main frame of the machine for rotatably supporting a roll of sheet stock material. The stock roll support assembly includes a stock roll support mounted to the main frame for swinging movement between an operating position and a loading position. In the operating position, the stock roll support is operative to support the stock roll adjacent the main frame, and in the loading position, the stock roll support is swung away from the main frame to facilitate loading of a stock roll thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 6, 1999
    Assignee: Ranpak Corp.
    Inventors: Pierre G. Kobben, Herman R.L. Van Heumen
  • Patent number: 5871430
    Abstract: A machine for producing containers comprises processing stations with components adaptable to the shape and size of the material sections used for the container. In the case of a change in form, in particular a change in the format of the sections of material to be used, it is necessary to change the relevant adaptable components. Instead of the conventional approach where the new components must be fine-tuned after an exchange has taken place, fitting surfaces are provided at the processing stations, against which a section of the adaptable components can always be placed in the same position. Therefore, time-consuming installation of exchangeable machine components is avoided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 16, 1999
    Assignee: Michael Hoerauf Maschinenfabrik GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Berthold Mueller
  • Patent number: 5846177
    Abstract: A folding mechanism cylinder having a diameter that can be adjusted during operation of the cylinder. Adjustable bands are arranged on the outer jacket of the cylinder and are moved by rotation of spindles that are connected to the bands by gears. One of the spindles is arranged in the hollow shaft of the cylinder and drives all the other spindles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 8, 1998
    Assignee: MAN Roland Druckmaschinen AG
    Inventor: Reinhard Mayr
  • Patent number: 5779617
    Abstract: A tool positioning device for use in combination with a machine for working paperboard blanks conveyed in a horizontal direction through the machine. The machine includes pairs of parallel rotary shafts wherein each pair of shafts includes upper and lower shafts and carry a plurality of tool heads. The positioning device includes a plurality of coupling members actuated in a vertical direction by actuators wherein the coupling members are moved downwardly into engagement with the tool heads. The coupling members are supported on an actuator support which is mounted to a transfer structure wherein the transfer structure moves the actuator support in axial movement to thereby slide the tool heads along their respective shafts to preselected positions along the shafts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1998
    Assignee: United Container Machinery, Inc.
    Inventors: Barry E. Larkin, Meyer L. Ruthenberg
  • Patent number: 5709642
    Abstract: A cushioning conversion machine for converting sheet-like stock material into a cushioning product. The machine comprises a frame; a forming assembly which forms the sheet-like stock material into a three-dimensional strip of dunnage; a stock supply assembly which supplies the sheet-like stock material to the forming assembly; and a feed assembly which feeds the stock material through the forming assembly. The feed assembly includes a pair of shafts transversely movable relative to each other, a pair of rotating members mounted on respective shafts through which the strip of dunnage passes, a biasing member which urges one shaft towards the other shaft and thus one rotating member towards the other rotating member, and an adjustment member which adjusts the tension between the rotating members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 20, 1998
    Assignee: Ranpak Corp.
    Inventors: Richard O. Ratzel, James A. Simmons
  • Patent number: 5699710
    Abstract: An improved slotter wheel apparatus (10) designed for use in the formation of box blanks is disclosed. The apparatus (10) includes a rotatable drive shaft (22), a slotter blade (16) supported on the drive shaft (22) and blade coupling structure (20). The slotter blade coupling structure (20) is operable for selectively coupling the slotter blade (16) with the rotating drive shaft (22) so that the slotter blade (16) is rotated by the shaft (22) and slots blanks passing under the apparatus (10). The slotter blade coupling structure (20) is also operable for selectively decoupling the slotter blade (16) from the drive shaft (22) to prevent the slotter blade (16) from slotting blanks passing under the apparatus (10). In a preferred construction of the invention, the slotter blade coupling structure (20) includes a clutch assembly (76), a brake assembly (78), and a controller (82) for controlling the operation of the clutch and brake assemblies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 23, 1997
    Assignee: Lawrence Paper Company
    Inventor: David E. Creaden
  • Patent number: 5685817
    Abstract: An arrangement for scoring continuously transported flat workpieces to be folded along scored lines is composed of scoring tools fastened to shafts that are parallel to each other. One part of the scoring tools features a groove and the other part features a ridge. The groove and the ridge follow a helical path over external cylinders defined by the tools and engage with each other in the contact region of their cover lines. In order to set lengths of the scored lines, a tool part is composed of a package of tightly compact, discoid segments that carry the scoring tools. At least one part of these segments can be retained on the shaft in a manner permitting rotation, and located at different angles, in order to be able to form two scored lines with only one pair of scoring rolls. A cylindrical saucer-type segment forming a second scoring tool is retained on each shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 11, 1997
    Assignee: Windmoller & Holscher
    Inventor: Richard Feldkamper
  • Patent number: 5667468
    Abstract: A sideweld bag making machine utilizing a rotary transfer device and wicket conveyer is equipped with screw adjustable transfer wicket pins. The bases for the transfer wicket pins are mounted on a threaded rod having two sections of thread, each of opposite hand. Rotation of this threaded rod affects the separation of the wicket pins. Adjustment of vertical position is accomplished by means of two jacking screws or a screw adjustment in conjunction with a motion limiting rail element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 16, 1997
    Assignee: Battenfeld Gloucester Engineering Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Vitaly Bandura
  • Patent number: 5637072
    Abstract: An apparatus for the adjustment of folding jaws, in which the cylinder body supports the noncontrolled folding jaw and, for the purpose of its adjustment, is supported on the cylinder shaft so as to be swivelable. The cylinder body further contains a swivelable support in which the controlled folding jaw is supported eccentrically to the swivel axis of the support. A gear unit acts on the support and swivels it so that the controlled folding jaw is moved in the opposite direction of the noncontrolled folding jaw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 10, 1997
    Assignee: MAN Roland Druckmaschinen AG
    Inventor: Friedrich Michaelis
  • Patent number: 5582569
    Abstract: A carton blank processing machine is disclosed having rolls for printing, cutting, creasing and otherwise processing carton blanks. The processing rolls are driven by shafts extending into bearings supported by spaced-apart frame members. At least one shaft extends through its associated bearing to the outboard side of the frame member and is surrounded by a motor, preferably of the frameless type, having a hollow rotor in which the shaft is received and connected for direct drive by the rotor. Axial adjustment systems are provided for axially adjusting at least one shaft and roll, and such systems may be mounted on the outboard end of the frameless motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 10, 1996
    Assignee: Ward Holding Company, Inc.
    Inventors: James M. Kowalewski, Solomon D. Kaplan
  • Patent number: 5544738
    Abstract: An adjustable pocket mechanism for a vertical cartoner includes a plurality of adjustable pockets to accommodate different sizes of cartons. The pocket mechanism includes a pair of endless parallel chains which pass around a pair of upper and lower sprockets. The mechanism also includes a pair of transport lugs or pocket forming members which define the outer parameters of a carton. A first of lugs or leading lug is fixed to a first of the chains but moves freely with respect to a second of the chains while a second of the lugs is fixed to the second of the chains and free to move with respect to the first chain. A clutch assembly may be used to adjust the position of the chains relative to one another in order to vary the size of the pocket. The adjustable pocket mechanism also includes a guide rod disposed in a sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 13, 1996
    Assignee: The Paxall Group
    Inventor: Kraig L. Klopfenstein
  • Patent number: 5540128
    Abstract: Improved slotter wheel apparatus (20) for use in the formation of box blanks is provided which includes a rotatable wheel (22) supporting a shiftable blade holder (24) and a slotting blade (26), with cooperating cam track (174) and follower (86) structure for selective shifting of blade (26) between an extended slotting position and a retracted blank-clearing position. An activation/deactivation assembly (30) allows the operator to separate cam track (174) from follower (88), thereby permitting use of apparatus (20) as a conventional, high speed, fixed blade slotter. A shock absorbing assembly (27) including a bridge piece (138) operably coupled with blade holder (24) and resilient pads (152, 154) serve to absorb potentially destructive mechanical loads experienced during outward shifting of the blade holder (24) and blade (26).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 30, 1996
    Assignee: Lawrence Paper Company
    Inventor: David E. Creaden
  • Patent number: 5507714
    Abstract: A jaw cylinder 30 includes a jaw cylinder body 31 and a folding jaw support 36 rotatably supported with respect to the jaw cylinder body 31, and two folding jaws 11 and 15 are attached to the jaw cylinder body 31 or the jaw cylinder support 36, respectively. The folding jaw 11 is rotated with respect to the folding jaw 15 so as to adjust a gap between the folding jaws 11 and 15 in accordance with the thickness of a product. At this time, a jaw cylinder driving helical gear 38 and a gap adjusting helical gear 39 are moved in an axial direction thereof by an adjusting unit 43 so that the jaw cylinder driving helical gear 38 or a folding cylinder driving helical gear 25 meshing with the helical gear 38 are rotated in a circumferential direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 16, 1996
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Eiji Furuta, Satoshi Matsushima
  • Patent number: 5480370
    Abstract: A side jogging mechanism for aligning a sheet to be folded into an outsert by an outsert folding apparatus comprises a frame including first and second oppositely disposed side frame members between which the outsert folding apparatus is received, an adjustable solenoid assembly mounted on the first side frame member, and a side stop assembly mounted on the second side frame member. The solenoid assembly includes a solenoid, a plunger extending from and actuated by the solenoid, and a pusher mounted at an end of the plunger located between the first and second side frame members. The side stop assembly includes a side stop located between the first and second side frame members. The solenoid assembly further includes an adjusting mechanism, e.g., a threaded shaft and handwheel, for adjusting the position of the pusher between the first and second side frame members, which adjusting mechanism is located outside the frame. Desirably, the side stop assembly also including an adjusting mechanism, e.g.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 2, 1996
    Assignee: The Challenge Printing Co.
    Inventor: Timothy L. Gelsinger
  • Patent number: 5389060
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a cardboard notching machine which mainly consists of a body, a transmission group, a roller group, an adjustment group, and a forming group. The roller group is driven by the transmission group so as to feed in cardboards for notching and the forming group has forming cutters for notching cardboards, allowing the notching of cardboard to be performed and completed in one step on the notching machine according to the present invention. Due to the adjustment of gaps between the rollers of the roller group by means of the adjustment group, the forming cutters form notches in a vibrating manner which gives the notches more accurate depth and more smooth surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 14, 1995
    Assignee: Guan Tai Machinery Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Wu Huo-Mu
  • Patent number: 5357731
    Abstract: A four-sided seal packaging machine having a side sealing unit, an end sealing unit, and an end cutting unit. The side sealing unit has a frame work, a first pair of cooperative sealing members to seal a first longitudinal edge of a package as the package is formed and a second pair of cooperative sealing members to seal an opposing longitudinal edge of the package. The first pair and the second pair of sealing members are mounted independently of each other to the frame work and each pair has a respective adjustment for adjusting the extent of compression together of the members of that pair independently of the other pair. The machine is well adapted for enabling self-validation, providing reliable high integrity seals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 25, 1994
    Assignee: Datum Appropriate Technology Limited
    Inventors: Graham Conway, Jeffrey Bloomfield, Oliver F. Chastney
  • Patent number: 5351589
    Abstract: An improved slotter wheel mechanism (30) designed for use in the formation of box blanks is provided which includes a rotatable wheel assembly (32) supporting one or more slotter blades (34); the blades (34) are coupled to the wheel by means (36) permitting shifting of the blades (34) during rotation of the wheel assembly (32) between an extended slotting position and a retracted blank-clearing position. A cam assembly (406) presents a shiftable cam portion (424) that can be shifted to select a blade extended or retracted position for blade sections (304, 306, and 326) which are interconnected by a respective pivot couplings (332 and 334). The assembly (406) further includes a locking link assembly (448) for locking the blade holder (438) and thereby the blades (442 and 448a, 440b) in the selected position during rotation through the bottom portion of the arc of travel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 4, 1994
    Assignee: Lawrence Paper Company
    Inventor: David E. Creaden
  • Patent number: 5327701
    Abstract: An apparatus for inserting material into an envelope in which a first conveyor supplies insert material and a second conveyor supplies envelopes to an insert station. The flap of the envelope is opened while being carried by the second conveyor to the insert station. The insert station includes a kicker or pusher to move the insert material into the envelope. The second conveyor removes the envelope containing inserted material from the insert station and carries it to a flap moistener, a flap closer, and finally to a receptacle or chute.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 12, 1994
    Assignee: Printed Forms Equipment Limited
    Inventor: David M. Dronsfield
  • Patent number: 5327804
    Abstract: An improved slotter wheel mechanism (30) designed for use in the formation of box blanks is provided which includes a rotatable wheel assembly (32) supporting one or more slotter blades (34); the blades (34) are coupled to the wheel by means (36) permitting shifting of the blades (34) during rotation of the wheel assembly (32) between an extended slotting position and a retracted blank-clearing position. In one embodiment, a slotter wheel (222) is equipped with a plurality of spiders (232) operatively secured to corresponding blade holders (246). As the wheel (222) rotates, the spiders (232) encounter strategically located members (294, 294a, 296 and 296a) serving to successively rotate the spiders (232), thus moving the blade holders (246) and blades (256).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 12, 1994
    Assignee: Lawrence Paper Company
    Inventor: David E. Creaden
  • Patent number: 5297462
    Abstract: An improved slotter wheel mechanism designed for use in the formation of box blanks is provided which includes a rotatable wheel assembly supporting one or more slotter blades; the blades are coupled to the wheel by means permitting shifting of the blades during rotation of the wheel assembly between an extended slotting position and a retracted blank-clearing position. In one embodiment, the blades are supported on respective blade holders each having a cam secured thereto. A stationary yoke plate adjacent the wheel assembly supports a pair of inner and outer cam grooves adapted to receive the blade holder cams. A shiftable, grooved cam switch is operatively interposed in the cam arrangement for selectively directing the blade holder cams into one or the other of the cam grooves, thereby camming the associated blade holders and blades between their respective positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 29, 1994
    Assignee: The Lawrence Paper Company
    Inventor: David E. Creaden
  • Patent number: 5182898
    Abstract: An adjustment and automatic inward-contraction and outward-expansion machanism, and particularly a single mechanism that provides the function of variable specification adjustment as well as automatic inward-contraction and outward-expansion of the claw arms during operation is described. The mechanism includes a worm provided for driving the worm gear and other related devices in rotation so that a cylindrical groove cam is engaged in motion up and down. With the cylindrical groove cam in motion up and down and further by means of L-type steering block, push and pull rod and four-bar linkage, claws are provided for specification adjustment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1991
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1993
    Assignee: Industrial Technology Research Institute
    Inventors: Fu-Ching Tung, Chi-Tsun Chen, Sheng-Feng Lieu
  • Patent number: 5158525
    Abstract: Box machine forming wheels are individually stabilized with a respective, frame mounted, stationary yoke meshed within the circumferential groove of a head wheel that is rigidly secured to the forming wheel. Lateral space between the stationary yoke finger faces and the rotating groove walls is adjustably filled by cam displaced disc pads confined within yoke finger guide bores. Selective cam rotation expands the disc pad assembly for operational wear accommodation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 27, 1992
    Assignee: Westvaco Corporation
    Inventor: Willem A. Nikkel
  • Patent number: 5123891
    Abstract: Box machine forming wheels are individually stabilized with a respective, frame mounted, stationary yoke disposed within the circumferential groove of a head wheel that is rigidly secured to the forming wheel. Lateral space between the yoke finger faces and the rotating groove walls is adjustably filled by rub plates mounted on dowel pins confined within yoke finger guide bores. A cone tipped adjustment screw cooperates with conical tips on the dowel pins to selectively expand the rub plate assembly for operational wear accommodation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 23, 1992
    Assignee: Westvaco Corporation
    Inventors: Zigmunt Nieradka, Robert W. Young
  • Patent number: 5057068
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a device for sidewise shifting and positioning of a tool in a slotting station situated within a machine used for processing sheet-like workpieces. The station includes a creasing tool, a counter tool, which are mounted on a first pair of vertical, arranged horizontally extending shafts, a slotting tool and counterpart, both fitted on a second pair of shafts arranged downstream of the first pair, a master plate being held in the transfer direction of the workpiece by two crosswise shafts, one of which is for guiding and the other is for shifting the master plate on the guiding shift, the plate having an arrangement for gripping each of the upper tools of the pairs of tools, which arrangement includes an arrangement for laterally shifting the arrangement for one of the two tools relative to the master plate while holding the tool simultaneously fully parallel to the master plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 15, 1991
    Assignee: SA Martin
    Inventor: Bernard Capdebosc
  • Patent number: 5017184
    Abstract: An improved cut length adjusting apparatus in a folding machine of a rotary press is disclosed. The folding machine generally includes only a cutting drum having two knife blades disposed along its circumference nearly at equal angular intervals, and a folding drum rotating synchronously with but in the opposite direction to the cutting drum. The knife drum is formed of an outer cylinder and an inner cylinder which are mutually rotatable and which each have one knife blade respectively projecting therefrom. The improvements reside in that a helical gear adapted to mesh with another helical gear at the axial end of the folding drum is provided at the axial end of at least one of the outer and inner cylinders, and either one of the helical gear at the axial end of the outer or inner cylinders and the helical gear at the axial end of the folding drum is movable in the axial direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 1989
    Date of Patent: May 21, 1991
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Mutsuo Takahori, Hidehumi Hirahara
  • Patent number: 4988331
    Abstract: A programmable, dynamically adjustable die stamping apparatus for die-stamping of cardboard blanks used in production of packaging trays, and a process for operating such apparatus. The apparatus includes a dimensionally adjustable die having a plurality of separate movable parts each coupled to threaded adjustment rods and drive motors; a programmable control is coupled to the drive equipment and can selectively adjust and lock the die parts to conform the die to any one of a plurality of cardboard blank formats. Plural air-operated lockable jacks coupled to movable members of a stamp are also provided, and the jacks operate to automatically adjust the stamp to conform to the selected dimensions of the die. The apparatus can accept plural magazines of cardboard blanks and a plurality of different blanks supplied successively; under program control, the apparatus can automatically change the dimensions of the die and stamp to conform to the desired dimensions of the finished tray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1988
    Date of Patent: January 29, 1991
    Assignee: Vega Automation
    Inventor: Jean-Louis Boisseau
  • Patent number: 4932298
    Abstract: A circular tool arrangement wherein tools are held between first and second ring-shaped elements characterized by the first ring-shaped element having a first plurality of bores on a surface of the element on a first radius from the axis of the first ring-shaped element and having a groove receiving an inner ring having a second plurality of bores for receiving on a second radius, each of the tools having projections on one side for coacting with the first plurality of bores and projections on an opposite side for coacting with the second plurality of bores and the second ring-shaped element being provided with a circumferential groove for receiving the set of projections not being received in bores, and the second ring-shaped element also being provided with a recess which can be aligned with a tool position to provide space for removing the tool and inserting a new tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 1989
    Date of Patent: June 12, 1990
    Assignee: SA Martin
    Inventor: Bernard Capdebosco
  • Patent number: 4926730
    Abstract: A guide for slotting, scoring, trimming, or like heads mounted in mating relationship in a slotter for scoring a cardboard blank on the fold lines and slotting, timming or the like of the blank between the various flaps so that it may be folded into a box, carton or the like. The guide includes a plate with an arcuate bearing surface which is adapted to ride along the bottom of a peripheral groove having a bottom and sidewalls provided therefor in the heads. The plate portion of the guide is thinner than the groove is wide and has a plurality of recesses in its opposite side faces into which rollers are mounted for rotation off the side centerline thereof. the rollers exert a balanced radial thrust on the sidewalls of the groove aligning the head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 1988
    Date of Patent: May 22, 1990
    Inventor: Jimmy R. Garrett
  • Patent number: 4917665
    Abstract: An improvement for use in machinery for interfolding porous cut sheets is disclosed having two adjacent and counter-rotating folding rolls each having projecting tuckers and recessed grippers arranged alternately on the folding rolls such that a tucker on one roll mates with a gripper on the other. Porous cut sheets are selectively adhered to the folding rolls by vacuum ported to the tuckers and grippers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 1989
    Date of Patent: April 17, 1990
    Assignee: C. G. Bretting Manufacturing Co. Inc.
    Inventor: Dennis Couturier
  • Patent number: 4850950
    Abstract: An adjustable mounting block assembly, particularly for embossing die elements used with cutting, scoring and/or punching dies, having a block adjustably mounted within a frame. The perimeter of the block is spaced from the frame, and adjustable opposed spacers extend between the block and the frame so as to adjust the position of the block within the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 1987
    Date of Patent: July 25, 1989
    Assignee: Ameritek Lasercut Dies, Inc.
    Inventor: George L. Holliday
  • Patent number: 4820249
    Abstract: A draw tape bag apparatus passes a web of plastic material having edge notched hems in the opposite edges to receive closing tapes. A hem sealer unit seals the folded layers of the web longitudinally of the folded edge to form the hem. The sealer unit includes a drum unit rotatably mounted on a shaft. The drum unit includes first and second drum parts having coaxial peripheral surfaces. A heat concentrating and release tape is secured to each drum part. The adjacent intermediate ends of the drum parts have telescoping and mating fingers and receses. Separate adjustment screws are coupled to the machine frame adjacent each drum part. Each screw is coupled to the outer race of a ball bearing secured to the adjacent outer end wall of the drum part. The setting of the screw accurately locates the heat concentrating tape axially of the drum. Hot air nozzles are mounted externally to the drum parts in alignment with the tapes and heat the web passing over the tapes to heat seal the web layers in the hem.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 1988
    Date of Patent: April 11, 1989
    Assignee: Amplas, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert J. Wech
  • Patent number: 4805502
    Abstract: Disclosed is a sheet material slotting device provided with an upper slotter shaft and a lower slotter shaft, in a vertical relationship, which rotate in opposite directions to each other in synchronization with the speed of feeding the sheet material; and an upper slotting knife disposed relative to a ring attached to the upper slotter shaft and also a pair of lower slotting knives disposed relative to a ring attached to the lower slotting shaft, with a predetermined space therebetween, in the axial direction and having a constitution in which slotting of a sheet material is carried out under cooperation of the upper slotting knife with the lower slotting knives characterized in that said slotting device comprises:an eccentric member fitted to the upper slotter shaft having an axis deviated from the axis of said shaft;a holder pivotally fitted with play around the outer periphery of this eccentric member and having the upper slotting knife fixed thereon so that the edge of said knife may be extended outwardl
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 1988
    Date of Patent: February 21, 1989
    Assignee: Isowa Inductry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Masaaki Ishigure
  • Patent number: 4684360
    Abstract: A device for positioning tools such as slitters and scorers used with a corrugating machine is proposed. As a pair of rotary shafts rotate, tool heads mounted thereon and each carrying a tool rotate, so that the tools work the web of corrugated fiberboard fed between them as required. When a transfer unit is operated with the tool head supporting plate coupled with the position adjusting member carrying a tool head, they move together axially along the rotary shafts, so that a pair of the tools will be moved simultaneously to a desired position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 1986
    Date of Patent: August 4, 1987
    Assignee: Rengo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masateru Tokuno, Tetsuya Sawada
  • Patent number: 4641575
    Abstract: Device for embossing and/or creasing sheet, or roll material, including a fixed structure complete with a central, moving rod and two symmetric, side chambers in which two pistons slide, opposed by elastic means; means to supply a pressurized fluid in the upper part of each chamber; an embossing and/or creasing tool-holder fixed to the free end of the said rod and of the said stems and a system to control, in an approximate and micrometric manner, the degree of approach of the tool to the counter-roller on which the paper material to be treated travels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1985
    Date of Patent: February 10, 1987
    Assignee: Elio Cavagna S.r.l.
    Inventor: Elio Cavagna
  • Patent number: 4633642
    Abstract: A support device for a pressure roller, forming a lateral retainer and associated with the upper working head of a packaging machine, comprises a plate, essentially in the form of a circular sector, from which a support arm for the roller projects, the plate being mounted rotatable on a vertical pivot fixed to the machine working head assembly and cooperating with a position lock, the roller being carried at the end of said support arm by a vertical rotation pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 1985
    Date of Patent: January 6, 1987
    Assignee: S.I.A.T. Societa Internazionale Applicazioni Techniche S.p.A.
    Inventor: Adelio Lissoni
  • Patent number: 4576588
    Abstract: An apparatus for forming a web of wrapping material into a tubular configuration is disclosed. The apparatus is basically composed of a highly flexible, elongated elastic sheet material secured at one end, the sheet material extending obliquely upwardly and then returning to form a loop, and an actuator mechanically connected to the other end of the sheet material, the actuator being operable to advance and retract the sheet material so as to contract and expand the loop formed by the sheet material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 1984
    Date of Patent: March 18, 1986
    Assignee: Fuji Machinery Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshiaki Umeda, Ryouhei Matsumoto, Hiroyasu Isomura, Hisakuni Shimotaka
  • Patent number: 4574561
    Abstract: The horizontally extending cover side flaps of a plurality of identical filled closed cartons, are glued, down folded, pressed and set by continuously advancing the cartons individually and successively, in untimed relation, between upper and lower carrier belts and along a path through an adhesive applying zone, a flap folding zone and a compression zone. The upper carrier belts are mounted on a sub-frame structure as are the gently curved down fold bars and are raised and lowered relative to the main frame for runs of different height cartons. The glue pots are independently movable vertically and laterally. The compression rolls are resiliently and yieldably mounted to individually and successively press and set the hot melt adhesive without undue pressure which might retard the untimed advance of the cartons.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 1985
    Date of Patent: March 11, 1986
    Assignee: Hub Folding Box Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Mark A. Dirico
  • Patent number: 4565046
    Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing pocketed coil springs is provided. The apparatus includes a pair of weld heads and an adjustment assembly for moving the heads longitudinally or transversely from each other. The relative position of the weld lines in a fabric passing beneath the heads can accordingly be set with precision. This is accomplished by rotating one of the heads about two axes, one extending through the head and a second axis extending parallel to the first at a selected distance therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 1984
    Date of Patent: January 21, 1986
    Assignee: Simmons U.S.A. Corporation
    Inventor: Walter Stumpf
  • Patent number: 4541828
    Abstract: A tool support having an arrangement for centering and fixing a tool and a rectangular frame characterized by a pair of pressing members mounted on adjacent sides of the frame and an arrangement to urge the pressing members away from their adjacent frame members so that a tool is moved diagonally toward an opposite corner of the frame. Preferably, one of the pressing members has a slanted plane end surface forming a cam surface which is engaged by a roller mounted on the other pressing member so that movement of the other pressing member is transferred to the one pressing member. The mounting arrangement also includes a tightening arrangement to bias the pressing members away from the adjacent side members of the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 1984
    Date of Patent: September 17, 1985
    Assignee: Bobst S.A.
    Inventor: Georg Polic
  • Patent number: 4515052
    Abstract: A duplex slitter scorer mounted on a single pivoted sub-carrier is provided with a single power adjusting apparatus disposed entirely below the paper feed path. The adjusting apparatus includes a single rotatable lead screw to position a common carrier mounting first and second relatively movable adjusting arms that are selectively engageable in sequence with the slitting and creasing heads. The lead screw axis is fixed transversely and both adjusting arms are retractable to permit indexing of the pivoted sub-carrier. To compensate for paper weave, the sub-frame is moved along its pivot axis. The lead screw is fixed against longitudinal movement but is partially controlled by a signal indicative of sub-carrier position along its pivot axis so that the instantaneous position of the adjusting apparatus common carrier is related to the instantaneous position of the sub-frame along its pivot axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 1982
    Date of Patent: May 7, 1985
    Assignee: S&S Corrugated Paper Machinery Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen S. Flaum
  • Patent number: 4502357
    Abstract: A slotter head having slotter knives which are carried by the slotter head and are adjusted circumferentially with respect to one another simply by manually operating a handle which functions to release a locking mechanism. With the locking mechanism released, one of the slotter knives can be adjusted circumferentially with respect to the other knife simply by manually rotating an annular plate to which it is removably affixed. Thereafter, the handle is again manipulated to cause the locking mechanism to lock the rotatably adjustable annular plate carrying the slotter knife to position the slotter knife in a fixed position with respect to the other slotter knife.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 1983
    Date of Patent: March 5, 1985
    Inventor: Vahan A. Hussissian
  • Patent number: 4309804
    Abstract: There is disclosed a method and apparatus for accurately attaching a die plate to a cylinder segment in a manner that assures accurate registration of two die plates so attached to cylinder segments used in a cutting and creasing machine to cut or crease material passing through a nip formed therebetween. Pins on the arbor in the cutting and creasing machine accurately locate the cylinder segments. A "Make Ready Machine" is used to accurately locate each die plate on a cylinder segment. The "Make Ready Machine" includes axial and circumferential position indicators which are used to accurately place each cylinder segment in a predetermined position when it is mounted in the Make Ready Machine. Once the cylinder segment is in the predetermined position, the die plate is placed on the cylinder segment and moved until each of three lands on the die plate are in proper alignment with a view finder on the Make Ready Machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 1979
    Date of Patent: January 12, 1982
    Inventor: Albert J. Sarka
  • Patent number: 4302275
    Abstract: The present invention relates to improved apparatus for forming a tubular plastic sleeve immediately prior to its application to a rigid base article, such as a glass or plastic bottle. A rectangular blank of plastic material is wrapped around a cylindrical mandrel and seamed lengthwise thereon to form the tubular sleeve. The mandrel has a plurality of spline-shaped grooves in its curved peripheral surface and a stripper ring mounted to closely surround such peripheral surface to be slidable thereon. The ring has a plurality of internal lugs which slidably fit within the spline-shaped grooves. The mandrel has a lineal array of vacuum ports for retaining the leading and trailing edges of the plastic blank on the mandrel for its wrapping thereon, and an axial resilient strip mounted in the curved peripheral surface of the mandrel for operation of a movable, axially-extending sealing bar thereagainst.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 1979
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1981
    Assignee: Owens-Illinois, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert J. Burmeister, Russell W. Heckman, Robert C. Miller, George A. Nickey