Abstract: A method for producing stacks of individual web sections involves: (a) directing the continuous web to a perforating station; (b) perforating the continuous web at predetermined intervals and forming sheets of web material between consecutive perforation lines extending laterally across the continuous web, the perforating being carried out via at least one perforation element arranged at the circumference of a perforation roller; (c) directing the continuous web to a cutting station; (d) cutting at second predetermined intervals the continuous web into web sections via a cutting element acting against an anvil element, to generate a clear cut or a tab-bond; (e) folding the web sections via a folding roll; and (f) stacking the folded web section to generate a stack of folded sheets.

Abstract: Buckles (b1 to b4) are each provided with a stopper (S1 to S4). A pair of uptake rollers (W, W1); (W, W2); (W2, W3); (W3, W4), to supply paper to the buckles, and a pair of discharge rollers (W, W2); (W2, W3); (W3; W4); (W4, W5), to fold the portion of the paper discharged outside the buckles, are disposed at each buckle inlet. The discharge roller for a previous buckle simultaneously functions as the uptake roller for the next buckle, and the paper is sequentially introduced into the buckles and folded into a bellows form. Stopper drive mechanisms (d1 to d4) are integrally controlled by a control unit (C).

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided, for forming a stack of interfolded sheets of porous material including a leading panel having a partial-panel width joined along a fold line to a trailing panel having a full-panel width, by controlling the position of leading edges of the sheets both upstream and downstream from the nip between the interfolding rolls of the folding machine with vacuum applied through corresponding vacuum ports disposed in the periphery of the folding rolls at circumferential distances equal to the partial panel length ahead of each gripper and tucker in the direction of rotation. Sufficient suction is applied to hold both the leading edge of the leading panel of a given sheet and an underlying portion of the trailing panel of the immediately preceding sheet against the periphery of one of the other of the rolls downstream from the nip.

Abstract: A sheet folding apparatus for performing folding processing, has a first transport path for guiding a sheet from a carry-in entrance to a carrying-out exit without performing the folding processing; a second transport path for performing the folding processing on the sheet from the carry-in entrance; and a folding processing device disposed in a folding position in the second transport path to fold the sheet from the carry-in entrance. The second transport path is disposed to cross the first transport path, and includes a path end portion for guiding the sheet to the folding position, and another path end portion for guiding the folded sheet from the folding position to a downstream side. The path end portion and the another path end portion are disposed opposite to each other relative to the first transport path.

Abstract: A folding method includes feeding a sheet to be folded to a folding unit, folding the sheet repeatedly by the folding unit, thereby creating a folded package, and discharging at least a part of the folded package from the folding unit. While at least a part of the folded package is discharged from the folding unit in the step of discharging, a part of the sheet is held back. The method includes unfolding at least one fold of the folded package. A folding apparatus is provided for carrying out the method.

Abstract: Interfolding machine of sheet material for making a stack of interfolded sheets (1) equipped with cutting and transferring means, including, for example, a cutting roller 2 that operates the division of the web (10) into sheets (11) of determined length. The cut sheets (11), all having the same length, are carried along the machine up to a transfer roller (3) that transfers them to an “overlap” roller (4). In particular the cutting roller (2) has peripherally a first series of cutting blades (21a)-(21d) arranged at a first angular distance equal to 90° and a second plurality of cutting blades (21?a)-(21?c) arranged at a second angular distance equal to 120°. The length of sheets 11 is therefore achieved by the angular distance existing between the blades (21). In order to adjust the length of the sheets, or cut-off length, one selects the blades on the cutting roller (2) located at an angular distance corresponding to the desired sheet length.

Abstract: A sheet finishing apparatus includes first and second conveyance devices for conveying a sheet on a sheet conveyance path, a folding roller device for folding the sheet disposed between the first and second conveyance devices, a folded sheet conveyance path for conveying a folded sheet from the folding roller device, and first and second stopper devices. The first and second stopper devices are respectively disposed downstream and upstream of the sheet conveyance path relative to the folding roller device. The first stopper device positions and aligns a leading edge of the sheet, and guides the sheet conveyed by the first conveyance device to the folding roller device, and the second stopper device positions and aligns a trailing edge of the sheet, and transfers the sheet reversely by the second conveyance device to the folding roller device.

Abstract: An interfolding machine having a modular structure and with variable cut-off, including a frame having a first plate and a second plate, parallel to each other, interconnected by means of beams. Between the plates are arranged folding rollers, means for moving and an overlap roller. Each plate has a complementary shape to a respective upper plate, with upper plates connected by means of beams among one another. Between the plates, the cutting roller, the transfer roller and the cutter with the blade are arranged, such that a modular portion is formed removable independently from a main portion of the frame. Alternatively, the removable portion can include the only cutting roller and the cutter with the blade.

Abstract: Outserts having printed information thereon are disclosed and are formed in accordance with a method in which a plurality of parallel folds are made in a sheet of paper in a first fold direction using a plurality of pairs of folding rollers and stop members to form an intermediate folded item and in which a plurality of cross-folds are made in the intermediate folded item to form the outsert. The cross-folds may be made to divide the length of the intermediate folded item into ten panels, fourteen panels, or eighteen panels.

Abstract: A label product in web form has alternating, oppositely indented creases in the liner of the product to produce a fan-folded stack having alternating, reversely folded plies. Each crease is substantially, if not entirely, perforation-free to maximize the strength of the liner at the fold lines. The product is preferably produced on a narrow web press in a creasing station that includes a stack of rolls wherein a first die roll is on the bottom of the stack, a second die roll is on the top of the stack, and a pair of base rolls are located in the middle of the stack between the die rolls. A blade on each die roll cooperates with a cushion on the corresponding base roll to produce a crease during every other rotation of the die roll, each of the base rolls having a smaller circumference than its corresponding die roll.

Abstract: A fabric folding machine structure is used for receiving and folding a fabric woven by a circular knitting machine. A fabric folding machine is added to the circular knitting machine without changing the length, width, and height of the fabric rolling machine. The fabric folding machine has a carrying base for carrying the fabric, and both ends of the carrying base are fixed to the bottom of two side seats, and a plurality of fabric rolling rods disposed between the two side seats define a carrying space, and the two side seats include a fabric folding unit for driving the fabric on the carrying base, and the fabric folding unit can drive the fabric back and forth in the carrying space to fold the fabric on the carrying base, so as to provide a larger carrying space and a higher fabric storing capacity than a prior art fabric folding machine.

Abstract: In a method for laying web material within a rectangular area in zigzag lengths in several stacked layers, at least one reversal point of a newly laid layer is placed farther inwardly relative to the rectangular area than a reversal point of the layer positioned directly underneath. The reversal points of the zigzag lengths of one layer are arranged in a common reversal row.

Abstract: A device for laying continuously supplied web material in zigzag lengths has a pendulous arm positioned within a supply path of the web material and a holding-down device pushing down the web material at least in the area of the reversal points of the zigzag length. By arranging the holding-down device on the pendulous arm, a particularly a simple construction of such a laying device is provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to a stack of wipes for use in a wipes dispenser. The stack includes a plurality of wipes, each wipe of the plurality of wipes formed from a portion of a common material. Each wipe includes a leading edge portion with a pleat-like zone located along at least a portion of a length of the leading edge portion and the pleat-like zone is distinct from an adjoining main portion of each wipe. Each wipe is folded upon itself at least once and each wipe is positioned relative to adjacent wipes to form the stack of wipes.

Abstract: An interfolding apparatus including a knife roll rotatable about an axis and operable to cut successive sheets from a stream of web material issuing from a source in a downstream direction. A folding roll is positioned downstream of the knife roll and is rotatable in a first direction at a first roll speed. An additional roll is disposed adjacent to the folding roll and is rotatable about an axis in a second direction at a second roll speed. The additional roll is operable to receive the successive sheets and release the successive sheets in the downstream direction toward the folding roll. The folding roll and the additional roll define a nip therebetween, the successive sheets passing through the nip. The first roll speed of the folding roll is different from the second roll speed of the additional roll, the difference in speed between the folding roll and the additional roll operable to overlap adjacent portions of the successive sheets onto the folding roll.

Abstract: An interfolding machine for sheet material for making a stack of interfolded sheets includes at least one web of material to interfold that is cut into sheets of predetermined length and rolls for partially overlapping the sheets in order to form an overlapped portion between two consecutive sheets. Interfolding rolls are also provided, adapted to produce the stack, as well as a conveyor adapted to convey the partially overlapped sheets in a zone set between the roll and the interfolding rolls. Further, the overlapping portion of the sheets is maintained constant through a plurality of belts and guides facing the belts so that between the belts and the respective guides a channel is formed for conveying the partially overlapped sheets.

Abstract: A pleating apparatus comprises a support surface, first and second pleating surfaces, and a driver for compressing a portion of a filter material between the first and second pleating surfaces to form a pleat, where at least one of the pleating surfaces is curved or extends at an acute angle with respect to a support surface.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for folding a medium in a folder, which includes a rotatable folding cylinder, a first rotatable press membercapable of engaging with said folding cylinder to form a first folding pinch, a second rotatable press membercapable of engaging with said folding cylinder to form a second folding pinch, and a medium feed means, wherein the medium is fed with the medium feed means towards the folding cylinder between the first and second pinch; b) the medium is then directed into the first folding pinch, formed by engaging said first rotatable press member with said folding cylinder, by rotating the folding cylinder in a first direction; c) a blouse is formed in the medium between said feed means and the folding cylinder; and d) said blouse is moved into said second pinch by rotating the folding cylinder in a second direction, opposite to the first direction.

Abstract: An interfolding machine of sheet material for making a stack of interfolded sheets (1) comprising at least one web (2) of material to interfold that is cut (3) into sheets (4a,4b,4c, 4d,4e,4f,4g) of predetermined length and partial overlapping means (5,6) for the sheets (4c,4d,4e,4f,4g) in order to form an overlapped portion (7) between two consecutive sheets. Interfolding means are provided (8,9) adapted to produce the stack (1) and conveying means (10) interfolding means are provided adapted to convey the partially overlapped sheets (4d,4e,4f) in a zone set between the means for partially overlapping (6) and the interfolding means (8,9). are furthermore, means are provided for keeping the overlapping fraction of the sheets unchanged (4d,4e,4f), through a plurality of belts (11) and a plurality of fixed guides (12) facing the belts (11) so that between the belts (11) and the respective guides (12) a channel is formed (13) for conveying the partially overlapped sheets (4d,4e,4f).

Abstract: A pleating method comprises disposing a filter material on a support surface and compressing a portion of the filter material between first and second pleating surfaces to form a pleat, where at least one of the pleating surfaces is curved or extends at an acute angle with respect to a support surface.

Abstract: In document output including mixture of different sizes, regarding a paper (A4 size) which is not Z-folded, header/footor information is printed on the paper as a designated manner, and, regarding a paper (A3 size) which is to be Z-folded, the header/footor information is combined with document data in such a manner that the position of the header/footor information after Z-folding apparently becomes the same as the position of the information on the A4 size. For example, in an opened condition, two header/footor information are printed at two positions, and positions of two header/footor informations are adjusted so that an information component (99/1) printed on an area A and an information component (2/31) printed on an area D constitute one header information as “99/12/31”. As a result, the header/footor information can be recognized at a glance without opening the folded page, apparently similar to the non-Z-fold paper.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and package for packaging a web. In the method of the invention, a web is slit into two or more narrower webs which are folded into superimposed layers. The method comprises the steps of directing the webs to a nip formed by two rotating reels and by inducing the webs, held alternately against the surfaces of the first and the second reel, to move with the reel the length of a predetermined rotational angle to provide folding, and joining the ends of the webs together so that the webs form a continuous whole whose length corresponds to the combined length of the webs.

Abstract: Disclosed is a sheet stack manufacturing process. At first, a plurality of band sheets are fed. Each band sheet is folded at least once along a longitudinal direction thereof at a first folding step, to form folded bands. Then, each folded band is folded along the longitudinal direction at a second folding step to have at least three fold lines by the first and second folding steps and to sandwich a portion of at least one of an overlying sheet and an underlying sheet thereof, thereby to form a band-shaped sheet stack in which a plurality of sheets are combined with one another so as to be stacked on one another. The band-shaped sheet stack is cut to a predetermined length to be separated into individual sheet stacks.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for folding an airbag of a vehicle occupant restraining system, having a conveyor means, in which a first portion of the spread-out airbag is moved in order thus to push a second portion of the airbag against an abutment which has at least one abutment surface extending substantially parallel to the direction of movement, so that the second portion of the airbag is laid in folds. In order to obtain a regularly folded airbag in a particularly simple manner, the conveyor means is formed with at least one rotating conveyor element which can move the first portion of the airbag in the direction of the abutment.

Abstract: A web pleating apparatus comprising a first series of converging elongate spaced protuberances and a second series of elongate spaced protuberances converging in the machine direction. The first series of protuberances and said second series of protuberances interleave in the Z-direction. The interleaved protuberances are capable of folding a pleatable web into a generally pleated pattern of machine direction pleats upon contact with said first and second series of protuberances.

Abstract: A paper folding mechanism for folding continuous paper is provided. The folding mechanism includes a swing guide caused to pivot for guiding the paper, and first and second paper guides which are spaced from each other. The first paper guide is displaceable relative to the second paper guide. The folding mechanism also includes a paper presser arranged adjacent to the first paper guide for folding the paper along fold lines. The paper presser is designed to move relative to the first paper guide.

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

Abstract: Disclosed is a sheet stack manufacturing process. At first, a plurality of band sheets are fed. Each band sheet is folded at least once along a longitudinal direction thereof at a first folding step, to form folded bands. Then, each folded band is folded along the longitudinal direction at a second folding step to have at least three fold lines by the first and second folding steps and to sandwich a portion of at least one of an overlying sheet and an underlying sheet thereof, thereby to form a band-shaped sheet stack in which a plurality of sheets are combined with one another so as to be stacked on one another. The band-shaped sheet stack is cut to a predetermined length to be separated into individual sheet stacks.

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: An apparatus and method for producing a zig-zag folded filter element from a web of material (18), which is supplied through a feeding device to a stamping unit (10). To define the folding line, the stamping unit is fitted with an anvil roll (21) and a stamping die (24), the stamping unit being ultrasound activated and thereby improving the stamping operation.

Abstract: A system for forming a block of folded material, and a method for folding material into a block. The system includes a folding mechanism, a lifting element receiving and supporting the block of folding material, a press acting on the block to compress an uppermost layer of the web material onto the block, a sensor detecting a degree of compression in the block, and an actuator capable of moving the the lifting element relative to the folding mechanism. The actuator moves the lifting element in response to the degree of compression in the block. The folding mechanism is made up of a pair of mutually parallel and counter-rotating cylinders between which the continuous web of material is fed. A grip and a pushing device are formed on each of the cylinders, and are are positioned such that as the cylinders rotate, the pushing device from one cylinder pushes material into the grip of the other.

Abstract: A machine (1) for interfolding sheet material (4a, 4b) starting from a web (3a, 3b) of paper and the like. A sequence of offset sheets (4a, 4b) is formed on folding rollers (7a, 7b) which are counter-rotating with respect to each other and have a plurality of circumferential grooves (15a, 15b), in which oscillating folding arms engage (20a, 20b) so as to form a stack (17) of interfolded sheets (4a, 4b). The folding arms (20a, 20b) have pivots (21) very close to the periphery of the folding rollers (7a, 7b), inside or outside of the grooves (15a, 15b). Moreover they can be operated by a crank mechanism that allows to the grooves (15a, 15b) to be shallow enough also in case of rollers (7a, 7b) of enlarged diameter. For the same reason, the folding arms (20a, 20b) can have a bent portion.

Abstract: A pivotedly mounted pressure roller unit, associated with which is a folding roller pair, is arranged on the transport path of a sheet to be folded. The pressure roller unit has a first and a second roller group, having rollers offset alternatingly eccentrically with respect to one another and mounted in independently rotatable fashion, which coact with the folding rolls in such a way that simultaneously, the rollers of the first roller group can be laid nonpositively against the one folding roller, and the rollers of the other roller group against the other folding roller. The transport speed (v.sub.2) of the folding rolls can be reduced to a lower transport speed (v.sub.1), thus causing a transport roller pair driven at an unchanging transport speed to bulge the sheet into an arc prior to entry into the folding rolls. By pivoting the pressure roller unit against the folding rolls, the arc and the trailing end of the sheet are transported simultaneously by the pressure roller unit.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for folding and interfolding single-ply webs, in which single-ply webs are first-folded alternately on their respective lines, tail portions and head portions of the webs are overlapped alternately while reducing the feeding distance of the webs which are already first-folded on their respective lines, and the overlapped webs are second-folded alternately.

Abstract: A sheet stopping system for a folding machine for the folding of a sheet in the form of a continuous band in a zig-zag like manner, in which the folding machine comprises a supporting plane (18) onto which means associated with the sheet in the form of the continuous band is fed to have it impinge alternately against hinderances (24, 26) limiting one of the two opposite sides of the supporting plane (18). The sheet supporting system includes the supporting plane and pairs of vertically slidable fingers (38a, 38b) projecting downwardly from the hinderance for engaging the supporting plane (18) to prevent the introduction of a sheet starting portion between the hinderance and the supporting plane (18).

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 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 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: An improvement for use in machinery for interfolding porous cut sheets is disclosed having two adjacent and counter-rotating folding rolls each having projecting tuckers and recessed grippers arranged alternately on the folding rolls such that a tucker on one roll mates with a gripper on the other. Porous cut sheets are selectively adhered to the folding rolls by vacuum ported to the tuckers and grippers.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for automatically separating interfolded sheets from an interfolder into bundles having a predetermined count. Two separator plates are inserted into the stack of sheets at the proper sheet count, defining a bundle. An elevator and one of the separator plates take the bundle away from the discharge area of the interfolders.

Abstract: An arrangement for automatically feeding sheets of paper of varying rectangular formats into an automatic zigzag folding machine allows sheets to be processed whose lower edge of the printed side is on the opposite side. Processing can take place in the same machines together with regular sheets, and the results are the same. For this purpose the sheets are inverted about an axis at a right angle to the direction of advancement by use of the feeding channel, and the sequence of the folding machine is changed to work in reverse order.

Abstract: Apparatus and processes for receiving sheets from a sheet stacker, separating them into bundles, and removing the bundles from the discharge area of the sheet stacking apparatus. The apparatus includes a frame, a rotatable receiving means mounted on the frame, means for separating the bundles of sheets being received, and means for rotating the rotatable receiving means. The receiving means may include a plurality of sheet receiving chambers, each chamber having an elevator which may be lowered in the respective chamber. The apparatus also has means for raising each elevator. The separating means accumulates the sheets being received from the sheet stacker while the receiving means is being rotated.

Abstract: Apparatus for interfolding webs, including two clusters of vacuum rolls, each in a generally hexagonal arrangement, each cluster having spaced apart web cutoff means and interfolding means, the vacuum rolls being arranged to develop four equal length paths between the cutoff means and the interfolding means, the apparatus being equipped with vacuum switching means to sequentially change paths of travel of the webs.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing battery plate groups by forming folding habits in a soft, continuous separator at regular intervals so that the folding directions may be alternated, and then alternately inserting positive plates and negative plates between the separator portions.

Abstract: A folder unit according to the teachings of the preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown as including front and rear sets of spirals for folding a continuous web of paper. The spirals are driven by first and second shafts whose ends extend through elongated slots formed in the side plates of the unit. A third drive shaft is further provided rotatably related to the first and second shafts and including a slideable helical gear. When the helical gear is slid on the third drive shaft, the third drive shaft is forced to rotate due to the helix of the helical gears simultaneously changing the rotational position of the spiral sets with respect to the other folder unit components. To prevent the spiral gear boxes from rotating with the first and second shafts, anti-rotation bars are provided which also extend through the elongated slots of the side plates.

Abstract: Apparatus for perforating Z-folding, and further processing long tissue webs to form stacks of Z-folded facial tissues or the like for being packaged in consumer boxes. In one embodiment, two webs are perforated and superimposed at the nip of counterrotating rolls so the perforations of one web are staggered between the perforations of the other web. The webs are Z-folded by vacuum adhering portions of the superimposed webs alternately to the portion of each roll below the nip, drawing the adhered portions back and forth out of the mutual tangent plane forming the nip to start Z-folds. The folds are creased by further means. A continuous stack of Z-folded tissues is formed and can be subdivided into counted stacks of tissue for packaging.

Abstract: A support or carrier web, composed of sections interconnected along a separation or fracture line, is folded in a zig-zag configuration and stacked upon an elevationally displaceable support element. After the stack reaches a certain height pressure fingers are pivoted into an effectual position where they press against one side of the finished-form stack. Above these pressure fingers there are arranged suction heads which can be advanced into a position where they engage below the further arriving sections. By applying negative pressure, effective at a suction opening, there is fixidly retained at least the lowermost section of the next stack to be formed. Both of the sections belonging to the different stacks are held in an open position by the suction heads. Into the opening between both of the aforementioned sections there is introduced a roll grate carrying at its leading end a cutter or knife.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for correcting stack lean in a zig-zag folded web wherein a transverse force is cyclically applied to a traveling web so as to vary the motion of the web slightly as it passes through a transverse perforator.

Abstract: A paper folding apparatus having an infinitely adjustable head designed for rotation from 0 degrees to 90 degrees in order to accommodate various required weights and lengths of paper. The apparatus is a part of a continuous in-line web-fed folding system which allows for variation in the folding head position to accommodate various paper weights, lengths and folding operation speeds, while reducing jams, tears and other problems associated with paper folding operations.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for correcting stack lean in a zig-zag folded web wherein a transverse force is cyclically applied to a traveling web so as to vary the motion of the web slightly as it passes through a transverse perforator.