Patents by Inventor Robert Tegel
Robert Tegel has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Patent number: 11958265Abstract: A dunnage system may include a converting station including a converter configured for pulling in a stream of sheet material and converting the material into dunnage, and an inlet guide having an inlet surface that is coiled such that first and second ends of the inlet surface are discontinuous with each other to define a gap therebetween, the inlet surface configured to channel the sheet material into the converter. A cutter for a dunnage system may include a blade with first and second phases of serrations that are coextensive over at least a portion of the blade, the first phase providing cutting serrations for cutting the dunnage, and the second phase comprising ledges for focusing the cutting and preventing or reducing bunching of the dunnage towards a side of the blade. A method of converting dunnage may also be provided.Type: GrantFiled: April 10, 2023Date of Patent: April 16, 2024Assignee: Pregis Innovative Packaging LLCInventors: Thomas D. Wetsch, Robert Tegel
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Patent number: 11897227Abstract: A conversion apparatus is provided herein. The conversion apparatus includes a cutting member having an edge configured for cutting the dunnage material. The conversion apparatus also includes a biasing member that is located adjacent to the cutting member such that the dunnage material passes between the biasing member and the cutting member. The biasing member operably contacts the dunnage material thereby biasing the dunnage material against the cutting member. The position of the biasing member relative to the cutting member is such that in response to the dunnage material being retracted back into the conversion apparatus the cutting member begins to sever the dunnage material, but in response to the dunnage material traveling in the dispensing direction the cutting member does not begin to sever the dunnage material due to the relative position.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2022Date of Patent: February 13, 2024Assignee: Pregis Innovative Packaging LLCInventors: Thomas D. Wetsch, Robert Tegel
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Publication number: 20240001637Abstract: A dunnage system may include a converting station including a converter configured for pulling in a stream of sheet material and converting the material into dunnage, and an inlet guide having an inlet surface that is coiled such that first and second ends of the inlet surface are discontinuous with each other to define a gap therebetween, the inlet surface configured to channel the sheet material into the converter. A cutter for a dunnage system may include a blade with first and second phases of serrations that are coextensive over at least a portion of the blade, the first phase providing cutting serrations for cutting the dunnage, and the second phase comprising ledges for focusing the cutting and preventing or reducing bunching of the dunnage towards a side of the blade. A method of converting dunnage may also be provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 10, 2023Publication date: January 4, 2024Inventors: Thomas D. Wetsch, Robert Tegel
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Patent number: 11738533Abstract: A dunnage handler for controlling the outfeed of dunnage from a dunnage machine is disclosed and can include a dunnage accumulator with first and second holding portions configured and associated with each other to define a dunnage accumulation space therebetween and for receiving and removably retaining the dunnage in the accumulation space from a dunnage machine and an articulation associating the first and second holding portions such that the holding portions are movable with respect to each other to vary the accumulation space to accommodate a varying amount of dunnage held therein, where a sensor and controller can be included to stop dunnage production when the accumulator is full.Type: GrantFiled: March 4, 2019Date of Patent: August 29, 2023Assignee: Pregis Innovative Packaging LLCInventors: Thomas D. Wetsch, Robert Tegel
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Patent number: 11623423Abstract: A dunnage system may include a converting station including a converter configured for pulling in a stream of sheet material and converting the material into dunnage, and an inlet guide having an inlet surface that is coiled such that first and second ends of the inlet surface are discontinuous with each other to define a gap therebetween, the inlet surface configured to channel the sheet material into the converter. A cutter for a dunnage system may include a blade with first and second phases of serrations that are coextensive over at least a portion of the blade, the first phase providing cutting serrations for cutting the dunnage, and the second phase comprising ledges for focusing the cutting and preventing or reducing bunching of the dunnage towards a side of the blade. A method of converting dunnage may also be provided.Type: GrantFiled: October 5, 2020Date of Patent: April 11, 2023Assignee: Pregis Innovative Packaging LLCInventors: Thomas D. Wetsch, Robert Tegel
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Publication number: 20220227091Abstract: A conversion apparatus is provided herein. The conversion apparatus includes a cutting member having an edge configured for cutting the dunnage material. The conversion apparatus also includes a biasing member that is located adjacent to the cutting member such that the dunnage material passes between the biasing member and the cutting member. The biasing member operably contacts the dunnage material thereby biasing the dunnage material against the cutting member. The position of the biasing member relative to the cutting member is such that in response to the dunnage material being retracted back into the conversion apparatus the cutting member begins to sever the dunnage material, but in response to the dunnage material traveling in the dispensing direction the cutting member does not begin to sever the dunnage material due to the relative position.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 31, 2022Publication date: July 21, 2022Inventors: Thomas D. Wetsch, Robert Tegel
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Patent number: 11364701Abstract: A dunnage crumpling apparatus is provided having first and second entry-side crumpling members and first and second exit-side crumpling members. The first and second entry-side crumpling members define an entry therebetween. The first and second exit-side crumpling members define an exit therebetween that is disposed along the longitudinal path downstream of the entry. A crumpling zone being defined between the entry and exit. The first entry-side crumpling member is configured for moving at an first rate and is associated with the second entry-side crumpling member for moving sheet material through the entry in a first direction along a longitudinal path at an entry rate. The first exit-side crumpling member is configured for moving at an second rate and is associated with the second exit-side crumpling member for moving the sheet material through the exit in the first direction along the path at a exit rate that is slower than the entry rate to crumple the sheet material for producing dunnage.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 2018Date of Patent: June 21, 2022Assignee: Pregis Innovative Packaging LLCInventors: Thomas D. Wetsch, Robert Tegel
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Patent number: 11241858Abstract: A material dispenser having a dispensing member configured to dispense a line of the material along a path in a downstream direction, and a cutting member having a cutting edge extending generally downstream with respect to the path. The cutting member having a convex shape across the path, such that the cutting edge engages and sequentially initiates cuts through the line of material when the line of material is pulled against the cutting member, thereby minimize cutting forces.Type: GrantFiled: April 13, 2020Date of Patent: February 8, 2022Assignee: Pregis Innovative Packaging LLCInventors: Thomas D. Wetsch, Robert Tegel
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Patent number: 11235548Abstract: A conversion apparatus is provided herein. The conversion apparatus includes a cutting member having an edge configured for cutting the dunnage material. The conversion apparatus also includes a biasing member that is located adjacent to the cutting member such that the dunnage material passes between the biasing member and the cutting member. The biasing member operably contacts the dunnage material thereby biasing the dunnage material against the cutting member. The position of the biasing member relative to the cutting member is such that in response to the dunnage material being retracted back into the conversion apparatus the cutting member begins to sever the dunnage material, but in response to the dunnage material traveling in the dispensing direction the cutting member does not begin to sever the dunnage material due to the relative position.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2016Date of Patent: February 1, 2022Assignee: Pregis Innovative Packaging LLCInventors: Thomas D. Wetsch, Robert Tegel
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Publication number: 20210016535Abstract: A dunnage system may include a converting station including a converter configured for pulling in a stream of sheet material and converting the material into dunnage, and an inlet guide having an inlet surface that is coiled such that first and second ends of the inlet surface are discontinuous with each other to define a gap therebetween, the inlet surface configured to channel the sheet material into the converter. A cutter for a dunnage system may include a blade with first and second phases of serrations that are coextensive over at least a portion of the blade, the first phase providing cutting serrations for cutting the dunnage, and the second phase comprising ledges for focusing the cutting and preventing or reducing bunching of the dunnage towards a side of the blade. A method of converting dunnage may also be provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 5, 2020Publication date: January 21, 2021Inventors: Thomas D. Wetsch, Robert Tegel
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Patent number: 10792882Abstract: A dunnage system may include a converting station including a converter configured for pulling in a stream of sheet material and converting the material into dunnage, and an inlet guide having an inlet surface that is coiled such that first and second ends of the inlet surface are discontinuous with each other to define a gap therebetween, the inlet surface configured to channel the sheet material into the converter. A cutter for a dunnage system may include a blade with first and second phases of serrations that are coextensive over at least a portion of the blade, the first phase providing cutting serrations for cutting the dunnage, and the second phase comprising ledges for focusing the cutting and preventing or reducing bunching of the dunnage towards a side of the blade. A method of converting dunnage may also be provided.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 2017Date of Patent: October 6, 2020Assignee: PREGIS INNOVATIVE PACKAGING LLCInventors: Thomas D. Wetsch, Robert Tegel
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Publication number: 20200238651Abstract: A material dispenser having a dispensing member configured to dispense a line of the material along a path in a downstream direction, and a cutting member having a cutting edge extending generally downstream with respect to the path. The cutting member having a convex shape across the path, such that the cutting edge engages and sequentially initiates cuts through the line of material when the line of material is pulled against the cutting member, thereby minimize cutting forces.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 13, 2020Publication date: July 30, 2020Inventors: Thomas D. Wetsch, Robert Tegel
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Patent number: 10661523Abstract: A system for processing a line of material along a path and a tear-assist apparatus. The tear-assist comprising a driving portion that drives the line of material along the path, a sensing unit that detects pulling of the line of material in a first direction along the path away from the driving portion, and a cutting member for cutting the line of material. The driving portion can also be configured to drive the line of material in the first direction along the path to dispense the material.Type: GrantFiled: February 8, 2016Date of Patent: May 26, 2020Assignee: PREGIS INNOVATIVE PACKAGING LLCInventors: Thomas D Wetsch, Christopher M Rains, Robert Tegel
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Patent number: 10618239Abstract: A material dispenser having a dispensing member configured to dispense a line of the material along a path in a downstream direction, and a cutting member having a cutting edge extending generally downstream with respect to the path. The cutting member having a convex shape across the path, such that the cutting edge engages and sequentially initiates cuts through the line of material when the line of material is pulled against the cutting member, thereby minimize cutting forces.Type: GrantFiled: October 4, 2016Date of Patent: April 14, 2020Assignee: PREGIS INNOVATIVE PACKAGING LLCInventors: Thomas D. Wetsch, Robert Tegel
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Patent number: 10508670Abstract: An alternative connection element to a permanent structural connection, with the ability to be disassembled or reconfigured. The apparatus and method creates a stable compression and tension connection of structural elements that provides a fixed connection but allows for dis-assembly and use of dissimilar materials and finishes. The connection includes a first bore through a primary structural element and a tension bore extending inwardly from a surface of the primary element intersecting the first bore. A compression bore extends inwardly from an opposite surface of the primary element. A secondary element is received in the first bore, and receives a tension element through the tension bore, aperture, and compression bore. A compression element is operably connected to the tension element so that the compression element and tension element are operable to urge the secondary element in abutment with an inner surface of the first bore.Type: GrantFiled: November 23, 2016Date of Patent: December 17, 2019Inventor: Robert Tegel
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Publication number: 20190193364Abstract: A dunnage handler for controlling the outfeed of dunnage from a dunnage machine is disclosed and can include a dunnage accumulator with first and second holding portions configured and associated with each other to define a dunnage accumulation space therebetween and for receiving and removably retaining the dunnage in the accumulation space from a dunnage machine and an articulation associating the first and second holding portions such that the holding portions are movable with respect to each other to vary the accumulation space to accommodate a varying amount of dunnage held therein, where a sensor and controller can be included to stop dunnage production when the accumulator is full.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 4, 2019Publication date: June 27, 2019Inventors: Thomas D. Wetsch, Robert Tegel
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Patent number: 10300672Abstract: A dunnage system for processing material into dunnage is herein described. A converting station of the system can include a drum having a drum surface first and second axial sides and guides protruding adjacent the drum surface on the first and second axial sides associated with the drum to rotate with the drum surface. A supply gripping member can be provided to grip a supply roll, and can include a rotatable base. A pivotal blade can be used to cut the dunnage.Type: GrantFiled: October 25, 2013Date of Patent: May 28, 2019Assignee: PREGIS INNOVATIVE PACKAGING LLCInventors: Thomas D. Wetsch, Robert Tegel
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Publication number: 20190134935Abstract: A dunnage system may include a converting station including a converter configured for pulling in a stream of sheet material and converting the material into dunnage, and an inlet guide having an inlet surface that is coiled such that first and second ends of the inlet surface are discontinuous with each other to define a gap therebetween, the inlet surface configured to channel the sheet material into the converter. A cutter for a dunnage system may include a blade with first and second phases of serrations that are coextensive over at least a portion of the blade, the first phase providing cutting serrations for cutting the dunnage, and the second phase comprising ledges for focusing the cutting and preventing or reducing bunching of the dunnage towards a side of the blade. A method of converting dunnage may also be provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 11, 2017Publication date: May 9, 2019Inventors: Thomas D. Wetsch, Robert Tegel
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Patent number: 10220589Abstract: A dunnage handler for controlling the outfeed of dunnage from a dunnage machine is disclosed and can include a dunnage accumulator with first and second holding portions configured and associated with each other to define a dunnage accumulation space therebetween and for receiving and removably retaining the dunnage in the accumulation space from a dunnage machine and an articulation associating the first and second holding portions such that the holding portions are movable with respect to each other to vary the accumulation space to accommodate a varying amount of dunnage held therein, where a sensor and controller can be included to stop dunnage production when the accumulator is full.Type: GrantFiled: August 28, 2009Date of Patent: March 5, 2019Assignee: PREGIS INNOVATIVE PACKAGING LLCInventors: Thomas D. Wetsch, Robert Tegel
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Publication number: 20190061300Abstract: A dunnage crumpling apparatus is provided having first and second entry-side crumpling members and first and second exit-side crumpling members. The first and second entry-side crumpling members define an entry therebetween. The first and second exit-side crumpling members define an exit therebetween that is disposed along the longitudinal path downstream of the entry. A crumpling zone being defined between the entry and exit. The first entry-side crumpling member is configured for moving at an first rate and is associated with the second entry-side crumpling member for moving sheet material through the entry in a first direction along a longitudinal path at an entry rate. The first exit-side crumpling member is configured for moving at an second rate and is associated with the second exit-side crumpling member for moving the sheet material through the exit in the first direction along the path at a exit rate that is slower than the entry rate to crumple the sheet material for producing dunnage.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 30, 2018Publication date: February 28, 2019Inventors: Thomas D. Wetsch, Robert Tegel