A method and apparatus for pleating or otherwise shaping a web are described herein. The method and apparatus may have numerous applications. In some embodiments, the method and apparatus are used in the formation, filling, and sealing of unit dose packages for consumer products. A method and apparatus for forming sealing two moving webs together, which webs have portions that are non-planar are also described herein.

A process for the production of books (22) with digital printing from signatures, in which the book comprises signature groups (33), each formed with basic sheets (34), are parts of respective signature sheets (42). The process employs a manufacturing system (21) which includes a transversal cutting equipment (41) for cutting transversally the signatures sheets, and transversal and longitudinal folding equipment (46) for the formation of respective signatures (48). For a book with at least a sheet section devoid of text and/or figures in a last signature group, the method provides: a) identify a reduced signature group (59) including a number of sheet sections having at least a page with text and/or figures; b) cut the paper strip (23) to separate the reduced signature group as reduced signature group; c) actuate the transversal folding equipment (46) limited to the sheet sections having at least a page with text and/or figures and skipping the actuation of the transversal folding equipment (46) for a single sheet section; and d) actuate the longitudinal folding equipment (47) for folding longitudinally the reduced signature group.

A method and apparatus for pleating or otherwise shaping a web are described herein. The method and apparatus may have numerous applications. In some embodiments, the method and apparatus are used in the formation, filling, and sealing of unit dose packages for consumer products. A method and apparatus for forming sealing two moving webs together, which webs have portions that are non-planar are also described herein.

A method and apparatus for pleating or otherwise shaping a web are described herein. The method and apparatus may have numerous applications. In some embodiments, the method and apparatus are used in the formation, filling, and sealing of unit dose packages for consumer products. A method and apparatus for forming sealing two moving webs together, which webs have portions that are non-planar are also described herein.

The present invention is directed to a method and apparatus for securely applying print to a web of continuous polymeric film. The web can first travel in a machine direction on a tensioning roller and onto a folding board whereupon the web is divided into first and second partial widths with a cross-section of the web taking on a U-shape or a V-shape. In between the cross-section of these two partial widths a printer can be placed such that the printer prints onto an inner surface of first partial width. Once the printing is complete, the folding of the web can be completed such that an inner surface of the second partial width is in contact with, covers, and protects the printed matter placed onto the first partial width.

A folding apparatus for a liner associated with a tape material, wherein the liner comprises a first overhang portion, a central portion carrying the tape material, and a second overhang portion, the apparatus comprising: an entry port defined at one end of the apparatus, wherein the tape material having a substantially flat configuration is fed into the entry port; an exit port defined at another end of the apparatus; a channel defined between the entry port and the exit port, wherein the channel comprises walls engageable by a first edge of the first overhang portion and a second edge of the second overhang portion to progressively cause the first edge portion and the second edge to angle towards each other as the tape material with the liner progress towards the exit port until the overhang portions are folded over the tape material.

A folding apparatus for a liner associated with a tape material, wherein the liner comprises a first overhang portion, a central portion carrying the tape material, and a second overhang portion, the apparatus comprising: an entry port defined at one end of the apparatus, wherein the tape material having a substantially flat configuration is fed into the entry port; an exit port defined at another end of the apparatus; a channel defined between the entry port and the exit port, wherein the channel comprises walls engageable by a first edge of the first overhang portion and a second edge of the second overhang portion to progressively cause the first edge portion and the second edge to angle towards each other as the tape material with the liner progress towards the exit port until the overhang portions are folded over the tape material.