System and method for folding and handling stacks of continuous web
US7402130B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 29, 2006 |
| Grant date | Jul 22, 2008 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 29, 2026 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB65H2511/12
- WIPO fieldHandling
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
This invention provides a system and method for separating, folding, stacking and transporting a continuous web that allows stacks of web that are relatively large (four-feet-high or more) to be generated at high speed directly beneath the folding mechanism and to be transferred as complete, discrete stacks to downstream locations and stack utilization devices without interrupting the ongoing, upstream stack-folding and stack-formation process. A zigzag folded web passes by a pair of opposing front and rear compression plate assemblies, with fingers that are extended to selectively project into the folding area, onto a stack supported by a vertically moving supporting mechanism. The supporting mechanism cycles between an ever-lower position in which upper, loose pages of the folded web pass by plate fingers (when retracted) and an upper position in which the stack engages and presses upwardly against the now-extended plate fingers to compress the stack. After the web is separated above the chute, the supporting mechanism eventually travels to the base where the now-completed stack is conveyed to a downstream location. While the supporting mechanism is occupied transferring the comp…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.