CA2047895A1 - Apparatus for sealing form sheets - Google Patents
Apparatus for sealing form sheetsInfo
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- CA2047895A1 CA2047895A1 CA 2047895 CA2047895A CA2047895A1 CA 2047895 A1 CA2047895 A1 CA 2047895A1 CA 2047895 CA2047895 CA 2047895 CA 2047895 A CA2047895 A CA 2047895A CA 2047895 A1 CA2047895 A1 CA 2047895A1
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- sealing
- belts
- sealing belts
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Abstract
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
In an apparatus for sealing together form sheets having heat-sealable adhesives, the opposing surfaces of first and second sealing belts provide both heat and pressure to seal form sheets into form sets, while conveying the form sheets from infeed to outfeed of the sealing apparatus.
In an apparatus for sealing together form sheets having heat-sealable adhesives, the opposing surfaces of first and second sealing belts provide both heat and pressure to seal form sheets into form sets, while conveying the form sheets from infeed to outfeed of the sealing apparatus.
Description
2~7~9~
APPARATUS FOR SE~LING FORM SHEETS
Background of the Invention The present invention relates to the production of multi-page business forms, mass mailers and the like and in particular, to an apparatus for conveying and sealing into sealed form sets a plurality of sheets having heat sealable glue thereon.
Multi-page sealed form sets have been produced on var-ious apparatuses from sheets of matched and mismatched lengths, as well as from a plurality of webs or singlej folded webs-. Typically, form sheets in a form set are attached by adhesives along at least one edge. The development of heat-sealable and heat-activated adhesives which are particularly suited for use in~office environments has lead to improvements in production methods and apparatuses in which such adhesives are used.
-- By way of example, Shultz, U.S. Pat. No. 4,818,332, - dis~loses an apparatus for aligning, conveying and sealing collated matched and mismatched form sheets into form sets, at 20-- least one of the form sheets for each set having heat sealable adhesive thereon. Aligned,-assembled form sheets are overlapped in shingle fashion, and fed by pressure rollers between fixed, heated platens to soften the adhesive. Sealed form sets emerge from the heating structure onto an outfeed conveyor, and remain shingled until reaching a rack where they are stacked.
-- Knox et al, U.S. Pat. No. 4,420,147, discloses an appara~us for folding and heating a continuous form weh. The web is folded and passed between a plurality of fixed heater strips disposed above and below the path of the folded web to melt glue sandwiched between folds. The form set then proceeds through a pair of rollers having elastomeric O-rings aligned to apply pressure to areas of melted glue. Other methods are practiced for heat-sealing sheets and webs into other laminate structures, including the use of hot air blasts to soften adhesives on sheets as they pass through pressure 2 ~ ~ 7 ~ 9 3 rollers, and the winding of a plurality of webs against a heated drum to produce multi-ply webbing.
Problems remain, however, in heat-sealing sheet forms into form sets. In parti~ular, shingling of the form sheets may cause moisture to be driven off unevenly, as the individual sheets are both partially shielded from and -~ partially exposed to heated surfaces. The sheets are thus - stressed by heating, and wrinXling and curling of the sheets . may result. Additionally, the form sets may develop ~ "C"
.shape from being dried while shingled. Smudging o~ the form sheets may occur as sheets wipe across fixed heated surfaces, -.~ inks often being fresh, or picking..up ink residues from --: previously sealed form sets. Moreover, surface contact . between the moving.shingled forms and fixed heated surfaces is 15-s not an efficient thermal transfer arrangement, so that longer . residence times near the heated surfaces are required to melt the adhesives.
-~. Accordingly, the need remains for further development of suitable heat-sealing methods and apparatuses for producing form sets for business and commercial applications.
Summary of the Invention This need is satisfied by the present invention wherein opposing surfaces of firs~-and second sealing belts - provide both heat and pressure to seal form sheets into form - - sets, while conveying the form sheets from infeed to outfeed of the sealing apparatus.
~isposed on rollers in a supporting base, opposing first and second sealing belts are rotatably dr.iven in opposits directions by means for driving. Opposing surfaces of the first and second sealing belts, moving in the same direction, are brought into close proximity and aligned in generally parallel planes to define a gap through which form sheets may be conveyed. Means for heating the first and second sealing belts, first and second heated platens, respectively, are posit.ioned on the opposite sides of the 2 ~ 3 sealing belts from the opposing surfaces, and contact the inner surfaces of the sealing belts. The sealing belts slide over their respective heated platens as they rotate, presenting an evenly heated surface to-the form sheets. Form sheets are separated and registered prior to entering the sealing apparatus and pass therethrough in unshingled form.
- The form sheets are, thus, sealed with even heat, reducing stress on the paper, eliminating wrinkling and curling, and avoiding formation of a "C" shape, such as results from shingling.
Because the opposing sealing belt surfaces move -~ together, no relative motion exists between them. Attendant problems with form sheet alignment and smudging are obviated, and heat transfer ~from-~he opposing surfaces to the form '5 - sheets is enhanced by continuous intimate contact over the - entire available surface area of the form sheets. Finally, - means for adjusting separation between opposing se~ling belt - surfaces-enable the sealing belts O:e the present invention to further apply pressure uniformly across the form sheets to enhance heat transfer and sealing.
The sealing belts of the present invention are comprised of rubber, preferably silicone rubber, laminated on a strip of fabric material, preferably fiberglass, joined to form an endless loop. The rubber surface forms the outer, opposing surfaces of the sealing belts while the fiberglass-material comprises the inner surfaces. The frictional rubber surfaces-facilitate control of form sheets placed thereon. In addition, silicone rubber, in particular, has good release characteristics which make cleaning dirt, ink and adhesives from the surface easy. In operation, the resilient rubber surfaces accommodate some variation in the thickness of form sheets, as well as some variation in the number of form sheets in a form set, without requiring adjustment of the gap separating opposing sealing belt surfaces.
The fabric material on the inner surface of the sealing belts, preferably fiberglass cloth or another carrier having similar properties such as Nomex, contacts rollers 7~
STD 302 PA -~-which support and rotatably drive the sealing belts. Due to iks low coefficient of friction, fiberglass is preferred as it slides smoothly over the heated platens, and facilitates transverse sliding of the sealing belts on the rollers to correct tracking during operation.
Because of the improved heat transfer characteristics of the present invention, the sealing helts may be rotated at higher speeds than cut sheet sealing devices in the prior art, increasing throughput and reducing residence time of sheets in the sealing apparatus. Since the sealing belts operate at rates consistent with the infeed rate of form sheets, no abrupt change in speed is encountered as form sheets enter the sealing apparatus, avoiding stubbing and misalignment of form sheets which might otherwise be raused thereby.
- The sealing apparatus further preferably includes control-and adjustment elements, such as dynamic guide discs, ; to prevent the sealing belts from wandering during operation, and trac~ing screws to adjust the rollers and align the sealing belts to track properly. Means for adjusting the separation between opposing surfaces o~ the sealing belts preferably include a plurality of jasking screws which permit control of the sealing pressure imposed on the form sheets as they advance through the sealing apparatus, also making --25 possible asymmetric loading to increase pressure at the outfeed end of the sealing belts to enhance sealing.
-- Temperature sensors and controllers are preferably added to control the temperature of the heated platens.
Finally, the sealing apparatus may also include an infeed conveyor, outfeed conveyor and a further stacking device, as well as related components such as hold-down rollers-to prevent form sheets from separating as they advance on the conveyors. The conveyors may be driven by interconnection with the means for driving the sealing belts.
An outfeed conveyor is preferably disposed in a plane parallel to but below the point of outfeed from the sealing apparatus.
So disposed, operation of the outfeed conveyor at a speed less ~ 3 than that of the sealing belts permits sealed form sets to be shingled as they fall onto the outfeed conveyor. Shingling of sealed forms on the outfeed conveyor facilitates stacking the - forms on a simple stacking support, such as a stacker bar or --rack, on a descending stacking table, or other known devices. -Accordingly, an object of the present invention is - to reduce the-stress, wrinkling and curling of form sheets.
It is a-further object of the present invention to eliminate other drawbacks caused by shingling form sheets during drying, such as C-shapes induced in form sets. Other objects of the present invention are to eliminate~drag induced between moving forms and fixed surfaces,-and to avoid smudging form surfaces.
Brief Description of the Drawings Fig. l is a schematic elevational view of the sealing apparatus of the present lnvention.
Fig. 2 is a partial perspective view of the sealing apparatus of the present invention.
Fig. 3 is an enlarged elevational view of the sealing apparatus of the present invention.
Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the sealing apparatus of the present invention.
Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiment Referring to Fig. l, in accordance with the present invention, sealing apparatus l0 is comprised of a base 12 in which first and second rotatable sealing belts 14, 16 are heated and driven to convey and seal form sheets 18 into form sets 20. As shown in Figs. l through 3, first and second sealing belts 14, 16 are aligned in opposing relationship in generally parallel planes, and rotatably driven in opposite directions on first and second roller assemblies 22, 24, respectively. First and second roller asseT~lies 22, 24 are connected to drive motor 26 by means for transmitting rotary power 28.
As best shown in Fig. 3, means for heating sealing belts 14, 16 are preferably first and second hea~ed platens 2 ~ ~ 7 ~
30, 32, respectively, which lie beneath opposing surfaces 34, 36 of sealing belts 14, 16, respectively. Heated platens 30, 32 contact the inner surfaces of sealing belts 14, 16 as they rotate, generally uniformly heating the sealing belts.
Although sealing belts 14, 16 rotate in opposite directions, opposing surfaces 34, 36 move in concert so that substantially no relative motion exists between opposing surfaces 34, 36 while form sets 18 are conveyed thereon.
-Sealing belts 14, 16 are preferably comprised of silicone rubber laminated on fiberglass cloth fabric, such as those available from Belting Industries, Inc., Kenilworth, -N.J. Other materials having similar properties may, however, - also--be used. The ~rubber surface serves as the outer surface of sealing belts 1~, 16, while the fiberglass cloth serves as the inner surface. The frictional-rubber outer surface-is well suited to control form sheets 18 thereon, while the fiberglass inner surface advantageously slides easily in contact across heated platens 30, 32. While the resilient nature of the rubber outer surface accommodates some variation in the thickness and number of form sheets 18, means for adjusting the separation or gap between opposing surfaces 34, 36 permits wide variation in form sheets thicXness and number.
Preferably, means for adjusting separation between opposing surfaces 34, 36 includes four spring-loaded jackscrews 38 conne~ted to first roller assembly 22, as shown in Figs. 2 and 3. Jackscrews 38 permit application of uniform or, - preferably, asymmetric and increasing sealing pressure--to form sheets 18 as they advance through sealing apparatus 10.
As shown in Figs. 2 and 3, first and second roller assemblies 22, 24 are each comprised of at least two rollers disposed in first and second subframes 42, 44 which attach to base 12. Use of subframes 42, 44 is preferred to facilitate complete removal of roller assemblies 22, 24 for replacement of sealing belts 14, 16. The at least two rollers of first and second roller assemblies 22, 24 include first and second drive rollers 46, 50 and, preferably, first and second idle rollers 48, 52, respectively. As shown in Fig. l, second 2~7~
drive roller 50 is connected, as known in the art, to means for transmitting power 28, including intermeshing first and second gears 54, 56 conveying rotary motion to first drive roller 46 from second drive roller 50. Links 40 interconnect ~irst and second subframes 22, 24, and are also preferred to permit separation of opposing surfaces 34, 36 and access to sealing belts 14, 16 for cleaning and inspection. Draw latches 41, best shown in Fig. 2, assist in maintaining first and second roller assemblies 22, 24 in opposing relationship.
-- First and second subframes 42, 44, shown in Figs. 2 and 3, preferably include tracking screws 58 disposed--at both ends of first and second idle rollers 48, 52, for adjusting the axes of rotation thereof. Such adjustment is desirable to compensate for variations in the diameter of sealing belts 14, 15- 16 across their width, and to urge them to remain in position on-rollers 46, 48 and 50, 52, respectively. Uncompensated, such variations in sealing-belt-diameter typically cause sealing belts 14, 16 to track to one side or another.
Tracking screws 58 further permit adjustment of sealing belt tension.
First and second subframes 42, 44 further preferably includa dynamic edge guides 60, freely~rotatable on rods 62.
Shown best in Fig. 2, dynamic edge guides 60 are positioned along the periphery of first and second sealing belts 14, 16 near idle rollers 48, 52 to prevent first and second sealing bel-ts 14, 16 from wandering by urging their return to desired tracking posi~ions. Such wandering could otherwise be occasioned by expansion of sealing belts 14, 16 during warm-up. In operation, rotation of dynamic edge guides 60 by frictional contact with the periphery of sealing belts 14, 16 causes less wear on the sealing belts than would fixed guides, while the smooth fiberglass inner surface of sealing belts 14, 16 facilitates lateral positioning of the sealing belts urged by the dynamic edge guides 60. As shown in Figs. 1 and 2, dynamic edge guides 60 are further disposed along the outer loop of sealing belts 14, 16 because of space considerations and because reduced belt ten~sion in the outer loops is 20~73~
believed to improve -the effectiveness of dynamic edge guides 60.
Additional control and adjustment elements are preferably included in sealing apparatus 10. In particular, means for controlling the temperature of heated platens 30, 32, such as a bimetal thermal switch and relay (not shown) as known in the art, may be included to control the temperature of heated platens, preferably between 295-305 degrees Fanrenheit (F). This protects heated platens 30, 32 from 10--- delamination of heating coils applied thereto or other damage.
Such heated platens are made of aluminum and have hard - anodized surfaces to prevent oxidation. So heated, belts 14, - 16 may rotate unloaded at a temperature of substantially 310 degrees F, and ra~ge generally from 260-310 degrees F when 15- loaded with form sheets 18.
As shown in Fig. 1, means for transmitting power - includes belts, pulleys, chains and sprockets connected to - axles as known in -the art. Drive motor 26 is an electric motor having a rotary power take-off, as known in the art.
Shown in Figs. 1 and 4 are infeed conveyor 62 and outfeed conveyor 82 disposed in base. 12. Infeed conveyor 62 and outfeed conveyor 82 are preferred in sealing apparatus 10 to efficiently feed and receive form sheets 18 and sealed form sets 20, respectively. Infeed conveyor 62 is comprised of a plurality of infeed belts 64 disposed on two or more infeed rollers 66, 68 rotatably disposed in base 12 as known in the - art. Means for driving the infeed conveyor 62 preferably comprises means for connecting roller 66 to the means for transmitting rotary power 28, such as a belt, pulley, chain and sprocket connection as known in the art. Infeed conveyor 62 further includes an infeed hold-down roller assembly 72 to keep individual form sheets 18 from separating as they advance toward the infeed of sealing belts 14, 16. Infeed hold-down roller assembly is comprised of a plurality of rollers 74 freely rotatably attached to arms 76 which are freely rotatably on hold-down rod 78 extending above and across the surface of infeed conveyor 62. Rollers 74 ride over the 2~4L78~
surface of infeed conveyor 62 and form sheets 18, rotating by frictional contact therewith. The surface of infeed conveyor 62 is disposed on substantially the same plane as second sealing surface 36. A short fixed table section 80 spans the gap between those surfaces.
- Outfeed conveyor 82 is comprised of a plurality of - outfee~ belts 84 disposed on two or more outfeed rollers 86, 88 rotatably disposed in base 12 as known in the art. Means - for driving 90 outfeed conveyor ~2 preferably comprises means for connecting roller-86 to means for transmitting rotary - power 28, such as a belt, pulley, chain and sprocket - connection as known in-the art. Outfeed conveyor 82 further includes- an outfeed hold-down roller assembly 92 to keep form sets 20 from slidi~ng as they advance in shingled form for 15- stacking. Outfeed hold-down roller assembly 92 is also comprised of a plurality of rollers 7-4 freely rotatably attached to arms 76 which are freely-rotatably on hold-down rod 94.- Hold-down rod 94 extends above and across the surface of outfeed conveyor 82 and may be acljustably positioned therealong in slots in support brackets 96. The surface of - putfeed conveyor 82 is disposed below the outfeed point of -sealin~ belts 14, 1~, as seen in Fig. 1. Outfeed conveyor 82 is operated at a slower speed than sealing belts 14, 16 so that sealed form sets outfed therefrom align in shingled ~ashion as they arrive on outfeed conveyor ~32. Shingling at ~his-stage facilitates stacking. Means for stacking 98, such ~s a simple stacking bar or rack, shown in Fig. l,-or a descending stacker as known in the art (not shown), may be used.
Sealing belts 14, 16 are typically operated at approximately 115 feet per minute (fpm). Infeed conveyor 62 is typically operated a few feet per minute less, for example at approximately 113 fpm, to prevent stubbing and misalignment of entering form sheets 18. Form sheets 18 may be registered and aligned for placement on infeed conveyor 62 by various means registering 100 known in the art. Where continuous webs are folded and burst prior to placement on infeed conveyor 62, 2 ~ ~ 7 ~ ~ ~
form sheets 18 which result may have a folded edge aligned longitudinally or transversely to the direction of form motion. Typically, means for registering 100, such as a bursting apparatus, operates at slower speeds than infeed conveyor 62, for example 90 fpm, to provide and enhance separation between adjacent form sheets 18 on sealing belts 14, 16. Outfeed conveyor 82 is typically operated at substantially slower speeds, for example 30 fpm, to permit shingling of sealed form sets 20.
Various other details of construction and component materials used are typical and known in the art.
- - While certain representative embodiments and details have been shown for purposes of illustrating the invention, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various -changes- in the apparatus disclosed herein may be made without departing from the scope of the invention, which is defined in the appended claims.
APPARATUS FOR SE~LING FORM SHEETS
Background of the Invention The present invention relates to the production of multi-page business forms, mass mailers and the like and in particular, to an apparatus for conveying and sealing into sealed form sets a plurality of sheets having heat sealable glue thereon.
Multi-page sealed form sets have been produced on var-ious apparatuses from sheets of matched and mismatched lengths, as well as from a plurality of webs or singlej folded webs-. Typically, form sheets in a form set are attached by adhesives along at least one edge. The development of heat-sealable and heat-activated adhesives which are particularly suited for use in~office environments has lead to improvements in production methods and apparatuses in which such adhesives are used.
-- By way of example, Shultz, U.S. Pat. No. 4,818,332, - dis~loses an apparatus for aligning, conveying and sealing collated matched and mismatched form sheets into form sets, at 20-- least one of the form sheets for each set having heat sealable adhesive thereon. Aligned,-assembled form sheets are overlapped in shingle fashion, and fed by pressure rollers between fixed, heated platens to soften the adhesive. Sealed form sets emerge from the heating structure onto an outfeed conveyor, and remain shingled until reaching a rack where they are stacked.
-- Knox et al, U.S. Pat. No. 4,420,147, discloses an appara~us for folding and heating a continuous form weh. The web is folded and passed between a plurality of fixed heater strips disposed above and below the path of the folded web to melt glue sandwiched between folds. The form set then proceeds through a pair of rollers having elastomeric O-rings aligned to apply pressure to areas of melted glue. Other methods are practiced for heat-sealing sheets and webs into other laminate structures, including the use of hot air blasts to soften adhesives on sheets as they pass through pressure 2 ~ ~ 7 ~ 9 3 rollers, and the winding of a plurality of webs against a heated drum to produce multi-ply webbing.
Problems remain, however, in heat-sealing sheet forms into form sets. In parti~ular, shingling of the form sheets may cause moisture to be driven off unevenly, as the individual sheets are both partially shielded from and -~ partially exposed to heated surfaces. The sheets are thus - stressed by heating, and wrinXling and curling of the sheets . may result. Additionally, the form sets may develop ~ "C"
.shape from being dried while shingled. Smudging o~ the form sheets may occur as sheets wipe across fixed heated surfaces, -.~ inks often being fresh, or picking..up ink residues from --: previously sealed form sets. Moreover, surface contact . between the moving.shingled forms and fixed heated surfaces is 15-s not an efficient thermal transfer arrangement, so that longer . residence times near the heated surfaces are required to melt the adhesives.
-~. Accordingly, the need remains for further development of suitable heat-sealing methods and apparatuses for producing form sets for business and commercial applications.
Summary of the Invention This need is satisfied by the present invention wherein opposing surfaces of firs~-and second sealing belts - provide both heat and pressure to seal form sheets into form - - sets, while conveying the form sheets from infeed to outfeed of the sealing apparatus.
~isposed on rollers in a supporting base, opposing first and second sealing belts are rotatably dr.iven in opposits directions by means for driving. Opposing surfaces of the first and second sealing belts, moving in the same direction, are brought into close proximity and aligned in generally parallel planes to define a gap through which form sheets may be conveyed. Means for heating the first and second sealing belts, first and second heated platens, respectively, are posit.ioned on the opposite sides of the 2 ~ 3 sealing belts from the opposing surfaces, and contact the inner surfaces of the sealing belts. The sealing belts slide over their respective heated platens as they rotate, presenting an evenly heated surface to-the form sheets. Form sheets are separated and registered prior to entering the sealing apparatus and pass therethrough in unshingled form.
- The form sheets are, thus, sealed with even heat, reducing stress on the paper, eliminating wrinkling and curling, and avoiding formation of a "C" shape, such as results from shingling.
Because the opposing sealing belt surfaces move -~ together, no relative motion exists between them. Attendant problems with form sheet alignment and smudging are obviated, and heat transfer ~from-~he opposing surfaces to the form '5 - sheets is enhanced by continuous intimate contact over the - entire available surface area of the form sheets. Finally, - means for adjusting separation between opposing se~ling belt - surfaces-enable the sealing belts O:e the present invention to further apply pressure uniformly across the form sheets to enhance heat transfer and sealing.
The sealing belts of the present invention are comprised of rubber, preferably silicone rubber, laminated on a strip of fabric material, preferably fiberglass, joined to form an endless loop. The rubber surface forms the outer, opposing surfaces of the sealing belts while the fiberglass-material comprises the inner surfaces. The frictional rubber surfaces-facilitate control of form sheets placed thereon. In addition, silicone rubber, in particular, has good release characteristics which make cleaning dirt, ink and adhesives from the surface easy. In operation, the resilient rubber surfaces accommodate some variation in the thickness of form sheets, as well as some variation in the number of form sheets in a form set, without requiring adjustment of the gap separating opposing sealing belt surfaces.
The fabric material on the inner surface of the sealing belts, preferably fiberglass cloth or another carrier having similar properties such as Nomex, contacts rollers 7~
STD 302 PA -~-which support and rotatably drive the sealing belts. Due to iks low coefficient of friction, fiberglass is preferred as it slides smoothly over the heated platens, and facilitates transverse sliding of the sealing belts on the rollers to correct tracking during operation.
Because of the improved heat transfer characteristics of the present invention, the sealing helts may be rotated at higher speeds than cut sheet sealing devices in the prior art, increasing throughput and reducing residence time of sheets in the sealing apparatus. Since the sealing belts operate at rates consistent with the infeed rate of form sheets, no abrupt change in speed is encountered as form sheets enter the sealing apparatus, avoiding stubbing and misalignment of form sheets which might otherwise be raused thereby.
- The sealing apparatus further preferably includes control-and adjustment elements, such as dynamic guide discs, ; to prevent the sealing belts from wandering during operation, and trac~ing screws to adjust the rollers and align the sealing belts to track properly. Means for adjusting the separation between opposing surfaces o~ the sealing belts preferably include a plurality of jasking screws which permit control of the sealing pressure imposed on the form sheets as they advance through the sealing apparatus, also making --25 possible asymmetric loading to increase pressure at the outfeed end of the sealing belts to enhance sealing.
-- Temperature sensors and controllers are preferably added to control the temperature of the heated platens.
Finally, the sealing apparatus may also include an infeed conveyor, outfeed conveyor and a further stacking device, as well as related components such as hold-down rollers-to prevent form sheets from separating as they advance on the conveyors. The conveyors may be driven by interconnection with the means for driving the sealing belts.
An outfeed conveyor is preferably disposed in a plane parallel to but below the point of outfeed from the sealing apparatus.
So disposed, operation of the outfeed conveyor at a speed less ~ 3 than that of the sealing belts permits sealed form sets to be shingled as they fall onto the outfeed conveyor. Shingling of sealed forms on the outfeed conveyor facilitates stacking the - forms on a simple stacking support, such as a stacker bar or --rack, on a descending stacking table, or other known devices. -Accordingly, an object of the present invention is - to reduce the-stress, wrinkling and curling of form sheets.
It is a-further object of the present invention to eliminate other drawbacks caused by shingling form sheets during drying, such as C-shapes induced in form sets. Other objects of the present invention are to eliminate~drag induced between moving forms and fixed surfaces,-and to avoid smudging form surfaces.
Brief Description of the Drawings Fig. l is a schematic elevational view of the sealing apparatus of the present lnvention.
Fig. 2 is a partial perspective view of the sealing apparatus of the present invention.
Fig. 3 is an enlarged elevational view of the sealing apparatus of the present invention.
Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the sealing apparatus of the present invention.
Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiment Referring to Fig. l, in accordance with the present invention, sealing apparatus l0 is comprised of a base 12 in which first and second rotatable sealing belts 14, 16 are heated and driven to convey and seal form sheets 18 into form sets 20. As shown in Figs. l through 3, first and second sealing belts 14, 16 are aligned in opposing relationship in generally parallel planes, and rotatably driven in opposite directions on first and second roller assemblies 22, 24, respectively. First and second roller asseT~lies 22, 24 are connected to drive motor 26 by means for transmitting rotary power 28.
As best shown in Fig. 3, means for heating sealing belts 14, 16 are preferably first and second hea~ed platens 2 ~ ~ 7 ~
30, 32, respectively, which lie beneath opposing surfaces 34, 36 of sealing belts 14, 16, respectively. Heated platens 30, 32 contact the inner surfaces of sealing belts 14, 16 as they rotate, generally uniformly heating the sealing belts.
Although sealing belts 14, 16 rotate in opposite directions, opposing surfaces 34, 36 move in concert so that substantially no relative motion exists between opposing surfaces 34, 36 while form sets 18 are conveyed thereon.
-Sealing belts 14, 16 are preferably comprised of silicone rubber laminated on fiberglass cloth fabric, such as those available from Belting Industries, Inc., Kenilworth, -N.J. Other materials having similar properties may, however, - also--be used. The ~rubber surface serves as the outer surface of sealing belts 1~, 16, while the fiberglass cloth serves as the inner surface. The frictional-rubber outer surface-is well suited to control form sheets 18 thereon, while the fiberglass inner surface advantageously slides easily in contact across heated platens 30, 32. While the resilient nature of the rubber outer surface accommodates some variation in the thickness and number of form sheets 18, means for adjusting the separation or gap between opposing surfaces 34, 36 permits wide variation in form sheets thicXness and number.
Preferably, means for adjusting separation between opposing surfaces 34, 36 includes four spring-loaded jackscrews 38 conne~ted to first roller assembly 22, as shown in Figs. 2 and 3. Jackscrews 38 permit application of uniform or, - preferably, asymmetric and increasing sealing pressure--to form sheets 18 as they advance through sealing apparatus 10.
As shown in Figs. 2 and 3, first and second roller assemblies 22, 24 are each comprised of at least two rollers disposed in first and second subframes 42, 44 which attach to base 12. Use of subframes 42, 44 is preferred to facilitate complete removal of roller assemblies 22, 24 for replacement of sealing belts 14, 16. The at least two rollers of first and second roller assemblies 22, 24 include first and second drive rollers 46, 50 and, preferably, first and second idle rollers 48, 52, respectively. As shown in Fig. l, second 2~7~
drive roller 50 is connected, as known in the art, to means for transmitting power 28, including intermeshing first and second gears 54, 56 conveying rotary motion to first drive roller 46 from second drive roller 50. Links 40 interconnect ~irst and second subframes 22, 24, and are also preferred to permit separation of opposing surfaces 34, 36 and access to sealing belts 14, 16 for cleaning and inspection. Draw latches 41, best shown in Fig. 2, assist in maintaining first and second roller assemblies 22, 24 in opposing relationship.
-- First and second subframes 42, 44, shown in Figs. 2 and 3, preferably include tracking screws 58 disposed--at both ends of first and second idle rollers 48, 52, for adjusting the axes of rotation thereof. Such adjustment is desirable to compensate for variations in the diameter of sealing belts 14, 15- 16 across their width, and to urge them to remain in position on-rollers 46, 48 and 50, 52, respectively. Uncompensated, such variations in sealing-belt-diameter typically cause sealing belts 14, 16 to track to one side or another.
Tracking screws 58 further permit adjustment of sealing belt tension.
First and second subframes 42, 44 further preferably includa dynamic edge guides 60, freely~rotatable on rods 62.
Shown best in Fig. 2, dynamic edge guides 60 are positioned along the periphery of first and second sealing belts 14, 16 near idle rollers 48, 52 to prevent first and second sealing bel-ts 14, 16 from wandering by urging their return to desired tracking posi~ions. Such wandering could otherwise be occasioned by expansion of sealing belts 14, 16 during warm-up. In operation, rotation of dynamic edge guides 60 by frictional contact with the periphery of sealing belts 14, 16 causes less wear on the sealing belts than would fixed guides, while the smooth fiberglass inner surface of sealing belts 14, 16 facilitates lateral positioning of the sealing belts urged by the dynamic edge guides 60. As shown in Figs. 1 and 2, dynamic edge guides 60 are further disposed along the outer loop of sealing belts 14, 16 because of space considerations and because reduced belt ten~sion in the outer loops is 20~73~
believed to improve -the effectiveness of dynamic edge guides 60.
Additional control and adjustment elements are preferably included in sealing apparatus 10. In particular, means for controlling the temperature of heated platens 30, 32, such as a bimetal thermal switch and relay (not shown) as known in the art, may be included to control the temperature of heated platens, preferably between 295-305 degrees Fanrenheit (F). This protects heated platens 30, 32 from 10--- delamination of heating coils applied thereto or other damage.
Such heated platens are made of aluminum and have hard - anodized surfaces to prevent oxidation. So heated, belts 14, - 16 may rotate unloaded at a temperature of substantially 310 degrees F, and ra~ge generally from 260-310 degrees F when 15- loaded with form sheets 18.
As shown in Fig. 1, means for transmitting power - includes belts, pulleys, chains and sprockets connected to - axles as known in -the art. Drive motor 26 is an electric motor having a rotary power take-off, as known in the art.
Shown in Figs. 1 and 4 are infeed conveyor 62 and outfeed conveyor 82 disposed in base. 12. Infeed conveyor 62 and outfeed conveyor 82 are preferred in sealing apparatus 10 to efficiently feed and receive form sheets 18 and sealed form sets 20, respectively. Infeed conveyor 62 is comprised of a plurality of infeed belts 64 disposed on two or more infeed rollers 66, 68 rotatably disposed in base 12 as known in the - art. Means for driving the infeed conveyor 62 preferably comprises means for connecting roller 66 to the means for transmitting rotary power 28, such as a belt, pulley, chain and sprocket connection as known in the art. Infeed conveyor 62 further includes an infeed hold-down roller assembly 72 to keep individual form sheets 18 from separating as they advance toward the infeed of sealing belts 14, 16. Infeed hold-down roller assembly is comprised of a plurality of rollers 74 freely rotatably attached to arms 76 which are freely rotatably on hold-down rod 78 extending above and across the surface of infeed conveyor 62. Rollers 74 ride over the 2~4L78~
surface of infeed conveyor 62 and form sheets 18, rotating by frictional contact therewith. The surface of infeed conveyor 62 is disposed on substantially the same plane as second sealing surface 36. A short fixed table section 80 spans the gap between those surfaces.
- Outfeed conveyor 82 is comprised of a plurality of - outfee~ belts 84 disposed on two or more outfeed rollers 86, 88 rotatably disposed in base 12 as known in the art. Means - for driving 90 outfeed conveyor ~2 preferably comprises means for connecting roller-86 to means for transmitting rotary - power 28, such as a belt, pulley, chain and sprocket - connection as known in-the art. Outfeed conveyor 82 further includes- an outfeed hold-down roller assembly 92 to keep form sets 20 from slidi~ng as they advance in shingled form for 15- stacking. Outfeed hold-down roller assembly 92 is also comprised of a plurality of rollers 7-4 freely rotatably attached to arms 76 which are freely-rotatably on hold-down rod 94.- Hold-down rod 94 extends above and across the surface of outfeed conveyor 82 and may be acljustably positioned therealong in slots in support brackets 96. The surface of - putfeed conveyor 82 is disposed below the outfeed point of -sealin~ belts 14, 1~, as seen in Fig. 1. Outfeed conveyor 82 is operated at a slower speed than sealing belts 14, 16 so that sealed form sets outfed therefrom align in shingled ~ashion as they arrive on outfeed conveyor ~32. Shingling at ~his-stage facilitates stacking. Means for stacking 98, such ~s a simple stacking bar or rack, shown in Fig. l,-or a descending stacker as known in the art (not shown), may be used.
Sealing belts 14, 16 are typically operated at approximately 115 feet per minute (fpm). Infeed conveyor 62 is typically operated a few feet per minute less, for example at approximately 113 fpm, to prevent stubbing and misalignment of entering form sheets 18. Form sheets 18 may be registered and aligned for placement on infeed conveyor 62 by various means registering 100 known in the art. Where continuous webs are folded and burst prior to placement on infeed conveyor 62, 2 ~ ~ 7 ~ ~ ~
form sheets 18 which result may have a folded edge aligned longitudinally or transversely to the direction of form motion. Typically, means for registering 100, such as a bursting apparatus, operates at slower speeds than infeed conveyor 62, for example 90 fpm, to provide and enhance separation between adjacent form sheets 18 on sealing belts 14, 16. Outfeed conveyor 82 is typically operated at substantially slower speeds, for example 30 fpm, to permit shingling of sealed form sets 20.
Various other details of construction and component materials used are typical and known in the art.
- - While certain representative embodiments and details have been shown for purposes of illustrating the invention, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various -changes- in the apparatus disclosed herein may be made without departing from the scope of the invention, which is defined in the appended claims.
Claims (31)
1. A sealing apparatus for conveying and sealing a plurality of form sheets into form sets, at least one of said form sheets including heat-sealable adhesive, said apparatus comprising a base;
means for conveying disposed therein comprising at least one first endless sealing belt and at least one second endless sealing belt in opposing relationship;
means for heating said first and second sealing belts; and means for rotatably driving said sealing belts to convey and seal form sheets therebetween.
means for conveying disposed therein comprising at least one first endless sealing belt and at least one second endless sealing belt in opposing relationship;
means for heating said first and second sealing belts; and means for rotatably driving said sealing belts to convey and seal form sheets therebetween.
2. An apparatus as recited in claim 1 wherein portions of said first and second sealing belts are aligned in generally parallel planes and define a gap therebetween wherein form sheets or form webs may be conveyed and sealed.
3. An apparatus as recited in claim 1 wherein said first and second sealing belts include an outer surface comprised of rubber, and an inner surface comprised of fiberglass material.
4. An apparatus as recited in claim 3 wherein said rubber is silicone rubber laminated to said fiberglass material.
5. An apparatus as recited in claim 1 wherein said means for heating comprises at least one first and at least one second heated platen.
6. An apparatus as recited in claim 5 wherein said first and second heated platens contact a portion of said first and second sealing belts, respectively.
7. An apparatus as recited in claim 6 wherein said first and second heated platens are disposed in opposing relationship along the inner surfaces of said first and second belts, respectively.
8. An apparatus as recited in claim 5 wherein said first and second heated platens are comprised of aluminum, each of said platens having at least one anodized surface for contact with said first and second belts.
9. An apparatus as recited in claim 5 wherein said means for heating further comprises means for controlling the temperature thereof.
10. An apparatus as recited in claim 1 wherein said means for rotatably driving said sealing belts comprises first and second roller assemblies each comprising at least two rollers rotatably disposed in said base;
said at least two rollers of said first roller assembly spaced apart and inserted through said first endless belt in frictional contact with the inner surface thereof; and said at least two rollers of said second roller assembly spaced apart and inserted through said second endless belt in frictional contact with the inner surface thereof;
a drive motor providing a source of rotary power ;
and means for transmitting rotary power from said motor to at least one of said rollers of said first and second roller assemblies.
said at least two rollers of said first roller assembly spaced apart and inserted through said first endless belt in frictional contact with the inner surface thereof; and said at least two rollers of said second roller assembly spaced apart and inserted through said second endless belt in frictional contact with the inner surface thereof;
a drive motor providing a source of rotary power ;
and means for transmitting rotary power from said motor to at least one of said rollers of said first and second roller assemblies.
11. An apparatus as recited in claim 10 wherein said first and second roller assemblies comprise at least one drive roller attached to said means for transmitting rotary power and at least one idle roller; and said base further comprises first and second subframes wherein said first and second roller assemblies, respectively, are rotatably mounted.
12. An apparatus as recited in claim 10 wherein said first and second roller assemblies are removably mounted in said base.
13. An apparatus as recited in claim l further comprising at least one first and at least one second dynamic edge guide rotatably mounted on said base along the periphery of said first and second belts, respectively.
14. An apparatus as recited in claim 13 wherein said first and second dynamic edge guides are freely rotatable on a fixed rod.
15. An apparatus as recited in claim 1 further comprising one or more means for adjusting separation between said first and second sealing belts in opposing relationship.
16. An apparatus as recited in claim 15 wherein said means for adjusting separation comprises one or more spring-loaded jackscrews attached to said base for adjusting the separation between said first and second sealing belts.
17. An apparatus as recited in claim 15 wherein said means for adjusting separation asymmetrically adjusts the opposing relationship between said first and second sealing belts.
18. An apparatus as recited in claim 1 further comprising at least one first and one second tracking screw disposed in said base and adjustably attached, respectively, to said first and second means for rotatably driving said first and second sealing belts.
19. An apparatus as recited in claim 1 further comprising an infeed conveyor disposed in said base for feeding form sheets between said first and second sealing belts; and means for driving said infeed conveyor connected thereto.
20. An apparatus as recited in claim 19 wherein said infeed conveyor is comprised of two or more infeed rollers rotatably disposed in said base and a plurality of generally parallel infeed belts disposed thereon.
21. An apparatus as recited in claim 19 wherein said means for driving said infeed conveyor comprises means for connecting said infeed conveyor to said means for driving said sealing belts.
22. An apparatus as recited in claim 19 wherein said infeed conveyor is driven at a speed less than that of said first and second sealing belts.
23. An apparatus as recited in claim 19 wherein the conveying surface defined by said infeed conveyor is disposed in substantially the same plane as one of said first and second sealing belts.
24. An apparatus as recited in claim 19 wherein said infeed conveyor further comprises one or more hold-down rollers, said hold-down rollers rotatably mounted on a rod suspended above said infeed conveyor for contact with form sheets on the surface thereof.
25. An apparatus as recited in claim 1 further comprising an outfeed conveyor disposed in said base; and means for driving said outfeed conveyor attached thereto.
26. An apparatus as recited in claim 25 wherein said outfeed conveyor is comprised of two or more outfeed rollers rotatably disposed in said base and a plurality of generally parallel outfeed belts disposed thereon.
27. An apparatus as recited in claim 25 wherein said means for driving said outfeed conveyor comprises means for connecting said outfeed conveyor to said means for driving said sealing belts.
28. An apparatus as recited in claim 25 wherein said outfeed conveyor is driven at a speed substantially slower than said sealing belts.
29. An apparatus as recited in claim 25 wherein the conveying surface defined by said outfeed conveyor is disposed on a plane generally parallel but substantially lower than said first and second sealing belts.
30. An apparatus as recited in claim 25 wherein said outfeed conveyor further comprises one or more hold-down rollers, said hold-down rollers rotatably mounted on a rod suspended above said outfeed conveyor for contact with form sheets on the surface thereof.
31. An apparatus as recited in claim 1 further comprising means for stacking sealed form sets discharged from said first and second sealing belts.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US59438690A | 1990-10-05 | 1990-10-05 | |
| US594,386 | 1990-10-05 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2047895A1 true CA2047895A1 (en) | 1992-04-06 |
Family
ID=24378660
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2047895 Abandoned CA2047895A1 (en) | 1990-10-05 | 1991-07-25 | Apparatus for sealing form sheets |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2047895A1 (en) |
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CN110281636A (en) * | 2019-08-02 | 2019-09-27 | 无锡泉翔包装科技有限公司 | A kind of blanching component for anti-skidding layer of silica gel in conjunction with hull bottom socks |
-
1991
- 1991-07-25 CA CA 2047895 patent/CA2047895A1/en not_active Abandoned
Cited By (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CN110281636A (en) * | 2019-08-02 | 2019-09-27 | 无锡泉翔包装科技有限公司 | A kind of blanching component for anti-skidding layer of silica gel in conjunction with hull bottom socks |
| CN110281636B (en) * | 2019-08-02 | 2024-02-27 | 无锡泉翔包装科技有限公司 | A scalding subassembly for combination of anti-skidding silica gel layer and ship bottom socks |
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