Web folding and solution dispensing system

Abstract

A web folding and solution dispensing system. An integrated system to manufacture pre-moistened web strips which, when cut into appropriate lengths, are commonly used for cleaning and/or hygienic wiping.

1 . A method for web folding and wetting comprising: 
 dispensing said webs from roll unwind stands;    feeding said webs at a continuous speed via S-Wrap drive rollers;    passing said webs over stationary wetting tubes;    dispensing wetting solution onto said web;    passing said webs onto folding plates;    folding said webs into “Z”, “C”, “W” or “e” fold configurations.    
   
   
       2 . The method of  claim 1  wherein said webs are used for cleaning and/or hygienic wiping.  
   
   
       3 . The method of  claim 1  further comprising: 
 cutting said web into appropriate lengths.    
   
   
       4 . The method of  claim 1  wherein said method folds and wets eight continuously moving webs.  
   
   
       5 . The method of  claim 3  further comprising: 
 dispensing a web of packaging material;    slitting score lines into said packaging material;    wrapping said folded webs.    
   
   
       6 . The method of  claim 1  wherein said web speed ranges from about 180″ per minute to 900″ per minute.  
   
   
       7 . The method of  claim 1  wherein flow rate of said wetting solution is automatically adjusted by a control system to compensate for changing web speeds.  
   
   
       8 . The method of  claim 7  wherein said control system monitors and controls flow rates of solution dispensed.  
   
   
       9 . The method of  claim 1  wherein said web is weighed on line after wetting solution is dispensed on said web to see if correct amount of fluid has been added to said web.  
   
   
       10 . A system for folding and wetting webs comprising: 
 roll unwind stands,    S-Wrap drive rollers,    stationary wetting tubes,    guide rollers; and    folding plates.    
   
   
       11 . The system of  claim 10  wherein said system is portable with clamp locking casters.  
   
   
       12 . The system of  claim 10  wherein said system comprises eight quick change folding plate assemblies.  
   
   
       13 . The system of  claim 10  further comprising: 
 a razor-slitter/anvil roll assembly.    
   
   
       14 . The system of  claim 10  further comprising: 
 a surge tank for holding solution pumped from a storage tote, tank, or drum which allows for changeover of storage containers without interrupting operation of said system.    
   
   
       15 . A Solution Dispensing System which automatically controls and meters dispensing of solutions comprising: 
 a number of port manifolds which can be set to dispense a given liquid volume;    said solution dispensing system comprised of four distinct operating modes, an application mode, a surge tank drain mode, a surge tank flush CIP mode and a CIP pressure pump and applicator mode.    
   
   
       16 . A transfer pump clean-in-place mode system comprising: 
 an open loop operation that is repeated in three sequences with a Pressure Pump and valve clean-in-place operation;    at termination of each of said three sequences, solution being used for the CIP operation may either be gravity drained from said system, or pumped to drain by use of a surge tank drain mode;    after introduction of cleaning solution into said surge tank from an external source, said solution is drawn from the bottom of said surge tank by a tote transfer pump;    said cleaning solution is pumped to the top of said surge tank;    a spray-ball disperses said cleaning/rinsing solutions to all surfaces of the tank.