METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR TRANSPORTING AND FOLDING ARTICLES

摘要

A method for folding articles advancing in a machine direction using an apparatus having a rotatable roll having a roll surface, at least one protrusion that defines an outermost surface of the roll and at least one pocket that defines an innermost surface of the roll. The apparatus also includes a first and second vacuum conveyor assembly, each comprising two vacuum conveyors. The roll and the vacuum conveyor assemblies are cooperatively configured to fold an article. Articles are folded by accelerating a portion of the article to create slack in the article, using an apparatus as described. Using this method the number of articles transported on a folding drum can be increased without increasing the size or speed of the drum.