Abstract: An apparatus includes a take-up downstream from a heating surface for advancing corrugated paperboard sheet along a path of travel adjacent the heating surface; an initial sheet feeder for initially feeding a leading portion of the corrugated paperboard sheet along the path of travel; and sliding contact assemblies positioned opposite the heating surface for slidably contacting and applying pressure to urge the advancing corrugated paperboard sheet against the heating surface. Accordingly, heat is transferred from the heating surface to the moving corrugated paperboard sheet and without a conventional conveyor belt. The pressure applied by the sliding contact assemblies may be released when the initial sheet feeder is feeding the leading portion of the corrugated paperboard sheet. The apparatus may also generate a gas cushion to thereby reduce friction between the heating surface and the corrugated paperboard sheet when initially feeding the leading portion of the corrugated paperboard sheet.

Abstract: An paperboard making apparatus includes at least one heating plate having opposing first and second surfaces; at least one electrically powered heater positioned adjacent the first surface of the heating plate; and a take-up for advancing a corrugated paperboard sheet along a path of travel adjacent the second surface of the heating plate so that heat is transferred to the advancing corrugated paperboard sheet. The electrically powered heater preferably includes a base, and an electrical heating element on the base. The base is preferably mounted so that the electrical heating element is positioned in closely spaced relation from the first surface of the heating plate so that the electrical heating element radiates heat to the heating plate. Accordingly, conventional steam heating chests are not used and their associated drawbacks are overcome. Method aspects of the invention are also disclosed.

Abstract: A corrugated paperboard manufacturing apparatus includes preheaters, a double-facer, a cutter, and a board edge profile sensor downstream from the cutter for sensing a profile of a cut edge of a cut panel. A processor controls the double-facer and the preheaters responsive to the board edge profile sensor to thereby reduce warp in the cut panels. The board edge profile sensor is preferably an optical sensor, and, more preferably, may be a camera. Accordingly, near real time feedback may be used to adjust the upstream process to produce high quality paperboard. The board profile sensor also preferably further includes an associated scanner for optically or mechanically scanning the cut edge of the cut panel. A conveyor preferably carries the cut panels away from the cutter and toward a stacker. The board edge profile sensor may be positioned adjacent the conveyor or the stacker. Method aspects of the invention are also disclosed.

Abstract: A corrugated paperboard manufacturing apparatus includes one or more preheaters upstream from the double-facer for preheating the component sheets for the corrugated paperboard. A preheater preferably includes an electrically powered heater positioned adjacent a second surface portion of a preheater body for heating the preheater body so that heat is transferred to the component sheet contacting a first surface portion of the body. The first surface portion of the preheater body contacts the component sheet as the component sheet is advanced along the path of travel. The electrically powered heater is positioned adjacent the second surface portion of the preheater body for radiantly heating the preheater body. The temperature of the component sheet delivered to the double-facer from the preheater can be readily controlled to ensure high quality corrugated paperboard. In one embodiment, the preheater body may be provided by a rotating roll.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is disclosed for slidably contacting and pressing upon the back side of a conveyor to urge an advancing corrugated paperboard sheet into substantially uniform contact with adjacent laterally extending heating surfaces irrespective of any thermally induced deflection or bowing thereof. A plurality of heating chests arranged in side-by-side relation define the series of laterally extending heating surfaces. A conveyor belt is positioned opposite the series of heating surfaces for advancing the corrugated paperboard sheet longitudinally along a predetermined path of travel. A plurality of contact assemblies provides the sliding contact with the conveyor belt. Each contact assembly, in turn, preferably includes a plurality of contact shoes arranged in side-by-side relation and carried by a laterally extending supporting frame. The contact shoes have contact surfaces slidably contacting the back side of the conveyor belt.

Abstract: A contact bar for slidably contacting the liner of a single-faced corrugated paperboard sheet to press the flute tips of the sheet against a rotating glue roll without crushing the flute tips. The contact bar includes an elongate frame mounted opposite and in spaced-apart relation from the rotating glue roll. A series of shoes are pivotally connected to the frame and depend therefrom defining a predetermined clearance from the outer surface of the rotating glue roll. The shoes are biased by springs to cause the shoes to slidably contact the liner and press the flute tips against the rotating glue roll. The shoes may be formed of cold-rolled steel providing a reasonably long expected service life and also having an abrasion resistance so that conformance of the shoe contact surfaces with the rotating glue roll and a single-faced sheet occurs in a relatively short time caused by abrasion with the slidably contacting single-faced sheet.

Abstract: A contact bar for slidably contacting the liner of a single-faced corrugated paperboard sheet to press the flute tips of the sheet against a rotating glue roll without crushing the flute tips. The contact bar includes an elongate frame mounted opposite and in spaced-apart relation from the rotating glue roll. A series of shoes are pivotally connected to the frame and depend therefrom defining a predetermined clearance from the outer surface of the rotating glue roll. The shoes are biased by springs to cause the shoes to slidably contact the liner and press the flute tips against the rotating glue roll. The shoes may be formed of cold-rolled steel providing a reasonably long expected service life and also having an abrasion resistance so that conformance of the shoe contact surfaces with the rotating glue roll and a single-faced sheet occurs in a relatively short time caused by abrasion with the slidably contacting single-faced sheet.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for splicing the lead end of a full roll of sheet material to the terminal end of a depleted roll of sheet material comprising first and second pairs of material engageable roller members, each pair of roller members being relatively movable between a spaced open loading position and an adjacent splicing position; and each pair of roller members being spaced from the other pair of roller members a relatively short distance defining a splicing cavity therebetween; a splicing table mounted for movement relative to the roller members within the splicing cavity between a loading position and a splicing position, the loading table supporting the lead end of the new roll with one adhesive surface of a double backed adhesive strip of material attached to the lead end; operating means to move the loading table to the splicing position and to move the roller members to the splicing position to effect attachment of the lead end of the new roll to the terminal end of the depleted roll by adhesion

Abstract: Roll handling apparatus comprising a rotatable body having peripherally spaced axially extending mounting surfaces inclined to the axis of rotation; a plurality of cylinder-engaging elements adapted to be received within a hollow cylinder and to engage the inner surface of the cyliner and movable relative to said mounting surfaces between a radially inner configuration and a radially outer configuration to engage the inner surface of the cylinder; actuating means, having an abutment surface extending radially outwardly beyond said elements and located for engagement with a side surface of the hollow cylinder during association of said elements within the hollow cylinder, for acting on said elements to move them relative to the mounting surfaces between said radially inner and outer configurations; and spring means for biasing said elements axially into their radially inner configuration.