Abstract: Selectable inverting or folding of various sizes of sheets in various fold positions is provided with an integral dual mode inverting or folding apparatus including a sheet inverting chute for receiving and guiding a sheet therein and having both an input and an intermediate aperture; and a reversible servo driven sheet drive in the chute downstream of the intermediate aperture. A sheet fed into the chute for inversion is reverse driven back to the chute input. A sheet fed into the chute for folding is instead stopped at the desired folding position by the servo drive and reverse driven out of the intermediate aperture into a sheet folding nip, preferably with the assistance of a blade member moved through the intermediate aperture to buckle and push that portion of the sheet adjacent to the intermediate aperture into the sheet folding nip.

Abstract: Provided by the invention is a buckle-plate folding station including a first folding roller and two further contra-rotating fold-forming rollers and an adjustable buckle-plate folding unit. The intention of the invention is to provide a buckle-plate folding station enabling the point in time of fold formation to be determined. For this purpose means for detecting sheet infeed are provided in the buckle-plate folding station. The buckle-plate folding station further comprises means for detecting the deflection of at least one of the fold-forming rollers in forming the fold. Means for determining the sheet length fed between sheet infeed and formation of the fold are also provided.

Abstract: A modular apparatus for processing printed sheets that are output from a high speed printer of a card processing system. The modular apparatus is capable of buffering or storing the sheets that are in progress in the printer when the system is stopped or paused, flips them so that they face upward, folds the sheets if necessary, and reorientates the sheets so that all sheets exit the module in the same orientation for further processing by the next module.

Abstract: An improved sheet folder for flimsy printed sheets with an automatic fold position correction system. The folder may have an input sheet feeder, a fold chute with a chute entrance, reversible sheet feeding rollers in the fold chute adjacent to the chute entrance, fold rollers, a folded sheets output path, and a sensor system for sensing the length of folded sheets in the folded sheets output path. A sheet to be folded is may be partially fed into the fold chute, engaged by the reversible rollers, and fed thereby further into the chute by a selected distance corresponding to a desired folding position along the sheet. Then, the reversible rollers are stopped at a selected sheet stopping position and reversed to feed the sheet into the fold rollers, cooperatively with the input sheet feeder. The fold rollers feed the folded sheet into the folded sheets output path.

Abstract: A finisher is provide with a folding device which includes paired folding rollers which nip a loop of a sheet formed by a first folding stopper and give a first folding to the sheet, and paired folding rollers, which are disposed in a conveying path between a conveying path, which is located on an upstream side in a conveying direction of the sheet toward the paired folding rollers at the first folding, and a conveying path, in which a second folding stopper is disposed, and nip a loop of the sheet formed by the second folding stopper and give a second folding to the sheet, and sets a distance between the paired folding rollers and the first folding stopper at approximately three quarters of a length of the sheet in the conveying direction when the sheet is folded in three or in a cross section like a letter Z. The finisher temporarily stores the sheet in a state that one side for folding as an image formed surface faces downward and the other side for stapling approximates closely to the stapler.

Abstract: A finisher with a folding section for creasing or folding incoming sheets decides folding positions of the sheets based on contact between the leading ends of the sheets and first folding stoppers as leading-end regulating devices. The finisher adjusts the folding positions with a view to conforming to the sheet sizes and folding modes corresponding to the sheet sizes by means of stepping motor which rotates cam shafts, which is located below the first folding stopper and to which cams are fixed at different angles, and causes the first folding stoppers to alternately move into relevant conveying paths in turn. Accordingly, the finisher obtains the regulating position with high accuracy by the use of a lone drive unit even when the number of regulating positions is set to be large, and includes a compact and inexpensive mechanism which adjusts the regulating positions.

Abstract: A folding machine is adapted to receive customized printed sheets and envelopes from a printer and to fold the sheets preparatory to the sheets being inserted into an envelope, but to feed the envelopes through the folding machine directly to an envelope inserting machine without the envelopes being folded. The folding machine has a main path of travel extending therethrough, and a bypass gate mounted in the main path of travel to divert sheets from the main path of travel and directs them into a folding mechanism. The bypass gate is movable from a diverting position to a non-diverting position in response to a sensing device that distinguishes between an envelope and a sheet, so that the bypass gate moves from the diverting position to a non-diverting position to permit the envelope to bypass the folding mechanism and travel directly to the inserting machine.

Abstract: The apparatus has a driven pair of feed rolls (10, 11) and a folding roll (23) which is urged against the lower feed roll (10). The roll pair (10, 11) transports the sheet into a guide element (35, 36) for guiding and arresting the front end of the sheet. The guide element (35, 36) can be another roll pair with a reversible drive (41). After the front end of the sheet has come to a stop, the sheet is transported into the feed nip (22) between the rolls (10, 23), then folded and discharged downwardly. For increasing the operating speed without damaging the sheets, the roll pair (10, 11) is initially accelerated after the sheet is captured, and subsequently decelerated before the front end of the sheet comes to a stop.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for closing an envelope having a body portion and a flap, and a crease between the body portion and the flap. An open envelope is gripped and transported toward an abutment, which can be either a leaf spring or a slideable weight. The abutment is biased toward the envelope, but the force of the advancing envelope moves the abutment in a direction opposite the direction of bias, until the crease clears the transport structure that is moving the envelope. Once this happens, then the advance of the envelope stops and the bias of the abutment forces the envelope, crease first, between rollers that press the folded flap against the envelope. Any size envelope can be handled, because the abutment can move under the force of the envelope, any distance required to accommodate the size of the envelope.

Abstract: Buckle folding machine including folding pockets, which have a paper stop each. One folding pocket being for collection and subsequent joint folding of a plurality of sheets. From the folding pocket the collected sheets of paper pass together through a folding mechanism, having a draw-in point formed by upper and lower draw-in rollers and having at least one pair of folding rollers forming a folding point. A sheet feeder with a conveyor track directed toward the draw-in point, in which a stacking ramp is located, is arranged in front of the draw-in point.

Abstract: A glue actuator mounting assembly adapted to mount to a folder apparatus has individual opposed guide strips forming a sheet path and glue actuators slidably mounted across the sheet path, such that individual actuators may be moved and repositioned laterally, and guide strips may be positioned to allow each glue actuator, regardless of lateral position, to have access to a sheet moving in the sheet path. In a preferred embodiment a stop bar is included having extendable tabs for extending between guide strips and forming a stop for sheets moving in the sheet path. In a preferred embodiment the actuators are mounted on slide rods that engage open slots in a carriage of the actuator mounting assembly such that the rods carrying the actuators, along with the actuators, may be lifted off the actuator mounting assembly.

Abstract: In the field of mailpiece handling apparatuses, it is known to provide machines having DC drives for all components thereof. However, the use of DC drives exclusively is expensive. On the other hand, AC drive frequently do not provide a sufficient degree of precision in the controlling of mailpieces in the machines. The disclosure relates to a folder-inserter-sealer machine (10) having a first, AC electric motor (28) connected to drive a first set of driveable components on the apparatus: and one or more further, DC electric actuators (18;27) operatively connected to drive a further set of driveable components of the apparatus. An advantage of the arrangement is that precise control of components may be obtained in a comparatively low-cost machine.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming one or more folds in a sheet having a trailing edge and a leading edge. The apparatus including: a device for forming a buckle in the sheet, a mechanism for folding the sheet along the buckle, and an auxiliary feed path for directing the leading edge of the sheet out of contact with the folding mechanism and returning the sheet back to the buckle forming device. In the preferred embodiment, the folding mechanism includes a first folder roller and a second fold roller and the auxiliary feed path is race track shaped. Additionally, the auxiliary feed path may include: a first pathway, a second pathway which is longer in length than the first pathway and a gate for controlling whether the sheet enters the first pathway or the second pathway depending upon the length of the sheet.

Abstract: A paper folding apparatus has a buckle chute disposed between an inlet feed roller pair and an exit feed roller pair which are arranged to provide a substantially linear feed path for a paper article being folded and fed through the apparatus. The inlet feed roller pair is mounted on respective support members which permit adjustment of the position of one of the feed rollers of the inlet feed roller pair to change the path of the leading edge of the paper article as it moves through the inlet feed roller pair toward the buckle chute. A common drive gear is meshed with drive gears on rollers on each of the feed roller pairs and the feed roller drive gears are meshed with cooperating drive gears connected to the other rollers of each roller pair, respectively.

Abstract: An inserter comprising feeding a sheet in a path of travel, a first module for suspending feeding of the sheet, a folder module located downstream from the first module, a second module located downstream from the folder module, a conveyor module located downstream from the folder module and upstream from the second module and a microcontroller. The second module for detecting a jam. The conveyor module for conveying the sheet and for sensing the presence of the sheet. The microcontroller in operative communication with the first module, the folder module, the conveyor module and the second module.

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

Abstract: A conveyor apparatus for use in a sheet handling apparatus including an upstream module having an output end and a downstream module having an input end where the upstream module output end is capable of discharging the sheet from a plurality of output positions. The conveyor apparatus feeds the sheet in a path of travel from the upstream module output end to the downstream module input end. The conveyor module comprising: a frame, a carriage having an input end adjacent the upstream module output end and an output end adjacent the downstream module input end, the carriage output end pivotally mounted to the frame so that the carriage input end is selectively rotatable to receive the sheet from a predetermined output position of the upstream module, and the carriage including conveyor means for feeding the sheet from the upstream module output end to the downstream module input end.

Abstract: A buckle chute folding system for imparting a fold to a collation of paper sheets. The system includes: a substantially vertically oriented buckle chute; a pair of upper and lower feeding rollers defining a feed nip upstream of the buckle chute; a third feed roller associated with the lower feed roller, the third feed roller and lower feed roller defining a feed nip; and a device for positively driving the upper feeding roller, whereby the collation of sheets is fed through the nips into the buckle chute without any shingling effects.

Abstract: A buckle chute folding machine is described which has a single selector knob which selects a variety of fold patterns by simultaneous adjustment of the position of a stop blade in a buckle chute and a deflector bar positionable with respect to a nip roller set to either prevent or allow a second fold to be executed. An automatic paper feed system is provided to feed sheets from a holder tray, each sheet advanced incrementally into the machine to preclude double or overlapped feeding of the sheets through the nip roller sets.

Abstract: Disclosed is a sheet folding module for use in a sheet processing apparatus in which individual sheets are either separated from a continuous web or are stored in the processing apparatus as a stack of separate sheets in a sheet feeding module, and in which the individual sheets are fed along a feed path toward other sheet processing components, with the individual sheets being folded or left unfolded depending on the length thereof. The folding module has at least one buckle chute and a plurality of feeding and folding rollers which cause sheets to be folded which are long enough to be fed into the buckle chute and still remain under the control of a pair of rollers adjacent the entrance to the buckle chute.

Abstract: A main conveyor for conveying a succession of orders in a main direction past a transfer location is associated with an upwardly open holder pocket at the transfer location defining a vertical transfer plane. A plurality of openable transfer clips on an endless conveyor element are displaceable past the pocket with the clips moving vertically upward in the transfer plane as they pass the pocket. A pair of belts having juxtaposed stretches and spanned over a pair of downstream rollers spaced to one side of the transfer plane immediately above the pocket drop literature packs one after the other from between the rollers and belts into the pocket. A cam arrangement opens the clips as they approach the pocket and closes them generally when they reach the pocket for gripping the packs and lifting them out of the pocket.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for nest folding at least one smaller document of a collation while folding larger documents of the collation comprises the steps of: providing a buckle chute folder having a plurality of buckle chutes with one of the buckle chutes including a kicker structure adjacent a buckle chute stop; transporting to the buckle chute folder a collation having documents of at least two sizes; feeding the collation into the buckle chute having the kicker structure; buckling the larger of the documents into a nip of fold rollers as the lead edge of the collation hits the buckle chute stop; bouncing the smaller of the documents out of the buckle chute as the larger of the documents enter the nip of the fold rollers; and completing the first fold of the larger documents with the smaller documents nested within the first fold.

Abstract: In a buckle chute folding apparatus having at least one buckle chute and including a first pair of rollers for feeding one or more sheets into the buckle chute, the buckle chute including upper and lower chute plates having a predetermined gap therebetween and a plurality of stops positioned in within the buckle chute such that the sheet buckles and forms a bulge in the sheet that is grasp by a pair of folding rollers which complete the fold, an improvement comprising structure for narrowing the predetermined gap between the upper and lower chute plates whereby buckling of the sheet within the buckle chute is minimized. The narrowing structure comprises a pair of compression plates, each of the compression plates being secured respectively on the outer face of the upper and lower chute plates.

Abstract: A buckle chute for folding a sheet of paper. The buckle chute includes: a first plate having a vertically extending slot; a second plate opposing the first plate and defining a paper path therewith; a paper stopping tab extending through the vertically extending slot; a paper inverting tab extending through the vertically extending slot and situated above the paper stopping tab, the inverting tab being pivotable between an operative position in the paper path and an inoperative position out of the paper path; and a lever operatively connected to the paper inverting tab and extending beyond the side edge of the first plate for pivoting the tab between the operative and inoperative positions.

Abstract: A signatures finishing system for on-line center folding of sets of signature sheets outputted by a reproduction system; by sequentially individually fully folding the signature sheets in a folding rollers nip as they are outputted and reversing the nip at a position in which the opposite ends of the sheet engage the opposite sides of a closely adjacent saddle compiler to sequentially stack the folded signature sheets on the saddle compiler to form plural sheet compiled pre-folded signature sheet booklets, and then, after stapling, ejecting the compiled folded signatures booklet from the saddle compiler through the same folding rollers nip to a booklet output system which may perform edge trimming and stacking of the booklets ejected through the folding rollers nip.

Abstract: A buckle folder having upper and lower plates. Each plate has a front and a rear end with the two plates connected to each other at their rear ends. The plates are movable relative to each other so that the space between the two plates may be adjusted to accommodate different thicknesses.

Abstract: A buckle folding machine with at last one pair of folding rollers and at least one folding pocket (1). The folding pocket includes a top rail (43), which extends over the width of the folding pocket (1) and is attached to lateral toothed belts (26, 27) and has, on its side facing the folding pocket mouth (9), a plurality of stop fingers (44). The stop fingers have front end faces (48), located in a common plane, serve together as a paper stop within the folding pocket (1), and which can be brought by the toothed belts (26, 27) into a front deflecting position, in which their front end faces (48) together act as a paper deflector and guide the material arriving at the folding pocket mouth (9) for folding past the folding pocket (1) and into the next folding station (F2).

Abstract: The present invention relates to an adjustment device for adjusting the position of a fold abutment provided so as to be movable in translation along a shaft fixed on a guide plate for guiding a document to be folded. This adjustment device comprises an actuator device and a transmission device for transmitting the displacement of the actuator device to the abutment, which transmission device is constituted by a looped cable kept taut by three pulleys, with one straight portion of the cable being parallel to the side edge of the plate and connected to the abutment, and with another straight portion of the cable being connected to the actuator device.

Abstract: A two plate buckle folding machine, which can apply single buckle fold to card stock, and the like, and by disengaging shafts, shifting a fold plate into position, shifting a roller into position, and rotating a chute, change from a single to a two buckle fold folder.

Abstract: In a finisher unit 1, two rectilinear guide channels 9, 16 are arranged which cross each other at an acute angle (.alpha.). In the area of the point of intersection 19 of the guide channels 9, 16, a plurality of deflectors 24 are arranged which, under the action of gravity, cover the steeply inclined guide channel 16 such that they extend into the transport path of the sheets guided therein. The pivotally mounted deflectors 24 are pivoted counter-clockwise by an arriving sheet and thus are transferred to a position in which they close the transverse guide channel 9,9b such that they form a guiding surface connecting guide channel 16 across the point of intersection 19. The deflectors 24 which are mounted outside the guide channels 9,16 extend through recesses 9d, 16a, 16c, 16d into the channels and are limited in their end positions by end faces 9a and 16brespectively of the guide channels 9 and 16 respectively.

Abstract: A buckle folding machine with one or several folding roller pairs (W1/W2, W2/W3, W3/W4, W4/W5) and one or several folding pockets (T1, T2), which are associated with the individual folding station (F1 through F4) and which each have a paper stop (10, 11/1, 12, 13), which can be set to different feed lengths. To also collect and jointly fold a plurality of sheets of paper (1), at least one folding pocket (T2) is designed for simultaneously receiving a plurality of sheets of paper (1) such that the individual sheets of paper (1) are able to run in automatically up to the paper stop (11/1) over their full length and remain there. A pushing device is provided (3) which performs impulse-like stroke movements by means of a special drive (31) controlled by a presettable sheet counting device (18) or code-reading device (24). These stroke movements cause the sheets of paper collected in this folding pocket (T 2) to be delivered together into the next folding station (F2).

Abstract: Apparatus for cross-folding a sheet of paper. The apparatus includes: a first paper folder for imparting a first fold to a paper sheet; an inverting chute located adjacent and downstream of the first paper folder; a transport module located adjacent and downstream of the inverting chute for changing the direction of travel of the once folded paper sheet perpendicular to the direction of travel through the first paper folder; a second paper folder for imparting a second fold to the once folded paper sheet perpendicular to the first fold; and a device for causing the paper sheet to enter or bypass the inverting chute.

Abstract: A folding machine buckle chute with means for accessing paper jams is provided. The access means, comprising two pivotable sidewalls secured by a doubleslotted latch, allows for simple and rapid removal of jammed sheets from the buckle chute without disassembly.

Abstract: An apparatus for wetting adhesive portions on items such as mailers being folded by a folding machine is provided so that mailers can be folded, closed and sealed in one operation. The apparatus pumps fluid from a reservoir through tubes to fluid dispensers positioned so that adhesive portions of mailers pass thereby. A continuous stream of fluid dispensed by the fluid dispensers wets the adhesive portions on the mailers as they pass the fluid dispensers. The apparatus includes collection trays and suction means to collect excess fluid. A distribution manifold is used to distribute and control fluid dispersement.Within one aspect of our invention a unique fold plate is provided comprising a frame with a plurality of elongated members removably attached to the frame for adjusting the positions thereof. The adjustment permits the fluid dispensers to be located at different positions on the fold plate so that items having adhesive portions in different locations can be wetted and folded on the folding machine.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing items in selected configurations and a system, and method for controlling the same. More particularly, an apparatus for producing mail pieces and a system and method for controlling it to produce mail pieces in a variety of configurations are disclosed. The apparatus includes a laser printer and folding sealing apparatus controlled by a data processor. The folder sealer apparatus combines sheets printed by the laser printer with pre-printed sheets and envelope forms, which also may be printed by the laser printer or may be windowed envelopes, folds the sheets as necessary and folds and seals the envelope form about the folded sheets to produce a mail piece. A user inputs a configuration for the mail piece which is translated by the data processor into a data structure and transmitted to the controller of the folder sealer apparatus.

Abstract: A mechanism for applying adhesive to a sheet comprising a plurality of glue applicators comprising valves or nozzles adapted to form a charge of adhesive at the tip of each. The sheet is moved toward the nozzles to permit adhesive spots to be deposited on the sheet. The nozzles have periods of deactivation after which they are reactivated. A cleaning and moistening sponge (or a tray with appropriate fluids) is provided to maintain the adhesive in the nozzles in usable condition during periods of deactivation so that the adhesive may be immediately used and deposited on the sheet upon reactivation of the nozzles.

Abstract: A paper folder has folding rollers spring urged against the complementary rollers so the rollers touch at the nip when no paper is present. A light spring allows the rollers to open when a piece of paper is to be received therebetween; but, the light spring completely closes after a short movement to limit the gap between the rollers. A heavy spring allows further spacing of the rollers under great force. The resulting folder will fold a range of thicknesses of paper, and including groups of several sheets of paper, without adjustment of the rollers.

Abstract: An apparatus for diverting individual sheets and stacks of sheets from being folded comprises a buckle chute folder having a pair of feed rollers, which form an entrance nip to the buckle chute, and at least one buckle chute. There is a stop member assembly adjacent the buckle chute. The stop member assembly includes a plurality of stop fingers coupled to a solenoid, wherein operation of the solenoid moves the stop fingers from a fold position to a divert position.In one embodiment, the solenoid is a rotary solenoid, with the stop fingers being coupled to the shaft of the rotary solenoid. The stop fingers extend through the buckle chute when the solenoid is de-energized, and the stop fingers pivot out of the chute when the solenoid is energized. The sheets being conveyed into the buckle chute by the feed rollers engage the stop fingers to initiate a fold in the sheets when the stop fingers are in a fold position.

Abstract: A mechanism for adjusting the location of paper stops in folding machine buckle chutes is provided, employing a dual rack and pinion arrangement that is accessible from the side of the machine. The racks may be aligned during assembly to remove skew with respect to the paper path. The mechanism is reliable, low in cost, and allows simple and accurate adjustment of paper stops.

Abstract: A buckle chute folder for folding one or more sheets of paper, including a buckle chute and a pair of folding rollers situated downstream of the buckle chute. Each of the folding rollers has a plurality of circumferential grooves extending perpendicular to the axis of the roller, and the grooves of one roller are offset with respect to the grooves of the other roller.

Abstract: A feed mechanism for a folding machine and a folding machine for sheet material. The folding machine has a plurality of rollers for folding sheet material, drive means for rotating said rollers, at least two pocket assemblies with microswitches positioned to be contacted by sheet material passing through said pocket assemblies. The drive means are controlled by these pocket assembly microswitches and a cam microswitch, which is contacted by a cam attached at one end of a roller.The feed mechanism consists of a roller flat having a curved side and a flat side. Between the flat side and a second roller, a gap is formed allowing sheet material to be inserted directly into a first pocket assembly. The sheet material thus inserted contacts a microswitch located in the pocket assembly activating the drive means which turns the roller flat so that its curved side forms a take-in nip with the second roller, feeding the paper in further to begin the folding process.

Abstract: An improved Z-folder for use with a reproduction apparatus having a modular finisher apparatus for forming completely finished reproduction sets of a series of reproductions produced on sheets respectively by the reproduction apparatus. The modular finisher includes a mechanism for detachably accepting modular devices including a Z-folder. The improved Z-folder comprises a support frame mating with the finisher mechanism for detachably accepting modular devices to enable the frame to be received therein. An assembly is mounted on the frame for moving a reproduction sheet directed to the Z-folder along a prescribed path to effect Z-folding of such reproduction sheet. A device for collecting reproduction sheets prior to having a finishing operation carried out thereon is also associated with the frame. A sheet feed path is defined for delivering reproduction sheets directly to the collecting device, such path intersecting the prescribed path of the Z-folding assembly, whereby a compact arrangement is provided.

Abstract: Apparatus for processing sheets, comprising: first structure for feeding a nestable sheet having a leading edge downstream in a path of travel; structure for forming a buckle loop in a foldable sheet, the buckle loop forming structure including a stop, the buckle loop forming structure including second structure for feeding the foldable sheet across the path of travel and against the stop to form a buckle loop therein, the buckle loop forming structure including structure for guiding the buckle loop downstream of the leading edge of the nestable sheet and in the path of travel thereof; and structure for assembling the sheets, the assembling structure including third structure for feeding the sheets in the path of travel, the third feeding structure including an elongate drive roller extending transverse to the path of travel, the third feeding structure including an elongate roller extending parallel to the drive roller and defining therebetween an elongate gap, and the assembling structure including structur

Abstract: An apparatus for producing items in selected configurations and a system and method for controlling the same. More particularly, an apparatus for producing mail pieces and a system and method for controlling it to produce mail pieces in a variety of configurations are disclosed. The apparatus includes a laser printer and folding sealing apparatus controlled by a data processor. The folder sealer apparatus combines sheets printed by the laser printer with pre-printed sheets and envelope forms, which also may be printed by the laser printer or may be windowed envelopes, folds the sheets as necessary and folds and seals the envelope form about the folded sheets to produce a mail piece. A user inputs a configuration for the mail piece which is translated by the data processor into a data structure and transmitted to the controller of the folder sealer apparatus.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for sheet folding and sealing to produce mailable letter-like objects, each from a single preprinted sheet, comprises a feed mechanism for the feed of sheets in seriatim while continuous beads of adhesive are applied to each sheet along lateral portions thereof. The sheets are fed into a buckle folder which makes one or more transverse folds in each sheet while transversely-spaced spots of adhesive are applied along a transverse line across the sheet. The buckle folder is structured so that it has fold pans on one side; and, both the input and output are on the other side. The folder also includes folding and sealing rolls that seal folded-over sheet portions to close and seal the sheet into a letter-like object. A perforator perforates the object so that tearing along the perforations facilitates opening.

Abstract: A sheet folding apparatus having a feed roller device for grasping and propelling a sheet forward, a first gate for receiving a leading portion of the propelled sheet and stopping the same at a predetermined distance therein to cause a first buckle in the trailing portion of the sheet, a first fold roller device for grasping the sheet at the first buckle and propelling the sheet with the first buckle leading into a second gate and stopping the same at a predetermined distance therein to cause a second buckle in the trailing portion of the sheet, the first and second buckles forming opposed overleaves having their inner edges in juxtaposition, a second fold roller device for grasping the sheet at the second buckle and propelling the sheet with the second buckle leading into a third gate and stopping the same at a predetermined distance therein to cause a third buckle in the trailing portion of the sheet, a third fold roller device for grasping the sheet at the third buckle and propelling the sheet with the thi

Abstract: A folding machine for processing printed sheets has a folding pocket into which sheets are fed by a pair of rollers. The infeed of the folding pocket has a guide plate and a guide device between which sheets are guidingly fed into the pocket. The guide device consists of a succession of several profiled segments releasibly secured to a carrier, preferably slidingly mounted in a groove in a carrier by means of clamping screws. The profiled segments may be spaced from one another so as not to contact adhesive strips on the sheets. Because guide device consists of several segments, the spaces between segments can easily be varied to match sheets having different formats of adhesive strips.

Abstract: Apparatus and metyod for making a gatefold in a central portion of a sheet along a gatefold line. The apparatus includes a fold pan (30) for receiving a sheet with a first outer leaf folded, and for folding a second outer leaf of the sheet inwardly toward a central portion as the sheet passes between associated rolls (20, 22). A gatefold pan (32) receives the sheet from between the rolls (20, 22). The gatefold pan (32) includes a deflector (62). The deflector (62) is movable, under control of actuators (64, 68), from a retracted position to an extended position into a path of travel of the sheet from the fold pan (30) to the gatefold pan (32). In its extended position, the deflector (62) serves to deflect the first outer leaf of the sheet toward the central portion of the sheet. Sensors (82, 84) are provided in the respective fold pans (30, 32) and are connected to actuator control means.

Abstract: The folder comprises a top portion (5A) which is openable relative to a bottom portion (5B). It has a first pocket (2) in the top portion, a second pocket (3) in the bottom portion, and a set (4) of folding rollers. The top and bottom portions are constituted by respective frames and the set of rollers is mounted in part in the top portion and in part in the bottom portion. The outlet path (11) for folded documents runs between the top and bottom portions. This provides wide open access to the paper paths inside the folder in the event of a jam.

Abstract: A buckle chute folder for folding a plurality of paper sheets. The folder includes: a buckle chute; a pair of folding rollers downstream of the buckle chute; a curved paper guide downstream and adjacent the folding rollers for changing the direction of the folded sheets as they exit the folding rollers; and a pair of exit rollers downstream of the paper guide. One of the exit rollers has a fluorinated ethylene propylene sleeve whereby neither of the exit rollers feeds a paper sheet forming a part of the plurality of paper sheets ahead of any other of the paper sheets forming the plurality of paper sheets.