Moore U.s.a., Inc.

Moore North America, Inc.

Lee T Spranger

A method and apparatus for sealing a business form having pressure activated adhesive utilizes a minimum amount of equipment in a simple arrangement that has optimum versatility. Sealing is accomplished utilizing a first set of rolls which has a first substantially continuous roll and a second roll having a non-round shape with at least one projection (and typically having a configuration that in end view substantially simulates an airplane propeller including first and second projections angularly spaced about 180&deg;). The first and second rolls are mounted in position for rotation about parallel axes so that the projections come into operative association with the first roll to perform the sealing action in a first position, and at a second position the entire second roll is not in operative association with the first roll. A stepper motor controls the rotation of the second roll. A second set of rolls is provided substantially immediately adjacent the discharge of the first set, and includes first and second rolls, and which are aligned with adhesive patterns of a business form that are perpendicular to the patterns sealed by the first set of rolls.

Selective horizontal, continuous vertical, sealing action

Business forms with pressure activated adhesive or cohesive are handled by a sealing apparatus which has a reduced weight, foot print of equipment, and lower cost to the end user, because of its simple construction. First, second and third rollers are provided which have axes of rotation that are vertically spaced from each other and are preferably substantially vertically aligned, with the second roller between the first and third rollers. The forms pass through a first nip between the first and second rollers, are re-directed, and then pass through the second nip between the second and third rollers. Preferably forms pass through both nips at the same time to maximize the pressure in both nips. Typically, when passing through each of the nips the rollers exert a force of between about 100-200 pounds per lineal inch. Preferably all of the rollers are driven, such as by a motor connected to the second roller, and with gears acting between the second roller and the first and third rollers.

Pressure sealer three tiered sealing roll configuration

Business forms having longitudinal and transverse patterns of pressure activated cohesive requiring a sealing force of at least about 50 lbs. per lineal inch are sealed preferably by a single pass through a nip formed by first and second rollers. The first roller is a larger diameter substantially smooth surfaced roll, while the second roller is a small diameter serrated or ribbed roll, e.g. having serrations or ribs having a dimension substantially parallel to the axis of rotation of about 0.04-0.1 (e.g. about 1/16) inches, with spaces therebetween of between about 0.2-0.1 inches (e.g. between about 1/32-1/16) inches. Preferably the serrations or ribs are oppositely directed angled serrations or ribs on different halves of the second roll, each making an angle of at least about 10.degree. with respect to a plane substantially transverse to the axis of rotation. The rolls are typically 4-12 inches in length, and when 6 inches in length or more, a reinforcing roll preferably engages the second roll to prevent bowing of the second roll.

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Dover, NH, United States of America

Lee T Spranger