Abstract: A sequentially timed vacuum grip system holds a sheet and transports it through a folding nip defined by a pair of folding cylinders. At the nip, the folded edge of the sheet is released and simultaneously picked-up by the paired companion cylinder. Additional folds are achieved in the same manner by the use of additional cylinder pairs.

Abstract: A vastly improved folder/gluer is disclosed. This folder/gluer: is much more reliable, produces better folds, runs faster, and can be modified much easier, than prior art folder/gluers. These features are achieved by using a vacuum conveyor with overhead folding elements. Furthermore, the top of the article to be folded is never touched by another conveyor.

Abstract: An arrangement is provided for the automatic folding of toy balloons. A series of folding plates are provided along a path of travel and a vacuum conveyor provides traction force for the balloon as it slides across the folding plates. The folding plates interfere with the path of travel of the balloon causing the balloon to fold side-to-side. Tucking blades fold the balloon lengthwise to complete the folding operation.

Abstract: A vacuum cylinder is disclosed. The vacuum cylinder may be used in an envelope manufacturing machine, or machines for manufacturing other articles, to facilitate folding of articles about a preformed fold line, such as envelope seal flaps, during the manufacturing process. The vacuum cylinder has at least two rows of suction holes which are arranged at least substantially adjacent to each other and preferably overlap to a certain extent.

Abstract: For producing a protective layer made of a sheet, a device exhibits an oblong guide element (1) with an upper edge (2), by way of which a sheet (7) can be folded in its longitudinal direction. Clamping elements (15, 16), designed as sliders, are arranged on the side of the guide element (1); and the sheet (7), folded in its longitudinal direction, can be grasped on both sides of the guide element (1) with said clamping elements. To form folds in the sheet (7), the clamping elements (15, 16) can be slid in the longitudinal direction of the guide element (1).

Abstract: An apparatus for folding and stacking a multiplicity of individual sheets of material, particularly textile material, includes an upstanding frame with the outermost extent thereof defining a frame perimeter, an assembly mounted to the frame for feeding the textile sheet material through the folding apparatus in a predetermined travel direction along a predetermined travel path for sheet material folding. A folding assembly is disposed along the travel path for folding the sheet material with the folding assembly being disposed within the frame perimeter and an assembly for stacking the sheets is provided and is also disposed within the frame perimeter.

Abstract: A folder for laundry pieces such as towels is provided which employs opposed air discharges for forming precise French folds. The sequence and timing of air discharge through opposed air bars is precisely controlled to provide optimum speed and efficiency. When processing long laundry pieces the conveyor of such pieces is halted for minimum time periods necessary to complete the desired folding sequence.

Abstract: A towel fed conveyor of continuous ribbons is provided which conveys a towel beneath spaced parallel runners which opposed lateral towel side panels being carried by conveying ribbons which slidably engage opposed supporting side plates. If the towel has less than a maximum length, air bars sequentially fold the towel side panels over the runners as the towel is moving and conveyed to the end of an upper feed conveyor. [The air discharges instantaneously urge each towel side panel in sequence against an air permeable grid disposed over the towel and feed conveyor as each panel is moved over the towel central panel.] The air blasts progressively squeeze air from between the side and central panels. [from the panel hinge connections with the towel central panel to the distal terminal ends of the side panels.

Abstract: The invention is a method of fluting corrugating medium which can be formed in conventional or unconventional flute configurations. The method employs at least one additional corrugating roll in addition to the usual two. The first pair of rolls create initial flutes in the medium. Initially fluted medium is then transferred to a third roll of lesser flute pitch than the first rolls. In this manner the initially created flutes can be reformed into configurations not possible using conventional systems. A fourth roll can be used to achieve additional flute pitch reduction. Using this method flutes with very sharply angled tips can be formed. Other embodiments enable formation of less conventional cross sectional configurations such as flutes with asymmetric patterns.

Abstract: Palletizing apparatus of the invention comprises a load forming station, a device for placing a layer on a pallet, devices for forming and placing a cap on the layer, and devices for applying restraint to formed edge panels of the cap. A formable cap sheet is received into the palletizing system as a flat sheet, and leaves the palletizing system as a formed cap on a load layer. The resulting pallet loads are preferably stretch wrapped. Methods of operating the apparatus are also disclosed.

Abstract: A folder for towels and similarly-sized laundry pieces is provided which is adapted to form a variety of folds in a rapid manner whereby high production is assured. The provided folder employs an air pervious surface assuring a controlled, rolling folding of the article side panels over an article central panel without any air entrapment, thereby assuring precise folds, and attractive folded articles.

Abstract: A device for picking up, turning over, folding and aligning a sleeve cloth that is continuously carried by a moving conveyer. The device comprises a jaw located above the upper surface of the moving conveyer and a lifting blade located below the bottom surface of a moving conveyer. The leading edge of the sleeve cloth is detected by a sensor that triggers the lifting blade to push a front portion of the cloth up and into the jaw which holds the cloth as the conveyer continues to move. The cloth is folded and aligned by the action of the conveyor belt and a first blower, which blows air on a top side of the cloth, and a second blower, which blows air on a bottom side of the cloth.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus produce a stack of overlapping, U-folded- or zig-zag-folded individual material sheets, in particular of absorbent paper, that mesh with one another. The stack is formed by two roller systems or roller sets, one for each of two material webs. Each system includes a stacking roller (8, 9) in a stacking station. The two stacking rollers cooperate in the stack formation. Each set of rollers includes at least one cutting roller (11) with a cutting knife (12) for each material web, a transport roller (13), and a pulling and guide roller (14). All rollers are arranged and driven in a machine frame. Each stacking roller (8,9) has at least one crimping- and folding-edge (16,20,21) and at least one tiltable suction gripper flap. At least one suction element (23) is part of the suction gripper flap and at least one further suction element (24) is arranged behind the suction gripper flap or behind the crimping- and folding-edge as viewed in the sheet travel direction.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for flipping and folding a pliable workpiece, such as a pre-hemmed sleeve blank, along a desired fold axis. A workpiece is conveyed past a flipping roller and down against a clamp bar wherein it is clamped at a predetermined time by a lower hem guide. The flipping roller is sped to impart linear momentum to the unclamped, trailing portion of the workpiece. The flipping action serves to re-orient the workpiece from a right side-up orientation to an inside-out orientation so as to properly present the workpiece for subsequent seaming or stitching operations. A sensor is provided to determine the length of the workpiece so as to enable the device to clamp the workpiece about any desired fold axis.

Abstract: An envelope forming apparatus has a vacuum table with apertures through which a vacuum is applied onto the surface of the vacuum table. A series of parallel endless belts move across the vacuum table and transport an envelope blank across the vacuum table. The vacuum through the apertures in the vacuum table holds the blank on the belts as they move across the vacuum table and as the blank is folded by a plowshare folder located relative to the vacuum table. Alternatively, a single wide belt with apertures may be substituted for the series of parallel belts.

Abstract: A method for folding a paper web in which a liquid folding adjuvant is applied along a folding line so that an improved fold is produced which is sharper if the liquid folding adjuvant is heated, preferably in a continuous flow heater, to a temperature of the order of 30.degree. C. to 60.degree. C. dependent on the type of paper being processed.

Abstract: A machine (300) and the process for manufacture of a unique completely pleated product (110) which is made from a continuous, flexible web (311) for the covering of windows and the like. The machinery consists of a production line (300) with at least a screen printing assembly (306), printing phase control apparatus (330), a unique pleating assembly (400) and a folding assembly (500) for stacking and receiving the final product, screen printing and web travel phasing is performed in accordance with standard practices in the industry, while the pleating and folding of the finished product is performed by apparatus designed and constructed by the instant inventors. After predetermined patterns of adhesive or bonding material (212) have been applied to the continuous web (311), it is pleated by a paired roller assembly (400) and, through the use of an air knife assembly (500), folded into a collecting apparatus.

Abstract: A folder comprising a knife cylinder adapted to be driven at a rate independent of the speed of the web being supplied, a mating cylinder adapted to cooperate with said knife cylinder in cutting a web into sections at a cutting nip and which is provided with grippers for the leading edges of the sections, and a belt conveyor belt trained around a part of the circumference of said mating cylinder following said nip. It is possible to ensure more accurate production and greater reliability if the folder is so designed that it includes at least one of the cylinders delimiting said cutting nip and having suction or blowing ports placed following the cutting means, such ports being adapted for causing a flow of air towards the cylinder having said grippers.

Abstract: A bag folding machine for folding thin plastic bags, such as polyethylene bags, comprises two bag folding arrangements which substantially are made of a pair of folding drums provided respectively with longitudinal grooves, swing grippers and thrusting and cutting blades. The phase difference between the folding drums is determined so that the longitudinal grooves and the thrusting and cutting blades of one folding drum of the two folding drums coincide with the thrusting and cutting blades and longitudinal grooves of the other folding drum, respectively, at the point of tangency of the folding drums. Due to such construction, the machine is capable of alternately folding thin plastic bags in two so that the trailing half of the preceding folded bag folded by one of the bag folding arrangements and the leading half of the succeeding folded bag folded by the other bag folding arrangement overlap each other.

Abstract: A roll (16) for a corrugated board manufacturing machine (10) comprises a shell (32) defining an inner suction chamber (56) permanently connected to a source of low pressure. A series of radial suction apertures (60) open onto the peripheral surface (58) of the shell. According to the invention, the roll comprises a series of axial ducts (80) provided in the body of the shell (32) in which permanently circulates a heat-carrying fluid for heating the shell.

Abstract: A mechanical folding device fires a multiplicity of pins through an air table and a multiplicity of parallel endless belts forming the conveyor to lift a flexible foldable length of material, such as a plastic film bag body, into a catching device such as a pair of nip conveyors carrying sets of folding belts for completing the fold and carrying the length of material away from the first conveyor. The pins are fired through the air table and conveyor belts by means of a torsion bar coupled by means of lever arms to a carriage carrying the pins. The torsion bar is mechanically loaded by a first air cylinder while the carriage is locked in a lowered position. When the carriage is released by a second air cylinder, the torsion bar first accelerates the carriage upward then decelerates the carriage during the upper half of the extension of the pins. The bar forces the pins to return to a retracted position within the air table.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for transferring a band at a predetermined speed V to a station for pre-marking two folding lines which define a central panel of each pleat and then subjecting the band over a short distance to abrupt deceleration to a speed V' such that V'/V=1/L, where L is the length of each pleat in the fully extended state and 1 is the length of the pleat after folding so as to form a pocket, the last two panels of each pleat being inserted beneath the first panel prior to folding-back and maintaining the pocket in a flat position on the band.

Abstract: A method and a machine for folding bags comprising a first conveyor for positioning a flat bag over a first support surface. A pair of sealer bars holds the bag stationary over the first support surface in predetermined alignment with a first folding device. The first folding device effects a first fold to the flat bag and a second conveyor positions the folded bag on a second stationary support surface. A second folding device effects a second fold to the folded bag, and a third conveyor positions the twice folded bag onto a third stationary support surface. A third folding device is provided for imparting a third fold to the twice folded bag, and it includes an orientation support frame to position the bag for transferring same to a collector trough. A predetermined quantity of bags are collected in the collector trough, and identified for transfer into a container.

Abstract: A method of zig-zag folding a pair of continuous webs or web segments (sheets) to provide stacks each having a specified number of segments wherein the segments are offset one-half segment length in one web from the other, the invention including reversely folding the leading edge portion of each web to provide a spacing for the insertion of stack separator means.

Abstract: A continuous web of paper with a series of transversely extending rows of perforations between successive panels is folded in zig-zag fashion by reducing the speed of each oddly numbered panel and simultaneously diverting the oddly numbered panel from the path of the web while the evenly numbered panels immediately following the diverted oddly numbered panels continue to advance at a higher speed so that the neighboring panels define loops while the next-following evenly numbered panels catch up with the immediately preceding oddly numbered panels. The loops are stabilized by suction-operated conveyors and by admission of compressed air thereinto, and the resulting stack of overlapping panels is severed at intervals across selected rows of perforations to form a series of smaller stacks each of which contains a desired number of panels.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods of operation for automatically folding obstetrical pads into a so-called three-fold configuration which occupies approximately 40% less volume than two-fold pads of the prior art. The obstetrical pads, as fabricated, have two opposed, elongated tab portions extending beyond the pad proper, and the pad is folded by the apparatus so that these tab portions are juxtaposed adjacent one another in order to facilitate removal of the pad from its package and provide enhanced convenience in preparation of the pad for use. More importantly, the placement of the tab portions in this fashion permits the handling of the pad without contaminating the sterile field in the inner fold area of the pad. By virtue of the reduced volume of the three-fold pad, substantial savings are realized in the manufacturing process, in the storage facilities required for warehousing and inventory at each step in the distribution process, as well as in shipping.

Abstract: Apparatus for folding spaced segments of web material such as diapers having intermediate side flaps overfolded in the crotch portion making use of a vacuumized continuously moving belt system for gripping one surface of a planar web except for the flap portions and a frictionalized belt system aligned with the vacuumized belt system for engaging the other surface of the web to progressively fold the flap portions.

Abstract: The present invention involves a folding apparatus for folding a flexible sheet during the manufacture of an article such as a diaper or personal incontinence pad. Briefly, the apparatus comprises at least one folding board. The folding board, in turn, comprises four panels which are joined by three hinges for allowing the board to bend along three specified fold lines. The first hinge allows the board to bend between the first and second panel along a first centrally-located fold line which extends from the leading edge of the folding board to the trailing edge. The second hinge allows the board to bend between the first and third panel along a second fold line which extends from the leading edge to one of the sides edges of the board. The third hinge allows the board to bend between the second and fourth panel along a third fold line which extends from the leading edge to the other side edge of the board.

Abstract: Sheet-folding machine, especially for packaging cases made of corrugated cardboard, after they have been produced and printed.It incorporates advancing (10) and folding (22) belts which are maintained at the exact cycle of the machine by means of pulleys (14) provided with recentering fingers (15). The conveyor belts are provided with suction elements (19), and the folding belts are provided with push-studs (25) arranged to correspond to the turned-down portions (5) to be folded.

Abstract: A method and machine for folding of foldable articles such as cloth, linens, etc., which is capable of performing various different types of folds in any article regardless of the dimensions of the article. When utilized in combination with a second identical machine and a conveyor to carry the article from a first machine to a second machine, in a direction on the same horizontal plane as, but perpendicular to, that of the first machine, this invention is capable of producing transversal, as well as horizontal, folds without having to dismantle or otherwise alter the structures of the machines.

Abstract: A fabric folding machine includes a conveyor belt on which the fabric is held and its motion controlled by suction. A pair of lateral blades are hinged about an axis parallel to a fabric feed direction for creating longitudinal folds. Transverse folds are produced by comb-like blades hinged perpendicular to the fabric feed direction. Two sets of comb-like blades are provided which are movable in opposite senses.One of the two sets of comb-like blades can assume two or more positions. The lateral blades can also be adjusted in terms of their distance apart, orthogonal to the fabric feed direction.

Abstract: Corrugated carton is moved between sprayers which apply water to the score lines of each major end flap and on opposite sides of the score bar about 1" up on the flap and 1" down on the panel. The major flaps are then bent into closed position and while bent, heat is applied to raise the temperature of the wet areas until the same are dry. Then, the bending means and heat are removed. Each end flap assumes a substantially closed position.

Abstract: A device for slowing down signatures to be folded in a chopper folder is disclosed comprising a table formed with a slot therein parallel to the direction of movement of the signatures, a headstop perpendicular to such direction, two fold rollers disposed below the slot, and a blade cooperating with the fold rollers for folding the signatures centered with respect to said slot, and further comprising a device for applying vacuum or under pressure acting upon each signature to be folded to slow it down progressively as it approaches the headstop, the slowing down force being applied to prevent bouncing of the signature off said headstop, on the one hand, and on the other hand, to produce tension in the signature until the vacuum is suddenly brought to atmosphere, the vacuum device comprising at least one series of holes disposed in accordance with the direction of movement of the signature to be folded in order to be obturated thereby one after the other until obturation of all the holes in the series of holes

Abstract: A method and apparatus for transverse folding of web segments to provide napkins, hankies, or the like, in which first and second folding rolls are equipped with vacuum ports selectively actuatable to provide a transverse fold, the second folding roll being operated at a surface speed slower than the first.

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for stacking a continuous paper form having uniformly positioned folds or seams as it exits from a device such as a printer. It utilizes a pair of curved surfaces over which an air flow is alternately directed to alternately create an air film over each of the curved surfaces. This air film attracts the paper in such a manner that the continuous paper form is refolded in a bin or stacker in its original configuration.

Abstract: An easy-open pack is formed by (a) pre-cutting a corner of a film panel which, in the finished pack, forms one panel to be sealed against another panel around the periphery of a product article to close the pack, and (b) carrying out the sealing operation while holding the tab formed by said pre-cut corner displaced away from contact with the other film panel, preferably by folding the tab back on itself, more preferably while tack sealing it in said folded configuration.

Abstract: A means and method for handling trim strip slit from the margin of a travelling web, comprising rotary means by which biasing forces is applied to the strip away from the slitter into the chute. Within the chute relatively low velocity means advance the trim strip in a foldably bunched condition toward the bottom of the chute where the bunched trim strip is then transported away from the chute. Low velocity air, as well as rotary members are provided in the chute for effecting the foldable bunching and advancing of the trim strip. Either or both of low velocity air and mechanical conveying apparatus may be provided for transporting the trim strip away from the bottom of the chute.

Abstract: A card having a product thereon is fed by a conveyor into a card folding device. This involves the use of an air jet located below the conveyor, which is activated and causes the leading portion of the card as it passes thereover to go into an upright position approximately perpendicular to the conveyor. While in this position, the conveyor causes the card to be fed into fingers located above the conveyor which complete the fold rearwardly. While still under the influence of the fingers, the leading edge, or fold line, of the now folded card is fed into a creaser. At this point, a switch is tripped which raises a stop-bar which stops the card. A reciprocal plunger is now activated and is used to crease the leading edge by exerting downward pressure thereon against the stop-bar. Once creasing is completed, the stop-bar and plunger retract allowing the conveyor to take the card and product to the next packaging station.

Abstract: A cardboard sheet dispenser is incorporated in a bacon or pork product slicing machine line that is operable to group slices in shingled fashion into segregated batches of predetermined weight. The dispenser directs a cardboard sheet in synchronized fashion with the movement of the batches so that individual batches are placed on a sheet and thereafter transferred to subsequent packaging stations. The dispenser includes a hopper for receiving vertically stacked cardboard sheets and is provided with a plurality of restrainers that cooperate in supporting the stack of sheets and at the same time fan the sheets to minimize sticking of the sheets one to the other. The base of the hopper includes a plurality of strippers also serving to support the stack of sheets and assures that only one sheet is removed from the base of the hopper at a time.

Abstract: Apparatus for depositing successive sections, such as carrier bag blanks, severed from the leading end of a web of superposed film layers fed through a transverse welding and severing station comprises nozzles for holding said leading end taut by means of an air jet, revolving suckers for engaging said leading end, and holding means to which said leading end is transferred by the suckers after each section has been severed.

Abstract: A box blank of the type having two side walls and a front wall of normal length but a combined bottom and rear wall of unusual length is folded and glued on a box folding and gluing machine by advancing the blanks along a horizontal path, long wall first, and overlapped in shingled formation. The first long wall in the formation encounters an air blast, or hooked finger, which unfolds the leading edge to encounter a ramp-like guide which bends it back to fold on its fold line, while also back folding the next successive long wall. All successive blanks are so back folded in "domino" fashion.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing compresses to cover wounds comprises a rotary drum on which a muslin strip having folded-over longitudinal edges is cut and folded crosswise, and a longitudinal folding device mounted after the drum. The drum is designed as a suction roll with cutters distributed over its circumference. The drum jacket has suction rails with extensions connected to a tube leading into the drum and connected to a suction pipe. A counterpiece mounted independently of the drum cooperates with the cutters. The longitudinal folding device has at least a two-arm, preferably a three-arm star shaped collector device which rotates around an axis parallel to the drum axis at the same circumferential speed as the drum itself, and the distance between the arms of the collector device corresponds to the size of the compresses folded on the drum.

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