Abstract: A novel cushioning conversion machine and method for converting sheet stock material into a novel cushioning product and for producing discrete sections or pads of desired length, without the need for a cutting assembly, thereby enabling the construction of a less expensive, smaller and less complex machine. The machine and method are characterized by a weakening device for perforating a sheet stock material of one or more plies along tear lines so that as a strip of cushioning is formed from the stock material, discrete sections or pads of desired length may be detachable along the tear lines. The stock material includes material which is biodegradable, recyclable and composed of a renewable resource, such as kraft paper.

Abstract: A cushioning conversion machine and related methodology characterized by one or more features including, inter alia, a feeding/connecting assembly which enables an operator to easily vary a characteristic, for example the density, of the cushioning product; a feeding/connecting assembly wherein input and/or output wheels or rollers thereof are made at least in part of an elastomeric or other friction enhancing material, which reduces the cost and complexity of the input and output rollers; a manual reversing mechanism that is useful, for example, for clearing paper jams; a modular arrangement of a forming assembly and feeding/connecting assembly in separate units that may be positioned remotely from one another, as may be desired for more efficient utilization of floor space; a turner bar which enables alternative positioning a stock supply roll; and a volume expanding arrangement cooperative with the feeding/connecting assembly for reducing the density of the cushioning product and increasing product yield.

Abstract: A conversion machine and related method for making a dunnage product by converting a sheet-like stock material of at least one ply into a dunnage product is characterized by a manual reversing mechanism that is useful, for example, for clearing paper jams. The conversion machine includes a housing through which the stock material passes along a path, and an assembly that advances the stock material from a source thereof along the path, crumples the stock material, and maintains the shape of the crumpled stock material to produce a strip of dunnage. This assembly includes at least one rotatable member rotatable in a first direction for engaging and advancing the stock material, a feed motor for driving a driven rotatable member in the first direction, and a crank connected to the rotatable member for enabling rotation of the driven rotatable member in a second direction opposite the first direction.

Abstract: An improved cushioning conversion machine and related methodology characterized by one or more features including, inter alia, a feeding/connecting assembly which enables an operator to easily vary a characteristic, for example, the density, of the cushioning product; a manual reversing mechanism that is useful, for example, for clearing paper jams; a modular arrangement of a forming assembly and feeding/connecting assembly in separate units that may be positioned remotely from one another, as may be desired for more efficient utilization of floor space; and a volume expanding arrangement cooperative with the feeding/connecting assembly for adjusting the density of the cushioning product and changing product yield. The features of the invention may be individually or collectively used in cushioning conversion machines of various types.

Abstract: An improved cushioning conversion machine and related methodology characterized by one or more features including, inter alia, a feeding/connecting assembly which enables an operator to easily vary a characteristic, for example, the density, of the cushioning product; a feeding/connecting assembly wherein input and/or output wheels or rollers thereof are made at least in part of an elastomeric or other friction enhancing material, which reduces the cost and complexity of the input and output rollers; a manual reversing mechanism that is useful, for example, for clearing paper jams; a modular arrangement of a forming assembly and feeding/connecting assembly in separate units that may be positioned remotely from one another, as may be desired for more efficient utilization of floor space; a turner bar which enables alternative positioning of a stock supply roll; and a volume expanding arrangement cooperative with the feeding/connecting assembly for adjusting the density of the cushioning product and changing pr