Abstract: An absorbent-body manufacturing apparatus manufactures an absorbent body by depositing absorbent-body material in a plurality of recess sections spaced at an arrangement pitch on an outer circumferential face of a drum. The apparatus has a driving source that drives the drum in synchronization with another apparatus based on a synchronization signal. First and second signal-generating sections repeatedly generate first and second rotational-angle signals based on a rotation of the drum with a rotational angle of the drum as a unit, the rotational angle of the drum corresponding to first and second pitches, respectively. Depending on whether the arrangement pitch is set to the first or second pitch, a controller controls rotational driving operation of the driving source based on the first or second rotational-angle signal and on the synchronization signal.

Abstract: A bag machine, and method of making bags, has a sealing station a perforating station, and a downstream seal and perforation inspection station, or a perforation detection station and/or a seal inspection station is disclosed. Control of the perforating and sealing stations is preferably closed loop. The seal and perforation inspection station preferably includes a perforation detector that triggers a vision system and/or a camera, and the film is illuminated. Preferably, the inspection station is enclosed in an opaque housing, or the ambient light is otherwise blocked. The seal and perforation inspection station preferably provides an image output a display visible to a user. The vision system preferably includes a perforation location module and/or determines the distance between the seal and perforation. A downstream processing station can be provided, and can have a detected fault input, connected to a fault detect output from the seal and perforation inspection station.

Abstract: A method for determining the softness of a sheet of tissue paper through NIR spectrometry, includes, after having created a softness values model according to data obtained through NIR spectrometry for a set of reference tissue paper sheets, carrying out the spectral analysis of said sheet and determining the softness value on the basis of the model. The method includes obtaining the softness values of the reference tissue paper sheets of the model through sensory analysis.

Abstract: A method and a system for controlling the relative position between a printed pattern and a non-printed pattern, such as for example a pattern of creasing lines or holes, on a running web-shaped material, involves providing the material web with at least one impressed indentation mark with a three-dimensional topographic configuration, at a pre-determined distance from a printed register mark and detecting the marks with a same sensor control system. The controlling method and system is used for the manufacturing of a laminated packaging material, having a printed décor and creased folding lines in register.

Abstract: In a paper folding device, a first driving unit for forming a first folding line on the paper moves a first folding plate member to the paper fed to a first feeding position until load on the first folding plate member reaches a prescribed value or higher. A time period from the start of driving of the first folding unit by the first driving unit to the start of driving of a second folding unit by a second driving unit is determined based on characteristic of paper.

Abstract: An apparatus for marking plastic containers, comprising a marking device which applies a marking to the containers and a checking device in the form a temperature-sensitive sensor which checks for the presence of the marking on the container.

Abstract: Containers having improved load-bearing features are provided. In a general embodiment, the present disclosure provides a container having at least one beveled portion at a location where a side wall meets a bottom wall. In another embodiment, a container includes a bottom wall and at least four side walls, the side walls forming corners where adjacent side walls meet. The corners have a beveled shape at a location where the corners meet the bottom wall. The containers of the present disclosure have an axial load compression capacity that is substantially the same as a similar container having a greater wall thickness without the at least one beveled portion.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to methods and apparatuses for rejecting defective absorbent articles from a converting line. At a downstream portion of a converting process, a continuous length of absorbent articles may be subjected to a final knife and cut to create discrete absorbent articles advancing on a first carrier. From the first carrier, the discrete absorbent articles may be transferred to a transfer apparatus, which in turn, transfers the discrete absorbent articles to a second carrier. The transfer apparatus may include carrier members that orbit around an axis of rotation and may be adapted to receive the absorbent articles from the first carrier and transfer the absorbent articles to the second carrier. Defective absorbent articles may be detected by an inspection system, which may be operably connected with the transfer apparatus and/or the first carrier to remove the defective absorbent articles from the converting process.

Abstract: A method for adjusting the processing position of at least one processing device not clamping a product web to be processed within the context of longitudinal register control in a processing machine includes arranging the at least one processing device in a web section which is delimited by two clamping points. The method further includes applying an actuating variable for adjusting the processing position to the at least one processing device within the context of feedforward control, and calculating the actuating variable for adjusting the processing position on the basis of a register deviation expected from a control action of a tensile force control device for controlling the tensile force in the web section.

Abstract: Packages are manufactured in a digitally controlled process. A digital printing machine (101) produces printed workpieces and a cutting machine (104) cuts packaging blanks (105) from them. A conveyor line (107) transfers the printed work-pieces automatically from the digital printing machine (101) to the cutting machine (104). A digital control system (109) exchanges digital control information with at least the digital printing machine (101) and the cutting machine (104).

Abstract: A device for manipulation of flat articles such as sheets of paper, plastic, cardboard and the like has at least one adjustable conveying unit with conveying elements, especially rollers. The at least one conveying unit is adjustable between at least two positions for performing at least two manipulations on the article. At least one switch that is adjustable between at least two positions for performing at least two manipulations on the article is provided.

Abstract: A machine (1) for the manufacture of bags, having a support element (2, 3, 4) for detachably coupling a corresponding portable storage (22, 33, 44) of a consumable material (22a, 33a, 44a) from which the bags are made and mechanical mechanism for making bags from the material. A remote reading mechanism (5) is provided for reading the information stored in a radiofrequency tag (6, 7, 8) included in the portable storage, as well as a control unit (18) which contains a mechanism for obtaining information from the radiofrequency tag, which allows identifying the type of consumable material coupled in the support element, and for automatically generating a signal for controlling the mechanical mechanism.

Abstract: An apparatus and method to work relatively rigid material such as cardboard in sheets, to make boxes. The apparatus includes a loader suitable to have, according to a desired order, substantially flat reinforcement elements, and gripping means movable between a first gripping position in which they cooperate with the loader to pick up the reinforcement elements, and a second positioning condition, in which they position the reinforcement elements on the sheet according to a predetermined positioning pattern.

Abstract: An inclined position of a product, leaving a nip between two folding rollers of a longitudinal folding machine, is corrected. The product is pressed into the nip between the rollers by a folding blade that can be moved up and down relative to a folding table. The product thus leaves the nip between the rollers and is transported in a direction of transport. The time of passage of a leading or a trailing edge of a product is detected at two measurement points which are spaced apart from each other and which are arranged transversely to the direction of transport of the product to be folded. Based on the times of passage that are detected by the two measurement points, and on commutation and/or data processing techniques, a deviation between a time offset detected during the passage of the corresponding product edge at the two measurement points, and a nominal time offset, is determined and analyzed.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided to minimize waste and improve quality and production in web processing operations. The apparatus and methods provide defect detection both before and after application of component patches to a traveling web to create a product. Web defect detection may be provided by way of at least one visual inspection station located upstream from the patch applicator. Patch defect detection may be accomplished by way of a visual inspection station located proximate the patch applicator. If defects are detected in either the traveling web or the component patch prior to patch application, patch application may be prevented until both a satisfactory web and patch are provided. If defects are detected after patch application, the resulting product may be culled. Furthermore, the apparatus may be provided with diagnostic software to warn against extant or imminent machine complications.

Abstract: A dunnage conversion machine (36) converts a sheet stock material into a dunnage product that is relatively thicker and less dense than the stock material, but is relatively thin and sufficiently flexible to function as a protective wrap. The conversion machine includes a feed mechanism (40) that advances a sheet stock material therethrough and a connecting mechanism (42) downstream of the feed mechanism. The connecting mechanism retards the passage of the sheet stock material therethrough by feeding the stock material therethrough at a slower rate than the feed mechanism feeds the stock material to the connecting mechanism. This causes the stock material to randomly crumple in a longitudinal space between the feed mechanism and the connecting mechanism. The connecting mechanism connects multiple overlapping layers of sheet stock material together as they pass therethrough, including connecting at least one crumpled sheet to one side of one other sheet.

Abstract: A folder gluer or folding-box gluer includes a Braille embossing monitoring device that evaluates Braille embossments at least with regard to position, height and volume. Data are passed on to a control device that controls a distance between a male die and a female die and/or a position of the male die and the female die relative to a folding box on a basis of signals being supplied. A method for controlling individual processing stations inside a folder gluer or folding-box gluer during the manufacture of folding boxes, is also provided.

Abstract: An inspection module for flat, sheet-shaped material made of paper, board or the like, includes an inspection system disposed below a sheet transport plane. The sheets are transported by contacting upper and lower conveying elements of at least one upper and one lower conveying device, at least one of which is connected to a drive. The lower conveying device is divided and is formed of at least two conveying devices with a gap formed therebetween. The inspection system is disposed in the gap. A folder gluer or folding-box gluer having an inspection module is also provided.

Abstract: A method and a system for controlling the relative position between a printed pattern and a non-printed pattern, such as for example a pattern of creasing lines or holes, on a running web-shaped material, involves providing the material web with at least one impressed indentation mark with a three-dimensional topographic configuration, at a pre-determined distance from a printed register mark and detecting the marks with a same sensor control system. The controlling method and system is used for the manufacturing of a laminated packaging material, having a printed décor and creased folding lines in register.

Abstract: A creasing device includes a creasing unit that creases sheets on a one-by-one basis, which is conveyed to a folding device of a subsequent stage, a sheet detection unit that detects a position of a sheet delivered to the creasing device and a control unit that obtains reference information of a fold-position for the folding device and performs control of a stop position of the sheet according to reference information of the fold position, thereby adjusting a crease position.

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

Abstract: An apparatus of the present invention includes: a folding section 2 for folding a web W in two so that opposite side edges Wa and Wb of the web W are brought into a predetermined positional relationship with each other by bringing the web W into contact with an abutting member 4; a pair of carrying means 10A and 10B arranged along opposite sides of the web W for carrying the web W in the longitudinal direction X; a plurality of holding means 20 provided in each of the carrying means 10A and 10B wherein the holding means 20 can be displaced in the transverse direction D of the web W; displacement means 30 for displacing the holding means 20 in the transverse direction D upstream of the abutting member 4 so as to correct a positional relationship between the web W and the abutting member 4; detection means 3 for outputting positional information regarding a position of the web W in the transverse direction D; and control means 200 for controlling the displacement means 30 based on the positional information.

Abstract: A rotary bag machine and method for making bags from a film are disclosed. They include a rotary drum, an accumulation nip, a blanket that positions the film against the drum, and a blanket tensioner located away from the accumulation nip. The drum includes at least one seal bar mounted thereon, and the accumulation nip provides the film to the drum. Various aspects include the accumulation nip being in a fixed position independent of changes of the drum diameter, and/or the path from the accumulation nip to the drum being fixed in length, independent of changes of the drum diameter. An accumulation sensor and a controller that controls the accumulation nip speed and the drum speed in response to the sensor are provided in one embodiment. The speed control is in response to the speed of the film, the rate of change of a function of the input, response history, and/or a setpoint, in various alternatives.

Abstract: A method of determining a total amount of stock material passing through a cushioning conversion machine over a period of time during which a plurality of three-dimensional cushioning products are made. The method includes the acts of providing a sheet stock material; converting the sheet stock material into a plurality of the three-dimensional cushioning products with the cushioning conversion machine during the period of time; monitoring the passage of stock material through the cushioning conversion machine during the period of time; storing in a computer memory information regarding the total amount of stock material that passed through the cushioning conversion machine during the period of time; and retrieving the stored information, the retrieved stored information providing an indication of the total amount of stock material that passed through the cushioning conversion machine during the period of time.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing alarming indications and troubleshooting indications and actions in connection with a web converting manufacturing process such as that used for manufacturing disposable absorbent garments. Some of the disclosed embodiments include relating inspection data, such as product (or process) attribute data, to data from other manufacturing-related systems. Also disclosed are systems and methods for linking product (or process) attribute data obtained during the manufacturing process with one or more data sources including raw material data, process setting data, product quality data, and/or productivity data. Also disclosed are systems and methods for identifying manufacturing set point changes and automatically implementing such changes and automated web steering changes based on data from one or more inspection systems.

Abstract: An adjustable, web-folding system for folding a web substrate. The adjustable web folding system has an adjustable folding detour and at least one sensor for measuring a characteristic of a web substrate. A surface of the adjustable folding detour, or the folding detour, is adjustable in response to the value of the characteristic of the web substrate.

Abstract: A bundled sheet processing apparatus has a chute unit tilting between the first and second positions. A downstream side in the chute unit conveying direction, there is provided a stopper that has the contact surface narrower than the thickness of a bundle and stops the bundle by contacting the end of the bundle in the conveying direction with the contact surface. At this time, sheets protruding beyond the contact surface are detected by a detector.

Abstract: Form-fill-seal machine includes parts for moving a web of packaging material through the machine according to a process path and parts for transforming the web into filled bags, as well as a zipper strip applicator device for supplying a zipper strip for each bag transverse to the process path, by use of a first and a second conveyor, which in the supply direction of the zipper strip are placed one behind the other and are both provided with parts for retaining the zipper strip during supply, a blade being placed between the first and the second conveyor for cutting the zipper strip and the first and the second conveyor being provided with their own first and second drive.

Abstract: A device for manufacturing packing bags from two packaging films, comprising two transport rollers, each of which pulls a film from a respective feed roll. The two films have marks printed on them at regular intervals. The transport rollers are pressed against corresponding idler rollers which between them preferably form a feed gap for the films. Downstream of the two transport rollers, there is at least one first buffer taking up slack in the assemblage of the two films or accommodating the lengths of the two films to match each other. The device can be used to synchronize two films that are printed with a regular pattern so that the patterns match.

Abstract: A decoration correction method for a form-and-seal unit for producing sealed packages of a pourable food product from a tube of packaging material fed along a feed path, and having two pairs of jaws movable along the feed path and opened and closed so as to travel, cyclically and alternately with each other, along a form-and-seal portion along which the pairs of jaws are closed and travel integrally with the tube, and along a repositioning portion along which the pairs of jaws open and move with respect to the tube. To make a decoration correction, a nominal trajectory of the jaws is modified along the repositioning portion on the basis of a position error of the tube with respect to a nominal position. A first solution provides for correcting the travel of the jaws by selectively modifying the amplitude of the trajectory; and a second solution provides for correcting the phase of the jaw trajectory.

Abstract: A pouch machine includes a controller and first and second modules. Each module has a converting station and the electrical equipment needed to operate the station. The controller controls the converting stations and operating parameters are provided from one module to the next. Each module may be a processing zone and include a registration sensor and a drawroll responsive to the respective registration sensor. Accumulators may be provided in each processing zone. An edge sensor may be provided that senses the edge of the film in one or more modules. The draw roll assembly is mounted on a moveable frame, and is angled in response to the location of the sensed edge. Multiple such assemblies may be included on a single machine.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for processing mail by severing an edge of each envelope in a stack of mail. The apparatus includes an input bin for receiving a stack of mail. A feeder feeds the bottom envelope from the input bin to a transport that conveys the envelope along an envelope path. A cutter positioned along the envelope path severs one edge of the envelopes. A displaceable outfeed guide is provided for supporting the cut edge of the envelope as the envelop is being cut. Preferably, the outfeed guide is connected with the cutter so that the outfeed guide automatically adjusts position as the depth of cut is adjusted. The transport discharges the opened envelopes onto a return conveyor that conveys the opened envelopes to a stacking area where the opened envelopes are stacked.

Abstract: A bundled sheet processing apparatus has a chute unit tilting between the first and second positions. A downstream side in the chute unit conveying direction, there is provided a stopper that has the contact surface narrower than the thickness of a bundle and stops the bundle by contacting the end of the bundle in the conveying direction with the contact surface. At this time, sheets protruding beyond the contact surface are detected by a detector.

Abstract: A bundled sheet processing apparatus has a chute unit tilting between the first and second positions. A downstream side in the chute unit conveying direction, there is provided a stopper that has the contact surface narrower than the thickness of a bundle and stops the bundle by contacting the end of the bundle in the conveying direction with the contact surface. At this time, sheets protruding beyond the contact surface are detected by a detector.

Abstract: A machine for treating sheets, said machine comprising drive means (14, 16, 18) for driving the sheets, treatment tooling (52, 62) for forming cutouts or folds in said sheets that extend transversely to the drive direction (F) in which the sheets are driven. The treatment tooling is carried by at least one carrier shaft (52, 62) driven by a shaft motor (M52, M62). The sheets are driven at a substantially constant drive speed through the machine, and said machine further comprises a control unit (UC) which, as a function of said drive speed, and of information relating to the position of a sheet in the machine, control the shaft motor (M52, M62) such that, for treating said sheet, the tooling is in contact with a predetermined region of the sheet and is driven at a treatment speed whose tangential component is equal to the drive speed at which the sheet is driven.

Abstract: In the case of the method of setting the folding-nip width of a plurality of pairs of folding rollers which are provided on a folding machine, the two folding rollers (12 to 22) of the pairs of folding rollers are brought into contact with one another. A sheet is then guided through between the two folding rollers (12 to 22) of the pairs of folding rollers, as a result of which at least one of the two folding rollers (12 to 22) moves in relation to the other, with a folding nip being formed in the process, it being the case that, for each pair of folding rollers, a measured value corresponding to the folding-nip width is detected as the sheet is guided through. Finally, the folding-nip widths of the individual pairs of folding rollers are set by adjustment of the at least one moveable folding roller (14 to 22) by means of a drive (42), which is connected kinematically thereto, based on the corresponding measured values which have been detected.

Abstract: A cushioning conversion system and method for transferring a dunnage pad are disclosed. The conversion system includes a cushioning conversion machine and a pad support. The conversion machine produces cushioning dunnage pads and discharges the pads in a predetermined discharge direction. A pad support is movable between a pad receiving position and a pad discharge position. In the pad receiving position, the pad support is oriented relative to the conversion machine to receive thereon dunnage pads discharged from the conversion machine in the discharge direction. In the pad discharge position, the pad support is tilted relative to horizontal for discharge of the dunnage pad from the pad support.

Abstract: A buckle folding unit with a folding pocket having an adjustable pocket stop, includes a first detector for detecting a first instant as a sheet travels from an inlet to the buckle folding unit until it reaches the pocket stop, a second detector for detecting a second instant as the sheet travels from a formation of a fold as far as an outlet from the folding pocket, and a device for determining a length of the sheet conveyed between the first and the second instants; a method for controlling the register of the buckle folding unit; and a folding machine having at least one buckle folding unit constructed with at least one of the foregoing features.

Abstract: A bag making machine including a film web supply roll, a draw roll for drawing the film web to a bag forming section, a seal bar in the bag forming section of the bag making machine for sealing the drawn film web, and a tension control system, the tension control system including a surface drive roll, a surface drive roll servo, a vacuum box, a torque mode capstan, a capstan servo drive, a draw roll servo drive, and a controller programable to control the film web tension in a first run of the film web between the supply roll and the torque mode capstan independently from the tension in a second run of the film web between the capstan and the draw roll.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for aligning a packing material tube (1) with a treatment station in a packaging machine in which a tube (1) with a circular cross-section is produced from a strip of printed packaging material having embossed lines. Said tube is closed by longitudinally sealing it, filled and shaped in a cross-sealing unit (12) and divided into cuboid packages. The unit (12) is provided with an adjustable lift of stroke so that it intermittently convey the tube (1). It is also provided on diametrical sides with a folding flap (16) that can be pivoted about an axis (15). For feeling the position mark, a sensor is arranged. The aim of the invention is to facilitate a faster termination of the initial phase when the packaging machine is put into operation while at the same time producing less cuttings and to prevent the paper tube from being damaged. To this end, a folding finger (19) is arranged upstream of every folding flap (16).

Abstract: A monitoring system for monitoring one or more packaging material conversion machines includes one or more sensors for monitoring one or more operating characteristics of the one or more conversion machines. The system also includes a controller in communication with the one or more sensors. The controller evaluates the one or more operating characteristics of the one or more conversion machines to thereby provide diagnostic, inventory and machine usage information. In addition, a method of monitoring one or more packaging material conversion machines includes sensing an operating characteristic of the one or more conversion machines and evaluating the operating characteristic of the one or more conversion machines. The sensed operating characteristics may be evaluated either local to the conversion machines or at a remote site, thereby providing a substantial amount of flexibility.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device and method for processing of sheet-shaped materials comprising a first module having a first sheet-processing mode, a second module having a second sheet-processing mode, the first module being interchangeable with the second module within a common space. The sheet-processing modes include, without limitation, punching, cutting, embossing, creasing, folding and perforating, without limitation, alone or in combination. The first and second modules may be interchanged manually or automatically.

Abstract: A controller for providing individual acceleration and velocity values to drivers controlling motors in a carton folding machine. In a first method, the controller provides the individual acceleration and velocity values by using unique addresses for each motor. The drivers receive the values and provide corresponding motor control signals to the motors they control. In a second method, the controller provides a master reference signal to the drivers along with acceleration and velocity values for the motors. The drivers generate electronic gear ratios for providing motor control signals to the motors they control based upon the master reference signal.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting seals on a film from which bags are formed includes a force transmitter and a force sensor. The force transmitter transmits a force from the film to the sensor. The force sensor receives the transmitted force and provides a force signal. A controller receives the force signal and provides a seal signal. The the force sensor may be an mechanical sensor, an acoustic sensor, a mechanical sensor, a vibration sensor or a piezoelectric sensor.

Abstract: This invention pertains to methods of checking for successful removal of trim material from trim areas disposed at periodic intervals along a web in a processing line. Marking material is marked, optionally as reference marks or reference images on the trim material pieces. Trim material is severed and removed to develop cut-outs at the trim areas. After removing the trim material, the method senses for the marking material at and adjacent the trim areas. The method thus detects marking material on trim material pieces which are not successfully removed from the web. In preferred embodiments, the web, outside the trim areas, is free from the specific marking material used for the reference marks or reference images. The marking material is preferably detectable, using a suitable sensor, independently of visible light emanating from, or reflected from, the marking material.

Abstract: Devices used in making bags or otherwise carrying out operations on a web of material, such as a plastic web are repositioned based upon a measure of the repeat length of the intermittent advance of the web and comparison of the actual value of that advance with a setpoint value and in accordance with the product of the resulting error and the position of the device along the path of the web. The repositioning can use a positive coupling between a motor on the device and the path either via a rack and pinion for a spindle and nut.

Abstract: Process and apparatus for folding or shaping a continuous material web (10) made of thin packaging material. In this case, the material web (10) is directed through a shaping subassembly (27) which uses fixed shaping elements, namely shaping webs (46, 47 and 50, 52) and a mating web (53), to deform the material web (10) during transportation of the same.

Abstract: A tabber apparatus includes a frame, a friction drive roller rotatably and operatively connected to the frame, and a take-up spool rotatably and operatively connected to the frame and operatively connected to the friction drive roller to allow backing paper which is wrapped about a portion of the friction drive roller to be taken up into the take-up spool. The tabber further includes a slick tab drive roller to provide proper placement of the tab on the media, a tab brake including a roller positionable between a first and second position to rotate a tab reel spindle, and a tab and media sensor operatively connected to a microcontroller to activate and deactivate a tab dispensing motor. Moreover, the tabber apparatus further includes removable upper shafts which are retained by spring-loaded retaining members which fit into grooves on the shafts.

Abstract: To regulate the temperature of the heated air in an apparatus for the pasting of plastic films having a rack having a table over which the workpieces are conveyed continuously by a conveyor apparatus, having a conveyor roller pair disposed in a gap of the table top and supported in the rack, consisting of a lower counter-pressure roller and an upper suction cylinder, having a conveyor cylinder acting together with the suction cylinder which successively transfers sections to the suction cylinder, and having a broad-slit nozzle directed to the roller gap which blows in a controlled manner heated air to the roller gap, the temperature directly after the pasting of the pasted region of the workpiece at which a good pasting occurs is determined as the nominal value and the temperature of the heated air is regulated to this nominal value.

Abstract: In an apparatus for machining a material web by means of a sonotrode, the pressure force of the sonotrode is determined and is used as a control signal for the advance of the sonotrode, as a result of which the nip height is set.