Abstract: Apparatus for forming a resilient unit comprises a conveyor and first and second spring supply stations, arranged in use to deposit respectively first and second spring types and under compression onto the conveyor. At the pocketing station the springs are urged from the conveyor into positions between upper and lower sheets, by a plurality of inserter devices that move together in a reciprocating fashion, before retracting to the position shown. Upper and lower computer-controlled welding tools come together at positions between the springs to join the sheets together. After each welding event the resilient unit is indexed forwards a distance equal to one pocket width in the direction by computer-controlled drive means. The next row of springs is then conveyed into position ready for insertion between the sheets of material, and the process is repeated.

Abstract: A resilient unit comprises a number of wire coil springs 12, each of which is located within its own discrete pocket 14 formed by first, upper and second, lower layers 14a and 14b of material, preferably of non-woven material. The two layers 14a and 14b have been thermally, or ultrasonically, welded together at points 16 between the adjacent springs to create the pockets. The upper layer of material 14a differs from the lower layer of material 14b in respect of at least one characteristic.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods, apparatus, devices, and other implementations, including a method for the production of a pocketed spring unit that includes compressing a plurality of springs, moving the springs to positions between upper and lower layers of fabric or other material, step-wise advancing the material and the springs in a spring unit output direction, and welding together the lengths of fabric or other material at each step-wise advancement to produce a pattern of welds in which are formed a plurality of discrete pockets, each containing a spring.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the production of a pocketed spring unit by compressing and feeding a plurality of springs (42) into troughs (2A, 4A) or castellations in opposed conveyor belts (2,4), moving the springs (42) from the troughs (2A, 4A) or castellations to a position between upper and lower layers of fabric or other material (16A, 18A), step-wise advancing the material (16A, 18A) and the springs (42) in the direction of the output of the apparatus and welding together the lengths of fabric or other material (16A, 18A) at each step-wise advancement by a plurality of sequentially controlled welding anvils (10) so as to form a plurality of discrete pockets (46) each containing a spring (42).

Abstract: A spring transfer apparatus, shown generally at 10, is positioned adjacent a spring coiling machine 12 (shown only schematically). The transfer apparatus comprises a conveying substrate in the form of a belt 14 arranged in an endless loop and driven in a direction A by a motor 16. The belt comprises a plurality of magnetic spring holders 18 which are arranged in use to accept steel wire springs 20 from the coiling machine 12. Each of the magnetic spring holders has a pair of ferro-magnets 18a for holding the steel springs. The magnets are arranged such that identical poles are adjacent. The apparatus is arranged such that the magnets begin to attract the formed springs before they are cut from the length of wire by the spring coiling machine.