Abstract: This invention provides a system and method for separating, folding, stacking and transporting a continuous web that allows stacks of web that are relatively large (four-feet-high or more) to be generated at high speed directly beneath the folding mechanism and to be transferred as complete, discrete stacks to downstream locations and stack utilization devices without interrupting the ongoing, upstream stack-folding and stack-formation process. A zigzag folded web passes by a pair of opposing front and rear compression plate assemblies, with fingers that are extended to selectively project into the folding area, onto a stack supported by a vertically moving supporting mechanism. The supporting mechanism cycles between an ever-lower position in which upper, loose pages of the folded web pass by plate fingers (when retracted) and an upper position in which the stack engages and presses upwardly against the now-extended plate fingers to compress the stack.

Abstract: A folder includes a plurality of rotatable fold rollers and a plurality of rotatable nip rollers. Each nip roller forms a nip having a nip spacing with an adjacent fold roller. The nips may include an input nip for receiving collations, a plurality of intermediate nips for delivering the collations to one of a buckle chute and a deflector to form folded collations, and an output nip for discharging the folded collations. The folder may further include an adjustment system associated with each nip roller for selectively moving the nip roller with respect to the adjacent fold roller based on predetermined collation thickness data to change the nip spacing for sequential collations.

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

Abstract: An interfolding machine having a framework (1) comprising a first plate (20a) and a second plate (20b), parallel to each other, interconnected by means of beams (15, 25, 26). Each plate (20a or 20b), has a modular structure and comprises at least one lower portion (22a or 22b) and an upper portion (23a or 23b). The upper portions (23a, 23b) of the plates (20a, 20b) are connected by beams (25), whereas the lower portions (22a, 22b) are connected by relative beams (26, 15). The upper portion has a portion (5) removable independently from the framework (1). The removable portion (5) comprises cutting rollers (8), the rollers bringing a cutting tool (10) and folding rollers (9). The web conveying rollers (6, 7), conveying the paper along the direction of process are mounted on the fixed portion (24) of the upper portion (23) of the framework (1).

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for making standing folds in a material web and a knife folding machine (1) for producing such standing folds. The knife folding machine has at least two folding knives (2, 3), which are situated one opposite the other with respect to the material web (4). A folding channel (5) extends from the folding knives (2, 3) in the folding direction (F). In order to reduce the costs involved in resetting the knife folding machine (1) to other material webs (4) to be folded or at the end of a material web (4), a work transfer device (14) is provided, which, in an ejection mode, has a stop (24) which juts into the projection area of the standing folds (26) in the folding channel (5) in the folding direction (F). As a result of the work transfer device (14), the standing fold parcel (26) in the folding channel (5) is able to be ejected and to be further processed in normal fashion by following appliances, without waste being incurred.

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

Abstract: Methods and devices for folding a continuous web of material are provided. Systems can include a spiral folder assembly having first and second sets of rotatable spirals, a deflection means to guide the continuous web toward the first set of spirals and the second set of spirals, a beater assembly to urge the continuous web against the first set of spirals to form a first fold in the web against the second set of spirals to form a second fold in the web, and a conveyor assembly to receive and transport the folded continuous web as it exits the spiral folder assembly, the conveyor assembly providing a support between the first and second sets of spirals, the support modulating an amount of sag in the continuous web as the web is suspended between the first and second sets of spirals.

Abstract: Methods and devices for folding a continuous web of material are provided. Systems can include a spiral folder assembly having first and second sets of rotatable spirals, a deflection means to guide the continuous web toward the first set of spirals and the second set of spirals, a beater assembly to urge the continuous web against the first set of spirals to form a first fold in the web against the second set of spirals to form a second fold in the web, and a conveyor assembly to receive and transport the folded continuous web as it exits the spiral folder assembly, the conveyor assembly providing a support between the first and second sets of spirals, the support modulating an amount of sag in the continuous web as the web is suspended between the first and second sets of spirals.

Abstract: A system and method for selectively replacing one set of folding boards with another set of folding boards is provided. In one embodiment, a first set and a second set of folding boards are secured to carriage assemblies that are moveable in and out of a web-receiving position. Through the system and method of the present invention, it has been discovered that a set of folding boards may be quickly and efficiently replaced with another set of folding boards.

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

Abstract: A discharge and transfer system for receiving interfolded sheets from a folding mechanism. The system includes a guide arrangement for receiving the interfolded sheets in a vertical direction from the discharge of the folding mechanism, and for guiding the interfolded sheets to a substantially horizontal direction of movement onto a discharge table. The sheets are moved along the discharge table by a belt arrangement. When the endmost group of sheets attains a predetermined position on the discharge table, a clamping mechanism engages the endmost group of sheets toward an end of the endmost group of sheets. The clamping mechanism includes a first clamping member which moves into the endmost group of sheets at a location outwardly of the separation between the endmost group of sheets and the next adjacent group of sheets, and further includes a second clamping member which moves toward the first clamping member to clamp a portion of the endmost group of sheets therebetween.

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

Abstract: An adjustable card folding station includes an adjustable vacuum bed and moveable gates. The vacuum bed includes at least two sections that are movable with respect to each other to accommodate cards of different widths. Each section of the vacuum bed further includes multiple suction cups, each of which is individually connected to a vacuum supply. The vacuum supply independently controls each suction cup so that vacuum can be applied to selected or all suction cups such that cards of different lengths can be accommodated. The movable gates are pivotally mounted with respect to the vacuum bed and operated by motors to pivot 180 degrees from open to closed positions to fold the cards.

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

Abstract: A 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.

Abstract: A method by which a sheet, formed with peak and valley folds which are parallel and alternate, can be rapidly and smoothly folded and shaped, and an apparatus therefor. The method includes supplying a sheet in a naturally relaxed state onto a support guide, and applying a light pressing pressure on the sheet in a direction by which the angles between the folds are increased by means of a pressing guide. The pressing guide moves toward a support surface of the support guide when a pair of bending tools begin to apply a bending pressure to the sheet to correctly and smoothly fold and shape the sheet along the respective folds.

Abstract: An apparatus for sequentially forming folds in a sheet of paper which is continuously moving substantially in a single plane. A first fold is formed in the center of the continuously-moving sheet of paper and subsequent pairs of folds are sequentially formed, one on each side of the previously-formed folds, until the entire continuously-moving sheet is folded. Guide wires retain each folded section until the entire sheet is folded by the cyclic upward movement of a continuous flexible wire loop held for free movement on a pair of spaced apart pulley assemblies. Each pulley assembly includes a plurality of evenly spaced pulleys each of which are held for free rotation on a support frame. Each support frame is driven in rotation about a central axis of rotation. Each individual pulley includes a freely rotatable ring surrounding the periphery of the pulley around which the flexible wire loop is held.

Abstract: A variety of sheet materials can be tessellation folded with an infinite variety of patterns in a one-step folding process by placing the sheet material against a pallet having flat rigid segments and flexible hinges, exerting forces against the pallet in accordance with information as to the pattern desired to initiate folding, and continuing folding to the degree of folding collapse wanted. A heat setable material can be heated prior to folding so the material will be set as folded. An uncured cementitious material can be folded, and held in a mold until the material is cured. Due to natural pantographic degradation, a continous belt can be folded in one area, with sheet material to be folded being placed against the belt before folding, and removed as the belt unfolds.

Abstract: Tractor drives of a high speed printer move a length of continuous-form paper longitudinally up from a box of fanfold stacked paper, through a print mechanism and downward to refold onto a fanfold stack. A set of bead or link chains hang vertically from the printer on each respective major side of the descending paper. The chains are positioned to interact with the folding paper. The chains swing against the paper to aid in creasing the paper at the folds in the proper fanfold direction. One or more chains have pendants attached at the chain's lower swinging end. The pendants are sufficiently long, stiff and light weight to prevent the lower ends of the chains from getting caught in the refolding stack of paper which could lead to jamming the travel of paper through the tractor drives. Preferably, the pendants are produced from 7 inch long segments of approximately 25 mil.

Abstract: The unit to dispense wiping materials stored in roll or Z-folded form and delivered in the form of concertina-folded strips is outstanding in that it is fitted with a dampening device (N) the active part of which is arranged so as to periodically have an effect on the tension of the strip between the storage point of the roll and the return and forming means (H) and automatically form, after every dispensing operation of a folded strip by pulling the projecting strip and rotating the roll of material, a loop (b) of unrolled material which is taken up when the next strip is pulled thus preventing any undue tearing of the material.

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 severing means. To dispense the web projecting from the dispenser it is pulled outwardly resulting in obtaining a desired severed length of wiping material.

Abstract: A paper guide and stacking apparatus for fan fold or Z-fold paper and useful with a printer of the type having an output paper collection tray or bin positioned a predetermined vertical distance from an exit port and sound shroud connected to the printer. This novel apparatus is characterized by the use of a pair of flexible front straps which are positioned on one side of a vertical paper path extending from the printer exit port and sound shroud to the paper collection tray, and also by the use of a single flexible back strap which is positioned on the other side of the paper path and centered between the two front straps. These straps make physical contact with each side of the moving paper in such a manner as to force each successive sheet of fan fold paper alternately toward opposite sides of the output paper tray.

Abstract: The paper stacker includes a pair of pivoted generally L-shaped elements disposed above a vertically movable paper tray. The elements pivotally depend such that their lower paper support legs are normally inclined and terminate at free edges in a roller. Upon upward movement of the tray and stacking initial sheets of fan-folded paper on the tray, the sheets engage the undersides of the elements to pivot the elements and, hence, the lower legs into generally horizontal positions whereby paper may be stacked on the horizonally disposed support legs of the elements. Upon reaching a predetermined stack height, the tray moves downwardly away from the elements, enabling the paper carried thereby to fall through the opening onto the tray.

Abstract: An improvement in the method and apparatus for transversely folding a continuous tubular sleeve. The sleeve is unwound onto a plurality of movable conformators mounted on a rotatable platen which supports the folded sleeve segments. After the desired amount of concentric folds are formed, the platen and conformators are rotated essentially 90.degree. to bring the folded segment into a horizontal plane for extraction. Also disclosed is a mobile device for performing the extraction of the folded sheath segment.

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.

Abstract: A photographic paper handling apparatus for handling a photographic paper in a continuous form having a plurality of images sequentially printed thereon in the longitudinal direction thereof is provided with a cutting-perforating section and a folding section. In the cutting-perforating section, the photographic paper which is transported along a photographic paper transport passage is cut into pieces each including a series of images printed in accordance with the order placed by each individual customer, and a perforation is provided in an area of each of the cut pieces of photographic paper which is defined between each pair of adjacent images. In the folding section, each of the cut and perforated pieces of photographic paper is folded along each perforation. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent prints processed in accordance with one order from being mixed with those in accordance with another order.

Abstract: A process and a device for folding a sheet longitudinally and transversely, in which the lower folds and the upper folds of a plurality of pairs of longitudinal folds of a Leporello fold are formed in sequence by fold straight edges that are movable towards each other, the front edges of the fold straight edges being moved along an arcuate path to the sheet in order that there is contact between them and the sheet only at the end of said movement. The longitudinally folded sheet is then laid on the parallel contact edges of the transverse fold plates that are arranged at intervals adjacent to each other, and pressed together therebetween, the areas between the transverse fold plates being pressed downwards by pressure elements which are moved upwards and out once again prior to the completion of the movement of the transverse fold plates towards each other. Thus it is possible to form all the transverse folds in one stage of the process.

Abstract: In apparatus for laying for flexible sheets into a folded Z-shaped form, a supply conveyor (1) is disposed above means (9) for supporting or transporting the leading end of each sheet (26). Clamping means (16, 17) for laterally clamping the sheet on a transverse line are provided laterally of the supporting or transporting means (9). A reciprocatable transverse rod (22) is provided in a gap between the supply conveyor (1) and the means (9). Further conveyor means at right-angles to the supporting or transporting means (9) define an inlet which consists of double belt conveyors (30) or pairs of rollers, is extensible and closable in a plier-like manner, and is arranged so that one side edge of each sheet (26) folded to Z-shape by the transverse rod (22) lies within said inlet.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved folding and loading mechanism for small, limp, sheet-like articles. A pair of pivotal support trays are biased to form a horizontal platform, upon which each sheet-like article is placed and then folded by pivoting flippers. After folding, a propulsion mechanism moves from a rest position and pushes the support trays out of the way and further pushes the folded article into a carton residing below the platform. Upon return of the propulsion mechanism to a rest position, the biasing on the support trays returns them to again form the horizontal platform. The propulsion mechanism can be a separate stomper member positioned above the platform.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming a hem in fabric flat goods is disclosed. The method includes the steps of folding the border of the fabric flat goods back over to form a major hem, holding the major hem in place by vacuum, folding the free edge of the major hem back into the fold of the major hem to form a minor hem, clamping the major and minor hems in a movable clamp and moving the clamped together hems to a sewing machine. The apparatus includes a table having a longitudinally extending vacuum slot parallel to one of its sides, a major hem forming plate movable to a position over the table top for forming the major hem, a minor hem forming plate also movable to a position over the table top for forming the minor hem, and a movable clamping device for clamping the hems together and delivering the hems to a sewing machine which stitches the hems.

Abstract: In a stacking apparatus for flexible sheets comprising a chain conveyor consisting of two spaced chains running over sprockets at the delivery end, each sheet is supported on a depositing plate which is provided with fingers and of which the leading end is connected to the chains so that the plate is swung through 180.degree. at the delivery end of the chain conveyor and the sheet is placed onto a stack which, when finished, is discharged on spaced belts of a discharge conveyor under the chain conveyor. Each sheet is received in a stacking shaft defined by side walls, a vertically slotted rear wall and a base formed by prongs passing through the slots. The prongs are lowered as the stack height increases until they have passed between the belts of the discharge conveyor, whereupon they are withdrawn. End portions of each sheet projecting beyond the side walls of the shaft are turned inwardly over the fingers of the depositing plate by reciprocatable folding blades.

Abstract: A stacking machine and method for pairing and stacking metal plates having teeth struck out and protruding therefrom, which plates are commonly referred to as nail plates. The nail plates that are to be stacked are supplied to a supply section of the machine in streams of longitudinally extending metal plates as the plates exit from a stamping machine. It is in the stamping machine that the teeth forming the nails of the plates are struck out from the plates. These nail plates are supplied to a stacking section of the stacking machine two plate lengths at a time. The stacking section receives the pair of metal plates, which also can be two plate sections with each section being formed of several plates, in a longitudinally extending relationship from the supply section and then reorientates the two metal plates so that the two plates are in a face-to-face orientation. The pairs of plates are then transferred to a stack receiving section.

Abstract: The invention concerns expanding files. A flat strip of flexible material (12) is progressively folded longitudinally to form a U-shaped channel. A length of the material equivalent to the developed width of a gusset is drawn forward. A precut partition with glued tabs (113) is placed at the rear of the drawn forward section of material. A fold is formed by pushing the three edges of the channel inwardly. This sequence of operations is repeated to form a multiplicity of pockets, comprising a plurality of parallel partitions joined along three edges to constitute respective filing pockets by the flexible material which is concertina-folded to constitute respective gussets. This multiplicity of pockets may be sectioned to provide separate expanding files. The invention comprises the manufacturing method and the machine for implementing same.

Abstract: A method and system for producing elongated Z-fold copy paper having indicia emplaced thereon by xerographic reproduction. The method entails initially transversely scoring and folding an elongated sheet of paper at spaced intervals therealong with alternate adjacent score-fold lines being originated by pressures exerted on respectively opposite sides of the paper. The elongated scored sheet is then rolled up in a cylindrical roll, and is fed from this roll to a copying machine into close proximity to a rotating xerographic copying drum within the machine. After emplacement of indicia on the paper in the reproduction process, the paper may then be rolled up on a storage roll or Z-folded manually or by suitable apparatus.