Abstract: The invention relates to a method for cushioning objects in a container, said method comprising the following steps: a. detecting and/or determining a variable characterizing a residual empty volume of the container by means of at least one sensor, and b. automatically producing at least one cushioning means depending on the variable characterizing the residual empty volume of the container. According to the invention, a cushioning means is produced only when this results from a comparison of the variable characterizing the residual empty volume of the container with a limit value.

Abstract: A capstan includes a lift motor, a flexible lifting member, and a tether assembly. The lift motor is operatively connected to a shaft. The flexible lifting member includes a first end and a second end. The first end is connected to the shaft. The flexible lifting member connects a lift assembly to the lift motor via the shaft. The tether assembly includes a switch arranged between a portion of the flexible lifting member and a portion of the capstan. The second end is connected to the tether assembly. The switch acts as a safety in case of a broken flexible lifting member and allows for an automated unloading cycle.

Abstract: An apparatus associated with a wrapping machine includes at least one unwinding unit for the wrapping machine for wrapping a load with a film, and shuttles that are movable along a path and suitable for receiving and supporting an unwinding unit to be replaced and to be dismantled from the wrapping machine, or a new unwinding unit to be mounted on the wrapping machine. The shuttles operate along a substantially horizontal operating direction to dismantle and receive from the wrapping machine an unwinding unit to be replaced or to transfer and mount on the wrapping machine a new unwinding unit. The apparatus includes a supporting unit fixed to the wrapping machine and arranged to be coupled to, and supported by, the unwinding unit, the unwinding unit including a first coupling device, and the supporting unit including a second coupling device, the first coupling device and the second coupling device being mutually coupled or uncoupled along the operating direction.

Abstract: An unwind apparatus for obtaining, loading, splicing, and unwinding convolutely wound rolls of web material and forwarding the web material unwound from each of the convolutely wound rolls uninterruptedly to a downstream apparatus is disclosed. The unwind apparatus provides for a multi-axis robot and an end effector operatively connected to the multi-axis robot. The end effector provides for a stationary motor, a rotational coupling mechanically coupled to the stationary motor, and, a mandrel mechanically coupled to the rotational coupling. The mandrel is capable of releasably engaging the convolutley wound rolls of web material.

Abstract: An apparatus for loading spools into a creel of a fiber placement machine that is used to charge a mold includes a creel loader and a spool magazine carried by the creel loader. At least one loader mandrel in the spool magazine receives full spools and transfers the full spools to the creel of the fiber placement machine.

Abstract: A movable support apparatus (10), supported on a floor and movable between at least two target stations, for receiving, moving and handing over rolls, winding shafts (1) and/or machine reels (4) intended for the handling of a fiber web. The movable support apparatus (10) has support members (12) for holding up the load being handled (1, 4) at both its support ends (2) and is adapted to be supported on a floor with at least one pressure medium cushion element (40). A handling system includes the movable support apparatus (10). Rolls, winding shafts (1) and/or machine reels (4) may be handled with the movable support apparatus (10). The movable support apparatus may be used as a movable winding stand for the winding of a fiber web (W).

Abstract: A method implemented by a programmable controller in a hauling machine having an engine, moveable ground engaging elements, and a bed actuable by at least one hoist cylinder controlled by an operator hoist control device, determines whether the bed is empty by determining a position of the operator hoist control device, applying a gain dependent upon the position, applying an integrator over time to provide a resultant hoist figure, comparing the resultant hoist figure to a hoist minimum constant, and, if the hoist figure is less than or equal to the hoist maximum constant, concluding that the bed is empty.

Abstract: A rolling installation for the rolling of in-process stock in the form of strip having a first reel, a second reel, with at least one stand between the reels, and with assigned coil transport trucks. Each reel is designed as a reversing reel, namely as an uncoiling and coiling reel.

Abstract: An unwinding device (10) is described for unwinding rolls (12, 14) of one-ply or two-ply web-like material (24). The device (10) comprises: a support group for sustaining a first roll (12) and a second roll (14), the support group being composed of a support pin (16) for each roll (12, 14), the support pins (16) being bound on two opposite sides of a vertical column (18) made integral with the base (20) of the unwinding device (10); an unwinding mechanism (22) for each roll (12, 14), adapted to unwind the web-like material (24) from the rolls (12, 14); a joining mechanism (26), adapted to join specific web-like material portions (24) together that respectively come from the first roll (12) and from the second roll (14).

Abstract: A paper dispenser contains a receiving compartment for a dispenser roll, a transport path leading from above into the receiving compartment, a hold position for a spare roll being defined in the transport path by a blocking device, and a transfer device for the paper of the spare roll once the paper of the dispenser roll is used up. The width of the receiving compartment is smaller than the diameter of the spare roll, and a sensor element for the diameter of the spare roll releases the blocking device not before the diameter of the spare roll has been reduced to the width of the receiving compartment.

Abstract: An apparatus for loading spools into a creel of a fiber placement machine that is used to charge a mold includes a creel loader and a spool magazine carried by the creel loader. At least one loader mandrel in the spool magazine receives full spools and transfers the full spools to the creel of the fiber placement machine.

Abstract: A feeding station for a splicer of a rotary offset printing press is provided. The feeding station includes a feeding device for feeding a paper roll into a splicer; an unpack station for unpacking a paper roll; and a buffer station for storing an unpacked paper roll. The feeding station includes an unpack conveyor leading from the unpack station to the feeding device; and a buffer conveyor leading from the buffer station to the feeding device. The feeding device includes a feeding carriage having a core container for holding two or more cores. A corresponding method is also provided.

Abstract: This core plugging station relates generally to preparing rolls of previously wound material for an unwinding machine. The core plugging station improves the automation of moving rolls of sheet form material and the like to be loaded in preparation for unwinding. When a previously loaded roll has been unwound a spent core station disposes of the remaining core. The process sequentially moves rolls of material having cores from a core plugging station to an unwinding station and sequentially moves spent rolls of material from the unwinding station back to a spent core station.

Abstract: A front winding base frame (1A) and a rear winding base frame (1B) are respectively provided with winding arms (3A and 3B) that hold winding shafts (4A and 4B) so as to be capable of ascending and descending vertically, and the winding arms (3A and 3B) are attached to the front winding base frame (1A) and the rear winding base frame (1B) so as to be capable of being exchanged between the front winding base frame (1A) and the rear winding base frame (1B). A front-side touch roller frame (13A) and a rear-side touch roller frame (13B) are respectively provided with touch rollers (16A and 16B) so as to be capable of ascending and descending vertically, and the touch rollers (16A and 16B) are attached to the front-side touch roller frame (13A) and the rear-side touch roller frame (13B) so as to be capable of being exchanged between the front-side touch roller frame (13A) and the rear-side touch roller frame (13B).

Abstract: This machine generally is an apparatus for preparing rolls of previously wound material for an unwinding machine. More particularly industrial robots are used to improve the apparatus onto which rolls of sheet form material and the like can be loaded in preparation for unwinding and then, when a previously loaded roll has been unwound, disposing of the remaining core. The robots are programmable robots including a means for engaging the transfer plug and placing the plug into the tubular core of a large roll.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for transferring a web wound about a loaded core. The steps include providing a core shaft axially extending between a core shaft first end and a core shaft second end, providing a web wound about a loaded core, the loaded core coaxially related to the core shaft, axially supporting the core shaft by a first axial support operatively engaged with the core shaft first end and a second axial support operatively engaged with the core shaft second end, axially moving the loaded core from the core shaft to the second axial support, and removing the first axial support and the second axial support.

Abstract: This core plugging station relates generally to preparing rolls of previously wound material for an unwinding machine. The core plugging station improves the automation of moving rolls of sheet form material and the like to be loaded in preparation for unwinding. When a previously loaded roll has been unwound a spent core station disposes of the remaining core. The process sequentially moves rolls of material having cores from a core plugging station to an unwinding station and sequentially moves spent rolls of material from the unwinding station back to a spent core station.

Abstract: Reels of material are transported by being disposed on a first transport carriage which is, in turn, disposed on a second transport carriage. The second transport carriage travels between a reel storage area, that has a plurality of storage spaces, and a reel changer of a web-processing machine. The second transport carriage, together with the first transport carriage and the reel of material that is deposited on the first transport carriage then travels to an offload or unload position of the reel changer.

Abstract: For supplying machines, namely packaging machines, with web-like packaging material which is present in the form of a reel, a reel store (15) is fitted out with a portal (16), in which the reels (10 . . . 13) are kept on pallets (14). A portal robot (20) with an articulated arm (27) transfers reels (10 . . . 13) as required to winding subassemblies (29 . . . 32) arranged outside the portal (16). From these winding subassemblies, the material webs are transported toward opposite sides, in the direction parallel to the longitudinal extent of the portal (16), to the consuming machines.

Abstract: Device for moving paper reels in an unwinder of the type in which a nearly empty reel (1) is moved along a predetermined path between more operating stations in each of which the reel (1) is free to rotate about its longitudinal axis. The device is disposed and acting between the said operating stations and comprises: a carriage (4) intended to support a nearly empty reel (1) and movable between said operating stations, the reel (1) being free to rotate about its longitudinal axis on the carriage (4); a structure (5) supporting said carriage (4); means for moving said carriage (4) between said operating stations; means for controlling said means for moving the carriage (4).

Abstract: A system for removably mounting a drum to a winch assembly comprises a drum assembly, a frame defining at least a portion of a mounting base for the drum, at least one connector for connecting the drum assembly to the mounting base, a lifting apparatus releasably attached to the drum assembly, and at least one guide member releasably attached to the frame and engaging with the lifting apparatus for directing the drum assembly away from the frame when the drum assembly is removed therefrom.

Abstract: A yarn-changing method in a warping machine having yarn-changing units is disclosed. The yarn-changing method includes steps of (a) stopping a rotary creel having a plurality of working yarn packages and preparing one of the yarn packages for color changing; (b) sucking a yarn of the original yarn package; (c) clipping the yarn of the original yarn package and delivering it to a connecting unit; (d) taking a new color-changing yarn package from a storing creel by a swing arm for changing and then delivering a yarn of the new yarn package to the connecting unit; (e) connecting the yarns of step (c) and step (d); and (f) starting the rotary creel for wrapping, thereby changing one of working yarn packages with one of new color-changing yarn packages efficiently.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a printing system, comprising a print material inlet, where non-imprinted print materials can be supplied to the printing system, and a printed product outlet, where printed products can be conveyed out of the printing system, and comprising at least one printing couple (19, 251) or printing tower in which the print material can be imprinted, and comprising at least one reel changer (18) or sheet feeder for feeding the print material, and comprising at least one unit, particularly a folding unit (22, 255, 256) or sheet delivery, for post-processing and/or removing the printed product, wherein the printing system comprises at least two system levels arranged vertically above each other, and wherein the printing system forms at least one material flow line (12) along which the print material is conveyed through the printing system, wherein in addition to the printing system a transport system is provided which extends parallel to the material flow line across the entire length o

Abstract: For supplying machines, namely packaging machines, with web-like packaging material which is present in the form of a reel, a reel store (15) is fitted out with a portal (16), in which the reels (10 . . . 13) are kept on pallets (14). A portal robot (20) with an articulated arm (27) transfers reels (10 . . . 13) as required to winding subassemblies (29 . . . 32) arranged outside the portal (16). From these winding subassemblies, the material webs are transported toward opposite sides, in the direction parallel to the longitudinal extent of the portal (16), to the consuming machines.

Abstract: Apparatus (2) for refurbishing used cores (4) for rolls of material, which apparatus comprises: stripper means (6) for stripping remaining material (8) from the used cores (4); feed means (10) for feeding the used cores (4) to the stripper means (6); cleaning means (12) for cleaning the used cores (4) after they have been treated by the stripper means (6); and adhesive applicator means (14) for applying adhesive to the used cores (4) whereby the used cores (4) are then ready for re-use as refurbished cores for new rolls of material.

Abstract: This machine generally is an apparatus for preparing rolls of previously wound material for an unwinding machine. More particularly industrial robots are used to improve the apparatus onto which rolls of sheet form material and the like can be loaded in preparation for unwinding and then, when a previously loaded roll has been unwound, disposing of the remaining core. The robots are programmable robots including a means for engaging the transfer plug and placing the plug into the tubular core of a large roll.

Abstract: A round bale wrapping mechanism that employs a pivoting carrier for two wrapping material rolls, one a stored roll and the other the working roll being dispensed. When the storage roll is to be employed, it is pivoted into contact with the material being dispensed from the working roll and pulled through the threading components of the wrapper. The storage roll thus becomes the working roll and a new storage roll may be installed in place of the empty storage roll (previously the working roll).

Abstract: A stock supply station for use in a insulated glass unit component production line includes a plurality of rotatable sheet stock coils, an indexing mechanism, and an uncoiling mechanism. The indexing mechanism is coupled to the sheet stock coils for indexing a selected one of the sheet stock coils to an uncoiling position. The uncoiling mechanism selectively uncoils sheet stock from a sheet stock coil indexed to the uncoiling position to thereby provide sheet stock to a downstream processing station.

Abstract: A two-roll dispenser is disclosed for a plurality of rolls of products, in one embodiment a plurality of toilet paper rolls. The operation of resetting the device to accept replacement rolls of product is achieved by opening the casing. The seer mechanism is also disclosed maintaining a secondary roll of product in a reserve position until a primary roll of product is substantially consumed. In one form, rolls of product having a partial or split core are utilized to achieve the objects of this disclosure.

Abstract: The plant comprises in combination at least one winder (3) which receives at least one web material and produces large diameter reels (B) by winding said web material around winding mandrels (M); at least one unwinder (9) which unwinds said large diameter reels (B) and feeds the web material to a transformation line (15, 21, 23); a plurality of carriages (11), which transfer said reels from a loading station (7) towards said unwinder (9), support said reels in the unwinder during unwinding and convey the finished mandrels towards a recovery area.

Abstract: A device is provided for use in covering a danger area on a roll changer that can carry at least one roll of material to be directed to a rotary, web-fed printing press. A cover is provided with a drive that can move the cover. A control unit is provided to control the drive for the cover. The cover is closed in a first operational state and is open in a second operational state. The roll of material, that is supported by the roll changer, has a first rotational speed or web speed when the cover is in the first, closed operational state. In the second, cover opened, operational state, the roll of material also has a second rotational or web speed which is greater than zero. A method for controlling a device on a roll changer is also disclosed.

Abstract: A wire dispensing system for continuously dispensing wire from wire coils to a welding site. The system includes a wire feeder mounted above the wire coils on a frame and a wire transfer arm which moves between the wire coils as one wire coil is depleted and the other wire coil is started.

Abstract: A packaging apparatus includes a support unit having a first support shaft with a first open end portion, the first support shaft being adapted to rotatably support the film roll in a cantilevered manner; a packaging unit adapted to receive the film of the film roll supported by the support unit, the bag packaging unit being adapted to package items with the film; and a temporary holding unit. The temporary holding unit has a second support shaft that has a second open end portion, the second support shaft being adapted to support the film roll in a cantilevered manner, and a movement mechanism configured to controllably pass the film roll from the second support shaft to the first support shaft when the first open end portion of the first support shaft and the second open end portion of the second support shaft are substantially aligned.

Abstract: The unwinder device includes an unwinding station (7), with unwinding members for unwinding reels and a splicing device (151) for splicing together web-like materials (N1 and N2) coming from a first reel (B1) and from a second reel (B2). At least two supports (49, 51) are arranged in the unwinding station for the respective reels of web-like material, associated with respective unwinding members (83, 99). The supports are constructed and arranged to simultaneously support two reels being unwound, during at least a phase of the unwinding, and each of said supports is able and constructed to load a new reel in an engagement position, support it during the unwinding and unload it in a release position.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a paper towel dispenser in which the towels are provided from a reel enrolled around a central nucleus. The nucleus has at both ends guiding devices of the reel along both lateral descending grooves; thus, the reel can slide in a descending direction until the periphery of said reel is supported by a gyratory stop. When the external diameter of the reel decreases it continues sliding along the grooves until the guiding means enter into unlocking devices of the reels making the reel descend until the guiding devices push downwards a posterior end of a lever, the other end of said lever having indicating devices and threading devices of a new reel. Said posterior end ejects the nucleus when it is empty towards a cavity in the inferior part of the dispenser in order to be taken away afterwards.

Abstract: A round bale wrapping mechanism that employs a pivoting carrier for two wrapping material rolls, one a stored roll and the other the working roll being dispensed. When the storage roll is to be employed, it is pivoted into contact with the material being dispensed from the working roll and pulled through the threading components of the wrapper. The storage roll thus becomes the working roll and a new storage roll may be installed in place of the empty storage roll (previously the working roll).

Abstract: For reel core disposal from a reel stand (1) of a row of reel stands, a conveyor belt (21) running along said row is arranged on the removal side opposite the feed side, in a trench (20), to which conveyor belt a transfer track (16) leads from each reel stand (1). A reel core carriage (25) which can travel on said transfer track and on a track section (11) of a moving platform (10) of the reel stand (1) has a chassis (26) and, as a reel core holder, a trough (29) rotatably and tiltably mounted on said chassis. An unloading device for rotating the trough (29) through 90° into an orientation parallel with the conveyor belt (21) and back and for tilting thereof is arranged in a stationary manner at a delivery point (18) at the end of the transfer track (16).

Abstract: A store control device of an intermediate store carries, on a pivot mounting which is mounted on a chassis capable of travelling along a track, so as to be rotatable about a vertical axis through 360°, a pick-up device for a paper reel which has a continuous track section for holding a carriage loaded with a paper reel and raisable and lowerable claws arranged on both sides thereof. Storage tracks which are in the form of short stub tracks and have carriages and which form storage places for holding paper reels with axes oriented transversely to the track are arranged on both sides of the track. Before storage of a paper reel in the intermediate store, the pivot mounting is rotated so that the winding direction of the stored paper reel corresponds to a required value. The claws can also be formed so as to be longitudinally displaceable on both sides by at least a reel length, in which case only a support surface is provided between them and the storage places are equipped with stationary storage troughs.

Abstract: A device (2) for feeding reels (3) has a manipulator (14) having a gripping member (19) for picking up one reel (3) at a time off a pallet (16) and transferring the reel (3) to an unwinding pin (4a; 4b) on a machine (1); the gripping member (19) is enabled to pick up a reel (3) off the pallet (16) when at least one reference point (k1) of the gripping member (19) lies inside a central hole (7) of the reel (3).

Abstract: Apparatus for supplying a ribbon-like material or fabric to one or more machines for cutting the material, comprising a reel storage having a plurality of housings for storing a respective reel, elements for supplying the material to a respective machine, elements for drawing a respective reel of the ribbon-like material. Control elements are provided to command the gripping of a real, by the drawing elements, from the predefined housing and the delivery of this reel to the elements for delivering the material of a respective work machine and, vice versa, to command, by the drawing elements, the gripping of the reel, partially or totally used in the machine, by the elements for supplying the material, and the release of this reel to the corresponding housing in the storage.

Abstract: Film rolls at the delivery position and the standby position are supported by supporting units. The roll is passed from the standby position to the delivery position by means of the conveying member provided in the roll conveying unit. As a result, it is not necessary to support the rolls at the individual positions by use of the roll conveying unit, thus permitting simplification of the configuration of the unit. The conveying member has a configuration in which the same is attached to a conveying chain put around the sprockets to make it possible to achieve circumferential travel of the conveying member by a single driving motor. When delivering by connecting to the film from the delivery position, the leading end easily comes off the holding unit by inserting the folded leading end of the film from the standby position and holding the same there.

Abstract: An arrangement for exchanging empty bobbins with full bobbins includes a creel having lateral delivery positions for holding filament-carrying bobbins for delivery of filaments to a textile machine. Disposed above the creel is a bobbin carrier which has several transport positions for bobbins and is moveably guided in a rail for travel in suspended disposition along a travel path. Transfer units are positioned on either side of the creel for transferring bobbins between the creel and the bobbin carrier and include an upright moveable along the creel and at least one support moveable along the upright and having receptacles for the bobbins. The receptacles are moveable horizontally relative to the support, wherein the delivery positions of the creel that neighbor the transfer unit are provided at a number and at a distance which corresponds to a number of and a vertical distance of the transport positions on the bobbin carrier.

Abstract: A portable gift-wrap holding and dispensing system that can be used to store and dispense rolls of material. A cutting guide is provided to assist cutting the material.

Abstract: On a machine for producing articles, in particular a packaging machine for producing packets of cigarettes, a reel, laid flat on a support, is fed, by means of a transfer device, to a relative unwinding pin fitted to the periphery of a rotary platform rotating about a substantially horizontal axis; the unwinding pin being set to a substantially radial position with respect to the platform axis; the rotary platform being rotated to set said unwinding pin to a vertical receiving position facing upwards; the reel being fitted downwards onto the unwinding pin in the receiving position; and the unwinding pin being rotated, with respect to the rotary platform, into an axial position with respect to the rotary platform before unwinding the reel.

Abstract: A vehicle (12) which can be coupled to a nondriven carriage (9a) carrying a paper reel (10) and to a further such carriage (9b) carrying a reel core basket (11) by means of electromagnetic coupling elements is movable underfloor on a loading track (4) which can be reached via a turntable (3). Said vehicle pulls the latter carriage (9b) from a storage track (8) onto a sliding platform (5), from which it is pushed to a reel stand (6), where the reel core basket (11) receives a reel core before the carriage (9b) is pushed back onto the storage track (8). Thereafter, the vehicle (12) travels to the waiting station of the carriage (9a) carrying the paper reel (10), couples, pulls it onto the sliding platform (5), uncouples and travels onto the storage track (8). After the paper reel (10) has been received by the reel stand (6), the vehicle (12) travels back onto the sliding platform (5), couples again to the carriage (9a) and pushes it back to the waiting station.

Abstract: Apparatus for supplying a ribbon-like material or fabric to one or more machines (14a, 14b, 14c) for cutting said material, comprising a reel storage (16) having a plurality of housings (18) for storing a respective reel (12), means (19) for supplying the material to a respective machine (14a, 14b, 14c), means (20) for drawing a respective reel (12) of said ribbon-like material. Control means (EE) are provided to command the gripping of a real (12), by said drawing means (20), from the predefined housing (18) and the delivery of this reel to said means (19) for delivering the material of a respective work machine (14a, 14b, 14c) and, vice versa, to command, by said drawing means (20), the gripping of the reel, partially or totally used in said machine, by said means (19) for supplying the material, and the release of this reel (12) to the corresponding housing (18) in said storage (16).

Abstract: The device comprises in combination: a carriage (1) movable in a direction of displacement between a loading and unloading position and an unwinding position; on said carriage, at least one oscillating arm (25) for supporting at least one reel (B) of web material, and at least one actuator (39) for moving said oscillating arm; in the unwinding position, a flexible unwinding member (45) driven around a plurality of pulleys (47, 49, 51, 53), at least one of which is motorized, a member (61) for tensioning the flexible unwinding member being associated with at least one (47) of said pulleys.

Abstract: A portable gift-wrap cutting and holding system that uses a lockable rotating holder with a plurality of removable rods on which rolls of gift-wrap are held. A magnetic hold down bar is provided to hold the paper after it is unrolled and ready to be cut. A filament, such as a nylon string, is provided to safely cut the paper; or a groove is provided if the user prefers a scissors or blade.

Abstract: An adjusting device is mounted for rotation about a central axis and can be axially actuated. The adjusting device can be displaced or shifted between an inoperative position and at least one working position by an axially displaceable fluid-driven piston.

Abstract: Bobbins containing convoluted webs of sheet material, particularly wrapping material for smokers' products, are transferred from a stack—wherein the axes of the cores of bobbins are vertical—onto the horizontal stub of a receiver in a web processing machine by an apparatus wherein a first set of jaws serves to engage the core of a fresh bobbin from within preparatory to transfer to the receiver and simultaneous pivoting of the first set of jaws through 90°. When the supply of web on the core borne by the stub of the receiver is exhausted, the external surface of the thus exposed core is engaged by a second set of jaws which transport the core to a collecting station or the like. Sheet-like partitions which are disposed between neighboring layers of fresh bobbins in the stack are removed by suction cups which are mounted on a reciprocable pusher together with the jaws of the second set.