Roller Couple Patents (Class 493/435)
  • Patent number: 11091341
    Abstract: The apparatus (10) for processing a continuous band of wrapping material (40) comprises a roller pair (20, 30) defining a roller gap (12) there between, wherein the rollers (20, 30) have matching convex and concave shapes, respectively. The invention is also directed to a corresponding method for treatment of wrapping material (40).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2021
    Assignee: Philip Morris Products S.A.
    Inventor: Stefano Zappoli
  • Patent number: 11053094
    Abstract: An apparatus for folding sheets and corresponding method, including at least a conditioning body, at least a folding unit and at least an extraction mean suitable to fold sheets in sequence of variable formats, maintaining high cadences and at the same time simplifying the structure for the maintenance operations and/or format-changes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2021
    Assignee: I.M.A. INDUSTRIA MACCHINE AUTOMATICHE S.P.A.
    Inventor: Gabriele Brunetti
  • Patent number: 8894558
    Abstract: A recording material processing apparatus includes: a stacker stacking recording materials to form a bundle; a pressing member including blade sections arranged at intervals to press portions of the bundle, where folds are to be formed, to move the portions in a recording material transport direction; a pair of first fold-forming rolls, each of which includes plural rolls arranged at intervals to enter between the blade sections when the blade sections press the portions, the pair of first fold-forming rolls forming the folds at intervals by nipping the portions pressed by the blade sections; and a pair of second fold-forming rolls, each of which includes plural rolls arranged at intervals to correspond to the blade sections, the pair of second fold-forming rolls further forming the folds on the bundle by nipping portions of the bundle, which exist between the folds formed by the pair of first fold-forming rolls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yoshitaka Matsuzaki
  • Patent number: 8771159
    Abstract: A sheet folding apparatus for folding a sheet, includes a first transport path for guiding the sheet from a carry-in portion to a carrying-out portion without folding; a second transport path branching off from the first transport path for folding the sheet; folding rollers to fold the sheet; a driving motor; and a control device for controlling the driving motor. The folding rollers are disposed in between the carry-in roller and the carrying-out roller. The first transport path has a pinch roller and a guide cover for covering the folding. The guide cover shifts between an actuation position in which the sheet does not contact the folding rollers and a non-actuation position in which the sheet engages with the folding rollers. The control device controls the guide cover to shift to the actuation position with the pinch roller separated from a periphery of the one of the rollers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Nisca Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroki Imazu, Shinichi Ito, Mizuho Shirakura
  • Publication number: 20140171284
    Abstract: An apparatus for folding products includes a conveying member adapted to convey the product, an oscillating member disposed adjacent the conveying member, and a folding roll disposed adjacent the conveying member and the oscillating member. The oscillating member is adapted to grasp and lift a first portion of the product from the conveying member while the product is being conveyed by the conveying member. The oscillating member is moveable in a first direction away from the conveying member and in a second direction toward the conveying member. The folding roll is adapted to receive the first portion of the product from the oscillating member and to place the first portion of the product into engagement with a second portion of the product such that the product is in a folded configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2013
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Inventors: Joseph Daniel Coenen, Gerald Sosalla, Gregory J. Rajala, John Soosai Alphonse, Mohammed Shafi Khurieshi, Mahendra Mittapalli
  • Patent number: 8690141
    Abstract: According to an embodiment of the invention, a sheet folding device includes a pair of folding rollers which nips a sheet between the folding rollers and thus folds the sheet, a folding blade which pushes the sheet in between the pair of folding rollers, and a folding blade control unit which controls the folding blade to fold a first sheet with the pair of folding rollers, then push a second sheet into the fold of the first sheet, and fold the second sheet with the pair of folding rollers over the first sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignees: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba, Toshiba Tec Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Hideaki Sugiyama
  • Patent number: 8590880
    Abstract: To provide a folding mechanism for folding a sheet with a simplified structure having no fear of causing a deviation from the fold position, wrinkle and the like, provided are a transport path 33 for transporting a sheet, and folding processing means 48 disposed in the transport path to fold the sheet. Then, the folding processing means is comprised of folding roll pairs (41b, 49, 50) coming into press-contact with one another to rotate in the opposite directions, and folding deflecting members (53, 54) for guiding the fold of the sheet to the nip portions (Np1, Np2) of the folding roll pairs. Then, the folding deflecting members are provided with driven rollers (53a, 54a) in contact press-contact with the roll periphery of one of the folding roll pair, and curved guides (53a, 54a) along the roll periphery of the other one.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Nisca Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroki Imazu, Shinichi Ito, Mizuho Shirakura
  • Patent number: 8506466
    Abstract: An apparatus for transporting folded signatures is provided which includes a first roller and a second roller forming a first nip with the first roller. The first and second rollers each have a compressible outer layer, and are rotatable about respective axes. Preferably, the compressible outer later comprises a microcellular foam. The apparatus also includes a plurality of first transport tapes passing through the first nip and a plurality of second transport tapes passing through the first nip. The plurality of second transport tapes are wrapped at least partially around the second roller so that a signature transported between the first and second transport tapes between the first nip undergoes a change in transport direction as it is transported at least partially around the second roller. Preferably, the signatures enter the first nip perpendicular to a plane passing through the axes of the first and second rollers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: Goss International Americas, Inc.
    Inventors: Gerald Roger Douillard, David Elliot Whitten, David Clarke Pollock
  • Patent number: 8506465
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for folding a medium in a folder, which includes a rotatable folding cylinder, a first rotatable press member capable of engaging with said folding cylinder to form a first folding pinch, a second rotatable press member capable 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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: OCE-Technologies B.V.
    Inventors: Michiel A. C. Terhaag, Jeroen A. A. Van Assen
  • Patent number: 8485956
    Abstract: A system is provided for bifolding disposable absorbent articles on a high speed production line on which the disposable absorbent articles are moved along a predetermined path. The system includes the use of one or more vacuum conveyor assemblies to engage and transfer the leading end portion of the article from the surface of a peel-roll to a folding drum. Thereby potentially reducing the occurrence of undesirable misalignment between opposing edges of an article during a bifolding process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: John Glasgow Burns, Jr., Yoichiro Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 8439814
    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).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: GDM S.p.A.
    Inventors: Matteo Piantoni, Diego Sacchi, Marco Rosani, Alberto Perego
  • Patent number: 8366596
    Abstract: A sheet folding device includes a folding unit that applies a fold to a sheet, and a fold-enhancing unit that performs fold enhancement on the sheet applied with the fold by the folding unit. The fold-enhancing unit includes at least two or more rotator pairs each provided with a sheet holding member that holds and pressurizes the sheet applied with the fold so as to enhance the hold. In the at least two or more rotator pairs, the sheet holding member is provided so that an area for holding the sheet shifts from both sides of the sheet toward a central portion of the sheet along a sheet conveying direction from an upstream to a downstream in the fold-enhancing unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventor: Kakeru Hayashi
  • Patent number: 8262073
    Abstract: A sheet processing apparatus includes a pushing member, a drive device, a first conveyance unit, a second conveyance unit provided on a downstream side of the first conveyance unit, a first detection unit, a second detection unit, and a control unit. The drive device moves the pushing member to push a portion of a sheet bundle to fold the sheet bundle. The first conveyance unit uses a roller pair to convey the folded sheet bundle folded. The second conveyance unit conveys the sheet bundle. The first detection unit detects an amount by which the pushing member is moved by the drive device. The second detection unit detects an amount by which the sheet bundle is conveyed by the first conveyance unit. The control unit separates the roller pair based on the amounts detected by the first and second detection units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hitoshi Kato, Naoki Ishikawa, Yasuo Fukatsu, Tomoharu Sato
  • Patent number: 8257237
    Abstract: A system is provided for bifolding disposable absorbent articles on a high speed production line on which the disposable absorbent articles are moved along a predetermined path. The system includes the use of one or more vacuum conveyor assemblies to engage and transfer the leading end portion of the article from the surface of a peel-roll to a folding drum. Thereby potentially reducing the occurrence of undesirable misalignment between opposing edges of an article during a bifolding process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: John Glasgow Burns, Jr., Yoichiro Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 8226535
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: Express Card and Label Co., Inc.
    Inventor: John W. George
  • Publication number: 20120157288
    Abstract: An apparatus for folding products has a conveying member configured to hold a first portion and a second portion of the product and to release the first portion while continuing to hold the second portion. The conveying member is configured to convey the product at a conveying speed. A folding assembly is disposed adjacent the conveying member. The folding assembly is configured to receive the first portion of the product from the conveying member while moving generally at the conveying speed, to decelerate relative to the conveying member while holding the first portion thereto thereby causing the product to fold about the fold axis, and to place the first portion of the product into contact with the second portion such that the first portion overlies the second portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2010
    Publication date: June 21, 2012
    Applicant: KIMBERLY-CLARK WORLDWIDE, INC.
    Inventors: Joseph Daniel Coenen, Gerald Sosalla, Gregory J. Rajala, John Soosai Alphonse, Mohammed Shafi Khurieshi, Mahendra Mittapalli
  • Publication number: 20120142511
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a quarterfolder having a folding blade for folding newspapers or other products. A folding location of the quarterfolder being adjustable with respect to the newspapers. The folding location may, for example, be located at between about 10 inches and about 11 inches from an edge of the newspaper so as to create a newspaper having a first side with a height of at between about 10 inches and about 11 inches and a second side with a height of approximately 9 inches or less. The second side, may, for example, have a height of between about 1 inch and about 2 inches, or alternatively, between about 7 inches and about 8 inches, depending on the overall length of the newspaper.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2010
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Applicant: GOSS INTERNATIONAL AMERICAS, INC.
    Inventors: Jackson Hacker Jones, John Sheridan Richards
  • Patent number: 8162811
    Abstract: A cross-fold system for use in combination with a device for folding sheet material and includes a rigid guide structure having a stationary reaction surface for supporting and guiding folded sheet material along a feed path between a sheet feed mechanism and a tensioning mechanism. Furthermore, the cross-fold system includes a paper break assembly disposed between the sheet feed mechanism and the tensioning mechanism. The paper break assembly, furthermore, includes an abrasion bar disposed transversely of the feed path and in opposed relation to the rigid guide. Moreover, the paper break assembly is repositionable from an active position to an inactive position such that, in the active position, the abrasion bar pressingly engages the sheet material against the stationary reaction surface of the guide assembly, and, in the inactive position, the abrasion bar permits the sheet material to pass to the tensioning mechanism without engaging the sheet material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: Pitney Bowes Ltd.
    Inventors: Nicholas S. Clarke, Daniel Everatt, Mark Woodliffe
  • Patent number: 8062201
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Assignee: Nisca Corporation
    Inventors: Hideki Mimura, Toshihiro Horii, Misao Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 8029429
    Abstract: In a mechanism and method for bonding two paper sheets on an interfolding machine, pre-compressing mechanisms are provided on each of two folding rollers to produce compress-to-bond areas on overlapped portions of two thick or air-impermeable paper sheets transferred to the two folding rollers, so that all plies of the two paper sheets at the compress-to-bond areas are compressed to bond together. Thereby, when the interfolding machine operates at a high speed, a plurality of the locally compressed and bonded paper sheets may still be smoothly folded to form a stack of interfolded paper sheets, such as a tissue paper stack or a paper towel stack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Assignee: Chan Li Machinery Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tung-I Tsai
  • Patent number: 7926799
    Abstract: In a sheet post-processing apparatus that folds a sheet bundle, a folding roller drive motor that drives folding rollers is PWM driven such that its speed is varied in each control during the period until a blade contacts the sheet bundle, during the period when the sheet bundle is conveyed to a discharge port, during discharge operation, and during return of the motor to its home position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignee: Toshiba Tec Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Ken Iguchi
  • Publication number: 20110039678
    Abstract: A method is provided for bifolding articles on a high speed production line on which the articles are moved along a predetermined path. The method includes the use of a vacuum conveyor assembly to engage the leading end portion of an article and transport it in the machine direction, thereby potentially reducing the occurrence of undesirable misalignment of the article end edges during a bifolding process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2010
    Publication date: February 17, 2011
    Inventors: John Glasgow Burns, JR., Yoichiro Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 7758487
    Abstract: A machine and method for the continuous folding of sheet material into different three-dimensional patterns. The innovative machine and method folds sheet material by force converging the sheet to a final stage that imparts a final fold or pattern into the sheet material, the patterns selectively including one of a Chevron pattern, a honeycomb-like pattern, a double-sided inclined folded core structure, and singular inclined direction folded core structure sheet material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Assignee: Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
    Inventors: Elasyed A. Elsayed, Basily B. Basily
  • Patent number: 7736290
    Abstract: A sheet folding apparatus, including: a stacker configured to stack a plurality of sheets; a first folding roller configured to rotate around a first axis; a second folding roller configured to rotate around a second axis which is in parallel with the first axis and biased to the first folding roller separably to make a nip together with the first folding roller therebetween; a blade unit configured to push a surface of the plurality of sheets stacked by the stacker, into the nip; a first support configured to support the blade unit and configured to move linearly in a common tangential direction of the first folding roller and the second folding roller at the nip; and a second support configured to support the blade unit, configured to move linearly in the common tangential direction when the blade unit passes a section between where the blade unit starts touching at the plurality of sheets and where the plurality of sheets approaches the nip, and configured to deviate the blade away from the common tangenti
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Assignees: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba, Toshiba Tec Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Toshiaki Oshiro, Takahiro Kawaguchi, Tomomi Iijima
  • Patent number: 7699300
    Abstract: In a sheet post-processing apparatus that folds a sheet bundle, a folding roller drive motor that drives folding rollers is PWM driven such that its speed is varied in each control during the period until a blade contacts the sheet bundle, during the period when the sheet bundle is conveyed to a discharge port, during discharge operation, and during return of the motor to its home position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Assignee: Toshiba Tec Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Ken Iguchi
  • Patent number: 7691045
    Abstract: A machine and method for the continuous folding of sheet material into difference three-dimensional patterns is featured. The innovative machine and method folds sheet material by force converging the sheet to a final stage that imparts a final fold or pattern. Unique programming allows for the change of convergence sequencing and change of materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
    Inventors: Basily B. Basily, Elsayed A. Elsayed, Daniel Kling
  • Patent number: 7690632
    Abstract: A sheet bending apparatus and a sheet postprocessing apparatus are provided for improved alignment of recording sheets during center-folding. A center-folding unit mounted in a sheet postprocessing apparatus performs a center-folding processing to a stack of recording sheets aligned on their sides and placed in a sheet holding member. Side aligning is performed near a central portion in a sheet conveyance direction of the sheet holding member. The center-folding unit includes: two upper end aligning members positioned upstream in the sheet conveyance direction on the sheet holding member and movable equally in opposite width directions of the sheet holding member; and a pair of lower side end aligning members positioned on downstream in the sheet conveyance direction on the sheet holding member and are movable equally in opposite width directions of the sheet holding member and independently from the upper end aligning members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: Kyocera Mita Corporation
    Inventors: Sachio Izumichi, Mitsutoshi Takemoto, Takashi Kotani, Terumitsu Noso
  • Publication number: 20090247381
    Abstract: A folding roller is provided for a device for folding a flat product to be folded which extends along a center axis and includes a first axial portion and a second axial portion, the first axial portion having a first surface for folding the product to be folded. The second axial portion includes a main relief which is radially recessed relative to the first folding surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2008
    Publication date: October 1, 2009
    Applicant: GOSS INTERNATIONAL MONTATAIRE SA
    Inventors: Philippe Herda, Jerome Peres, Eric Pierda, Franck Chagnon, Thierry Vauchelle, Thierry Melon, Mathieu Rossi
  • Publication number: 20080318754
    Abstract: A sheet folding unit, including: a first folding roller configured to rotate around a first axis; a second folding roller configured to rotate around a second axis which is in parallel with the first axis and biased to the first folding roller separably to a separating direction to make a nip together with the first folding roller therebetween; a blade configured to push a surface of a sheet into the nip; and a roller cover configured to move together with the second folding roller in the separating direction to prevent the second folding roller contacting the sheet when the blade unit starts contacting the sheet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2008
    Publication date: December 25, 2008
    Applicants: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA, TOSHIBA TEC KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Toshiaki Oshiro, Takahiro Kawaguchi, Tomomi Iijima
  • Publication number: 20080318752
    Abstract: A sheet folding apparatus, including: a stacker configured to stack a plurality of sheets; a first folding roller configured to rotate around a first axis; a second folding roller configured to rotate around a second axis which is parallel with the first axis and biased to the first folding roller separably to make a nip together with the first folding roller therebetween; a blade unit configured to push a surface of the plurality of sheets, stacked by the stacker, into the nip; a stationary support configured to support the blade unit linearly movable to avoid deviating from a common tangential direction of the first folding roller and the second folding roller at the nip to a first folding roller side; and a movable support relatively movable against the blade unit, configured to bias the blade unit to the first folding roller side deviatably from the common tangential direction to a second folding roller side.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2008
    Publication date: December 25, 2008
    Applicants: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA, TOSHIBA TEC KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Toshiaki Oshiro, Takahiro Kawaguchi, Tomomi Iijima
  • Publication number: 20080318753
    Abstract: A sheet folding apparatus, including: a stacker configured to stack a plurality of sheets; a first folding roller configured to rotate around a first axis; a second folding roller configured to rotate around a second axis which is in parallel with the first axis and biased to the first folding roller separably to make a nip together with the first folding roller therebetween; a blade unit configured to push a surface of the plurality of sheets stacked by the stacker, into the nip; a first support configured to support the blade unit and configured to move linearly in a common tangential direction of the first folding roller and the second folding roller at the nip; and a second support configured to support the blade unit, configured to move linearly in the common tangential direction when the blade unit passes a section between where the blade unit starts touching at the plurality of sheets and where the plurality of sheets approaches the nip, and configured to deviate the blade away from the common tangenti
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2008
    Publication date: December 25, 2008
    Applicants: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA, TOSHIBA TEC KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Toshiaki Oshiro, Takahiro Kawaguchi, Tomomi Iijima
  • Patent number: 7465267
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for pleating paper. The apparatus includes a pair of pleating rollers, means to rotate one of said pleating rollers, a first pair of support rollers in supporting contact with a first of said pair of pleating rollers and a second pair of support rollers in supporting contact with a second of said pair of pleating rollers. Each of said pleating rollers has a plurality of radially reduced sections. An elongated pleating finger member is positioned in at least a plurality of radially reduced sections, and means are provided to movably support each of said elongated pleating finger members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2008
    Inventor: David P. Goodrich
  • Patent number: 7458927
    Abstract: An interfolding apparatus including a knife roll, a first interfolding roll, a second interfolding roll, and a transfer roll. The knife roll cuts sheets from a stream of web material issuing from a source in a downstream direction. The first interfolding roll is positioned downstream of the knife roll and receives the sheets. The first interfolding roll rotates in a first direction and the second interfolding roll rotates in a second direction. The first and second interfolding rolls interfold the sheets with additional sheets received by the second interfolding roll. A transfer roll is positioned between the knife roll and the first interfolding roll. The transfer roll has a non-uniform surface configuration and rotates in the second direction and receives the sheets from the knife roll, forms a bend in each of the sheets, and transfers the formed sheets to the first interfolding roll.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2008
    Assignee: C.G. Bretting Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Greg Kauppila, Chad Ryczek, Dennis Couturier
  • Patent number: 7442158
    Abstract: A folding apparatus includes at least a first folding cylinder and a second, folding jaw cylinder. A third measuring cylinder is also provided. The measuring cylinder is usable to cut product sections or signatures of a determined length L from an endless web. The first cylinder is embodied, in one embodiment, as an engaging cylinder, and as a second embodiment as a puncture cylinder. In both embodiments, the product section or signatures which are produced, have the same length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2008
    Assignee: Koenig & Bauer Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Holger Ratz, Rudolf Stäb
  • Patent number: 7052005
    Abstract: This invention relates to a sheet postprocessing apparatus for executing postprocessing including a punching process, folding process, binding process, and the like, midway along a sheet convey path, for sheets discharged from an image forming apparatus, and a folding method. This sheet postprocessing apparatus includes a sheet folding section having the first and second folding sections which are arranged in series in a sheet convey direction to execute folding processes for sheets. The sheet folding section is configured such that the first folding section performs the first folding process in a Z-fold process, the first folding process in an internal three-fold process, and a center folding process with an image-transferred surface facing outside, and the second folding section performs the second folding process in the Z-fold process, the second folding process in the internal three-fold process, and a center folding process with an image-transferred surface facing inside.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2006
    Assignee: Konica Corporation
    Inventors: Mikihiro Yamakawa, Toshio Shida, Masahiro Kaneko
  • Patent number: 6895212
    Abstract: A paper post-processing apparatus for folding a paper ejected from an image forming apparatus at a paper folding process section, having a pair of folding rollers; a pair of fold/transporting rollers each of which contacts with each of the pair of folding rollers; a driving unit; a folding roller moving unit; and a drive direction switching unit. When transporting a paper without folding the paper, the holding roller moving unit moves the folding rollers to a releasing position, and the drive switching unit switches the folding rollers to the same rotation direction with each other; and when folding the paper, the holding roller moving unit moves the folding rollers to the pressure contact position, and the drive switching unit switches the folding rollers to the reverse rotation direction with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2005
    Assignee: Konica Minolta Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Mikihiro Yamakawa, Toshio Shida, Teruhiko Toyoizumi, Masahiro Kaneko
  • Patent number: 6884209
    Abstract: A folding and stacking device for folded sheet articles includes a folding device for outputting a first set of sheet articles having a first fold and a second set of sheet articles having a second fold. Sheet articles from the first and second sets of sheet articles are alternatingly placed on a stack so that the first and second folds are on opposing sides of the stack to evenly distribute the sheet article material on both sides of the stack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2005
    Assignee: American Trade Names & Patents LLC
    Inventor: Shahram Roozrokh
  • Patent number: 6852073
    Abstract: The side walls of a folder unit are embodied with opposed recesses. Additional processing elements, which enhance the variability of the folder unit, can be introduced into the recesses. It is especially advantageous in the recesses of the side walls of the folder unit to provide a processing element which is supported pivotably and has a delivery roller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2005
    Assignee: Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG
    Inventors: Fred Neumann, Hatto Hechler
  • Patent number: 6776750
    Abstract: A low-oscillation and space-saving drive for a changeable format folder of a rotary printing is provided, the rotary printing machine having rotating subassemblies that can be driven, in particular a cutting cylinder, a pin folding blade cylinder, a folding jaw cylinder, a gripper folding blade cylinder, and perforating cylinders belonging to a perforating device. The drive is split up into individual subsystems, and each subsystem is assigned a controlled-position drive motor. In the event of failure of a drive motor, the drive continues to operate without functional impairment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Assignee: MAN Roland Druckmaschinen AG
    Inventors: Andreas Stieler, Nils-Hendric Schall, Karsten Stansch, Ulrich Seyffert
  • Patent number: 6709375
    Abstract: A creasing device for creasing a folded booklet on its fold line utilizing two creasing rollers which together form a creasing nip for rolling over the fold line of the booklet, the creasing nip pressing the booklet flat during a reciprocating movement of the creasing nip. During the creasing cycle, the booklet is enclosed on its fold line between two guide strips which extend between the creasing rollers and extend over the line of movement of the creasing nip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2004
    Assignee: Oce-Technologies B.V.
    Inventors: Cornelis Jacobus Groenenberg, Maurice Johan Marie Bindels
  • Patent number: 6673004
    Abstract: A continuous web of printed paper is cut by a cutting cylinder into discrete sheets on being wrapped around part of a folding cylinder. The folding cylinder has sets of the folding blade in the cavity each aligned parallel to the cylinder axis and all arranged at constant circumferential spacings. Each folding blade is movable radially of the folding cylinder for pushing one sheet of printed paper off the cylinder surface in the middle of the sheet. Disposed opposite the folding cylinder, a jaw cylinder has cavities opening to its surface at constant circumferential spacings, each for receiving the midpart of the sheet being pushed by the folding blade in the cavity. Each cavity has a movable jaw arranged therein for pivotal motion toward and away from a fixed jaw in order to crease the sheet. An indentation is formed in the fixed jaw so as to be in opposed relationship to the insert part of the folding blade on the folding cylinder in the cavity as the folding blade is inserted in the cavity with the sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Tokyo Kikai Seisakusho
    Inventors: Takeo Nanba, Keiichiroh Ohta, Toshio Hasegawa
  • Patent number: 6659931
    Abstract: A jaw device for rotary-press folding section provided on a jaw cylinder in which the a continuous paper web guided in between a cutting cylinder and a folding cylinder is guided along the outer periphery of the folding cylinder, with the leading edge thereof held by a holding mechanism provided on the folding cylinder and wound around the outer periphery of the folding cylinder by the rotation of the folding cylinder, cut to a predetermined length with a cutting mechanism; the cut paper sheet being guided to an appropriate position along the outer periphery of the folding cylinder; the leading edge of the cut sheet being released from the held state and caused to protrude into the jaw cylinder with an insertion blade, thereby the cut sheet being folded by gripping the insertion blade and the cut sheet caused to protrude by the insertion blade; the folding section jaw device comprising an opening provided on the outer periphery of the jaw cylinder in parallel with the axial line, and a jaw proper comprising a
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2003
    Assignee: Tokyo Kikai Seisakusho, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshinori Uera, Takeo Nanba, Toshio Hasegawa
  • Patent number: 6605027
    Abstract: A folder in a signature-processing machine has a transfer cylinder and a folding cylinder. The two cylinders are mounted to be rotatable in relative counter-rotation at a substantially equal peripheral speed. They form a nip through which a signature is transported. The signature is taken up by the folding cylinder at a folding location between its leading edge and its trailing edge. In order to reduce the formation of dog-ears and crumpling when the signature tail is ripped away from the transfer cylinder, there is provided a fold-off guide at the exit side of said nip. In order to adapt for speed changes of the folder, and to allow for the fold-off guide to change its shape in synchronicity with each signature, the fold-off surface of the guide is movably disposed. The fold-off guide, in a simple embodiment, may be a flexible plate. In a dynamically varying embodiment, the fold-off guide may be cam or an eccentric with or without the intermediary of an endless belt which travels with the folding cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Assignee: Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG
    Inventors: Christopher Alan Cloutier, Gary Frank Fowler, Michael Alexander Novick
  • Patent number: 6551229
    Abstract: An apparatus for folding paper-like objects utilizing a housing which supports a tray. The tray includes a surface which is angled downwardly relative to a horizontal plane to permit gravity feed of paper objects along the tray. A first roller fixed along its axis is supported by the housing while a second adjustable roller is also mounted to the housing. The adjustment is determined by mounting the axle of the second roller in an eccentric collar which moves the axis of the second roller when the collar is rotated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2003
    Inventors: Keith Shipherd, Kyle Shipherd
  • Patent number: 6336310
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for making compact packages for spreadable products involving flights mounted on a conveyor chain having tiny cam operated pivoting clamps which open to precut cards fed in by a card feeder. The pivoting clamps on the flights are opened by cam pressure and pick the cards on the fly as they travel. After passing the end of the cam they close down on the card. The cards are then, after passing over rails with spring resistance members, transported through a unique rotary scoring and bending assembly, which simultaneously scores and bends up longitudinal side flanges to create a channel shaped member from the flat paperboard card.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2002
    Inventor: Sanford Redmond
  • Patent number: 6206817
    Abstract: A method and system for folding a sheet having a certain length into a folded piece of a fold type having a first edge and a second edge, wherein the sheet length and the fold type are simultaneously selectable. The sheet can be folded once or twice into the folded piece. After the sheet is folded into the folded piece, the folded piece moves in a direction with a first edge leading the second edge. The method and system further include a step and a mechanism to control the moving direction of the folded piece such that the folded piece can be caused to move with the first edge trailing the second edge or allowed to continue to move with the first edge leading the second edge when the folded piece exits the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2001
    Assignee: Pitney Bowes Inc.
    Inventors: Paul R. Sette, Richard A. Sloan, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6179765
    Abstract: The invention is an apparatus for converting sheets of paper into cushioning dunnage. The apparatus includes a supply assembly, a conversion mechanism, a cutting assembly and a cutting assembly interlock device. The supply assembly supports the paper which is to be converted. The conversion assembly crumples single ply paper into cushioning dunnage and the cutting assembly cuts the newly formed dunnage into desired lengths, where the dunnage is allowed to fall into a container to cushion an item within the container. The cutting assembly interlock device permits activation of the cutting assembly only when the cutting assembly has fully moved into the proper, cutting position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Assignee: FT Acquisition, L.P.
    Inventor: Zsolt Toth
  • Patent number: 6042529
    Abstract: A configuration for folding sheets with an increased functional reliability and field of use folds sheets of different lengths through the use of folding rolls and an adjustable stop in such a way that automatic matching of a folding gap to a thickness of a material to be folded is carried out and a folding blade and a folding pocket can be dispensed with, while executing the functions of simple folding, multiple folding, turning and smooth passage. The configuration includes folding rolls which rest against each other in a resilient manner and have a given diameter. Pressure rolls with a diameter which is smaller than half the given diameter are disposed in such a manner as to be adjustable and axially symmetrical in relation to the folding rolls. Furthermore, a stop can be adjusted into a region between the pressure rolls and at the same time is a diverting element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2000
    Assignee: Francotyp-Postalia AG & Co.
    Inventors: Uwe Hubler, Detlef Lutdke, Jurgen Quass
  • Patent number: 6004254
    Abstract: The present invention provides a sheet folding apparatus comprising a folding means for folding a sheet by feeding a folded portion of the sheet by a pair of rotary members, in which the folded portion of the sheet is passed through a nip between the pair of rotary members by plural times by rotating said pair of rotary members in normal and reverse directions alternately. It further comprises a switch-back control means for controlling so that a return speed of the sheet obtained by the pair of rotary members becomes slower than an advancing speed of the sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1999
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Mitsushige Murata
  • Patent number: 5989174
    Abstract: An automatic machine for folding long sheets having first and second oscillating blades operating in a transverse motion to create alternate creases in a vertically descending sheet between a first and second upper folding rollers opposing respective first and second lower folding rollers that are rotatable with a predetermined reciprocating synchronous movement, said first and second oscillating blades being arranged to insert said sheet between said folding rollers to form folds in the sheet, whereby the folded sheet is directed towards an underlying collection shelf wherein said upper folding rollers being driven with rapid-reversal or pulse-reversal rotation by a linkage which moves them in the same direction by virtue of their connection by a toothed drive belt, engaged about their toothed end pulleys which are rotatably free, but which can be individually and alternately fixed to a shaft of their own respective roller following the operation of an electromagnetic clutch, said first upper folding roller
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1999
    Assignee: Neolt S.p.A.
    Inventor: Caccia Patrizio