Automated radial roll folder

Abstract

A folding machine of the type comprising at least two fixed rolls or rollers and one adjustable roller which is movable substantially circumferentially about the two fixed rollers to automatically adjust the 'spacings' between the adjustable roller and the fixed rollers, includes automating mechanisms for automatically locking the spacing positions of the adjustable roller and/or resetting the adjustable roller to a 'home' position. The adjustable rollers ride on contoured surfaces formed on first arms of levers which pivot about the axes of the fixed rollers. The automating mechanisms include cams which contact second arms of the levers. Cam actuators automatically rotate the cams to cause cam surfaces thereof to follow the outward movement of the contoured surfaces of the levers. The cams are on one-way clutches which only allow them to rotate in a direction to follow the outward movement of the contoured surfaces; however, the one-way clutches are mounted on spring loaded studs which can be rotated in a mounting frame in the opposite direction in response to application of a torque of a predetermined amount. Rotary solenoids are included for providing such torque as well as a lower-level 'locking' torque.