Abstract: A web tensioning device utilizes a dancer arm which can be positioned by a controlled servo motor. In a preferred embodiment, the controller for the servo motor receives an input signal based on the acceleration (positive or negative) of the dancer arm and implements a torque component necessary to maintain predetermined web tension, for example, an applied torque component that changes the position of the dancer arm. The controller may also receive additional input signals indicative of the acceleration of the web itself.

Abstract: A web folding machine for folding a continuously fed web into folded segments is disclosed. The machine includes a frame upon which the other components of the machine are mounted. A web supply provides continuous web material to these other components of the machine, with multiple feeds of the web material being processed in parallel relationship to one another. In one embodiment of the invention, web is pulled from a web supply by a pull roll station, which engages the web material to feed it at an approximately constant feed rate to a metering roll station. After proceeding through the metering roll station, the web reaches the folding station, where the web it is folded into a folded segment. In yet another embodiment of the invention, the web is first fed to a folding board that folds the web longitudinally. After the web is folded longitudinally by the folding board, it is fed to a pivoting marker web guide station that periodically pivots to vertically displace the web to create a marker.

Abstract: A web tensioning device utilizes a dancer arm which can be positioned by a controlled servo motor. In a preferred embodiment, the controller for the servo motor receives an input signal based on the acceleration (positive or negative) of the dancer arm and implements a torque component necessary to maintain predetermined web tension, for example, an applied torque component that changes the position of the dancer arm. The controller may also receive additional input signals indicative of the acceleration of the web itself.

Abstract: A web folding machine for folding a continuously fed web into folded segments is disclosed. The machine includes a frame upon which the other components of the machine are mounted. A web supply provides continuous web material to these other components of the machine, with multiple feeds of the web material being processed in parallel relationship to one another. In one embodiment of the invention, web is pulled from a web supply by a pull roll station, which engages the web material to feed it at an approximately constant feed rate to a metering roll station. After proceeding through the metering roll station, the web reaches the folding station, where the web it is folded into a folded segment. In yet another embodiment of the invention, the web is first fed to a folding board that folds the web longitudinally. After the web is folded longitudinally by the folding board, it is fed to a pivoting marker web guide station that periodically pivots to vertically displace the web to create a marker.

Abstract: An apparatus for lifting a roll of previously wound material and for unwinding the material from the roll is disclosed. The apparatus includes a hollow column around which a lift arm assembly is moved from a load position to an unwind position. A lifting mechanism for lifting the roll after it is loaded at the load position is also provided. A plurality of lift arm assemblies can be provided so that a stand-by roll can be loaded onto the apparatus to be quickly rotated into an unwinding position. The lift arm assembly supports the roll without the use of a shaft through the core of the roll. A drive motor is provided which includes a splined shaft for engaging the roll and turning the roll to unwind the material therefrom.

Abstract: An apparatus for lifting a roll of previously wound material and for unwinding the material from the roll is disclosed. The apparatus includes a hollow column around which a lift arm assembly is moved from a load position to an unwind position. A lifting mechanism for lifting the roll after it is loaded at the load position is also provided. A plurality of lift arm assemblies can be provided so that a stand-by roll can be loaded onto the apparatus to be quickly rotated into an unwinding position. The lift arm assembly supports the roll without the use of a shaft through the core of the roll. A drive motor is provided which includes a splined shaft for engaging the roll and turning the roll to unwind the material therefrom.

Abstract: A high speed paper folding machine for cutting a continuously fed web of paper into sections and folding said sections is disclosed. The machine includes a rotating hollow drum on which the web is deposited and on which the cutting and folding operations are performed without transferring the web or the cut or folded sections off of the drum. The drum includes a knife for cutting the web. The knife preferably is situated within the drum interior and adapted to extend through elongated apertures defined on the drum outer surface. Grippers on the drum hold the web on the drum through the operation. At least one folding station is operably associated with the drum. At least one pack-off station can be provided for stacking the folded product in separate stacks.

Abstract: A high speed paper folding machine for cutting a continuously fed web of paper into sections and folding said sections is disclosed. The machine includes a rotating hollow drum on which the web is deposited and on which the cutting and folding operations are performed without transferring the web or the cut or folded sections off of the drum. The drum includes a knife for cutting the web. The knife preferably is situated within the drum interior and adapted to extend through elongated apertures defined on the drum outer surface. Grippers on the drum hold the web on the drum through the operation. At least one folding station is operably associated with the drum. At least one pack-off station can be provided for stacking the folded product in separate stacks.

Abstract: A machine for lifting a roll of previously wound material and for unwinding the material from the roll is disclosed. The machine includes a turret shaft around which a lift arm assembly is moved from a first position to a second position. A lifting mechanism for lifting the roll after it is loaded at the first position is also provided. A plurality of lift arm assemblies can be provided so that a stand-by roll can be loaded onto the machine to be quickly rotated into an unwinding position. The lift arm assembly supports the roll without the use of a shaft through the core of the roll. A drive tower is provided which includes a turning belt with a frictional contact surface for contacting the roll as the turning belt is rotating, thereby turning the roll to unwind the material therefrom.