Abstract: An improved palletizing machine (10) includes a frame (12), a pallet plate (16) for supporting pallets (18), and a pallet raising and lowering mechanism (20). A pusher bar assembly (26) includes at least one raised return rail (44) to facilitate return of a pusher bar (28) to a start position (68). An extendable object positioning wheel (104) on a conveyor (119) feeding objects (24) to an object receiver (22) of the machine (10) facilitates pivoting of objects (24) between positions as the objects (24) impact the wheel (104). A stripper sheet positioning assembly (80) positions and removes a stripper sheet (82) from on top of the pallet (18) or layer (118) of objects (24) to prevent pushed objects (24) from catching upon edges of objects (24) in a layer (116) already on the pallet.

Abstract: An improved palletizing machine (10) includes a frame (12), a pallet plate (16) for supporting pallets (18), and a pallet raising and lowering mechanism (20). A pusher bar assembly (26) includes at least one raised return rail (44) to facilitate return of a pusher bar (28) to a start position (68). An extendable object positioning wheel (104) on a conveyor (119) feeding objects (24) to an object receiver (22) of the machine (10) facilitates pivoting of objects (24) between positions as the objects (24) impact the wheel (104). A stripper sheet positioning assembly (80) positions and removes a stripper sheet (82) from on top of the pallet (18) or layer (118) of objects (24) to prevent pushed objects (24) from catching upon edges of objects (24) in a layer (116) already on the pallet.

Abstract: A press roll system employed in connection with a web finishing assembly is provided. The press roll system includes a press roll, which cooperates with a head roll to provide a uniform nip area and pressing load; a support substrate, arranged between the ground and the press roll; at least one backup roller mounted to a first surface of the support substrate along a continuous axis for substantially the length of the press roll, and arranged to provide a uniform load to the press roll and uniform area between the press roll and head roll during operation to impart a uniform caliper to the web; and a retractable force actuator, mounted on a second surface of the support substrate, opposite the surface to which the backup rollers are mounted, to provide an even distribution of loads toward the press roll. A channel is attached to one end of the support substrate for receiving and channeling working fluid away from the rest of the press roll system.

Abstract: A finishing assembly which includes an outside treatment roll for treating both sides of an endless web without having to remove, turn inside out and reload the endless web onto the finishing assembly. The outside treatment roll is movable and adapted to contact the endless web within an opening defined between a pair of cantilever beams such that the "minimum loop length" of the endless web is preserved. The finishing assembly includes a movable non-contacting treatment assembly which is adapted to be arranged between the cantilever beams such that the non-contacting treatment assembly may be used with or without the outside treatment roll to facilitate different finishing processes. In addition, the finishing assembly may include a pivotable cantilever beam in place of one of the cantilever beams. The pivotable cantilever beam may be rotated out of the finishing assembly, further minimizing the "minimum loop length" of the endless web.

Abstract: A tentering system having a pair of spaced tenter rails defining a first end, a second end and a tentering path, and moveable material securement members carried by the tenter rails is disclosed. The tentering system may include first material guides at the first end of the tenter rails and second material guides at the second end of the tenter rails, and at least one drive motor for alternately and selectively driving the securement members in the first and second directions. In addition or in the alternative, a pair of direct drive motors is provided at the first end of the tenter rails, each of the direct drive motors including a clutch moveable between a drive position and a neutral position, and clutch actuating means to selectively and positively move the clutch from the neutral position to the drive position. In addition or in the alternative, first and second pairs of direct drive motors are provided at the first and second ends of the tenter rails, respectively.