Adjustable Patents (Class 493/478)
  • Patent number: 9296503
    Abstract: A product stabilizer is employed to prevent tipping or shingling of product in a packaging line. The product stabilizer utilizes a linear actuator, coupled to a plurality of arms, to ensure proper spacing between adjacent products in the packaging line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: Delkor Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew Henry Churchill, Jeremiah Joe Ericson
  • Patent number: 8926486
    Abstract: A device for holding tools for processing flat, sheet-like material includes top and bottom tool holding devices which have respective top and bottom tool units that are driven by drive shafts through servomotors and are laterally displaceable by tool guide elements which are supported on cross members. The top and bottom cross members have a rectangular construction and are fitted perpendicularly in the device. A sheet-processing machine and a folding carton gluer having the device, are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG
    Inventors: Wolfgang Diehr, Martin Mertens, Frank Schmid
  • Publication number: 20140228191
    Abstract: A format adjustment device (1) is used to adjust the format of at least one functional element (7) on a packaging machine. The format adjustment device (1) comprises at least one bearing element (2), at least one format gauge (3) comprising at least one mounting section (4) and at least one position element (5) having a stop section (6), and at least one functional element (7) having a connecting section (8). The format gauge (3) can be connected to the bearing element (2) via the mounting section (4). The stop section (6) of the position element (5) can be connected to the connecting section (8) of the functional element (7), such that the position of the at least one functional element (7) relative to the bearing element (2) can be adjusted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2012
    Publication date: August 14, 2014
    Applicant: ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
    Inventor: Alexander Frank
  • Publication number: 20140100101
    Abstract: A corrugated box making machine has a vacuum transfer mechanism for moving corrugated boards along a path of conveyance including stations having printing and die cutter mechanisms which operate on the boards. The printing mechanisms include a print and impression cylinder, the latter being mounted in a vacuum housing that also holds drive rolls for moving the boards along the path during which the boards are held against the rolls by vacuum in the housing. The latter is movable substantially above the print cylinder to provide convenient access for maintenance of the print cylinder or replacement of its printing plates.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2013
    Publication date: April 10, 2014
    Inventors: James B. Babcock, Yury Polikov
  • Publication number: 20130210597
    Abstract: Methods, devices, apparatus, and assemblies for converting fanfold material into packaging templates are disclosed. A converting system includes a converting machine that performs various conversion functions on the fanfold material. An infeed guide system directs the fanfold material from one or more stacks into the converting machine without folding, creasing, or otherwise compromising the fanfold material. The infeed guide system includes infeed guides with substantially S-shaped segments. The infeed guide system also includes a frame structure that substantially maintains the curvature of the substantially S-shaped segments within a desired range to prevent damage to or jamming of the fanfold material in the infeed guide system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2011
    Publication date: August 15, 2013
    Applicant: PACKSIZE, LLC
    Inventor: Niklas Pettersson
  • Publication number: 20110053748
    Abstract: A dunnage handler is disclosed for controlling the outfeed of dunnage from a dunnage mechanism including a first handler portion configured for association with the dunnage mechanism for receiving dunnage therefrom, the first handler portion being reversibly reconfigurable between an accumulator configuration, in which the first handler portion is configured to accumulate the dunnage received from the dunnage mechanism and a discharger configuration, in which the first handler portion is configured to discharge the dunnage received from the dunnage mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2009
    Publication date: March 3, 2011
    Applicant: Pregis Innovative Packaging, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas D. Wetsch, Robert Tegel
  • Patent number: 7896794
    Abstract: A first hanger and a second hanger are disposed on a working platform according to a hanging manufacturing apparatus for manufacturing an air enclosure, in which the first hanger is constituted by a first hanging frame and a plurality of first supporting arms and used for hanging a first hot sealing mold, the first hanging frame drives the first hot sealing mold on the plurality of first supporting arms to hot-seal an air cylinder film sheet while being moved to form a plurality of nodes on the air cylinder film sheet, and the second hanger is constituted by a second hanging frame and a plurality of second supporting arms and used for hanging a second hot sealing mold, the second hanging frame drives the second hot sealing mold on the plurality of second supporting arms to hot-seal the air cylinder film sheet while being moved to form a plurality of air cylinders on the air cylinder film sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Inventors: Chieh Hua Liao, Yaw Shin Liao, Yao Chuan Liao
  • Patent number: 7867157
    Abstract: The folding machine has a cross fold module which includes a cross-fold folding blade (18), a sheet-supporting device (38) which is arranged below the cross-fold folding blade (18) and on which an incoming sheet comes to rest, and a roller frame (27) which is arranged below the sheet-supporting device (38) and into which a sheet is introduced by the cross-fold folding blade (18). A three-fold module (22) with a three-fold folding blade (24) arranged perpendicularly with respect to the cross-fold folding blade (18) is arranged downstream of the roller frame (27). The three-fold module (22) and the roller frame (27) are arranged on a rotary stand (20) which is rotatable through at least 180 about a vertical axis (28).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Assignee: Maschinenbau Oppenweiler Binder GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Christoph Beck, Georg Dannemann, Martin Sailer, Eberhard Krieger
  • Patent number: 7690099
    Abstract: A transformation station for a packaging production machine comprises side frames between which tool-carrier cassettes are mounted. The side frames support slides on which members slide for the mounting of the tool-carrier cassettes. The members for mounting the tool-carrier cassettes comprise cassette supports that can be moved in opposition across and according to material advancing direction dimensions of the tool-carrier cassettes. The cassette supports are fitted with first devices for attaching in position the cassette supports and second devices for locking the tool-carrier cassettes to the supports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: Bobst S.A.
    Inventors: Sylvain Bapst, Philippe Clement
  • Patent number: 7628748
    Abstract: A chopper table comprises table bodies for guiding a signature transported by transport belts, and a pair of inlet guides for guiding the signature pushed in by a chopper blade. The table bodies are detachably supported on chopper frames, and the inlet guides are detachably supported on the chopper frames via brackets. The chopper table improves the returnability of the table body and inlet guide when they are removed at the time of a paper jam or replacement of the transport belt, and can easily adjust the gap of a slit between the inlet guides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2009
    Assignee: Komori Corporation
    Inventor: Kenji Fujiwara
  • Publication number: 20090227437
    Abstract: A receiving apparatus of a folding box gluing machine for receiving guide elements, in particular a roller rail, and/or tools, such as folding devices. The guide elements and/or tools can be moved from an active position above the folding box transport plane into a parked position. The receiving apparatus has a frame, to which the guide elements and/or tools are fastened, and this frame can be pivoted about a pivot axis, the pivot axis being oriented parallel to the folding box transport direction. The receiving apparatus has a stop device which fixes the position of the frame in its parked position, with the result that said frame can be reached ergonomically by the machine operator. The frame can be moved from a horizontal position, in which the guide elements and/or tools are situated in their active position, by a pivoting movement about the pivot axis by less than 90° into an oblique position, in which the guide elements and/or the tools are situated in their parked position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2009
    Publication date: September 10, 2009
    Applicant: HEIDELBERGER DRUCKMASCHINEN AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventors: Wolfgang Diehr, Maik Stumberger
  • Patent number: 7585267
    Abstract: A chopper table comprises table bodies for guiding a signature transported by transport belts, and a pair of inlet guides for guiding the signature pushed in by a chopper blade. The table bodies are detachably supported on chopper frames, and the inlet guides are detachably supported on the chopper frames via brackets. The chopper table improves the returnability of the table body and inlet guide when they are removed at the time of a paper jam or replacement of the transport belt, and can easily adjust the gap of a slit between the inlet guides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2009
    Assignee: Komori Corporation
    Inventor: Kenji Fujiwara
  • Patent number: 7438677
    Abstract: A chopper table comprises table bodies for guiding a signature transported by transport belts, and a pair of inlet guides for guiding the signature pushed in by a chopper blade. The table bodies are detachably supported on chopper frames, and the inlet guides are detachably supported on the chopper frames via brackets. The chopper table improves the return ability of the table body and inlet guide when they are removed at the time of a paper jam or replacement of the transport belt, and can easily adjust the gap of a slit between the inlet guides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2008
    Assignee: Komori Corporation
    Inventor: Kenji Fujiwara
  • Patent number: 7402129
    Abstract: A machine for folding and gluing folding boxes has a first folding station and at least one second folding station that follows downstream. Machine components are provided which can be positioned transversely and which contain conveying elements for blanks for the folding boxes and at least one adhesive application unit. The machine further has actuating drives for positioning the machine components, and a rotary station which is disposed downstream of the first folding station and upstream of the second folding station. The rotary station has a fixedly disposed transport device for the blanks. A controller controls the actuating drives of the machine components which are provided in front of and behind the rotary station and which can be positioned transversely, as a function of the type of folding boxes that is to be produced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2008
    Assignee: Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG
    Inventor: Wolfgang Diehr
  • Patent number: 7377892
    Abstract: A device for conveying signatures from a gripper cylinder to a folding cylinder comprises, in a free gap formed between the two cylinders, a supporting element supporting a plate which can be pivoted about a fulcrum, the plate rotatably supporting a signature guiding body having an oval cross-section and extending through the width of the cylinders, the body being covered, on a side thereof facing the cylinders, by a low friction web.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: Officine Meccaniche G. Cerutti S.p.A.
    Inventors: Gino Camossa, Riccardo Montagnini, Massimo Rolando
  • Patent number: 7316643
    Abstract: A gripping system uses a pin mounting block having at least one passage for accommodating holding pins of a holding pin member that cooperate with a dome to hold a laminate ply there between, the improvement being a releasable latch positioned to engage the pin member and hold the pin member in an operative positions and being releasable to release the pin member. Various forms of pin members may be used. In a preferred form, a gripper is provided positioned adjacent to holding pins and moveable between a retracted position and an operative position wherein the gripper member grips the laminate ply.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2008
    Assignee: Wexxar Packaging, Inc.
    Inventors: Chris Peter Makar, Peter Clive Sewell
  • Patent number: 7258656
    Abstract: A packaging machine utilizing side connected chains of open bags is disclosed. The machine has loading and closure sections which are moveable between operating and cleaning/service positions. A resistance heater subassembly is removeable to enable washdown.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Assignee: Automated Packaging Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Hershey Lerner, Dana J. Liebhart
  • Patent number: 7231748
    Abstract: An adjusting device that is mounted in a film packaging machine includes a moving mechanism that selectively moves two support blocks in opposite directions and toothed wheels mounted to the support blocks in a symmetric manner and driven by a timing belt that is mechanically coupled to a motor for rotating film drive rollers that are mounted to selected ones of the toothed wheels. Thus, the film drive rollers are movable in opposite directions with the support blocks for adjusting the distance between the rollers, which allows for accommodation of packaging films of different sizes between the rollers, while not interfering with the operation of the film drive roller for driving the packaging film therebetween. This arrangement allows for uniform application of driving force to the film by the film drive rollers and thus realizing smooth and stable movement of the film in packaging an article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2007
    Assignee: Benison & Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Benker P. C. Liao
  • Patent number: 7192393
    Abstract: A gripping system uses a pin mounting block having at least one passage for accommodating holding pins of a holding pin member that cooperate with a dome to hold a laminate ply there between, the improvement being a releasable latch positioned to engage the pin member and hold the pin member in an operative positions and being releasable to release the pin member. Various forms of pin members may be used. In a preferred form a gripper is provided positioned adjacent to holding pins and moveable between a retracted position and an operative position wherein the gripper member grips the laminate ply.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Assignee: Wexxar Packaging Inc.
    Inventors: Chris Peter Makar, Peter Clive Sewell
  • Patent number: 7143569
    Abstract: An automatic high-speed wrapping system for wrapping packages in heat sealable thermoplastic film includes a film delivery unit wherein the film is dispensed and wrapped around the packages at a high rate of speed as the packages travel through the system. The packages travel continuously in a straight line through the system and are delivered at the input end of the system by a feed conveyor into a wrapping station where the packages are surrounded by the film, thence to the side sealing mechanism which forms a seal while severing the salvage from the packages, then into an end sealing mechanism where both ends of the packages are sealed and the film web connecting succeeding packages is severed. The system has a variety of components which are adjustable to efficiently accommodate a variety of product dimensions. The spacings of the various components are represented one calibrated scales for efficient and accurate set up and operation of the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2006
    Assignees: Lantech Management Corp., Lantech HOlding Corp.
    Inventor: Jean-Louis Limousin
  • Patent number: 7128703
    Abstract: A flush mounted presser assembly for a die cutting machine. The presser assembly includes a support member having an upper surface which defines a substantially horizontal plane, a presser movable vertically in a plane perpendicular to the horizontal plane of the support member between a first extended position spaced from the support member beneath the horizontal plane and a second retracted position also beneath the horizontal plane of the support member, and a mounting arrangement for mounting the presser to the support member wherein the mounting arrangement is disposed flush with or below the horizontal plane of the support member so that none of its components extend or project above the horizontal plane of the support member. The mounting arrangement comprises a base mounted on the support, a linkage assembly interconnecting the base and presser, and a spring for biasing the linkage assembly and presser toward its first extended position away from the support member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2006
    Assignee: Blanking Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Frank E. Oetlinger
  • Patent number: 7060016
    Abstract: A device for rotary conversion of a web or sheet material by cooperating cylindrical tools. The tools are arranged in a cassette. A driving device connects with the tools for rotating them. The cassette with the tools is placed in an adaptive cassette receiver. The driving device includes a motor and is supported on the lid of the cassette receiver. The cassette is placeable in and removable from the cassette receiver and is secured there and the driving device is connected to the tools.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2006
    Assignee: Bobst S.A.
    Inventor: Marco Cipolli
  • Patent number: 7037251
    Abstract: Machine for the production of flexible material sheets comprising at least one folding unit housing at least one cutting cylinder, to which a suction cylinder is opposed, and a gripping cylinder for transversal folding and/or conveying flat products by suction. A second suction cylinder for a second transversal fold and/or for conveying flat products and a second conveyor cylinder for conveying folded products or flat unfolded products may be associated downstream to said machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2006
    Assignee: Fabio Perini S.p.A.
    Inventor: Cesare Stefanoni
  • Patent number: 6994662
    Abstract: A machine for punching blanks (10) of corrugated cardboard out of a web or plates of corrugated cardboard and for forming folding lines (5) in said blanks. The machine has two cylinders (2, 3) rotating towards each other and of which at least one cylinder is provided on the outer surface with a curved wooden plate (6). The punching tools and the folding line tools (8, 9) are mounted on said wooden plate by being pressed into slits in said wooden plate (6). The cylinders (2, 3) are made of metal, preferably steel. The wooden plate (6) is secured to the cylinder (2, 3) by being screwed (15) thereon. The wooden plate is centered on the cylinder by means of two adjustable rings (4) on the cylinder. Each ring (4) is provided with an axially directed guide projection (4a, 4b) adapted to interact with an end notch (6a, 6b) in the wooden plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2006
    Inventors: Stefan Jörnborn, Tommy Rydberg
  • Patent number: 6974407
    Abstract: A conversion machine and related method for making a dunnage product by converting a sheet-like stock material of at least one ply into a dunnage product is characterized by a manual reversing mechanism that is useful, for example, for clearing paper jams. The conversion machine includes a housing through which the stock material passes along a path, and an assembly that advances the stock material from a source thereof along the path, crumples the stock material, and maintains the shape of the crumpled stock material to produce a strip of dunnage. This assembly includes at least one rotatable member rotatable in a first direction for engaging and advancing the stock material, a feed motor for driving a driven rotatable member in the first direction, and a crank connected to the rotatable member for enabling rotation of the driven rotatable member in a second direction opposite the first direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2005
    Assignee: Rappak Corp.
    Inventors: Richard O. Ratzel, Joseph J. Harding, Michael J. Lencoski, James A. Simmons, Donald J. Barnhouse
  • Patent number: 6953422
    Abstract: A system and method for selectively replacing one set of folding boards with another set of folding boards is provided. In one embodiment, a first set and a second set of folding boards are secured to carriage assemblies that are moveable in and out of a web-receiving position. Through the system and method of the present invention, it has been discovered that a set of folding boards may be quickly and efficiently replaced with another set of folding boards.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2005
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Leslie T. Long, John H. Evans
  • Patent number: 6902520
    Abstract: The folding machine includes at least one pair of knife shafts, the knife shafts (22, 24) of which are, in a working position, mounted parallel to each other between two spaced-apart side walls (18, 20) of the folding machine (10). In order, in parallel with the production process, to be able to prepare knife shafts for a subsequent production process, the knife shafts (22, 24) are mounted in a cassette (28) which can be displaced through a sidewall (20) facing the operator from an inserted position, in which the knife shafts (22, 24) are in their working position, into a pull-out position, in which the knife shafts (22, 24) are outside the folding machine (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2005
    Assignee: Maschinenbau Oppenweiler Binder GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Christoph Beck, Eberhard Krieger, Bodo Tegtmeier, Georg Dannemann
  • Patent number: 6827678
    Abstract: Known methods for producing folded containers, especially folding boxes, from blanks use folding-box gluing machines and accessory units comprising machine elements (2, 6, 10, 13) for processing and/or conveying the blanks or containers, which can be manually positioned to fit different blank sizes. Measuring devices (17) for determining the actual position of the machine elements (2, 6, 10, 13) to be positioned and a memory unit for storing the desired positions for different blank sizes are also known. To be able to support a machine adjuster in the adjustment of positions the invention provides for both the memory unit for the desired positions and each measuring device (17) for the actual positions to be connected to a computing element which calculates the differences between the desired positions and the actual positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2004
    Assignee: Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG
    Inventor: Lothar Kümpel
  • Patent number: 6783489
    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 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; and a volume expanding arrangement cooperative with the feeding/connecting assembly for adjusting the density of the cushioning product and changing product yield. The features of the invention may be individually or collectively used in cushioning conversion machines of various types.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2004
    Assignee: Ranpak Corp.
    Inventors: Richard O. Ratzel, Joseph J. Harding, Michael J. Lencoski, James A. Simmons, Donald J. Barnhouse
  • Patent number: 6758801
    Abstract: A cushioning conversion machine (20) including a conversion assembly (30) which converts a continuous sheet of multi-ply stock material (22) into a three dimensional cushioning product (32) and a stock supply assembly (550) which supplies the multi-ply stock material (22) to the conversion assembly (30). The conversion assembly (30) includes a forming assembly (52) which inwardly turns lateral portions of the stock material (22) as the stock material (22) travels therethrough in a downstream direction. The stock supply assembly (550) includes a separating device (574) and/or constant-entry device (580) designed to minimize tearing due to excessive tension in the lateral regions of the stock material (22). Additionally or alternatively, the forming assembly (52) includes a shaping member (590) having protrusions in its turning perimeter and/or holding surface to modify the shape of the cushioning product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Assignee: Ranpak Corp.
    Inventors: Joseph J. Harding, Richard O. Ratzel, Thomas E. Manley, Theo Corthout, Roger P. M. Rinkens, Pieter Fennema
  • Publication number: 20040110622
    Abstract: A system and method for selectively replacing one set of folding boards with another set of folding boards is provided. In one embodiment, a first set and a second set of folding boards are secured to carriage assemblies that are moveable in and out of a web-receiving position. Through the system and method of the present invention, it has been discovered that a set of folding boards may be quickly and efficiently replaced with another set of folding boards.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2002
    Publication date: June 10, 2004
    Applicant: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Leslie T. Long, John H. Evans
  • Patent number: 6702728
    Abstract: A moveable tape head mechanism for a box erecting machine having a fixed guide rail and an adjustable guide rail includes a cradle which carries a tape head, the cradle being horizontally slidable between operational and loading positions to expedite replacement of a tape roll contained thereon. In the operational position, the tape head mechanism is detachably held by a pin in operational alignment with a box flap closure apparatus. The tape head mechanism is moved from the operational positional to the loading position by installing a cover plate over the tape head to compress the rollers into the tape head, disengaging the pin from its corresponding receptacle formed on the flap closure apparatus, and sliding the tape head mechanism under a frame member and outside the perimeter of the box erecting machine. When the tape head is in the loading position, the tape roll is located outside the perimeter of the box erecting machine to facilitate replacement thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Assignee: Combi Packaging Systems, LLC
    Inventor: Pete Ballos, III
  • Patent number: 6699167
    Abstract: A cushioning conversion machine having a novel former around which a sheet material is folded to form an improved cushioning product. The former has longitudinally spaced side surfaces inclined from bottom to top toward a downstream end of the machine. The side surfaces cause the obstruction of the sheet stock material upstream of the side surfaces so that the sheet material crumples in the spaces upstream of the side surfaces, thereby increasing the cushioning properties of pillow portions of the cushioning product. The former also has a centrally located base plate which minimizes crumpling in a central portion of the sheet material so that the folded over portions and the central portion can be connected to maintain more effectively the shape of the pillow portions in the resulting cushioning product. In addition, the former has a guard plate mounted above longitudinally spaced bottom edges extending laterally outwardly from the base plate and upstream from a vertical central plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Assignee: Ranpak Corp.
    Inventor: Thomas E. Manley
  • Publication number: 20040029695
    Abstract: A device for adjusting a folding blade has a push rod assembly with which the folding blade is coupled for producing a vertical movement of the folding blade. The push rod assembly has an inner push rod, an outer push rod and a positioning device for adjusting a position of the outer push rod relative to the inner push rod. The positioning device is firmly secured to a frame relative to at least one of the push rods. A folder includes at least one folding unit with a folding blade and the device for adjusting the folding blade.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2003
    Publication date: February 12, 2004
    Inventor: Klaus-Peter Schreiber
  • Patent number: 6676588
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a copy-carrying cylinder which has a peripheral surface (2) supporting sheet-like copies and which is provided with retaining elements for fixing the sheet-like copies in place on the peripheral surface (2). A folding device (5) which can be moved into and out of openings (4) at the peripheral surface (2) are bounded by at least one movable surface element (13). The surface element (13, 13.3) which is associated with the folding device (5) is designed in such a manner that it takes its closed position (22) automatically.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2004
    Assignee: Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG
    Inventors: Philippe Francois Herda, Serge Lanvin, Thierry Vauchelle, Yannis Woloch
  • Patent number: 6666810
    Abstract: A worktable that can be used to support a substrate while forming a hole therein. The worktable may include one or more actuators that stretch the substrate. The worktable may also have a control unit that is connected to the actuators and strain gauges that sense the strain in the substrate. The control unit, actuators and strain gauges may provide a closed loop control system for tensioning the substrate. The center portion of the substrate may be supported by wires that extend across an opening in the worktable. The opening eliminates a backing surface that may interfere with a laser hold forming process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2003
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Glen Roeters, Boris Moldavsky
  • Patent number: 6659927
    Abstract: A presser assembly for supporting blanking scrap during a blanking operation is provided. The presser assembly includes a support rail; a presser rail connected to the support rail; and a connecting rail connecting the presser rail to the support rail and being adapted to pivot with respect to at least one of the support rail and the presser rail through a predetermined pivot angle range for changing a distance between the support rail and the presser rail. By pivoting, one can thereby selectively affect a folding and an unfolding of the presser assembly during a blanking operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2003
    Assignee: SDC Innovations, Inc.
    Inventors: Rick D. Myers, David J. Coursey
  • Patent number: 6629403
    Abstract: An automatic packaging machine has mandrels with a plurality of fingers for gripping an object. A cam track has contours which defines the location of positions along a conveyor carrying the mandrels. The fingers are closed by a spring and opened by a cam follower encountering a contour of cam track. This way a plurality of objects having a variety of widths may be carried by the fingers without requiring a readjustment of the machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2003
    Assignee: Delaware Capital Formation, Inc.
    Inventor: Steven Tisma
  • Patent number: 6610001
    Abstract: A cushioning conversion machine (20) including a conversion assembly (30) which converts a continuous sheet of multi-ply stock material (22) into a three dimensional cushioning product (32) and a stock supply assembly (550) which supplies the multi-ply stock material (22) to the conversion assembly (30). The conversion assembly (30) includes a forming assembly (52) which inwardly turns lateral portions of the stock material (22) as the stock material (22) travels therethrough in a downstream direction. The stock supply assembly (550) includes a separating device (574) and/or constant-entry device (580) designed to minimize tearing due to excessive tension in the lateral regions of the stock material (22). Additionally or alternatively, the forming assembly (52) includes a shaping member (590) having protrusions in its turning perimeter and/or holding surface to modify the shape of the cushioning product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2003
    Assignee: Ranpak Corp.
    Inventors: Joseph J. Harding, Richard O. Ratzel, Thomas E. Manley, Theo Corthout, Roger P. M. Rinkens, Pieter Fennema
  • Patent number: 6589148
    Abstract: The invention is a moveable presser rail assembly for supporting blanking material during operation of a blanking tool for making packaging blanks. The moveable presser rail assembly includes a mount housing having a cavity that pivotally secures a pivot sleeve, and a guide strut is secured within the pivot sleeve by a spring biasing mechanism so that a fastening end of the guide strut may be rigidly secured to a presser rail. Because the guide strut may pivot within the mount housing, the presser rail may be rigidly secured to the guide strut and still provide reciprocating and non-parallel or limited lateral motion relative to a support plate that supports the mount housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2003
    Inventor: Michael P. Tarka
  • Patent number: 6582348
    Abstract: A machine is provided for the creasing, perforation or circular cutting of a material in the form of sheets such as paper, plastic and the like. The machine includes a bed, a horizontal loading plane (11) that is intended to accommodate at least one stack of starting sheets, a feeding plane (13) as a continuation of the loading plane, an advancing suction roller (14) to pick up and transfer every single sheet from the bottom of the stack on the loading plane to the feeding plane, and a processing unit (15) that is intended to accommodate one sheet at a time for a creasing, perforation or cutting operation. A female grooving tool, each consisting of annular elements that are assembled together, is provided for the creasing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Inventors: Silvano Bacciottini, Valdemaro Bacciottini
  • Patent number: 6574520
    Abstract: A flexible manufacturing system including at least one module, a operational unit mounted to said at least one module and a local controller operatively connected to the operational unit. The local controller is adapted to control the operational unit. The at least one module and the local controller together are capable of operating in a standalone operation or of integration into a flexible manufacturing system. The local controller is further adapted to receive a reference signal from the flexible manufacturing system and to synchronize the operational unit to the flexible manufacturing system when the at least one module is connected to the flexible manufacturing line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2003
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Vincent B. Liu, Donald L. Wires, Michael J. Lamping, Albert M. Fischer, Gary L. Miller
  • Patent number: 6540652
    Abstract: A cushioning conversion machine (20) for converting sheet-like stock material (22) into a three-dimensional cushioning product (P) including a device (400; 400′; 500; 600; 600′; 700) which controls the width of the strip and which may be selectively adjusted to change the width of the strip. By selectively setting the device (400, 400′, 500; 600; 600′; 700), a cushioning product of a desired width may be produced. For more sophisticated packaging needs, the stock material may be converted into a first portion of a certain width, the device adjusted, and then the stock material may be converted into a second portion of a different width whereby the cushioning product will have continuous portions of different widths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Assignee: Ranpak Corp.
    Inventors: Richard O. Ratzel, Roger P. M. Rinkens, Michael J. Lencoski, Dirk J. Siekmann
  • Patent number: 6457300
    Abstract: The present invention proposes a plastic film guiding device of a packaging machine, which comprises a frame, a screw rod, a walking block, a positioning rod, a pair of slanting rods, and a pair of slide bodies. The plastic film guiding device of the present invention is arranged in suspended way to reduce its contact with the surface of a machine table so that the present invention suffers less heat to facilitate the adjustment. Most importantly, the present invention has instant width-adjusting function, and can simultaneously perform identical adjustments to the widths of both sides. The adjustment is fast, and the positions of movement are exact. Moreover, fine adjustment of width can be performed at any time during the operation of the machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2002
    Inventor: Chang Min Yang
  • Patent number: 6425846
    Abstract: A moveable tape head mechanism for a box erecting machine having a fixed guide rail and an adjustable guide rail includes a cradle which carries a tape head, the cradle being horizontally slidable between operational and loading positions to expedite replacement of a tape roll contained thereon. In the operational position, the tape head mechanism is detachably held by a pin in operational alignment with a box flap closure apparatus. The tape head mechanism is moved from the operational positional to the loading position by installing a cover plate over the tape head to compress the rollers into the tape head, disengaging the pin from its corresponding receptacle formed on the flap closure apparatus, and sliding the tape head mechanism under a frame member and outside the perimeter of the box erecting machine. When the tape head is in the loading position, the tape roll is located outside the perimeter of the box erecting machine to facilitate replacement thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2002
    Inventor: Pete Ballos, III
  • Patent number: 6422552
    Abstract: A movable folder assembly includes one or more folders slidingly supported on a pair of rails and an actuator for moving the folder on said pair of rails. The actuator may include a hydraulic cylinder and a control unit for controlling said hydraulic cylinder. The folder(s) is supported on said rails by bearings. Preferably, the bearings are linear bearings, and most preferably, the folder(s) is supported on at least one of said rails by dual-type linear bearings. The folder(s) may be used in conduction with a former board arrangement in a web-fed rotary newspaper printing press which includes a first and a second row of former boards each row including a first, second and third former board for longitudinally folding one or more ribbons passing over the former boards. The first row of former boards is arranged above the second former board, and a movable folder is located below one of the former boards of the second row of former boards for crossfolding and cutting the ribbons into signatures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2002
    Assignee: Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG
    Inventors: Lewis Bradley Chesno, Charles Henry Dufour, Robert Michael Riotto
  • Patent number: 6318048
    Abstract: A mast and trolley assembly for a case sealer machine includes a set of fixed bearing members mounted upon the trolley assembly, and a set of movably adjustable bearing members mounted upon the trolley assembly such that opposite sides of the trolley assembly will engage the mast member with the proper degree of tension whereby adjustable vertical movements of the trolley assembly along the mast member are smoothly accomplished without any play or chatter. The machine head assembly is also bolted to the trolley assembly such that replacement or exchange of different sized head assemblies are readily, easily, and quickly achieved. A coiled spring mechanism is mounted upon the mast member and operatively attached to the trolley assembly so as to counterbalance the weight of the trolley and head assemblies thereby rendering the vertical adjustments of the head and trolley assemblies along the mast member easy to achieve in a counterbalanced manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2001
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: Anthony J. Sambuca, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6319183
    Abstract: A box erecting machine that can readily be set up to assemble boxes of different sizes contains pointers and scales permitting the vertical and horizontal adjustment of the box magazine, the centering of the flap folding structures, and the vertical adjustment of the box hold down plates to be readily set according to the dimensions of the box to be assembled. The vertical adjustment of the box magazine, the horizontal adjustment of the box magazine, and the centering of the flap closure apparatus are adjusted until the corresponding pointer and scale of those structures indicate the width measurement taken directly from the box. The hold down plate assembly is adjusted until the corresponding pointer and scale indicate the height of the box as measured directly therefrom. Horizontal adjustment of box magazine width and horizontal adjustment of an adjustable guide rail are performed against an actual box placed in those structures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2001
    Assignee: Combi Packaging Systems LLC
    Inventor: Pete Ballos, III
  • Publication number: 20010041656
    Abstract: A cross sealer for a plastic bag making machine includes a frame with an upper moveable seal bar unit and an opposed lower stationary seal bar unit. The movable unit is a lightweight construction seal beam. A rotating shaft spans the cross sealer and is connected by a plurality of eccentric linkages to the seal beam. The linkages moves a seal bar into sealing engagement across the width of the web to the seal bar unit constructed with a support beam and a seal bar connected to the beam. The seal bar unit is mounted as a substantially stationary unit during sealing and is supported by a plurality of air cylinder units for positioning from standby to an operating position. Each air cylinder unit includes an adjustable stop unit secured to the back of the cylinder unit and connected to the cylinder piston for adjusting the movement of the piston and thereby the operative sealing position of the stationary seal bar unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2001
    Publication date: November 15, 2001
    Inventors: Thomas G. Vanden Langenberg, Giles R. Blaser
  • Publication number: 20010027155
    Abstract: The method of adjusting a first longitudinal folding device for processing material webs with longitudinal adhesive bonding in a folder of a web-fed printing machine, wherein the first longitudinal folding device is movable relative to the folder, includes the steps of fixing the position of the former outlet rollers relative to a cylinder part of the folder. The method also includes the step of displacing a frame whereon spindles of the former outlet rollers are displaceably carried, thereby maintaining the distance of the web of material relative to the surfaces of the former outlet rollers. Another method step includes aligning an annular recess, centrally formed in the former outlet rollers, with an axis of the folder, for the purpose of applying the adhesive with regard to any width of material web to be processed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2001
    Publication date: October 4, 2001
    Applicant: Heidelberger Druckmaschine AG
    Inventors: Jean Mariotti, Thierry Thevenin