Folding Indeterminate Length Work Patents (Class 493/439)
  • Patent number: 10384817
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a head for wrapping loads, particularly for palletized loads, including at least one support framework for at least one reel of extensible material, the support framework including at least one pair of plates connected to each other through a longitudinal plate extending along a longitudinal axis (x-x) of the framework, the reel being supportable by the support framework parallel to the axis (x-x) and the extensible material, in use, can be unwound from the at least one reel along a delivery plane (P), at least means for the return of the extensible materials supported by the at least one support framework along the longitudinal axis (x-x). The wrapping head includes at least one group for folding the extensible material, downstream of the return means, the folding group being predisposed, in use, to engage and fold at least one peripheral portion (p) of such extensible material on itself, hence obtaining a double layer band (F) of such extensible material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2019
    Assignee: BEMA S.R.L.
    Inventor: Antonio Grassi
  • Patent number: 10245777
    Abstract: Gusset boards of a blown film extrusion apparatus have nose portions that can be positioned in the path of a tube of blown film traveling between the nose portions where the nose portions engage with opposite sides of the tube of blown film and form gussets in the tube of blown film. The nose portions of the gusset boards can also reduce their width dimensions which enables the nose portions to be moved away from the path of blown film traveling between the gusset boards when gussets formed in the opposite sides of the tube of blown film are not needed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2019
    Assignee: Pearl Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert J. Tewksbury, Laurent Cros, Gary Peacock
  • Patent number: 8915831
    Abstract: A system and method of automatically assembling a package may include maintaining a data structure comprising a dynamic rule set for package production. A desired package may be selected for assembly. An assembly sequence may automatically be developed to create a three dimensional package from the dynamic rule set based on the desired package. The desired package may be assembled using the assembly sequence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: John Oliver Walker, Robert Roy Buckley, Barry Glynn Gombert, Philip Crane Rose, Jennifer Colleen Perotti
  • Publication number: 20140120201
    Abstract: A gusset board has a retractable nose section that travels along a proximal-distal track and can extend to the tip of the gusset board for production of gusseted film, and can retract below the level of interfering structure and moved away from the extrusion bubble for the production on non-gusseted film. Retraction and extension of the nose portion and rocking of the gusset board can be carried out remotely.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2012
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Inventors: Robert J. Tewksbury, Earl T. Pottorff
  • Patent number: 8696343
    Abstract: A sailor roll includes pressing rolls and a center roll provided between the pressing rolls the center roll configured to press a central region of a web. The portions of the web pressed down by the pressing rolls serve as a fold origin from which the web is folded. Each of the pressing rolls has a tapered shape in which the diameter becomes smaller toward the outer side in the cross direction CD. In other word, the pressing rolls respectively have tapered surfaces tapered toward a side region of the web.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: Unicharm Corporation
    Inventor: Hiroki Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 8499535
    Abstract: A device for packaging products in a foil package includes a feeder for continuously supplying a foil web from a supply roll to a corner forming unit. The corner forming unit includes a curved deforming edge for deforming the flat foil web to a curved foil web having a reduced width, a deformer for forming a profile in the curved foil web, a roller for flattening the foil web, with the reduced width of the foil web at least substantially being maintained and overlapping sections being formed at the location of the profile, and a sealer for sealing the overlapping sections. The deforming edge and the deformer form part of an exchangeable unit. The sealer is movable along at least one guide, with the corner forming unit comprising aligning elements associated with the sealer, which aligning elements cooperate with further aligning elements associated with the deformer for correctly positioning the sealer relative to the deformer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: PMB-UVA International B.V.
    Inventors: Marius Petrus Josef Johannes Robertus Ponten, Robertus Maria Vollenbroek
  • Patent number: 7905821
    Abstract: Described is a stackable, heat-insulating paperboard cup having an inner sleeve and an outer sleeve with a gap therebetween. A rolled lip is applied to the lower end of the outer sleeve, which rolled lip is disposed on the inner sleeve. A shoulder is formed on the inner sleeve for the rolled lip of another paperboard cup to be stacked. The diameter of the inner sleeve below the shoulder is reduced discontinuously. The support of the lower rolled lip on the outer surface of the inner sleeve is arranged at the same level as, or below, the cup bottom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2011
    Assignee: PTM Packaging Tools Machinery PTE Ltd.
    Inventor: Werner Stahlecker
  • Publication number: 20100292064
    Abstract: A bias tape making device including a housing, a spindle rotatably disposed in the housing for supporting a strip of fabric, at least one bias tape folding tip located in the housing in communication with the spindle for folding the strip of material into a bias tape having folded longitudinal edges, and a heated pressing assembly disposed in the housing for receiving the bias tape and setting the folded longitudinal edges of the bias tape. The device includes a plurality of interchangeable bias tape folding tips to produce a variety of different sized single fold bias tapes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2009
    Publication date: November 18, 2010
    Inventors: Kenneth HATCHER, Rosemary SHIMP, David SASUR
  • Publication number: 20090203509
    Abstract: A folding unit for corrugated board sheets (18) in in-line manufacturing of corrugated board boxes, comprising a pair of parallel and laterally displaceable folding beams (1, 2) with a respective endless conveyor belt (3, 4), which extend from the inlet (19) of the folding unit to a pair of rolls (14) at the outlet (20) of the folding unit. A pair of folding rules (6) are arranged under the respective folding beams (1, 2) and extend from the inlet (19) of the folding unit and towards, but not all the way to, the outlet (20) of the folding unit. A pair of folding bars (33, 34) which are fixedly positioned outside the respective folding rules (6) and at an angle to the respective folding rules are arranged in the front portion of the folding unit, as seen in the transport direction (15) of the corrugated board sheets (18).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2007
    Publication date: August 13, 2009
    Inventor: Lennart Wiklund
  • Publication number: 20090082187
    Abstract: A dunnage conversion machine (36) converts a sheet stock material into a dunnage product that is relatively thicker and less dense than the stock material, but is relatively thin and sufficiently flexible to function as a protective wrap. The conversion machine includes a feed mechanism (40) that advances a sheet stock material therethrough and a connecting mechanism (42) downstream of the feed mechanism. The connecting mechanism retards the passage of the sheet stock material therethrough by feeding the stock material therethrough at a slower rate than the feed mechanism feeds the stock material to the connecting mechanism. This causes the stock material to randomly crumple in a longitudinal space between the feed mechanism and the connecting mechanism. The connecting mechanism connects multiple overlapping layers of sheet stock material together as they pass therethrough, including connecting at least one crumpled sheet to one side of one other sheet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2008
    Publication date: March 26, 2009
    Applicant: RANPAK CORP.
    Inventors: Robert C. Cheich, David V. Murphy, Steven M. Toneff, Maurice Jozef Paulus Anthonius Savelberg, Raymond Paulus Hubertus Nolle, Pedro Erik Willem Winkens
  • Patent number: 7393316
    Abstract: A longitudinal folding apparatus for webs on a folder of a rotary press includes a variable-position folding former arranged behind a former roll and ahead of folding rolls in the web running direction, it being possible to adjust the folding former approximately in parallel in the direction of longitudinal axes of the folding rolls. The folding former is connected in a hinged fashion to levers which are mounted pivotably in the frame, the levers being drive-connected to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2008
    Assignee: MAN Roland Druckmaschinen AG
    Inventors: Johannes Behmel, Ulrich Seyffert
  • 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: 6860308
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for the manufacture of a two-sided image product is disclosed, comprising the steps of: providing a web of media having an image bearing side and a non-image bearing side; printing a plurality of undetermined images on the image bearing side; applying an adhesive to the non image bearing side; moving the web of media in a direction longitudinal to the web; forming a crease line on the web of media, the crease line running in the longitudinal direction along the web; and folding the web of media along the crease line so that the non-image bearing side contacts itself so as to adhere the non-image bearing side to itself.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2005
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: William C. Archie, Jr., Frank Pincelli, Dale F. McIntyre, Joseph A. Manico
  • Patent number: 6641516
    Abstract: A bias tape maker includes an outer shell including a tape entering port and a tape exiting port for introduction and exit of a main tape, respectively, and an inner core fitted in the outer shell for defining a main tape passage between the outer shell and the inner core. The main tape passage has a tape folding portion for folding longitudinal margins of the main tape toward each other. The outer shell is provided with an auxiliary tape entry window adjacent the tape exiting port for introducing an auxiliary tape into the tape folding portion of the main tape passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2003
    Assignee: Clover Mfg. Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Katsuhiko Ozeki
  • Patent number: 6598377
    Abstract: In a folding and guiding apparatus for use in a filling and packing machine, film F that is drawn out and guided from a film winding core and fed continuously is double-folded up along the longitudinal direction thereof, and pack-target material is filled and packed while the four sides of the double-folded film are sealed. A film guide member 12 for regulating and holding the outer surface portions of the folded portions of the double-folded film is provided between a film folding mechanism 4 and a longitudinal sealing mechanism 5 so as to be adjacent to the longitudinal sealing mechanism 5.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2003
    Assignee: Nippon Seiki Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yoshimori Takahashi
  • 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: 6263814
    Abstract: A package of a continuous strip of material includes a plurality of parallel side by side stacks each containing a length of the strip which is folded back and forth such that each folded portion of the stack is folded relative to the next portion about a line transverse to the strip and such that the side edges of the strip portions are aligned. The strip of material includes a splice defined by the two ends of the strip. The two ends of the strip are held together by yarn stitches passing through and bridging the strip ends.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2001
    Assignee: BKI Holding Corporation
    Inventor: Lawrence J. O'Connor
  • Patent number: 6102842
    Abstract: A continuous fan folded paper stacker that is easily adjustable to stack various sizes of forms comprising a base, guide arm and receiving platform. The guide arm acts in conjunction with the platform to allow stacking of various sized forms. The Z-shaped guide arm may be vertically adjusted with respect to the base and may be inverted to accommodate smaller than standard sized paper. The L-shaped platform works in conjunction with the guide arm by sliding horizontally with respect to the base to neatly stack different sizes of paper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2000
    Inventor: Walter E. Harris, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6066082
    Abstract: A swing guide is provided under a fixed paper guide for guiding a paper sheet so as to swing through a specified angle. A movable paper guide is disposed at a paper transfer station where the paper sheet is transferred from the fixed paper guide to the swing guide. The movable swing guide swings, following the swinging movement of the swing guide and has a resistance reducing material on its inner face.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2000
    Assignee: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventor: Seiji Suketomo
  • Patent number: 5957823
    Abstract: A folding mechanism for a bag knitting apparatus which is intended to fold inwardly the text-printed sides of the double-layer material strip to overcome the problems of conventional bag knitting apparatus. The folding mechanism comprises a clamping roller set, a folding rod set, a supporting set, and a pressing wheel set. The double-layer material strip to be folded is opened to enclose the lower end of the folding rod set such that the sides are positioned between groove surfaces formed on the outer sides of the folding rod set and the pressing wheel set. The material strip is folded as it passes upward between the groove surfaces of the folding rod set and the pressing wheel set.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 28, 1999
    Inventor: K. S. Fan
  • Patent number: 5902222
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for guiding a thin web material while folding the web material over a triangular former. The apparatus includes two guide rolls over which the web material is driven. The second guide roll is secured to a baseline of the triangular former. The triangular former and the guide roll may be tilted back and forth about a longitudinal axis of a bearing axle extending through a tip of the triangular former. The longitudinal axis is parallel with the web material extending between the two guide rolls. The position of the triangular former is controlled by a non-contacting edge scanning member that scans the position of the web material on the guide roll and causes the adjustment device to tilt the guide roll and the triangular former to ensure that the edges of the folded web material are precisely aligned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 11, 1999
    Assignee: Tetra Laval Holdings & Finance S.A.
    Inventor: Bo Wessman
  • Patent number: 5816995
    Abstract: In combination, a dispensing table (10) and a cushioning conversion machine (12) which is slidably mounted to the table (10). The table (10) includes a substantially horizontal work platform (14) and the machine (12) is situated below the platform (14). The cushioning conversion machine (10) includes conversion assemblies (50, 52, 54, 56, 58) which convert stock material (S) into a cushioning product (P). The cushioning conversion machine (12) is slidable to an operating position whereat the cushioning product (P) is deposited on the work platform (14) during operation of the machine. Preferably, the machine (12) is also slidable to an upstream position whereat its upstream portion projects outwardly from the table (10) and loading and threading procedures can be easily performed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1998
    Assignee: Ranpak Corp.
    Inventors: James E. Tekavec, James A. Simmons
  • Patent number: 5779616
    Abstract: A former for folding a stock web including a nose plate (1) having a base plate (4) covered by a cover plate (5). Openings (8) are provided extending to the surface of the cover plate on which the stock web runs. The openings (8) are preferably formed by recesses in the side edges of the cover plate (5) positioned where the cover plate (5) contacts the base plate (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1998
    Assignee: Man Roland Druckmaschinen AG
    Inventors: Otto Hintermeier, Reinhold Litzel, Hans Schwopfinger
  • Patent number: 5755655
    Abstract: A device for folding layer material, the layer material defining layer sections including at least one folded layer section and a connecting layer section laterally directly connecting to the at least one folded layer section, comprises: a device base; a conveying path for conveying the layer material relative to the device base in a conveying direction along a folding path section; and, a folding member including guiding members for longitudinally folding the layer material from an initial layer state to a folded state only within the folding path section while the layer material is conveyed therethrough. The folding path section defines folding path ends including a beginning end where the layer material initially begins to be folded by partly erecting the at least one folded layer section from the initial layer state with respect to the connecting layer section and with respect to the device base, and a finishing end where the layer material reaches and then maintains the folded state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1998
    Assignee: bielomatik Leuze GmbH & Co.
    Inventors: Martin Bohn, Wolfgang Scheller
  • Patent number: 5749822
    Abstract: In a bag making machine the longitudinal side edges and adjacent portions of an elongate plastic web, which is folded in half medially of its centerline, pass from a set of inlet rolls over and under, respectively, a pair of vertically spaced separating rolls before merging at a set of outlet rolls. The separating arms extend inwardly between the two separated portions of the web only part way toward the fold line, and are spaced apart exactly twice the depth of the gusset that is to be formed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 12, 1998
    Assignee: Proven Designs, Inc.
    Inventors: William D. Ellsworth, David Z. Dike, David I. Laber
  • Patent number: 5749824
    Abstract: A loading device and method for loading sheet-like stock material in a cushioning conversion machine. The loading device comprises an elongated threading member having an end portion dimensioned to pass through the stock material path of the cushioning conversion machine and at least one clip or other attachment device proximate an end of the threading member for attaching the stock material to the threading member. After attaching a leading end of the stock material to the loading device, the loading device is advanced through the cushioning conversion machine until the leading end of the stock material exits the downstream end of the machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 12, 1998
    Assignee: Ranpak Corp.
    Inventor: Paul J. Guth
  • Patent number: 5718661
    Abstract: A funnel folding roller pair cooperate to form a folding roller gap in a longitudinal paper web fold former. The folding rollers also act as supports for paper web draw-in guide belts. Each folding roller is comprised of spaced folding roller elements which are spaced apart by belt guides for the paper web draw-in guide belts. Each funnel folding roller is shiftable under the control of a computer to set a desired folding roller gap spacing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 17, 1998
    Assignee: Koenig & Bauer-Albert Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Horst Bernhard Michalik
  • Patent number: 5716314
    Abstract: A corrugated board folder is disclosed for folding the flap of a corrugated board onto the base of the corrugated board along a fold line having an inside fold line and an outside fold line. The corrugated board folder includes a conveyor mounted on a frame for supporting the corrugated board during folding and a series of rollers that engage the flap of the corrugated board. Each roller in the series of rollers is supported adjacent the conveyer by a roller bracket. The roller has an axis which pivots about a bracket pivot point of the roller bracket. The bracket pivot point for each bracket is aligned with the inside fold line of the corrugated board and each roller is angularly positioned to squarely engage the flap of the corrugated board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 10, 1998
    Assignee: Corrugated Gear & Services, Inc.
    Inventor: David M. Lauderbaugh
  • Patent number: 5709771
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming expandable-collapsible articles comprises a horizontally oriented frame which receives one or more webs of sheet material from a feeding mechanism, a pusher bar having upper and lower gripper members engageable with the sheet material and a stripper bar having upper and lower stripper members movable between folding position and discharge position with respect to the frame. One or more linear actuators are provided to move the pusher bar toward and away from the stripper bar, and the extent of linear movement of such actuators is adjustable so that different lengths of sheet material can be advanced by the pusher bar into contact with the stripper bar thus forming fold lines in the sheet material with varying spaces therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 20, 1998
    Assignee: Cellular Designs Unlimited, Inc.
    Inventor: Ralph Fritzman
  • Patent number: 5681255
    Abstract: In combination, a cushioning conversion machine and a dispensing table, the cushioning conversion machine connected underneath the dispensing table by a guide system. The guide system includes at least one multiposition guide track connected to the dispensing table in cooperative relation with a follower connected to the cushioning conversion machine, whereby the cushioning conversion machine can be withdrawn out either the front, rear, or either side of the dispensing table.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 28, 1997
    Assignee: Ranpak Corp.
    Inventor: James A. Simmons
  • Patent number: 5509887
    Abstract: Improvements to a method and apparatus are disclosed for making a series of coil springs pocketed within individual pockets in an elongate fabric strip comprised of two overlying plies capable of being welded together. Improvements include improvements to fabric tracking and folding, fabric handling along the fabric path, and various direct-drive configuration eliminating the need for pneumatic cylinders.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 23, 1996
    Assignee: Simmons Company
    Inventor: Rusland J. Smith
  • Patent number: 5487717
    Abstract: In combination, a dispensing table (10) and a cushioning conversion machine (12) which is slidably mounted to the table (10). The table (10) includes a substantially horizontal work platform (14) and the machine (12) is situated below the platform (14). The cushioning conversion machine (10) includes conversion assemblies (50, 52, 54, 56, 58) which convert stock material (S) into a cushioning product (P). The cushioning conversion machine (12) is slidable to an operating position whereat the cushioning product (P) is deposited on the work platform (14) during operation of the machine. Preferably, the machine (12) is also slidable to an upstream position whereat its upstream portion projects outwardly from the table (10) and loading and threading procedures can be easily performed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 30, 1996
    Assignee: Ranpak Corp.
    Inventors: James E. Tekavec, James A. Simmons
  • Patent number: 5445591
    Abstract: A tool to fold a strip material to fit a 90 degree corner by providing a block with an interior slot to fold the strip material as it is pulled through the block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 29, 1995
    Inventor: Joseph K. Fougere
  • Patent number: 5387173
    Abstract: A stock material for use with a cushioning conversion machine is provided. The stock material includes a plurality of superimposed plies of a sheet-like material which are fan-folded into a rectangonal stack. The superimposed plies include a series of alternating folds which each create superimposed creases through the plies. The alternating folds together form a sequence of rectangular pages which are piled accordion-style one on top of the other to form the rectangonal stack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 7, 1995
    Assignee: Ranpak Corp.
    Inventor: James A. Simmons, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5334128
    Abstract: This apparatus acts to fold over along a crease line an edge portion of a thin sheet of material, such as aluminum foil. On opposite sides of the crease line, the sheet includes a body portion and an edge portion, which edge portion is in-line with the body portion when the sheet is unfolded and is doubled back on the body portion when the sheet is fully folded.A pair of support rolls have spaced-apart axes and peripheries over which the sheet is caused to pass so that a region of the sheet extends between the peripheries. During the folding process the sheet is caused to travel in a direction extending from a first to a second one of the support rolls. An air film roll is positioned between the support rolls and exerts on the region of the traveling sheet between the support rolls a force that causes the body portion of the sheet in this region to be deflected toward the zone between the support roll axes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 2, 1994
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Philip H. Carrico, Roger W. Holmes
  • Patent number: 5311760
    Abstract: This invention relates to a drywall corner bead spreading tool. It is a portable handheld device for quickly and easily increasing the included angle between the corner bead wings from 90.degree. to 135.degree. safely without bending or kinking. Corner bead splicing can now be eliminated in construction situations requiring the larger included angle and 10 feet ceiling height lengths. The device taught by this invention is simple to use and can be made nearly indestructible using 14 gauge steel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 17, 1994
    Inventor: Matthew H. Thompson
  • Patent number: 5246416
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for introducing a pleat into an advancing folded-over film web is provided which utilizes air under low pressure to separate the opposing faces of the web prior to the pleat being made. By unblocking the faces of the folded-over web, the web may be readily advanced and pleated without hang ups, misalignment, or tearing of the web. The apparatus includes a pair of substantially aligned and spaced-apart receiving plates over which opposing faces of the film web pass, a generally circular wheel positioned between the receiving plates and extending into the space therebetween for forming a pleat in the folded-over film, and an air passage positioned between the receiving plates for directing a flow of air between the opposing faces of the film web to separate the opposing faces of the web prior to passing over the receiving plates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 21, 1993
    Assignee: Dowbrands L.P.
    Inventors: Michael Demura, James LaCombe, Roger A. Novak, Raymond D. Barta
  • Patent number: 5217739
    Abstract: A single continuous dough sheet (12) is conveyed by a conveyor (20) up an incline to a dough tension and drive system (38). In the system (38), the dough sheet (12) passes around a lower drive roller (40), around an intermediate drive roller (42), and around an upper drive roller (44). The dough sheet (12) extends at a downward angle to an idler roller (80) which directs the dough sheet (12) generally vertically downward in a flat condition. A wishbone pushing element (82) having a rounded V-shape forms the first face of the dough sheet (12) into a generally V-shape having two wings. The wings of the V-shape are then guided by an aligning element (96) such as laterally spaced rollers (98, 100) which roll on the opposite face of the wings to form a folded, two-ply continuous dough sheet (14).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 8, 1993
    Assignee: General Mills, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven A. Stein, William C. Bornhorst, Michael P. Waldherr
  • Patent number: 5188581
    Abstract: A converter mechanism and method for producing a relatively narrow width and small size cushioning dunnage product of pad-like form, from sheet-like stock material. A conversion kit comprising a funnel-like chute member and a coacting elongated generally rectangular shaped (in top plan) bar former is provided for conversion of a known cushioning dunnage converter into one which can produce the relatively narrow and small size pad-like cushioning dunnage product of the invention. The bar former has its forwardmost end disposed generally adjacent the exit end of the funnel-like chute member, with its rearward end extending rearwardly of the entrance to the funnel-like chute member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 1991
    Date of Patent: February 23, 1993
    Assignee: Ranpak Corp.
    Inventor: Bruno H. Baldacci
  • Patent number: 5188582
    Abstract: An apparatus for forming thin plastic, film, aluminum, paper, glassine and other similar material into a double folded "z" shape as shown and described. In this apparatus, a first ramp folds the material initially in one direction, and a continuously variable die forms the second bend of a "z" shape of the material edge. In order to maintain accuracy, an initial crease is placed at the location of the first fold. The material is drawn through the die by any suitable roller or drawing means which can pull the material through the die. There are no rollers within the edge forming die.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 1991
    Date of Patent: February 23, 1993
    Assignee: Boardman Molded Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Myron Ullman
  • Patent number: 5186707
    Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus and process for gusseting plastic film web having a means for applying an electrostatic charge of negative or positive polarity to the gusset to maintain stable gusset folds prior to storing or processing the gusseted web into a multiplicity of gusseted bags.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 1990
    Date of Patent: February 16, 1993
    Assignee: Dowbrands L.P.
    Inventor: Raymond D. Barta
  • Patent number: 5171203
    Abstract: A device for fabricating toilet seat covers from paper sheeting comprises three paper shearing and folding assemblies positioned one over the other, each assembly including a drive roll, as well as two additional compression rolls which shear and fold the sheeting. Three layers of the sheeting are fed simultaneously through rotary cutting rolls, and subsequently to the drive rolls associated with each of the assemblies. While one of the layers is fed to the bottom assembly drive roll, a double layer of sheeting proceeds to the drive roll of the middle assembly. There the double layer of sheeting is separated, with one layer being fed to the drive roll of the top assembly, and other layer proceeding through the other compression rolls of the middle assembly. Completed covers exiting from the superimposed assemblies are collated and transferred by transport and collating belts to a transversely adjustable ejection mechanism where the covers are ejected from the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 15, 1992
    Assignee: The Tranzonic Companies
    Inventor: Robert E. Bullinger
  • Patent number: 5165221
    Abstract: An adjustable film forming apparatus for receiving unfolded film and forming the unfolded film into a tubular form for packaging different sizes of articles. An angled guide rod receives respective portions of the web to form a flat bottom and cooperating with an angled member mounted above the flat bottom forms the top, closed side and opposite open side of the film tube for receiving articles to be packaged. An adjustable film forming table receives the flat bottom portion of the web. Self-positioning means are provided to floatably mount one end of the angled guide rod so as to reposition the guide rod in conformance with changes in the angled member to accommodate different article heights. A side sealer packaging machine with an in-feed conveyor, adjustable film forming apparatus, a side sealer, and an end sealer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1992
    Assignee: Great Lakes Corporation
    Inventors: S. Warren Udelson, David R. Vicik
  • Patent number: 5152738
    Abstract: The adjustable film folding tooling assembly includes a frame assembly supporting a pair of shoe assemblies. The shoe assemblies are horizontally adjustable with respect to the frame assembly to accommodate varying widths of flexible film to be folded. Each shoe assembly includes an internal shoe and an external shoe. The internal shoes are configured in a defined geometry to provide two or three turning edges depending on whether single or double folding of flexible film material is desired. The pair of external shoes include features to permit angular adjustment with respect to a longitudinal axis of the tooling assembly as well as extension and retraction thereof to accommodate loose or baggy film material as well as positioning of the overlap of film after folding. The internal and external shoes of the adjustable film folding tooling assembly have a defined geometry which facilitates production and manufacture of the tooling assembly without costly empirical research or modeling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 1991
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1992
    Assignee: Reynolds Metals Company
    Inventor: David N. Zehender
  • Patent number: 5147278
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for introducing a pleat into an advancing folded-over film web is provided which utilizes air under low pressure to separate the opposing faces of the web prior to the pleat being made. By unblocking the faces of the folded-over web, the web may be readily advanced and pleated without hang ups, misalignment, or tearing of the web. The apparatus includes a pair of substantially aligned and spaced-apart receiving plates over which opposing faces of the film web pass, a generally circular wheel positioned between the receiving plates and extending into the space therebetween for forming a pleat in the folded-over film, and an air passage positioned between the receiving plates for directing a flow of air between the opposing faces of the film web to separate the opposing faces of the web prior to passing over the receiving plates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1989
    Date of Patent: September 15, 1992
    Assignee: DowBrands L.P.
    Inventors: Michael Demura, James LaCombe, Roger A. Novak, Raymond D. Barta
  • Patent number: 5137505
    Abstract: A bag-making apparatus which comprises a support table carrying a bag material which is put thereon, a pair of side guides being provided above the support table, being movable in the direction perpendicular to the traveling direction of the bag material and controlling both side of the bag material, a pair of top guides being movable in the direction perpendicular to the traveling direction of the bag material together with the side guides, having the space therebetween gradually narrower from the approach side to the leaving side of the bag material, and controlling the front face of the bag material made tubular, and forming rollers being disposed on the approach side of the bag material from the top guides, being movable in the direction perpendicular to the traveling direction of the bag material, and pressing the bag material onto the support table.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 11, 1992
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Akira Ishii, Yoshiyuki Ishii, Shigehisa Shimizu
  • Patent number: 5083999
    Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus and process for gusseting plastic film web having a means for applying an electrostatic charge of negative or positive polarity to the gusset to maintain stable gusset folds prior to storing or processing the gusseted web into a multiplicity of gusseted bags.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 1990
    Date of Patent: January 28, 1992
    Inventor: Raymond D. Barta
  • Patent number: 5037368
    Abstract: An improved folder apparatus includes a first folder assembly which forms a first fold in sheet material along the path of movement of the sheet material. A second folder assembly forms a second fold in the sheet material in a direction extending transversely to the path of movement of the sheet material. A third folder assembly forms a third fold in the sheet material with the first and third folds extending along the path of movement of the sheet material through the third folder assembly and the second fold at a leading edge portion of the sheet material. During the forming of the three folds, the sheet material is continuously moved through the folder assemblies without stopping. The third folder assembly includes an array of upper and lower tapes. The array of tapes tapers from a wide inlet portion of the third folder assembly toward a discharge portion of a third folder assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 6, 1991
    Assignee: Harris Graphics Corporation
    Inventors: Richard E. Breton, David B. Staley
  • Patent number: 5013291
    Abstract: A dispenser for dispensing discrete lengths of longitudinally corrugated strips of wiping web material from a source of uncorrugated continuous length wiping material. In the device the web material is payed through and between converging longitudinally disposed projections whereby the corrugations are formed. The corrugated web is then fed between cogwheels, then to an egress part of the dispenser through which the web projects for a distance. The cogwheels may be provided with a servering means. To dispense the web projecting from the dispenser it is pulled outwardly resulting in obtaining a desired severed length of wiping material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 1988
    Date of Patent: May 7, 1991
    Inventor: Maurice Granger
  • Patent number: 5007890
    Abstract: A folder plow for a web of material in which the plow is positionable transversely of the longitudinal movement of the web material and has a folding disk rotatable on an axis convergent with the web and being adjustable by tilting about its axis of rotation to position its folding edge at different angles to the plane of the web to obtain a wrinkle free fold without gussetting and to prevent marking. The plow has a cylindrical section rotatable about an axis parallel with the plane of the web, which section is partially telescoped over the disk and provides a shroud for a major section of the disk, the disk having a small sector projecting radially from the contiguous portion of the cylindrical section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 1989
    Date of Patent: April 16, 1991
    Assignee: WPC Machinery Corporation
    Inventors: Ronald W. Alverth, Thomas H. Schumacher, Thaddeus M. Przybylowski