To Actuate Folder Patents (Class 493/23)
  • Patent number: 12104314
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a garment folding apparatus, i.e., a folding apparatus that serves to fold a garment during a process of conveying the garment. A folding assembly constituting the garment folding apparatus includes a vertical folding layer having a conveyor and configured to vertically fold the loaded garment by using a drive motor, a horizontal folding layer disposed below the vertical folding layer, having a conveyor, and configured to horizontally fold the loaded garment by using a drive motor, and sensor units provided in the vertical folding layer and the horizontal folding layer and configured to detect the garment so as to check whether the garment is loaded, a length of the garment, and whether the garment is folded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2024
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Jeongyun Kim, Keunjoo Kim
  • Patent number: 12077902
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a garment folding apparatus, which serves to fold a garment during a process of conveying the garment, the garment folding apparatus including a loading assembly configured to load the garment, a folding assembly configured to fold the loaded garment while conveying the garment, and an unloading assembly disposed below the folding assembly and configured to unload a completely folded garment, in which the folding assembly comprises a vertical folding assembly configured to actively fold the garment deployed on a conveyor by using a drive motor, such that a vertical folding operation is performed along a rectilinear trajectory, which makes it possible to reduce a required operation space and contribute to miniaturization of the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2024
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Keunjoo Kim, Jeongyun Kim
  • Patent number: 11225753
    Abstract: A domestic compact article folding machine (10) configured for autonomous article folding includes first, second and third primary conveyors (CI, C2, C3), at least two of which in a stacked formation, each includes two primary rollers (32) and a primary belt (34) which extends thereabout. First and second holding conveyors (U1, U2), each includes at least three holding rollers (32) and a holding belt (34) which extends thereabout. Each of the holding conveyors engages each of the first and second primary conveyors respectively. The folding machine further includes at least a first width-folder (38) which is configured for creating a width-fold in the article and at least a first length-folder (64) which is configured for creating a length-fold in the article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2022
    Assignee: Foldimate, Inc.
    Inventors: Isaac Naor, Gal Rozov, Alon Naim, Avraham Avi Aspler
  • Patent number: 11214916
    Abstract: A fabric folding device that is capable of performing multiple types of folding modes and prevents an occurrence of a waste space when the device is installed is provided. The fabric folding device does not require a pair of right and left French-folding gauges. There is provided a fabric folding device including a first folding unit capable of folding a fabric, which has a longitudinal direction aligned with a transportation direction and a width direction intersecting the longitudinal direction, at a position half or one-third a length of the fabric in the longitudinal direction; and rotation means for being capable of rotating the fabric such that the transportation direction is changed from the longitudinal direction to the width direction, by which the fabric folded by the first folding unit is to be transported from a front side to a rear side, and to be folded once more.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2022
    Assignee: TOTOFOLDER MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Yusuke Maeshima
  • Patent number: 11180339
    Abstract: A conveying unit 2including conveyor belts 7, a stopper 3positioning a sheet S at a folding position P on a conveying path 2, a knife-type folding unit 4, an anti-bounce roller unit 16having rollers 25a, 25b, and a motor 22 are provided. The rollers can be moved back and forth. A roller rotational speed monitoring unit 31 and a roller position setting unit 32 operatively connected to the motor are further provided. In setting mode, the rollers are moved from an upstream or a downstream of a tail end of the sheet positioned at the folding position P toward the tail end at a constant speed and stopped when the rotational speed of the rollers changes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2021
    Assignee: Horizon International Inc.
    Inventors: Hiroki Yamamoto, Yoshikazu Nakamura, Shigeru Wakimoto, Hideaki Tabuchi
  • Patent number: 9944490
    Abstract: A sheet is nipped and held by first and second bend forming rollers of which rotation axes are in a direction perpendicular to a sheet conveying direction, the conveying speed of the held portion is made lower than a sheet conveying speed on the upstream side so that a bend is formed on the sheet, the sheet is conveyed toward the bend forming rollers such that the sheet conveying direction to the bend forming rollers passes through a line segment from the rotation axis of the first bend forming roller to a predetermined position on a surface of the first bend forming roller, and the bend formed on the conveyed sheet is pressed from the surface of the sheet in a position on the opposite side of the second bend forming roller with respect to the position where the sheet is in contact with the first bend forming roller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Limited
    Inventors: Satoshi Saito, Tomohiro Furuhashi, Michitaka Suzuki, Tomomichi Hoshino
  • Patent number: 9650224
    Abstract: An apparatus for folding of print sheets includes a compressed air device that comprises at least two segments with respectively at least one exit opening having a cross-sectional surface and directed toward a folding gap of two folding rollers. Each segment is connected to a compressed air source and a control unit, includes at least one control element and is embodied to be activated separately with compressed air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2017
    Assignee: MUELLER MARTINI HOLDING AG
    Inventors: Peter Braschoss, Hanspeter Duss, Christoph Gysin, Martin Thurnherr
  • Patent number: 9643813
    Abstract: A paper folding apparatus includes: a pair of folding rollers driven in a rotational manner; a carrying roller configured to carry paper in such a manner that the paper passes near a nip part of the pair of folding rollers; a unit configured to form, near the nip part, deflection of the paper carried by the carrying roller toward the nip part; a pushing member which is configured to push the paper, which is carried by the carrying roller, toward the nip part of the folding rollers, the pushing member being provided in a manner movable from a position retracted from a carrying path of the paper toward the nip part; a drive unit configured to generate driving force to move the pushing member; and an elastic member configured to transmit the driving force from the drive unit to the pushing member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: KONICA MINOLTA, INC.
    Inventors: Isamu Kugimiya, Masato Niizuma, Yusuke Hirano, Kunihiko Kanou
  • Patent number: 9365971
    Abstract: During the transverse-folding operation of items of laundry, a number of layers are positioned one above the other so as to overlap one another. In order to achieve optimum folding quality, the aim is for layers of equal length to overlap, which is only rarely possible in practice. It is usually the case that the layers are of unequal length, and this gives rise to a difference in overlap. The invention makes provision for the difference in overlap to be eliminated, or at least to be minimized, in that it is determined whether a difference in overlap is present and the difference in overlap which may be established is corrected for the transverse-folding operation of the next-following item of laundry, which allows established differences in overlap to be compensated for automatically at least for the most part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2016
    Assignee: Herbert Kannegiesser GmbH
    Inventors: Engelbert Heinz, Jörg Sielmann, Jürgen Meier, Kai Kröger
  • Publication number: 20150133282
    Abstract: Provided is a sheet folding device comprising a deceleration means which halts a sheet by pressing. A pressure member such as rubber is disposed upon the leading end of a rod-shaped member which is rotatably retained. A sheet is decelerated by the pressure member being applied obliquely to the sheet. The entire surface of the rubber does not make close contact with paper, and thus, a wrinkle is not formed in the paper. It is possible to ensure a stable folding location.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2012
    Publication date: May 14, 2015
    Applicant: TAIYOUGIKEN CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Tsutomu Ishii, Keiichi Arai
  • Patent number: 8974360
    Abstract: A creasing device forms a crease in a to-be-folded portion of a sheet. The creasing device includes a sheet-information reading unit that reads any one of sheet information and binding information; a determining unit that determines a surface, on which the crease is to be formed, of the sheet according to the one of the sheet information and the binding information read by the sheet-information reading unit; and a creasing unit that forms the crease on the surface determined by the determining unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Limited
    Inventor: Akihiro Musha
  • Patent number: 8915831
    Abstract: A system and method of automatically assembling a package may include maintaining a data structure comprising a dynamic rule set for package production. A desired package may be selected for assembly. An assembly sequence may automatically be developed to create a three dimensional package from the dynamic rule set based on the desired package. The desired package may be assembled using the assembly sequence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: John Oliver Walker, Robert Roy Buckley, Barry Glynn Gombert, Philip Crane Rose, Jennifer Colleen Perotti
  • Patent number: 8882649
    Abstract: The folding device includes a folding unit and a prior moving unit. The folding unit performs the folding process on the paper aligned by the alignment member positioned at the folding position. The prior moving unit moves the alignment member from the folding position to the home position or the alignment position according to a position of the end of the paper being moved in the folding process. This can put ahead the starting time for moving the alignment members and reduce the time required for a subsequent folding process, thereby improving efficiency (productivity) of the folding process as a whole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: Kyocera Document Solutions Inc.
    Inventor: Shigeaki Nakamura
  • Patent number: 8777824
    Abstract: A sheet folding device for performing single-sheet folding and multi-sheet folding with a single feed path, the device including: a conveying unit that conveys a sheet; a restraining unit that stops a leading edge of the sheet; a pair of folding rollers that fold the sheet; and a guiding member that guides a bend of the sheet to a nip between the pair of folding rollers, wherein the guiding member is positioned at different sheet-guiding positions for single-sheet folding and multi-sheet folding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Limited
    Inventor: Masanobu Kimata
  • Patent number: 8777830
    Abstract: In a paper folding device, a first driving unit for forming a first folding line on the paper moves a first folding plate member to the paper fed to a first feeding position until load on the first folding plate member reaches a prescribed value or higher. A time period from the start of driving of the first folding unit by the first driving unit to the start of driving of a second folding unit by a second driving unit is determined based on characteristic of paper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Konica Minolta Business Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Teruhiko Toyoizumi, Takashi Watanabe, Hiroaki Takatsu, Hitoshi Asano, Takafumi Tanaka
  • Publication number: 20140100098
    Abstract: A packaging material for manufacturing of carton or paperboard based packaging containers by fold-forming is disclosed. The packaging material is obtainable by: providing, in connection with one station, a first part of one or more crease line(s) and a first mark on a moving web of a paperboard or carton based packaging material providing, in connection with a second station, at least a second part of the one or more crease line(s) as well as a second mark, wherein the first and the second mark together form a detectable mark.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2012
    Publication date: April 10, 2014
    Applicant: Tetra Laval Holdings & Finance S.A.
    Inventors: Magnus Dahl, Christer Andersson, Jens Quist
  • Publication number: 20120302415
    Abstract: A knife folding machine comprises: a support surface (4) for supporting a lower surface of a sheet (S); a knife blade (5); a pair of folding rollers (6a, 6b) opposed to the knife blade (5) at a fold position with the support surface (4) therebetween. The knife blade (5) is reciprocated between first and second positions by a knife drive unit 7. The first position is away from an upper surface of the support surface, and the second position is adjacent a gap between the folding rollers. The reciprocal movement of the knife blade (5) effects a folding operation every time the sheet (S) is set at the fold position. The sheet (S) is conveyed to the fold position by the conveyer belt (13). The conveyer belt (13) is driven by a first servomotor (11). The control unit (12) controls the rotation of the first servomotor (11) so as to decelerate the sheet (S) before its abutment against the stopper (14) without its rebounding against the stopper (14).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2010
    Publication date: November 29, 2012
    Applicant: HORIZON INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Hiroki Yamamoto, Shinya Watanabe, Tsuyoshi Matsumoto, Takehito Yokogi, Tatsuaki Ida, Friedhelm Pfeiffer
  • Publication number: 20120238422
    Abstract: In the knife folding machine of the present invention it is possible to easily adjust the stroke of the reciprocal movement of the knife blade 5. The rod 10 is reciprocated by the feed screw 12. The feed screw 12 is rotated by the servomotor 14. Thus when the knife blade 5 reciprocates between the first and second positions, the first and second positions thereof are separately adjusted by controlling the amount of the rotation of the servomotor 14.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2009
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Applicant: Horizon International Inc.
    Inventors: Shinya Watanabe, Tatsuaki Ida, Tsuyoshi Matsumoto, Takehito Yokogi
  • Patent number: 8192340
    Abstract: A buckle plate device for a folding machine comprises a buckle plate (10) and a sheet stopping means for stopping a sheet (24) running into the buckle plate (10) in the intake direction, wherein the sheet stopping means is formed by a clamping means (26) which clamps the incoming sheet (24) in order to stop it and preferably automatically releases the clamping at the onset of tractive forces of the subsequent rollers. Hereby a buckle plate device is provided which requires little space and makes it possible to fold sheets with comparably low noise development without a mechanical stop in a sheet-edge controlled manner or in a print-image controlled manner at a high sheet transport speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: Maschinenbau Oppenweiler Binder GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Eberhard Krieger, Klaus Stoeckel, Wolfgang Fischer
  • Publication number: 20120035032
    Abstract: A longitudinal folding machine comprises a folding blade and a folding table. The folding blade is driven with a cyclical frequency, in a synchronized manner relative to one or more elements of a web-processing machine, which is located upstream of the longitudinal folding machine, or relative to a flow of incoming products. The entry of a leading edge of products is detected at a first measurement point on the delivery route of the folding table. A relative phase position between the movement of the folding blade and the phase position of the elements mounted upstream and/or the phase position of the flow of products is deliberately modified by the use of one of a control and a regulation device in order to adjust a contact point of the folding blade with the products to be folded.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2009
    Publication date: February 9, 2012
    Inventors: Markus Wilhelm Decker, Klaus Friederich, Christof Horst Höger, Holger Ratz, Gerd Weiler
  • Publication number: 20110301005
    Abstract: An image forming system includes: a folding unit that folds a sheet of paper to form a fold in the sheet; a creasing unit that, before the sheet is folded, produces a crease in the sheet at a fold position where the fold is to be formed; a crease-position adjusting unit that adjusts a crease position where the crease is to be produced; a fold-position adjusting unit that adjusts the fold position; a first input unit that receives an input specifying an amount, by which the crease position is to be adjusted; and a second input unit that receives an input specifying an amount, by which the fold position is to be adjusted, wherein when the fold position is adjusted by the second input unit, the crease position is also adjusted in synchronization with the adjustment of the fold position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2011
    Publication date: December 8, 2011
    Applicant: Ricoh Company, Limited
    Inventors: Hitoshi Hattori, Naohiro Kikkawa, Shuuya Nagasako, Takashi Saito, Naoyuki Ishikawa, Yuusuke Shibasaki, Hidetoshi Kojima, Naoki Oikawa, Go Aiba
  • Publication number: 20110294637
    Abstract: Folding device for folding paper, cardboard, plastic, corrugated cardboard or similar material blanks running in a folding-gluing machine: a tool (30) installed above the passage plane for the blanks for folding a front flap (21?) of a blank (20?), in which the folding tool (30) is movable alternately between an initial position where the folding tool (30) is able to go through the passage plane for the blanks without interacting with said blanks and a final position where the folding tool (30) is able to press against a lower face (20b?) of the blank (20?) to fold the front flap (21?) into the space located above the passage plane for the blanks.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2010
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Inventors: Andreas Müller, Roberto Valterio
  • Publication number: 20100232716
    Abstract: The invention pertains to a apparatus for performing operations, in particular cutting, embossing, creasing, folding and/or sealing, on a moving web provided with a series of identical images, which apparatus comprises a sensor for at least partially detecting the images on the web, and a processing unit which, dependent on a comparison of the data obtained with the sensor and a reference, generates an output signal to be used for one or more of the said operations. The processing unit comprises a memory and is arranged to select at least part of the detected data, store the selected data in the memory, and utilize the selected data as the reference. The invention further pertains to module for performing operations on a moving web and method of generating an output signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2006
    Publication date: September 16, 2010
    Applicant: Vefin N.V.
    Inventor: Johanna Helena Maria Sanders
  • Patent number: 7637857
    Abstract: A device for holding lateral tabs of box blanks filing along a conveyor particularly in a folder-gluer. At least one rotary support is actuated in synchronicity with the passage of said blanks the activation being via a drive member arranged on an adjustable bearing structure. At least one sensor detects the blanks. The sensor is connected to an electronic control unit that commands the drive member which is rendered autonomous.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2009
    Assignee: Bobst, S.A.
    Inventors: Gérard Coullery, Pascal Dumusc, Sacha Bourgeois
  • Patent number: 7617656
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method for redirecting cut web products and/or rejecting cut web products. The method comprises advancing a plurality of cut web products along a first path and providing a redirecting or folding device for folding the plurality of cut web products and/or delivering the folded cut web products to a second path. Prior to reaching the folding device, the cut web products may be determined to be defective. The folding device can be accelerated, decelerated, or substantially stopped, such that a selected cut web product is not delivered to the second path, thereby rejecting the selected cut web product. The present disclosure additionally comprises an apparatus for redirecting and/or rejecting cut web products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2009
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventor: Peter Wiedmann
  • Patent number: 7569007
    Abstract: A method for controlling or regulating a folder of a printing press in which at least one fold control mark is printed onto a printed copy or a printing material of the printed copy. The at least one printed fold control mark is measured and at least one fold actual measured value is compared with a corresponding fold setpoint value. The folder is then set automatically as a function of the comparison between the fold actual measured value and the fold setpoint value, such that the fold actual measured value corresponds to the fold setpoint value or is approximated to it in subsequent printed copies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2009
    Assignee: MAN Roland Druckmaschinen AG
    Inventor: August Thoma
  • Patent number: 7563218
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling or regulating a folder of a printing press is disclosed. Setpoint fold values are generated on the basis of prepress stage data and printed copies are measured in the folded and/or partially folded state in order to determine actual fold values. The actual fold values which are determined in the process are compared with the corresponding setpoint fold values and, as a function of this comparison, the folder is set automatically in such a way that the actual fold values correspond to or are approximated to the setpoint fold values in subsequent printed copies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2009
    Assignee: MAN Roland Druckmaschinen AG
    Inventor: August Thoma
  • Patent number: 7537556
    Abstract: This invention provides a paper folding assembly where the thickness of the paper set stack is directly measured and will automatically determine the size of a gap located between two folder cylinders. A knife will push the set between the adjusted gap once it has been adjusted for the thickness of the set. The knife and driven nip rollers are positioned above this gap and are conveniently pushed into the gap to provide the set fold, for example, to make a booklet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2009
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventor: Henry T. Bober
  • Publication number: 20080234118
    Abstract: A buckle (3, 4) is provided with a position adjustable stopper (5, 6) for stopping a sheet (P) by coming into collision with the leading edge of the sheet (P) so as to position the sheet in a fold position. In the inlet of the buckle, there are provided a pair of rotary drive folding rollers (20a, 20b; 20c, 20d) for taking the sheet in the buckle, and a pair of rotary drive folding rollers (20b, 20c; 20d, 20e) for folding a portion of the sheet deflecting from the buckle. A sheet detector (16, 17) is arranged in the buckle at a predetermined spacing from the stopper. A control section (29) outputting a signal for deceleration to a driving source of the roller upon reception of a sheet detection signal from the sheet detector and stopping output of the signal for deceleration after elapse of a predetermined time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2007
    Publication date: September 25, 2008
    Inventors: Katsunori Ishida, Masamichi Kanao, Tomoyuki Shimizu
  • Patent number: 7326161
    Abstract: A folder includes a cut-off cylinder, etc. for cutting a web into sheets; a group of cylinders for folding each sheet into a signature in accordance with the selected folding specifications; and a conveyer apparatus, a fan wheel, a delivery conveyer, etc. for conveying signatures. In the folder, a cutting blade, etc. are disposed on the upstream side of the cut-off cylinder with respect to the feed direction of the web. When the folding specifications of signatures are changed or when the width of the web is changed, a control device operates the cutting blade to cut the web, and controls the feed of the web in such a manner that only a cut portion of the web present on the downstream side of the cut blade with respect to the feed direction is conveyed to the delivery conveyer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2008
    Assignee: Komori Corporation
    Inventor: Akira Ishikawa
  • Patent number: 7144357
    Abstract: Here is disclosed a method and apparatus for folding a continuously fed in two. The web is folded along guide means defining a folding guide line with a fold angle gradually reduced. In the course of gradually reducing the fold angle, a plurality of guide rolls through are pressed against transversely opposite side edge portions of the web. Immediately before the stage on which the web is completely folded in two, there are provided detector means adapted to detect actual positions of the respective side edge portions and swing rolls located upstream of these detector means adapted to change a crossing angle of the web with respect to a machine direction. Actuators interposed between the detector means and the swing guide rolls cause the swing guide rolls to swing and thereby to move the side edge portions toward predetermined positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2006
    Assignee: Uni-Charm Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroki Yamamoto, Hirofumi Onishi
  • Patent number: 6939280
    Abstract: A document folding apparatus comprising: a fold plate having one end adjacent a pair of output rollers which have a nip for receiving a document from the fold plate wherein the fold plate, is pivotable about a pivot point spaced from the output rollers and means for moving the fold plate between an aligned and an unaligned position with respect to the nip of the output rollers, wherein the fold plate comprises: an upper and a lower input pinch roller, a pair of guide tracks adjacent the input rollers, and a pair of guide track rollers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2005
    Assignee: PFE International Limited
    Inventor: Robert Oliver Iddon
  • Patent number: 6926652
    Abstract: A device for closing the rear flap in a self-dimensioning machine for closing the upper flaps of parallelepiped boxes of the type including a base with support surface for the boxes, a couple of drive belts that can be motorized placed at the two sides of the support surface and that can be brought close to each other to make a drive engagement with the sides of the boxes and a head above the support surface, that carries devices for closing the front, rear and side flaps of the boxes and can be commanded to descend from a rest position to engage the above-mentioned devices with the upper flaps of the boxes and to close them.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2005
    Inventor: Antonio Marchetti
  • Patent number: 6746390
    Abstract: A sheet finishing method in which a sheet delivered from an image forming apparatus main body is conveyed and stacked on a sheet placement table, and the stacked sheets are positioned and aligned, and then folded by a folding means composed of a paired folding rollers and a folding plate. The sheet finishing method is controlled such that a rotation motion of the paired folding rollers is switched between a state to be rotated along with an advancing motion of the folding plate and a state to be stopped in accordance with the number of sheets stacked on the sheet placement table.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2004
    Assignee: Konica Corporation
    Inventors: Hitoshi Tamura, Kohji Yoshie, Hiroto Ito, Masato Hattori, Hirohiko Okabe, Hirotaka Kataoka
  • Patent number: 6743161
    Abstract: In the case of the method of setting the folding-nip width of a plurality of pairs of folding rollers which are provided on a folding machine, the two folding rollers (12 to 22) of the pairs of folding rollers are brought into contact with one another. A sheet is then guided through between the two folding rollers (12 to 22) of the pairs of folding rollers, as a result of which at least one of the two folding rollers (12 to 22) moves in relation to the other, with a folding nip being formed in the process, it being the case that, for each pair of folding rollers, a measured value corresponding to the folding-nip width is detected as the sheet is guided through. Finally, the folding-nip widths of the individual pairs of folding rollers are set by adjustment of the at least one moveable folding roller (14 to 22) by means of a drive (42), which is connected kinematically thereto, based on the corresponding measured values which have been detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2004
    Assignee: Maschinenbau Oppenweiler Binder GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Georg-Dietrich Dannemann, Klaus Stocklossa, Eberhard Krieger
  • Patent number: 6740022
    Abstract: A rotary drum of the folding device includes a reference portion having a rotating shaft and a basic body rotated integrally with the rotating shaft an adjusted portion able to be rotated integrally with the reference portion and arranged so as to be displaced with respect to the reference portion; an adjusting operation mechanism having a driving source for displacing the adjusted portion with respect to the reference portion, a power source arranged in the reference portion, a control board additionally arranged in the driving source and having a wireless receiving function, and a wireless operation machine for wirelessly transmitting an operation signal to the control board; and an adjusting transmission mechanism for transmitting a movement of the driving source to the adjusted portion; wherein electric power is supplied from the power source to the driving source, and the driving source is operated by a wireless signal from the adjusting operation mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2004
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Tokyo Kikai Seisakusho
    Inventors: Tadashi Hachiya, Nobuaki Hashimoto
  • Patent number: 6727986
    Abstract: Method and device for measuring a folding angle of a sheet (6,25,26) in a folding machine, whereby a number of distances are measured in a plane (28) that crosses the sheet (6,25,26) and the element (4,24,7), whereby a distance profile (19) of the measured distances is determined, and whereby the folding angle (A) of the sheet (6,25,26) is determined as a function of the angle (B,B1,B2) between the sheet (6,25,26) and the element (4,24,7).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2004
    Assignee: LVD Company NV
    Inventor: Wim Serruys
  • Patent number: 6716149
    Abstract: The labels present a central portion (13) provided with at least one brand name, and two opposing lateral tails (11b) folded against the rear face. The method consists of advancing a continuous fabric tape (10) consisting of a succession of label portions (11n) joined together, and cyclically halting the tape (10) in such a manner that its front end becomes disposed in a cutting and folding station (30) where it undergoes separation of each label portion (11n) from the front end of the tape (10) and folding of the two opposing tails (11b) of the label along two fixed folding planes (B1 and B2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2004
    Assignee: Willy Italiana di Carnevali L. & Diacci E. S.N.C.
    Inventor: Andrea Carnevali
  • Patent number: 6689032
    Abstract: In folded-product production in which a product stream is split up into at least two sub-streams which each run through an associated folding arrangement and are then reunited, it is possible to achieve a high level of user-friendliness and good cost-effectiveness in that at least one sub-stream is assigned a marking arrangement for marking the products passing it, with the result that, upon detection of inaccuracies stemming from the folding operation carried out following the splitting-up action, said products can immediately be assigned to the associated sub-stream, and thus to the folding arrangement belonging to said sub-stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2004
    Assignee: MAN Roland Druckmaschinen AG
    Inventors: Marc Möbius, Theo Keilhau
  • Publication number: 20030211923
    Abstract: An adjustable, web-folding system for folding a web substrate. The adjustable web folding system has an adjustable folding detour and at least one sensor for measuring a characteristic of a web substrate. A surface of the adjustable folding detour, or the folding detour, is adjustable in response to the value of the characteristic of the web substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2002
    Publication date: November 13, 2003
    Applicant: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventor: David Alan Harnish
  • Patent number: 6641514
    Abstract: A buckle folding unit with a folding pocket having an adjustable pocket stop, includes a first detector for detecting a first instant as a sheet travels from an inlet to the buckle folding unit until it reaches the pocket stop, a second detector for detecting a second instant as the sheet travels from a formation of a fold as far as an outlet from the folding pocket, and a device for determining a length of the sheet conveyed between the first and the second instants; a method for controlling the register of the buckle folding unit; and a folding machine having at least one buckle folding unit constructed with at least one of the foregoing features.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2003
    Assignee: Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG
    Inventor: Hatto Hechler
  • Patent number: 6606944
    Abstract: A folder system includes an adjustable-lap folder for folding signatures so-as to define folded signatures, an optical sensor for measuring a presence of the fold&ed signatures, and a controller connected to the rotary blade folder and the optical sensor for determining a lap of the folded signatures. Also provided is a method for folding signatures comprising folding signatures in a folder so as to define folded signatures, and measuring with an optical sensor the edges of the folded signatures so as to determine a lap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2003
    Assignee: Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG
    Inventors: George Athans, Christian Heinz Miescher, Leon Christopher Cote
  • Patent number: 6475128
    Abstract: A controller for providing individual acceleration and velocity values to drivers controlling motors in a carton folding machine. In a first method, the controller provides the individual acceleration and velocity values by using unique addresses for each motor. The drivers receive the values and provide corresponding motor control signals to the motors they control. In a second method, the controller provides a master reference signal to the drivers along with acceleration and velocity values for the motors. The drivers generate electronic gear ratios for providing motor control signals to the motors they control based upon the master reference signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2002
    Assignee: J&L Development, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael D. Wallace, Ronald J. Montgomery
  • Patent number: 6440049
    Abstract: A folder for processing a stream of printed signatures from a printing press and related method. The signatures have a desired path with a path edge and each signature has a lead and trail edge. The folder comprises a plurality of sensor sets, each sensor set for determining if the lead and/or trail edge of the signature deviates from the path edge by more than a certain tolerance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2002
    Assignee: Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG
    Inventors: Roger Robert Belanger, William John Blank, Brian Robert Elkinson, Erik John Ramsay, Kevin Francis Albert
  • Patent number: 6440052
    Abstract: Two movable members, one on either side of a pre-folded continuous form entering a paper stacking area, are driven according to a determined position of the pre-folded form to push a leading edge of the form to one or another side of the stacking area so that the folds in the form will develop correctly in a stack. Only one of the members is permitted to contact the form at any time, and the members are separated by a sufficient angle so that no position of the members permits both members to contact the form. After directing the first and second sheets of the form, the members return to a home position in which neither member obstructs or interferes with subsequent stacking of the form. The position of the pre-folded form may be determined by a leading edge sensor, by a sheet feed rate sensor, by a fold position sensor, by a fold orientation sensor, by timing from a predetermined position, or by manual input.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2002
    Assignee: Pentax Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Robert J. Reider, Ronald R. Campbell
  • Patent number: 6419616
    Abstract: There is disclosed a method and apparatus for making a looped label and accumulating labels in a stack. An intermediate portion of the label is inserted into the nip of a pair of rotating rolls which fold or loop the label into two side-by-side or face-to-face label portions. The looped label is transported between the nip of a pair of pressing rolls which press or iron the label at the fold line while the label is stationary between the rolls to maintain the label in the folded condition. From there the label is passed into a stacker in which successively looped labels are stacked.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2002
    Assignee: Paxar Corporation
    Inventor: Donald A. Campbell
  • Patent number: 6358191
    Abstract: A control system and method for adjustable and flexible control of a box forming machine. The system comprises a controller that is programmable to control the operation of a plurality of machine elements of the box forming machine and an operator interface coupled to the programmable controller. The operator interface comprises a display screen and one or more buttons, or is a touch screen display, to permit user input and a display of information to the user that is generated by the controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2002
    Assignee: The Mead Corporation
    Inventor: Mark R. Greever
  • Patent number: 6308497
    Abstract: The lower folders (P1, P2) of the packaging machine are driven by a rod and crank system (1, 2) moved by an electric motor (5) with control of speed and phase, regulated by an electronic processor (7) with a corresponding programming and dialogue unit (8). The rod and crank system is designed and arranged in such a way that, when the folders are closed, the rod (1) is aligned with the crank (2), and this position (K) is taken to be the zero position by the said processor and is detected for this purpose by a sensor (6). To drive the folders through a complete cycle of closing and opening, the motor (5) has to execute only one pulse, to transfer the rod and crank system from one to the other of two limit positions (K1, K2), spaced apart from the said zero position by an identical distance which is variable, according to the format of the products to be packaged, by means of the said programming unit (8).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2001
    Assignee: Casmatic S.p.A.
    Inventors: Paolo Cassoli, Giordano Gorrieri, Giorgio Bonafe'
  • Patent number: 6306072
    Abstract: The inventive method bases on a consequent realization of the following two conditions: firstly on the consequent separation of the “immaterial or virtual sphere” of information from the “material or real sphere” of the paper and secondly on the consequent standardization of the printed information to a form such that a further processing after printing is not necessary. The consequent separation between information (immaterial sphere) and paper (material sphere) leads to an irreversible combination of the two only in the location where and at the time when the printed information is delivered to the ordering end-customer (reader) in form of a commodity unit, i.e. when contents, location and time of such a commodity unit are defined by the ordering customer. The advantage is that information can be recorded and organized considerably faster and in particular can be copied and transported considerably more simply in the immaterial sphere than this is the case in material sphere.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2001
    Assignee: Ferag AG
    Inventor: Werner Honegger
  • Patent number: 6273313
    Abstract: A process and apparatus for maintaining the registration of folds with successive indicia on an advancing paper web is provided. The apparatus includes a control system for detecting the location of the indicia relative to a folding operation and adjusting the web speed to accommodate any mis-registration between the folds and the indicia.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2001
    Assignee: The Proctor & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Joseph Clifford Noll, Stephen Thomas Kohls