Methods and apparatus for folding sheet material
US6723036B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 19, 2002 |
| Grant date | Apr 20, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 19, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB31B70/982
- WIPO fieldHandling
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
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.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.