Abstract: Apparatus for the automatic packaging of one or more articles. One or more modular infeed systems are provided, each adapted to feed product to a wrapping machine, and each preferably adapted to communicate with a wrapping machine to identify its configuration to the wrapping machine. In a preferred embodiment, each modular infeed includes a film roll unwind assembly, an integrated film folding head, a product conveyance mechanism and a closed-loop communications network.

Abstract: A packaging assembly is disclosed in which an article is supported in a suspended position in an outer container during shipping. The article is sandwiched between a pair of cushions, each cushion including a noninflated central web and a pair of inflated sidewalls and end walls. The sidewalls and end walls of the bottom cushion project away from the central web downwardly and outwardly toward the bottom edges of the outer container. The sidewalls and end walls of the upper cushion project away from the central web upwardly and outwardly toward the top edges of the outer container. The sidewalls and end walls of the two cushions together define flexible arches which project in all of the orthogonal directions of the outer container, protecting the article against an impact force in any direction.

Abstract: An apparatus and associated method are disclosed for making a polymer foam cushioning element. The method comprises advancing a pair of sheets of plastic film material in parallel face-to-face relationship; injecting foam precursors between the advancing plastic sheets; sealing the sheets together to form a plastic bag containing the foam precursors; forming the bag into the shape of a panel; and thereafter maintaining the bag in the panel shape until the foam precursors have substantially finished expanding into foam to thereby form a foam cushion panel.