Abstract: A system for enhanced conveying of flexible packages includes a packaging system, an inflation system, and a conveying system. The packaging system is configured to place an object in a flexible package. The inflation system is configured to insert a gas into the flexible package. The packaging system is further configured to seal an edge of the flexible package in an inflated state with the object and the inserted gas inside the flexible package. The conveying system is configured to convey the flexible package while the flexible package is substantially in the inflated state. The flexible package is configured to permit gas to escape the flexible package at a controlled flow rate such that the flexible package remains substantially in the inflated state while being conveyed by the conveying system and the flexible package transitions to being substantially in a deflated state after being conveyed by the conveying system.

Abstract: A system for enhanced conveying of flexible packages includes a packaging system, an inflation system, and a conveying system. The packaging system is configured to place an object in a flexible package. The inflation system is configured to insert a gas into the flexible package. The packaging system is further configured to seal an edge of the flexible package in an inflated state with the object and the inserted gas inside the flexible package. The conveying system is configured to convey the flexible package while the flexible package is substantially in the inflated state. The flexible package is configured to permit gas to escape the flexible package at a controlled flow rate such that the flexible package remains substantially in the inflated state while being conveyed by the conveying system and the flexible package transitions to being substantially in a deflated state after being conveyed by the conveying system.

Abstract: A system for enhanced conveying of flexible packages includes a packaging system (12, 212), an inflation system (280), and a conveying system (250). The packaging system is configured to place an object in a flexible package. The inflation system is configured to insert a gas into the flexible package. The packaging system is further configured to seal an edge of the flexible package in an inflated state with the object and the inserted gas inside the flexible package. The conveying system is configured to convey the flexible package while the flexible package is substantially in the inflated state. The flexible package is configured to permit gas to escape the flexible package at a controlled flow rate such that the flexible package remains substantially in the inflated state while being conveyed by the conveying system and the flexible package transitions to being substantially in a deflated state after being conveyed by the conveying system.

Abstract: A machine produces foam-in-bag from foam precursors mixed within the bag. The machine comprises a base and a shell. The base and shell are moveable relative each other between a base/shell disengaged position and a base/shell engaged position. In the base/shell engaged position, the base and shell divide the bag so that a mixing chamber is isolated from the remainder portion of the bag. First and second nozzles inject foam precursors into the mixing chamber. A mixer engages the mixing chamber to provide mixing energy to facilitate the foam reaction.

Abstract: A system for enhanced conveying of flexible packages includes a packaging system (12, 212), an inflation system (280), and a conveying system (250). The packaging system is configured to place an object in a flexible package. The inflation system is configured to insert a gas into the flexible package. The packaging system is further configured to seal an edge of the flexible package in an inflated state with the object and the inserted gas inside the flexible package. The conveying system is configured to convey the flexible package while the flexible package is substantially in the inflated state. The flexible package is configured to permit gas to escape the flexible package at a controlled flow rate such that the flexible package remains substantially in the inflated state while being conveyed by the conveying system and the flexible package transitions to being substantially in a deflated state after being conveyed by the conveying system.

Abstract: A machine produces foam-in-bag from foam precursors mixed within the bag. The machine comprises a base and a shell. The base and shell are moveable relative each other between a base/shell disengaged position and a base/shell engaged position. In the base/shell engaged position, the base and shell divide the bag so that a mixing chamber is isolated from the remainder portion of the bag. First and second nozzles inject foam precursors into the mixing chamber. A mixer engages the mixing chamber to provide mixing energy to facilitate the foam reaction.

Abstract: A machine produces foam-in-bag from foam precursors mixed within the bag. The machine comprises a base and a shell. The base and shell are moveable relative each other between a base/shell disengaged position and a base/shell engaged position. In the base/shell engaged position, the base and shell divide the bag so that a mixing chamber is isolated from the remainder portion of the bag. First and second nozzles inject foam precursors into the mixing chamber. A mixer engages the mixing chamber to provide mixing energy to facilitate the foam reaction.

Abstract: A molding apparatus for making a continuous molded article generally includes a pair of spaced-apart molding assemblies, which cooperatively generate a movable mold having a dynamic mold-cavity therein, each of the molding assemblies including a series of movable mold segments, which are adapted to fit together to form a portion of the dynamic mold-cavity, a drive mechanism for conveying the mold segments along a path, and a dispenser for dispensing a moldable, expandable material into the dynamic mold-cavity.

Abstract: A molding apparatus for making a continuous molded article or continuous series of molded articles generally includes a pair of spaced-apart molding assemblies, which cooperatively generate a movable mold having a dynamic mold-cavity therein, each of the molding assemblies including a series of movable mold segments, which are adapted to fit together to form a portion of the dynamic mold-cavity, a drive mechanism for conveying the mold segments along a path, and a dispenser for dispensing a moldable, expandable material into the dynamic mold-cavity.

Abstract: A molding apparatus for making a continuous molded article or continuous series of molded articles generally includes a pair of spaced-apart molding assemblies, which cooperatively generate a movable mold having a dynamic mold-cavity therein, each of the molding assemblies including a series of movable mold segments, which are adapted to fit together to form a portion of the dynamic mold-cavity, a drive mechanism for conveying the mold segments along a path, and a dispenser for dispensing a moldable, expandable material into the dynamic mold-cavity.

Abstract: A molding apparatus for making a continuous molded article generally includes a pair of spaced-apart molding assemblies, which cooperatively generate a movable mold having a dynamic mold-cavity therein, each of the molding assemblies including a series of movable mold segments, which are adapted to fit together to form a portion of the dynamic mold-cavity, a drive mechanism for conveying the mold segments along a path, and a dispenser for dispensing a moldable, expandable material into the dynamic mold-cavity.

Abstract: A winding device generally includes a spool, which includes a shaft, a sleeve rotatably coupled to the shaft such that the sleeve and the shaft are capable of partial independent rotation relative to one another, with the sleeve adapted to receive thereon a core onto which a web of material may be wound, and one or more gripping members, which are adapted to engage the core upon relative rotation of the shaft in a first direction, and disengage the core upon relative rotation of the shaft in a second direction.

Abstract: A machine produces foam-in-bag from foam precursors mixed within the bag. The machine comprises a base and a shell. The base and shell are moveable relative each other between a base/shell disengaged position and a base/shell engaged position. In the base/shell engaged position, the base and shell divide the bag so that a mixing chamber is isolated from the remainder portion of the bag. First and second nozzles inject foam precursors into the mixing chamber. A mixer engages the mixing chamber to provide mixing energy to facilitate the foam reaction.

Abstract: A method comprises pulling a continuous web to advance the web along a path of conveyance and to create tension in a lengthwise portion of the web; manipulating the web to cause the portion of the web at a point along the path to have a non-uniform tension across the width of the web, with a maximum tension being at a location spaced from the first longitudinal edge of the web, and with the tension decreasing from such location toward the first longitudinal edge of the web such that a zone in the web at the first longitudinal edge has reduced tension; and controlling transverse positioning of the first longitudinal edge in the zone of reduced tension. The reduced-tension zone is produced by a tension-reducing member about which the web is pulled.

Abstract: A method comprises pulling a continuous web to advance the web along a path of conveyance and to create tension in a lengthwise portion of the web; manipulating the web to cause the portion of the web at a point along the path to have a non-uniform tension across the width of the web, with a maximum tension being at a location spaced from the first longitudinal edge of the web, and with the tension decreasing from such location toward the first longitudinal edge of the web such that a zone in the web at the first longitudinal edge has reduced tension; and controlling transverse positioning of the first longitudinal edge in the zone of reduced tension. The reduced-tension zone is produced by a tension-reducing member about which the web is pulled.

Abstract: The invention is an under-filled cushion detector that is capable of conveying a string of packaging cushions and detecting whether the string of packaging cushions may be under-filled. The detector includes an upper driven belt that is movably suspended above a lower belt. The belts cooperate together to define a longitudinal cushion pathway between the belts. The distance between the upper and lower belts may vary depending upon the thickness of the string of packaging cushions. If a string of under-filled cushions travels between the upper and lower belts, the upper belt can move downwardly in the direction of the lower belt. A switch stops the upper and lower belts if the height of the cushion pathway decreases below a predetermined threshold. The detector can be used in a system for manufacturing and transporting packaging cushions to a desired location.

Abstract: An inflation apparatus automatically inflates and seals a plurality of pockets preformed in a film web to form packaging cushions. As the film web is advanced, a stream of inflation gas is directed from an inflation port into each of the pockets. The steam of inflation gas is directed in a flow direction having a component in the direction of travel. A sealing mechanism is positioned as close as possible to the inflation port so that the opening of each pocket is almost entirely closed and sealed while the stream of inflation gas is directed into the pocket. As a result, it is possible to achieve more fully inflated packaging cushions on a consistent basis.

Abstract: The invention is an under-filled cushion detector that is capable of conveying a string of packaging cushions and detecting whether the string of packaging cushions may be under-filled. The detector includes an upper driven belt that is movably suspended above a lower belt. The belts cooperate together to define a longitudinal cushion pathway between the belts. The distance between the upper and lower belts may vary depending upon the thickness of the string of packaging cushions. If a string of under-filled cushions travels between the upper and lower belts, the upper belt can move downwardly in the direction of the lower belt. A switch stops the upper and lower belts if the height of the cushion pathway decreases below a predetermined threshold. The detector can be used in a system for manufacturing and transporting packaging cushions to a desired location.