Abstract: A sheet material conveying device being capable of conveying a folded sheet material that is discharged from an image forming apparatus for forming an image on a sheet material, include: a first conveying path for discharging the folded sheet as it is; a second conveying path branching out from the first conveying path a third conveying path, which branches out from the second conveying path and is connected with the first conveying path, for conveying the sheet material in an opposite direction to a conveying direction of the sheet material in the second conveying path; first switching means for selectively guiding the sheet material to either the first conveying path or the second conveying path; and second switching means for guiding the sheet material guided to the second conveying path to the third conveying path.

Abstract: A printed paper web or any required number of such web in superposition are cut into sections at the folding station of a rotary printing press. Each web section has its midpart subsequently pushed into one of the jaw cavities in a jaw cylinder, therein to be engaged and folded by a fixed and a movable jaw. Both jaws are mounted to separate, independently movable parts of the jaw cylinder, to which is coupled a jaw spacing adjustment mechanism for moving the jaws toward and away from each other in order to vary the spacing therebetween in any operating phase of the movable jaw relative to the fixed jaw. In order to adjust the jaw spacing to the running speed of the press, as well as to the number of webs being processed jointly, a jaw spacing adjustment circuit is provided which puts out a signal indicative of a desired jaw spacing suiting both the press speed and the web thickness, for delivery to a stepper motor driving the jaw spacing adjustment mechanism.

Abstract: A method of folding a gas bag for a vehicle occupant restraint system is disclosed, this gas bag having a wall delimiting a chamber and having an inflation opening, the inflation opening having a rim. The method comprises the following steps: First, the gas bag is spread out on a base. Then, the rim of the inflation opening of the gas bag is held fixed. Thereafter, a plate is arranged parallel to the base and at a distance therefrom, so that the gas bag extends between the base and the plate. Subsequently, the chamber of the gas bag is exposed to a pressurized medium, so that the gas bag unfolds between the base and the plate. Finally, the wall of the gas bag is pressed inwards at a plurality of sites distributed over a circumference of the gas bag. Further, a gas bag folded by performing this method and a device for performing the method are disclosed.

Abstract: The labels present a central portion (13) provided with at least one brand name, and two opposing lateral tails (11b) folded against the rear face. The method consists of advancing a continuous fabric tape (10) consisting of a succession of label portions (11n) joined together, and cyclically halting the tape (10) in such a manner that its front end becomes disposed in a cutting and folding station (30) where it undergoes separation of each label portion (11n) from the front end of the tape (10) and folding of the two opposing tails (11b) of the label along two fixed folding planes (B1 and B2).

Abstract: Method and apparatus for assembling sheets of printing media for booklets. In one aspect of the sheets are folded, sheet-by-sheet, and in another aspect the sheets are collected, sheet-by-sheet, and registered on a fold in each sheet. In still another aspect printed sheets are located, sheet-by-sheet, into the apparatus. Each sheet is trimmed to a pre-determined width depending on the position of the sheet in the booklet being assembled. The sheets are thereafter folded, sheet-by-sheet, and collected into a stack. The method and apparatus have particular application in finishing duplex printed sheets of paper into saddle-stitched booklets.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of forming a booklet having product information printed thereon is disclosed. The method may include: (a) providing a profiled sheet of paper having product information printed thereon; (b) applying an adhesive to a sheet of paper having product information printed thereon; (c) folding the profiled sheet after (b) by making a plurality of folds in the profiled sheet; (d) coupling one or more removable tabs together after (b) to maintain a plurality of inner sheet panels in a substantially closed position and/or (e) removing first and second folded edges of an intermediate article after (c).

Abstract: A web of printed paper is cut into sections by a cutting cylinder while riding on a folding cylinder, and each paper section has its midpart subsequently pushed by a folding blade on the folding cylinder into a jaw cavity formed in the surface of a jaw cylinder in order to be folded into the form of a signature while being transferred from the folding cylinder onto the jaw cylinder. Mounted adjacent the opposite ends of the jaw cavity in the jaw cylinder are a pair of hooks which are cammed into and out of the space that is created by the midpart of each paper section upon insertion in the jaw cavity. The paper section has its midpart positively retained in the jaw cavity while being folded. A set of fixed and movable jaws is also provided in the jaw cavity and functions mostly to fold the paper section rather than to grip the same against accidental detachment.

Abstract: A folding assembly structured to arrange any one of a plurality of different articles into a folded orientation and including an orienting device having a main segment and at least two outwardly extending and spaced apart side segments, wherein the main segments and two side segments are initially disposed in engaging relation to different portions of the article being folded. An attachment assembly in the form of a flexible material connector pivotally attaches each of the side segments in spaced relation to the main segment and outwardly spaced relation therefrom. The flexible material connectors thereby serve to accommodate the folding of articles of various thicknesses, in that they allow for the automatic spaced positioning of each of the sides segments at different spaced distances above the main segment as the different portions of the article are being oriented when the side segments are in a folded position.

Abstract: The invention concerns an office accessory or sheet folding device, designed and adapted to facilitate accurate folding of paper sheets of standard height and width for insertion into commercial envelopes with corresponding dimensions. The sheet folding device which can be made in plastic, comprises a planar base having a width substantially equal to the width of the sheet to be folded. Limit stops extend at the lower edge of the base. The limit stops project slightly above the base to serve as support to the lower edge of the sheets to be folded. At least two folding guides extend transversely over the entire width of the base at specific heights from the lower edge thereof.

Abstract: A method of producing a folded item having printed information thereon to provide information to the user of a product is disclosed.

Abstract: In folded-product production in which a product stream is split up into at least two sub-streams which each run through an associated folding arrangement and are then reunited, it is possible to achieve a high level of user-friendliness and good cost-effectiveness in that at least one sub-stream is assigned a marking arrangement for marking the products passing it, with the result that, upon detection of inaccuracies stemming from the folding operation carried out following the splitting-up action, said products can immediately be assigned to the associated sub-stream, and thus to the folding arrangement belonging to said sub-stream.

Abstract: An apparatus, and corresponding method, for accumulating and directionally reorienting the movement of a stack of sheets after first folding the stack, each sheet of the stack being fed from a feed conveyor along a feed path. The apparatus includes a turnplate, for receiving each of a series of sheets which are there accumulated into a stack of sheets. Stops protrude from a sheet-receiving surface of the turnplate, which holds the stack of sheets edge aligned against the stops.

Abstract: A system for folding sheet material, including a fold blade, a fold roller, and a driver for moving at least one of the fold blade and the fold roller along a first path into operative communication with one another. The operative communication causes displacement of the fold roller along a longitudinal axis of the fold blade.

Abstract: A method of producing a folded item having printed information thereon to provide information to the user of a product is disclosed.

Abstract: A method for pre-fastening disposable absorbent articles having a slot-and-tab fastening system during manufacturing of the pre-fastened disposable articles, such as diapers, pull-on diapers, training pants, adults incontinence pads and the like.

Abstract: A method/apparatus closes and finishes an open end of a product that can be fused together with heat. The apparatus includes a bending stage, a fusing stage, and a pressing/cooling stage, which all can be integrally formed, with the bending stage positioned upstream of the fusing stage, and the pressing/cooling stage positioned downstream of the fusing stage. The apparatus can further include a trimming stage positioned upstream of the bending stage for preparing the ends of a panel. The product has a pair of spaced layers with edges that form an open end. Either one or both of the layers can be heated and rolled toward the other layer while being heated so that they contact and fuse together. The layers can overlap and fuse at their contact surfaces, or the edges can abut to form a butt joint, or the edges can overlap slightly.

Abstract: A method for laying out an envelope blank on a sheet of material using a template having a straightedge portion with layout edge and an alignment portion with alignment field. The user places an item to be enclosed in an envelope onto the sheet, places marks thereon to locate approximately the corners of the item and removes the item. The user places the template thereon, adjustably aligns the edge of the straightedge portion on the sheet until the alignment element is lined up as parallel as possible with two diagonally opposed marks. The layout edge being thus aligned, the user draws a line representing a layout line substantially along the edge. In repeating this process for each mark, the user draws remaining layout lines. After drawing all layout lines, the user removes the template from the sheet; the envelope blank is formed from the layout lines.

Abstract: An elongate rail for an equal path folder that has a hollow tube having a a longitudinal axis and a vacuum applied thereto, and a first and second substantially planar surfaces parallel to the longitudinal axis and forming a folding edge therebetween. The hollow tube has at least one opening positioned angularly away from both the first and said second surfaces. The vacuum causes a negative pressure to be applied to the opening so that a web substrate passing over the first and second surfaces has at least a portion of the vacuum applied to a face of said web substrate when said web substrate is proximate to at least one of the first and second surfaces thereby substantially reducing particulate matter build-up on the folding equipment and substantially reducing the undesirable particulate matter left on the out-going web product.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for automatically folding a sheet of media, for example, a photographic paper about a fold line, such that a album page is formed. The photosensitive media has images only on one side. A heat activated adhesive sheet is provided between the sides of the photographic paper during folding. The adhesive sheet when exposed to heated and pressure rollers, will cause the sides of the photographic media to be secured to form a single album page.

Abstract: An airbag for an airbag module wherein, in the folded state, the airbag has at least one constriction and folds extending in an ordered and/or chaotic manner. Preferably, the constriction extends from the top of the airbag to the bottom and perpendicular to the plane of the expanded unfolded airbag.

Abstract: The present invention provides exemplary sheet folding systems and methods, including systems and methods for printing on a continuous sheet, and removing and folding individual sheets from the continuous sheet. In one embodiment, a sheet folding system (100) includes a separator (200) adapted to separate an individual sheet from a continuous form sheet, a receiver (300) adapted for receiving the individual sheet, a first folder (500) adapted to perform a first fold of the individual sheet, and a second folder (800) adapted to perform a second fold of the individual sheet. In some embodiments, the first and second folders include two different types of folders.

Abstract: An adjustable card folding station includes an adjustable vacuum bed and moveable gates. The vacuum bed includes at least two sections that are movable with respect to each other to accommodate cards of different widths. Each section of the vacuum bed further includes multiple suction cups, each of which is individually connected to a vacuum supply. The vacuum supply independently controls each suction cup so that vacuum can be applied to selected or all suction cups such that cards of different lengths can be accommodated. The movable gates are pivotally mounted with respect to the vacuum bed and operated by motors to pivot 180 degrees from open to closed positions to fold the cards.

Abstract: A system for handling folded sheet material, including a rotatable clamping device including a linearly displaceable clamping component, and a collecting device shaped substantially as a saddle, where the rotatable clamping device is configured to simultaneously encompass opposing sides of the collecting device.

Abstract: A method for folding sheet-like copies, respectively, made up of a plurality of copy layers, whereby open ends and closed folding spines are formed on the copies by folding operations, which comprises forming the folding spine on the inner copy layers of the copy in a manner that the folding spine is interrupted by non-folded sections; a device for performing the method; a folder for performing the method; and a folding copy foldable by the method.

Abstract: A device and a method for producing a batch of products having a multiplicity of interfolded, generally rectangular sheets including wet wipes, from a limited amount of a web material, at a high production speed and in efficiently used floor space.

Abstract: Formerly, several machines or workstations have been required for bordering and closing creases, especially on pipes used in ventilation technology. The invention provides a machine that can carry out all of the operations without the workpiece having to be rechecked. By positioning the closing wheel (6), known per se, underneath the work surface, all of the operations, including the insertion of a sealing strip, can be carried out precisely and economically at the same workstation. According to a preferred method, a bead is first pressed in the workpiece (100) using a moulding roll (2) and a beading and feeding roll (1). During machining with these hydromechanically driven rolls (2, 1), the workpiece (100) is held in the correct working position. The closing process is carried out from the bottom and enables optimum adjustment of the angle of intervention on the closing wheel (6) and reduces wear.

Abstract: In a folding and guiding apparatus for use in a filling and packing machine, film F that is drawn out and guided from a film winding core and fed continuously is double-folded up along the longitudinal direction thereof, and pack-target material is filled and packed while the four sides of the double-folded film are sealed. A film guide member 12 for regulating and holding the outer surface portions of the folded portions of the double-folded film is provided between a film folding mechanism 4 and a longitudinal sealing mechanism 5 so as to be adjacent to the longitudinal sealing mechanism 5.

Abstract: A device for folding vertical flaps of a container (1) moved along a line (100) for packaging products (3) into these containers (1) includes a (cam) member (11), guided along a cyclical trajectory (T) by support and operating means (20) cooperating with trajectory correcting means (6). The trajectory (T) includes a first part (T1), along which the (cam) member (11) moves close to container (1), upstream of said rear vertical flap (5) with respect to the container (1) movement direction (W), and a second part (T2), along which the rear vertical flap (5) is pushed. The second part (T2) is substantially parallel to the direction (W) and concordant therewith. The supporting and operating means (20) include a pulley (21) and a connecting rod (22), aimed at guiding the (cam) member (11) and a bar (13), connected thereto, along a circumference arc. The trajectory correcting means (6) include a rotating body (31), aimed at receiving slildingly the bar (13) in a seat (32) made therein.

Abstract: Folding apparatus and systems are described for providing multi-folded products utilizing a folding board having at least one pressurized nip positioned proximate the folding operation. A folded product is directed through a first pressurized nip, comprising a roller and a first surface of a second folding board, positioned upstream of the folding operation and a second pressurized nip, comprising a roller and a second surface of the folding board, positioned downstream of the folding operation. Positioning pressurized nips proximate the folding operation improves the integrity of the folds created within the product and also creates distinct, uniformly oriented fold lines.

Abstract: A folding structure of a flier in which the nose of the fuselage is many times folded and has heavier weight. After the nose, the wing section and the folding section of the fuselage are folded, both the nose and the wing section partially overlap the folding section, whereby the folding section and the wing section can be stretched to form a flow-guiding space. In flight, the flow-guiding space makes the air blow onto the bottom face of the wing section, whereby the fuselage has a better buoyant force and the flier can stay in the air longer.

Abstract: The labels present a central portion (13) provided with at least one brand name, and two opposing lateral tails (11b) folded against the rear face. The method consists of advancing a continuous fabric tape (10) consisting of a succession of label portions (11n) joined together, and cyclically halting the tape (10) in such a manner that its front end becomes disposed in a cutting and folding station (30) where it undergoes separation of each label portion (11n) from the front end of the tape (10) and folding of the two opposing tails (11b) of the label along two fixed folding planes (B1 and B2).

Abstract: A sheet finisher includes: a sheet stacking section on which sheets are stacked; a pair of folding rollers for pressing and conveying the sheets; a roller driving device for driving the pair of folding rollers; a protruding member which is protruded toward a nipping position of the pair of folding rollers to fold the sheets stacked on the sheet stacking section in two; and a protruding member driving device for driving the protruding member to protrude toward the nipping position. When the protruding member driving device drives the protruding member toward the nipping position, the roller driving device is suspended to drive the pair of folding rollers to be conveyed.

Abstract: A variable-circumference folder includes a gathering cylinder fitted with pin systems for reliably holding products of different thickness fed to the gathering cylinder by an accelerating device without any adjustment effort.

Abstract: A method for producing a batch of products having a multiplicity of interfolded, generally rectangular sheets including wet wipes, from a limited amount of a web material, at a high production speed and in efficiently used floor space.

Abstract: A folding assembly structured to arrange any one of a plurality of different articles into a folded orientation and including an orienting device having a main segment and at least two outwardly extending and spaced apart side segments, wherein the main segments and two side segments are initially disposed in engaging relation to different portions of the article being folded. An attachment assembly in the form of a flexible material connector pivotally attaches each of the side segments in spaced relation to the main segment and outwardly spaced relation therefrom. The flexible material connectors thereby serve to accommodate the folding of articles of various thicknesses, in that they allow for the automatic spaced positioning of each of the sides segments at different spaced distances above the main segment as the different portions of the article are being oriented when the side segments are in a folded position.

Abstract: A method for handling a material sheet in a sheet-wise booklet making system, including the steps of advancing a sheet to a movable clamping drive at a first position, clamping the sheet in the clamping drive at the first position, moving the clamping drive in a non-linear path to a second position, establishing a fold in the sheet with a folding device, moving the clamping drive in a non-linear path to a third position, and delivering the folded sheet to a collecting device, such that a leading side and a trailing side of the folded sheet are respectively delivered to a frontside and a backside of the collecting device.

Abstract: A method of folding an air bag consisting of the following steps: providing an air bag with a square configuration; folding four corners of the air bag toward the center of the air bag resulting in a smaller square configuration; repeating said folding step to place the air bag in a smaller square configuration; folding a resulting left corner of the air bag toward the center of the air bag; folding a resulting right corner of the air bag toward the center of the air bag; and pinching lower and upper portions of the air bag while folding the lower and upper portions, respectively, toward the center of the air bag.

Abstract: A single blank is provided with four removable sections which are sub-divided by lines of weakening and fold lines. The blank is foldable along a longitudinal line and transverse line to form the four sections into a four layer product. Upon removable from the blank, the four layer product may be manipulated to expose different sub-sections and, thus, provide different pictorial representations depending upon the imaging of the sub-sections. The sub-sections are imaged in a coordinated manner to produce different scenes.

Abstract: An air bag body (1) is expanded by charging an air therein after being expanded in a flat surface shape. Next, by gently gripping the air bag body (1) by upper and lower blades (26, 25) radially arranged in a radial direction of the air bag body (1), a height in a radial direction of the air bag body (1) is linearly restricted along the upper and lower blades (26, 25). Next, a plurality of movable blocks (24) are forward moved toward a center of the air bag body (1), and upper and lower panels (12, 11) of the air bag body (1) are accumulated. At this time, the upper and lower panels (12, 11) of the air bag body (1) are folded in a state of being apart from each other so as to form a wave shape. Next, the air bag body (1) is rotated, a portion left in a tab shape is wound around a periphery, and a center protruding portion of the air bag body (1) is pressed from an upper side, whereby a front surface deploying portion (35) is formed.

Abstract: For folding sheet layers the folding blade (20) forms a comb. The comb gaps (27) are closed during fold pressing and opened during transfer of the fold to a conveyor (21). Thus the conveyor (21) engages the sheet only in the region of the comb gaps and easily withdraws the sheet without pressing it into contact against the folding blade (20). For controlling the gap variations a fully mechanical cam control (30) is provided underneath the working plane (10).

Abstract: An air bag body (1) is expanded by charging air therein after being expanded in a flat surface shape. Next, by gently gripping the air bag body (1) by upper and lower blades (26, 25) radially arranged in a radial direction of the air bag body (1), height in a radial direction of the air bag body (1) is linearly restricted along the upper and lower blades (26, 25). Next, a plurality of movable blocks (24) are forward moved toward a center of the air bag body (1), and upper and lower panels (12, 11) of the air bag body (1) are accumulated. At this time, the upper and lower panels (12, 11) of the air bag body (1) are folded in a state of being apart from each other so as to form a wave shape. Next, the air bag body (1) is rotated, a portion left in a tab shape is wound around a periphery, and a center protruding portion of the air bag body (1) is pressed from an upper side, whereby a front surface deploying portion (35) is formed.

Abstract: A controller for providing individual acceleration and velocity values to drivers controlling motors in a carton folding machine. In a first method, the controller provides the individual acceleration and velocity values by using unique addresses for each motor. The drivers receive the values and provide corresponding motor control signals to the motors they control. In a second method, the controller provides a master reference signal to the drivers along with acceleration and velocity values for the motors. The drivers generate electronic gear ratios for providing motor control signals to the motors they control based upon the master reference signal.

Abstract: A packaging product for forming a package is disclosed. The package product comprises a planar member, with at least one surface (3) of the planar member having a first array of parallel creases (11) and a second array of parallel creases (13) perpendicular to the first array of creases, which creases define cutting lines and/or fold lines for forming the sides and the end flaps of the package.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a paper core material is described. The paper core material has uses such as in the building industry and has the advantage that no toxic home syndrome is caused in a newly built house or office. The paper core material has a continuous geometric pattern such as rectangular or hexagonal cells and is made by the method of providing a plurality of base paper strips, bending and gluing the base paper strips to form the paper core material having a continuous geometric pattern, treating the paper core material with a charcoal solvent comprising activated carbon dust, wood vinegar and a flame-resisting agent, and drying the paper core material. An alternate method is provided which involves treating the base paper strips with the charcoal solvent, drying the base paper strips, and then bending and gluing the base paper strips to form the paper core material having a continuous geometric pattern.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a copy-carrying cylinder which has a peripheral surface (2) supporting sheet-like copies and which is provided with retaining elements for fixing the sheet-like copies in place on the peripheral surface (2). A folding device (5) which can be moved into and out of openings (4) at the peripheral surface (2) are bounded by at least one movable surface element (13). The surface element (13, 13.3) which is associated with the folding device (5) is designed in such a manner that it takes its closed position (22) automatically.

Abstract: A finisher includes a folding device which folds a sheet having an image formed surface, a reversing mechanism which reverses the sheet, and a conveying path for conveying the sheet bypassing the reversing mechanism. The finisher decides whether to pass the sheet through the reversing mechanism based on whether the sheet is to be folded. The finisher adjusts both folded sheets and unfolded sheets in the order of page numbers and staples a sheaf of the sheets easily and accurately, and also utilizes space efficiently and prevents the finisher size from enlarging.

Abstract: The method of adjusting a first longitudinal folding device for processing material webs with longitudinal adhesive bonding in a folder of a web-fed printing machine, wherein the first longitudinal folding device is movable relative to the folder, includes the steps of fixing the position of the former outlet rollers relative to a cylinder part of the folder. The method also includes the step of displacing a frame whereon spindles of the former outlet rollers are displaceably carried, thereby maintaining the distance of the web of material relative to the surfaces of the former outlet rollers. Another method step includes aligning an annular recess, centrally formed in the former outlet rollers, with an axis of the folder, for the purpose of applying the adhesive with regard to any width of material web to be processed.

Abstract: The present invention supplies practical procedures, functions or techniques for folding tessellations. Several tessellation crease pattern techniques, and the three-dimensional folded configuration are given. Additionally several new forming processes, including mathematical methods for describing the material flow are disclosed doubly-periodic folding of materials that name the doubly-periodic folded (DPF) surface, including vertices, edges, and facets, at any stage of the folding. This information is necessary for designing tooling and forming equipment, for analyzing strength and deflections of the DPFs under a variety of conditions, for modeling the physical properties of DPF laminations and composite structures, for understanding the acoustic or other wave absorption/diffusion/reflection characteristics, and for analyzing and optimizing the structure of DPFs in any other physical situation.

Abstract: In a sheet folding apparatus for nipping and conveying a sheet by a pair of folding rollers and folding the sheet, at least one roller of the pair of folding rollers has large- and small-diameter portions along the axis. The contact area between the sheet and each folding roller can be reduced. As a result, a relief for the pressure from the two ends of the roller shaft in folding a sheet can be ensured at a portion where the sheet creases, and any crease can be prevented.

Abstract: A new form of printed material, referred to herein as a booksert, provides printed information concerning commercial products, such as drug products and the like. The booksert is preferably formed from a single sheet of material that is printed, folded, glued and trimmed to form a multi-page booksert. The booksert can also include a removable insert.