Abstract: A dunnage conversion machine for converting stock material into a dunnage product includes a forming assembly and a pulling assembly. The pulling assembly includes at least two grippers movable together through a transfer region in opposition to one another and cooperative to grip therebetween the dunnage strip for advancing the dunnage strip through the transfer region, and at least one of the grippers including an aperture operative to gather and laterally capture therein the dunnage strip as the grippers move through the transfer region. Also disclosed is a severing assembly including a movable blade and a reciprocating actuator connected to the blade by a motion transmitting assembly that moves the blade through a full severing cycle upon a stroke of the actuator in either direction.

Abstract: A stock material (16) for use with a dunnage conversion machine (14) includes at least one ply of sheet material having spaced along the length thereof a plurality of transverse rows (22) of weakened areas (24). The weakened areas (24), which can be formed by perforations, for example, have a reduced strength relative to adjacent portions of the sheet material. Each row (22) of weakened areas (24) has at least one parameter that varies along the row (22). The strength of the stock material at the row (22), in response to a force applied across the row (22), varies across the stock material (16).

Abstract: A file folder system is disclosed which allows the manufacturer to display indicia information (such as source indicia, such as a trademark) to the folder without detracting from the utility of the folder itself. Several embodiments are disclosed include a notch in one folder panel which creates a window in the other panel where the indicia in imprinted. In another embodiment, one panel is punched through to reveal portions of the other panel. These apertures are formed in the pattern of the desired indicia, so that the user can determine if there are contents in the folder and simultaneously, the indicia is permanently displayed without obstructing the use of the folder.

Abstract: A sleeve is disclosed having a unique arch-like shape that facilitates manufacturing material efficiency and therefore reduces material costs and environmental waste. A blank for a sleeve and a method of making a sleeve are also disclosed. The sleeve, when unassembled and laid flat, is a blank with top and bottom edges. The top and bottom edges have an arch-like formation created by peaks and troughs.

Abstract: A security package is disclosed having a barrier cut to stop tears from propagating into the package.

Abstract: A thermal insulating liner for a container lid has a top sheet and a bottom sheet spaced by a core. The bottom sheet has an exterior metal foil layer. A side edge-to-side edge transverse cut line extends through the bottom sheet proximate each of two opposed ends of the liner. The liner has reduced thickness end margins extending between each said side edge-to-side edge transverse cut line and each of the opposed ends. A die to make the lid liner has a central well and, proximate each end of the die, an upward step to a land with an inside edge of the step having a ramp surface. A first cutting blade protrudes upwardly from the land and a second cutting blade protrudes upwardly above the land at each end of the die and above the level of the first cutting blade.

Abstract: A scoring system uses a grooved roller and a variety of resilient annular scoring tools. The scoring tools have scoring features or blades of different profiles, and further have annular bases uniform in width to enable their interchangeable installation into one or more tool-retaining grooves formed into the roller. The bases are much larger than the scoring features to provide increased strength and durability, along with more stable mounting of the scoring tool. In one version, a single roller assembly is formed by removably securing processing sleeves and spacing sleeves on a common support member.

Abstract: A control section of a notch forming apparatus shifts a position of a notch in the first direction for every single sheet or for every plural sheets. When number of the sheets on which the notch is formed reaches at a criterion number, the position of the notch is shifted to a second direction which is an opposite direction in respect to the first direction.

Abstract: Disclosed is a tabbed divider making apparatus preferably adapted for use with smaller, more individualized jobs in an office or the like. The apparatus preferably includes a paper feeder, a film provider, a knife package for shearing a portion of the paper to create a tab, at least one strut, a pivotable arm, at least one spring, and a cam having an oblong shape. The rotation of the cam preferably causes movement between loaded and unloaded positions of the spring, which causes the knife package to shear the paper. Also disclosed is a removable film cartridge for use with the apparatus. The cartridge preferably includes a housing, a roll of film, one or more rollers, a creasing finger for creasing the film, and two or more opposed extensions for folding the film along the crease. Further disclosed is a method of producing a tabbed divider utilizing the above-mentioned apparatus.

Abstract: A flexible heat shrinkable plastic book cover with two pockets allowing the front and back cover of the book to slide into. Once the covers are within their sleeves hot air is applied from a hair dryer, heat gun or other heat emitting air flow device. When the hot air comes into contact with the heat sensitive plastic wrap it causes it to shrink and form itself snuggly around the book creating a sealed membrane around the outer cover of the book. Said cover may or may not have printing and or graphics on and about the cover and inside the cover.

Abstract: An improved tabbed divider making apparatus is disclosed. The machine preferably improves upon existing tabbed divider making machines in its ease of use and efficiency. Among other elements, the machine may include a paper feeder, a processing section, and an output tray. An improved film delivery system is also disclosed, as well as methods relating to manufacturing of tabbed dividers.

Abstract: A display easel is provided having a base or first panel which includes a horizontal supporting tab and a vertical restraining tab spaced in vertical relation to the supporting tab. The horizontal supporting tab has a first hinge that enables movement of the supporting tab relative to the panel body, preferably to about 90 degrees, into a position for supporting the first panel. The vertical restraining tab has a second hinge which enables movement of the vertical restraining tab relative to the panel body, preferably between about 120 degrees and 160 degrees, to permit abutment of the vertical restraining tab to the horizontal supporting tab and to restrain movement of the horizontal supporting tab. By restraining movement of the horizontal supporting tab, the display easel is maintained in an upright position. A method of forming a display easel is also provided which enables the display easel to be rapidly and economically manufactured in large quantities, such as through the use of web press equipment.

Abstract: A method of generating an integrated module directly by the design patterns of a cardboard, a method of modularizing a variety of paper crafts can transform to a method of combining a set of modules into an integrated module via pattern designs. In addition to using double etching to etch directly the cutting lines, perforation dots, embossments, and protrusion dots on a thick steel plate to be a male die of the module, the present inventions is characterized in that the differences of the fissures among the modules and the thicknesses of the plates are used to reach the effects of holes and extensions, and it has force points on the same level while it generates different effects at the same time.

Abstract: A novel cushioning conversion machine and method for converting sheet stock material into a novel cushioning product and for producing discrete sections or pads of desired length, without the need for a cutting assembly, thereby enabling the construction of a less expensive, smaller and less complex machine. The machine and method are characterized by a weakening device for perforating a sheet stock material of one or more plies along tear lines so that as a strip of cushioning is formed from the stock material, discrete sections or pads of desired length may be detachable along the tear lines. The stock material includes material which is biodegradable, recyclable and composed of a renewable resource, such as kraft paper.

Abstract: A sheet punching and embossing machine includes a device for punching blanks from sheets. The device has a frame and a bearing plate is mountable in the frame. The bearing plate is equipped with punching and grooving knives. Hydraulically activated clamping elements are provided for clamping the bearing plate in the frame. A hydraulic system includes a piston braced by a mechanical spring for building up hydraulic pressure for activating the clamping elements.

Abstract: A cushioning conversion machine and related methodology characterized by one or more features including, inter alia, a feeding/connecting assembly which enables an operator to easily vary a characteristic, for example the density, of the cushioning product; a feeding/connecting assembly wherein input and/or output wheels or rollers thereof are made at least in part of an elastomeric or other friction enhancing material, which reduces the cost and complexity of the input and output rollers; a manual reversing mechanism that is useful, for example, for clearing paper jams; a modular arrangement of a forming assembly and feeding/connecting assembly in separate units that may be positioned remotely from one another, as may be desired for more efficient utilization of floor space; a turner bar which enables alternative positioning a stock supply roll; and a volume expanding arrangement cooperative with the feeding/connecting assembly for reducing the density of the cushioning product and increasing product yield.

Abstract: The blanking station of a diecutting press comprises an upper cradle for a blanking device and gripper bars for conveying the sheets in progress. This upper cradle includes devices for the removable mounting alternately of a blanking device or of a delivery device of non-severed sheets. At least one cam for opening grippers of the said gripper bars, and the cam is mounted in a removable manner.

Abstract: A conversion machine and related method for making a dunnage product by converting a sheet-like stock material of at least one ply into a dunnage product is characterized by a manual reversing mechanism that is useful, for example, for clearing paper jams. The conversion machine includes a housing through which the stock material passes along a path, and an assembly that advances the stock material from a source thereof along the path, crumples the stock material, and maintains the shape of the crumpled stock material to produce a strip of dunnage. This assembly includes at least one rotatable member rotatable in a first direction for engaging and advancing the stock material, a feed motor for driving a driven rotatable member in the first direction, and a crank connected to the rotatable member for enabling rotation of the driven rotatable member in a second direction opposite the first direction.

Abstract: In order to provide a variable folder which allows smearing-free operation, the cutting blade of an upstream cross-cutting arrangement is provided with recesses, which leave behind residual crosspieces in the strand which is to be cut, and arranged in the product-directing region, between the cross-cutting arrangement and a collecting cylinder, are accelerating and tearing-off cams which grip the incoming product and tear it off from the strand at the residual crosspieces.

Abstract: The skew of a sheet of print media is precisely controlled by intentionally inducing print media deformation, so that cooperative mechanical and gravitational forces may be used to align the leading edge of the sheet. The sheet is driven into a nip region of deskew rollers in a manner that causes the print media to deform, lifting a movable member in a direction substantially perpendicular to the feedpath into the nip region. The movable member applies a return force that is generally equal along a widthwise surface region of the print media. As a result, there is a reduced likelihood that the print media will be skewed relative to the nip region. In some applications, the return force is adjustable.

Abstract: An improved cushioning conversion machine and related methodology characterized by one or more features including, inter alia, a feeding/connecting assembly which enables an operator to easily vary a characteristic, for example, the density, of the cushioning product; a manual reversing mechanism that is useful, for example, for clearing paper jams; a modular arrangement of a forming assembly and feeding/connecting assembly in separate units that may be positioned remotely from one another, as may be desired for more efficient utilization of floor space; and a volume expanding arrangement cooperative with the feeding/connecting assembly for adjusting the density of the cushioning product and changing product yield. The features of the invention may be individually or collectively used in cushioning conversion machines of various types.

Abstract: A stack of sheets, e.g. cardboard, with each sheet having lines of cut longitudinally and/or transversely. Apparatus for breaking the nicks connecting two edges of line of cut on the stacked sheets includes a first support and transport moving longitudinally and a first clamp thereabove for clamping the sheets, a first device for separating the clamped sheets along a transverse cut line. A second support and transport device moves the sheets thereat transversely until positioned so that the longitudinal line of cut is positioned so that the sheets may be clamped and the stacked sheets may be separated transversely along the longitudinal line of cut. A conveyor for shifting the sheet transversely to reposition the longitudinal line of cut for separation.

Abstract: A tape transport system for printed products comprising a first tape, a pulley supporting the tape, and a lever arm supporting the pulley, the lever arm including a first side rail and a second side rail, the pulley supported rotatably between the first and second side rails to form a narrow mechanism.

Abstract: A folder includes a first cutting device for partially cutting a web of material, a former to fold the web of material, so as to form a folded web, a stationary signature opening device located between sides of the passing folded web, and a second cutting device located downstream from the former to cut the folded web into an at least one signature. A related collating device is also provided.

Abstract: A rotary trimmer apparatus and signature trimming method are provided that enable operators to set a gap spacing between a rotating knife and an anvil at different predetermined sizes in an easy and accurate manner. The operator chooses the optimum knife/anvil spacing that produces a scissors-like cutting action on the particular type of signatures being trim cut and which does not cause premature knife dulling. The selected knife/anvil spacing is readily reproducable for future runs with the same operating conditions. This is true regardless of changes in the knife thickness as can be created by sharpening thereof, or knife replacement. For this purpose, a user operated control assembly including a control knob and calibrated indexer are provided. To keep the knife/anvil spacing at the set size during trim cutting operations, a temperature control system is employed that keeps axial expansion of the knife spindle shaft from reducing the gap size.

Abstract: A steel rule cutting die having a slotted die backing board fabricated from wood with a laser burned slot therein and a steel rule in the slot, the steel rule having integral projections on its opposite side faces for engaging the walls of the slot, thereby precluding lift out of the steel rule from the slot.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for folding pliable sheet material wherein the sheet material is wound on a mandrel to form a roll which subsequently is stripped off the mandrel and transferred to a pleating station at which successive creases are formed in the roll to produce a pleated packet. During the winding of the sheet material the latter is adhered to the mandrel by the application of negative air pressure to the material via the mandrel. Following the formation of the roll, the application of negative air pressure is discontinued and positive air pressure is applied to the interior of the roll so as to facilitate stripping of the roll from the mandrel. At the pleating station the roll is creased successively to form a plurality of pleats and the direction in which the creasing proceeds is such as to facilitate the escape of air from the roll as it is pleated.

Abstract: In an apparatus for making plastic bags from a web material comprising two or more layers of plastic film, the material is intermittently fed for a length along a longitudinal feeding path, to successively make plastic bags with wastes, each of the wastes having upstream and downstream edges. The apparatus includes partially cutting means disposed at a first station predetermined along the feeding path. The material is partially cut by the partially cutting means along the upstream and downstream edges of waste whenever intermittently fed and temporarily stopped. The apparatus further includes waste removing means disposed at a second station predetermined downstream of and at a distance from the first station. The waste reaches the second station when the material is intermittently fed again after partially cut by the partially cutting means. In addition, the apparatus includes discharge means disposed at a third station predetermined downstream of and at a distance from the second station.

Abstract: An apparatus and method provide for automated converting of a web of a thin patterned catalyst-coated membrane to separate membrane sheets for fuel cell assembly. The membrane typically has a thickness of about one thousandth of an inch. Automated web converting involves transporting, with use of a movable vacuum, an end portion of the membrane web from a first location to a second location. With use of respective first and second vacuums at the first and second locations, and after removal of the movable vacuum, the end portion of the membrane web is releasably secured at the first and second locations. The membrane web is cut within a gap defined between a single catalyst pattern of the membrane web end portion and an adjacent catalyst pattern to produce a membrane sheet. The membrane sheet is precisely positioned to a desired orientation to facilitate subsequent processing of the membrane sheet.

Abstract: A cushioning conversion machine and method for converting sheet stock material into a cushioning dunnage product and wherein the tension in the stock material is controlled to avoid problems associated with improper tension. A conversion assembly draws the stock material from a stock supply and converts the stock material into a strip of cushioning, and a controller controls the operation of the conversion assembly. The conversion assembly is powered by a motor and the controller controls the operation of the motor in response to a sensed parameter related to the tension in the paper. In another embodiment, a torque control is interposed between the feed motor and feed components that engage the stock material.

Abstract: Curled decorative grasses and methods for producing same are disclosed wherein the curled decorative grasses have improved bulk and simulate Spanish moss in color and appearance.

Abstract: Curled decorative grasses and methods for producing same are disclosed wherein the curled decorative grasses have improved bulk and simulate Spanish moss in color and appearance.

Abstract: The present invention is a method of folding a cardboard along a fold-line. The cardboard consists of an outside layer, a middle layer and an inside layer. The method includes the step of using a laser system to cut a first slot and a second slot in the inside layer. The first and second slots are disposed parallel to the fold-line which is disposed between the first and second slots. The method also includes the step of folding the cardboard along the fold-line. When the outside layer is pulled tight the inside layer and the middle layer are pushed inward. The first and second slots must be wide enough to allow the inside layer to easily deform when the cardboard is folded.

Abstract: An apparatus is arranged to successively make plastic bags each of which includes two layers of panel portion superposed to define aligned top edges, first and second side edges and bottom edges. The plastic bag further includes a first side gusset portion disposed between and extending along the first side edges, a second side gusset portion disposed between and extending along the second side edges, and a bottom gusset portion disposed between and extending along the bottom edges. The apparatus comprises feeding means for feeding a main material intermittently for a length along a feeding path. The main material comprises the layers of panel portion and the first and second side gusset portions continuing longitudinally thereof respectively, the feeding means feeding the main material longitudinally of the layers of panel portion and the first and second side gusset portions.

Abstract: A method of producing folds on signatures separated from a material web stream, including a multilayer material web stream, includes the method steps of disposing two cutting and perforating devices, respectively, in a web travel direction; cutting the material web stream in the region of a first longitudinal fold by a first cutting device assigned to the fold; perforating/cutting the material web stream in the region of a crossfold forming material bridges; and providing that at least one of the cutting or perforating tools is adjustable in relation to the material web stream. The invention also includes a device for performing the method; and a folder, and more specifically, a pinless folder having the device.

Abstract: A device for handling documents comprising a housing containing at least three document receiving stations for shredding a document, folding a document, punching holes in a document, fastening a document, and opening an envelope. The stations corresponding to the shredding means, the folding means, and the envelope means may be adjacent, such that they may be driven by a common drive motor. The common motor enables the device to be compact, such that it may be placed on desk for easy access.

Abstract: A method for producing grips cuts a strip of material to form at least two columns of grips. Each column includes a plurality of grips end-to-end. Each grip formed in the strip of material is of equal shape and dimension. The sides of each grip are shaped such that the edge of one column can be nested with and coincide with the edge of another column to permit both edges to be cut simultaneously without producing any wasted material between the edges. Each grip includes lines of weakening, includes at least one point with a pair of sides, and includes a pair of edges which are adjacent the sides of the point. When each grip is folded along the lined of weakening, the pair of edges adjacent the point separate and expose the point.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in a form, fill, and seal packaging machine using preprinted web. The punch apparatus includes a registration sensor, a controller, a punch mechanism, a secondary servo feed drive and a dancer system. The registration sensor reads a registration mark on the web to send a signal to the controller which stops the secondary servo feed drive in a position one panel pitch downstream from the registration sensor. The punch is activated to punch holes along a cut line. The secondary feed drive is activated to advance the punched web to a dancer system. The web is moved from the dancer system to a conventional pouch forming machine by a primary feed drive.

Abstract: A cushioning conversion machine and method for converting sheet stock material into a cushioning dunnage product and wherein the tension in the stock material is controlled to avoid problems associated with improper tension. A conversion assembly draws the stock material from a stock supply and converts the stock material into a strip of cushioning, and a controller controls the operation of the conversion assembly. The conversion assembly is powered by a motor and the controller controls the operation of the motor in response to a sensed parameter related to the tension in the paper. In another embodiment, a torque control is interposed between the feed motor and feed components that engage the stock material.

Abstract: A cushioning conversion machine (20) including a converting assembly (52, 54) which converts a sheet-like stock material (22) into a strip (31) having at least one pillow-like portion (33) and another portion (34), and a severing assembly (56) which severs the leading section of the strip (31) to form a cushioning pad (32). The cushioning conversion machine 20 is characterized by a pad-transferring device (300, 400, 500, 600, 700) which transfers the cushioning pad (32) away from the severing assembly (56) by applying a transferring force to the cushioning pad (32) that is concentrated at the other portion (34) of the cushioning pad (32). The other portion (34) of the cushioning pad is preferably a compressed portion, a connecting portion which maintains the geometry of the pillow-like portion, and/or a central portion.

Abstract: A cutting device for imparting a partial incision to a blank, the blank produced therefrom, and a method for producing are disclosed herein. The partial incision in the blank creates an access area wherein a fitment is placed thereover in a post processing fitment application. The access area has an uncut portion and an unincised portion. The access area may have a circular shape or an oval shape. The depth of the partial incision allows for facilitated rupturing by the fitment after the blank is fabricated into a carton, and a fitment is attached thereto.

Abstract: A method for splitting up a honeycomb panel, preferably for use as a separator for sheets and, particularly, breakable sheets such as glass sheets, starts with a sheet of honeycomb material with a cover layer on both sides. During the splitting up, each cover layer is cut from outside of the honeycomb toward the inside in order to flange the cover layer in situ to the inside.

Abstract: A cutting device is provided including a base adapted for being fixedly positioned on a piece of material to be cut. Also included is a handle slidably mounted on the base. Next provided is a control assembly including a shaft slidably mounted on the handle. The shaft of the control assembly is adapted to be slid between a first orientation wherein the shaft extends downwardly past a bottom face of the base and a second orientation wherein the shaft resides above the bottom face of the base. Finally, a blade or a creasing attachment is included for being mounted on the shaft.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to severing a running material web in a folding apparatus of a web-fed rotary printing press. In one exemplary embodiment, a severing element is moved in the traveling direction of the web with a speed which is substantially equal to the speed of the running web and is simultaneously moved across the width of the web in a substantially lateral direction. The severing element can be a sled with a blade, a laser source, a high-pressure fluid jet or a heated wire. The severing element is received and guided by a guiding rail coupled to a pair of endless parallel transport chains.

Abstract: A cushioning conversion machine, converting method and dunnage product characterized by a novel connecting assembly which provides a unique interlock between overlapped portions of sheet-like stock material forming a dunnage product to prevent "unzippering" of the product. The connecting assembly includes a pair of loosely meshed stitching wheels, a first one of the stitching wheels having a plurality of radial projections protruding from a radially outer circumferential surface thereof, and a second one of the stitching wheels including a plurality of recesses for receiving the radial projections in meshed relationship upon rotation of the stitching wheels.

Abstract: A machine and method for converting a web having an indefinite length which includes a plurality of converting stations circumferentially spaced about an process drum. At least one of the converting stations includes a helical follower gear operatively meshing with a helical drive gear attached to the process drum. Movement of the follower gear along its axial direction provides for the relative rotational registration of a tool on the registrable converting station relative to the web.

Abstract: A presser assembly (10) is provided for supporting carton blanking scrap during a blanking operation. The presser assembly (10) includes a presser rail (114) having a first end (116) mounted to a guide cylinder (32) and a second end (154) mounted to a second guide cylinder (32) such that each end of the presser rail is vertically movable independent of the opposite end. This, in turn, prevents jamming of the presser assembly during the blanking operation.

Abstract: Corrugated paperboard box blanks are formed with corner fold lines defined by a colinear slit and score. The score deflects one slit edge of the liner out of the plane of the blank such that, when a subsequent lateral fold is made on the line, one slit edge tucks consistently under the other along the full length of the fold line. The resultant box blanks fold more squarely than prior art folded boxes with no significant loss in the compressive strength of the box.

Abstract: Loose fill packaging material consists of elements (21) having a central liner (15) and a corrugated medium (17) on both sides of the liner. The element is made from fibreboard material. A method is disclosed of making the element by securing together the liner of a folded sheet of single faced corrugated fibreboard or securing together the liners of two sheets.

Abstract: A flat insulated container blank for forming the sidewall of a conventional insulated paper container made on a rotary turret single wrap cup making machine includes an inner layer of container stock, an intermediate layer of insulating material adhered to the container stock and an outer layer of label material. The blank is made from advancing webs of sheet material by a continuous form process.