Abstract: A process for the manufacture of a packaging blank of sheet material, such as cardboard, for forming into a box is disclosed. Digitally stored details of a predetermined number of basic box shapes are displayed for selection in accordance with the items to be packaged. The selected basic shape then provides a number of basic designs of box based on the shape, from which a design is selected. A blank in accordance with this design is then displayed, for the user to make further modifications to the design. The details of the final design are stored digitally and used to control a cutting machine to reproduce the blank from sheet material.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus that can erect a tray from a generally flat, rectangular blank. The tray erector incorporates an inventory section, a transfer section, a construction section and an exit section. The inventory section has a hopper with flanges and tab stops, which hopper stores an inventory of stacked, flat blanks that will eventually become the trays. In the transfer section, a blank is transferred from the inventory section to the construction section of the present erector. The construction section includes a setup assembly and a locking assembly. The setup assembly folds the pre-cut and scored end and side panels of the tray blank up into approximately perpendicular planes in relation to the plane of the bottom panel of the blank. The end and side panels are folded up from the plane of the bottom panel of the blank in preparation for the locking of the corner webs.

Abstract: A method and mechanism for sensing the position of the top of a stack of material in a stacking apparatus. The mechanism includes, a hub assembly, an arm, a stop, a torsion device that biases the arm toward the stop, a first trigger and a second trigger. The hub assembly has a hollow center portion configured to accept a shaft that is rotatably and driveably mounted to a stacking apparatus. The hub assembly includes a hub having a first form and a second form each mounted to a respective hub end. The arm has a first end pivotally mounted to the first form, and a second end configured to removably contact the stack of paper. The first trigger is configured to trigger a height sensor. The height sensor is mounted to the stacking apparatus, and the height sensor is configured to provide a first signal to a central processing unit to lower a collection table when the arm triggers the height sensor. The stop is mounted to the first form below the arm, the stop configured to stop the pivoting movement of the arm.

Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing containers or bags includes a sealer that produces seals on a moving film. These seals are spaced at intervals that determine the length of the containers. An operator can change the desired container length while the film is moving. In response to such changes, a control arrangement adjusts the speed at which the sealer rotates and, in turn, the spacing of the seals and the length of the containers.

Abstract: A paperboard blank processing apparatus including a rotatably mounted processing head for operating upon successive paperboard blanks is disclosed. A paperboard blank registration sensor is provided upstream from the processing head for detecting a preprinted registration mark on a surface of an approaching paperboard blank. A controller is responsive to the registration sensor for determining whether the approaching paperboard blank is in proper registration with the rotary processing head. A registration correction window is defined by the controller and includes upper and lower limits defining upper and lower maximum correction values for bringing the angular position of the processing head into proper register with the linear position of the approaching paperboard blank. The controller further defines an averaging window containing the registration correction window wherein the registration correction window may be shifted within the averaging window in response to consistent registration errors.

Abstract: A disclosed embodiment of the invention is a belt-driven printer-cutter machine 10 including a roller-mounted feed/print machine section 14 and a fixed cutting machine section 16. A spline-type separable coupling 30-32 between these machine sections allows the feed/print section to be rolled on a fixed track 18 directly opposite the machine direction to separate the machine sections for maintenance, changing the printing plate 88 and cutting die 108, and to make other adjustments during machine setup. The sections may then be rolled back into engagement at the spline-type coupling to transmit power between the machine sections. The printer-cutter machine includes separate synchronous belts for the drive trains of each machine section. The machine may also include a separate synchronous belt for the fixed and adjustable rolls of each machine section.

Abstract: A box blank forming apparatus includes at least one printing assembly, a slotting assembly, and a feeding and conveying mechanism for feeding blanks through the apparatus. The printing assembly includes a rotatable printing cylinder, and the slotting assembly includes a rotatable blade. The feeding and conveying mechanism brings the blanks into contact with the printing cylinder and the slotter blade to complete printing and slotting operations on the blanks in the formation of boxes. An interrupter is provided in association with the printing assembly for removing the blanks from contact with the printing cylinder, and similar structure can also be provided with the slotting assembly for removing the blanks from contact with the slotter blade. A controller is provided for controlling operation of the interrupter of the printing assembly.

Abstract: A seal assembly for packaging machines facilitates the heat sealing of layers of material at the mouth of loaded bags. An operator may insert the layers of material between a pressure pad and a seal member positioned in a spaced position. Upon activation of a switch by the operator, an oscillating signal is applied to a solenoid to actuate movement of the pressure pad toward the seal member with a relatively soft force. An optical sensor senses when the pressure pad moves within a predetermined distance from the seal member and generates a sensor signal. In response to the sensor signal, a relatively constant voltage signal is applied to the solenoid to actuate movement of the pressure pad with a relatively high seal or clamping force to secure the layers of material against the seal member. The sensor signal also triggers energization of a heating element carried by the seal member to effectuate the heat seal between the layers of material.

Abstract: A bag-making apparatus is configured for automatic positioning of a plurality of attachments of the apparatus which are in operative association with a web of bag-making material. The adjustment apparatus is configured to effect conjoint translational movement of the plurality of attachments along an attachment bed of the apparatus thus providing highly accurate and automated positioning of the attachments attendant to changes in print repeat length of the web. In the illustrated embodiment, the adjustment mechanism includes a pivotably mounted lever arm which extends generally along the length of the attachment bed, with a system of gear racks operatively interconnected with the lever arm for effecting conjoint translational movement of the attachments. Automatic controls of the arrangement effect automated adjustment during dwell or stop periods of bag making, and also facilitate reconfiguration of the apparatus for making bags of differing print repeat lengths.

Abstract: Machine for folding a web (3) in a zigzag manner includes a transport mechanism (2) for the web (3), a receiving device (5) at the bottom for collecting the folded web, a folding mechanism (4) mounted between the transport mechanism (2) and the receiving device (5) and a detection device (19,20) to detect improper folds mounted under the folding mechanism (4), wherein the machine includes a device arranged to move the web (3) backward in the folding mechanism (2) and a control device (22) connected to the backward moving device and the detection means (19,20), so that, at least upon a first detection of an improper fold, the web (3) is moved backward in the folding mechanism (4) by said backward moving device over such a distance that the improper fold is entirely unfolded and so as to afterwards allow again for the normal forward movement of the web (3) through the folding mechanism (4).

Abstract: An apparatus for heat sealing two superposed layers of plastic film, in which movable sealing bar means are disposed opposite to fixed sealing bar means so that the layers of the plastic film are intermittently passed between the movable and fixed sealing bar means. The movable sealing bar means is reciprocatingly moved whenever the plastic film layers are intermittently fed. The layers of plastic film are sandwiched between and heat sealed by the movable and fixed sealing bar means when temporarily stopped. The feeding speed for the layers of plastic film, the feeding time for the layers of plastic film, the driving speeds of the movable sealing bar drive means and the heat sealing time for the layers of plastic film are computer controlled. The computer is programmed so that a waiting time can be inserted between the plastic film feeding time and the plastic film heat sealing time.

Abstract: In a continuous motion hot air sealer the amount of heat applied to the area of film to be sealed is varied in accordance with the velocity of the film by programming the hot air generator in a straight line relationship between sealing temperature and film velocity as determined from data on high speed temperature and low speed temperature which will produce good heat seals.

Abstract: A paper-folding machine with a plurality of folding rollers, which form a folding station in pairs and the distances between whose axes can be set to different folding gap widths corresponding to the paper thickness to be processed and the number of layers of paper passing through the individual folding stations, as well as with mechanical or electronic feed limiters, which are arranged in front of the individual folding stations and can be set individually to different feed lengths. The thickness of the incoming material to be folded, which is determined by means of a thickness-measuring device (40), and the sheet length of the arriving material to be folded, which is determined by a length-measuring device (41), as well as the desired type of folding and/or the set feed lengths of the individual feed limiters (T1-T4), are entered into a process computer (20) to determine the folding gap widths of the individual pairs of folding rollers (W1-W5).

Abstract: A longitudinal welding apparatus in a packaging machine for products fed on a conveyor belt, comprising a rocking circular welder which overlies the superposed longitudinal edges of a continuous plastics film in which the products are wrapped, the rocking circular welder consisting of at least two independently powered, separate semicircular welding elements, the welder being rotatable to position one of its welding elements on the superposed edges of the film, sensors being provided to measure the speed of advancement of the film and to control, via an electronic control device, both the rotation of the welder and the variation in the feed voltage of at least one of the welding elements.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for attaching a spout to a planar portion of a container, such as a milk or juice container, which may be incorporated in a conventional conveyor line. The method includes the steps of successively positioning the container at three stations, first, where a hole is punched, second, where a bonding agent is applied, and third, where the spout is installed on the container. An apparatus for carrying out the method includes mechanisms for positioning the container at each station relative to an edge of the container so that the operation can be performed on the container.

Abstract: The apparatus for straightening sheet curls of the present invention is operating in the following processes 1 and 2 when splicing the sheets from the parent rolls:1 The wrap angle adjusting apparatus starts to return one of the main backup rolls and the decurler bar from the position corresponding to the small parent roll to the position corresponding to the large parent roll.2 The apparatus for suddenly changing the wrap angle causes the other of the main backup rolls and the decurler bar to retract from the standard position at which the sheet is pushed inwardly to a position at which the sheet is not pushed inwardly or moderately so as to suddenly change the wrap angle of the sheet substantially at the same timing as the start of return above described in process 1. During this operation, the sheet is guided by the secondary backup rolls, and the wrap angle of the sheet is set to a value appropriate to the diameter of the second parent roll having a large diameter.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and apparatus for the manufacture of helically wound paperboard tubes having a highly uniform outside diameter. The method of the invention involves the application of controlled compressive force to at least one of the paperboard plies fed to a helical winding operation in order to control the thickness of the ply or plies and thereby control the outside diameter of the helically wound tube. In one preferred apparatus embodiment of the invention, the compressive force applied to the paperboard ply is applied via a pair of cooperating compression rolls. The nip between the two cooperating rolls is controllably varied by mounting one of the rolls for rotation about a shaft which is rotatable about an eccentric axis which is parallel to and offset from the axis of rotation of the roll. The rotation of the shaft thus causes the roll to move toward or away from the other cooperating roll and thereby varies the nip spacing between the rolls.

Abstract: A machine and method for setting up cartons by inserting the bottoms of the cartons into the tops of the cartons consists of first and second parallel ramp portions onto which the respective sections of the carton are fed. Laterally adjustable vertical guides are located on the outer portions of the ramp portions to maintain proper orientation of carton sections as they slide down the ramp portions. The ramp portions terminate at respective backstops which limit further movement of carton sections. A pneumatically operated pusher, responsive to limit switches located in the backstops, inserts the bottom carton section into the top carton section and subsequently pushes the set-up carton off from the machine only when the limit switches indicate that both carton sections are properly positioned against the backstops. The pusher portion is supported by a sliding side guide which also acts as a stop for preventing incoming cartons from reaching the set-up area until the pusher is fully withdrawn.

Abstract: A folding jaw cylinder has at least one set of movable folding jaws and a cooperating set of stationary folding jaws. The spacing between these sets of folding jaws can be varied in response to changes in paper ribbon thickness. Such variance in spacing is accomplishable during the operation of the folder. A measuring device is provided an senses the paper ribbon thickness in front of the folder. The second value is used to create an adjusting value that is fed to an adjusting device to accomplish the folding jaw adjustment.

Abstract: Apparatus for printing, folding, and sealing a one-piece form sheet to prepare a self-mailer. The apparatus includes a substantially conventional printer, which may be a laser printer, suitable for use with a personal computer. The printer is mounted above and outputs printed form sheets downwards to a folder sealer for folding and sealing to prepare a self-mailer. The folder sealer includes a folder having a central and peripheral rollers and curved, one-sided, open buckle chutes for folding the form sheet and delivering it to a transport which extends under the printer. The folder sealer also includes moistening apparatus for moistening areas on the form sheet to which a remoistenable glue has been applied.

Abstract: An improved stationery folding machine of the type having a dispensing roller which directs a continuous strip of paper into a mechanism which distributes successive lines of weakening formed in the paper in substantially opposite directions and having additional mechanisms for creasing the distributed paper along the transverse lines of weakening to produce continuous form stationery. The machine includes apparatus which locates the position of the strip of paper in the machine and simultaneously laterally positions a plurality of folding mechanisms along at least one edge of the strip of paper.

Abstract: A self-service check-out counter for cashier-unattended use and operation includes an laser scanner for automated reading of product identification codes borne by articles to be purchased, a keyboard for manual entry of article-identifying information, a variety of indicators and signalling devices for instructing actions by the customer, devices for preventing pilferage, fraud and inadvertent errors and an integral bag forming apparatus for manufacturing custom-formed bags on-site at the counter and on demand and, preferably, custom-sized to conform to the volume of articles to be packed in the bags. A customer individually scans articles to be purchased and the scanned data is verified through comparison with stored product identifying information. Following verification of each article, customer placement of the article into the bag forming apparatus in enabled and a bag preferably conforming to the volume of articles purchased in manufactured within the check-out counter.

Abstract: A machine for converting tubular plastic film from flat fold to pleated fold cross section which includes self-contained radio controlled inflating capsule positioned within the tube to inflate it as the gussets are being formed by conventional forming or plowing mechanism.

Abstract: A cartoner has a side seam gluer for forming flat folded cartons which are vertically oriented in a magazine for feeding into the cartoner. A conveyor having a horizontally-movable discharge chute feeds the flat folded cartons in a vertical orientation onto the feeder. The discharge chute moves horizontally to follow the increasing or decreasing supply of cartons and permits the accumulation of a supply of cartons sufficient to run the cartoner for about two minutes in the event of a jam in the side seam gluer.

Abstract: In the forming of cartons, a water-based adhesive, e.g. an aqueous-dispersed polyvinylacetate, is applied as an atomized spray by guns to selected parts of a carton blank of uncoated board and partially dried by hot gas (air) jets, and the carton is erected by forcing the carton blank by a punch through a forming die so that the selected parts are pressed briefly against cooperating parts of the carton to secure them together, by means of projections on the punch and pressure members forming part of the die. The atomized spraying followed by hot air drying of the adhesive enables adhesion to be effected by very brief pressure, and the method can thus be used for high speed production of cartons of uncoated board.

Abstract: Tearing, blistering, delamination and other defects in deep drawn plastic laminated paperboard containers are eliminated by adding controlled amounts of warmed moisture to the paperboard immediately prior to forming thereof. Water is heated to a desired temperature and is applied by in-line processing equipment to the unlaminated side of the paperboard which functions to both soften and paperboard and preheat the laminate. By heating both the male and female parts of a die press employed for forming the preheated, softened laminate into the container, preheating the laminate using warm water prior to forming and, continuously controlling the moisture added to the paperboard, the degree of stress imposed on the plastic layer of the laminate and the resulting defects in the formed container are significantly reduced.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for decurling a web of material such as paper wherein the web is caused to pass over elongated members positioned in the plane of the web and at an acute angle to the direction of advancement to bend the web both lengthwise and crosswise simultaneously.