Abstract: A rotary-type film folding machine comprises a feeding mechanism providing a tubular material for a folding mechanism in an axial direction, with a first driving mechanism driving the feeding mechanism to operate; a folding mechanism folding the tubular material delivered by the feeding mechanism, with a second driving mechanism driving the rotation of an outer sheath of the folding mechanism; a pressing mechanism pressing the tubular material folded by the folding mechanism, with a third driving mechanism driving the rotation of a first inner rotor for rotating the pressing mechanism and the folding mechanism; said pressing mechanism being driven by a fourth driving mechanism to move up and down; and the operations of the first, second, third and fourth driving mechanisms are controlled by a controller.

Abstract: A folding machine includes an accumulator that accumulates at least one sheet of flexible substrate material. A knife folder is adjacent the accumulator and has a knife fold plate that receives the at least one sheet and a knife blade that reciprocates against the at least one sheet. Buckle fold drive rollers are adjacent the knife folder and receive the at least one sheet driven from the knife blade to form a knife fold. At least one buckle folder is oriented along the buckle fold drive rollers and receives a knife fold to form a buckle fold in the at least one sheet.

Abstract: A device and a method for folding a print substrate web is disclosed. The device has devices for quarter folding and for cross-cutting the print substrate web for severing individual products as well as devices for cross folding. As viewed in the transport direction of the products, an arrangement for dividing the product stream is provided after a second quarter folding device, the arrangement conveying the successive products to a first and a second conveyor belt in an alternating manner.

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.

Abstract: There are provided an airbag folding device, and an airbag folding method, for mechanically folding an airbag to form a doughnut-shaped airbag. The airbag folding device is characterized in comprising a support member (62) columnar in shape, rising while supporting a tubular tether belt (11a), an outer cylinder (63) coaxial with the support member (62), for containing the airbag body (10a) on the outside of the support member (62), by rising, a work table (61) having the support member (62), and the outer cylinder (63), and a clamping member (64) positioned straight above the support member (62), for clamping the tubular tether belt (11a) between the clamping member (64) and the support member (62), wherein a pair of plates (65) in such a state as to cover an upper end of the outer cylinder (63), and to be fitted to a lower end of the clamping member (64) cause the support member (62), the outer cylinder (63) and the clamping member (64) to concurrently descend.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing a side airbag device for use in a vehicle, comprising: an inflatable cushion for deployment from an unexpanded state to an expanded state. The inflatable cushion is positioned behind a headliner of the vehicle in an un-inflated state and the inflatable cushion is configured to traverse a side of the vehicle when it is inflated. The inflatable cushion also comprising a deploying edge that defines a portion of a periphery of the inflated cushion, wherein the inflatable cushion is folded in a manner that causes the deploying edge to deploy as a first leading edge as said inflatable cushion is inflated to an expanded state by an inflator wherein the deploying edge is the first portion of the inflatable cushion to expand around the headliner.

Abstract: A method and unit for folding a reinforcing flap of the lid of a rigid, hinged-lid packet of cigarettes, wherein at least one reinforcing flap of the lid is folded 180° with respect to a blank and about a fold line onto the blank; the reinforcing flap is prefolded about the fold line by means of a first folding device having a movable folding body; and folding of the reinforcing flap about the fold line is completed by means of a second folding device having fixed folding rails.

Abstract: A process for producing an airbag packet for an airbag module is provided. The airbag is folded up in a folding apparatus to form an airbag packet. Then, the airbag packet is enclosed in a gastight manner by a flexible envelope, wherein the airbag packet is at least partially enclosed by the envelope while it is still in the folding apparatus.

Abstract: In an airbag folding method, an airbag is folded so as to provide a rolled-up shape thereon using a core member including air suction holes from which air can be sucked in. Firstly, the core member is disposed on part of the spread airbag that is to be rolled up at a location which corresponds to a center of a rolled-up shape when formed, and following this, the core member is rotated so as to wind up the airbag around the core member to thereby form a spiral shape while air is being sucked in from the air suction holes so that the airbag is drawn to be secured to an outer circumferential surface of the core member. Thereafter, a rolled-up shape is formed on the airbag by removing the core member.

Abstract: Folding blade (1) that is particularly applicable to devices for the closure of flexible tubular packaging, taking the form of a flat plate, provided on one of its lateral edges with a tab (5) in the form of a hook that is adapted to hold the packaging, of the type that is disposed opposite and perpendicular to a lateral portion of the packaging and attached to an axis of rotation (3) that transmits thereto a reciprocating rotational movement around the axis. This folding blade (1) comprises a main body (2) that can be attached to the axis of rotation; an end portion (4) provided with a tab (5) that is joined by articulation to the main body by its free end opposite the axis of rotation (3); and an elastic means (6) that exerts a permanent pulling force on said end portion, thus maintaining it in the initial position, folded over the main body of the blade.

Abstract: Folding methods and patterns for folding an inflatable curtain airbag cushion for use in vehicles are provided. The folding patterns and methods of the invention assist in preventing failure of inflatable curtain airbag cushions by reducing the stress placed on specific regions of the longitudinal fill chambers of the cushions. These methods result in proper airbag deployment with reduced rates of cushion failure, thus providing reliable protection to vehicle occupants.

Abstract: An air bag is unfolded on a planar surface and is inflated with air. The air bag is loosely sandwiched between the upper and lower blades that are arranged in a radial configuration. Movable blocks progress toward the center to fold the upper and lower panels of the air bag against the central part of the air bag. The resulting central folded part of the air bag has a wave-like configuration, and the upper and lower panels are separated from each other. The ear-like portions of the air bag are wound around the central folded part of the air bag that is folded in a wave-like configuration. Then, the central part of the air bag is pressed downward to complete the folding process. Gas can be supplied smoothly from the inlet port to the periphery when the air bag is reinflated. The method for folding the air bag is simple, and the air bag can be inflated quickly.

Abstract: An airbag is folded by attaching a line located inside the airbag to a front side an airbag and extending the line across a guide. The airbag is then compacted around the guide and the line. The line is then placed in communication with a sensor. The line may be a flexible element having an optical pattern read by the sensor. During the folding process, the line may be reeled into a sensor housing.

Abstract: A supplemental inflatable restraint system includes an air bag for use in a vehicle to restrain an occupant. The air bag is folded and may be placed in a steering wheel cover such that inflation of the air bag causes the air bag to be deployed from the cover by unfolding to define a substantially vertical contact surface for initial contact with the vehicle occupant. The air bag is folded into a modified fan/accordion configuration with terminal folds nested between intermediate folds so that the terminal folds escape before the intermediate folds. During inflation, the air bag unfolds upwardly and downwardly so that the substantially vertical contact surface is substantially parallel to a torso of the occupant.

Abstract: A sheet folding apparatus is described including a fold blade, a clamp movable to engage the fold blade, and a fold blade receptacle having two flexible spring members. The flexible spring members are biased toward one another by preloading material of the spring members. The fold blade and fold blade receptacle are movable toward one another to fold a sheet of material.

Abstract: A sheet folding apparatus is described including a fold blade, a clamp movable to engage the fold blade, and a fold blade receptacle having two flexible spring members. The flexible spring members are biased toward one another by preloading material of the spring members. The fold blade and fold blade receptacle are movable toward one another to fold a sheet of material.

Abstract: A method for folding a textile strip length, including the steps of first holding the strip length firmly close to an auxiliary folding edge whose direction is parallel to a definitive folding edge, folding a part of the strip around the auxiliary folding edge substantially perpendicular to the plane of the strip length to form a definitive fold, gripping an end of the part of the strip folded around the auxiliary folding edge, compressing the part of the strip against a clamping surface arranged substantially co-planar with the plane of the strip length and belonging to a clamping element forming the definitive fold, and smoothing and fixing the folded part of the strip lying substantially in the plane of the strip length between the clamping surfaces arranged substantially in the plane of the strip length.

Abstract: A machine for folding a side gas bag for a vehicle occupant restraint system comprises a guide channel in which a gas bag to be folded can be disposed, and first and second folding tongues. The folding tongues have teeth and the guide channel has a first side part and a second side part in each of which several recesses are provided. The teeth of the folding tongues are able to engage into the recesses.

Abstract: An apparatus for folding an airbag for a vehicle occupant restraint system comprises a base for the airbag to be folded, a cover for the airbag, and a flexible element that is arranged between the base and the cover and has first and second ends. The first end of the flexible element is held between the base and the cover. The apparatus further comprises a traction means that acts upon the second end of the flexible element, and a pressure generating means with which the airbag can be acted upon with compressed gas. The invention further relates to a method of folding an airbag and making use of such an apparatus. Still further, the invention relates to a folded airbag produced by such a method.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for folding pliable sheet material wherein the sheet material is wound on a mandrel to form a roll which subsequently is stripped off the mandrel and transferred to a pleating station at which successive creases are formed in the roll to produce a pleated packet. During the winding of the sheet material the latter is adhered to the mandrel by the application of negative air pressure to the material via the mandrel. Following the formation of the roll, the application of negative air pressure is discontinued and positive air pressure is applied to the interior of the roll so as to facilitate stripping of the roll from the mandrel. At the pleating station the roll is creased successively to form a plurality of pleats and the direction in which the creasing proceeds is such as to facilitate the escape of air from the roll as it is pleated.

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: The invention relates to a method for folding together an inflatable airbag jacket of an airbag module for motor vehicles, in which the at least partly spread out airbag jacket is arranged in at least one folding pocket and a folding volume of the folding pocket which contains the airbag jacket is reduced in size.

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

Abstract: A device for introducing an gas bag into a pot-shaped receiving container with an insertion opening for insertion of the gas bag and an installation opening at the bottom for the arrangement of an inflator is provided. The device comprises a tubular housing having a cross-section adapted to the insertion opening of the receiving container, and an axially reciprocating ram arranged in the housing and serving for introducing the gas bag into the receiving container. Further, a method for folding a gas bag is provided, wherein the gas bag is introduced into a tubular housing, wherein a body is introduced into the gas bag as a dummy for an inflator intended to be mounted later, and wherein the gas bag is folded around the body.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for folding an inflatable air bag cushion within an air bag module cover. An open end of the air bag cushion is attached at a moveable holding fixture and a ram cylinder is extended through an opening in the holding fixture and into the air bag cushion. A moveable containment tunnel is passed in substantially surrounding relation over at least a portion of the air bag cushion and the holding fixture and ram cylinder are conveyed through the moveable containment tunnel and towards a base portion of the cover such that the air bag cushion is pressed together irregularly within a region bounded by a wall portion of the cover.

Abstract: An air bag body (1) is expanded by charging an air therein after being expanded in a flat surface shape. Next, by gently gripping the air bag body (1) by upper and lower blades (26, 25) radially arranged in a radial direction of the air bag body (1), a height in a radial direction of the air bag body (1) is linearly restricted along the upper and lower blades (26, 25). Next, a plurality of movable blocks (24) are forward moved toward a center of the air bag body (1), and upper and lower panels (12, 11) of the air bag body (1) are accumulated. At this time, the upper and lower panels (12, 11) of the air bag body (1) are folded in a state of being apart from each other so as to form a wave shape. Next, the air bag body (1) is rotated, a portion left in a tab shape is wound around a periphery, and a center protruding portion of the air bag body (1) is pressed from an upper side, whereby a front surface deploying portion (35) is formed.

Abstract: During the production of cuboid-shaped packages, in particular bundle packages made of thin cardboard, it is necessary to form sharp-edged package edges (44, 45), namely those having a right-angled cross-section. This is ensured by means of a folding aid, namely by edge supports (40, 41), around which the folding flaps (27, 28) are folded to form the package edges (44, 45). The edge supports (40, 41) are retracted from their supporting position after folding is completed and the package is finished.

Abstract: A pouch-shaped air bag (12) is spread out in a circle. Then, the portion of the air bag (12) located outside the inflator (16) is folded into a wave-like pattern from four directions so that four side portions (61) are formed along the inflator (16). Next, each one of the four excess portions (62), which are continuously formed between each two adjacent side portions (61) and protrude outward, is placed along the outer face of each side portion (61). Thus, the air bag (12) can be easily folded compactly that can be smoothly unfolded.

Abstract: The subject invention is an apparatus and method for installing a cushion into a cover to provide for a uniform and consistent thickness of cushion between an inflator/horn assembly and the cover such that variation in the amount of force applied to the cover is minimized. The apparatus for installing the cushion to the cover includes a base for supporting the cover, a housing defining a cavity and having an upper and a lower platform, an air bag housing and a mock inflator attached to a piston. The method includes the steps of attaching the cushion assembly to a mock inflator, securing the cover, compacting the cushion into the cover and around the mock inflator, such that the cushion fills the cavity of the cover; then removing the mock inflator from the cushion to form a cavity within the cushion for the inflator/horn assembly.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for folding a portion of a textile length, in particular a bed sheet or similar, with a lengthwise folding device (16) in which the textile length is folded to produce a tubular folded product (2) with lengthwise folding edges extending substantially parallel to one another, and a crosswise folding device (1) in which the tubular folded product (2) is folded to produce a folded product in packet form with at least one crosswise folding edge (14) extending substantially perpendicularly to the lengthwise folding edges. The tubular folded product (2) can be brought to lie with one lengthwise edge against a stop strip (23, 24), at least in certain regions, in the crosswise folding device (1) before being folded. A drawing device (12) is disposed in the region between the two ends of the tubular folded product in order to draw in the folded product for crosswise folding.

Abstract: A folding device for double-folding a sheet or a plurality of sheets for folding into a booklet. The folding device comprises a collecting tray provided with adjustable stops between which the sheets to be folded are collected. In a sheet feed path to the collecting tray there is disposed a measuring wheel which is set into rotation by a sheet as they are displaced, said wheel measuring the length of the supplied sheet. On the basis of said measurement, the stops are adjusted so that the center between the stops corresponds to the place where folding rollers fold the sheet.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for compactly folding an airbag of an airbag apparatus adapted for use in motor vehicles. One side of the airbag has a central opening for connection to a gas generator, with a reinforcement preferably around the central opening. The airbag is laid out flat, is held at its center and the zones lying radially outside of the center are turned in around an axis extending at least substantially perpendicular to the flatly laid out gas bag through the central firm holding zone in at least one direction of rotation until a compact airbag package is formed. One embodiment of the invention includes radially disposed axial shifting members, which leave a reception space radially inward and which displace the flexible material of the flatly laid out airbag alternatively, as seen in the circumferential direction in the one or other axial direction before the airbag is wound up.

Abstract: In a process and an apparatus for folding a gas bag 15 for a passenger restraint system, a gas bag (15) is introduced, in an uninflated state, to an apparatus that includes a folding tool (12), folding aids (16) and a clamp (19). The folding tool (12) includes a holding plate (1), an intermediate plate (4) with a spiral strip (8) thereon, and a form plate (5) with a spiral slot 10 to accept the spiral strip 8. Prior to a folding process, the gas bag (15) lies on the spiral strip (8), which protrudes through the form plate (5). With help from the folding aids (16), the gas bag is folded into a free space between the protruding strip 8 and the intermediate plate (4). In the process, the gas bag (15) is pressed, as two plies, in spiral shape along the strip (8). The folding occurs uniformly from an inside to an outside. Using a clamp (19), the folded gas bag (15) is brought to a required shape for a housing (25) of the passenger restraint system.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for accommodating an airbag of an airbag apparatus into a container. The folding method employed allows the airbag to folded into a small container, yet ensures that the airbag will inflate in a substantially uniform and jerk-free manner. The method is still fairly cost effective. A preferred embodiment encompasses inserting a first plunger into an opening in a lower half of the airbag such that it pushes the upper part away from the lower part. The upper part is then clamped between the first plunger and a second plunger. Next, the airbag is folded upward such that a plurality of radial folds is created, which are then folded inward. A hollow die is then placed over the folded airbag. The upper end of the airbag and a central portion of the airbag are twisted in different directions while a third plunger is placed over the end face of the folded airbag. The third plunger is then used to compress the airbag.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for folding an inflatable cushion having an end portion and a main body portion and inserting the folded cushion into a cover. The apparatus comprises folding structure for creating folds in the main body portion to form a folded cushion. The folding structure including first folding apparatus adapted to create a first fold in the main body portion to form a partially folded cushion, and accordion folding apparatus adapted to create a plurality of accordion folds in the partially folded cushion which are generally transverse to the first fold to form the folded cushion. Further included is apparatus for supporting a cover into which the folded cushion is inserted. The folding structure further serves to insert the folded cushion into the cover.

Abstract: A device for folding flat die-cuts through 180.degree. has a flipper of which the movement is guided by linkages composed of at least two rectilinear slots, occupying a common plane and compassing an acute angle, and at least two slides free to traverse along the two slots. The flipper is connected pivotably to the slides, and the folding action is generated by a single linear actuator stroking in a direction substantially parallel to one of the slots, its rod end being hinged to the respective slide.

Abstract: The front bag (12) of a supply of bags (12) stored in a magazine (250) is removed by an unloading device (252) including four linkages (254, 256, 258, 260) which are pivoted to attach suction cups (264) thereto. The unloading device (252) inserts the bag (12) between nip rollers (52, 54) including spaced wheels (56, 58) which drive the bag (12) downward until the closed end (20) rests upon an adjustable stop (72). A tucking plate (90) moves from a retracted position to an extended position generally perpendicular to the bag (12) to drive the bag (12) into a slot (46) of a fixture (32), with the bag (12) having a U-shaped configuration around the tucking plate (90). The bag (12) is prevented from moving from the slot (46) with the tucking plate (90) as the tucking plate (90) moves from the extended position to the retracted position by a compression roller (208) pivotable by a cam (214) movable with the tucking plate (90) to sandwich the side edges of the bag (12).

Abstract: A device for folding sheets of paper for placement in envelopes. The device has a center planar member and two side planar members connected with hinges so that the two side members can be rotated over the center member. A laminar member with beveled edges and coextensive with the center member is attached to the center member in such a way that a sheet of paper can be inserted between them so that it extends in part beyond the center member to each side members. The user rotates each side member in turn over the center member, thereby enabling the laminar member to crease the paper. Indicator lines on one of the side members allows the alignment of the paper with respect to the laminar member so that creases are made in desired locations.

Abstract: A folding device for folding a sheet of thin material, such as paper, comprises a first sheet holder for holding a first portion of the sheet, a second sheet holder for holding a second portion of the sheet, and a pivoted linkage connecting the first sheet holder to the second sheet holder in such a way as to allow relative movement between them. In use relative movement between the holders causes the sheet to be folded in opposite directions along two lines so as to form a zig-zag shape.

Abstract: A corrugated cardboard or chipboard carton forming machine including a first portion having four corner defining members which are adjustable to define the base of a carton to be constructed. The corrugated cardboard or chipboard carton forming machine also includes a fold generating portion having four adjustable fold generting members, each of which is adapted to pass over the corresponding corner defining member so as to fold a corrugated cardboard or chipboard blank, positioned on the first portion, over the corner defining members to thereby define the sides of the carton to be constructed.

Abstract: A device for folding rolled carpets essentially made of a rectangular frame having two pairs of upstanding posts at the corners of the frame. Roller means extending between each pair of posts are adapted to support the rolled carpets. A central bar disposed parallel to the roller means is connected to flexible links to at least one winch fixed to the frame below the central rod. The central rod is adapted to be mounted over the rolled carpets whereby by pulling on the rod, the carpets are folded in a V-shape, the end portions of the carpet being adapted to slide over the roller means.

Abstract: A method for the manufacture of a hose package by folding a hose of flexible material, where the hose package consists of folds adjoining one another and forming wall elements connected to one another. The elements are situated outside one another in relation to a central axis of the hose package. The device for carrying out the method has a fixing element and upper and lower folding plates in the shape of polygons. Through a controlled sequence of movements, the fixing element and folding plates form the folds situated outside one another, and thereby the hose package. The folding plates are placed adjacent to one another and in end regions form corners of the polygon. In the respective corner regions the plates are spaced from one another to form an opening or gap through which a pressing member can travel to contact the folds of the hose package and smooth out any wrinkles.

Abstract: A device for the manufacture of a hose package formed by folding of a hose of flexible material, where the hose package consists of folds adjoining one another and forming wall elements connected to one another. The elements are situated outside one another in relation to a central axis of the hose package. The device has a fixing element and upper and lower folding plates in the shape of polygons. Through a controlled sequence of movements the fixing element and folding plates form the folds situated outside one another, and thereby the hose package. The folding plates are placed adjacent to one another and in end regions form corners of the polygon. In respective corner regions the plates are spaced from one another to form an opening or gap through which a pressing member can travel to contact the folds of the hose package and smooth out any wrinkles.

Abstract: A ring-shaped corrugated filter element blank having radially alternate peak and valley folds is placed on a first mold having as many first concentric projections as the number of the peak folds of the ring-shaped blank and as many first concentric grooves as the number of the valley folds of the ring-shaped blank, with the peak folds fitted respectively over the first projections and the valley folds fitted respectively in the first grooves. Then, the ring-shaped blank is pressed between the first mold and a second mold, the second mold having second projections lying along concentric lines fitting respectively in the first grooves with the valley folds received therein, and second concentric grooves receiving respectively the first projections with the peak folds fitted thereover. The ring-shaped blank is heated while it is being pressed between the first and second molds, thereby forming a ring-shaped filter element. Thereafter, the ring-shaped filter element is cooled.

Abstract: A sheet folding device which can fold a sheet in an accordion fashion simply and efficiently and can improve the efficiency in production of artificial flowers. The device includes a set of fixed parallel folding plates provided in an equidistantly spaced relationship on a fixed base, and a set of movable folding plates mounted for individual parallel movement on a movable member pivotally mounted on the base. A stack of sheets of paper is placed on the fixed member between the movable folding plates and the fixed folding plates, and a manually operable member is operated whereupon the movable folding plates are successively moved into gaps between the fixed folding plates thereby to fold the paper sheet stack in an accordion fashion.

Abstract: In pouch packs for tobacco or the like of the "side-folding pouch" type, it is difficult to make a hermetic closure for the orifice of a pocket of the pouch pack, because accumulations of material impeding the provision of a closing seam or the like arise in the edge regions as a result of the construction of the pack. For this reason, the pouch pack is spread out to the full width of the blank in the region of the orifice for the provision of a closing seam, the closing seam is then made and the projecting lengths of material thus formed in the region of a covering tab are folded over inwards against the latter. This results in a pouch pack which is closed in an absolutely leak-proof manner and which has an essentially cuboid shape after completion.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for making axial-flow filters wherein a sectorial-shaped sheet of filter material having corrugations therein parallel to the curved ends thereof is made from a flat sheet of filter material in the first step, and thereafter the corrugated sheet is made into an annulus to obtain the final product. In the first step, an edge portion of a flat sheet of filter material is attached to a sectorial-shaped mold, having a mold surface defined by curved ridges and valleys parallel to the curved ends of the mold, so that the sheet is slanted up away from the mold surface from the smaller curved end of the mold. Thereafter a set of curved forming blades is moved down toward the mold to engage the sheet and to fold it successively and consecutively across the ridges of the mold and beneath the edges of the blades into the valleys of the mold to corrugate the sheet.

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: Apparatus for opening a folded rectangular corrugated carton, of a type having score lines between panels thereof, is characterized by a pair of V-shaped channels for receiving the folded carton therebetween, such that score lines along opposite side edges of the carton are positioned within the channels. A motor drives the channels together, so that as pressure is applied to the carton the panels are folded about the panel scores to open the carton.

Abstract: A reciprocative apparatus individually folds a plurality of thin, limp, sheet-type articles, such as sandwich bags, and loads them into a carton. The apparatus includes a delivery assembly for sequentially transferring the bags from a conveyor belt to a folding station. A pivotally operated swatter is employed in the delivery assembly which includes a swatter driving mechanism which gradually decelerates the swatter near the end of its forward movement to minimize article wrinkling.