Abstract: A tabber apparatus includes a frame, a friction drive roller rotatably and operatively connected to the frame, and a take-up spool rotatably and operatively connected to the frame and operatively connected to the friction drive roller to allow backing paper which is wrapped about a portion of the friction drive roller to be taken up into the take-up spool. The tabber further includes a slick tab drive roller to provide proper placement of the tab on the media, a tab brake including a roller positionable between a first and second position to rotate a tab reel spindle, and a tab and media sensor operatively connected to a microcontroller to activate and deactivate a tab dispensing motor. Moreover, the tabber apparatus further includes removable upper shafts which are retained by spring-loaded retaining members which fit into grooves on the shafts.

Abstract: A buckle folder machine includes two or three folder pockets and several folding rollers mounted in a folding block which can be detached from the machine frame. The sheets are fed to the folding block via transport devices along an input plane in the direction of travel of the paper and delivered along an output plane in the same direction. The input plane and output plane are situated on substantially the same plane. The folding rollers and machine pockets are arranged in the folding block in such a way that the sheet input and sheet output are also situated in the area of this common plane in line with the position in which the folding block is mounted inside the machine frame. All folding rollers are connected to each other in the folding block via coupling gear wheels positioned on either end of each folding roller.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for processing a collation in a folding station (100) having a folding roller assembly (106, 108, 110, 112), a first fold plate assembly (102) and a second fold plate assembly (104) downstream of the folding roller assembly and the first fold plate assembly. The second fold plate assembly includes a stop member (126) movable at least between a distal position away from the folding roller assembly and a proximal position in proximity to the folding roller assembly. A portion of the collation is first conveyed into the first fold plate assembly (102) and the collation is then conveyed from the first fold plate assembly, through the folding roller assembly, and into the second fold plate assembly. Once in the second folding plate assembly the collation abuts against the stop member, whereafter the stop member (126) is moved from its distal position to its proximal position so as to cause the collation to convey out of the second fold plate assembly (104).

Abstract: A cushioning conversion machine (20) including a conversion assembly (30) which converts a continuous sheet of multi-ply stock material (22) into a three dimensional cushioning product (32) and a stock supply assembly (550) which supplies the multi-ply stock material (22) to the conversion assembly (30). The conversion assembly (30) includes a forming assembly (52) which inwardly turns lateral portions of the stock material (22) as the stock material (22) travels therethrough in a downstream direction. The stock supply assembly (550) includes a separating device (574) and/or constant-entry device (580) designed to minimize tearing due to excessive tension in the lateral regions of the stock material (22). Additionally or alternatively, the forming assembly (52) includes a shaping member (590) having protrusions in its turning perimeter and/or holding surface to modify the shape of the cushioning product.

Abstract: A moveable tape head mechanism for a box erecting machine having a fixed guide rail and an adjustable guide rail includes a cradle which carries a tape head, the cradle being horizontally slidable between operational and loading positions to expedite replacement of a tape roll contained thereon. In the operational position, the tape head mechanism is detachably held by a pin in operational alignment with a box flap closure apparatus. The tape head mechanism is moved from the operational positional to the loading position by installing a cover plate over the tape head to compress the rollers into the tape head, disengaging the pin from its corresponding receptacle formed on the flap closure apparatus, and sliding the tape head mechanism under a frame member and outside the perimeter of the box erecting machine. When the tape head is in the loading position, the tape roll is located outside the perimeter of the box erecting machine to facilitate replacement thereof.

Abstract: A paperboard corrugating machine for forming board having two corrugated mediums joined at their flute tips without any intervening liner. The machine comprises a relatively heavy main frame (11) and a second frame (12) which is mounted for movement on the main frame. The main frame (11) carries two rolls (13 and 14) and the second frame (12) carries two rolls (15 and 16). Frame (12) can be locked into position and loaded against the upper roll (13), and the four rolls (13, 14, 15 and 16) lie in a single plane when the rolls are operational. With this construction, movement and twisting of the rolls (13 and 15) relative to each other, between which the fluted mediums are aligned flute tip to flute tip, is reduced.

Abstract: A tabber apparatus includes a frame, a removable shaft for guiding a media through the tabber apparatus and a retaining member. The frame includes at least one opening formed therein. The removable shaft includes an end received in the opening of the frame. The retaining member includes a body portion and first and second arm portions. The first arm portion is rotatably attached to the frame. The second arm portion is rotatable about the first arm portion and is biased to allow contact of the body portion against the shaft to retain the shaft in the opening.

Abstract: A box or carton sealer is disclosed having a frame with a conveyor for moving boxes therethrough. First and second longitudinal, laterally spaced-apart, independent gravity operated centering bars move inwardly and outwardly to center the boxes in the sealer. The centering force produced by the centering bars is proportional to the distance the box is off center in the sealer. A shiftable weight assists the respective centering bars to move laterally as required. A floating head has an inclined entry ramp for riding up over the box and lifting the floating head to a desired height as the box passes thereunder. The floating head has a sealing device for attaching the box flaps at whatever height the flaps happen to be at under the floating head.

Abstract: The invention is to provide a method and a device, etc. for molding tubes, free from any fear of the web being broken, which do not generate any wrinkle on a web when molding a plate-like web to rectangular parallelpiped packaging containers via a tubular web. In a tube molding method of the invention for molding a plate-like web to a tubular web while transferring the former along the roller surface formed by a plurality of rollers 11 through 13 of the molding roller 4, a roller supporting plate 16 is turned by a tightening member 29 while being position-regulated by a roller 25 attached to the roller attaching arm 23 so that web is transferred on the basis of the hypothetical center axis line (Point X) of the tubular web, which is formed by the roller surface constituted by the rollers 11 through 13, wherein the web in the lengthwise direction can be accurately transferred so that the same web takes a predetermined orientation of the rollers 11 through 13.

Abstract: An apparatus for positioning a guide slidably mounted on a machine wherein the guide is driven by a lead screw turned by a DC motor through a worm drive gearhead. The DC motor is controlled by a programmable logic controller (PLC) with input from an operator interface and feedback from a hollow shaft encoder attached directly to a shaft extending from the lead screw. Ladder logic programming in the PLC directs the motor to run or stop based on comparing a target position for the guide with the current position based on electrical signals from said encoder. A home position for each guide corresponds to the guide's position when it has moved fully outward encountering an outward stop. The programming also allows manual jogging of the guide through the operator interface. The programming takes up mechanical backlash in the apparatus on each move by overshooting the target position a predetermined amount when a move is made in an outward direction.

Abstract: A method of working paperboard blanks is disclosed. The method includes providing first and second pairs of parallel rotary shafts supporting first and second pairs of tool heads respectively. The first pair of tool heads is moved to a predetermined longitudinal position along the first pair of shafts to define a first line of working. Likewise, the second pair of tool heads is moved to a predetermined longitudinal position along the second pair of shafts to define a second line of working wherein a center of the first line of working is displaced relative to a center of the second line of working. The paperboard blank is conveyed between the first and second pairs of tool heads to form a panel line on the paperboard blank. The tool heads may be automatically positioned along their respective shafts by coupling members which move linearly parallel to the shafts.

Abstract: A diagnostic system for performing real time diagnostics on a cushioning conversion machine includes a machine resident controller for controlling and monitoring operation of the cushioning conversion machine, a remote processor for performing diagnostic functions based on information retrieved from a cushioning conversion machine, and a communication device for facilitating real time communication between the machine resident controller and the remote processor.

Abstract: A cushioning conversion system (10) including a stand (12), a cushioning conversion machine (14), and a machine mounting assembly (16) which mounts the machine to the stand in such a manner that the machine may be selectively rotated relative to the stand in a horizontal plane.

Abstract: An article packaging machine (11) for packaging articles such as bottles and cans in cardboard containers comprises a carton path along which cartons are moved to be loaded with articles. The carton path is adjustable in width to provide for use of the packaging machine with cartons of various sizes. A series of automatic retractable bed plate assemblies (26), (27), (28), (29) are provided on the machine for underlying and providing support to cartons moving along the carton path. The bed plates are pneumatically actuated and are adapted to be raised automatically into the carton path as the carton path is widened to provide progressively increasing support. Conversely, the bed plates are lowered automatically out of the carton path as the carton path is narrowed to accommodate the narrowing of the path.

Abstract: In a production line both the base frame and also the working area is subdivided into modular assemblable modules, the base unit having three reception positions which can be provided with slide-in working units and receptacles for driving units and a trolley transferring the particular working unit. The working unit, after a control console has moved out of the sliding in path, can be moved in and out parallel to the horizontal separating plane and transversely to the conveying direction and can then be adjusted and locked. Thus, with the same base units a randomly long basic frame can be created for randomly succeeding working stations.

Abstract: A packaging machine has a partition inserter and selecting apparatus suspended above a flow of articles. The partition inserter and selecting apparatus are mounted to an inner frame which can be raised or lowered to adjust the spacing between the partition inserter and selecting apparatus relative to the articles. In this manner, the packaging machine can package articles of different heights. The partition inserter and selecting apparatus are mounted to the inner frame on guide rails which allow a technician to move the partition inserter and selecting apparatus laterally away from the articles and over a maintenance deck so that the technician can easily perform necessary repairs or maintenance. The partition inserter and selecting apparatus are releasably engaged with each other to permit the technician to access more easily all areas of the partition inserter and selecting apparatus.

Abstract: A device for and method of spacing a corrugating guide finger relative to a corrugating roll. The device includes a tail and a head. The head has a slot therethrough for sliding receipt of the corrugating guide finger. To space the finger, the slot is slidingly received onto the finger and the tail simultaneously contacts the inner surface of the finger and the outer surface of the corrugating roll.

Abstract: Apparatus for producing continuous form stationery folds a strip of paper along transverse lines of weakening formed therealong to form a zig-zag stack of paper. The apparatus alters the orientation of the zig-zag stack of paper to facilitate further processing of the paper.

Abstract: A folder apparatus is disclosed which has a removable mounting plate supporting both of the corresponding exit rollers of a single lead-in tape assembly. The modular cartridge formed by the mounting plate and exit rollers allows for easy replacement of these parts in the folder.

Abstract: A selectively adjustable apparatus permits the holding down and stabilizing of cartons in a continuous motion packaging machine as grouped articles are inserted into the cartons. The apparatus includes a pair of spaced parallel hold-down rails (56, 62) adapted to engage the tops of moving cartons with light force to hold the cartons down and inhibit their deformation as grouped articles are inserted with significant momentum into the cartons. A side rail (97) is provided and positioned to engage the back ends of the moving cartons to absorb the momentum of grouped articles as the articles are inserted into the cartons.

Abstract: A device for folding flexible articles such as shirts, towels, piece goods and the like comprising a generally flat main member with two side panels foldably attached to the main member. A base attached to the main member supports the main member and elevates it above a support surface and comprises a generally flat base member and four side panels that each fold and lock in place to form the sides of the base support. The device is preferably made of corrugated cardboard and scored or perforated at the various fold lines. The device can be expanded for flat storage and folded for use.

Abstract: A sealing machine for sealing parallelpiped boxes with down-turned flaps, comprises a lower supporting and containment structure defining a supporting plane for the boxes; a lower sealing unit normally contained within the supporting and containment structure; means for advancing the boxes along the supporting plane; a vertically movable upper supporting structure; and an upper sealing unit fixed to the upper supporting structure. The lower supporting structure includes a control unit operable externally from the sealing machine for enabling upward movement of the lower sealing unit to a position wherein at least a portion of the lower sealing unit is disposed above the supporting plane of the boxes.

Abstract: A four-sided seal packaging machine having a side sealing unit, an end sealing unit, and an end cutting unit. The side sealing unit has a frame work, a first pair of cooperative sealing members to seal a first longitudinal edge of a package as the package is formed and a second pair of cooperative sealing members to seal an opposing longitudinal edge of the package. The first pair and the second pair of sealing members are mounted independently of each other to the frame work and each pair has a respective adjustment for adjusting the extent of compression together of the members of that pair independently of the other pair. The machine is well adapted for enabling self-validation, providing reliable high integrity seals.

Abstract: A method of adjusting inserting apparatus capable of inserting a plurality of documents into envelopes of varying size. The method includes locating an envelope with an open flap on a template having a plurality of scales thereon for determining whether or not the inserting apparatus can accommodate the size of the envelope placed on the template and for adjusting a plurality of adjustable mechanical elements of the inserting apparatus in order to process the envelope placed on the template, and adjusting the mechanical elements in accordance with the readings on the scales.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a device for sidewise shifting and positioning of a tool in a slotting station situated within a machine used for processing sheet-like workpieces. The station includes a creasing tool, a counter tool, which are mounted on a first pair of vertical, arranged horizontally extending shafts, a slotting tool and counterpart, both fitted on a second pair of shafts arranged downstream of the first pair, a master plate being held in the transfer direction of the workpiece by two crosswise shafts, one of which is for guiding and the other is for shifting the master plate on the guiding shift, the plate having an arrangement for gripping each of the upper tools of the pairs of tools, which arrangement includes an arrangement for laterally shifting the arrangement for one of the two tools relative to the master plate while holding the tool simultaneously fully parallel to the master plate.

Abstract: A taping machine comprising an operating and advancement plane for boxes to be side-sealed. The apparatus includes conveyors engaging the top and bottom of the boxes to cause advancement. The upper conveyor is displaceable vertically, while the taping units are displaceable vertically and horizontally. The transmission of motion is operationally but removably placed between the conveyor and taping unit adjustment devices. This motion is such that every vertical displacement of the conveyor implies a similar halved displacement of the taping units. The result is ease of adjustment for boxes of differing sizes.

Abstract: In a folding apparatus with a transverse cutting and transverse folding unit fed by a first longitudinal folding unit and with a second longitudinal folding unit followed by a delivery unit, simple development and expansion of the folding apparatus step by step is made possible by arranging the transverse cutting and transverse folding unit on a basic frame and arranging the second longitudinal folding unit on a lower additional frame. Furthermore the basic and additional frame are arranged at the same level and are provided with connection structure adjacent to each other and over the connection on the basic frame there is a further connection structure for a superposed frame with transverse and longitudinal forming unit. The additional frame is provided with support surfaces for the superposed frame which has corresponding surfaces.

Abstract: A paper product traverses a straight line path through a folding apparatus defined by two folding stations that are mounted independently of one another. Each station includes supports, a central frame extending along the paper folding path, and belt arrangements for gripping, propelling and folding a laterally projecting portion of the paper. Each station is mounted for a lateral translation of the entire station perpendicular to the paper path. In the preferred form, this translation is accomplished with racks associated with each stand and pinions carried on a common drive shaft that engage the racks. Both stations also preferably include an arrangement for rotating the station as a whole in the horizontal plane to adjust the squareness of the fold.

Abstract: The invention relates to a book case magazine for book casing machines, this magazine comprising a device for picking off that book case which, at a given point in time, is lying flat at the bottom of a stack, and for conveying it away. The transport elements for conveying the book case are configured as wide feeders 5, 6, extending from the vicinity of a central support surface 59 for the stack and running laterally at least as far as the mid-regions of the covers of a book case that is representative of the largest format to be accomodated by the magazine. The feeders 5, 6 are mounted on a crossbeam 4 which can be moved forwards and backwards, enabling them to be set conjointly to the book case height, and wherein these feeders 5, 6 are preferably interconnected to form a single component, and can be set conjointly to the book case thickness by means of an adjusting mechanism 9.

Abstract: An upper taping head is fixed to a vertically movable cross-piece whose ends are engaged in two fixed support and guide columns. To adjust the position of the cross-piece, there is provided at least one threaded rod borne in a rotating manner by one end of the cross-piece and engaged in a nut screw which is fastened to the corresponding fixed column. A control crank may be placed on the top of the threaded rod or shifted toward the center-line of the cross-piece and connected to the cross-piece by a transmission chain borne by the cross-piece. A second threaded rod may be provided for the other end of the movable cross-piece and connected by a transmission chain borne by the cross-piece to the first rod and to a control crank shifted toward the center-line of the column.

Abstract: Apparatus for setting the pasting rollers in book casing machines. This setting apparatus features a position indicator 2 that is installed outside the fold-pasting unit 3, to which position indicator 2 a fold angle 1a of a book block 1 can be aligned. When this angle 1a is set to the same height as the indicator, the position of the book block represents the datum zero position of the conveyor. The leading edge 6b of the recess 6a in the pasting roller 6 can then be set, in that the pasting roller drive has a position mark 10 which corresponds to the leading edge 6b of the roller recess 6a, enabling this drive to be brought into register with a mark 7 corresponding to the datum zero position of the conveyor.

Abstract: An elongate apparatus for forming a plurality of plastic bags or pouches from a continuous length of thermoplastic film, in which the moving film is folded to form a double thickness which is open inwardly from one edge, and is folded inwardly from said one edge to form a flap ply which is treated at a plurality of aligned workstations to form physical bag features, such as to form spaced hanger-receiving slits, insert spaced hangers, form a longitudinal hanger-confining heat seam, fold out the flap ply, apply spaced adhesive closures, form V-cuts in the flap ply and fold back the flap ply to overlie the double ply prior to forming heat-seal transverse cuts which segregate the web into a plurality of plastic bags or pouches.

Abstract: Apparatus for aligning a wicketer frame with an edge of a tubular or semitubular plastic web. The positions of the edges of the web are sensed and the wicketer frame is transversely displaced in response to and in dependence on the sensed deviation of the edges of the web from an initial position. The wicketer frame is provided with at least one transverse rail, which is supported on rollers or sliding surfaces of an underlying carrying frame to permit transverse movement of the wicketer frame relative to the web. The wicketer frame is connected by a beam to an end frame, which carries the downstream end of a stacking conveyor and is supported on a base frame. The end frame is longitudinally displaceable and is rotatable through a small angle relative to the base frame. A rack and pinion arrangement is provided for transversely moving the wicketer frame.

Abstract: A packaging machine, of the type comprising a bed mounted on support legs, two uprights rigidly connected to the bed and upwardly projecting therefrom, and a working head carried by the uprights. The bed comprises a rectangular box-formed sheet metal frame and two central, longitudinal, side-by-side cross-members, the constituent elements of at least part of the machine working units being mounted directly on the cross-members, and a space for housing removable roller tables being provided between these cross-members and the longitudinal sidepieces of the bed.

Abstract: In a packaging machine for use with a plurality of webs as a packaging material, each of the webs being formed with fold lines extending widthwise thereof and arranged longitudinally thereof at a spacing corresponding to the height of the finished containers to be eventually formed from the web, the plurality of webs being different in the spacing between the fold lines to form containers of capacities which are variable according to the height, a folding apparatus for forming folds in the web by folding the web along the fold lines, comprising a plurality of folding rollers corresponding to the plurality of webs, each of the folding rollers being movable to and retractable from an operative position in which the folding roller is rotatable by the corresponding web when the web is advanced as passed therearound, each of the folding rollers having edges extending axially thereof and coinciding with the fold lines of the corresponding web.

Abstract: In order to protect operating personnel from injury and to facilitate access, a machine housing has a plurality of wall portions, such as plates and doors. In order to facilitate rapid mounting of these wall portions, horizontally offstanding L-angle brackets forming ribs are disposed on the frame of the machine, and grooved clamping elements are provided that can be firmly clamped to the ribs via screw fasteners. The wall portions are joined with these clamping elements.

Abstract: A machine including a feeding group or station, a first rotative cutting or creasing station, a second rotative cutting or creasing station and a rotative stripping station characterized by a single drive motor driving the various rotating tools of the stations and a feed roll of the feeding station. Each of the first and second stations and the stripping station have a frame with two lateral frame members with each of the lateral frame members having a groove for receiving bearing blocks for the upper and lower rotatable tools and one of the frame members of each groove mounts a drive pinion in a fixed position relative to the groove and in driving engagement with a gear on the shaft of the lower tool. Each of the bearing blocks have the same outer dimensions with the axis of the tool being positioned in the bearing block depending on the size of the tool so that by changing tools, the gears of the tools always engage the same drive pinion.

Abstract: A carton separating apparatus for separating a carton from a stack of cartons comprising a rotatable body; a drive shaft connected to said rotatable body; a plate mounted axially adjacent said rotatable body; a separating blade removably attached to said plate and having a side surface facing said rotatable body and defining an axial gap therebetween adapted to receive a portion of a carton; a single screw device supporting and connecting said plate to said rotatable body and including a first threaded portion of one pitch connected to said rotatable body and a second threaded portion of another pitch connected to said plate whereby rotation of said single screw device causes differential relative axial displacement of said rotatable body and said plate while maintaining a parallel relationship between opposite gap defining surfaces thereof; and a detent device to biasingly hold said screw device in selected incremental adjusted positions.

Abstract: A system adapted to reverse the sequential position of the operative units of packaging machinery as a function of the orientation of the processing line and the floor space where the plant is located. The system provides for the use of a coupling plate disposed between the work table and the machine housing, the plate being adapted to be mounted in two specularly symmetrical rotational positions 180 degrees apart relative to one another and with respect of the machine housing.

Abstract: It is proposed to adjust components, tools and devices of a packaging machine to various formats in accordance with the products to be packaged and packaging material to be used. To assure that the operator will approach the correct conversion point when adjusting the individual conversion points in accordance with a program of a data-processing control unit, the various conversion points have code carriers with a code identifying the particular conversion point. The control unit does not emit an adjusting signal unitl the operator has connected a code reader with the code carrier the code of which agrees with the conversion point displayed at the control unit.

Abstract: For adjustment to various formats in accordance with the products to be packaged and the packages used, structural parts, tools and devices of a packaging machine are equipped to be adjustable. In order to be able to effect adjustment as intended and quickly by means of displaceable parts equipped with set screws at the changeover locations, the packaging machine has a mobile drive unit, which can be coupled with the set screws of the various changeover locations. The drive unit is controlled by a control unit which is programmable in accordance with the format, and is used by the operator at a given changeover location as indicated by the control unit.

Abstract: A duplex slitter scorer mounted on a single pivoted sub-carrier is provided with a single power adjusting apparatus disposed entirely below the paper feed path. The adjusting apparatus includes a single rotatable lead screw to position a common carrier mounting first and second relatively movable adjusting arms that are selectively engageable in sequence with the slitting and creasing heads. The lead screw axis is fixed transversely and both adjusting arms are retractable to permit indexing of the pivoted sub-carrier. To compensate for paper weave, the sub-frame is moved along its pivot axis. The lead screw is fixed against longitudinal movement but is partially controlled by a signal indicative of sub-carrier position along its pivot axis so that the instantaneous position of the adjusting apparatus common carrier is related to the instantaneous position of the sub-frame along its pivot axis.

Abstract: A jig construction having adjustable spacers which may be positioned to accommodate various sizes of pre-cut paperboard or cardboard sheets from which folded pallets are formed. The jig includes manually and semi-automatically actuated mechanisms for adjusting the size of the cardboard pallet formed thereon, and to facilitate bending and creasing sections of the paperboard for forming the pallet construction.

Abstract: A folding-carton gluing machine comprising a machine frame, an inserter, conveying means for the flat carton blanks, a crossbeam on the frame, carton working tools slidably mounted on the crossbeam, means for adjusting the position of the tools relative to a blank, the tools being movable from a working position which they are to occupy in the machine into a position in which they are spaced from the working position, and a sliding table for a flat carton blank adapted to be moved under the tools when the latter are spaced from their working position.

Abstract: Structural improvements in the mechanisms for supporting and driving the blade of an orbital saw. Improvements in the controls for the drive mechanisms for the winder and for the saw blade particularly as to increasing or decreasing the production rate of specified stick lengths.

Abstract: Packaging apparatus is provided for producing packages of various sizes. The package is of generally rectangular form and comprises two webs of packaging material which can be of a wide variety of lengths and widths. The packages have parallel longitudinal adhesive strips and parallel transverse adhesive strips joining the two webs of packaging material together. A lower continuous web of packaging material is fed longitudinally along a predetermined path and two separate applicator heads apply strips of adhesive material along edge portions of the web. Additional applicator heads, preferably combined as a single unit with two nozzles, apply transverse strips of adhesive material between the longitudinal strips when the web is stopped.