Importance

Loading Importance Indicators...

Abstract

A folder unit according to the teachings of the preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown as including front and rear sets of spirals for folding a continuous web of paper. The spirals are driven by first and second shafts whose ends extend through elongated slots formed in the side plates of the unit. A third drive shaft is further provided rotatably related to the first and second shafts and including a slideable helical gear. When the helical gear is slid on the third drive shaft, the third drive shaft is forced to rotate due to the helix of the helical gears simultaneously changing the rotational position of the spiral sets with respect to the other folder unit components. To prevent the spiral gear boxes from rotating with the first and second shafts, anti-rotation bars are provided which also extend through the elongated slots of the side plates. Furthermore, paper guides are secured to the rear anti-rotation bar eliminating the necessity of their attachment to the side plates of the folder unit. Additionally, the folder unit of the present invention includes novel kicker brushes removeably secured to the drive shafts and having bristles extending 180 degrees around their periphery allowing the diameter edge of the bristles to be parallel to the paper chute when the paper chute is midway between the sets.

Loading the Abstract Image...

First Claim