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: A method of operating a folder comprising a plurality of sequentially arranged folding units. At least one folding unit is provided with a sheet detector arranged upstream of a sheet abutment and at least one lateral guide. Apart from automatic and single stroke modes of operation, a further mode of operation for the set-up or "make-ready" of the folder is provided, in which (1) the drive of the folder is run at a reduced speed within a predetermined speed range, for example, 50-60 m/min.; (2) upon detecting a supplied sheet, the sheet detector supplies a switch "off" signal to the drive so that the sheet movement is retarded short of the guide of the respective folder unit and comes to rest; (3) the sheet is then moved at a further-reduced speed toward the sheet abutment of the respective folder unit; and (4) in a phase between a stationary state of the sheet until the sheet arrives at the sheet abutment, the guide is set to suit the size and folding shape requirements of the supplied sheet.

Abstract: In a method of manufacturing gusseted bulk bag liners, a continuous web of gusseted bulk bag liner material having longitudinally extending fold line is advanced along a predetermined path. Simultaneous cutting and resealing apparatus are engaged with the longitudinally extending fold lines of the length of gusseted bulk bag liner material during the movement thereof. The simultaneous cutting and resealing apparatus are positioned transversely to the direction of movement of the continuous web of gusseted bulk bag liner material in accordance with a predetermined program, thereby forming a gusseted bulk bag liner having a predetermined comprising a sidewall, a top wall, a bottom, an inlet chute and discharge chute.

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 cushioning conversion machine (10) comprises a frame (36), conversion assemblies (50, 52, 54, 56) which convert a stock material into a cushioning product, and a length measuring device (12) which determines the length of the cushioning product as it is being produced. The conversion assemblies include a rotating assembly (54) and the angular movement of this assembly directly corresponds to the length of the cushioning product. The length measuring device (12) is positioned to monitor the angular movement of the rotating conversion assembly (54) and thus the length of the cushioning product. In the preferred embodiment, the rotating conversion assembly (54) is a gear assembly.

Abstract: The folding apparatus for automatic folding of flatwork includes a longitudinal folder and a transverse folder following thereafter. In the transverse folder there are two laundry conveyors disposed one behind the other in the conveying direction of a flatwork article arriving from the longitudinal folder. They are spaced apart by a gap stretching essentially across the entire width of the transverse folder. To make a first transverse fold using a folding blade or air blast, a flatwork article to be transversely folded is led into the gap. Prior to this step, the thickness of the flatwork article to be folded is entered into a data entry device or is determined using a measuring device. The width of the gap is adjustable, depending upon the particular thickness of the flatwork article. In this manner optimal conveying along the gap is achieved of a flatwork article having a first transverse fold, independent of thickness.

Abstract: A plastic bag making machine includes a cylindrical drum with a variable diameter. A plurality of seal bars define the circumference of the drum, and are substantially parallel to the drum's rotational axis. A controller determines the distance between registration marks on the film using the output of an encoder as a position signal, and adjusts the diameter of the drum in response to the determined distance. The controller also determines the position of the seal bars relative to the registration marks and adjusts the diameter of the drum in response to the relative position. A downstream device includes a perforation to seal registration controller with a registration control input. The controller provides a control signal to the registration control input in response to changes in the diameter of the drum.

Abstract: A system and method in the manufacture of plastic bags for accurately registering a web having graphic material printed repetitively thereon with respect to a transverse cutting and sealing device comprise detecting the passage of an eyemark printed on the web by a certain location at an initial part of a web index, calculating the initial length travelled by the web from the start of the web index to the detection of the eyemark, and then adjusting a predetermined draw length of the web based upon that calculated initial length.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is to provide a low-priced automatized weight control device for filter-rods, able to be easily installed in present manufacturing facilities and to be operated easily without any need of special equipment or special operating qualifications.The automatized weight-control device is comprised of a tension gauge measuring the tension in the tow in the first processing step of the tow manufacturing process, and a weight control system to regulate the second processing step to keep the tension in the tow at the specified constant value by increasing the speed of the pretension rollers through the microcomputer by applying the signals transmitted from the tension gauge.

Abstract: A compact conveyor which passes sheets from a printer to a folder saves valuable floor space while providing the capability of accommodating a short intercopy gap. Sensing means on the conveyor detects the exit of each sheet from the printer and signals a temporary increase in the speed of the folder to a fast-fold operation. As the next sheet travels behind the faster moving first sheet, the intercopy gap between the sheets increases before the next sheet arrives at the folder. The arrival occurs after the first sheet has been completely folded, since the increased gap has provided sufficient time delay. When the first sheet is released from the folder, the folder speed returns to the original slower speed which is equalized with the printer. By adjusting the rate of the fast-fold mode, the gap between the sheets arriving at the folder can be regulated.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method and device for manufacturing plastic bags by transversely cutting and sealing a plastic web at spaced locations and, more particularly, to a method and device for operating a stacking device by means of a servo-motor. The servo-motor is coupled to a conveyor on which a plurality of pin stack elements are arranged. The servo-motor is also connected to a servo-controller which directs the operation of the servo-motor and coordinates the movement of the conveyor with the movement of a pair of draw rolls which draw the web through a cutting and sealing bar which forms individual bags. The bags are carried from the area of their formation by means of a wicketer to the pin stack elements on the conveyor. The servo-controller directs the draw rolls to cease drawing the web to prevent waste of bag production so that an arm of the wicketer, which will pass over the conveyor when the conveyor is being moved, does not carry a bag.

Abstract: There is provided a flexible bag with a removable coupon and the method and apparatus for the manufacture thereof. A labeling machine sequentially provides a coupon assembly comprising an adhesive portion and a coupon portion to bag stock which is inputted into the bag making machine. The bag stock is then cut to form individual bags having removable coupons thereon.

Abstract: A buckle folding machine with one or several folding roller pairs (W1/W2, W2/W3, W3/W4, W4/W5) and one or several folding pockets (T1, T2), which are associated with the individual folding station (F1 through F4) and which each have a paper stop (10, 11/1, 12, 13), which can be set to different feed lengths. To also collect and jointly fold a plurality of sheets of paper (1), at least one folding pocket (T2) is designed for simultaneously receiving a plurality of sheets of paper (1) such that the individual sheets of paper (1) are able to run in automatically up to the paper stop (11/1) over their full length and remain there. A pushing device is provided (3) which performs impulse-like stroke movements by means of a special drive (31) controlled by a presettable sheet counting device (18) or code-reading device (24). These stroke movements cause the sheets of paper collected in this folding pocket (T 2) to be delivered together into the next folding station (F2).

Abstract: Apparatus for folding blanks particularly those constructed from corrugated cardboard. As a blank advances along a paper line pathway, a first station engages the leading edges of the blank flaps and forces the flaps into an intermediate plane. A second station controls the relative velocity of the flaps along the paper line with respect to the panels to compensate for skew that can occur at other stations. A final station completes the folding operation. The second station includes driven rollers that engage opposite sides of each of the flaps. Independently controlled motors drive these rollers in response to the velocity of the blanks along a paper line pathway and any required offset for skew compensation. The controls can be remotely located from the station. Moreover, the station can accommodate blanks of different thicknesses, position the rollers at different locations on different flaps and accommodate cartons with different widths.

Abstract: An apparatus for simultaneously inverting a carton blank and folding end flaps thereon includes a system of endless belts, nip rollers, and inversion guides. A blank passes between a first nip assembly and the belts to be fed upwardly between a pair of guides, and withdrawn downwardly and fed out again inverted second nip assembly cooperating with the belts. Flap folders fold flaps on the blank during the operation.

Abstract: There is disclosed a sheet stacker, for use in combination with a copying machine, a printer or the like, capable of ensuring satisfactory sheet stacking regardless whether the sheet is folded or not. The apparatus controls the stacking operation in different modes in accordance with whether the sheets to be stacked are folded or not.

Abstract: A rotary accumulator for folded beams of corrugated paperboard with adhesive applied thereto, such as pallet stringers or decking members, comprises a conveyor for feeding the beams longitudinally with spaces therebetween, a generally circular array of beam holders mounted to a rotary framework for receiving each beam in one holder, for holding such beam in a desired configuration for a finite time to allow adhesive applied thereto to cure, and for releasing such beam thereafter, a mechanism for indexing the holders in a generally circular path, and a longitudinal member for removing each beam from the beam holder holding such beam when such beam engages such members as the holders are being indexed. The mechanism is powered by a pneumatically powered piston-cylinder mechanism, which drives an escapement mechanism, or by an electric motor. Certain sensing and detecting devices are provided for controlling the mechanism.

Abstract: A machine for forming stacks of bags from a web of synthetic thermoplastic material has feeding rollers for feeding the web to welding jaws which form transverse welds in the web. There is a first motor for operating the feeding rollers and a second motor for operating the welding jaws. A central processing unit controls operation of the respective motors and includes a controller for the first motor for operating the first motor for an increased time and at a reduced speed during feeding of a leading bag in a stack as compared with the time and speed of operation of the first motor during feeding of remaining bags in the stack. This facilitates the removal of a previously formed stack of bags from a machine.

Abstract: A plotter (1) provides, in accordance with command inputs, drawings on a web (2) of predetermined width; the drawings may have different sizes or formats, and are provided by the plotter for optimal distribution of the sheets across the width (B) of the web. These drawings are placed on the web in groups, and the web is then cut longitudinally as well as transversely to provide the individual sheets which are fed on a separating table. The separating table is provided with longitudinal and transverse feeding systems (6, 56, 14, 24, 61, 63, 15, 15'), and with electric eyes or opto-electric gates (10-13) which, selectively, control longitudinal and transverse feeding apparatus to move the sheets against a reference or alignment rail (25) from where they are then fed sequentially, individually, to a folding apparatus (5). The systems permits automatic cutting and folding of drawing sheets, for example, from a web in accordance with the formats of the sheets, which are known from the plotter program.

Abstract: In a device for transversely welding and cutting tubular film into bags, feed rolls advance the film to a gripping rail which grips the leading end of the film during operation of cutting and welding devices located behind the gripping rail in the direction of feed. To ensure proper tensioning of the film, the feed rollers are reversed after the film is gripped and prior to operation of the cutting and welding devices.

Abstract: A self-correcting web registration system achieves web shortening by pleating the web with a grooved crease roller. The web passes through a nip between the crease roller and an opposing drive roller which has an elastomeric cover. When web shortening is required and the web is being pleated by the crease roller, the opposing elastomeric roller is overdriven with respect to the normal advancement rate of the web. Further web shortening may be achieved by selectively increasing pressure between the crease roller and the elastomeric drive roller which causes the pleats in the web to become deeper. The crease roller may be used in conjunction with a tension roller which can be selectively engaged to stretch the web and achieve lengthening. Both rollers may be mounted in a single chassis which pivots relative to a frame-mounted drive roller. This provides selective engagement of either the tension or crease roller, depending upon the position of the chassis.

Abstract: A machine for the continuous production of plastic bags utilizes a servo drive motor to drive the machines film web draw roll assembly and through a seal roll index gear also to drive a seal roll of the machine in coordination with the servo driven draw roll.

Abstract: The automated print media stacking apparatus makes use of a passive guide in the bottom of the stacking bin to automatically initiate the folding operation on printed continuous feed fan fold print media (e.g. - paper) and to precisely refold and stack the printed media as it is output by the high speed line printer. The automated print media stack apparatus includes a slotted forms refold tray that is located at the bottom of the stacking bin. The slotted refold tray includes a slot located in the center thereof for automatically receiving the leading edge of the first sheet of print media that is output by the high speed line printer. An associated media puller is used to insure the proper positioning of the leading edge of the first sheet of print media into the slot in the paper refold tray.

Abstract: A bag machine includes a programmed logic controller intermittently actuating a web feed draw roll motor for controlled web feed during the inoperative period of a cycled seal bar. The controller has separate inputs for the seal bar periods and a web length and establishes a control program of a preferred motion profile, with acceleration and deceleration of the fixed rolls to match the bag length to the available time using the total time available, with acceleration to a maximum and deceleration to reference, with or without a constant speed period. The bag length and time is monitored each machine cycle to calculate the next motion profile and permit changes in the bag length without machine shut-down. A programmed registered mode of control responds to a web mark spacing relative to the seal bar. In the registered mode, a photoscanner detects the mark during a constant speed web feed period prior to the end of the available time and actuates the web feed accordingly.

Abstract: An improved folder includes a first series of belts which grips and moves sheet material along converging deflectors to fold the sheet material. As the space between the deflectors narrows, a second series of belts grips the sheet material and continues its movement between the deflectors. The first series of belts includes a first plurality of tapes disposed on a first side of a fold line and a second plurality of tapes disposed on a second side of the fold line. The second series of belts includes a pair of creaser belts which extend from between the tapes to an outlet portion of the folder. The speed of movement of the tapes and creaser belts is coordinated by using speed signal generators which are driven at the speed of movement of the tapes and creaser belts. A controller compares the speed signals and maintains a desired relationship between the speed of movement of the tapes and creaser belts. It is believed that the creaser belts will usually be driven at the same speed.

Abstract: A machine for producing continuous form stationery by folding a strip of paper along transverse lines of weakening formed therealong. The machine includes a dispensing roller which directs a continuous strip of paper into a mechanism which distributes successive lines of weakening formed in the paper in substantially opposite directions and having additional mechanisms for creasing the distributed paper along the lines of weakening to produce continuous form stationery. The machine also includes a drive shaft which delivers motive power to the paper distribution mechanism and is synchronized with the dispensing roller, the motive power being transmitted to the drive shaft through a removable gear member having a selected outer diameter which varies with the fold length of paper directed into the distributing mechanism.

Abstract: A bag machine fabricates plastic bags by transversely cutting and sealing, at regularly spaced preselected locations, an elongate plastic web having graphic material repetitively printed thereon. In operation, the bag machine advances the web by a calculated draw length, and an optical sensor, sensitive to the passage of eyemarks printed in regularly spaced locations on the web, functions to ensure that the web is cut and sealed only at the desired locations. To avoid inaccuracies resulting from a gradual variance between the nominal draw length and the actual distance between eyemarks, a control system monitors the actual distance between eyemarks and sets the nominal draw length to the average actual spacing between eyemarks as measured over a preselectd number of successive eyemarks.

Abstract: A bag making machine and method for the continuous production of bags from a folded web of thermoplastic material is provided. The apparatus includes a capability for making bags of differing widths as well as making bags having consistent widths for the particular size of bag selected. The apparatus includes a rotatable drum having a plurality of sever and seal stations for forming individual positioned about the outer periphery of the drum. A source of a continuous folded web of thermoplastic material is also provided, and continuously fed onto the surface of the drum. Means positioned between adjacent sever and seal stations tuck the web of material inwardly from the periphery of the drum. To prevent the occurrence of stretching forces which may adversely affect the web and the resulting width of the bags during processing, a film tension compensation means is provided for maintaining a constant path length for the web of material between the web source and the sever and seal stations.

Abstract: A corrugated cardboard box stacking device in a corrugated cardboard box making machine wherein the space for stacking manufactured and folded corrugated cardboard boxes is divided into two of lower and upper spaces of a corrugated cardboard box storing space and a corrugated cardboard box stacking space which is positioned above and a little ahead of the storing space, and the uppermost cardboard box of a group of stacked corrugated cardboard boxes is moved by a kicker one by one to the corrugated cardboard box stacking space where a group of the corrugated cardboard boxes are moved at once to a delivery belt by a pusher bar when the number of the boxes have reached a predetermined number. The pusher bar does not affect the group of the corrugated cardboard boxes stacked in the storing space and an exact number of a group of the corrugated cardboard boxes in the stacking space can be moved at once to the delivery belt and the like.

Abstract: A print cutter suitable for use in an order finishing station or as a stand-alone unit includes a reel mount for accepting a reel of photographic prints formed in a continuous web. An automatic threader threads the leading end of the web through a loop guide into the first set of drive rollers. A leading end sensor senses the leading end of the web as it is automatically threaded through the loop guide to stop the threading process when the leading end of the web reaches the feed rollers. The same sensor is utilized to monitor the size of the loop of the print web present in the loop guide and to feed additional prints from the reel into the loop guide as required to maintain predetermined loop size. An accurate measure of print length is maintained by feeding the prints to the cutter using a roller pair including a nondeformable roller engaged with the undersurface of the prints and a deformable roller engaging the upper surface of the prints. The nondeformable roller is driven by a stepper motor.

Abstract: There is disclosed a sheet stacker, for use in combination with a copying machine, a printer or the like, capable of ensuring satisfactory sheet stacking regardless whether the sheet is folded or not. The apparatus controls the stacking operation in different modes in accordance with whether the sheets to be stacked are folded or not.

Abstract: A machine for making plastic bags from plastic film utilizes a rotatable drum having an adjustable diameter. The drum is constructed of a plurality of slats and includes a gear mechanism adapted for infinite variation of the drum diameter between a first smaller diameter and second larger diameter. A sealing blanket is provided for the drum and is automatically adjusted for different drum diameters to provide proper tension of the film as it passes around the expandable drum. The gear mechanism is operated manually or automatically by a motor mounted in the drum and can alter the drum diameter while the machine is running.A chill roll, a rotary handle hole punching unit, a perforator/cutter station and phase variators are also included. When the machine is used to make bags having printed material thereon, a comparator unit may also be used.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process and apparatus for the paired manufacture of carry bags from synthetic resin sheeting with lateral weld seams and an approximately sinusoidal load-bearing rim with punched-in handle openings, wherein a laid-flat tubular film is cut open in wave shape, and the two cut-apart semitubular sheets (1a, 1b) are pulled apart transversely to the conveying direction, the wave crests are folded over at least in part in parallel to the folding edges (3) in each case either toward the outside or toward the inside, then the semitubular sheets are again united in order to compensate for at least a portion of the gap S produced by folding over the flaps, and after achieving a synchronous run of the folded over flaps (51, 52), the latter are welded to the lower and upper sheet layers (10a, 10b) of the semitubular sheets (1a, 1b) in the area (15) surrounding the subsequent handle opening (4), the wave crests, prior to being folded over, being electrically discharged and, after having been fold

Abstract: A method and apparatus for transferring and bundling plastic bag sheet material wherein bag cycle speed is automatically slowed, but not stopped, during a bundle transfer operation and cycle speed is resumed after one slow speed bag production cycle.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of handling flexible foldable materials, particularly thermoplastic film webs, continuously fed from a supply by continuously moving input nip rolls to a dancer including a roll mounted for movement transversely to its central axis. Intermittently moving draw rolls intermittently advance material from the dancer roll. The dancer roll is reciprocated in coordination with the intermittent advancement so as to decouple the translational inertia of the dancer roll from the material. A flexible belt also simultaneously rotates the dancer roll so as to decouple rotational inertia of the roll from the length of material. The dancer may be driven by a cam in common with a work station reciprocating against the material fed from the dancer.

Abstract: A plastic film product manufacturing apparatus includes a pair of draw rollers advancing a continuous length of plastic film, a plurality of guide rollers guiding the plastic film through at least part of the apparatus to the draw rollers and an endless flexible belt driving each of the guide rollers at a circumferential surface speed equal to the speed of the continuous length of plastic film advanced over the guide rollers. When the continuous length of plastic film is intermittently advanced by the draw rollers, and the guide rollers are simultaneously intermittently rotated by the endless belt. A primer mover drives both the draw rollers and the endless flexible belt to coordinate rotation of the draw rollers with the rotation of the guide rollers. One of the guide rollers is mounted on a dancer arm and a system of pulleys is provided for driving that guide roller by the endless flexible belt.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a machine for sealing material in sheets, which have been pre-coated with beads of glue affected by heat, preferably electronically printed toner beads, the beads coming into engagement with each other after folding the sheet into such as the configuration of an envelope or the like, the sheet then being advanced into the machine for adhering the beads to each other. In accordance with the invention, the machine includes a first sealing zone (12) and a second sealing zone (13), which are arranged at 90.degree. to each other with advancing means (36,38, 34,47) for conveying the respective sheet through the sealing zones, each sealing zone having one or more pairs of rotationally driven sealing discs (14,15,18,19,23,26). Each pair of sealing discs includes a first disc (14,15,23) heated by heating means, and a second, preferably freely rotating, disc (18,19,26) engaging against the first disc with a pre-settable pressure.

Abstract: An apparatus for joining and folding container sections to form a hinged container. Two container sections are transported in end-to-end relation on a conveyor and the downstream section is engaged with a stop while a pusher member is pivoted into engagement with the trailing edge of the upstream section to force the sections together and engage snap fitted hinge elements on the two sections. The hinged container is then discharged from the first conveyor onto a second conveyor located at a level beneath the first conveyor and operating at a slower speed than the first conveyor. As the leading section of the hinged container falls from the upper conveyor onto the lower conveyor the increased speed of the upper conveyor will fold the trailing section over the leading section to provide a closed hinged container. The closed container then passes under a spring loaded pressure member which ensures that locking elements on the two container sections are fully engaged.

Abstract: Disclosed is a mechanism, associated with a thermoplastic bag making machine, for preparing a strip of thermoplastic to produce bags having the upper edges of the bag mouth formed in a sinusodial shape such that the peak of such shape is substantially equi-distant relative to the side edges of the bag. While the disclosed bag machine is of the type that advances the web strip incrementally, shaping of the web strip in the sinusodial shape occurs while a portion of the web strip is advanced at substantially constant velocity. A mechanism is provided for maintaining constant tension in the web despite the constant and intermittent feeding of the web.

Abstract: An automatic paper board tube reamer apparatus includes a tube index and feed assembly and a pair of tube end reamers. The reamers automatically simultaneously square the tube end surfaces and ream the internal diameter of each end of a tube aligned therewith by the feed assembly. The feed assembly automatically feeds the tube to the reamers and ejects the reamed tubes. The reamers and feed assembly operate alternatively and continuously to recycle damaged tubes fed thereto.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for serially and automatically folding and gluing container body blanks, with optional lamination of a liner to the body blank prior to folding and gluing thereof. The apparatus includes a blank conveyor arrangement which intermittently advances a body blank along a horizontal straight-line work path through the apparatus. Arrangements are provided for applying adhesive to a flap portion of the body blank, folding the body blank about spaced parallel score lines thereof, and applying pressure to the blank to form a so-called manufacturer's joint at the flap portion. The present apparatus further includes an arrangement for advancing an inner liner into the apparatus in a direction transverse of the body blank work path, with an arrangement provided for maintaining the liner in a horizontally fixed stopped position above the blank work path, and for subsequently lowering the liner into superposition on a container body blank prior to folding and gluing of the blank.

Abstract: Gauze pads ready for packaging are formed by drawing web material from a roll and then folding the same longitudinally into a vertical attitude. Nip rolls driven at a controlled rate, draw the web from a folding station and then into an air stream which is directed horizontally at the vertical web where a tensionless loop is maintained. The web then passes through a vertical support guide and then to a folding station where reciprocating blades push the web alternately right and left, the alternations being held against side plates by flexible wire pads to prevent the fold from being pulled out by the next alternation of direction. The folded web is then pushed past a cutter by successive alternations of added material, the now cut pads being further pushed into diverging trays for packaging.

Abstract: Apparatus making foldable box blanks of pre-printed corrugated material by continuously delivering pre-printed web material to a reciprocating press which is operated intermittently to cut and score the web material and utilizing an accumulator mechanism which receives the pre-printed web material continuously and delivers it intermittently.

Abstract: A continuous or elongated stream of partially overlapping folded paper sheets is subdivided into shorter streams on the upper reach of a first endless belt or chain conveyor which can deliver the foremost shorter stream onto the upper reach of a second endless belt or chain conveyor or onto the upper reach of a first endless direction reversing conveyor, depending upon the position of a first switch which is pivotably mounted between the first and second belt or chain conveyors. A second direction reversing conveyor is mounted downstream of the second chain or belt conveyor and can receive a shorter stream from the second belt or chain conveyor by way of a second switch which is moved to a different position so as to prevent further transfer of sheets onto the second direction reversing conveyor as soon as the latter receives a complete shorter stream.

Abstract: An apparatus for sterilizing a thermoplastic strip moving forward stepwise and used in the production of hot-formed containers which, after forming, are filled and sealed in a sterile atmosphere, wherein prior to the strip softening operation, the surface of said strip which is subsequently to constitute the inside face of the containers, is exposed evenly and intermittently, in successive portions and for a very short period of time, to a temperature higher than that of the softening point of the said thermoplastic strip and which is dependent on the desired extent of bacterial destruction.

Abstract: A device for centering the printing of strip material, especially in apparatuses for feeding of such strip in the form of V-shaped labels capable of being associated with a continuous thread for use in machines for the automatic production of small filter bags for infusion products, in which said strip having printed motifs possesses, between said printed motifs, a recurring motif at a spacing equal to the length of the labels which are to be produced, and the feed means for such strip of said feed apparatus are constituted of two counter-rotating rollers having vertical axes, one of which is a following roller of resilient material and the other a driving roller of hard material having a driving surface of circular sector form for contact with the first roller.

Abstract: An apparatus for feeding and wrapping products comprising a wrapping machine, which machine has a driving element, and a device for feeding products to the wrapping machine. The feeding device includes a first conveyor for receiving products from a dispensing apparatus, which conveyor continuously moves at either a high or a low speed, and a second conveyor which connects the first conveyor to the wrapping machine and which continuously moves at one speed in the same direction as the first conveyor. A stop element is located at the end of the second conveyor adjacent the wrapping machine. There are provided first and second controls positioned along the second conveyor at selected spacings from the wrapping machine, with each control sensing the presence or absence of products on the second conveyor. A first drive is connected to the first conveyor and is adapted to operate the first conveyor at either the high or the low speed.

Abstract: Handle bags are made from an elongated synthetic-resin tube having two longitudinal rows of indicia spaced apart in each row by a bag width and with the indicia of one row staggered equidistant between the indicia of the other row. The tube is passed step-wise over a cutting drum formed with an endless circumferentially extending and undulating cutting groove in which a blade engaged inwardly so that an undulating cut is formed longitudinally along the tube separating it into two tube halves which are then passed through a closeable transverse welder. One of the halves is deflected between the drum and the welder through detours dimensioned to put the flaps of the two bag halves in exact transverse alignment with one another. Each transport step is ended when the center of the indicia immediately upstream of the welder is spaced from the welder by a distance equal to half of the bag width and at this time the welder is closed on the tube to form bag-edge seams.

Abstract: A device for feeding cigarette filters or similar rod-like articles comprises a fluted drum and a conveyor for feeding a stack-like stream of filters towards the drum and including a conveyor band which is arranged to engage one side of the stack-like stream of filters while moving between two longitudinally spaced guides between which the conveyor is capable of deflecting outwards, in response to the pressure of the filters and against a restraining force, to accommodate a variable quantity of filters in the region of the conveyor band.

Abstract: A bag machine fabricates plastic bags by transversely cutting and sealing, at regularly spaced preselected locations, an elongate plastic web having graphic material repetitively printed thereon. In operation, the bag machine advances the web by a calculated draw length, and an optical sensor, sensitive to the passage of eyemarks printed in regularly spaced locations on the web, functions to ensure that the web is cut and sealed only at the desired locations. To avoid inaccuracies resulting from a gradual variance between the nominal draw length and the actual distance between eyemarks, a control system monitors the actual distance between eyemarks and sets the nominal draw length to the average actual spacing between eyemarks as measured over a preselectd number of successive eyemarks.