Abstract: In a wrapping apparatus, particularly for enclosing articles consisting of or containing groups of cigarettes in wrapper material, the articles are received in a pocketed drum in which at least one overlapped region of the wrapper material is heat scaled. Preferably opposed side seams and an end flap of the wrapper are sealed, so as substantially to complete the enclosure of the article while on the drum. Side seal heaters carried by the drum may be mounted on respective annular carriers which are rotatably displaceable to remove the heaters from contact with the articles if the drum is stopped for an extended period. End seal heaters may be pivotally mounted on the drum and operated by a cam arrangement to fold an end flap of the wrapper into an overlapped position.

Abstract: A method and a unit for packing groups of products, each group of products is fed together with a respective blank at a loading station to a radial first seat of a first wheel, the blank is first folded into a U and then completely folded about the group to form a packed group, the packed group is then transferred together with a sheet of overwrapping material at a transfer station to a radial second seat of a second wheel, the sheet of overwrapping material is first folded into a U and then folded completely about the packed group to form an overwrapped group; the blank and the sheet of overwrapping material both being fed successively to the same gripper associated with the first seat and fitted to the first wheel at a location downstream from the first seat.

Abstract: A method of transferring wrappings, wherein each wrapping is defined by a sheet of wrapping material and has at least one flat wall, provides for feeding a wrapping along a curved path by means of a pocket of a conveyor; for guiding the wrapping along the curved path by means of a guide contacting the wrapping; and for moving a plate of the guide with respect to the pocket, so that a flat face of the plate is maintained contacting the entire flat wall of the wrapping along a portion of the curved path.

Abstract: Packets are overwrapped in a cellophaner unit equipped with a wheel by which the packets are directed through an assembly station together with leaves of wrapping material and toward a folding station where the leaves are bent around the packets, also a suction roller set in rotation continuously and tangentially to the wheel, on which the leaves are held by suction while advancing along a first path extending between a cutter device and the assembly station; the wheel is furnished with peripheral carriers supporting the single packets, each equipped with gripper jaws positioned to take up one end of a leaf held on the adjacent roller and detach it by degrees from the relative suction surface before effecting an initial overwrapping step of folding the leaf partly around a relative packet.

Abstract: On a wrapping machine for conditioning stacks of products, a stack of products is conditioned inside a tubular wrapping by folding a sheet of heat-seal wrapping material into a U about the stack inside a radial seat of a wrapping wheel, and by bringing two opposite lateral flaps of the U-folded sheet of wrapping material into contact with each other by means of a folding gripper, the jaws of which have respective end sealing members, and oscillate about an axis of rotation of the wrapping wheel to move with respect to each other to and from a closed position, and to accompany the radial seat along part of a travelling step of the wrapping wheel.

Abstract: Successive cigarette packs wherein an inner envelope surrounds an array of smokers' products are advanced against successive foremost blanks of a series of blanks to be converted into outer envelopes of the respective packs. Those portions of the inner envelopes which are secured to each other by an adhesive are mechanically held against separaton prior to complete setting of the adhesive on their way toward the blanks, during entrainment and initial deformation of the blanks and, if necessary, during conversion of the blanks into outer envelopes which surround the respective inner envelopes. The blanks can consist of a light transmitting material.

Abstract: A method for hermetically sealing a bulk article wherein a strip of wrapping material is initially positioned onto an article such that extending ends of the wrapping material strip extend from away from an edge of the article, each end having a different length. The article is rotated to cause the ends of the strip to cover an uncovered side of the article with a fin-like section extending therefrom away from the article which can be sealed without contacting the article. The fin-like section is cooled and folded onto the top of the article so as to form an axial seam. Lateral ends of the wrapping material strip are then sealed to complete the hermetic sealing process.

Abstract: A wrapper folding apparatus of a packaging machine has a second wheel (10) for use as a folding turret. The second wheel (10) is supplied with a cigarette bundle and an aluminized sheet (S) in an inlet position. As this is done, the aluminized sheet (S) is folded around the periphery of the cigarette bundle, and lug portions formed by the peripheral folding are folded by the use of primary lug folding guides (36). Since the lug protions are kept folded by the use of holding guides (38) thereafter, they cannot be freed until an outlet position is reached. When the cigarette bundle is discharged in the outlet position of the second wheel (10), the lug portions on the end-flap side are folded by the use of secondary lug folding guides (46). After the folding, side flaps continue to be folded without allowing the lug portions to be free.

Abstract: Hinge-lid boxes for cigarettes, comprising a box part (12) and lid (13), are frequently fitted with a closure aid for the lid (13). Said closure aid comprises interlocking elements which can be brought into engagement with one another, namely a lid inner tab (16), on the one hand, and a collar front wall (17), on the other hand. In order to ensure operativeness as soon as the pack is used, it is ensured that the closure aid is already in engagement when the pack is completed, i.e. before it is used for the first time. For this purpose, the lid (13) is partially opened after being substantially completed and is then moved into the closed position again thereby ensuring engagement of the closing elements.

Abstract: For producing hard packs, namely hinge-lid boxes or shell and slide packs in particular, inner and outer pack units are prepared separately in each case, namely a shell (20), on the one hand, and a blank for a hinge-lid box, on the other hand. The inner pack unit, comprising a cigarette block (10) and a further pack part, namely a slide (13) or a collar, is prepared in the region of a mandrel turret (24). The pack units are then brought together, with continued rotary movement, by axial displacement relative to one another.

Abstract: A cigarette packing method and machine, whereby an output wheel feeds along a folding path a number of gripping heads, each of which receives and retains, by the ends, a relative packet having minor lateral walls, each defined by an inner longitudinal tab and an outer longitudinal tab superimposed one on top of the other; each packet is fed onto the folding path with its outer longitudinal tabs open, detached from the respective inner longitudinal tabs, and supported by respective folding wings carried by the gripping head; and the folding path extends through a folding station where the folding wings of each gripping head are moved to fold the respective outer longitudinal tabs into a closed position contacting the relative inner longitudinal tabs, and, at the same time, an outward-facing major lateral wall of each packet is kept flat by contact with an external contrast device.

Abstract: A method of wrapping elongated articles in groups provides for feeding a first and a second pocket continuously along two respective paths having a common portion, along which the first pocket penetrates the second pocket to transfer a group from the first to the second pocket together with a sheet of wrapping material, which is folded into a U inside the second pocket and has two parallel, opposite flaps gripped between first and second lateral walls; and for compressing the group between a first and a second bottom wall and, at the same time, extracting the first lateral walls from the second pocket.

Abstract: A cigarette packing machine wherein an output wheel advances a number of gripping heads, each for receiving, at an input station, a respective packet with its longitudinal axis crosswise to the travelling direction of the gripping heads, and with outer longitudinal tabs open, detached from respective inner longitudinal tabs, and supported on respective folding wings carried by the relative gripping head; the output wheel feeds the packet through a gumming station, where gum is applied between each outer longitudinal tab and the relative inner longitudinal tab, and moves the relative folding wings to fold each outer longitudinal tab into a closed position contacting the relative inner longitudinal tab before the closed packet is fed to an output station (FIG. 2).

Abstract: A machine for wrapping products, wherein a stacking plate receives a succession of wrapped products, and groups the products into a succession of stacks, which are transferred, axially with respect to the stacking plate, to an input station of a wrapping wheel for wrapping the stacks in respective sheets of wrapping material, and transferring the wrapped stacks to a substantially horizontal output conveyor; the wrapping wheel rotating in steps about a horizontal first axis, and having a number of radial seats; and the stacking plate being mounted to rotate about a second axis perpendicular to the first axis and defining, with the first axis, a plane through the input station and forming a substantially 30° angle with a vertical plane through the first axis.

Abstract: A method of producing soft packets of cigarettes, whereby an inner packet, as it is fed along a packing path, is mated with a sheet of packing material withdrawn in a direction tangential with respect to the packing path; the sheet of packing material being folded into a U about the inner packet, so that a first end portion of the sheet of packing material contacts a minor lateral surface of the inner packet, and being further folded to form a tubular package which is subsequently closed at the end; the tubular package being closed laterally by detaching the first end portion from the relative minor lateral surface, and inserting, beneath the first end portion, a second end portion, an outer surface of which has been gummed beforehand.

Abstract: A machine (1) and method for wrapping products (2), whereby a product (2) is applied with a respective sheet (3) of wrapping material, is fed by a wrapping conveyor (4) along a first path (P1) to fold the sheet (3) of wrapping material about the product (2) to form a tubular wrapping (7), and is then fed by the wrapping conveyor (4) along a second path (P2) to stabilize, by sealing, the tubular wrapping (7); a sealing element (11) being fed, by a further conveyor (12) and in time with the product, along a third path (P4) parallel to the second path (P2), so as to be applied to the second path (P2), so as to be applied to the tubular wrapping (7) and seal two superimposed portions (8) of the tubular wrapping (7).

Abstract: A machine for producing packets of cigarettes, each packet having a group of cigarettes enclosed in packaging material, has a number of conveyors, each having a respective given number of respective members which are brought into contact with the groups and/or the packaging material, and cooperate with the members of at least one adjacent conveyor; the number of members of each conveyor being equal to a multiple or to a divisor of the number of members of an adjacent conveyor.

Abstract: A method and machine for producing a rigid packet of cigarettes from a flat, substantially rectangular blank; the blank has two main longitudinal crease lines, and a number of transverse crease lines defining, between the two main longitudinal crease lines, central panels having respective lateral wings; the flat blank is fed to a prefolding station where the lateral wings of at least one of the central panels are folded about the respective main longitudinal crease lines; and the blank is subsequently restored to the flat configuration before being fed to a follow-up folding station.

Abstract: Apparatus for handling (cigarette) packs, in particular for transporting and sealing the same. (Cigarette) packs (10) coming from a packaging machine or a folding turret (11) are transported in the region of a sealing subassembly (22) by a pocket conveyor (26), laterally arranged sealing jaws (35, 36) sealing sideways-directed end walls during a standstill phase. The packs (10) are fed, via an intermediate conveyor (23), to an accumulating conveyor (24) and, finally, to a pushing-off station (25) for the formation of pack groups (55) which are to be pushed off transversely. By virtue of relative movement, the pack group (55) is separated off from a following line of packs (52).

Abstract: In method of manufacturing sealed packets (102) of cigarettes, each displaying a revenue stamp (3) and a coupon (4) affixed to the printed faces, the packets (2a) emerge from a packaging machine (5) with the external paper or cardboard surface (10) still to be overwrapped and are conveyed singly and in succession from the packaging machine (5) to a cellophaner (6), through the agency of a transfer unit (107), following a path equipped with stations at which a revenue stamp (3) and a coupon (4) are applied to the outer surface (10) of each one; on reaching cellophaner (6), each packet (2a) is enveloped in a relative sheet (15) of transparent overwrapping material, and the folds of the sheet are secured to complete the sealed packet (102) of cigarettes.

Abstract: A wrapper folding apparatus of a packaging machine has a second wheel (10) for use as a folding turret. The second wheel (10) is supplied with a cigarette bundle and an aluminized sheet (S) in an inlet position. As this is done, the aluminized sheet (S) is folded around the periphery of the cigarette bundle, and lug portions formed by the peripheral folding are folded by means of primary lug folding guides (36). Since the lug protions are kept folded by means of holding guides (38) thereafter, they cannot be freed until an outlet position is reached. When the cigarette bundle is discharged in the outlet position of the second wheel (10), the lug portions on the end-flap side are folded by means of secondary lug folding guides (46). After the folding, side flaps continue to be folded without allowing the lug portions to be free.

Abstract: A log packaging apparatus for packaging logs using a turret or a shuttle. The turret or shuttle can be used in conjunction with a wrap conveyor. The turret system can include a rotatable turret with at least one clamp movable into different positions in the apparatus, a log station at which logs are received, and a log ejector for ejecting logs from the log station into clamps of the turret. Logs can be ejected from the log station, through wrap material, and into the turret clamps. In other embodiments, a wrap conveyor inserts wrap material between a shuttle and a log station at which logs are received. Logs in such embodiments can pass from the log station to the shuttle through the wrap material.

Abstract: A method and unit for forming a tubular wrapping about a rectangular-prism-shaped product, whereby a sheet of packing material is folded about the product in a first folding step, wherein the sheet of packing material is folded into a U about the product so that an end portion of the sheet of packing material projects crosswise with respect to a longitudinal axis of the product and beyond the product itself; and in a second folding step, wherein the end portion is subjected to traction in a direction crosswise to the longitudinal axis of the product, and is simultaneously folded further about the product to define the tubular wrapping.

Abstract: An arrangement for manufacturing a paper can includes processing stations arranged one behind the other along two star-shaped wheels. Packaging material from supply stores is fed to each star-shaped wheel. The two star-shaped wheels and the processing stations arranged thereto are disposed on the same machine frame. The packaging material for both star-shaped wheels are fed from a joint material supply station. Thereby, a compact construction and reduced operational procedure are achieved.

Abstract: On a wrapping machine, the products for wrapping are transferred along a portion of a wrapping line by a transfer wheel, which has a number of radially projecting gripper-type peripheral seats, and rotates in steps about an axis of rotation to feed the peripheral seats in a given direction through a loading station, where each peripheral seat receives a relative product by means of a first transfer assembly, and through an unloading station where each product is expelled from the relative peripheral seat and fed through a wrapping assembly by means of a second transfer assembly; each peripheral seat having a first and a second jaw, of which the second jaw, located behind the first, is movable between a closed position and an open position.

Abstract: On a wrapping machine for conditioning stacks of products, a stack of products is conditioned inside a tubular wrapping by folding a sheet of heat-seal wrapping material into a U about the stack inside a radial seat of a wrapping wheel, and by bringing two opposite lateral flaps of the U-folded sheet of wrapping material into contact with each other by means of a folding gripper, the jaws of which have respective end sealing members, and oscillate about an axis of rotation of the wrapping wheel to move with respect to each other to and from a closed position, and to accompany the radial seat along part of a travelling step of the wrapping wheel.

Abstract: Packets are overwrapped in a cellophaner unit equipped with a wheel by which the packets are directed through an assembly station together with leaves of wrapping material and toward a folding station where the leaves are bent around the packets, also a suction roller set in rotation continuously and tangentially to the wheel, on which the leaves are held by suction while advancing along a first path extending between a cutter device and the assembly station; the wheel is furnished with peripheral carriers supporting the single packets, each equipped with gripper jaws positioned to take up one end of a leaf held on the adjacent roller and detach it by degrees from the relative suction surface before effecting an initial overwrapping step of folding the leaf partly around a relative packet.

Abstract: A method of packing rearms of sheets, wherein each ream is defined by sheets stacked to form a rectangular-base prism of a given height, and has two base faces defined by respective end sheets in the ream, two lateral faces perpendicular to the base faces, and two end faces. The method providing for feeding the ream along a given path in a feed direction parallel to the base faces. Placing a sheet of packing material along the path of the ream and perpendicular to the feed direction, and conveying the ream and the sheet of packing material in the feed direction through a folding spindle to fold the sheet of packing material into a U about the ream.

Abstract: A method for hermetically sealing a bulk article wherein a strip of wrapping material is initially positioned onto an article such that extending ends of the wrapping material strip extend from away from an edge of the article, each end having a different length. The article is rotated to cause the ends of the strip to cover an uncovered side of the article with a fin-like section extending therefrom away from the article which can be sealed without contacting the article. The fin-like section is cooled and folded onto the top of the article so as to form an axial seam. Lateral ends of the wrapping material strip are then sealed to complete the hermetic sealing process.

Abstract: A method of producing hinged-lid packets of cigarettes on a continuous automatic machine, whereby a blank is closed about a group of cigarettes, the blank having a longitudinal axis, a rear panel, first tabs connected to the rear panel, and second and third tabs connected to the first tabs; the method providing for feeding the blank continuously along a given path with the axis of the blank crosswise to the path; and folding the first tabs with respect to the rear panel so that the second and third tabs are so positioned as to be intercepted by fixed folding devices located along the path.

Abstract: Article wrapping apparatus for wrapping or folding a wrapper blank around an article which may comprise or contain a group of rod-like articles such as cigarettes, includes a wrapper blank former which simultaneously folds sides and ends of a blank (60) by plunging the former (64) around an article holder (58) and subsequently plunging the article from the holder into the former. The apparatus also includes a housing (24) for supporting a partially-wrapped article which is pivoted relative to an abutment (32) so that a flap is swept into a closed position; and pivoted holders (24, 54) which are used to transfer articles between axially-spaced process positions on a process drum (6). Folding operations may be performed during transfer to or from a pivotable holder (24, 54), particularly in a radial direction of the drum (6).

Abstract: In order to produce (cigarette) packs with an (inner) wrapper made of heat-sealable sheet material and with folding tabs which are connected to one another by sealing, first of all a cigarette group (11) is enclosed by a wrapper blank and. following completion of the necessary folding operations, is fed to a sealing turret (48). In the region of the latter, folding tabs on sideways directed side walls and on radially outwardly directed end walls of the folded wrapper are sealed.

Abstract: A method and unit for closing the ends of tubular wrappings on a cigarette packing machine, wherein the tubular wrappings enclosing respective groups of cigarettes are fed continuously and successively along an annular path and through two folding stations, in the first of which a movable folding member and a fixed folding member, common to all the tubular wrappings, fold the short sides of a projecting tubular portion of the tubular wrapping to define two projecting major tabs, and in the second of which a single rocker arm, common to all the tubular wrappings, is swung to successively fold the two major tabs while the wall of the tubular wrapping coplanar with each major tab is maintained, during folding, contacting a respective flat supporting wall.

Abstract: Process and apparatus for checking (cigarette) packs for the correct positioning of material strips. In order to check the correct position of a material strip (11) on a cigarette pack (10), at least two sensors are used to compare spaced-apart measurement or checking points (19, 20) in terms of the relative position in relation to one another. This gives the relative position of the material strip (11). If the latter is in a skewed position, the relevant cigarette pack (10) is separated out.

Abstract: In a method and device for continuously wrapping products (3), while the products (3) are being fed continuously at a first speed (V1) along an intermediate portion (44) of a first path (P1) and in a first direction (D1), together with their intermediate wrappers (2a), the latter having a first and a second wing (37, 38), projection from, and on opposite sides of a surface (30) of the product (3), the wings (37, 38) make contact with a first folder (43) that moves at a second speed (V2) which is faster than the first speed (V1) in a second direction (D2) coinciding with the first speed (D1) along a section (45) of a second a path (P2).

Abstract: A method and machine for wrapping cigars provides for feeding the cigars continuously along a given path, along which a sheet of wrapping material is folded about each cigar, the sheet of wrapping material is closed about the cigar and at the opposite ends to form a closed wrapping, and the closed wrapping is sealed.

Abstract: A method and unit for wrapping sweets, whereby a sweet, housed in a relative first peripheral seat of a distribution plate rotating about a first axis, is extracted from the relative first seat in an extraction direction parallel to the first axis, and is then fed to a relative second seat of a wrapping wheel, rotating about a second axis crosswise to the first axis, in a feed direction substantially crosswise to the extraction direction and through a feed line parallel to the first axis and for supplying sheets of wrapping material.

Abstract: A method and unit for forming tubular wrappings on a cigarette packing machine, whereby groups of cigarettes are fed successively to respective conveying heads of a continuous wrapping wheel, on which an end portion of a sheet of wrapping material, folded into a U about a respective group of cigarettes and carried by a respective conveying head, is folded onto the respective group by means of a respective outer folding member moved, with respect to the wrapping wheel, so to remain substantially parallel at all times to the respective conveying head; the outer folding members being equal in number to the conveying heads.

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: In order to improve the outer appearance of (cigarette) packs (10) of the hinge-lid-box type, said packs, once an outer wrapper (13) has been provided and sealed, are conveyed through a shrinking station (26) and subjected to the action of heat in the region of the large-surface-area pack sides, in particular in the region of upwardly directed front sides. For this purpose, heating plates (32, 33) are positioned in the region of the shrinking station (26) and transmit heat to the upwardly directed surfaces of the packs (10).

Abstract: A method and unit for forming a tubular wrapping about a rectangular-prism-shaped product, whereby a sheet of packing material is folded about the product in a first folding step, wherein the sheet of packing material is folded into a U about the product so that an end portion of the sheet of packing material projects crosswise with respect to a longitudinal axis of the product and beyond the product itself; and in a second folding step, wherein the end portion is subjected to traction in a direction crosswise to the longitudinal axis of the product, and is simultaneously folded further about the product to define the tubular wrapping

Abstract: An apparatus for transporting folding packaging material forms in the tobacco-processing industry, particularly carton forms for cigarette hard packs that have been scored or pre-punched along fold lines, from a feed station to a processing station. A rotary table is mounted for rotation about an essentially vertical axis. The rotary table includes at least one receiving platform having oppositely located lateral holders defining limits for the packaging material. At least one of the lateral holders is movable from a feeding position into a holding position relative to the oppositely-located lateral holder.

Abstract: A method of overwrapping packets in the form of a rectangular prism, whereby a packet, as it is fed continuously along a wrapping path, is first centered with respect to a relative conveying seat, and is then paired with a relative sheet of wrapping material, which is folded about the packet to form a tubular wrapping projecting axially from the packet in the form of two tubular appendixes, which are folded to form a closed overwrapping; each tubular appendix being at least partly folded onto the relative packet before the relative tubular wrapping is completed.

Abstract: A method of producing soft packets of cigarettes, whereby an inner packet, as it is fed along a packing path, is mated with a sheet of packing material withdrawn in a direction tangential with respect to the packing path; the sheet of packing material being folded into a U about the inner packet, so that a first end portion of the sheet of packing material contacts a minor lateral surface of the inner packet, and being further folded to form a tubular package which is subsequently closed at the end; the tubular package being closed laterally by detaching the first end portion from the relative minor lateral surface, and inserting, beneath the first end portion, a second end portion, an outer surface of which has been gummed beforehand.

Abstract: The apparatus for wrapping confectionery products and the like comprises a device for feeding the products to be wrapped, an organ for extracting such products from the aforesaid feeding device able to co-operate with a device dispensing a piece of material in sheet form, a wrapping head with pincers, rotating according to a horizontal axis to bring individual products with a respective piece of material in sheet form in correspondence with a series of operative stations. The feeding device comprises a circular disk, positioned horizontally and rotating about a vertical axis, which presents, peripherally distributed, a series of recesses for the reception of respective products, open outwards, each provided, in correspondence with the lower surface of said disk and posteriorly thereto, with a related slit.

Abstract: An automatic machine wherein an operating wheel rotating about a central axis supports a number of work stations, which all communicate with a fixed control unit by means of a single cordless communication unit having a movable communication device carried by the wheel, and a fixed communication device located on the machine; the fixed and movable communication devices are coaxial with the axis of the wheel so as to substantially face each other at all times as the wheel rotates.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and device for continuously wrapping products, according to which, during the continuous feed of the products and respective intermediate wrappers which have four flaps to be folded, projecting in such a way that they are offset from the lower surface of the product, along a path with an instantaneous tangent extending in a first direction which may vary from point to point on the path, two opposite flaps make contact with respective first and second folding tools, located on opposite sides of an intermediate folding portion of the path.

Abstract: On a continuously operating cigarette packing machine, a group of cigarettes is transferred from a pocket—integral with an endless conveyor having at least one substantially straight portion—to a first seat—carried on an input wheel of a wrapping line and movable with respect to the input wheel—by transferring the group axially from the pocket to a second seat, which is fed by an intermediate wheel along a portion of the endless conveyor and is movable with respect to the intermediate wheel; and by then orienting the first and second seats with respect to the respective wheels so that one of the first and second seats penetrates the other for a given time.

Abstract: A packing machine comprising a rotary assembly (2) which is adapted to receive articles (4) travelling along a path which is adjacent one region of the periphery of the assembly, and means (26) for receiving foil (14) or other wrapping material, at a different peripheral region, the foil then being oriented in a tangential plane; the assembly further comprising means for reorienting the foil into a plane which is perpendicular to said tangential plane (20) at a subsequent rotary position, where it is suitably aligned with a cooperating article wrapping means (40, 32).

Abstract: A wrapping wheel of a continuous cigarette packing machine has at least one seat for a respective group of cigarettes having two end surfaces and enclosed in a tubular wrapping having two projecting tubular end portions, each having two minor walls; the wheel moves each end surface along a relative path crosswise to the relative two minor walls, which are each folded onto the end surface by a relative folding device, which has an outer surface tangent to the end surface, and is mounted for rotation about a respective axis converging towards a plane defined by the path traveled by the end surface.