Abstract: A cardboard sheet is cut from a continuous cardboard strip unwound from a fanfold. A conveyor advances the strip along a conveyor plane and halts the strip for cutting. A first rotary circular blade mounted above the conveyor plane is movable in alternating translation transverse thereto and can pass through or beyond the conveyor plane to cut the continuous strip to obtain a cardboard sheet. A cutting profile of a toothed second rotary circular blade mounted above the conveyor plane contacts the continuous strip of cardboard without passing beyond it so as to realize thereon a transverse score line.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus, and systems increase converting accuracy and consistency of corrugated articles of manufacture such as blanks, intermediates or converted structures to minimize unintended gap variations, fishtail variations and visual discord as well as to minimize unintentional loss of strength due to conversion of such articles. The constitution of converted articles formed from a corrugated board blanks according to the invention comprises at least one intelligently located score, slit or slot (hereinafter collectively “registered modification”) based upon knowledge of the corrugated board's fluted medium, including the absolute relative location of at least one fluted medium feature and/or the fluted medium geometry, such as its pitch.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus for converting a sheet material into packaging templates can include a converting machine that performs conversion functions, such as cutting, creasing, and scoring, on the sheet material. Items to be packed into boxes formed of the packaging templates can be used as the pattern for determining the location of performance of the conversion functions on the sheet material. Accordingly, no intermediate measuring of the items may be required prior to performance of the conversion functions. Instead, longheads can be positioned adjacent to opposing sides of the items and cross heads can be advanced inward to the positioned longheads.

Abstract: A method for making a friction plate that includes a core plate and a friction facing is disclosed. The method includes cutting a pattern of friction material segments into a friction material sheet such that each friction material segment remains integrally connected to the friction material sheet, locating a predetermined number of the friction material segments adjacent to a surface of a core plate to which a bonding material is present, separating the friction material segments from the friction material sheet, and placing the friction material segments onto the surface of the core plate over the bonding material. An apparatus for practicing this method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A base sheet and a cover sheet are supplied, the height of at least one product which is placed on the base sheet is measured, and second fold lines are formed on the base sheet and the cover sheet such that the second fold lines are spaced from respective first fold lines formed on the respective side portions of the base sheet and the cover sheet and such that the space between each of the first fold lines and the corresponding one of the second fold lines is adjusted based on the value of the measured height of the product. The base sheet is folded, the base sheet and the cover sheet are arranged so that the base sheet crosses the cover sheet, the cover sheet is placed on the base sheet, and the cover sheet is folded to bond the cover sheet to the bottom sheet.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed that includes a computer operated cutting and creasing tool configured to move only in an X direction during use, a cutting and creasing platform having an elastically deformable creasing portion configured to support a sheet of media during contact with a creasing tip and a non-deformable cutting portion configured to support the sheet during contact with a cutting blade, and a positioner configured to draw the sheet of media along the cutting and creasing platform during cutting and creasing. Methods of making and using the apparatus also are disclosed.

Abstract: A dunnage system for processing material into dunnage is herein described. A converting station of the system can include a drum having a drum surface first and second axial sides and guides protruding adjacent the drum surface on the first and second axial sides associated with the drum to rotate with the drum surface. A supply gripping member can be provided to grip a supply roll, and can include a rotatable base. A pivotal blade can be used to cut the dunnage.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and an apparatus for separating foil layers in a foil processing line, the foil layers being caused to move relative to each other, and to a method and an apparatus for further processing the separated foils for manufacturing a product in which an insert is interposed between two foils.

Abstract: A packaging machine and a method for cutting packages is provided in which containers (4) are formed from a web of film (1) and transported through working stations of the packaging machine in a fixed-cycle way. After filling and sealing, the web of film (1) comprising the containers (4) is cut transverse to the transport direction (12) in a first cutting station (9) and in a succeeding second cutting station (10) cut in transport direction such that singularised packages result. The second cutting station (10) is operated intermittently in a fixed-cycle way and preferably is formed as a punch. By this, a precise taking-over of the packages for the subsequent processing is possible.

Abstract: An automatic bending machine produces a steel rule punching die to be used for forming predetermined notch lines or fold lines in a paper strip, a sheet, a board member, or the like in production of a paper container or a corrugated box. The automatic bending machine has a bending tool which bends a band blade into a predetermined shape. In the machine, a diamond grinder which is laterally and vertically moved by a computer control is disposed in front of the bending tool. When the bending tool is combined with the diamond grinder, bending of the band blade, linear cutting of the both ends, nicking of a blade edge, bridging (notching) of a blade bottom, and broaching (slotting) of a blade side wall are enabled.

Abstract: A packaging system includes a cushioning conversion machine for converting stock material into relatively low density cushioning material or dunnage and a packaging system controller. The packaging system controller provides packaging instructions related to a part or parts to be packaged and instructs the cushioning conversion machine to produce the cushioning material. In one aspect of the present invention the packaging system controller provides packaging instructions by retrieving a predetermined set of packaging instructions associated with a particular part. In another aspect of the present invention the packaging system controller provides packaging instructions by determining an optimized packaging methodology using one or more characteristics of the part or parts to be packaged. The packaging system also provides for automated inventory control and productivity monitoring.

Abstract: A die cutting/scoring apparatus has die cutting/scoring and blanket covered steel anvil roller pairs arranged in sections some of which sections displace to permit dismounting of and changing die cutting/scoring rule members or printing members mounted on plywood substrates, which are bolted to a roller. The roller pairs also convey sheet material being processed through the sections. Sheet material pliable drive members are provided which replace the die cutting rule members or printing members on a roller in an idle section. The drive members comprise pliable magnetic substrates made of vinyl, rubber or elastomeric material which magnetically attach to a corresponding steel roller that is being idled. A pliable compressible foam or other rubber or plastic material high friction drive engagement member is bonded to the substrate forming a strip which is easily and quickly wrapped about a roller.

Abstract: Using Zero Make Ready Bed Die Cutting, the top surface of the Cutting Plate/Platen/counter of a Flat Bed Die Cutting Machine is etched or engraved by laser or other method, to create a “female” channel. The channel should be sufficiently deep and wide, to accommodate the male cutting blades of the Cutting Forme being used. Cutting blade contact with the base of the channel, whilst not desirable, may occur due to reasons of machine age and/or wear or Operator ability or preference. The fundamentals of Zero Make-Ready remain unaffected. The Cutting Plate/Platen can be of a single or multi layered composition and should be affixed and registered at the same time that the cutting Forme is loaded and located. Using centre lines, locating pins, or any other method of registering the two, the female channel must register with and accommodate, the male cutting blades to affect a clean cut of the required design of die cut blank or shape.

Abstract: A tabletop converter has a conversion assembly that inwardly gathers and crumples a stock material to form a strip of dunnage. The conversion assembly includes a feeding assembly that moves the stock material and a controller that controls the feeding assembly to operate in both a forward direction and a reverse direction. To automatically separate a discrete dunnage product from the strip, a holder grabs and holds the strip of dunnage at a holding location downstream of the feeding assembly. The feeding assembly then operates in a reverse direction and urges the strip away from the holding location. This causes the strip to separate at or between the holding location and the feeding assembly, leaving a discrete dunnage product ready for use. The converter is mounted to a stand that allows the converter to rotate relative to part of the stand about both a horizontal axis and a vertical axis.

Abstract: A lightweight, dimensionally stable steel rule die for cutting and scoring carton blanks having a die board containing cutting and scoring rules which is formed of a laminated plastic construction adapted to register and coact with a steel counterplate over prolonged production runs and maintain registration within a tolerance range of about ±0.002 inches.

Abstract: A high speed paper folding machine for cutting a continuously fed web of paper into sections and folding said sections is disclosed. The machine includes a rotating hollow drum on which the web is deposited and on which the cutting and folding operations are performed without transferring the web or the cut or folded sections off of the drum. The drum includes a knife for cutting the web. The knife preferably is situated within the drum interior and adapted to extend through elongated apertures defined on the drum outer surface. Grippers on the drum hold the web on the drum through the operation. At least one folding station is operably associated with the drum. At least one pack-off station can be provided for stacking the folded product in separate stacks.

Abstract: Apparatus for scoring a cover to be applied to a bound stack of sheets to form a book. A base unit is provided having a surface for receiving the cover, an lower die holder disposed below the surface and an upper die holder disposed above the surface. A lower die is supported on an upper surface of the lower die holder and an upper die is supported on the lower surface of the upper die holder. An actuating structure such as a handle, is used to move the upper and lower die between an open position and a closed where the upper and lower die score the cover. The upper die holder is fabrication using a transparent material so that a user can view the upper die and underlying cover to facilitate proper alignment.

Abstract: A cushioning conversion network includes a supervisory controller linked to a plurality of cushioning conversion machines which convert sheet-like stock material into a dunnage product, each machine including a controller for controlling the operation of the machine in accordance with instructions received from the supervisory controller.

Abstract: The present invention discloses folded corrugated material for producing segments or strips for use as Easter grass, packing material and the like or for use as flower pot covers, floral wrappings and ribbon materials.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a file folder includes the steps of displacing a predetermined length of a flexible material in a feed direction and forming a pair of spaced apertures in the material. The method further includes the steps of inserting a prong of a binder through each aperture, the binder having an elongate central portion with a prong extending from each end of the central portion and securing the central portion of the binder to the material. The invention also relates to an apparatus for manufacturing a file folder.

Abstract: This invention relates to fold line structure of a corrugated fiberboard in which the fold lines have a shape like the letter V, along which the corrugated fiberboard sheet is folded. The fold lines extend perpendicularly to or at an angle other than a right angle to the flutes. Each fold line is composed of cuts, each of which has a predetermined length and penetrates the corrugated fiberboard sheet, and hinge portions, each of which has a predetermined length and is formed by compressing the flutes, with the cuts and the hinge portions aligned in an alternating arrangement. Auxiliary cuts each have a planar shape approximating an one-sided arrow directed toward the adjacent hinge portion, penetrate the corrugated fiberboard sheet, and are formed on opposing sides at both ends of each cut portion.

Abstract: In the method for production of scored punched parts from a material sheet by a punching and scoring tool the formation of scores in the material sheet is started before the punching process is initiated. The punching and scoring tool has a carrier board, on the underside of which punching elements and scoring elements are provided, and a punching/scoring plate under the carrier board, in which scoring grooves are formed under the scoring elements. The scoring elements in an initial position, in which the scoring elements and punching elements are arranged at a distance from the punching/scoring plate, project further from the carrier board towards the punching/scoring plate than the punching elements. The scoring elements are also mounted flexibly on the carrier board in the lifting direction.

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: A novel stock roll support assembly and loading method for a cushioning conversion machine that produces dunnage product from sheet stock material supplied as a roll provides for easier loading of the stock roll onto a roll support at the upstream end of the cushioning conversion machine in certain situations, such as where the machine is located against a wall or over (or under) a conveyor, etc. The stock roll support assembly is connected to a main frame of the machine for rotatably supporting a roll of sheet stock material. The stock roll support assembly includes a stock roll support mounted to the main frame for swinging movement between an operating position and a loading position. In the operating position, the stock roll support is operative to support the stock roll adjacent the main frame, and in the loading position, the stock roll support is swung away from the main frame to facilitate loading of a stock roll thereon.

Abstract: In a transverse grooving tool the groove webs are continuously adjustable with respect to the body in the running direction and can be fixed in any set position and for this purpose sliding guides and clamping means are provided. Adjacent to at least one adjustable working member can also be provided a non-adjustable working member, e.g. a further grooving tool and/or a balancing weight. As the working members are also interchangeable, there are numerous possibilities for reequipping the tool.

Abstract: A lightweight, dimensionally stable steel rule die for cutting and scoring carton blanks having a die board containing the cutting and scoring rules which is formed of a laminated plastic construction adapted to register and coact with a steel counterplate over prolonged production runs and maintain registration within a tolerance range of about .+-.0.002 inches.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for crushing panels including a conveyor for moving the panel with respect to a compression assembly including a plurality of crushing elements which may be positioned at different heights with respect to the conveyor for incrementally crushing at least a portion of the panel.

Abstract: The punching and scoring tool produces scored punched parts from a material sheet and has a carrier board, which is provided on its underside with punching elements and a scoring plate, on the underside of which scoring projections are arranged. A punching/scoring plate, in which scoring grooves are formed under the scoring projections, is provided under the carrier board. Leveling bushes are provided in the carrier board and bear against the scoring plate to provide an accurate supporting plane for the scoring plate.

Abstract: A cutting device for effecting a cut in a board-like fibrous material and densifying an area adjacent to the cut, includes a main body portion and a blade portion extending from the main body portion. The blade portion includes a cutting edge having first and second angled surfaces extending divergingly therefrom. A densifying member extends outwardly from at least one of the first and second angled surfaces. The densifying member compresses an area of the material adjacent to the cut as the blade is pressed into the material and densifies the adjacent area. The compression surface may be configured non-planar with an upper surface of the board-like material to selectively, variably densify the area adjacent to the cut.

Abstract: A method is disclosed of folding a honeycomb panel, the panel preferably comprising a honeycomb core having opposing face sheets. A slit is preferably cut through one face sheet and the underlying honeycomb core and a wedge is driven into the honeycomb panel at the location of the slit. The wedge crushes the honeycomb core to a preselected depth with a preselected angle whereby the crushed honeycomb core forms a hinge. The honeycomb panel can then folded along the hinge in a direction opposite the intact face sheet. Adhesives can be used to hold the hinge in the folded position.

Abstract: Toothed perforating rules upon the die roll of the rotary die apparatus form tear strips, punch-outs, reverse fold lines, nicking connections and similar weakened or frangible sections in corrugated paperboard sheets during passage thereof through the nip between the die and anvil rolls of the apparatus. The teeth of the die rules are tapered and sharpened, and produce perforations in the paperboard panel that decrease in size with increasing distance from the inner liner of the paperboard sheet. The teeth produce an array of relatively long slits in the inner liner of the sheet, and underlying shorter slits within at least one other ply of the panel. The toothed die members may extend at any desired angle or angles relative to the machine direction of the apparatus and/or relative to the direction of the corrugations within the paperboard panel.

Abstract: A device and method for axially aligning a rotary head assembly. The rotary head assembly includes a rotary head and an axial alignment assembly. The axial alignment assembly includes a guide plate means fixed to the rotary head. The guide plate means has a pair of opposing surfaces extending radially from the shaft. The axial alignment assembly also includes a carrier means with a yoke attached thereto, and an alignment element attached to the yoke. The alignment element has a pair of opposing wear surfaces for contact with the opposing surfaces of the guide plate means. The alignment element also includes an axial pressure exerting means for exerting pressure axially on each wear surface so that there is contact between the opposing surfaces of the guide plate means and the corresponding wear surfaces. Pressure is exerted on the wear surface in the direction toward the corresponding face of the guide plate means to maintain axial alignment of the head assembly as it rotates.

Abstract: A modular machine for making cardboard packages having a plurality of modules. A controlling automatic indexing device is provided which cooperates with a length of shaft and blocking means attached to each module for stopping the length of shaft at a predetermined indexing angular position. Thus, when the machine is stopped in order to change or clean the rotary members of the modules, each length of shaft of each module is stopped in the same position of the cycle and remains at its angular position during separation of the modules.

Abstract: Chips of cardboard, in particular of packing cardboard, which are formed by cutting flat, preferably used packing cardboard lengthwise and crosswise, and the bulk volume of which is increased by copings and/or bent-over portions and/or peaks and/or recesses are provided, as is a packing unit comprising a wrapper, loosely filled at least to a substantial proportion with the bulk packing material made from a web of paper, in which the wrapper is formed by the web of paper shaped in the manner of a helical roll, the adjacent, helically extending long edges of which web are joined overlapping one another, and in which the wrapper is closed at both ends in the manner of a sack, and as is a process in which the cardboard, in particular packaging cardboard, is comminuted (cut) and is deformed to increase the bulk volume of the chips forming the packaging material, as well as an apparatus having a device for comminuting cardboard, in particular packaging cardboard, having one lengthwise and one crosswise cutting unit

Abstract: A steel rule die set and method for cutting and scoring sheet material in which the male cutting and scoring die has a steel rule with knife and scoring edges secured firmly in a metal face plate having retaining laser cut openings and a complementary female counter plate having a metal plate with laser cut score lines in juxtaposition to the steel rule score edges.

Abstract: In one aspect, an article of manufacture constituting a flat planar sheet of material having slits cut therethrough in selected patterns to define the configuration of a subsidiary portion of the flat planar sheet of material, while means of attachment are provided at each change of direction of the perimeter of the subsidiary portion of the sheet. Formed in the flat planar primary sheet of material are lines of flexibility formed by linear compression over a very limited area of the flat planar sheet of material to diminish its thickness along the lines of fexibility thereby permitting flexure of the planar sheet of material along the lines of flexibility.

Abstract: A creasing rule is used in connection with a steel rule cutting die to form creases or fold lines in a blank cut from a sheet material, such as corrugated paper board. The creasing rule includes a base portion which fits into the slot of a die board, and a top portion which extends outwardly from the surface of the die board. The top portion terminates in a creasing edge, which, in cooperation with an anvil roll, compresses the sheet material to form a crease or fold line in the sheet material. The creasing edge of the creasing rule is formed with a plurality of undulations giving the creasing edge a generally sinusoidal form. The undulations on the creasing rule taper inwardly towards the plane of the base portion as the undulations extend from the creasing edge towards the base portion and finally merge into the flat base portion. The size or magnitude of the undulations can be varied depending on the thickness of the sheet material being used. Additionally, the pitch of the undulations (i.e.

Abstract: A steel rule die set and method for cutting and scoring sheet material in which the male cutting and scoring die has a steel rule with knife and scoring edges secured firmly in a metal face plate having retaining laser cut openings and a complementary female counter plate having a metal plate with laser cut score lines in juxtaposition to the steel rule score edges.

Abstract: A process and an apparatus for preventing a packaging material which is being die-cut and scored from developing cracks. A crack-reducing sheet material (17) is positioned between the cutting/scoring tools (9, 13) and the packaging material (5) to absorb impact energy from said tools and relieve the packaging material of crackproducing forces in the direction of its plane.

Abstract: A rolled paper embossing dispenser in which the paper is embossed and from which the paper is simultaneously dispensed. The dispenser includes a nip formed by a first embossing roll and a second embossing roll, both rotatably mounted within a cabinet. The first embossing roll has a plurality of spaced-apart annular bands with each annular band including discrete, spaced-apart knuckle projections extending radially from the roll. The second embossing roll includes annular slots and annular extensions arranged in alternating relationship with each annular slot having sufficient width to receive the knuckle projections without contacting any portion thereof as paper is fed through the nip and embossed. A lever or crank is provided for a user to rotationally drive one of the embossing rolls, the other embossing roll rotating only in response to the paper being drawn through the nip such that rotational slippage of one roll with respect to the other will not result in breaking or tearing the web.

Abstract: A container assembly which is especially adaptable to form a final presentation enclosure is constructed from a flat blank of material. The flat blank is provided with a plurality of fold lines forming a bottom wall, side walls, and top wall portions which act in conjunction with one another to enclose a space. The side walls are connected by joining portions constituting bellows-type folding members. The container is constructed in accordance with the normal hand movements of a person assembling it, wherein the joining members are initially easily folded inwardly thereby drawing up the respective side walls to which they are attached. The natural grasping movement of the hands is then used to complete assembly. The container does not utilize tabs, glue or other fastening means normally associated with a variety of containers. The top walls are formed so as to be exposed at the top of the container to allow securing of the top wall portions by any suitable means.

Abstract: A steel rule die set and method for cutting and scoring sheet material in which the male cutting and scoring die has a steel rule with knife and scoring edges secured firmly in a metal face plate having retaining laser cut openings and a complementary female counter plate having a metal plate with laser cut score lines in juxtaposition to the steel rule score edges.

Abstract: A machine for cutting filing folders to provide identification tabs which includes the use of two rollers, a cutter roller and an anvil roller. The cutter roller has a plurality of surface cutters spaced circumferentially to cut identification tabs selectively at each end and centrally of a folder. The anvil roller has clearance areas, and also an anvil area which will cooperate with one of the surface cutters depending on the circumferential orientation of the cutter roller. The machine provides for a gear drive for the rollers and a mechanism for lifting and adjusting the orientation of the cutter roller to effect cutting of the file edges with one of the surface cutters.

Abstract: To produce a container with a rounded edge, the container blank is scored with several substantially parallel, laterally spaced score lines adjacent the intended location of the rounded edge. When the blank is bent, a portion of the total deflection is absorbed by each score line so that the resulting container edge is a gradual curve rather than a single sharp crease. The ends of each scored region may be left unscored to further smooth the ends of the rounded container edge. Methods and apparatus for forming the above-described blank are disclosed.

Abstract: A precrush tool immediately precedes a slotting blade in a slotting tool assembly. The slotting blade is mounted in the same way as a conventional slotting blade with the exception that the top is profiled to give gradual crushing during rotation. The tool's area gets successively larger to the point that the top land equals the width of the slotter blade and its O.D. when mounted is effectively the pitch circle of the tool assembly. This design allows for the air to be removed from the board gradually and produces a sharp clean cut by the slotter.

Abstract: A gear-like stitching assembly adapted for use in a converter mechanism of the type providing for the production of pad-like cushioning dunnage product from sheet-like stock material which is conventionally disposed in multi-ply, roll form for use with the converter mechanism. The stock material is pulled from the stock roll by the converter and the lateral edges of the stock material are rolled inwardly prior to being formed into the pad-like product. The stitching assembly comprises a pair of rotatable gear-like members adapted to be disposed in coacting, meshed condition, and to stitch confronting and generally abutting rolled edge portions of the sheet-like stock material together by coining, as the latter rolled edge portions pass between the members. The teeth of at least one of the members have projections extending outwardly thereform, for perforating the stock material along the central coined section of the pad-like product, to aid the coined section in maintaining the product in its pad-like form.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for preventing the curling of a composite material having a fluid permeable base and a fluid impermeable outer surface in a manufacturing operation wherein a continuous sheet of the composite material is moved in incremental amounts through a cutter-creaser apparatus to have carton blanks formed therein wherein the curling is prevented by forming a curtain of air under pressure to apply downwardly directed forces on the fluid impermeable surface during the incremental movement of the continuous sheet through the cutter-creaser apparatus and the forming of the carton blanks.

Abstract: A method of forming a skived edge on the inside panel of a thermoplastic coated paperboard container, in part while the container is part of a web or sheet of paperboard material, and in part on individual blanks after being cut from the web or sheet. More specifically, a partial depth cut and an adjacent score line are formed on a carton converting machine providing a precise location for subsequently removing material and folding the edge of a blank on a side seam sealing machine.

Abstract: A slitter scorer including a pair of rotating shafts and roll heads fixedly mounted opposite to each other on said rotating shafts, thereby working a sheet carried between said roll heads, comprises plurality of pairs of head holding shafts having the same diameter as that of said pair of rotating shafts and capable of being disposed on an extension of an end of said pair of rotating shafts concentrically to said pair of rotating shafts, head exchanging means for exchanging said plurality of pairs of head holding shafts, roll heads held to said head holding shafts and means for moving said roll heads axially, whereby said roll heads on the rotating shafts and said roll heads on said head holding shafts are exchanged by slidably moving said rotating shafts and said head holding shafts.