Abstract: A packaging system includes a cushioning conversion machine for converting stock material into relatively low density cushioning material or dunnage and a packaging system controller. The packaging system controller provides packaging instructions related to a part or parts to be packaged and instructs the cushioning conversion machine to produce the cushioning material. In one aspect of the present invention the packaging system controller provides packaging instructions by retrieving a predetermined set of packaging instructions associated with a particular part. In another aspect of the present invention the packaging system controller provides packaging instructions by determining an optimized packaging methodology using one or more characteristics of the part or parts to be packaged. The packaging system also provides for automated inventory control and productivity monitoring.

Abstract: A packaging system includes a cushioning conversion machine for converting stock material into relatively low density cushioning material or dunnage and a packaging system controller. The packaging system controller provides packaging instructions related to a part or parts to be packaged and instructs the cushioning conversion machine to produce the cushioning material. In one aspect of the present invention the packaging system controller provides packaging instructions by retrieving a predetermined set of packaging instructions associated with a particular part. In another aspect of the present invention the packaging system controller provides packaging instructions by determining an optimized packaging methodology using one or more characteristics of the part or parts to be packaged. The packaging system also provides for automated inventory control and productivity monitoring.

Abstract: A packaging system includes a cushioning conversion machine for converting stock material into relatively low density cushioning material or dunnage and a packaging system controller. The packaging system controller provides packaging instructions related to a part or parts to be packaged and instructs the cushioning conversion machine to produce the cushioning material. In one aspect of the present invention the packaging system controller provides packaging instructions by retrieving a predetermined set of packaging instructions associated with a particular part. In another aspect of the present invention the packaging system controller provides packaging instructions by determining an optimized packaging methodology using one or more characteristics of the part or parts to be packaged. The packaging system also provides for automated inventory control and productivity monitoring.

Abstract: A novel dunnage-creating machine and methodology characterized by various features including, inter alia, a modular construction, easier access to interior components, and a low cost cutting assembly. The machine comprises front and rear units having separate housings. The housing of the rear unit includes an outer shell having a converging chute surrounding a shaping member over which sheet-like stock material is drawn to form the stock material into a three-dimensional shape. The front unit includes in the housing thereof a feed mechanism for drawing the stock material over the shaping member and stitching the shaped material to form a strip of dunnage product. The front unit also includes a manual cutting mechanism for cutting the strip to form cut pieces, which manual cutting mechanism includes a readily replaceable blade assembly.

Abstract: A novel dunnage-creating machine and methodology characterized by various features including, inter alia, a modular construction, easier access to interior components, and a low cost cutting assembly. The machine comprises front and rear units having separate housings. The housing of the rear unit includes an outer shell having a converging chute surrounding a shaping member over which sheet-like stock material is drawn to form the stock material into a three-dimensional shape. The front unit includes in the housing thereof a feed mechanism for drawing the stock material over the shaping member and stitching the shaped material to form a strip of dunnage product. The front unit also includes a manual cutting mechanism for cutting the strip to form cut pieces, which manual cutting mechanism includes a readily replaceable blade assembly.

Abstract: A cushioning dunnage conversion machine for converting sheet-like stock material, such as paper in multi-ply form, into cut sections of relatively low density pad-like cushioning product, and cutting assembly therefor, is provided. The machine includes a stock supply assembly, a forming assembly, a pulling/connecting assembly and a cutting assembly, all of which are mounted on a machine frame. The machine frame includes a base plate having an upstream end and a downstream end, a first end plate extending generally perpendicular from the upstream end of the end plate and a second end plate extending generally perpendicular from the downstream end of the base plate.

Abstract: A packaging system includes a cushioning conversion machine for converting stock material into relatively low density cushioning material or dunnage and a packaging system controller. The packaging system controller provides packaging instructions related to a part or parts to be packaged and instructs the cushioning conversion machine to produce the cushioning material. In one aspect of the present invention the packaging system controller provides packaging instructions by retrieving a predetermined set of packaging instructions associated with a particular part. In another aspect of the present invention the packaging system controller provides packaging instructions by programming the instructions using an instruction programming tool. The packaging system also provides for pacing a packager through a set of packaging instructions and monitoring the packager's productivity.

Abstract: A packaging system includes a cushioning conversion machine for converting stock material into relatively low density cushioning material or dunnage and a packaging system controller. The packaging system controller provides packaging instructions related to a part or parts to be packaged and instructs the cushioning conversion machine to produce the cushioning material. In one aspect of the present invention the packaging system controller provides packaging instructions by retrieving a predetermined set of packaging instructions associated with a particular part. In another aspect of the present invention the packaging system controller provides packaging instructions by determining an optimized packaging methodology using one or more characteristics of the part or parts to be packaged. The packaging system also provides for automated inventory control and productivity monitoring.

Abstract: A packaging system includes a cushioning conversion machine for converting stock material into relatively low density cushioning material or dunnage and a packaging system controller. The packaging system controller provides packaging instructions related to a part or parts to be packaged and instructs the cushioning conversion machine to produce the cushioning material. In one aspect of the present invention the packaging system controller provides packaging instructions by retrieving a predetermined set of packaging instructions associated with a particular part. In another aspect of the present invention the packaging system controller provides packaging instructions by determining an optimized packaging methodology using one or more characteristics of the part or parts to be packaged. The packaging system also provides for automated inventory control and productivity monitoring.

Abstract: A cushioning dunnage conversion machine for converting sheet-like stock material, such as paper in multiply form, into cut sections of relatively low density pad-like cushioning product, and cutting assembly therefor, is provided. The machine includes a stock supply assembly, a forming assembly, a pulling/connecting assembly and a cutting assembly, all of which are mounted on a machine frame. The machine frame includes a base plate having an upstream end and a downstream end, a first end plate extending generally perpendicular from the upstream end of the end plate and a second end plate extending generally perpendicular from the downstream end of the base plate.

Abstract: A novel dunnage-creating machine and methodology characterized by various features including, inter alia, a modular construction, easier access to interior components, and a low cost cutting assembly. The machine comprises front and rear units having separate housings. The housing of the rear unit includes an outer shell having a converging chute surrounding a shaping member over which sheet-like stock material is drawn to form the stock material into a three-dimensional shape. The front unit includes in the housing thereof a feed mechanism for drawing the stock material over the shaping member and stitching the shaped material to form a strip of dunnage product. The front unit also includes a manual cutting mechanism for cutting the strip to form cut pieces, which manual cutting mechanism includes a readily replaceable blade assembly.

Abstract: A cushioning conversion machine for converting a sheet-like stock material into a cushioning product. The machine includes a forming assembly which forms the sheet-like stock material into a three-dimensional strip of dunnage; a stock supply assembly which supplies the stock material to the forming assembly; a feed assembly which feeds the stock material through the forming assembly; and a cutting assembly which cuts the strip of dunnage into sections of a desired length. The machine's housing at least partially encloses the forming assembly, the feed assembly, and the cutting assembly. The machine further comprises a stand including a support to which the housing is mounted and a base extending from the support to which the stock supply assembly is mounted.

Abstract: A lightweight disposable kitty litter box comprises a container which forms a closed receptacle (110) and fresh kitty litter (20) which is enclosed within the closed receptacle (122). The kitty litter (20) comprises a resilient paper product having a density between 0.01 and 0.10 ounces per cubic inch. The container is convertible between a closed condition in which it forms a closed receptacle (110) and an open condition in which it forms an open receptacle (122). To supply a kitty litter box for a cat, the container is converted into the open condition to form the open receptacle to thereby allow the cat access to the fresh kitty litter (20). The cat may then interact with the fresh kitty litter (20) until it reaches a sanitarily unacceptable state. The sanitarily unacceptable kitty litter is then enclosed in the closed container by converting the container into the closed condition. The container and the sanitarily unacceptable kitty litter enclosed therein may then be disposed as a unit.

Abstract: A cushioning conversion machine for converting sheet-like material into a cushioning dunnage product. The machine includes a forming assembly which forms the sheet-like stock material into a three-dimensional strip of dunnage, a feed assembly which feeds the stock material to the forming assembly, and a cutting assembly which cuts the strip of dunnage into sections of a desired length. An operating assembly includes a handle member which when moved to a first position activates the feed assembly and which when moved to a second position activates the cutting assembly.

Abstract: A cushioning dunnage conversion machine for converting sheet-like stock material, such as paper in multiply form, into cut sections of relatively low density pad-like cushioning product, and cutting assembly therefor, is provided. The machine includes a stock supply assembly, a forming assembly, a pulling/connecting assembly and a cutting assembly, all of which are mounted on a machine frame. The machine frame includes a base plate having an upstream end and a downstream end, a first end plate extending generally perpendicular from the upstream end of the end plate and a second end plate extending generally perpendicular from the downstream end of the base plate.

Abstract: A lightweight disposable kitty litter box (10) comprises a container (22) which forms a closed receptacle and fresh kitty litter (20) which is enclosed within the closed receptacle. The kitty litter (20) comprises a resilient paper product having a density between 0.01 and 0.10 ounces per cubic inch. The container (22) is convertible between a closed condition in which it forms said closed receptacle and an open condition in which it forms an open receptacle. To supply a kitty litter box for a cat, the container (22) is converted into the open condition to form the open receptacle to thereby allow the cat access to the fresh kitty litter (20). The cat may then interact with the fresh kitty litter (20) until it reaches a sanitarily unacceptable state. The sanitarily unacceptable kitty litter is then enclosed in the closed receptacle by converting the container (22) into the closed condition. The container (22), and the sanitarily unacceptable kitty litter enclosed therein, may then be disposed as a unit.

Abstract: A modular cushioning conversion machine for converting a sheet-like stock material into a cushioning dunnage product characterized by first and second modular units. The first unit includes a housing and a forming assembly within the housing which forms the sheet-like stock material into a three-dimensional strip. The second unit includes a housing and a feed mechanism within the housing which feeds the sheet-like stock material through the forming assembly. The housings of the first and second units respectively have an outlet opening and an inlet opening positionable with respect to one another to provide a pathway for the transfer of the strip from the first unit to the second unit.

Abstract: A novel dunnage-creating machine and methodology characterized by various features including, inter alia, a modular construction, easier access to interior components, and a low cost cutting assembly. The machine comprises front and rear units having separate housings. The housing of the rear unit includes an outer shell having a converging chute surrounding a shaping member over which sheet-like stock material is drawn to form the stock material into a three-dimensional shape. The front unit includes in the housing thereof a feed mechanism for drawing the stock material over the shaping member and stitching the shaped material to form a strip of dunnage product. The front unit also includes a manual cutting mechanism for cutting the strip to form cut pieces, which manual cutting mechanism includes a readily replaceable blade assembly.

Abstract: A cushioning conversion machine and method for converting sheet-like stock material, such as paper in multi-ply form, into cut sections of relatively low density pad-like cushioning product. The machine includes conversion assemblies which convert the stock material into a strip of dunnage, a stock supply assembly which supplies the stock material to the conversion assemblies, a cutting assembly which cuts the strip into cut sections of a desired length, and a post-cutting constraining assembly which circumferentially constrains the cut section.