Abstract: A threaded insert having a cylindrical body with an open end, an outer surface, and an internal channel having an inner surface. The threaded insert includes an outer thread on the outer surface for engagement with a piece of machinery and an inner thread on the inner surface for engagement with a threaded fastener. The threaded insert also includes a multi-lobed broach at the open end for receiving a removal tool. The threaded insert also typically includes a closed end opposite the open end. A typical broach includes six lobes.

Abstract: A bushing used in a machine for scoring or slotting sheets of material using rotating wheels. The bushing, which is used to move a rotating scoring or slotting wheel in an axial direction, includes a housing configured for support by a yoke that moves axially to impart axial movement to the wheel while the wheel rotates. The bushing also includes a sacrificial end cap, which is supported by the housing, that is configured for replacement without replacing the housing. Each yoke typically supports a number of such bushings, and bushing typically supports a pair of sacrificial end caps to permit bidirectional movement of the rotating wheel. Shims may also be placed between an end cap and its associated housing to offset wear of the end cap.

Abstract: A machine for manufacturing corrugated board that includes a row of pressure applicators aligned substantially transverse to the direction of machine flow and configured to press a web of corrugated board against a heated platform. To prevent the pressure applicators from tilting when incompletely overlying the web of corrugated board, the machine includes a stabilizer configured to prevent one or more of the pressure applicators from tilting. The stabilizer may include support plates connected to the pressure applicators and a stabilizer strap connecting two of the support plates to prevent the pressure applicator from tilting. Alternatively, the stabilizer may include support plates connected to the pressure applicators and one or more alignment members to prevent the pressure applicator from tilting. The alignment members may be alignment blocks or rollers.

Abstract: A scoring head configured for rotating about an axis of rotation and impressing score lines into corrugated board. The scoring head includes an inner wheel portion extending axially along an axis of rotation, extending radially about the axis of rotation, and defining first and second radial edges. The scoring head also includes a scoring edge portion located at an axially outer edge of the inner wheel portion and faired into the first and second radial edges of the inner wheel portion. The scoring edge portion, when viewed in cross-section, includes a substantially axial tier located between two substantially radial sides. The scoring edge portion also includes a curvilinear nipple shaped nib faired into the radial sides of the axial tier and faired into the first and second radial edges of the inner wheel portion. The nib may also include a base portion faired into the first and second radial edges and a bottle nose-shaped portion faired into the base.

Abstract: A machine for manufacturing corrugated board that includes a row of pressure applicators aligned substantially transverse to the direction of machine flow and configured to press a web of corrugated board against a heated platform. To prevent the pressure applicators from tilting when incompletely overlying the web of corrugated board, the machine includes a stabilizer configured to prevent one or more of the pressure applicators from tilting. The stabilizer may include support plates connected to the pressure applicators and a stabilizer strap connecting two of the support plates to prevent the pressure applicator from tilting. Alternatively, the stabilizer may include support plates connected to the pressure applicators and one or more alignment members to prevent the pressure applicator from tilting. The alignment members may be alignment blocks or rollers.

Abstract: A low friction machine for manufacturing corrugated board is described. The machine effectively extends the life expectancy of critical machine components such as the feet used in pressure applicators as well as a conveyor belt by reducing friction. The machine includes a foot operative for applying pressure to the substrate. The foot includes a conduit having a first end and a second end. An actuator attached to the foot and moves the foot between a raised position and a lowered position. The lowered position is proximate the substrate. An air supply connected to the first end of the conduit and supplies air to the foot. A check valve coupled to the second end of the conduit and regulates airflow in the foot. The check valve is opened when the foot is in the lowered position and closed when the foot is in the raised position.

Abstract: A scoring head configured for rotating about an axis of rotation and impressing score lines into corrugated board. The scoring head includes an inner wheel portion extending axially along an axis of rotation, extending radially about the axis of rotation, and defining first and second radial edges. The scoring head also includes a scoring edge portion located at an axially outer edge of the inner wheel portion and faired into the first and second radial edges of the inner wheel portion. The scoring edge portion, when viewed in cross-section, includes a substantially axial tier located between two substantially radial sides. The scoring edge portion also includes a curvilinear nipple shaped nib faired into the radial sides of the axial tier and faired into the first and second radial edges of the inner wheel portion. The nib may also include a base portion faired into the first and second radial edges and a bottle nose-shaped portion faired into the base.

Abstract: A multi-tiered scoring head that includes a scoring edge extending axially between first and second radial edges and a central tier extending axially from a central axis to a first flank. The scoring edge also includes a first face extending from the first flank to a second flank. The first face is located radially closer to the axis of rotation than the central tier. The scoring edge also includes a second face extending from the second flank to a third flank. The second face is located radially closer to the axis of rotation than the first face. The first beveled surface extends from the third flank to the first radial edge. In addition, the central tier extends axially from the central axis to a fourth flank. The scoring edge also includes a third face extending from the fourth flank to a fifth flank. The third face is located radially closer to the axis of rotation than the central tier. The scoring edge also includes a fourth face extending from the fifth flank to a sixth flank.

Abstract: A low friction machine for manufacturing corrugated board is described. The machine effectively extends the life expectancy of critical machine components such as the feet used in pressure applicators as well as a conveyor belt by reducing friction. The machine includes a foot operative for applying pressure to the substrate. The foot includes a conduit having a first end and a second end. An actuator attached to the foot and moves the foot between a raised position and a lowered position. The lowered position is proximate the substrate. An air supply connected to the first end of the conduit and supplies air to the foot. A check valve coupled to the second end of the conduit and regulates airflow in the foot. The check valve is opened when the foot is in the lowered position and closed when the foot is in the raised position.

Abstract: A variable heat transfer system and a passive, segmented hold-down mechanism for a preheater section and a hotplate section of a machine for manufacturing corrugated board. The preheater assembly having the variable heat transfer system includes a plurality of actuators to urge a continuous web of material toward a preheater drum. A sacrificial material is positioned between the web of material on the preheater drum and the actuators. In response to moisture detection in the material by a plurality of sensors, one or more of the actuators applies variable pressure in the cross-machine direction to the wet portion of the material. Also, the passive, segmented hold-down mechanism includes a plurality of independently weighted feet for varying a variable pressure profile in the cross-machine direction formed upon the web of corrugated board. The hold-down mechanism compensates for variations in the contour of the surface of the hotplate section.

Abstract: A variable heat transfer system and a passive, segmented hold-down mechanism for a preheater section and a hotplate section of a machine for manufacturing corrugated board. The preheater assembly having the variable heat transfer system includes a plurality of actuators to urge a continuous web of material toward a preheater drum. A sacrificial material is positioned between the web of material on the preheater drum and the actuators. In response to moisture detection in the material by a plurality of sensors, one or more of the actuators applies variable pressure in the cross-machine direction to the wet portion of the material. Also, the passive, segmented hold-down mechanism includes a plurality of independently weighted feet for varying a variable pressure profile in the cross-machine direction formed upon the web of corrugated board. The hold-down mechanism compensates for variations in the contour of the surface of the hotplate section.

Abstract: A nudging device that can be used for aligning the core of a roll of paper with a caliper used for loading the roll into a roll stand. The nudging device has a nudging plate with a pivoted end and a free end. The pivoted end of the nudging plate is pivotally attached to a base by a pivot. The base can be securely maintained stationary with respect to a surface supporting a roll of paper to be nudged. The nudging device also has a means for pivoting the nudging plate from its resting position, and this means may be a pneumatic actuator (such as an air bladder), a hydraulic actuator, a ball screw actuator, or a pawl and ratchet actuator. The pivot is strategically placed on the base so that as the nudging plate is pivoted from its resting position, the free end of the nudging plate travels through an arc in a first circular direction (e.g., clockwise) while causing the roll to be nudged away from the nudging device as the roll moves in a second circular direction (e.g.

Abstract: A moving-web slack reducing system including a deformable tension roller, such as a brush-type tension roller having an outer surface defined by the ends of a plurality of bristles. The slack reducing system may be deployed in a preheater assembly for a machine for manufacturing corrugated board. The bristles of the deformable tension roller allow the outer surface of the tension roller to deflect both radially and in the cross-machine direction without binding to the paper web. The bristles may also deflect variably across the tension roller in the cross-machine direction. Thus, the deflection of the bristles adjusts automatically and virtually instantaneously to changes in the tension of the paper web to compensate for variations in tension across the web in the cross-machine direction. This allows the brush-type tension roller to take the slack out of the paper web without having to rapidly and precisely adjust any actuators.

Abstract: A machine and method for manufacturing corrugated board, including several machines for applying heat to both sides of the corrugated board during the manufacturing process. Different types of heat exchangers may be used on the top and bottom sides of the moving surface to transfer sufficient heat to the moving surface, to remove moisture and to cure the adhesive of the corrugated board. Independently controlled heat exchangers enable the manufacturer to regulate the heat applied to the corrugated board across the width of the machine and in the direction of the machine flow, in response to varying the desired width and thickness of corrugated board. Unused areas of the hotplate section may be isolated to minimize the heat loss in the machine when narrow width corrugated board is manufactured.

Abstract: A machine for manufacturing corrugated board including one or more flexible, disposable covers for the pressure-applying feet of the machine. The covers prevent wear and tear to the bottoms of the pressure-applying feet and may be easily replaced, as needed. In a belt-driven machine, the disposable covers may be located between the pressure-applying feet and the conveyor belt. In a machine with a beltless hotplate section, the conveyor belt is replaced by a pulling section located downstream from the hotplate section and the disposable covers may be located between the pressure-applying feet and the moving surface. The covers allow the thickness of the corrugated board to be varied while the board is moving through the machine without causing the leading edge of an added layer to catch on the upstream edges of the pressure-applying feet. In addition, the covers and/or the pressure applicators may be moved in the cross-machine direction to minimize waste when manufacturing different widths of corrugated board.

Abstract: A device and method for axially aligning a rotary head assembly. The rotary head assembly includes a rotary head and an axial alignment assembly. The axial alignment assembly includes a guide plate means fixed to the rotary head. The guide plate means has a pair of opposing surfaces extending radially from the shaft. The axial alignment assembly also includes a carrier means with a yoke attached thereto, and an alignment element attached to the yoke. The alignment element has a pair of opposing wear surfaces for contact with the opposing surfaces of the guide plate means. The alignment element also includes an axial pressure exerting means for exerting pressure axially on each wear surface so that there is contact between the opposing surfaces of the guide plate means and the corresponding wear surfaces. Pressure is exerted on the wear surface in the direction toward the corresponding face of the guide plate means to maintain axial alignment of the head assembly as it rotates.