System and method for folding and handling stacks of continuous web

US8360948B1 · kind B1 · utility

Assignee

• Lasermax Roll Systems, Inc. · US

Inventors

• Richard A. Sjostedt · Ashland, US
• Steven P. Lewalski · Melrose, US
• Bruce J. Taylor · Manchester, US
• John M. Fiske · Medford, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Apr 5, 2010
• Grant date: Jan 29, 2013
• Expiry date: Mar 18, 2031

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B65H2511/12
• WIPO field: Handling
• WIPO sector: Mechanical 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…