Zigzag Web Patents (Class 270/39.05)
  • Patent number: 11084682
    Abstract: A sheet processing apparatus includes: a second conveying roller pair that receives and conveys a sheet conveyed by a first conveying roller pair; a first folding roller pair that forms a first fold on the sheet; and a first rotation unit capable of rotating the second conveying roller pair and the first folding roller pair. One roller of the second conveying roller pair and one roller of the first folding roller pair are a common roller shared therebetween. The second conveying roller pair causes the sheet to be deflected and guided to the first folding roller pair, and the first folding roller pair forms the first fold on the deflected sheet by rotating the first rotation unit in a certain direction in a state in which the sheet is held by the first conveying roller pair and the second conveying roller pair.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2021
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Limited
    Inventors: Takahiro Watanabe, Tomohiro Furuhashi, Michitaka Suzuki, Tomomichi Hoshino, Yuji Suzuki, Satoshi Saito, Takao Watanabe
  • Patent number: 10308469
    Abstract: Apparatuses and methods of forming sheets having different lengths are provided. The apparatuses and methods may also be used to form panel lengths of different values using a same processing roll. In some embodiments, the diameter of the roll need not change. In some embodiments, the spacing between adjacent rolls need not be changed when transitioning from one sheet length to another sheet length. In some embodiments, the processing roll includes an excess material receiving component that can be active or deactivated to switch between different sheet sizes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2019
    Assignee: C.G. Bretting Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Greg M. Kauppila
  • Patent number: 10245874
    Abstract: Provided is a lay-flat book block production apparatus. The apparatus comprises a glue dispenser, the glue dispenser to transition between an active state in which glue is to be provided to one side of the web which is to be guided past the glue dispenser and an inactive state in which glue is not to be provided to the web which is to be guided past the glue dispenser. The apparatus further comprises a folding unit, wherein the folding unit is to fold the web along a plurality of crease lines wherein each of a plurality of flat portions of a side of the folded web faces another of the plurality of flat portions of a same side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2019
    Assignee: HP Indigo B.V.
    Inventors: Avihay Menashe, Lior Joseph, Ilan Meiri, Itzik Kent
  • Patent number: 9290354
    Abstract: An installation for folding and stacking an endlessly producible web of corrugated cardboard comprises a folding device for folding a web of corrugated cardboard along predetermined folds and a stacking device which is arranged downstream of the folding device for stacking the web of corrugated cardboard, which has been folded along the folds, in stacks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: BHS CORRUGATED MASCHINEN-UND ANLAGENBAU GMBH
    Inventor: Martin Grill
  • Patent number: 9061860
    Abstract: Drive mechanism for an apparatus for laying an in particular unfolded fibrous material web, in particular a paper web or a corrugated paper web, like a corrugated cardboard web, in a Leporello fold, comprising a pair of opposing rollers that form a passage gap for the fibrous material web and respectively define a rotational axis around which said rollers rotate, in particular when the fibrous material web passes through the passage gap, characterised by a rotational axial roller drive that rotationally drives at least one of the two rollers for delivering the fibrous material web through the passage gap to form the Leporello stacking, and a pivot drive that has in particular a pendulum axis not coinciding with the rotational axes, wherein the at least two rollers are pivot-mounted such that the rotational axes can be pivoted back and forth about the common pendulum axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2015
    Assignee: Sprick GmbH Bielefelder Papier-und Wellpappenwerke & Co.
    Inventor: Andreas Sprick-Schutte
  • Patent number: 9004480
    Abstract: A web product folding and stacking machine includes two folding line making rolls, two folding fingers, a first carrier unit, a stoppage unit and a holder. The folding line making rolls and the folding fingers are operated to fold up web products on the first carrier unit to form a stack of interfolded web products. Further, there is at least one suction device arranged on the top surface of the first carrier unit to suck the web products nearing the top surface of the first carrier unit and facilitate accurate stacking of the interfolded web products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Chan Li Machinery Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chi Pin Hsu
  • Patent number: 8882098
    Abstract: An interfolder separator apparatus and method utilize a pair of count fingers that are movable longitudinally along and transversely to a stream of folded sheets, for temporarily supporting each successive pack formed by the separator and then releasing each successive pack when partly completed to alternating build fingers, so that the operation of separating successive packs from one another is performed separately from the operations of completing the build of each pack and transporting the completed packs to downstream operations. The count fingers may be mounted to pivot about axes that are movable longitudinally along and transversely to the stream of sheets. A first or last panel of the completed pack may also be folded back partly upon itself, after the partly completed pack is released by the count fingers. Some or all of the fingers may be spring loaded and automatically resettable for clearing jams.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: C.G. Bretting Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventors: James Andrew Walsh, James R. Michler
  • Patent number: 8544833
    Abstract: The invention provides a method and apparatus for separating a stack of folded sheets by inserting a first, second, third and fourth count fingers into four successive openings in the stack, and separating the stack between the second and third count fingers. Where separation is carried out after a desired number of folded sheets have passed the third count finger, a completed pack having the desired number of sheets may be formed downstream from the third count finger. The count fingers may be operatively mounted in count finger cassettes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: C.G. Bretting Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventor: James Andrew Walsh
  • Patent number: 8505898
    Abstract: Methods for forming a signature are provided. In one aspect an automatic z-folding system is used to cause a signature print to fold across a width proximate to z-fold locations spaced along a length of the signature print and to form a z-folded stack of sheets of the signature print and the z-folded stack is bound across a width of the stack proximate to a saddle fold location between the z-folds; saddle folding the z-folded stack at the saddle fold location to dispose the z-folds along a common face of the saddle folded stack, and, separating the signature print at least one of the z-folds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventor: Dale Frederick McIntyre
  • Patent number: 8505897
    Abstract: Z-fold signature finishing systems are provided. One z-fold finishing system has a receiver system to receive a signature print; an automatic z-fold system configured to make a z-folded stack of sheets formed from separate portions of a length of a signature print with each sheet being joined to at least one other sheet in the z-folded stack by at least one of the z-folds; a binding system that can bind the z-folded stack proximate to a saddle fold location between the z-folds; a saddle folder having at least two surfaces arranged so that the at least two surfaces and the z-folded stack can move relative to each other to cause the z-folded stack to fold proximate to the saddle fold location to dispose the z-folds along a common face of the saddle folded stack, and, a separation system separating the signature print proximate to at least one of the z-folds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventor: Dale Frederick McIntyre
  • Patent number: 8490958
    Abstract: The invention provides a method and apparatus for separating a stack of folded sheets by inserting a first, second, third and fourth count fingers into four successive openings in the stack, and separating the stack between the second and third count fingers. Where separation is carried out after a desired number of folded sheets have passed the third count finger, a completed pack having the desired number of sheets may be formed downstream from the third count finger. The count fingers may be operatively mounted in count finger cassettes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: C.G. Bretting Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventor: James Andrew Walsh
  • Patent number: 8419002
    Abstract: An interfolder separator apparatus and method utilize a pair of count fingers that are movable longitudinally along and transversely to a stream of folded sheets, for temporarily supporting each successive pack formed by the separator and then releasing each successive pack when partly completed to alternating build fingers, so that the operation of separating successive packs from one another is performed separately from the operations of completing the build of each pack and transporting the completed packs to downstream operations. The count fingers may be mounted to pivot about axes that are movable longitudinally along and transversely to the stream of sheets. A first or last panel of the completed pack may also be folded back partly upon itself, after the partly completed pack is released by the count fingers. Some or all of the fingers may be spring loaded and automatically resettable for clearing jams.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: C.G. Bretting Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventors: James Andrew Walsh, James R. Michler
  • Patent number: 8333370
    Abstract: The invention provides a method and apparatus for separating a stack of folded sheets by inserting a first, second, third and fourth count fingers into four successive openings in the stack, and separating the stack between the second and third count fingers. Where separation is carried out after a desired number of folded sheets have passed the third count finger, a completed pack having the desired number of sheets may be formed downstream from the third count finger. The count fingers may be operatively mounted in count finger cassettes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2012
    Assignee: C.G. Bretting Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventor: James Andrew Walsh
  • Patent number: 8282090
    Abstract: An interfolder separator apparatus and method utilize a pair of count fingers that are movable longitudinally along and transversely to a stream of folded sheets, for temporarily supporting each successive pack formed by the separator and then releasing each successive pack when partly completed to alternating build fingers, so that the operation of separating successive packs from one another is performed separately from the operations of completing the build of each pack and transporting the completed packs to downstream operations. The count fingers may be mounted to pivot about axes that are movable longitudinally along and transversely to the stream of sheets. A first or last panel of the completed pack may also be folded back partly upon itself, after the partly completed pack is released by the count fingers. Some or all of the fingers may be spring loaded and automatically resettable for clearing jams.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: C.G. Bretting Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventors: James Andrew Walsh, James R. Michler
  • Patent number: 8240653
    Abstract: An interfolder separator apparatus and method utilize a pair of count fingers that are movable longitudinally along and transversely to a stream of folded sheets, for temporarily supporting each successive pack formed by the separator and then releasing each successive pack when partly completed to alternating build fingers, so that the operation of separating successive packs from one another is performed separately from the operations of completing the build of each pack and transporting the completed packs to downstream operations. The count fingers may be mounted to pivot about axes that are movable longitudinally along and transversely to the stream of sheets. A first or last panel of the completed pack may also be folded back partly upon itself, after the partly completed pack is released by the count fingers. Some or all of the fingers may be spring loaded and automatically resettable for clearing jams.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: C.G. Bretting Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventors: James Andrew Walsh, James R. Michler
  • Patent number: 8240652
    Abstract: A method for separating two consecutive interfolded sheets, during the production of packages of paper products, even if there is present at least one tear-off line or “tab bond”. The sheets are fed in an interfolded way from interfolding rollers on a table by means of suitable folding arms. At a predetermined height of the stack a first plurality of separators, arranged along the length of the stack and at opposite sides with respect to it, are inserted in the same stack. This introduction divides the formed stack from the growing stack. Between the separators and the table a side of a sheet stretching board is introduced. The formed stack is then arranged between the table and the sheet stretching board. These are lowered vertically and move away from each other autonomously from the separators up to cause the disengagement of the growing stack from the formed stack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: MTC-Macchine Trasformazione Carta S.R.L.
    Inventor: Alessandro De Matteis
  • Patent number: 8172212
    Abstract: A web product folding and stacking machine includes two folding line making wheels, two folding fingers, a first carrier unit, a stoppage unit and a holder. The folding line making wheels and the folding fingers are operated to fold up web products on the first carrier unit to form a stack of interfolded web products. When a stack of a predetermined number of interfolded web products is finished, the stoppage unit is extended out to isolate the interfolded web products. Further, a retractable member of the stoppage unit is extended out to hold down the finished stack of interfolded web products when the stoppage unit is lowered to carry the finished stack of interfolded web products with the holder, keeping the finished stack of interfolded web products in integrity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: Chan Li Machinery Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hsin-Fa Lien, Cheng-Kuo Chen, Yen-Chih Chung
  • Patent number: 8128079
    Abstract: A web product folding and stacking machine includes two folding line making rolls, two folding fingers, a first carrier unit, a stoppage unit and a holder. The folding line making rolls and the folding fingers are operated to fold up web products on a pad on the first carrier unit to form a stack of interfolded web products. When a stack of a predetermined number of interfolded web products is finished, the stoppage unit is extended out to have the finished stack of interfolded web products be carried with the holder and the stoppage unit to a predetermined location for delivery. Subject to the effect of the pad on the first carrier unit, web products are effectively folded up and stacked in a neat status.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: Chan Li Machinery Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Huang-Pin Hsu
  • Patent number: 8123665
    Abstract: Interfolding machine of sheet material for making a stack of interfolded sheets (1) equipped with cutting and transferring means, including, for example, a cutting roller 2 that operates the division of the web (10) into sheets (11) of determined length. The cut sheets (11), all having the same length, are carried along the machine up to a transfer roller (3) that transfers them to an “overlap” roller (4). In particular the cutting roller (2) has peripherally a first series of cutting blades (21a)-(21d) arranged at a first angular distance equal to 90° and a second plurality of cutting blades (21?a)-(21?c) arranged at a second angular distance equal to 120°. The length of sheets 11 is therefore achieved by the angular distance existing between the blades (21). In order to adjust the length of the sheets, or cut-off length, one selects the blades on the cutting roller (2) located at an angular distance corresponding to the desired sheet length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: MTC-Macchine Trasformazione Carta S.R.L.
    Inventor: Alessandro De Matteis
  • Patent number: 8057375
    Abstract: An interfolding apparatus and method, utilize, first and second sheet-cutting-and-overlapping arrangements and an interfolding arrangement simultaneously mounted and operatively interconnected in a common frame, for alternatively selectively forming a first or a second interfolded pattern having a given folded width, without replacement of components of the interfolding apparatus. The first interfolded pattern is formed from a first stream of overlapped sheets of a first length cut from a web of sheet material fed along a first path extending through the first sheet-cutting-and-overlapping arrangement to the interfolding arrangement. The second interfolded pattern is formed from a stream of overlapped sheets of a second length cut from the web of sheet material fed along a second path extending through the second sheet-cutting-and-overlapping arrangement to the interfolding arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: C.G. Bretting Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Tad T. Butterworth
  • Patent number: 7997570
    Abstract: The sheets are supplied interfolded by two folding rollers, on a table on which they are piled up forming a stack. When the stack achieves a predetermined height a first plurality of separators and a second plurality of separators, arranged for all the length of the stack and from opposite sides are inserted into the stack to provide the disengagement of the stack already formed from a stack being formed, leaving between them of a wing of sheet hanging. The stack formed is then withdrawn quickly from the stack being formed by means of a table, which translates vertically, and is subject to a blow of air for stretching a possible last sheet. Then, the stack formed is left on a longitudinal conveyor belt located underneath. At the same time, a sheet stretching board moves under the stack of interfolded sheets, for all its length, for provisional support thereof and for stretching completely the wing hanging from the stack being formed with a portion of wing that exceeds sheet stretching board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Assignee: MTC-Macchine Trasformazione Carta S.r.l.
    Inventor: Alessandro De Matteis
  • Patent number: 7810800
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for depositing a flexible material web, said web being introduced into a folding unit and being deposited from said folding unit at a depositing point. The aim of the invention is to achieve higher production speeds with an excellent fold quality, even for material webs with a low weight. To achieve this, compressed air is applied to the material web after the latter has exited the folding unit in order to support the festooning process by means of a blower device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: Oerlikon Textile GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Udo Schlicher
  • Patent number: 7789381
    Abstract: An apparatus (20) for folding a sheet of foil (11) includes a feeder (23) and a folding means (24). The feeder (23) can feed a sheet of foil to the folding means (24). The folding means (24) includes a first surface (27) and a second surface (28) which can be arranged to bear against first and second opposing faces respectively of a portion (31) of the sheet of foil (11) at or near to the leading edge (11?) of the sheet of foil. One or both of the first and second surfaces (27,28) can be rotated about a foldable axis between the first and second opposing faces to create a first fold along the foldable axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Inventors: Richard Brian Patrick Dunn, Brian Peter Dunn
  • Patent number: 7717839
    Abstract: An interfolding apparatus and method, utilize, first and second sheet-cutting-and-overlapping arrangements and an interfolding arrangement simultaneously mounted and operatively interconnected in a common frame, for alternatively selectively forming a first or a second interfolded pattern having a given folded width, without replacement of components of the interfolding apparatus. The first interfolded pattern is formed from a first stream of overlapped sheets of a first length cut from a web of sheet material fed along a first path extending through the first sheet-cutting-and-overlapping arrangement to the interfolding arrangement. The second interfolded pattern is formed from a stream of overlapped sheets of a second length cut from the web of sheet material fed along a second path extending through the second sheet-cutting-and-overlapping arrangement to the interfolding arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2010
    Assignee: C.G. Bretting Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Tad T. Butterworth
  • Patent number: 7673864
    Abstract: A folding device for folding continuous paper, which is previously provided with fold lines at given intervals, along the fold lines in a zigzag pattern. The folding device comprises a feeding member of the continuous paper, a swinger fin that swings using its one end as a fulcrum like a pendulum in synchronization with the fold lines while feeding the continuous paper into its inside, and a table to be surmounted by the continuous paper that has been folded. The swinger fin includes a feed roller pair for feeding the continuous paper while sandwiching the paper therebetween, and at least a pair of guide plates facing each other with a given gap therebetween, in which the continuous paper is fed through the gap. One of the feed rollers constructing the feed roller pair and one of the guide plates, which are located on one side of the continuous paper, can be integrally opened or detached from the swinger fin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2010
    Assignee: Toray Engineering Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasuhisa Mizuno, Hajime Kanamori, Riki Murakami
  • Patent number: 7582048
    Abstract: A fabric folding machine structure is used for receiving and folding a fabric woven by a circular knitting machine. A fabric folding machine is added to the circular knitting machine without changing the length, width, and height of the fabric rolling machine. The fabric folding machine has a carrying base for carrying the fabric, and both ends of the carrying base are fixed to the bottom of two side seats, and a plurality of fabric rolling rods disposed between the two side seats define a carrying space, and the two side seats include a fabric folding unit for driving the fabric on the carrying base, and the fabric folding unit can drive the fabric back and forth in the carrying space to fold the fabric on the carrying base, so as to provide a larger carrying space and a higher fabric storing capacity than a prior art fabric folding machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2009
    Assignee: Pai Lung Machinery Mill Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Wan-Yih Chen
  • Patent number: 7517308
    Abstract: A device for laying continuously supplied web material in zigzag lengths has a pendulous arm positioned within a supply path of the web material and a holding-down device pushing down the web material at least in the area of the reversal points of the zigzag length. By arranging the holding-down device on the pendulous arm, a particularly a simple construction of such a laying device is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2009
    Assignee: Rosink GmbH + Co. KG Maschinenfabrik
    Inventor: Udo Stentenbach
  • Patent number: 7458927
    Abstract: An interfolding apparatus including a knife roll, a first interfolding roll, a second interfolding roll, and a transfer roll. The knife roll cuts sheets from a stream of web material issuing from a source in a downstream direction. The first interfolding roll is positioned downstream of the knife roll and receives the sheets. The first interfolding roll rotates in a first direction and the second interfolding roll rotates in a second direction. The first and second interfolding rolls interfold the sheets with additional sheets received by the second interfolding roll. A transfer roll is positioned between the knife roll and the first interfolding roll. The transfer roll has a non-uniform surface configuration and rotates in the second direction and receives the sheets from the knife roll, forms a bend in each of the sheets, and transfers the formed sheets to the first interfolding roll.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2008
    Assignee: C.G. Bretting Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Greg Kauppila, Chad Ryczek, Dennis Couturier
  • Patent number: 7452321
    Abstract: An interfolding apparatus including a knife roll rotatable about an axis and operable to cut successive sheets from a stream of web material issuing from a source in a downstream direction. A folding roll is positioned downstream of the knife roll and is rotatable in a first direction at a first roll speed. An additional roll is disposed adjacent to the folding roll and is rotatable about an axis in a second direction at a second roll speed. The additional roll is operable to receive the successive sheets and release the successive sheets in the downstream direction toward the folding roll. The folding roll and the additional roll define a nip therebetween, the successive sheets passing through the nip. The first roll speed of the folding roll is different from the second roll speed of the additional roll, the difference in speed between the folding roll and the additional roll operable to overlap adjacent portions of the successive sheets onto the folding roll.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: C.G. Bretting Manufacturing Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Greg Kauppila
  • Patent number: 7442157
    Abstract: An interfolding machine for sheet material for making a stack of interfolded sheets includes at least one web of material to interfold that is cut into sheets of predetermined length and rolls for partially overlapping the sheets in order to form an overlapped portion between two consecutive sheets. Interfolding rolls are also provided, adapted to produce the stack, as well as a conveyor adapted to convey the partially overlapped sheets in a zone set between the roll and the interfolding rolls. Further, the overlapping portion of the sheets is maintained constant through a plurality of belts and guides facing the belts so that between the belts and the respective guides a channel is formed for conveying the partially overlapped sheets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2008
    Assignee: MTC-Macchine Trasformazione Carta S.R.L.
    Inventor: Alessandro De Matteis
  • Patent number: 7401771
    Abstract: A device for laying a flexible material web 1 on a point of deposit 4 and which has at least one pair of deposit rollers 2, 3 that rotate in opposite directions. The deposit rollers 2, 3 form part of a deposit carriage 5 which is reciprocated in a reversible direction over at least the deposit length L of the material web 1. The device is more cost-effective in that the deposit carriage 5 has a smaller width than the point of deposit 4 and is reciprocated in a reversible direction over at least the deposit width B of the point of deposit 4.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2008
    Assignee: Saurer GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Peter Steyer
  • Patent number: 7402130
    Abstract: This invention provides a system and method for separating, folding, stacking and transporting a continuous web that allows stacks of web that are relatively large (four-feet-high or more) to be generated at high speed directly beneath the folding mechanism and to be transferred as complete, discrete stacks to downstream locations and stack utilization devices without interrupting the ongoing, upstream stack-folding and stack-formation process. A zigzag folded web passes by a pair of opposing front and rear compression plate assemblies, with fingers that are extended to selectively project into the folding area, onto a stack supported by a vertically moving supporting mechanism. The supporting mechanism cycles between an ever-lower position in which upper, loose pages of the folded web pass by plate fingers (when retracted) and an upper position in which the stack engages and presses upwardly against the now-extended plate fingers to compress the stack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2008
    Assignee: Roll Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard A. Sjostedt, Steven P. Lewalski, Bruce J. Taylor, John M. Fiske
  • Patent number: 7306554
    Abstract: An interfolding apparatus including first and second interfolding rolls. The interfolding rolls issue a stream of web material to form a stack of interfolded web material. A first packer finger is movable with respect to the first interfolding roll and includes a retracted position at least partially received within the first interfolding roll and an extended position at least partially inserted into the stream of interfolded web material. A second packer finger is movable with respect to the first interfolding roll and includes a retracted position at least partially received within the first interfolding roll and an extended position at least partially inserted into the stream of interfolded web material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2007
    Assignee: C.G. Bretting Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis P. Couturier, Greg M. Kauppila
  • Patent number: 7303524
    Abstract: Methods and devices for folding a continuous web of material are provided. Systems can include a spiral folder assembly having first and second sets of rotatable spirals, a deflection means to guide the continuous web toward the first set of spirals and the second set of spirals, a beater assembly to urge the continuous web against the first set of spirals to form a first fold in the web against the second set of spirals to form a second fold in the web, and a conveyor assembly to receive and transport the folded continuous web as it exits the spiral folder assembly, the conveyor assembly providing a support between the first and second sets of spirals, the support modulating an amount of sag in the continuous web as the web is suspended between the first and second sets of spirals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2007
    Assignee: First Data Corporation
    Inventors: Michael J. Brunow, Dave Hamilton, Frank Dlugosz, Calvin Mueller
  • Patent number: 7024736
    Abstract: Apparatus for manufacturing multi-layer metal feedstock material for stamping shaped parts eliminates the need for rolls of metal at the stamping site. Multilayer metal feedstock material is assembled from multiple rolls of metal stock, then folded in a zig zag fashion, or “Z-fold” configuration, whereby the multilayer metal assembly is stacked vertically, usually on conventional pallets, for ease of moving with a forklift or otherwise. The multilayer metal z-fold stack of material is then transported to a parts stamping operation where the material is used as it unfolds as a continuous feed to machines to produce shaped multilayer metal parts. This invention is most useful in making multilayer metal foil z-fold feedstock material and using the z-fold material as continuous feed to processes for making shaped multilayer metal foil parts. The layers may have non-metal layers of material, such as fiber, between the metal layers or on the outside of the metal layers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2006
    Assignee: ATD Corporation
    Inventors: G. William Ragland, J. Bradley Pearce, Christopher V. Ragland
  • Patent number: 6971619
    Abstract: A computer mouse pad comprises a rigid base and a plurality of fanfolded paper sheets arranged in a stack and detachably fixed to the base. Each of the stacked sheet is detachably fixed to a sheet immediately below it in the stack through microperfs. A subtle opening and closing of two levels of paper at the fold where two perfs occur, induced by mouse pressure, endows the working ply surface with a flexibility of vertical movement, creating a subtle mouse buoyancy. The sheets are provided with printed messages on upper surfaces thereof. A coating is applied to the upper surfaces of the sheets. The coated upper surfaces are resistant to being written upon, thereby preventing accumulation of carbon, graphite and ink markings, which tend to contaminate the roller ball, prevent proper mouse tracking and adversely affect curser control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2005
    Inventor: Leonard B. Pearson
  • Patent number: 6899665
    Abstract: A folding mechanism couples to a printing mechanism and receives media for folding therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2005
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventor: Matt G. Driggers
  • Patent number: 6823571
    Abstract: Apparatus for manufacturing multi-layer metal feedstock material for stamping shaped parts eliminates the need for rolls of metal at the stamping site. Multilayer metal feedstock material is assembled from multiple rolls of metal stock, then folded in a zig zag fashion, or “Z-fold” configuration, whereby the multilayer metal assembly is stacked vertically, usually on conventional pallets, for ease of moving with a forklift or otherwise. The multilayer metal z-fold stack of material is then transported to a parts stamping operation where the material is used as it unfolds as a continuous feed to machines to produce shaped multilayer metal parts. This invention is most useful in making multilayer metal foil z-fold feedstock material and using the z-fold material as continuous feed to processes for making shaped multilayer metal foil parts. The layers may have non-metal layers of material, such as fiber, between the metal layers or on the outside of the metal layers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2004
    Assignee: ATD Corporation
    Inventors: G. William Ragland, J. Bradley Pearce, Christopher V. Ragland
  • Patent number: 6673185
    Abstract: A process is provided for splicing multiple blocks of multi-lane festooned material. The tail ends of stacks from a first block are spliced to lead ends of stacks from a second block, and the tail ends of the stacks in the second block are spliced with the lead ends of stacks in the first block or another block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark W. Beduhn, Kent E. Kordsmeier, Rodney L. Abba, Robert J. Makolin
  • Patent number: 6500293
    Abstract: The invention includes methods and products which use contact adhesives to secure separate sheets of multiple ply documents to form finished documents, such as integrated letters and envelopes, billing statements, invoices, etc. Sheet material for production of completed documents having plural plies is disclosed, the production of which includes the steps of providing a continuous web of material having sequential parts therealong, the sequential parts including a first part having a first and a second surface and a second part adjacent to the first part having a third and a fourth surface. Contact adhesive is applied to at least the first and second parts in patterns which preclude adhesive contact and bonding of adjacent facing surfaces of the first and second parts when the web is interfolded and the first and second parts are in registry but which permit adhesive contact and bonding of the first and second parts when separated and sequentially stacked.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2002
    Assignee: U-Seal, Inc.
    Inventor: William P. Dexter
  • Patent number: 6402132
    Abstract: A method for folding demand printed webs into signatures for gathering by rotary gathering and binding machines, as well as the signatures produced thereby, are disclosed. The method involves the steps of digitally printing pages onto a moving web of material, creating a series of fan folds across the transverse axis of the web, severing the web after a desired number of fan folds have been created to form a separate log, and chop folding the resulting log zero one or more times to form a signature. The resulting signature includes a plurality of layers each having pages printed thereon in proper orientation and sequence and includes a sturdy closed backbone which enables the signature to be easily handled by conventional high-speed rotary gathering machines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2002
    Assignee: R. R. Donnelley & Sons
    Inventors: A. John Michaelis, Stephen M. Purduski, James L. Warmus
  • Patent number: 6341771
    Abstract: A method of converting at least one strip of flexible material 12 into at least one stack of folded members 46. The method includes the step of conveying a number of festoons 20 formed from a strip of flexible material 12. The method is characterized by the step of depositing the respective festoons 20 into a stack of folded members 46. In the preferred method, the step of depositing the respective festoons 20 into a stack of folded members 46 can be characterized further by the steps of: (i) laying an initial flap 36 of flexible material 12 on a stacking surface 24; (ii) creating a first folded member 44 by placing a first festoon 42 on the initial flap 36 of flexible material 12; and (iii) creating additional folded members by placing each festoon upon a preceding festoon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2002
    Assignee: The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company
    Inventor: Peter Gerald Sasson, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6336307
    Abstract: A package of a strip of material has a plurality of parallel side by side stacks each containing a length of the strip which is folded back and forth such that each folded portion of the stack is folded relative to the next portion about a line transverse to the strip. Preferably, the side edges of the strip portions are aligned. The strip can be continuous through each stack and connected by a splice from the end of one stack to beginning of the next stack. To reduce the height of the stacks, the package is compressed and maintained in the compressed condition by, for example, an evacuated sealed bag. The strip of each stack is formed to have a varying width, for example to form diaper inserts when the strip is cut into individual strip elements. The length of each strip portion of the stack is arranged to equal a whole number of strip elements so that the cut lines can be arranged at the fold lines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2002
    Assignee: EKI Holding Corporation
    Inventor: Lawrence J. O'Connor
  • Publication number: 20010003151
    Abstract: An absorbent structure in an absorbent article such as a diaper, incontinence guard, sanitary napkin, wound dressing, bed protection and the like, formed from at least two superposed layers (5′; 5″) of one or more web-shaped absorption materials (5), said layers (5′; 5″) having different widths as seen in the transverse direction of the article. The absorbent structure (4) comprised of said layers has been compressed to a thickness which is substantially the same over the width of the structure, in such a way that the structure has a higher density in the areas thereof where the layers overlap each other and a lower density in other areas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2000
    Publication date: June 7, 2001
    Applicant: SCA Hygiene Products AB
    Inventor: Leif Wallstrm