Ward Holding Company, Inc.

James M Kowalewski

Mikhail Elkis

Solomon D Kaplan

Leonard T Katilas

Mark R Donovan

John H Andrews

Boris M Katz

A paperboard processing machine is disclosed for printing and otherwise processing sheets of paperboard, such as corrugated container blanks, and in which the sheets are conveyed from one section of the machine to another section by one or more vacuum transfer systems. Each vacuum transfer system comprises an enclosure which is closed by a closure plate for creating a subatmospheric pressure, which pressure forces the sheets into frictional engagement with the reaches of a plurality of conveyor belts whereby the sheets are transported without contact of the opposite side of the sheet not contacted by the conveyor reach.

Paperboard processing machine with vacuum transfer system

A sheet processing apparatus, for example for flexographic printing and die-cutting of corrugated paperboard container blanks, has first and second successive processing sections connected by a transfer section. The sheets are successively passed through the various sections in positional registrations therewith. A sensor senses a sheet while in the transfer section and provides a signal representative of the positional registration of the sheet in the transfer section. A computer system determines from the signal whether the sheet would enter the second section in correct positional registration for processing by the second section, and adjusts as necessary the positional registration of the sheet while in the transfer section to cause the sheet to enter the second section in correct positional registration therewith. Preferably, the transfer section is a vacuum conveyor independently driven by one or more electric servo motors; the conveyor being both accelerated and decelerated to adjust sheet registration, and thereafter, the conveyor is returned to its original linear position without effecting the registrational position of the sheet.

Sheet registration control

A carton blank processing machine is disclosed having rolls for printing, cutting, creasing and otherwise processing carton blanks. The processing rolls are driven by shafts extending into bearings supported by spaced-apart frame members. At least one shaft extends through its associated bearing to the outboard side of the frame member and is surrounded by a motor, preferably of the frameless type, having a hollow rotor in which the shaft is received and connected for direct drive by the rotor. Axial adjustment systems are provided for axially adjusting at least one shaft and roll, and such systems may be mounted on the outboard end of the frameless motor.

Shaft mounting and drive for carton blank processing machine

A paperboard processing machine is disclosed for printing and otherwise processing sheets of paperboard, such as corrugated container blanks, and in which the sheets are conveyed from one section of the machine to another section by one or more vacuum transfer systems. Each vacuum transfer system comprises an enclosure which is closed by a closure plate for creating a subatmospheric pressure, which pressure forces the sheets into frictional engagement with the reaches of a plurality of conveyor belts whereby the sheets are transported without contact of the opposite side of the sheet not contacted by the conveyor reach. In one embodiment the closure plate is imperforate, while in the second embodiment the closure plate is provided with a limited number of apertures for providing a secondary flow of air upwardly against the bottom surfaces of the paperboard sheets. In addition, in one preferred embodiment, a plurality of slots are provided in the closure plate for reducing the inflow of air at the entrance and exit ends of the transfer section.

A sheet processing apparatus, for example for flexographic printing and die-cutting of corrugated paperboard container blanks, has first and second successive processing sections connected by a transfer section. The sheets are successively passed through the various sections in positional registrations therewith. A sensor senses a sheet while in the transfer section and provides a signal representative of the positional registration of the sheet in the transfer section. A computer system determines from the signal whether the sheet would enter the second section in correct positional registration for processing by the second section, and adjusts as necessary the positional registration of the sheet while in the transfer section to cause the sheet to enter the second section in correct positional registration therewith. Preferably, the transfer section is a vacuum conveyor independently driven by one or more electric servo motors, the conveyor being both accelerated and decelerated to adjust sheet registration.

Growing community of inventors

Baltimore, MD, United States of America

James M Kowalewski