Abstract: The invention relates to a detection device (10) for the use in a hag filling plant (100) to detect an overlapping section (230) of a film web (200) between an end of a film web (212) of a film in use (210) and a start of a film web (222) of a subsequent film (220), comprising a first film roll (20) and a second film roll (30), which contact the film web (200) on side areas (202) aligned opposite each other, and form a conveyer gap (40) for the film web (200) with the first film roll (20) being supported mobile in reference to the second film roll (30), in order to alter the conveyer gap (40), and with a sensor device (50) being arranged for the detection of the motion of the first conveyer roll (20).

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for detecting and/or determining the position of a barrier layer contained in the wall of a tubular packaging material. The device comprises an infrared source and an infrared receiver, said source and said receiver being placed so as to transmit (receive, respectively) infrared radiation through part of the wall of a tube containing a barrier layer to be analyzed. The invention also relates to a method of detecting and/or determining the position of a barrier layer contained in the wall of a tubular packaging material 15, the method comprising transmitting infrared radiation through a tube wall containing a barrier layer, receiving and analyzing said infrared radiation.

Abstract: A sheet folding device for performing single-sheet folding and multi-sheet folding with a single feed path, the device including: a conveying unit that conveys a sheet; a restraining unit that stops a leading edge of the sheet; a pair of folding rollers that fold the sheet; and a guiding member that guides a bend of the sheet to a nip between the pair of folding rollers, wherein the guiding member is positioned at different sheet-guiding positions for single-sheet folding and multi-sheet folding.

Abstract: Tobacco products (2), typically cigarettes, are manufactured on a line (1) including a cigarette maker (3) and a filter tip attachment machine (4), both equipped with a number of production devices and units connected to respective master control units (82, 83) and visual display units (84). Key characteristics of sample tobacco products (2) are tested by an auxiliary inspection unit (45) forming part of a monitoring and control system associated with the manufacturing line (1), and connected up to a common interface network (48) so that signals reflecting the monitored characteristics can be fed back to a number of control units (81) associated respectively with the devices and the units of the line (1) on which the characteristics in question depend, and programmed to pilot corrective actions in response to the feedback signal.

Abstract: In general, the present invention comprises of a control unit with a tape applicator with operative members to selectively actuate sensors of a multiple sensor arrangement each of which is positioned to detect movement or position caused by a carton or the dispensing tape; specifically, the signal caused by the present of the carton; the movement caused by the dispensing tape as the carton being taped, and a further signal actuated based on the size (depletion) of the dispensing tape roll. The detected signals from the sensors are sent to a control unit with a multiple timing circuit or a preprogrammed micro processor with predetermined sequences and time values to generate and emit a correspond alarm signal based on the following control logics.

Abstract: A cutting device of the present invention includes an upper blade, an upper blade fixing plate, a lower blade and a lower blade fixing plate, the upper blade is attached by being bolt-clamped and fixed to the upper blade fixing plate from the outer side and the lower blade is attached by being bolt-clamped and fixed to the lower blade fixing plate from the outer side in a direction opposite to an upper blade attaching direction, thereby to solve problems that cutting of an amorphous sheet material is adversely affected by worn-out upper and lower blades and a time is taken to insert a spacer for adjustment of a clearance between the upper and lower blades.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for producing packs, in particular cigarette packs, from blanks (11, 44), wherein individual regions of a pack blank (11) are adhesively bonded to one another and, if appropriate, to one or more separate blanks (44) by the pack blank (11) being provided with individual portions of glue (28, 29) by means of a valve or a group of valves (26) and blank regions which are to be adhesively bonded together subsequently being held or pressed on one another, wherein the individual portions of glue (28, 29) are applied to the blank regions by means of the glue valve (27) or the group of glue valves (26), and/or wherein a control and/or regulating device (65) automatically controls and/or regulates the size or quantity of the respectively produced portion of glue (28, 29), which size or quantity is produced by the at least one glue valve (27) during an individual valve opening cycle, as a function of at least one parameter.

Abstract: A method is provided for determining a reference lateral position of a copy in a folding machine, the copy having a given width and being defined by first and second lateral edges, the folding machine being designed to convey the copy in a path and having at least two conveying members that convey the copy over a first portion of the path, each first conveying member defining, for each of the first and second lateral edges, a first preferred lateral zone. At least one of the first preferred lateral zones extends laterally outside the first connected conveying member and laterally overlaps said first conveying member. The reference lateral position is determined such that at least the first lateral edge is situated inside a first preferred lateral zone associated with said first lateral edge. The method may be applied to offset rotary presses.

Abstract: The process for crafting paper includes providing a double-sided mat having a cutting surface on one side and a scoring surface on an opposite side. Both the cutting surface and the scoring surface each have measurement indicia thereon. Paper is scored or cut on respective sides of the mat with a ruler having a channel formed therein. The channel is capable of receiving a scoring knob or a cutting blade for precisely cutting or scoring arches, circles or straight lines. The mat and ruler are also configured to construct box tops that precisely fit relatively smaller box bottoms.

Abstract: A fold processing device includes a setter that sets an area desired to be visible or an area desired to be hidden from outside in a state in which a paper sheet has been folded, a determining unit that determines folding conditions on the basis of a result of setting by the setter, and an executer that executes folding in accordance with the folding conditions determined by the determining unit.

Abstract: A method of determining a total amount of stock material passing through a cushioning conversion machine over a period of time during which a plurality of three-dimensional cushioning products are made. The method includes the acts of providing a sheet stock material; converting the sheet stock material into a plurality of the three-dimensional cushioning products with the cushioning conversion machine during the period of time; monitoring the passage of stock material through the cushioning conversion machine during the period of time; storing in a computer memory information regarding the total amount of stock material that passed through the cushioning conversion machine during the period of time; and retrieving the stored information, the retrieved stored information providing an indication of the total amount of stock material that passed through the cushioning conversion machine during the period of time.

Abstract: A unit for evaluating various properties of a paper envelope. The unit is capable of examining an envelope and determining key features of the envelope, such as the amount of front seal adhesive present, the tear strength of the side seams and the presence of properly printed graphics. The unit comprises a) a housing having either a touch screen video display unit or another source of data entry; b) a front seal control portion that contains linear encoders to determine the amount of adhesive on the seal; c) a side strength control portion that contains blades used to measure the force needed to burst the sides of the envelope: and d) a print design quality feature that is utilized to confirm the quality and location of any printing on the envelope.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for measuring, monitoring and/or providing an indication of material “damage” in board products, particularly Machine Direction (MD) Shear. In this regard, the present document discloses applying a predetermined force to a board product such that the board product is not deflected beyond its elastic region. The apparatus used for applying the force is preferably of a size or structure suitable for physically limiting the amount of deflection of the board product. By maintaining the board product within its elastic region as such, the occurrence of permanent damage to the board product is reduced. Hence, the disclosed method and apparatus are able to provide a non-destructive indication of MD Shear on the paperboard product being tested, and are thus suitable for use in on-line testing/monitoring of paperboard production.

Abstract: A method for increasing caliper control of a fibrous web as the web is wound onto a roll is provided. The method includes winding the fibrous web containing cellulosic fiber onto the roll to form a wound product and conveying the web through a nip prior to winding the web onto the roll. The nip is configured to apply a pressure to the web to selectively decrease the caliper of the web as the web is wound onto the roll. Also disclosed is a system for controlling the caliper of the fibrous web in which a calender device forms a nip through which the fibrous web is conveyed. The system includes an adjustment device, which is configured to adjust the nip of the calender device to increase pressure on the fibrous web as the diameter of the roll increases thus increasing uniformity of the caliper of the fibrous web.

Abstract: A box erecting machine that can readily be set up to assemble boxes of different sizes contains pointers and scales permitting the vertical and horizontal adjustment of the box magazine, the centering of the flap folding structures, and the vertical adjustment of the box hold down plates to be readily set according to the dimensions of the box to be assembled. The vertical adjustment of the box magazine, the horizontal adjustment of the box magazine, and the centering of the flap closure apparatus are adjusted until the corresponding pointer and scale of those structures indicate the width measurement taken directly from the box. The hold down plate assembly is adjusted until the corresponding pointer and scale indicate the height of the box as measured directly therefrom. Horizontal adjustment of box magazine width and horizontal adjustment of an adjustable guide rail are performed against an actual box placed in those structures.

Abstract: A folding device for double-folding a sheet or a plurality of sheets for folding into a booklet. The folding device comprises a collecting tray provided with adjustable stops between which the sheets to be folded are collected. In a sheet feed path to the collecting tray there is disposed a measuring wheel which is set into rotation by a sheet as they are displaced, said wheel measuring the length of the supplied sheet. On the basis of said measurement, the stops are adjusted so that the center between the stops corresponds to the place where folding rollers fold the sheet.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of producing foil bags, wherein at least two foils are supplied that serve as side foils of the foil bags, the foils are connected to each other and then cut into individual foil bags, wherein possibly existing differences in the amounts of foil materials provided by the at least two foils in the feed direction for a respective foil bag are eliminated by stretching the foil that provides the smaller amount of foil material for a foil bag, and to a bag-producing apparatus for performing the method.

Abstract: An apparatus for the processing and segmenting of a cover-forming laminate web or sheeting structure which is adapted to interconnect a plurality of containers, such as the base members of blister packages each of which is designed to contain a hydrophilic contact lens in a sterile aqueous solution. More specifically disclosed is an apparatus for the imprinting, perforating, slitting and cutting the laminated web structure such that the severed laminate segments constitute printed covering label for an array of such containers, and whereby the laminated web or sheeting segment may be severed along weakening or perforation lines so as to provide a separable packaging arrangement for individual of the containers which are subsequently adhered thereto.

Abstract: A process for applying a biobarrier member to a vent opening in a foil member used for medical device packaging. The process provides for cutting a biobarrier member from a roll of stock and sealing the biobarrier member about the vent opening in the foil member. The seal is tested for integrity and the biobarrier member is tested for porosity.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for inspecting skived glue, hemming and skew, and backfold of cartons by means of real time image comparison. The apparatus comprises channel sensors, means for measuring conveyor travel distance, a system controller coupled to the channel sensors, a memory for storing images, a processor coupled to the outputs of the system controller and the memory and a bad carton locator means. A known good carton is passed through the channel sensors and a reference synthetic image is stored in a memory. A test carton is passed through the channel sensors producing a real time image which is compared to the stored reference synthetic image for detecting defects.

Abstract: A web tension measurement and control device and method for a folding machine are provided. The tension of a web over a former board is transduced by a sensor mounted on a former board adjustment rod. The former board adjustment rod is coupled at a first end to a portion of the former board near the edge at which the web departs the former board, and at a second end to a frame. The sensor transduces a signal proportional to the strain to which it is subjected. The signal is provided to a gauge for visualization of a value of the web tension, and/or to an information processing device which generates one or more control signals functions of the measured value of the web tension. The one or more control signals may be fed back to a driven roller upstream of the former board and/or to a set of nip rollers downstream of the former board in order to actuate them so as to produce a desired web tension.

Abstract: A folder and inserter machine comprises a tray for receiving documents to be folded and a folding mechanism having a folding abutment whose position is adjustable under the control of a processor. A pointer member is moved along the document to be folded present in the tray to pick up the distance between the bottom of the document and an address block on the document. The processor connected to the pointer member is organized to compute data representative of fold dimensions for the document on the basis of the distance provided thereto by the pointer member so as to adjust the position of the abutment automatically.

Abstract: The testing of containers for leaks is accomplished solely by means of volumetric compression of air trapped within the container interior during a stroke of a top cuff forming mandrel. Upon sensing the presence of a defective container, a container transfer chute is activated so as to remove the defective container from the container-making machinery and thereby separate it from those containers determined to be acceptable. In the event that a number of containers per predetermined unit time period (e.g., at least 10 containers per minute) have been determined to be defective, a controller will initiate a machine self-diagnostic mode. Once a first threshold number of defective containers per unit time is sensed, then a complete machine shut-down will occur if a second threshold number of defective containers is sensed in the next subsequent unit time period (e.g., greater that 10 containers during the next successive minute of operation).

Abstract: Apparatus for measuring a characteristic of a body of material having first and second substantially parallel coaxial lines with distal extremities in relatively close proximity to each other and adpapted to be disposed in close proximity to the body of material. A transmitter is coupled to the first coaxial line for introducing electrical energy in the high frequency to a microwave range into the first coaxial line to cause an electromagnetic field to be established at the distal extremity of the first coaxial line and to extend into the body of material. A receiver is coupled to the second coaxial line for detecting any of the electromagnetic field coupled into it from the first coaxial line. A measurement device is coupled to the receiver means for ascertaining when any change occurs in the coupling of the electromagnetic field from the first coaxial line to the second coaxial line to determine said characteristic of the body of material.

Abstract: A method for producing at least one fiber skein for the production of filters for cigarettes and for other smokable rod-shaped articles, comprises the steps of drawing from a supply at least one filter tow strip, supplying the drawn fiber strip to a subsequent treatment, in which the fiber strip is stretched and fluffed, then the treated fiber strip is collected in a formating unit to a fiber skein which is finally provided with an enveloping material, to form a continuous, wrapped fiber skein. The fiber strip of strips are exposed at the beginning of the treatment to a brake force, to adjust at least the quantity to be processed of the fiber strip of strips, the brake force being set automatically.

Abstract: A device and method for measuring the force or pressure required to break a score and bend a sheet of paperboard along a pre-formed score line. The device includes means for clamping one portion of the sheet between a pair of stationary plates, with another portion of the sheet extending beyond the plates, and a moveable plate co-planar with, but spaced a short distance from, one of the stationary plates and engageable with the other portion of the sheet. The device includes a mechanism for moving the moveable plate out of the plane of one of the stationary plates, to break the score and bend the sheet at the score line, and a gauge for measuring the force required to bend the paperboard sheet at the score line.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and apparatus for testing the chew-out strength of paperboard cores. The apparatus of the invention includes a clamping element for clamping a tubular core to prevent rotation thereof; a splined chuck element in the form of an axially tapered member having a plurality of circumferentially distributed splines for insertion into one end face of the core; and a means for applying increasing torque at a controlled rate to the splined chuck element. A measuring means measures the torque applied to the splined chuck element. In operation, increasing amounts of torque are applied by the torquing means until the splined chuck element shears the end face of the tube resulting in chew-out of the core. The maximum torque force applied to the splined chuck element provides an accurate indication of the chew-out strength of the core.

Abstract: A device for on-line control and automatic ejection of faulty blanks moving along a conveyor wherein there is a linear ejector conveyor positioned laterally and at an acute angle to the conveyor direction and wherein the speed with which the faulty blanks are conveyed away by the ejector conveyor is related to the speed of the conveyor by the relationship(Conveyor Speed)=(Ejector Conveyor Speed)(Cosine of the acute angle).

Abstract: Apparatus for measuring a characteristic of a body of material having first and second substantially parallel coaxial lines with distal extremities in relatively close proximity to each other and adapted to be disposed in close proximity to the body of material. A transmitter is coupled to the first coaxial line for introducing electrical energy in the high frequency to a microwave range into the first coaxial line to cause an electromagnetic field to be established at the distal extremity of the first coaxial line and to extend into the body of material. A receiver is coupled to the second coaxial line for detecting any of the electromagnetic field coupled into it from the first coaxial line. A measurement device is coupled to the receiver means for ascertaining when any change occurs in the coupling of the electromagnetic field from the first coaxial line to the second coaxial line to determine said characteristic of the body of material.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a method for improving the quality of products produced in a cigarette manufacturing process. Selected machine operating parameters for at least one machine are monitored, as well as the product being produced. Samples of the product being produced are automatically obtained and tested for quality parameters. Machine operators are notified when to manually test samples of the product for quality parameters. The machine operators can request a test of a quality parameter. The actual test measurements of the quality parameters for either the automatically obtained samples or the manually tested samples are compared against expected values and alarms are presented and the testing is resequenced when the measured quality parameters fail to meet the expected values. Also, employee solution procedures are presented to aid in problem resolution. The time periods and downtime reason when each machine is inoperative is recorded.

Abstract: To improve quality control a cigarette filter manufacturing line is provided with a testing station which periodically removes a filter to test the diameter and resistance to draw. The mean diameter and RTD of a number of filters is calculated and compared to acceptable ranges. Adjustments are made to the manufacturing line to correct any unacceptable values according to a set of priorities dependent on the degree and sense of the inaccuracies.

Abstract: Conventionally, large-volume carton packs are constructed in such a way that two mutually opposite walls (bottom wall 19 and cover wall 20) are formed from folding tabs (15 to 18) overlapping one another. The folding tabs are connected to one another by adhesive bonding. Furthermore, an adhesive strip (51) can be affixed in the region of a parting line (25) between the outer tabs (17, 18) butting against one another. The connection between the folding tabs or the arrangement of the adhesive strip (51) may be defective. Thus, according to the invention, in order to check the carton pack (10) in terms of a correct construction, pressure is exerted on the walls (bottom wall 19 and cover wall 20) formed from folding tabs, in such a way that any inadequate connections result in a springing open of the respective walls. The change in shape of the carton pack (10) is detected by sensors, especially by photosensors (87, 88).

Abstract: Apparatus for detecting and/or controlling tension of a moving web, for example, a filamentary tow, in a preselected zone of a longitudinal path traversed by the moving web. A sensing roller is journally supported by roller support structure, the latter having an opposing pair of deflection arms each of which is defined by edges which diverge from one another between inner supported and outer unsupported ends of the arms so that a region of reduced width (as measured in the general longitudinal direction of the web) is provided near each inner supported end. A reaction force which is indicative of the web's tension will thus be exerted against the sensing roller and transferred to the roller support structure so as to responsively cause the deflection arms to be resiliently flexed in the general direction of the reaction force.

Abstract: A system for monitoring the operation of an input transducer of a central control unit for machines employed in production and product packaging lines, the system having a first circuit for detecting operating defects of the input transducer including a first subcircuit for producing a change in the operating condition of the transducer to produce a corresponding change in the logic signal of the transducer, and a second subcircuit for detecting the change in the logic signal and operating a control alarm based upon the detected change in the logic signal, the system also including a second circuit for providing a signal from the transducer to the central control and monitoring unit based upon the operating condition of the transducer.

Abstract: In a method and an apparatus to test folded sheets for folding deviations from the reference folding line, to be used in pocket folding - or cutting folding machines, markings are made on the folding material, corresponding with the print format, and are sensed by sensors, preferably electro-optical reflection sensors after the material has been folded inside the machine, to obtain the position information. The evaluation position information derived from the output of the sensors for a number of folded sheets is rigid to determine the adjustments of the machine necessary to correct the deviations.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of continuously determining the perimeter of an elongated object of generally uniform cross section which comprises wrapping the object with a sheet of flexible material having a pair of detectable parallel lines formed thereon, such that the lines extend axially parallel to the object, placing detection means in position to detect the lines, the detection means being capable of determining the distance between the lines, moving the object and the detection means relative to each other in a manner such that continuous detection of the lines and measurement of the distance therebetween occurs, and correlating the measured distance between the lines to the perimeter of said object.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of continuously determining the perimeter of an elongated object of generally uniform cross-section which comprises wrapping the object with a sheet of flexible material having a single band imprinted thereon in such manner that the single band extends axially parallel to the object and becomes partially obscured by an overlapping edge of the sheet, placing detection means in position to detect the width of the unobscured portion of the single band, the detection means being capable of determining the width of the unobscured portion of the single band, moving the object and the detection means relative to each other in a manner such that continuous detection of the single band and the measurement of the width of the unobscured portion of the single band occurs and correlating the measured width of the unobscured portion of the band to the perimeter of the object.

Abstract: In a method and apparatus for manufacturing two-ply agricultural storage bags, two supplies (36, 38) of flexible tubular materials are positioned on opposite sides of feed wheels (26) mounted on a generally cylindrical frame structure (24). The inner material (36a) from the first supply (36) extends through the frame (24) and outwardly around the feed wheels (26). The outer material (38a) from the second supply (38) extends around the feedwheels (26) in surrounding engagement over the inner material (36a). Actuation of the feedwheels (26) effects simultaneous advancement of the materials (36a, 38a) around the frame (24) so that a bag can be collected at the lower end of the frame.

Abstract: In a method and apparatus for manufacturing two-ply agricultural storage bags, two supplies (36, 38) of flexible tubular materials are positioned on opposite sides of feed wheels (26) mounted on a generally cylindrical frame structure (24). The inner material (36a) from the first supply (36) extends through the frame (24) and outwardly around the feed wheels (26). The outer material (38a) from the second supply (38) extends around the feedwheels (26) in surrounding engagement over the inner material (36a). Actuation of the feedwheels (26) effects simultaneous advancement of the materials (36a, 38a) around the frame (24) so that a bag can be collected at the lower end of the frame.

Abstract: A laundry folding machine for imparting initial folds to an article is disclosed. The article is fed from a first conveyor to a second conveyor across a fold gap which is bridged at this time. The second conveyor pauses and then reverses, a suspended loop being thus formed in the article beneath the fold gap. Finally, the hanging article is tucked into a fold mechanism at the quarter and three-quarter position, thereby folding the article into quarters.