Continuous Advance Past Folder Patents (Class 493/436)
  • Patent number: 12162709
    Abstract: A post-processing apparatus includes a first conveyor, a second conveyor, a third conveyor, and a conveyance passage corrector. The first conveyor conveys a sheet conveyed along a first conveyance passage downstream from the first conveyor. The second conveyor conveys the sheet along a second conveyance passage. The third conveyor conveys the sheet along a third conveyance passage. The conveyance passage corrector includes a retracting mechanism to retract from a joining position at which the third conveyance passage joins to the first conveyance passage and turns a conveyance direction of the sheet toward the first conveyor when the sheet enters from the third conveyance passage to the first conveyance passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2022
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2024
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Takato Mochizuki, Kentaroh Fukami, Yuuki Nakagawa, Atsushi Kuriyama, Yusuke Tanaka, Akikazu Iwata, Yasuo Ohba, Hiroki Yoshida, Takuya Fukuhara, Ryoh Suzuki
  • Publication number: 20150024917
    Abstract: A folder/gluer unit includes an upper transfer belt that transfers a corrugated sheet in a direction of transfer, a pair of forming belts that abut against a folding surface which is formed by folding both end portions of the corrugated sheet in a width direction orthogonal to the direction of transfer and fold both of the end portions of the corrugated sheet in the width direction, a pair of folding bars that are disposed in the direction of transfer, abut against the folding surface at both of the end portions of the folded corrugated sheet in the width direction, and guide both of the end portions of the corrugated sheet in the width direction, a moving mechanism that moves the pair of folding bars in the width direction and in a vertical direction, and a control unit that controls the moving mechanism to adjust a position of the folding bar.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2013
    Publication date: January 22, 2015
    Applicant: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Printing &Packaging Machinery, Ltd.
    Inventors: Mitsuhiro Nadachi, Osamu Hatano
  • Publication number: 20140364295
    Abstract: A sheet processing apparatus includes: first to third pairs of conveying members; and a bifurcating claw that moves to a first guiding position for guiding the sheet to the second pair of conveying members, a second guiding position for guiding a deflected portion of the sheet to the third pair of conveying members, and a third guiding position for guiding a leading end of the sheet to the third pair of conveying members. The second pair of conveying members is rotated backward in a state in which the sheet is held by the first pair of conveying members and the second pair of conveying members, to guide the deflected portion to the third pair of conveying members and cause the deflected portion to be folded by the third pair of conveying members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2014
    Publication date: December 11, 2014
    Applicant: RICOH COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Takahiro Watanabe, Tomohiro Furuhashi, Shuuya Nagasako, Michitaka Suzuki, Kyosuke Nakada, Akira Kunieda, Yuji Suzuki
  • Patent number: 8733751
    Abstract: According to the present invention, a stacking face (84) is inclined such that a downstream side in a sheet discharging direction is lower, and is composed of a first supporting face (84a) supporting a sheet to be stacked at its front end part in a sheet discharging direction and a second supporting face (84b) supporting the sheet to be stacked at its rear end part in the sheet discharging direction. The first supporting face (84a) is structured to be shorter than ½ of a minimum size length of the sheet to be stacked, and this is provided rotatably upward around a rotating shaft (85x) furnished to a registration part (85r) of regulating the front ends of the sheets. The first supporting face (84a) raises the front ends of the sheets to be discharged by rotation of the registration part (85r).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Nisca Corporation
    Inventors: Toshiaki Kagami, Shinichi Ito, Mizuho Shirakura
  • Patent number: 8672823
    Abstract: A napkin folding device is provided having a folding unit provided for folding individual napkins, a storage unit provided for holding the folded napkins from the folding unit, a delivery unit provided for holding out unfolded napkins, and a transport unit provided for feeding the unfolded napkins from the delivery unit to the folding unit. The delivery unit has a magazine including at least two delivery levels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: Rofobox GmbH
    Inventors: Elio Parruca, Christian Abt
  • Patent number: 8342360
    Abstract: A product including a stack of a: plurality of interfolded sheets assembled from a folded sheet material. The stack having a first side, a second side, a plurality of first side folded sheets and a plurality of second side folded sheets. A majority of the first side folded sheets folded into a first fold configuration and a majority of the second side folded sheets folded into a second fold configuration. Within the stack, the first fold configuration is different than the second fold configuration. In one embodiment, the first side folded sheets were V-folded and the second side folded sheets were Z-folded. In another embodiment, the first side folded sheets were V-folded and the second side folded sheets were C-folded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Inventor: Leslie Thomas Long
  • Publication number: 20120184424
    Abstract: A web joint apparatus is configured to join a pair of webs for absorbent article folded in the cross direction CD with reference to a folding line. The web joint apparatus includes: an ultrasonic horn configured to join the paired waistline portions; an anvil facing the ultrasonic horn and configured to pinch the intermediate web between the anvil and the ultrasonic horn; and a crotch hold bar configured to hold the intermediate web while stretching the intermediate web in a direction in which the crotch portions get away from the waistline portions, when the intermediate web are joined by the ultrasonic horn and the anvil.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2010
    Publication date: July 19, 2012
    Applicant: UNICHARM CORPORATION
    Inventor: Hiroki Yamamoto
  • Publication number: 20120058875
    Abstract: A quarter folder for signatures which has a deflector or guide means to maintain a side of the signatures in an arcuate configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2011
    Publication date: March 8, 2012
    Inventors: George Lovaghy, John Lovaghy
  • Patent number: 8079944
    Abstract: A machine for intended use in feeding and completing a partially formed carton is disclosed. In one embodiment, the machine includes an overhead conveyor with selectively actuated, depending lugs that engage and convey the carton in a first direction while a first flap on a lid is folded and sealed. A takeaway conveyor includes selectively actuated, upstanding lugs that convey the carton in a second direction generally perpendicular to the first direction while second and third flaps are folded and sealed. The lugs on each conveyor may be closely spaced or overlapping to allow for selective actuation at a desired instant without the need for timing the corresponding chain or the carton feed to the machine. A diverter located at a transition between the forward and return runs of the overhead and takeaway conveyors actuates the lugs in a controlled fashion. Related methods of feeding and forming cartons are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2011
    Assignee: Kliklok Corporation
    Inventors: Urs Reuteler, Charles Ray Landrum
  • Patent number: 7972258
    Abstract: The invention relates to a crumpled paper tube for use as a cushion in packing items, and to a method and apparatus for producing the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: Storopack Hans Reichenecker GmbH
    Inventors: Jean-Marc Slovencik, Paul Deis
  • Patent number: 7500941
    Abstract: A folding system is provided for folding at least one wing extending from a central chassis of each of a plurality of absorbent articles formed from a continuous moving web moving in a longitudinal direction. The folding system has a wing-folding conveyor and at least one elongated, folding plow, which has an entrance end, an exit end and an inner edge that define a twist axis. The folding plow has a contoured surface having a configuration defined by a twist angle that increases along the twist axis from zero degrees near the entrance end to 180 degrees near the exit end. The wing-folding conveyor moves the central chassis along the inner edge of the folding plow and the wing slides against the contoured surface from the entrance end to the exit end, such that the wing folds around the central chassis near the inner edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2009
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Richard George Coe, Claudio Antonio Matos, Kazuya Ogawa, Michael Joseph Page, Richard William Hamm
  • Patent number: 7422553
    Abstract: A cylinder, which is part of a folder, includes a cylinder body with at least one gripper that can be moved between a retracted position within the cylinder body; an extended position, and a clamping position in which a tip of the gripper presses flat material against a surface section of the cylinder body. A pivot axis, about which the gripper pivots between its retracted position and its extended position, is within the cylinder body. A counterthrust element, which cooperates with a separate cutting blade, to cut the flat material which is to be gripped by the gripper, is associated with the cylinder body. The gripper is situated upstream of the counterthrust element, in the rotational direction of the gripper cylinder. A second axis, about which the gripper moves in the peripheral direction of the cylinder, is also provided. Both of these axes are fixed in relation to the cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2008
    Assignee: Koenig & Bauer Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Sebastian Alois Prüm
  • Publication number: 20080182741
    Abstract: A system for folding cartons includes a carton conveyor for supporting and transporting cartons in a flow direction along a path, an active folding element, flight bars, and folding structures. A space for receiving a carton is defined by a conveying surface of the carton conveyor and support surfaces of the flight bars. The folding structures protrude into the space and are positioned to contact a carton proximate to a fold line to facilitate folding the carton with the active folding element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2008
    Publication date: July 31, 2008
    Inventors: John J. Hunter, John W. Cash
  • Patent number: 7364148
    Abstract: A sheet combining device includes at least one former, at least one longitudinal cutter, and at least two partial web guide routes. A respective partial sheet of partial cut webs can be conveyed on each of the at least two partial web guide routes. These sheets can be combined to form a principal sheet at an exit of the sheet combining device. A stapler is provided on one of the at least two partial web guide routes and is used to staple the partial sheet which is conveyed on that guide route.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2008
    Assignee: Koenig & Bauer Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Burkard Otto Herbert, Stefan Wander
  • Patent number: 7223223
    Abstract: A method of folding and stacking multiple-sheet sets utilizes a folder having a set feeder that by-passes the folder in-feed station. Sets of multiple sheets are directed directly to the folder processing station, such as a folder station. The set feeder comprises a guide mechanism that guides a set through a cover opening and along a lower guide to the input of the processing station. A sensing device senses the presence of the set and operates the processing station without operating the in-feed station. Alternately, a sensing device is not required, and the folder is operable to process sets using the set feeder by manually assuring that the in-feed station does not simultaneously propel any sheets to the processing station. The folder further comprises a telescoping stacker that holds the number of processed sheets equal to at least the number of sheets loaded at the in-feed station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Assignee: Bescorp, Inc.
    Inventor: Timothy D. Lindsay
  • Patent number: 7094195
    Abstract: A method of folding and stacking multiple-sheet sets utilizes a folder having a set feeder that by-passes the folder in-feed station. Sets of multiple sheets are directed directly to the folder processing station, such as a folder station. The set feeder comprises a guide mechanism that guides a set through a cover opening and along a lower guide to the input of the processing station. A sensing device senses the presence of the set and operates the processing station without operating the in-feed station. Alternately, a sensing device is not required, and the folder is operable to process sets using the set feeder by manually assuring that the in-feed station does not simultaneously propel any sheets to the processing station. The folder further comprises a telescoping stacker that holds the number of processed sheets equal to at least the number of sheets loaded at the in-feed station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2006
    Assignee: Bescorp, Inc.
    Inventor: Timothy D. Lindsay
  • Patent number: 7069970
    Abstract: New processes and apparatus for forming lap seams and making prefastened disposable absorbent articles are disclosed. The apparatus can include an interior folding mechanism adapted to position a first panel in an interior position and an exterior folding mechanism adapted to position a second panel in an exterior position relative to the interior position. The interior folding mechanism can include a mandrel defining a curved peripheral surface and an interior forming shoulder in proximity to the mandrel. A fluid pressure device can establish an air flow between the mandrel and the interior forming shoulder. The forming shoulder can modify the direction of the air flow as the first panel travels in a machine direction to increasingly fold the panel over the curved peripheral surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2006
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles Robert Tomsovic, Joseph Daniel Coenen, David Albert Maxton
  • Patent number: 7048270
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for format adjustment in a packaging machine whereby a leaflet (P), folded in a folding device (16), is supplied to a leaflet transport (11) at a constant speed (V1) using a leaflet supply device (20). The transport moves at a constant speed (V2) and the leaflet is transferred to a holder (12) on the leaflet transport and supplied, in the holder, to a folded-box transport (14). The transfer position for the leaflet in the holder of the leaflet transport is adjustable for a format adjustment of the leaflet. Separate drives are provided for the leaflet supply device and the leaflet transport.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2006
    Assignee: IWK Verpackungstechnik GmbH
    Inventors: Wolfgang Herkel, Bernd Hähnel
  • Patent number: 6969342
    Abstract: A system for handling folded sheet material, including a rotatable clamping device including a linearly displaceable clamping component, and a collecting device shaped substantially as a saddle, where the rotatable clamping device is configured to simultaneously encompass opposing sides of the collecting device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2005
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventor: Steven W. Trovinger
  • Patent number: 6899026
    Abstract: A folding installation of a web-fed rotary printing press includes a first group of at least two folding formers and at least one additional folding former which is offset vertically from the first group. The folding formers of the first group are adjacent and are offset from each other perpendicular to the running direction of partial webs and are arranged in a horizontal plane to at least partially overlap. Planes of symmetry of at least one folding former of the first group and the additional folding former lie essentially in a common line of a partial web running straight through the print machine. Both aligned folding formers are provided with a common group of leading rollers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2005
    Assignee: Koenig & Bauer Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Anton Weis
  • 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: 6846278
    Abstract: A card package production system (20) for producing card packages (22) with cards (26) mounted to bifold carrier forms (24) with a pair of parallel, spaced, preweakened fold lines (33) and (34) dividing the body (32) of the carrier forms into leading end (35), middle (36) and lagging end (37) sections, a card carrier form folding apparatus (30) having a stop member (46) located extending downwardly into a blocking position along a folding path (44), a plurality of rollers (38)(39) and (40) for moving the carrier forms (24) along the folding path (44) and into the stop member (46) to buckle the leading end (35) and middle section (36) away from the folding path (44), a pushing member (56) driven by an electric motor (57) engaging the lagging end section (37) to push the carrier form (24) along the folding path (44) to pivotally swing the stop member (46) to a nonblocking position enabling the middle section (36) to fall back against the lagging section (37) folding the carrier (24) along fold lines (33) and (3
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2005
    Inventors: Gregory S. Hill, Jeffery L. Hill, Robert J. Bretl
  • Patent number: 6843764
    Abstract: A device for transporting a flat product includes a rotating transport cylinder and a continuous stripper belt. The rotating transport cylinder defines an axis of rotation and is configured to guide the flat product at a circumference of the cylinder over a first angle of rotation of the cylinder. The continuous stripper belt is disposed between the flat product and the axis of rotation over a second angle of rotation of the cylinder and is configured to guide the flat product away from the cylinder so as to strip the flat product from the cylinder. The stripper belt follows a continuous path that does not circumscribe the axis of rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2005
    Assignee: Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG
    Inventors: Jason E. Bryant, Christopher Alan Cloutier, Christian Miescher
  • Publication number: 20040212134
    Abstract: A binding apparatus includes a receiving device configured to receive a sheet from outside and convey the sheet, and a sheet folding device configured to fold the sheet, conveyed by the receiving device, in two at a center portion thereof in a direction the sheet is conveyed, so as to be a folded sheet, and convey the folded sheet with the folded portion thereof being a leading edge of the folded sheet. A jogging device includes a jogging table and is configured to receive and jog the folded sheet, conveyed by the sheet folding device, one after another, so as to be stacked into a stack of folded sheets on the jogging table. A binding device is configured to bind the stack of folded sheets stacked on the jogging table at an edge portion of the stack of folded sheets at the side where the folded portion of each folded sheet of the stack of folded sheets is located. A discharging device is configured to discharge the bound stack of folded sheets.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2004
    Publication date: October 28, 2004
    Inventor: Tamaki Kaneko
  • Patent number: 6773387
    Abstract: An elongate rail for an equal path folder that has a hollow tube having a a longitudinal axis and a vacuum applied thereto, and a first and second substantially planar surfaces parallel to the longitudinal axis and forming a folding edge therebetween. The hollow tube has at least one opening positioned angularly away from both the first and said second surfaces. The vacuum causes a negative pressure to be applied to the opening so that a web substrate passing over the first and second surfaces has at least a portion of the vacuum applied to a face of said web substrate when said web substrate is proximate to at least one of the first and second surfaces thereby substantially reducing particulate matter build-up on the folding equipment and substantially reducing the undesirable particulate matter left on the out-going web product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2004
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventor: David Alan Harnish
  • Patent number: 6755410
    Abstract: A binding apparatus includes a receiving device configured to receive a sheet from outside and convey the sheet, and a sheet folding device configured to fold the sheet, conveyed by the receiving device, in two at a center portion thereof in a direction the sheet is conveyed, so as to be a folded sheet, and convey the folded sheet with the folded portion thereof being a leading edge of the folded sheet. A jogging device includes a jogging table and is configured to receive and jog the folded sheet, conveyed by the sheet folding device, one after another, so as to be stacked into a stack of folded sheets on the jogging table. A binding device is configured to bind the stack of folded sheets stacked on the jogging table at an edge portion of the stack of folded sheets at the side where the folded portion of each folded sheet of the stack of folded sheets is located. A discharging device is configured to discharge the bound stack of folded sheets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2004
    Assignee: Kaneko Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tamaki Kaneko
  • Patent number: 6691995
    Abstract: A conveying unit that is useable for the conveyance of generally flat objects, particularly in a folder of a rotary printing press, includes endless first and second belts and a roller. A conveying path for the flat objects extends initially between the two belts and then subsequently between the second belt and the surface of the roller. The second belt is driven by a drive device at a speed which can be regulated independently of the rotational speed of the roller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: Koenig & Bauer Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Berthold Peter Held
  • Patent number: 6673005
    Abstract: A device for guiding signatures in a folder of a rotary printing machine includes at least one guide belt disposed near a transporting path of the signatures, and extending transversely to a transporting direction of the signatures, the at least one guide belt being formed with guide surfaces defining the transporting path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG
    Inventor: Alain Blanchard
  • Patent number: 6673003
    Abstract: An elongate rail for an equal path folder that has a hollow tube having a a longitudinal axis and a vacuum applied thereto, and a first and second substantially planar surfaces parallel to the longitudinal axis and forming a folding edge therebetween. The hollow tube has at least one opening positioned angularly away from both the first and the second surfaces. The vacuum causes a negative pressure to be applied to the opening so that a web substrate passing over the first and second surfaces has at least a portion of the vacuum applied to a face of the web substrate when the web substrate is proximate to at least one of the first and second surfaces thereby substantially reducing particulate matter build-up on the folding equipment and substantially reducing the undesirabie particulate matter left on the out-going web product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventor: David Alan Harnish
  • Patent number: 6620088
    Abstract: Apparatus for splitting a stream of products coming from a folding group making any desired fold and feeding it to either of two further folding groups making a respective further fold includes a stripper assembly guiding the products away from a folding cylinder of the folding group making the desired fold, a diverter element, and tape guide systems that transport the products from the latter to the further folding groups. The stripper assembly includes a tape guide module that can be pivoted towards the folding cylinder, and at least one stripper tongue; the tape guide systems and the diverter element being integrated into a splitter module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2003
    Assignee: MAN Roland Druckmaschinen AG
    Inventors: Andreas Jeschke, Frank Schmieder
  • Patent number: 6599228
    Abstract: A device and a method for producing a batch of products having a multiplicity of interfolded, generally rectangular sheets including wet wipes, from a limited amount of a web material, at a high production speed and in efficiently used floor space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2003
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Kerri Crain Hailey, Jonathan Paul Brennan, David A. Harnish
  • Patent number: 6550756
    Abstract: A method for handling a material sheet in a sheet-wise booklet making system, including the steps of advancing a sheet to a movable clamping drive at a first position, clamping the sheet in the clamping drive at the first position, moving the clamping drive in a non-linear path to a second position, establishing a fold in the sheet with a folding device, moving the clamping drive in a non-linear path to a third position, and delivering the folded sheet to a collecting device, such that a leading side and a trailing side of the folded sheet are respectively delivered to a frontside and a backside of the collecting device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2003
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Company
    Inventor: Steven W Trovinger
  • Patent number: 6513308
    Abstract: A device for manufacturing tubular bag packages has a forming tube with a rectangular cross section. In order to produce reinforcing seams in a projection of the broad side walls of the tubular bag package, the device has a forming and folding device. The forming and folding device has two forming plates attached to the forming tube and a folding frame with folding plates. The relatively simply embodied device according to the invention makes it possible to form the reinforcing seams with less stress on the packaging material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2003
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Antonius Meeuwesen, Johannis Lambie, Adrianus Arie Vermaat, Barend Bastiaan Romijn
  • Publication number: 20010044368
    Abstract: An apparatus for transporting envelope blanks in an envelope making machine comprises at least one conveyor belt having a plurality of perforation holes therein, on which envelope blanks are transported through the machine in a conveyor plane. Beneath the conveyor belt is at least one suction chamber by means of which ambient air can be sucked through the perforation holes to retain blanks on the conveyor belt. At least one guide belt is provided on at least one side beside the conveyor belt in the direction of movement thereof. The conveyor belt and the guide belt are drivable so as to move synchronously in the direction of travel of the envelope blanks.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2001
    Publication date: November 22, 2001
    Inventor: Martin Blumle
  • Patent number: 6280372
    Abstract: Process and apparatus for folding or shaping a continuous material web (10) made of thin packaging material. In this case, the material web (10) is directed through a shaping subassembly (27) which uses fixed shaping elements, namely shaping webs (46, 47 and 50, 52) and a mating web (53), to deform the material web (10) during transportation of the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2001
    Assignee: Focke & Co. (GmbH & Co.)
    Inventors: Heinz Focke, Hans-Jürgen Bretthauer
  • Patent number: 6258017
    Abstract: A system (10) for producing folded articles includes a cutting station (58) operable to segment a fabric web (42) into a continuous stream of individual web segments (86). The system also includes a rotary folder (96) comprising a plurality of folding rollers (104, 106). The rotary folder (96) rotates about an axis spaced apart from axes of the folding rollers (104, 106). The rotary folder (96) is operable to receive the web segments (86) at a first location and fold the web segments one or more times while rotating from the first location to a second location about the rotary folder (96) axis. The system further includes a transfer station (62) operable to receive the folded web segments (86) from the rotary folder (96) at the second location and deliver the folded web segments (86) to a third location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2001
    Assignee: Ethicon
    Inventor: Balbir Singh
  • Patent number: 6228010
    Abstract: An apparatus for bending a box sheet along a fold formed at a predetermined position in the box sheet comprising a hook which can hang a tip of the sending box sheet, a sensor which can detect said tip of the sending box sheet, and a lifting means which can lift a part between said tip and a first fold of the sending box sheet up, wherein a tip of said hook is positioned above a sending route of the box sheet, and wherein, when said sensor detects said tip of the sending box sheet, said lift means can lift said part between the tip and the first fold of the sending box sheet up to said position of said hook.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2001
    Assignee: Tanabe Machinery Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Daigoro Toriyama
  • Patent number: 6042530
    Abstract: A tool (8) of a folding device (1) for edge tabs (5) of a material web (2) comprises a conveyance path (19) having a folding surface area (13) for said edge tabs (5) and a further, separate conveyance path (18) for wider edge tabs (4) intended not to be folded at said folding surface area (13). The tool (8) distinguishes the edge tabs (4, 5) by their width and steers the wider edge tabs (4) downwards out of the way prior to attaining the processing conveyance path (19).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2000
    Assignee: bielomatik Leuze GmbH & Co.
    Inventors: Martin Bohn, Wolfgang Scheller
  • Patent number: 6027440
    Abstract: A pneumatic sheet material hold-down conveyor system is described in which a frame mounts conveyor having a movable working flight. A first manifold with a support surface movably supports the working flight. Air intake openings are formed through the support surface, connected to a vacuum source for producing suction against the sheet material to draw the sheet material against the working flight. A second manifold is also provided on the frame, with a discharge surface extending along and in spaced relation to the working flight. Air discharge openings formed through the discharge surface is directed toward the working flight. A positive air pressure source is connected to the second manifold and is configured to pressurize the second manifold such that pressurized air is delivered through the air discharge openings toward the working flight and against the sheet material to push the sheet material against the working flight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2000
    Assignee: Thermoguard Equipment, Inc.
    Inventor: Curtis A. Roth
  • Patent number: 6017298
    Abstract: A machine for folding materials is disclosed in which the portion of the material is engaged and folded by a rotary cam such that the surface of the portion is engaged and not the edges of the portion. In the preferred embodiment, creasing rollers are positioned along the fold line above the rotary cam folders such that the fold is made very accurately.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2000
    Assignee: Ward Holding Company
    Inventor: Michael P. Baron
  • Patent number: 5842964
    Abstract: A sequentially timed vacuum grip system holds a sheet and transports it through a folding nip defined by a pair of folding cylinders. At the nip, the folded edge of the sheet is released and simultaneously picked-up by the paired companion cylinder. Additional folds are achieved in the same manner by the use of additional cylinder pairs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 1, 1998
    Assignee: Fred Huber & Associates
    Inventors: Manfred Huber, John A. Cogswell
  • Patent number: 5827162
    Abstract: A device for folding paperboard blanks, the device including folding rails for supporting the blanks traveling through the device which define a path of travel for the blanks and a conveyor for conveying the blanks through the device. The device further includes a first operator side elongated helix folding assembly rotatably supported at each end, a second operator side elongated helix folding assembly rotatably supported at each end and aligned with the first operator side helix folding assembly, a first drive side elongated helix folding assembly rotatably supported at each end, and a second drive side elongated helix folding assembly rotatably supported at each end and aligned with the first drive side helix folding assembly. Actuators are connected to the ends of each second helix folding assembly for translating the ends either toward and away or above and below the blank path. A servo motor having a resolver may be connected to each helix folding assembly for rotating it to fold the blanks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 27, 1998
    Assignee: The Langston Corporation
    Inventors: Ephraim Rubin, Raymond P. Lemore
  • Patent number: 5800329
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 1, 1998
    Assignee: Emba Machinery AB
    Inventors: Lars Fager, Bengt sberg
  • Patent number: 5779614
    Abstract: An arrangement is provided for the automatic folding of toy balloons. A series of folding plates are provided along a path of travel and a vacuum conveyor provides traction force for the balloon as it slides across the folding plates. The folding plates interfere with the path of travel of the balloon causing the balloon to fold side-to-side. Tucking blades fold the balloon lengthwise to complete the folding operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1998
    Assignee: M & D Balloons, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard John Kurtz
  • Patent number: 5741208
    Abstract: A waste container liner and method of manufacture thereof are provided. The method involves the steps of flattening a continuous tubular web of pliable material to form two adjoining layers of material and then slitting one of the longitudinal edges of the flattened web. The adjoining layers are then sealed at regular intervals across their width and perforations are formed across the seals. The web is twice folded longitudinally prior to rolling and detachment of individual liners along the perforations. The waste container liner is made of a unitary piece of pliable material and includes two adjoining layers joined at a longitudinal edge. Each of the adjoining layers has a free longitudinal edge and is sealed at its lateral edge with the other adjoining layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 21, 1998
    Assignee: Industrial Transportation, Inc.
    Inventor: Landal B. Moak
  • Patent number: 5701727
    Abstract: A system for affixing cards to a form and folding the form with the cards attached. The system includes a card affixer for affixing cards to any location on a form having a form transporting mechanism for moving the form, a carriage for receiving and holding a card, a carriage translating mechanism for moving the carriage across the width of the form transporting mechanism and a pressing mechanism for pressing the card against the form. The system also includes a form folder for precisely folding forms with the cards already attached. The form folder includes a form guide structure having at least one scoring edge, a form transfer mechanism, a roller unit, a roller translating mechanism and a roller rotating mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 30, 1997
    Assignee: Datacard Corporation
    Inventors: Robert W. Lundstrom, Roger D. McCumber, Benjamin H. Sannel
  • Patent number: 5667210
    Abstract: A folded medical outsert and method and apparatus for making same. The outsert consists of a printed sheet provided with a series of parallel fold lines. A first cross fold divides the sheet in half. Two off-center cross folds are then provided with an adhesive securing the last folded flap in place. The apparatus for folding the printed sheet includes a parallel folder and a cross folder to form the first and second cross folds. An adhesive applicator dispenses an adhesive before a knife folder performs the third cross fold. The method for forming the outsert includes the steps of forming a series of parallel fold lines. The first cross fold is then formed perpendicular to the parallel fold lines to divide the sheet into half. The second cross fold is then formed in the sheet following which an adhesive is dispensed onto the sheet. The third cross fold is then formed between the first cross fold and the second cross fold to provide a closed secured outsert.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 16, 1997
    Assignee: Freeport Miniature Folding Company Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen W. DeLise, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5634875
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 3, 1997
    Assignee: Elsner Engineering Works, Inc.
    Inventors: Dwight R. Fisk, David A. Schmidt
  • Patent number: 5531660
    Abstract: A bag folding apparatus comprises an in-feed mechanism, a rotatable spindle, a stripper, and a pair of folding nip rollers. The stripper is slidably mounted on the spindle and is movable between a retracted position and a forward position. To fold a bag segment having one or more bags connected by perforations, the in-feed mechanism first feeds the bag segment to the rotatable spindle while the stripper is disposed in the retracted position. Rotation of the spindle causes the bag segment to be wound about the spindle. After the bag segment is wound about the rotating spindle, the stripper is moved from the retracted position to the forward position. Movement of the stripper from the retracted position to the forward position strips the wound bag segment from the spindle. With the spindle positioned adjacent to the pair of nip rollers, the stripped bag segment is fed between the pair of nip rollers. The pair of nip rollers flatten the stripped bag segment so that the bag segment is effectively folded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 2, 1996
    Assignee: Reynolds Consumer Products Inc.
    Inventors: John R. Biese, Gregory J. Vanden Heuvel
  • Patent number: 5490829
    Abstract: This folding machine comprises two input rollers (5) for feeding the paper, two output rollers (18, 18') for discharging the paper controlling the movement, a paper guide (8) pivotally mounted between the input rollers (5) and the output rollers, capable of assuming a first and a second position and comprising a press roller (14, 14'), the assembly being controlled to permit forming loops and folds of the paper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 13, 1996
    Assignee: Secap
    Inventors: Jacques Beord, Herve Baumann