Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for folding discrete items such as diapers at high speeds. Discrete items are conveyed in a machine direction toward a pair of vacuum drums rotating in the machine direction and first carrying a top side of a leading edge of the discrete item away from the conveyor, and then carrying a bottom side of the leading edge with a second rotational vacuum drum back towards the conveyor. The diaper fold is created at a contact point with a folding finger which travels rotationally and straight in a fixed orientation about a pair of belts, into and out of contact with the diaper.

Abstract: A sheet processing device comprising: a pressing unit that presses a fold line part of a folded sheet bundle; and a moving unit that moves a pressing position of the pressing unit in a fold direction of the folded sheet bundle, wherein the pressing unit includes a pair of pressing rollers that holds the folded sheet bundle therebetween, and the pair of pressing rollers changes an angle ? between a thickness direction of the folded sheet bundle and a line connecting the rotational centers of the pressing rollers in the middle of movement.

Abstract: The image forming system contains an image forming apparatus and a post-processing apparatus. The post-processing apparatus includes a flattening unit that flattens a back portion of a booklet, an elevating mechanism that moves the flattening unit operating together with a conveyance of the booklet and a post-processing control portion that controls the flattening unit to perform flattening processing which flattens the back portion of the booklet during the conveyance of the booklet by the elevating mechanism. The elevating mechanism elevates a booklet-holding mechanism including the flattening unit operating together with a conveyance of the booklet. The booklet-holding mechanism and the flattening unit moves up and down between cut-off processing portion and discharging portion operating together with the conveyance of the booklet. A square back roller reciprocatively moves along the back portion of the booklet together with the movement of roller moving mechanism.

Abstract: A sheet processing apparatus includes a pressing unit including a first pressing member and a second pressing member. The pressing unit is configured to press a fold in a folded sheet bundle by holding the fold between the first pressing member and the second pressing member. The sheet processing apparatus also includes a moving unit configured to move a pressing position of the pressing unit in a direction of the fold in the sheet bundle; and a position changing unit configured to change relative positions of the first pressing member and the second pressing member in the direction of the fold in the sheet bundle.

Abstract: A sheet processing apparatus comprises a pressurizing unit including a first pressurizing member and a second pressurizing member; and a moving unit moving the pressurizing unit and including a driving motor, wherein the position where a sheet bundle is pressurized by the first pressurizing member and the position where the sheet bundle is pressurized by the second pressurizing member are shifted in the direction of the fold line of the sheet bundle, and a driving condition of the driving motor is changed between a first orientation in which the pressurizing unit moves in the positional relation that the first pressurizing member precedes the second pressurizing member and a second orientation in which the pressurizing member moves in the positional relation that the second pressurizing member precedes the first pressurizing member.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of moving printed material web includes two processing arrangements arranged one above the other that are optional in operation. A material web is processed either in the upper, first processing arrangement or in the lower, second processing arrangement. In the processing section belonging to the first processing arrangement, the material web is folded about a line parallel to its advancement direction. In the processing section belonging to the second processing arrangement, the material web is separated, along a line parallel to its advancement direction, into two material-web strands, which are then positioned one above the other. The two processing sections having in common a pair of braking rollers and a pair of drawing rollers and also a longitudinal-cutter.

Abstract: Blanks used in the manufacture of nappies/diapers are folded on a machine comprising a first aspirating roller (5) by which single blanks (2) are advanced in succession toward a second aspirating roller (6) rotating counter and substantially tangential to the first roller (5) at a folding station (T).

Abstract: A method for shaping at least one cardboard cut-out between an inlet position and an outlet position of a shaping station. The method includes a step of using shaping tools on the cardboard cut-out, the tools reciprocatingly moving on either side of the cut-out between a shaping position and a retracted position. The method involves moving the cardboard cut-out by the tools between the inlet position and the outlet position of the shaping station while the cardboard cut-out is being shaped by the tools.

Abstract: An apparatus of the present invention includes: a folding section 2 for folding a web W in two so that opposite side edges Wa and Wb of the web W are brought into a predetermined positional relationship with each other by bringing the web W into contact with an abutting member 4; a pair of carrying means 10A and 10B arranged along opposite sides of the web W for carrying the web W in the longitudinal direction X; a plurality of holding means 20 provided in each of the carrying means 10A and 10B wherein the holding means 20 can be displaced in the transverse direction D of the web W; displacement means 30 for displacing the holding means 20 in the transverse direction D upstream of the abutting member 4 so as to correct a positional relationship between the web W and the abutting member 4; detection means 3 for outputting positional information regarding a position of the web W in the transverse direction D; and control means 200 for controlling the displacement means 30 based on the positional information.

Abstract: A continuous paper feeder for supplying paper to be folded to a paper folding machine is provided. The continuous paper feeder includes a conveyor, a guide, a blower for introducing air between sheets of paper to be supplied to a paper folding machine, and a sensor for controlling the output of the air. The guide includes opposing first surfaces and second surfaces and a plurality of apertures communicating between the first surface and the second surfaces. The blower is adapted to introduce air through the apertures located on the guide as an operator is loading a stack of paper to be folded onto the conveyor surface.

Abstract: A folding station of a folding box gluing machine for processing a blank having a middle piece and side pieces which are attached to sides of the middle piece and which are deflected upward and inward along folding grooves between the middle piece and the side piece across a folding line toward the lengthwise middle of the blank and then folded up in order to produce a folding boxes, includes a folding strap that deflects the side pieces and folds them upward. The folding strap is guided by a folding shunt, a positioning roller, and one or more deflection and pressure rollers. A distance between the folding strap from the folding line of the blank is adjustable, such that the folding strap acts on an outer region of the side piece.

Abstract: The invention relates to a folding device for printing presses or folders which does not require pressure brushes for fixing the printed product on surface inlet and outlet sections folding table. The folding device (11) which includes a folding table (4), at least one stop (8) associate with the folding table (4), a plurality of transfer belts (5) for engaging and transferring printed products (3) onto said folding table to said at least one stop, a pair of rotatably driven folding rolls (7), a folding blade (2) moveable relative to the folding table (4). The transport belts (5) can be set against inlet and/or outlet sections (9, 10) of the folding table (4) forming full-area contact in order to fix the printed product (3) in position for folding, and the inlet and/or outlet sections (9, 10) are situated just in front of and just behind the printed product (3).

Abstract: A quarter folder comprising an input conveyer for receiving a shingled stream of half folded signatures, an aligning section for aligning the signatures, a folding section for folding the shingled stream to thereby form a quarter folded shingled stream, a singulating section to separate the shingled signatures into individual folded signatures and a re-shingling section. The quarter folder of the present invention can operate at a high speed and receive copies directly from a press.

Abstract: A method of producing a newspaper having at least one section which is formed from at least one centrally folded printed sheet.

Abstract: A method of making a prefastened refastenable diaper or other undergarment includes the steps of forming a web of diaper material, cutting holes in the center of the web as precursor leg cutouts and, placing a fastening system divided between front and back waist sections onto each diaper section of the web to prepare inchoate diapers having their long axes in the cross machine direction of the web. Then the web is cut to define the web into individual diapers. The diapers are then folded in half at the crotch section, placing the fastening system section in lapping alignment and fastening the system together. The diapers are then removed by the leg holes to bundle and place the diapers in point of sale containers. The method lends itself to simple in-line process machinery for accomplishing the manufacture of the diapers.

Abstract: Vacuum folding apparatus to make longitudinal and transverse folds in product width webs for folded napkins using a plurality of full speed web feed and cutoff anvil/knife roll couples each to process a portion of product webs slit from a wide parent web. The preferred apparatus includes two or more cutoff units in circumferentially spaced contact with a carrier cylinder having a hollow cylinder with shaped vacuum conduits attached to the inside surface and cooperating with pluralties of anvil/knife rolls having drilled conduits and valve means to control vacuum independently for each plurality of webs being processed. Intermediate between frame members support one end of multi-width anvil/knife roll couples.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming a score line in a pre-cut blank, such as an envelope blank (3), includes a scoring blade roller (6) and a counter roller (7), wherein a portion of the circumferential surface of the scoring blade roller (6) is provided with a suction shell (12) having a plurality of suction openings (13) therein. The suction openings are connected together in respective groups that may be individually and selectively connected to a vacuum or suction air source. In this manner, a leading edge portion (72) of the blank (3) can be taken up, held, and rotationally pulled by the scoring blade roller (6), while a tail portion (70, 71) of the blank (3) downstream of the score lines (2) or the scoring blades (33, 34) is not fixedly held on the scoring blade roller (6), but rather is only loosely held and guided along.

Abstract: The present invention is a new elongate single-ply paper napkin that achieves the necessary absorbency, strength, hand feel and softness for commercial use but which is less expensive than traditional napkin products. More particularly, the invention is a single-ply napkin that contains folds running only in the transverse direction of the product, i.e. perpendicular to the length of the napkin.

Abstract: Provided in a copy or web guiding cylinder of a copy-processing machine is a guiding device for extensible operating elements, having at least two opposing and cooperating cylinders, wherein copies are retainable on the circumference of one of the cylinders and are transferrable by extensible operating elements into receiving elements on the circumference of the other cylinder, including coverings mounted on the one cylinder at the circumference thereof and defining an opening through which an operating element disposed in an underlying recess formed in the one cylinder is extensible.

Abstract: A method for the manufacture of filters in which a filter material in the rm of a continuous web is pre-embossed, perforated with a laser beam, and then pleated. The pleated filter element is fixed in a subsequent operation in an apparatus and the perforated scrap areas and are removed from the filter element.

Abstract: Apparatus for folding sheet blanks (1), e.g. for boxes and trays from carton or corrugated cardboard. It includes press means (6, 7) attached to at least one endless conveying means (10). The press means are intended to coact with selected parts (2, 3) of the blanks for folding them up or down from the plane of the blank during their passage through the apparatus. The blanks are arranged to be conveyed through the apparatus at the same speed as that at which the conveying means is driven. The latter is guided in a helical path by an elongate, rigid structure (8, 9) forming continuous support for the conveying means. During the entire folding operation the operative ones of the press means attached to the conveying means press against the same area on the part of the blank with which they coact.

Abstract: Apparatus (10) for partially setting up a blank (12) is disclosed including first suction cups (122) for removing the first blank (12) from a magazine (96). The first suction cups (122) are pivotally mounted to the ends of pivot arms (110) to move the first blank (12) up and over actuators (102) of the magazine (96) as the first blank (12) is moved forward out of the magazine (96). After the lower edge of the first blank (12) passes over the actuators (102), the lower portion of the blank (12) is supported in an intermediate position upon an abutment bar (106). While still secured to the first suction cups (122), second suction cups (78) are secured to the blank (12). The second suction cups (78) tilt the blank (12) to be parallel to and move with upstanding lugs (36) of a conveyor assembly (34). A forming die (38) pushes the blank (12) into the lugs (36) as the forming die (38), blank (12) and the lugs (36) move at a constant speed.

Abstract: A folding machine includes a vacuum conveyor and a plurality of flip folders spaced along the length of the conveyor. A length of sheet material is fed downstream along the conveyor to position the lead end of the sheet in clamp members at a first flip folder. The end is clamped and rotated downstream and up above the remainder of the sheet which is continuously fed down the conveyor. The clamps are released to allow the lead end to fall over the trailing edge of the sheet, thereby completing a first fold which reduces the length of the sheet 50 percent. Successive lead ends of the sheet are folded by second and third flip folders to reduce the length of the sheet to 1/8 the length of the original sheet and increase the thickness of the sheet to eight plies. The final folded bundle is fed to a tuck folder which further reduces the length of the package 50 percent forming a folded package 1/16 the length of the original sheet and having 16 plies.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of manufacturing laminate for honeycomb structure. The invention includes first and second adhesive agent applying units, each of which applies an adhesive agent to a material strip in parallel strips, first and second pressing rolls corresponding to each of said adhesive agent applying units, and a layering table reciprocated by a predetermined stroke. The second stripes of the adhesive agent are displaced transversely by a half pitch from the first stripes of the adhesive agent. The adhesive agent applying units and the pressing rolls are disposed immediately above the layering table and the rolls press the material strip being fed onto the layered material strip, and are moved between an operating position and an inoperative position with relation to the movement of the layering table. The layering table is movable and a roll stand housing the pressing rolls moves in a direction opposite to that of the layering table.

Abstract: The folded edges (F) of paper products (P), such as newspapers and magazines, are creased in accordance with the process of the invention, in that at least one pair of creasing tools (W. 1, W.2) act at a creasing point from either side against the folded edge and the creasing point is moved along the folded edge (F) by a relative movement between the product (P) and at least one of the creasing tools. The facing creasing surfaces of the creasing tools (W.1, W.2) are advantageously designed and arranged in such a way that the folded edge is curved at the creasing point, which is achieved in that a perpendicular on the creasing surfaces forms an acute angle at the creasing point with the movement direction (B) of the latter. The creasing tools can also be pressed against one another with a pressing force. During the creasing process the product must be held by holding means. The latter simultaneously serve as conveying means, e.g.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of manufacturing laminate for honeycomb structure. The invention includes first and second adhesive agent applying units, each of which applies an adhesive agent to a material strip in parallel strips, first and second pressing rolls corresponding to each of said adhesive agent applying units, and a layering table reciprocated by a predetermined stroke. The second stripes of the adhesive agent are displaced transversely by a half pitch from the first stripes of the adhesive agent. The adhesive agent applying units and the pressing rolls are disposed immediately above the layering table and the rolls press the material strip being fed onto the layered material strip, and are moved between an operating position and an un-operating position with relation to the movement of the layering table. The layering table is movable and a roll stand housing the pressing rolls moves in a direction opposite to that of the layering table.

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: A carton blank support member is mounted above a traveling carton blank in a folder gluer machine. The support member is cyclicly driven between an inoperative position above the carton blank to an operative position engaging the top surface of the blank adjacent a score line formed in the blank. The score line defines a flap which is folded upwardly when the support member is in engagement with the top surface of the carton blank to form a side wall of the carton. The support member prevents the flap from buckling during the folding operation, especially when recycled paperboard is used as the carton blank.

Abstract: In a folder gluer collapsable box making machine, a self-driven endless chain is mounted on sprockets on a small frame and is equipped with push plates and lifters such that when pre-cut box board moves along the conveyor of a box-making machine, the front of the pre-cut box board hits a pusher and moves the chain in a forward direction while the folder lifter arm abuts the rear portion of the box board and folds over the rear ends and/or flaps.

Abstract: An apparatus for folding a sheet along concentric circular arcs comprises two series of chain driven comb-shaped folding elements. The folding elements of each series are spaced apart by a distance which is approximately twice the distance between the intended fold locations on the sheet, with the elements of one series being arranged to act against one side of the sheet and the elements of the other series being arranged to act against the other side of the sheet. The folding elements of one series are offset relative to those of the other series a distance equalling the distance between adjacent fold locations on the sheet. The elements of one series increasingly overlap the elements of the other series along the length of the sheet, whereby a plurality of folds are simultaneously being formed progressively as the sheet is fed between the two series of folding elements.

Abstract: An improved stationery folding machine of the type having a dispensing roller which directs a continuous strip of paper into a mechanism which distributes successive lines of weakening formed in the paper in substantially opposite directions and having additional mechanisms for creasing the distributed paper along the transverse lines of weakening to produce continuous form stationery. The machine includes apparatus which locates the position of the strip of paper in the machine and simultaneously laterally positions a plurality of folding mechanisms along at least one edge of the strip of paper.

Abstract: A quarter-folder operates at high speed by reducing the leading edge to leading edge distance between successive papers, and continuing to move the papers forward while urging the papers down between folding rolls. The folding rolls are obliquely disposed so that a tucking blade urges a portion of the paper between the rolls, and the angular disposition causes the paper to continue. A plurality of pairs of folding rolls receives a paper for complete folding. Retarding brush rollers will slow the folded paper to be received by a conventional creel.

Abstract: A conveyor is provided with clamps or grippers which are spaced from each other. These clamps grasp the edge opposite to the folded edge or fold of a paper product, especially a newspaper, and transport the paper product in a suspended manner. A pair of movable press or clamp elements which can be controllably driven mutually to-and-fro is associated with each of these clamps or grippers. This pair of movable press elements is positioned underneath each of these clamps at a predetermined distance below the conveyor in the region of the path of conveyance of these suspended paper products. These pairs of movable press elements move in substantially the same direction and with substantially the same magnitude of speed as the clamps. The folded edges of the respective paper products or newspapers are clamped or pressed together between these pairs of movable press elements.

Abstract: Apparatus for folding, bonding and severing a longitudinally extending web, comprising a rotatable disc having a plurality of circumferentially spaced-apart, radially extending protrusions at its periphery, means for rotating the disc, means for feeding the longitudinally extending web onto the disc during rotation thereof, so that outer extremities of the protrusions contact the web at its medial region to cause folding of the web so that its sides overlap one another between the protrusions, means for bonding the folded web at its overlapping sides between adjacent protrusions during rotation of the disc, and means for severing the folded web at its overlapping sides between adjacent protrusions during rotation of the disc. Also disclosed is a corresponding method wherein the longitudinally extending web is folded, bonded and severed.

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: An apparatus and method for forming a hinged or clamshell type carton from a paperboard blank includes a feed conveyor for transferring the blank to a forming die. A hinge erecting conveyor is provided in the feed conveyor guide path to erect the hinge. A pair of pusher fingers form a shuttle conveyor in the guide path cooperating to transfer the partially erected blank to the die. Side channel guides arranged along the conveyor guide path maintain the partially erected paperboard blank in alignment with the erecting conveyor. Side channel guide extensions converge to maintain contacting engagement with the blank as selected carton panels converge during hinge formation and to support the blank in contacting registration on the face of the die and in the forming head path. A hinge gathering guide with hold down rails positioned above the erecting conveyor accurately locates and positions the carton blank and hinge.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for folding one or more continuous single or multiple ply webs wherein the webs are guided generally downwardly by an oscillating arm that oscillates fore and aft about a horizontal transverse axis relative to the direction the web travels, and directed by the oscillating arm alternately between opposed folding assemblies. The folding assemblies have a plurality of gripper means which travel continuously about a preselected path and receive the web at locations where the folds are to occur, then grip and thus fold the web, and thereafter release the web allowing it to exit downwardly in a folded configuration. The apparatus and method possess high speed capabilities in providing a parallelogram linkage for driving the oscillating arm and by timing the gripper means of the folding assemblies to close more rapidly and grip the web fed thereto by the oscillating arm.

Abstract: A paper folding and conveying apparatus and method and more particularly an improved apparatus and method for the high speed conveying of paper strip and imparting an overlying fold thereto.