Abstract: A self-service terminal, apparatus, and method for corrugating received media items is disclosed. A bin is provided for storing media items. A pathway selectively conveys a received media item to the bin. An apparatus that include as set of paired corrugating drive rollers is mounted in the pathway for creasing the received media item as it is conveyed to the bin. The set of paired corrugating drive rollers has a plurality of first corrugating rollers mounted in a spaced apart fashion on a common shaft, each of the first corrugating rollers having an outwardly facing rounded-V profile, and a plurality of second corrugating rollers mounted in a spaced apart fashion on a common shaft, each of the second corrugating rollers having an inwardly facing slot. Each of the plurality of first corrugating rollers is positioned adjacent to a corresponding one of the plurality of second corrugating rollers.

Abstract: A folding machine for paper handkerchiefs is disclosed. The folding machine includes a longitudinal folding unit and a transverse folding unit, wherein the longitudinal folding unit executes a longitudinal folding procedure to a paper web to obtain a paper web with longitudinal folds, and the transverse folding unit receives the paper web with longitudinal folds from the longitudinal folding unit and cuts it into paper handkerchiefs before executing a transverse folding procedure to the paper handkerchiefs, thereby completing the folding process for paper handkerchiefs. After being folded longitudinally and transversely, the paper handkerchief is effectively reduced in size for packaging and is convenient for users to carry.

Abstract: A load-bearing three-dimensional structure including a skeletal structure formed by a sheet of material having a plurality of bend lines, each bend line including a plurality of folding displacements, wherein the sheet of material is bent along the bend lines into a box-section; and a reinforcing member configured for substantially surrounding a portion of the skeletal structure when bent into a box-section to reinforce the structural integrity of the skeletal structure. A method of manufacturing the three-dimensional structure is also disclosed.

Abstract: A sheet processing apparatus according to the present invention including a saddle-stitcher configured to fold and discharge a sheet supplied from an image forming apparatus, and an assisting mechanism arranged in a sheet carrier path extending from the image forming apparatus to the saddle-stitcher and configured to form a folding line on the sheet in a first direction orthogonal to a direction of the carrying of the sheet in order to assist folding of the sheet. The assisting mechanism has a disc-shaped roller blade rotatably attached to a moving body that is movable in the first direction.

Abstract: A method and unit for folding a reinforcing flap of the lid of a rigid, hinged-lid packet of cigarettes, wherein at least one reinforcing flap of the lid is folded 180° with respect to a blank and about a fold line onto the blank; the reinforcing flap is prefolded about the fold line by means of a first folding device having a movable folding body; and folding of the reinforcing flap about the fold line is completed by means of a second folding device having fixed folding rails.

Abstract: A creasing machine (1) for forming creases in sheets (11) of flexible material, said creasing machine (1) including a creasing mechanism (5), a transport mechanism (3) for transporting sheets (11) of material through the creasing mechanism, and a control system (7) for controlling operation of the creasing mechanism (5) and the transport mechanism (3), said creasing mechanism (3) including first and second creasing members (25,27) and a drive mechanism (28) for driving the creasing members (25,27), wherein the creasing members (25,27) are arranged to move in the direction of movement of the sheet (11) and at least one of said creasing members (25,27) is moveable towards the other creasing member (25,27) to produce a crease in a sheet (11) located between those members (25,27), and wherein the control system (7) is arranged to substantially match the speed of movement of the creasing members (25,27) with the speed of the sheet to enable the sheet to be creased while moving.

Abstract: A crease forming apparatus includes a crease forming member, an insertion groove and a drive unit. The crease forming member extends along a given line of a recording member for forming the crease in the given line. The insertion groove is formed in a portion disposed opposed to the crease forming member and that allows insertion of the crease forming member thereinto. The drive unit drives the crease forming member in such a manner that the crease forming member advances and retreats between a wait position and a crease forming position, and that inserts the crease forming member situated at the wait position into the insertion groove up to the crease forming position against a holding force to the recording member in such a manner that a peripheral portion of the given line of the recording member is set along the crease forming member.

Abstract: The invention discloses a device for folding and bonding plastic-laminated pre-cut blanks, in particular PE-laminated cardboard packages for beverages, comprising a peeling station for selectively peeling off a plastic lamination of a pre-cut blank; a creasing station for production of a folding line in a blank; a heating station for selectively heating up a plastic lamination on a blank that is to be bonded; a folding station for folding a blank about a folding line; a pressing station for pressing and bonding a folded blank; and conveying means for conveying blanks through the stations. The heating station comprises a burner having an oblong burner chamber which is provided on its top with a series of flame openings arranged one behind the other in the axial direction, for permitting flames to exit the chamber, and a liquid cooling system.

Abstract: A folding and gluing machine is provided for converting a corrugated blank into a panel having at least two parallel struts formed from the blank. The machine forms the struts by having compression chains on each side that exert pressure on the sides of the blank so that struts are formed along weaken lines that have been formed in the blank by a slitter. The struts are formed along an L shaped anvil which has creasing rollers to start the formation of the struts. Each strut is composed of two legs which are glued together. The slitter may be incorporated as a part of the folding and gluing machine.

Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus and method for making booklets. Such structures of this type, generally, employ a variety of creasing techniques in order to form the booklet.

Abstract: To simplify and speed up folding of plate-like elements (1) along a fold line (2), more particularly in a continuous operation, a method and a an apparatus for folding plate-like elements (1) are proposed which eliminate the use of counter-impression elements in the region of the fold line (2). The apparatus includes a second impression device (6) that folds a second section (4) of the plate-like element (1) about the fold line (2) by a first force component oriented perpendicular to the plane of the second section (4). At the same time the second impression device (6) produces a second force component oriented in the plane of the second section (4) and acting in the direction of the fold line (2) to urge a first section (3) of the plate-like element (1) against a first impression device (5).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the manufacture of a two-sided image product is disclosed, comprising the steps of: providing a web of media having an image bearing side and a non-image bearing side; printing a plurality of undetermined images on the image bearing side; applying an adhesive to the non image bearing side; moving the web of media in a direction longitudinal to the web; forming a crease line on the web of media, the crease line running in the longitudinal direction along the web; and folding the web of media along the crease line so that the non-image bearing side contacts itself so as to adhere the non-image bearing side to itself.

Abstract: This invention describes a two-wheeled apparatus with rotating translators means and multiple pincers for the packaging tag connected to the terminal free end of a handling thread, whose other free end is fixed to the bag itself.

Abstract: The novel pre-folding machine for book covers and/or wrappers, has two symmetrical units each provided with two parallel axes on which marking disks and counteracting cylinders are installed. One of the two symmetrical units is fixed, while the other is positioned on guides or rails that extend in parallel to the shafts on which the disks and cylinders are supported and it can be translated by way of a screw, in order to adapt the distance between the marking disks to the book thickness. The machine is also provided with two pairs of flap folding pliers, each one with two wings. One of the wings is fixed and coplanar with the sheet and serves as counteracting element for the other wing that rotates by approximately 180° folding the cover flap around the marking carried that was carried out just upstream by the disks of the two symmetrical units.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for preparing container board having a corrugated medium and at least one liner formed thereon for folding which comprises a tool for displacing in a non-destructive manner the corrugated medium and the liner in a portion of the board to form a curved indentation therein. The device includes a separate tool for forming a line of weakness in the liner along the curved indentation portion of the board. This arrangement increases the dimensional accuracy of the container board by substantially eliminating the occurrences of “false” score lines or rolling scores.

Abstract: A bag capable of displaying and protecting an item during shipping, transportation, handling and/or display. The bag is fabricated from at least one sheet of material which is formed into a tubular sheath having a heat-sealable bonding material disposed solely on portions of the tubular sheath of material so as to bondingly hold the tubular sheath of material in a bag-like configuration. The portions of the tubular sheath having the heat-sealable bonding material thereon may be configured as either lap or fin seals or combinations thereof. There is also provided methods for producing such a bag and methods for its use.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for producing a zig-zag folded filter element from a web of material (18), which is supplied through a feeding device to a stamping unit (10). To define the folding line, the stamping unit is fitted with an anvil roll (21) and a stamping die (24), the stamping unit being ultrasound activated and thereby improving the stamping operation.

Abstract: In a map with a pattern of folding lines along which the map can be folded, it is easy to find geographical regions shown on the map due to two portions connected via a common center area and each having a plurality of folding lines in equidistant portions in a direction parallel to two parallel limiting lines, the map being folded on successive lines alternatingly in opposite directions so as to form a plurality of flaps.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for producing folders of the kind comprising two cover sheets, a spine, which is connected with the cover sheets by means of creasing lines, and a binding agent, which is applied to the inside of the spine and which is activable to connect sheets inserted between the cover sheets to the spine. The binding agent is applied to the spine and to the cover sheets while the cover sheets are essentially parallel to each other and perpendicular to the spine.

Abstract: A apparatus for manufacturing an object of a folded sheet material has improved slitting, scoring/crushing, gathering, and folding sections or devices. Qualifying means, slitting means, and scoring/crushing means are adjustable with respect to a flat, planer, path of movement so that sheet material moves through the machine without causing the paper to assume an "S" shape, or otherwise suffer loss of paper control. Qualifying means bring within tolerance, sheet which is over thickness. Identifying rollers identify and slightly pre-fold a blank before it enters a gathering and pre-folding section. Novel slitting and scoring heads are easily changed in number or configuration, and have easily replaceable split blades.

Abstract: A method for forming and using a mailpiece requiring special services is provided. The method includes providing a mailpiece having an integral document section requiring special service mailing that includes folding the sheet along fold lines and sealing the mailpiece to enclose the integral document section. The method further includes providing a removably attached section which, after the system is folded and sealed, forms a return postcard and at least one form. The return postcard and the form are integrally formed, but removably attached. The method includes removing the return postcard when the mailpiece is received by the addressee.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for producing a signature having a backbone fold defining a closed end and an intermediate fold transverse to the backbone fold using a reduced width of paper coming from a roll. The method and apparatus reduce gusset wrinkles adjacent the folds by slitting ribbons formed from the paper web along a trail edge and a lead edge of a closed end forming the signature. Preferably, the slitting operation leaves an uncut portion of the closed end of the signature extending across the intermediate fold from a side edge to the trail edge to stabilize the ribbon at the area to receive the intermediate fold. The lead edge and trail edge are slit very substantially to expose long areas of fibers for gluing to form a book backbone.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a folding machine for folding the side flaps flanking the middle section of a foldable cardboard blank. For this purpose in the frontal area of the folding machine auxiliary folding devices are arranged. In addition turning belts for the inward tilting of the side flaps can be arranged, which are provided with projections insuring that the side flaps are swung parallelly to their folding grooves.

Abstract: Method for folding plane surfaces wherein, given a plane surface on which there are identified a pluratity of alternative primary folding lines and, parallel to each other and capable to generate a wavy structure, each primary folding line is linked to the subsequent primary folding line by means of two further secondary folding lines, having same origin on the folding line and diverging between them them with angles .beta. and .GAMMA. with respect to the perpendicular to the lines, being 0.ltoreq..beta.<90.degree. and .beta.<.GAMMA.<90.degree., said joining being performed at least once, then two additional secondary folding lines, corresponding to the previous and, being traced, specular with respect to a simmetry plane passing through the said primary folding line.

Abstract: A container apparatus is deployable from a substantially flat, collapsed configuration to a substantially rectangular-bottomed configuration. The container apparatus includes a front panel, a back panel, a first gusseted side panel, and a second gusseted side panel. Each panel has a first transverse score line forming a peripheral edge of the substantially rectangular bottom upon the deployment of the container apparatus. This first transverse score line is scored in a first direction, extending substantially from the front panel towards the back panel of the container apparatus. Each panel further includes a second transverse score line substantially congruent with the first transverse score line. This second transverse score line is scored in a second direction, extending substantially from the back panel towards the front panel of the container apparatus.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for attaching at least one carrying handle to a bag, such as a shopping bag, grocery bag, or the like. Individual handles are severed from a continuous web of handle material. Bags are conveyed at a predetermined velocity, with a longitudinal axis of each bag substantially perpendicular to the bag's direction of travel. Each carrying handle is transported proximate a front or back surface of an associated bag, and in a direction of travel wherein a longitudinal axis of the carrying handle is substantially parallel to the direction of travel of the bag, and substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the bag. The handle is transported at a velocity substantially equal to the predetermined velocity of the bag. The handle is applied to the bag when a handle accepting region of the bag contacts an attachment panel portion of the carrying handle.

Abstract: A cushioning conversion machine for converting stock material into a continuous strip of a cushioning product. The machine includes a stock-preparing assembly which prepares the stock material; a stock-shaping assembly which shapes the prepared stock material into a continuous strip having a pillow-like portion and at least one tab portion projecting therefrom; and a tab-connecting assembly which connects the tab portion of the continuous strip whereby the pillow-like portion will maintain its pillow-like geometry.

Abstract: A container and corresponding blank from which such container is formed is particularly suitable for packaging liquid products and aseptically packaging liquid foods. The rectangular shaped blank may be formed of a laminated sheet material that preferably includes a composite of paperboard web, aluminum foil and intermediate layers of heat sealable polymer. All blank fold lines are scored and an induction sealing flange area is provided around the entire blank perimeter. A unit of several sheet linked blanks is symmetrically folded about a central axis for juxtaposed alignment of sealing flange area around the perimeter of the unfolded blank. After induction sealing, the package side flange at the bottom of the unit, the resulting tube pocket is open and charged with a material quantity of liquid. After charging, the series of edge flanges above the first sealed edge flange are also induction sealed and severed from the unit remainder to complete a pillow shaped package.

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: A fold plate for use with in line folder/gluer machines and particularly folding machines that fold a blank having a multiplicity of layers of material, which machine includes a vertically adjustable stop and one roller on its bottom which contacts the layers of folded material as they are advanced thereunder by a conveyor belt and drive wheels from the folding machine.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method for perforating and creasing a paperboard sheet utilizing a rotary die process. The method and apparatus employ a die rule that comprises a base adapted to be attached to a die roll of a rotary die machine, a plurality of tooth elements, and open spaces between at least some of the plurality of tooth elements. Each of the plurality of tooth elements comprises a body portion that is fixed to and extends radially outwardly from the die roll and a laterally-tapered tooth portion. Each open space is defined by lateral portions of adjacent teeth element body portions and by the base outer edge. The body portion preferably extends radially outwardly from the base so that substantially all of the tooth portion penetrates the outer surface of the paperboard, and the base outer edge extends outwardly so that it engages and creases the inner surface of the paperboard.

Abstract: A one-piece corrugated tray is formed of a blank of sheet material wherein a filler is sandwiched between an lower liner and an upper liner. The blank is slit scored transversely to define end panels, end walls, dividing walls, and floor panels between successive walls. The blank is then power rolled so that the blank is folded up ninety degrees at front slit scores and folded down one-hundred-eighty degrees at front slit scores. The resulting tray has double-thickness walls and double-thickness floors. Trays of this construction can be used for handling and shipping decorative automotive body panels and other items of manufacture that must be protected from rubbing one another or lapping over one another.

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: A folding machine which takes a prescored blank of paper, folds side flaps up, and glue tabs down, applies a glue line to the tabs, and folds end flaps of the blank about score lines onto the glue tabs to form boxed pockets and then delivers the finished folder for use.

Abstract: A honeycomb structural material formed from flat sheet material 60 by establishing a plurality of channels along parallel channel fold lines 68 and reverse channel fold lines 74 and reverse channel cuts 70. A spaced array of holes 66 are cut in the top surfaces 86 of the channels with triple point fold lines 72 formed in top surface 62 and side wall fold lines 74 formed in bottom surface 64. With all fold lines formed flat sheet 60 is folded into plurality of channels and compressed along the axis of the channels to form the honeycomb structure.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method and apparatus for folding of sheet material into symmetrical and nonsymmetrical shapes. The method and apparatus is shown as applied to making a pallet construction wherein a series of symmetrical stringer members made on the apparatus of the present invention are inserted into an equal plurality of nonsymmetrically shaped cross-stringers, also made by the apparatus of the present invention, both of which have had adhesive applied while being folded to retain the shape into which they are made, a top sheet is applied and also glued in place to make a pallet. The method involves essentially supplying a sheet of material such as fiberboard blank of appropriate composition and size, running the blank through crushing and scoring rollers to produce fold lines in the blank, and asymmetrically (making more folds from one side of the bank than from the other side) or symmetrically folding the blank into a predetermined shape while applying adhesive at predetermined points.

Abstract: A fiberboard pallet comprises a deck of multi-wall corrugated fiberboard having a lower surface to which three, four or more elongated legs are permanently attached, for example, by gluing. Each leg is formed of a die cut blank having a series of five panels which are folded into a quadrilateral shape to form an initially open elongated passage. End flaps at the ends of each leg are folded and overlap each other to close the ends. At least two side openings are formed in each leg and any communication into the passage of the quadrilateral shape is closed by closing flaps formed as one piece with side panels of each leg.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method and apparatus for folding of sheet material into symmetrical and nonsymmetrical shapes. The method and apparatus is shown as applied to making a pallet construction wherein a series of symmetrical stringer members made on the apparatus of the present invention are inserted into an equal plurality of nonsymmetrically shaped cross-stringers, also made by the apparatus of the present invention, both of which have had adhesive applied while being folded to retain the shape into which they are made, a top sheet is applied and also glued in place to make a pallet. The method involves essentially supplying a sheet of material such as a fiberboard blank of appropriate composition and size, running the blank through crushing and scoring rollers to produce fold lines in the blank, and asymmetrically (making more folds from one side of the blank than from the other side) or symmetrically folding the blank into a predetermined shape while applying adhesive at predetermined points.

Abstract: Envelopes which are about to receive developed photographic films and/or prints are advanced toward a stacking station in a predetermined orientation and each envelope is provided with one or more fold lines extending in the direction of advancement of envelopes. The fold lines serve to straighten the envelopes which are delivered in rolled, creased and/or otherwise deformed condition such as could interfere with predictable stacking of envelopes in a predetermined sequence which is necessary to ensure that each envelope receive a proper set of film frames and/or prints for shipment or delivery to the parties whose names and/or addresses appear on the envelopes. The fold lines straighten the originally deformed envelopes (which are in random distribution with non-deformed envelopes) for an interval of time which suffices to ensure proper stacking, even if the envelopes exhibit a pronounced tendency to reassume their deformed state.

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: The present invention concerns a method of protecting the finished surfaces of a sanitary fixture against damage during installation and construction at an installation site. In general, the method involves installing a removable protective covering over substantially all the finished surfaces of a sanitary fixture, prior to delivering the sanitary fixture to the installation site. Thereafter, the sanitary fixture and the installed protective covering, as a single unit, are delivered to the installation site. After, completion of installation and construction, and removal of the protective covering from the finished surfaces of the sanitary fixture, the finished surfaces thereof are free from damage.

Abstract: An improved folder apparatus includes a first folder assembly which forms a first fold in sheet material along the path of movement of the sheet material. A second folder assembly forms a second fold in the sheet material in a direction extending transversely to the path of movement of the sheet material. A third folder assembly forms a third fold in the sheet material with the first and third folds extending along the path of movement of the sheet material through the third folder assembly and the second fold at a leading edge portion of the sheet material. During the forming of the three folds, the sheet material is continuously moved through the folder assemblies without stopping. The third folder assembly includes an array of upper and lower tapes. The array of tapes tapers from a wide inlet portion of the third folder assembly toward a discharge portion of a third folder assembly.

Abstract: A carpeting material of nonwoven synthetic thermoplastic resin fibers, capable of being folded so as to fit onto sharply irregular surfaces such as car trunk liners, made by the process of needle-looming a nonwoven carpeting material having higher and lower melting temperature synthetic thermoplastic resin fibers, subjecting the material to sufficient heat to soften and subsequently harden and rigidify one side of the carpeting, and then punching two substantially parallel rows of regularly spaced slots in the back side of the carpeting material. The slots of one row are arranged so that they are staggered in relation to the slots of the parallel row. The arrangement of slots in the back side of the carpeting enables it to be sharply folded while maintaining tear resistance.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method and apparatus for continuously making cardboard runners and stringers and assembling them into a cardboard pallet. Whether a runner or stringer is involved, the method involves essentially supplying a fiberboard blank of appropriate composition and size, running the blank through a perforating and scoring roller to produce fold lines in the blank, and progressively folding the blank from the outside in, by passing it through a plurality of curvilinear rods, and applying adhesive to portions of the blank during the folding process. The runners and stringers thus produced are assembled together to form a cardboard pallet.

Abstract: An apparatus for the production of frames for filters from a continuing reel of framestock, each frame having a given length and width determined by a preset cutting and corner notching function and each frame having a prefolded cross section or a pinched cross section, said frames made to accommodate filter material of the type normally used to filter air.

Abstract: A folding assembly for forming a gusset in a file folder hinge and folding the file folder with the gusset inside of the file folder, the assembly including a transporting arrangement for moving a file folder in sequence through a scoring station, a creasing station, a squeezing station and a folding station, the creasing station including a drive assembly for moving one panel of the file folder toward the other as the hinge is creased. The gusset may be heated at the scoring station, creasing station and/or its squeezing station.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for folding a sheet (1) into a folder provided with a spine and at least one cover. In the portion of the sheet forming the spine of the folder after folding, there is applied a bead (2) of binder for binding sheets of paper, inserted in the ready folder, to the inside of the spine. The sheet is advanced with the bead parallel to the advancing direction via a rail (14) guiding the bead to folding and back-up means implemented as rollers (15, 16, 19, 20), for folding the cover side against the inside of the spine along a line situated closely adjacent and parallel to the bead.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for forming notches at a fold for the corner portion of an expandable gusset envelope, such as a file pocket. A pleated gusset member is placed on a ridged upper surface of a table structure of the apparatus, thereby initiating operation of the apparatus. The bottom portion of the pleated gusset member is clamped against the top of the table. Pressing rolls bend the end portion of the clamped gusset member downwardly against a ridged side surface of the table. The pressing rolls then are rolled upwardly with respect to the pleats of the end portion and form notches adjacent the fold at the clamped bottom portion of the gusset member. A plurality of stacked and gusset members can be notched at one time.

Abstract: Apparatus for folding paper sacks to a Z shape about transverse fold lines comprises scoring wheels for defining the fold lines, folding blades and folding means consisting of folding bars for turning the sacks about the folding blades. A first double belt conveyor clampingly engages each sack near its base or filling aperture and conveys it continuously through the folding means. Two parallel shafts mounted in the machine frame in a vertical plane transverse to the conveying direction each carry two spaced co-operating scoring wheels which provide the passing sacks with scoring in opposite senses. A second double belt conveyor provided parallel to the first engages the sacks at the opposite end, has a length equal to the scoring and holds each sack while passing through the scoring wheels. A third double belt conveyor adjoining the second and parallel to the first clamps each sack between the first double belt conveyor and the scoring facing same during folding about this scoring.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for correcting stack lean in a zig-zag folded web wherein a transverse force is cyclically applied to a traveling web so as to vary the motion of the web slightly as it passes through a transverse perforator.