Abstract: A method includes separating a portion of a flattened tube of stock packing material to a custom length to form a pouch pre-form and closing a first end of the pouch pre-form leaving a second end of the pouch pre-form open. The method can include placing product into the pouch pre-form and closing the one open end of the pouch pre-form to form a closed pouch containing the product.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method of controlling a garment folding machine, which may effectively prevent damage to a drive motor and a loss of power caused by an overload of the drive motor by accurately detecting and determining a situation in which garments are lumped during a process of conveying or folding the garments, may effectively prevent damage to the lumped garments and related components, and may significantly reduce the time for which the operation of the folding machine is stopped by accurately specifying the position at which the garments are lumped and then notifying a user of the position to allow the user to take an immediate action.

Abstract: A robotic carton erector and method of use is provided by the present invention. The robotic apparatus has a pair of movable jaws with grippers mounted thereto. The apparatus has a rail and a pair of platforms, the platforms positioned downstream of the rail. The robotic apparatus grips and opens a carton and the carton is moved into contact with the rail to close the bottom minor flaps. The carton is moved in a first direction onto a first platform to close a first bottom major flap and in a second direction onto a second platform to close a second bottom major flap. The carton bottom is then sealed.

Abstract: A dunnage handler for controlling the outfeed of dunnage from a dunnage machine is disclosed and can include a dunnage accumulator with first and second holding portions configured and associated with each other to define a dunnage accumulation space therebetween and for receiving and removably retaining the dunnage in the accumulation space from a dunnage machine and an articulation associating the first and second holding portions such that the holding portions are movable with respect to each other to vary the accumulation space to accommodate a varying amount of dunnage held therein, where a sensor and controller can be included to stop dunnage production when the accumulator is full.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a machine (1) for the manufacture of bags, comprising at least one support element (2, 3, 4) suitable for the detachable coupling of a corresponding portable storage (22, 33, 44) of a consumable material (22a, 33a, 44a) from which the bags are made, and mechanical means for making bags from the mentioned consumable material, remote reading means (5) being provided for reading the information stored in a radiofrequency tag (6, 7, 8) included in the mentioned portable storage; and with a control unit (18) which contains means for obtaining information from the radiofrequency tag, which allows identifying the type of consumable material coupled in the mentioned support element, and for automatically generating a signal for controlling the mechanical means, susceptible of being used to stop the operation of the machine, depending on the information obtained.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for folding continuous medium including a swing arm pivotable about an axis at one end of the swing arm. The continuous medium is guided by the swing arm and accordion-folded with equal widths as a result of the swinging operation of the swing arm. The swing arm has a telescopic structure for varying the length of the swing arm over a range of a swing of the swing arm.

Abstract: An apparatus adapted to be used for the automatic handling of sheets from which leaflets are formed and which includes a transfer unit for conveying sheets, an accumulator station disposed adjacent the transfer unit and being adapted to receive sheets from the transfer unit and to accumulate the sheets in a stack, a sensor associated with the accumulator station and being adapted to generate a signal indicative of whether the height of the stack of sheets in the accumulator station is at least equal to a minimum height, a sheet feeder adapted to periodically remove sheets from the stack of sheets at a substantially constant rate and a control mechanism operatively coupled to the sensor and the sheet feeder.

Abstract: A tabber apparatus includes a frame, a friction drive roller rotatably and operatively connected to the frame, and a take-up spool rotatably and operatively connected to the frame and operatively connected to the friction drive roller to allow backing paper which is wrapped about a portion of the friction drive roller to be taken up into the take-up spool. The tabber further includes a slick tab drive roller to provide proper placement of the tab on the media, a tab brake including a roller positionable between a first and second position to rotate a tab reel spindle, and a tab and media sensor operatively connected to a microcontroller to activate and deactivate a tab dispensing motor. Moreover, the tabber apparatus further includes removable upper shafts which are retained by spring-loaded retaining members which fit into grooves on the shafts.

Abstract: A cushioning conversion machine, and method of using such a machine, in which stock material is converted into a cushioning product. The machine and method are characterized by providing stock material having information encoded thereon and then retrieving the encoded information from the stock material for machine control, diagnostic, inventory, and other purposes.

Abstract: A cushioning conversion system includes a cushioning conversion machine which converts stock paper into a plurality of cut pads, and a conveyor system positioned to receive pads produced by the cushioning conversion machine and including a conveyor which conveys the pads away from the machine and at least one moveable gate having an open position allowing a pad to pass therethrough and a closed position for stopping progress of a pad along the conveyor when there is insufficient space on the conveyor downstream of the gate to permit a pad to progress substantially through the gate.

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for producing discrete packages which can be individually varied in length so that they can be used for packaging articles such as cuts of meat which vary in length. The apparatus comprises drive rolls for feeding a flat tube of plastics packaging material through a cut off device. The apparatus may also comprise a heat sealing device (to form the tube into a bag) and a blower head combined with a suction device which opens the leading portion of the bag to facilitate the placing of an article in the bag. A proximity sensor is provided adjacent the cut off device and immobilises the drive rolls when it detects the arrival of a leading portion. In one form of the apparatus the sensor is mounted on a movable carriage which can be quickly moved by hand or by a ram.

Abstract: A seal assembly for packaging machines facilitates the heat sealing of layers of material at the mouth of loaded bags. An operator may insert the layers of material between a pressure pad and a seal member positioned in a spaced position. Upon activation of a switch by the operator, an oscillating signal is applied to a solenoid to actuate movement of the pressure pad toward the seal member with a relatively soft force. An optical sensor senses when the pressure pad moves within a predetermined distance from the seal member and generates a sensor signal. In response to the sensor signal, a relatively constant voltage signal is applied to the solenoid to actuate movement of the pressure pad with a relatively high seal or clamping force to secure the layers of material against the seal member. The sensor signal also triggers energization of a heating element carried by the seal member to effectuate the heat seal between the layers of material.

Abstract: A conveyor apparatus for use in a sheet handling apparatus including an upstream module having an output end and a downstream module having an input end where the upstream module output end is capable of discharging the sheet from a plurality of output positions. The conveyor apparatus feeds the sheet in a path of travel from the upstream module output end to the downstream module input end. The conveyor module comprising: a frame, a carriage having an input end adjacent the upstream module output end and an output end adjacent the downstream module input end, the carriage output end pivotally mounted to the frame so that the carriage input end is selectively rotatable to receive the sheet from a predetermined output position of the upstream module, and the carriage including conveyor means for feeding the sheet from the upstream module output end to the downstream module input end.

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for producing discrete packages which can be individually varied in length so that they can be used for packaging articles such as cuts of meat which vary in length. The apparatus comprises drive rolls for feeding a flat tube of plastics packaging material through a cut off device. The apparatus may also comprise a heat sealing device (to form the tube into a bag) and a blower head combined with a suction device which opens the leading portion of the bag to facilitate the placing of an article in the bag. A proximity sensor is provided adjacent the cut off device and immobilizes the drive rolls when it detects the arrival of a loading portion. In one form of the apparatus the sensor is mounted on a movable carriage which can be quickly moved by hand or by a ram.

Abstract: Machine for folding a web (3) in a zigzag manner includes a transport mechanism (2) for the web (3), a receiving device (5) at the bottom for collecting the folded web, a folding mechanism (4) mounted between the transport mechanism (2) and the receiving device (5) and a detection device (19,20) to detect improper folds mounted under the folding mechanism (4), wherein the machine includes a device arranged to move the web (3) backward in the folding mechanism (2) and a control device (22) connected to the backward moving device and the detection means (19,20), so that, at least upon a first detection of an improper fold, the web (3) is moved backward in the folding mechanism (4) by said backward moving device over such a distance that the improper fold is entirely unfolded and so as to afterwards allow again for the normal forward movement of the web (3) through the folding mechanism (4).

Abstract: A safety bar mechanism and sheet processing device having a safety bar mechanism, with which such an accident that the operator's hand is pinched between a table and peripheral devices etc. can be positively avoided whatever direction an external force exerts. The safety bar mechanism is disposed, for example, above the table on which a sheet is stacked, and comprises detector means the upper end of which is supported on a fixed part such that the detector means pivots freely in forward/backward directions and has play in upward/downward directions. When an external force works on the detector means, thereby moving the detector means upwards, forwards or backwards, a switching means is so operated as to at least stop the upward movement of the table.

Abstract: In a machine including structure for printing an indicia on a sheet at a predetermined printing speed, wherein the machine includes structure for feeding the sheet in a path of travel to the printing structure, apparatus for detecting a malfunction of the machine, the apparatus comprising, structure for controlling the machine, the controlling structure including a microprocessor, structure for sensing the sheet in the path of travel, the sensing structure including a first sensor connected to the microprocessor for providing a first sensing signal thereto in response to sensing the sheet, the sensing structure including a second sensor connected to the microprocessor for providing a second sensing signal thereto in response to sensing the sheet, and the microprocessor programmed for causing the sheet feeding structure to feed the sheet to the sensing structure at a first predetermined sheet feeding speed less than the printing speed, causing the printing structure to commence a printing cycle after a first p

Abstract: A folding box gluing machine to be used for the production of packages is provided with a lateral wall situated on the operator's side of the machine which consists of a plate making up the machine frame. The plate has several apertures providing access to, and inspection of, the inner machine area. The full or closed areas of the plate are covered up by hollow panels in which the machine components can be lodged. The apertures are closed by transparent panels which are removable and are provided with safety detectors preventing the machine operation as long as they are not closed. The height of the panels is sufficiently high so that the wall will be able to ensure a noise absorbing or blocking effect.

Abstract: A system and method for automatically producing folded and sealed printed products from form sheets includes a high-speed printer interconnected with a conveyor which directs form sheets from the outfeed of the printer to the infeed of a folder gluer. In an alternative embodiment for producing such products from a form web, the system and method includes a burster interconnected with a conveyor to separate the printed form web into form sheets. Means for controlling the system include jam detection means for sensing and stopping all system components in the event of a form jam. Means for communicating between the printer and conveyor align those elements without need for conventional hard wiring or mechanical fasteners. Means for communicating between the burster and conveyor includes a simple cable and cable connections.

Abstract: A carton erector apparatus for setting up foldable carton blanks. The apparatus includes a carton blank storage section, a carton blank setup section and a bottom flap folding section. A carriage assembly delivers a setup carton from the setup section into the bottom flap folding section. Means is provided to selectively control the distance that the carriage assembly travels into the bottom flap folding section during each cycle.

Abstract: Splicing apparatus for a laser printer and to assist in carrying out an operating method for a service apparatus for laser printers having a pair of conveying belts with upper surfaces parallel, co-planar and displaceable in the same direction and having a stationary splicing area provided between the conveyor belts with fixed and movable anchors for the temporary anchoring of two sheets to be spliced, and an adhesive tape supported for unwinding by two V-shaped gorges having an apex flush and aligned with the splicing line, and a motor coupled with a frame for the translation thereof between a first position in which it forms the upper cover for an exit from the service apparatus of the laser printer and a second position in which it is displaced towards one end in a cantilevered manner, so as to uncover and give access to the exit of the service apparatus.

Abstract: In a spiral tube winder, the plies going to the winding mechanism are monitored to make sure that no ply is broken. If any ply breaks, the machine is stopped so that the broken ply does not become entangled in the apparatus, especially in the glue applying portion of the apparatus. The ply break detection system is automatically activated for each ply lane that is in use so that plies can be added while the machine is in operation, with the result that the ply break protection for each such added ply comes on automatically after that ply has been added.

Abstract: A folder inserter machine includes a device for monitoring the passage of stationery items between a pair of feed rollers (32, 38). A first signal is output if a single item is between the rollers and a second signal is output if more than one item is between the rollers. in the illustrated embodiment the first signal indicates to the folder inserter control that the machine is ready to accept a second insert and the second signal indicates that a multiple feed has occurred and flags a warning to the operator.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for flattening perforated web fed materials so that when cut into sheets they stack easily without a tendency to fall to one side. The method and apparatus is particularly adapted to be installed on a web fed printing press equipped for forming perforations in the printed web, the apparatus being located between the perforating and sheeting and stacking stations of the press.

Abstract: A forms jam detector for a high-speed line printer having control electronics, a forms guide and a pair of paddlewheel assemblies for fan-folding continuous paper forms fed from the forms guide in a stack within a forms stacker assembly of the printer includes an emitter for projecting a beam of electromagnetic radiation, a receiver coupled to the control electronics and adapted to receive the projected beam, and a member for interposing between the emitter and the receiver. When a jam causes a portion of the paper forms to be forced upwardly from the stack, that portion urges the interposing member upward also to block the projected beam and disable the printer.

Abstract: A device for stacking pieces of fabric which includes a fold bar, at least one gripper movable in translation for grasping succesive pieces of fabric on the fold bar, a fold bar support which is movable between a rear position and a front position for receiving the pieces of fabric from the outlet of a sewing machine, a stacking table positioned adjacent to the fold bar, the gripper being driven in an alternating motion between a position in which it is located over the fold bar support when the support is in its rear position, and a position in which it is located over the stacking table and a guide bar which faces the stacking table at a level which is higher than the greatest possible height to which the fabric can be stacked.

Abstract: A machine wherein flat blanks are fed from a stack thereof to be folded and glued into envelopes. The machine is provided with an optical sensing device which is operable to sense when the stack of blanks diminishes to a predetermined height whereupon the machine will be turned off automatically so as to prevent a plurality of blanks from being simultaneously fed into the machine from the diminished stack to jam the machine. The machine operator can then add blanks to the stack and restart the machine. The sensing device can be turned off by the operator in order to run all of the blanks in the stack through the machine at the end of a blank run or at the end of a working day.

Abstract: Bag sections that pass through a machine are scanned as to their spatial positions within the machine. The measuring points have been arranged at distances corresponding to the stroke of the machine, so that it is possible to intervene in the operation of the machine when a deviation from a given nominal position occurs, before a stopper formation occurs. Each bag section that comes into the machine triggers a subsequent comparison of nominal and actual values in a manner such that the signals of defects that are generated by the lack of work pieces, are neutralized.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for repeatedly presenting a single, flat, tubular corrugated case, with its leading closure flaps overfolded in open flap position for easy gripping, erection and placement in the case gripper of a case packer device includes the provision of a bottom feed magazine holding a stack of such flats and a plurality of lug chains for advancing each successive individual bottom-most flat through a gateway and along a path up to the operator station of the case packer. Upper folding hooks of exact dimension are arranged to over fold the leading upper, major and minor closure flaps of each successive flat, without contact with the corresponding lower flaps. The leading lower major and minor closure flaps are underfolded further along the path and hold down bars maintain the folds. Sensing means triggers the advance of another flat when the operator removes the flat presented at the operator station.

Abstract: A folding machine having a horizontally elongated input plate with front and rear horizontal edges, a mechanism including input wheels disposed at the rear edge, the mechanism having a first position at which the wheels are disposed above the plate and a second position at which the wheels are lowered to said plate, a horizontally elongated roller rotatable about its own axis and disposed at the rear edge, the wheels being engaged with the roller when the mechanism is in the second position and a motor for rotating the roller. The machine also includes first and second spaced apart photoelectric circuits, each circuit producing a vertical light beam, which, when not interrupted, passes the rear edge, said beams defining a vertical plane, as well as a third photoelectric circuit producing a horizontal light beam which, when not interrupted, passes horizontally along the rear edge parallel to said plane.

Abstract: An improved multi-station machine is disclosed for assembling ring-type closures from generally cylindrical paperboard cylinders and generally circular paperboard discs. The machine employs a rotatable dial plate, carrying eight mandrels and an improved ring clamping system, which dial plate is incrementally rotated by an automatic indexer assembly relative to the various operating stations which consist of a ring feed station, a disc feed station, an adhesive dispensing station, a curling station, a grooving station and a closure ejecting station. Means are provided for controlling the operation of the various stations so that they operate in substantial synchronism with one another and with the rotatable dial plate. The improved disc feed station automatically feeds the lowermost disc from a stack of discs to a position over a ring on the dial plate and simultaneously forms a peripheral skirt on the disc and positions it in an open end of the ring.