Abstract: A converter mechanism and method for producing a relatively narrow width and small size cushioning dunnage product of pad-like form, from sheet-like stock material. A conversion kit comprising a funnel-like chute member and a coacting elongated generally rectangular shaped (in top plan) bar former is provided for conversion of a known cushioning dunnage converter into one which can produce the relatively narrow and small size pad-like cushioning dunnage product of the invention. The bar former has its forwardmost end disposed generally adjacent the exit end of the funnel-like chute member, with its rearward end extending rearwardly of the entrance to the funnel-like chute member.

Abstract: Forming machine comprising a first and second pairs of former and jaw arrangements, each of the former and jaw arrangements being relatively movable from an open to a closed condition (and from the closed to the open condition), but only after corresponding movement of the other former and jaw arrangement.

Abstract: This invention comprises apparatus and methods for folding and crimping shredded strips of sheet material into preselected lengths of interlocking, decorative material and/or bulk packaging material. The apparatus generally includes an attachment for a commercial paper shredding device which shreds sheet material therein. The apparatus comprises a movable barrier against which the shredded strips of sheet material are impelled upon being expelled from cutting blades of the shredding device. The movable barrier causes the strips to become controllably jammed within a confined area between the barrier and the cutting blades. Further insertion of additional strips into the confined area causes the strips to become compacted, folded, and crimped against a remaining dam of jammed sheet material located within the confined area. This causes the strips to fold and press against themselves, and form lengths of thin sheet material having an accordion-shaped configuration.

Abstract: An apparatus for stacking a zigzag folded web into piles includes means for directing the web folds into a fold stacking station and includes endless fold directing belts having a sloped run which tangentially contacts only the outer free edges of the folds being conveyed to the stacking station.

Abstract: An apparatus performing a filter from a material for a filter element automatically and quickly. The filter made by the present apparatus has a plurality of wavy portions which are provided in such a manner that a plurality of wavy portions forms a circle.The apparatus employs a contracting apparatus for contracting a continuously corrugated strip of material for a filter element in such a manner that a distance between adjacent ridges of the corrugated strip is reduced so that the corrugated strip becomes the wavy portion of the filter. The apparatus also employs a rounding apparatus for rounding the continuously corrugated strip in such a manner that both ends of the strip are connected to each other so that the wavy portions made from the corrugated strip form a circle. The apparatus further employs a shaping apparatus for shaping the rounded continuously corrugated strip so that the rounded strip becomes the filter.

Abstract: A cushioning dunnage producing mechanism and method wherein the mechanism utilizes one or more webs of sheet-like stock material, with the stock material being adapted to be disposed by the mechanism in generally superimposed relation and then fed into a crumpler section of tubular-like construction, to radially compress the sheet-like material into a pad-like dunnage product. The lateral edges of the stock material are caused to be rolled inwardly into generally spiral-like form, prior to passage of the stock material into the crumpler section, by a forming frame of generally triangular-like shape both in plan and in side elevation, with the nose of the forming frame being disposed closely adjacent the entranceway to the crumpler section. Meshed spur gears coacting with the crumpler section, coin or stitch the confronting portions of the rolled edges of stock material together, to hold the produced dunnage product in a pad-like configuration.

Abstract: A card having a product thereon is fed by a conveyor into a card folding device. This involves the use of an air jet located below the conveyor, which is activated and causes the leading portion of the card as it passes thereover to go into an upright position approximately perpendicular to the conveyor. While in this position, the conveyor causes the card to be fed into fingers located above the conveyor which complete the fold rearwardly. While still under the influence of the fingers, the leading edge, or fold line, of the now folded card is fed into a creaser. At this point, a switch is tripped which raises a stop-bar which stops the card. A reciprocal plunger is now activated and is used to crease the leading edge by exerting downward pressure thereon against the stop-bar. Once creasing is completed, the stop-bar and plunger retract allowing the conveyor to take the card and product to the next packaging station.

Abstract: A paper spring is formed by longitudinally folding a sheet along parallel fold lines to provide a strip and thence transversely folding the strip in a zigzag manner. The resulting paper spring may be contained in a paper housing in the form of an open-sided rectangular band and a series of the resulting paper spring units may be mounted on a carboard panel to provide a platen. Such springs or units provide a resilient cushion for fragile items shipped in boxes.