Abstract: The application relates to a method for zigzag folding a material web, the method having the following steps: continuously feeding a material web to be folded into a folding apparatus along a feed direction, alternately gripping the material web in a proximal region of the folding apparatus by means of gripping devices, holding and conveying the material web by means of the gripping devices into a distal region of the folding apparatus, the material web being zigzag folded thereby, and releasing the material web from the gripping devices and depositing the material web in a stack (9) with folds in the distal region, a distance between adjacent gripping devices (4, 5) being equal to a fold length. Furthermore, the application also relates to an apparatus for zigzag folding a material web.

Abstract: An installation for folding and stacking an endless web of corrugated cardboard comprises at least one corrugated cardboard production device for producing an endless web of corrugated cardboard, a squeezing device which is arranged downstream of the at least one corrugated cardboard production device for embossing folds into the web of corrugated cardboard, and a folding device which is arranged downstream of the at least one squeezing device for folding the web of corrugated cardboard along the folds. The folding device has a first engagement member which is guided for displacement so as to carry along the web of corrugated cardboard in the region of a first fold and at least one second engagement member which is guided for displacement independently of the first engagement member so as to carry along the web of corrugated cardboard in the region of a second fold which is arranged upstream of the first fold.

Abstract: A folding superstructure and to a method for operating a folding superstructure of a web-fed rotary printing press with at least one former by which one or more paper webs fed through this former are provided with a longitudinal fold. The longitudinally folded paper web is guided to folding cylinders. The folding cylinders further process the uncut paper web to form cut sheets. The still uncut paper web is actively transported by at least one transporting device.

Abstract: A device is usable to feed at least one material web and/or at least one strand that is comprised of several material webs into a folding device. A superstructure is part of the device, as is a former that can be displaced in relation to the material web, and a transverse cutter which is usable to separate the material web or webs into individual products. At least one guide rail is provided in the superstructure and carries a retaining device that can be displaceably guided on the path of travel of the material web through the superstructure. A leading edge of at least one of the material webs can be attached to the retaining device. The guide rail passes the former and includes at least one flexible guide rail section whose form can be altered. In particular, the length of the flexible guide rail section can be adjusted in the region adjoining the former.

Abstract: A sheet holding structure comprises a container for holding fanfold paper layered by being alternately folded every predetermined length as a sheet. The container has upper and lower sections that are fixed to each other so as to be non-movable relative one another and that collectively form an accommodation portion that accommodates the fanfold paper. The lower section of the container has an inner wall surface formed in a concave shape along a lengthwise direction of the fanfold paper so that the fanfold paper curves in an inward direction and exerts an expanding force acting, at least in part, against the self-weight of the fanfold paper and in a direction opposite to the inward direction.

Abstract: A folding and stacking device for folded sheet articles includes a folding device for outputting a first set of sheet articles having a first fold and a second set of sheet articles having a second fold. Sheet articles from the first and second sets of sheet articles are alternatingly placed on a stack so that the first and second folds are on opposing sides of the stack to evenly distribute the sheet article material on both sides of the stack.

Abstract: A decorative cover or container for holding a flower pot, floral grouping or botanical item, and constructed from a sheet of material having a plurality of folded portions, wherein the decorative cover or container is initially constructed in a flattened condition, and having a base portion which is opened to expose an interior space into which a pot or floral grouping can be disposed, and having a bottom having bottom folds secured by a bottom fold securing element.

Abstract: Two movable members, one on either side of a pre-folded continuous form entering a paper stacking area, are driven according to a determined position of the pre-folded form to push a leading edge of the form to one or another side of the stacking area so that the folds in the form will develop correctly in a stack. Only one of the members is permitted to contact the form at any time, and the members are separated by a sufficient angle so that no position of the members permits both members to contact the form. After directing the first and second sheets of the form, the members return to a home position in which neither member obstructs or interferes with subsequent stacking of the form. The position of the pre-folded form may be determined by a leading edge sensor, by a sheet feed rate sensor, by a fold position sensor, by a fold orientation sensor, by timing from a predetermined position, or by manual input.

Abstract: A separator finger apparatus and method for insertion of a separation finger into and removal from a stream of web product. The unique motion provided by the elements making up the separation finger apparatus permits the separation finger to be mounted close to folding rolls (from which the web product issues) with reduced separation finger-to-folding roll interference. Specifically, the separation finger is manipulated to rotate and translate simultaneously as it is inserted into or removed from the stream of web product. The elements creating the separation finger motion are preferably a pivot arm mounted for rotation about a first axis and a translation member mounted for rotation about a second axis. The pivot arm is preferably rotatably coupled to the separation finger at a third axis. The separation finger is preferably coupled to the translation member for translational or sliding motion therealong.

Abstract: A package of a continuous strip of material includes a plurality of parallel side by side stacks each containing a length of the strip which is folded back and forth such that each folded portion of the stack is folded relative to the next portion about a line transverse to the strip and such that the side edges of the strip portions are aligned. The strip of material includes a splice defined by the two ends of the strip. The two ends of the strip are held together by yarn stitches passing through and bridging the strip ends.

Abstract: A package of a continuous strip of material comprises a plurality of parallel side by side stacks each containing a length of the strip which is folded back and forth such that each folded portion of the stack is folded relative to the next portion about a line transverse to the strip and such that the side edges of the strip portions are aligned. The strip is continuous through each stack and is connected by a splice from the end of one stack to beginning of the next stack. The package is compressed to reduce the height of the stacks and maintained in the compressed condition by an evacuated sealed bag. The preferred package arrangement uses the package for pay off of the strip in the orientation in which it is formed with the bottom of the stacks resting on a support and the package tilted to one side so that the stacks lean against a support surface for stability.

Abstract: A method and mechanism for sensing the position of the top of a stack of material in a stacking apparatus. The mechanism includes, a hub assembly, an arm, a stop, a torsion device that biases the arm toward the stop, a first trigger and a second trigger. The hub assembly has a hollow center portion configured to accept a shaft that is rotatably and driveably mounted to a stacking apparatus. The hub assembly includes a hub having a first form and a second form each mounted to a respective hub end. The arm has a first end pivotally mounted to the first form, and a second end configured to removably contact the stack of paper. The first trigger is configured to trigger a height sensor. The height sensor is mounted to the stacking apparatus, and the height sensor is configured to provide a first signal to a central processing unit to lower a collection table when the arm triggers the height sensor. The stop is mounted to the first form below the arm, the stop configured to stop the pivoting movement of the arm.

Abstract: A continuous fan folded paper stacker that is easily adjustable to stack various sizes of forms comprising a base, guide arm and receiving platform. The guide arm acts in conjunction with the platform to allow stacking of various sized forms. The Z-shaped guide arm may be vertically adjusted with respect to the base and may be inverted to accommodate smaller than standard sized paper. The L-shaped platform works in conjunction with the guide arm by sliding horizontally with respect to the base to neatly stack different sizes of paper.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for forming a stream of shingled fanfold sheet device into a vertical stack comprises a first table having lengthwise belts which receive and push the shingled sheet against a stop, causing the sheet to form into a horizontal stack. The first table has powered transfer rollers positioned in the spaces between the belts. Upon command, the belts lower beneath the table surface, so that the transfer rollers engage the stack and move it sideways onto an adjacent pivotable second table. The second table pivots about an axis transverse to the lengths of the first table and second table. Preferably, the second table has a stop at one end and a detachable pallet at the other end. When the second table is rotated, the stack is made vertical so it rests on the pallet. The pallet with stack are then withdrawn from engagement with the second table for transport elsewhere. A third conveyor belt table may be positioned between the source device and the first table.

Abstract: Two movable members, one on either side of a pre-folded continuous form entering a paper stacking area, are driven according to a determined position of the pre-folded form to push a leading edge of the form to one or another side of the stacking area so that the folds in the form will develop correctly in a stack. Only one of the members is permitted to contact the form at any time, and the members are separated by a sufficient angle so that no position of the members permits both members to contact the form. After directing the first and second sheets of the form, the members return to a home position in which neither member obstructs or interferes with subsequent stacking of the form. The position of the pre-folded form may be determined by a leading edge sensor, by a sheet feed rate sensor, by a fold position sensor, by a fold orientation sensor, by timing from a predetermined position, or by manual input.

Abstract: A package of a continuous strip of material includes a plurality of parallel side by side stacks each containing a length of the strip which is folded back and forth such that each folded portion of the stack is folded relative to the next portion about a line transverse to the strip and such that the side edges of the strip portions are aligned. The strip is continuous through each stack and is connected by a splice from the end of one stack to beginning of the next stack. The package is compressed to reduce the height of the stacks and maintained in the compressed condition by an evacuated sealed bag. The fold lines in the package are marked by a machine readable marking so that the strip portions from the package can be cut into strip elements with the cut lines being arranged at the fold lines.

Abstract: An active stacker which accepts paper through a formed wire guide at the top thereof. The wire guide directs the paper into a drive roller and idler set which pulls the paper from the printer and drives the paper downward so that it drops at about the center of the stack. The paper stacks on a horizontal tray which drops as the weight of the paper thereon increases, so that the top of the accumulated paper stack maintains a substantially constant position. The edges of the paper are packed by fingers which move vertically downward to the ends of the stack. One or more edge or side guides may be provided to prevent the stack from skewing sideways as it builds.

Abstract: A package of a continuous strip of material comprises a plurality of parallel side by side stacks each containing a length of the strip which is folded back and forth such that each folded portion of the stack is folded relative to the next portion about a line transverse to the strip and such that the side edges of the strip portions are aligned. The strip is continuous through each stack and is connected by a splice from the end of one stack to beginning of the next stack. The package is compressed to reduce the height of the stacks and maintained in the compressed condition by an evacuated sealed bag. The preferred package arrangement uses the package for pay off of the strip in an orientation in which the stacks are horizontal The spliced connection portions are flat against opposed sides of the package.

Abstract: A package of a continuous strip of material comprises a plurality of parallel side by side stacks each containing a length of the strip which is folded back and forth such that each folded portion of the stack is folded relative to the next portion about a line transverse to the strip and such that the side edges of the strip portions are aligned. The strip is continuous through each stack and is connected by a splice from the end of one stack to beginning of the next stack. The package is compressed to reduce the height of the stacks and maintained in the compressed condition by an evacuated sealed bag. The preferred package arrangement uses the package for pay off of the strip in the orientation in which it is formed with the bottom of the stacks resting on a support and the package tilted to one side so that the stacks lean against a support surface for stability.

Abstract: An improved method is disclosed for forming a strata of overlapping sheets suitable for use in a pop-up dispensing system. The sheets are cut from ribbons which initially have edges essentially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the ribbon. At least one side edge of each ribbon is stretched to form a knee-like protrusion, with the opposing side edge being either, substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the ribbon, or also stretched to form one or more knee-like protrusions on the opposing edge. The ribbons are then aligned so that a knee-like protrusion on one edge aligns with either the essentially parallel edge of an adjacent ribbon or a knee-like protrusion on the side edge of an adjacent ribbon. After phasing, the ribbons are overlapped creating a series of predetermined areas of greatest overlap adjoining areas of least or no overlap, such that successive ribbons are bonded only by the interfacial interaction between each ribbon.

Abstract: An apparatus for stacking zig-zag interfolded articles such as towels (3) cludes two carrier forks (22, 23) extending toward each other from opposite sides and forming a two-piece stacking table (8) onto which the folded towels are stacked. The apparatus further includes a pair of separating and auxiliary carrying forks (11, 12) that reach into the forming stack from opposite sides. In a method of stacking interfolded towels, the towels are stacked on the two piece stacking table (8) so that the folded edge of consecutive towels alternately faces to the right and to the left. The carrier forks (22, 23) of the two-part stacking table (8) reach under and support the bottom of the stack (2) from opposite sides and lower the stack onto a conveyor belt (26). Meanwhile, the separating and carrying forks (11, 12) reach under and support the bottom of a new stack being formed, from opposite sides.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming expandable-collapsible articles comprises a horizontally oriented frame which receives one or more webs of sheet material from a feeding mechanism, a pusher bar having upper and lower gripper members engageable with the sheet material and a stripper bar having upper and lower stripper members movable between folding position and discharge position with respect to the frame. One or more linear actuators are provided to move the pusher bar toward and away from the stripper bar, and the extent of linear movement of such actuators is adjustable so that different lengths of sheet material can be advanced by the pusher bar into contact with the stripper bar thus forming fold lines in the sheet material with varying spaces therebetween.

Abstract: In a rotary printing press with at least one folder, which comprises at least one cutting cylinder and one folding jaw cylinder, each folder is driven, due to being equipped with at least one separate drive motor, mechanically independently at least from the printing units of the printing press, and can be installed and registered independently therefrom.

Abstract: A method for producing a printer wherein tractor drives move a length of fan-fold, continuous-form paper upwardly from a stacked source thereof, through a print mechanism, across a paper directing assembly and then downwardly to refold onto an output stack, the method including steps for detecting misfolds of the fan-fold paper in the printer.

Abstract: A tube material opening apparatus includes two pairs of rotatable wheels which are positioned at upstream and downstream locations within tube material. The peripheral edge of each rotatable wheel is rounded or tapered and contacts the inner surface of the tube material as the material travels in a longitudinal direction. The wheels are mounted to provide appropriate lateral tension to the tube material. The apparatus may include T-shaped bearing members or positioning rollers for maintaining the rotatable wheel positioning within the tube material.

Abstract: An apparatus for joining a plurality of textile webs together in side-by-side relation includes a feeder for positioning a first textile web overlying a second textile web and advancing the textile webs along a predetermined path of travel, an ultrasonic horn and anvil for forming a relatively narrow flexible joint between the textile webs by heat fusing together adjacent portions thereof, and an unfolding frame for unfolding the textile webs about the joint so that the textile webs lie in a common plane to define the relatively wide textile fabric. More particularly, in order to form the convolute roll of the relatively wide textile fabric, the apparatus also preferably includes a driven take-up spindle positioned downstream from the unfolding frame to wind the relatively wide textile fabric into successive convolute wound layers.

Abstract: A continuous paper folding device adapted to fold a continuous paper having perforations along which the paper is to be folded. The continuous paper folding device includes a table movable between a storing position where the paper is to be received by the table and a drawn position where the table is drawn from the storing position, and a pair of rotational tapping mechanisms provided on both sides of the table, for rotationally tapping the paper received by the table to forcibly fold the paper along the perforations.

Abstract: A printer output paper collector 10 is described for refolding and stacking fanfold paper 20 that is discharged from a continuous form printer 12. The collector 10 includes a frame 40 with a base 41, a printer stand section 42 and a restacking section 44. The restacking section 44 has a platform 46 for receiving the discharged paper that is to be restacked. Helical refolding guides 60 and 62 are mounted on vertical shafts 64 and 66 respectively for rotation in opposite directions to initially engage the fanfold paper and to refold the paper and restack the paper. The helical refolding guides 60 and 62 include helical spiral elements 68 and 70 that rotate with the shafts 64 and 66, and are permitted to move vertically to maintain the vertical elements 68 and 70 on top of the restack as it progressively increases in height.

Abstract: Tractor drives of a high speed printer move a length of continuous-form paper longitudinally up from a box of fanfold stacked paper, through a print mechanism and downward for refolding onto a fanfold stack. A set of bead chains hang vertically from the printer frame on each respective side of the descending paper. The chains are positioned to interact with the folding paper. The chains swing against the paper to aid in creasing the paper at the folds in the proper fanfold direction. Each set of chains include an upper chain and a lower chain. The lower end of an upper chain hangs substantially above the lower end of a lower chain. The lower chain interacts with the folding paper at the beginning of stacking to aid in establishing the refolding stack and continues to interact to minimize jamming until the stack height exceeds a range for proper interaction with the lower chain.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for handling compacted business forms including a receiver having a horizontally disposed receiving surface and posts at one end thereof for the receipt of a dolly adapted to delimit and confine a predetermined number of forms on the receiver horizontal surface. The receiver is pivotable to position the dolly on the floor with the predetermined number of forms existing as a stack. Confinement straps associated with the dolly hold the stack in place while the dolly is separated from the receiver and relocated to a processing machine for performing further operations on the forms, the dolly being equipped with mounting holes for returning the dolly on a hand truck to the receiver.

Abstract: Tractor drives of a high speed printer move a length of continuous-form paper longitudinally up from a box of fanfold stacked paper, through a print mechanism, across paper directing means, and downward to refold onto a fanfold stack. A misfold detector is positioned at the paper directing means to sense the jumble of paper caused by misfolding prior to jamming of paper movement through the tractor drive to prevent damage to the paper, complex restarting procedures, or data loss.

Abstract: Tractor drives of a high speed printer move a length of continuous-form paper longitudinally up from a box of fanfold stacked paper, through a print mechanism and downward to refold onto a fanfold stack. A set of bead or link chains hang vertically from the printer on each respective major side of the descending paper. The chains are positioned to interact with the folding paper. The chains swing against the paper to aid in creasing the paper at the folds in the proper fanfold direction. One or more chains have pendants attached at the chain's lower swinging end. The pendants are sufficiently long, stiff and light weight to prevent the lower ends of the chains from getting caught in the refolding stack of paper which could lead to jamming the travel of paper through the tractor drives. Preferably, the pendants are produced from 7 inch long segments of approximately 25 mil.

Abstract: Apparatus for handling a continuous web of Z-fold computer paper discharged from a printer includes a conveyor having spaced apart paper stacking and stacked paper removing regions. Included in the apparatus is a plurality of stacking blades moveable in a generally horizontal plane between extended and retracted positions. The blades are also moveable between upper and lower positions; in their upper position the extended blades are directly above the stacking region in a position to intercept a stream of paper from the printer, the intercepted paper forming an intermediate stack on the extended blades. When the blades are in their upper and retracted positions, they are positioned out of the stream of paper. In their lower position, the extended blades are directly below the conveyor paper stacking region.

Abstract: Continuous fan-fold paper, the flexure of whose folds has been lessened by laser printing, is re-stacked between a pair of paddle towers whose paddles, hinged on continuous vertical belts, urge the paper into folds at its transverse perforations. No synchronization of paddles with the printer is required.

Abstract: An imaging device is provided utilizing a continuous-form recording sheet (i.e., continuous-form sheeting), having a plurality of transverse perforations at predetermined intervals of length, on which the desired image is formed. At least an oscillating member which is driven by a rotating shaft is provided for oscillating continuous-form sheeting discharged from the imaging device. The oscillation caused by the oscillating member forwardly propagates the sheeting toward the imaging device. The continuous-form sheet is alternately and accurately folded at the transverse perforations in opposite directions, and stacked in a vertical direction between two folding positions as the continuous-form sheeting is discharged from the imaging device.

Abstract: A computer paper printer collection basket constructed with an adjustable bar facilitating the automatic folding of continuous feed printer paper thereacross during the discharge thereof for purposes of stacking. The printer basket may formed with or separately from a discharge area of a conventional printer and disposed immediately therebeneath. The adjustable bar's position to intercept the paper intermediate the fold lines thereof. In this manner, the printer paper will automatically fold thereacross during the collection thereof.

Abstract: An automatic document feeder (ADF) for use with with a copier, laser printer or similar image recorder and capable of handling a computer form (CF) document in addition to ordinary documents in the form of sheets. The ADF is selectively operable in either one of two different document transport modes, i.e., it transports initial fives pages of a CF document at a speed per page which is lower than an ordinary speed. While the lower transport speed is selected, the operator has a sufficient time to determine in which direction the CF document neatly folds along the perforation intervening between the first and second pages.

Abstract: A stacking device for the pre-folded continuous paper (13) of a high-speed printing device (10) is of swivel-out design. It can be swivelled out of a basic position (A) initially into a removal position (B) by means of a guide system without changing the output height of the paper deposit surface. By further swivelling it can be placed in an additional removal position (C), the height of which is adjustable.

Abstract: A passive paper stacker for a printer is disclosed which is able to stack a series of pages of a Z-fold paper web, each page having a length L and a width W. The stacker includes a tray that extends from a surface of the printer. The paper web, as it exits from the printer intersects that surface. A ramp is provided to receive the paper web and has both proximal and distal ends, the proximal end receiving the paper web as it exits from the printer and the distal end positioned closer to the tray than the proximal end and at a distance from the printer surface that is at least equal to L/2. First and second sets of chains define a paper web fall path from the distal end of the ramp to the base. The first set of chains are positioned between the distal end of the ramp and the printer surface and the second set of chains are positioned so as to place the distal end of the ramp between the second set of chains and the printer surface. A basket is positioned on the tray and receives the paper web.

Abstract: A paper guide and stacking apparatus for fan fold or Z-fold paper and useful with a printer of the type having an output paper collection tray or bin positioned a predetermined vertical distance from an exit port and sound shroud connected to the printer. This novel apparatus is characterized by the use of a pair of flexible front straps which are positioned on one side of a vertical paper path extending from the printer exit port and sound shroud to the paper collection tray, and also by the use of a single flexible back strap which is positioned on the other side of the paper path and centered between the two front straps. These straps make physical contact with each side of the moving paper in such a manner as to force each successive sheet of fan fold paper alternately toward opposite sides of the output paper tray.

Abstract: Successive panels of a running web with panels in zig-zag formation are deflected into a duct wherein the panels gather into a growing pile on a vertically movable bottom wall. A severing tool is moved across the pile at a selected level above the bottom wall to sever the web along the fold line between two neighboring panels when the pile beneath the level of the severing tool reaches a preselected height. A spreading device is used to spread apart the panels immediately above and below the level of the severing tool to establish a clearance for entry of the tool. The panels above and below the clearance are clamped to prevent the tool from displacing and/or otherwise affecting such panels during penetration into the clearance and during severing of the web along the fold line between the panels immediately adjacent the clearance.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for fold conditioning a continuous business form web having longitudinally-extending control punch margins and equally longitudinally-spaced apart lines of transverse perforation including advancing the web along a longitudinally extending path from a printer to a folder both of which operate at a predetermined normal speed and wherein the conditioning apparatus includes a plurality of offset rollers arranged in zig-zag fashion to provide a serpentine path to alternately contact opposite sides of the web and with some of the rollers being operated at a surface speed at least greater than the predetermined normal speed.

Abstract: A method of opening a folded web of flexible heat-sealable packaging material prior to formation of the material into sealed reclosable packages. The web has a pair of interlockable reclosable closure strips extending longitudinally of the web on an inside face of the web, and one section of the web is folded over on another section of the web so that the closure strips are interlocked. The method comprises advancing the folded web in a first plane to a web-opening station, and opening the folded web while maintaining the closure strips interlocked as the web advances through the web-opening station. The web is opened by diverting both sections of the web relative to one another so that they assume a co-planar position in a second plane different from the first plane.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming separated stacks of perforated, zigzag folded sheets from a main stack comprises a feed conveyor adapted to receive the folded sheets and to transmit such sheets on their folded ends to a sheet spreading and cutting station. Two adajcent sheets of the main stack are spread apart at the spreading and cutting station by a divider plate and a separator blade to provide sufficient clearance for a flexible cutter to extend into engagement with the perforation therebetween thus forming a relatively small, separated stack of folded sheets from the main stack. This separated stack is then transferred to a discharge conveyor for further handling.

Abstract: Apparatus for the zigzagged folding and stacking of a web of material fed from below and, further, for conveying away stacks as they are finished. The apparatus comprises a reciprocating carriage containing deflection members that define a reciprocating passage through which web feeds from below and two supporting belts associated with the deflection members. The belts have upper stack-supporting surfaces that alternately lengthen and shorten as the deflection members reciprocate to form a stack. Compensating arrangements accommodate changes in length of those upper surfaces. To convey away finished stacks, one belt is endless. A releasable holding element clamps the endless belt to the carriage during stack formation but releases the belt for conveying away stacks. A drive unit is provided to drive the endless belt, when unclamped, for conveying away stacks.

Abstract: The paper stacker includes a pair of pivoted generally L-shaped elements disposed above a vertically movable paper tray. The elements pivotally depend such that their lower paper support legs are normally inclined and terminate at free edges in a roller. Upon upward movement of the tray and stacking initial sheets of fan-folded paper on the tray, the sheets engage the undersides of the elements to pivot the elements and, hence, the lower legs into generally horizontal positions whereby paper may be stacked on the horizonally disposed support legs of the elements. Upon reaching a predetermined stack height, the tray moves downwardly away from the elements, enabling the paper carried thereby to fall through the opening onto the tray.

Abstract: A method of forming a new pile after the discharge of a completed pile in a machine for forming piles in zigzag fashion from a flexible web, the method consisting in rupturing the web at a transverse perforation line located between the last flap of the pile being formed and the first flap of the new pile to be formed, advancing the ruptured web until the forward edge of the first flap reaches a position corresponding to its final position at the base of a new pile, stopping the swinging unit, lowering the supporting table for discharge of the completed pile and providing a pressure air cushion underneath the zone of the forward edge of the first flap which forms a temporary support during the absence of the supporting table, removing the temporary supporting cushion when the table has returned to its working position and restarting the operation of the swinging unit.

Abstract: Fan folded business forms are compacted so as to provide the maximum run time, and minimum operator effort. The system includes a folder, transfer table with compacting conveyor, and wheeled cart with a backstop on it. The backstop is continuously pushed along the cart by the compacting forms until it reaches a position at the end of the cart, at which time a cart full sensor operates an alarm and/or shuts off the folder. The compacted forms on the cart may be easily moved to any desired location. Forms may be fed either printed side up or printed side down into another piece of equipment. The main surface of the cart on which the forms travel with their fold lines engaging the main surface, may be manually tilted about a horizontal axis after the cart is full, so that the end of the cart from which forms are to be withdrawn is elevated. This provides efficient withdrawal of forms while minimizing curling of the forms.

Abstract: Process and apparatus for the stocking (storage) of (pack) blanks and for feeding these to a folding unit of a packaging machine. The supply of packaging material to a packaging machine is especially difficult in the processing of blanks made of cardboard. Supply becomes easier if blanks joined together via residual connections are conveyed as a web of material in the packaging machine. Especially favorable storage of blanks (11) connected to one another is possible if the web of material (19) so formed is arranged in a zigzag-shaped manner as a result of oppositely directed folding and the blanks are stacked in this way. The stacks (15) formed can be kept in stock in a space-saving way and fed to an extraction station, in which the web of material (19) is drawn off from the stacks (15) and restored to the extended state. Appropriately, a plurality of stacks (15) is connected to one another, specifically via vertical web portions (23) from one stack to another, to form a continuous web of material (19).

Abstract: A Z-fold paper elongated guide having a width approximately the with of Z-fold computer paper is positioned at the exit of a platen/printer carriage interface in a keyboard-operated computer printer or integrator. The guide not only guides printed-on paper sheets to a printed-on paper storage bin or surface but allows Z-fold paper sheets to be hand directed forwardly toward the computer keyboard for floor storage of the paper in front of the printer. A pair of hump-like rails extend on the top surface of the guide to open up the angle of repose between adjacent Z-fold sheets when the sheets are being reversed in driven direction so as to be transported back through the platen/printer carriage interface. The rails are sloped upwardly in a rearward direction at about 13.degree. and extend to a position juxtaposed to but not touching a transverse rear tear edge of the guide.