Abstract: A system for creating and dispensing cushioning dunnage is small and permits flexible installation configuration options for a single or multiple packing stations. A compact apparatus of the system is capable of being pivotally mounted as a unit on a stand and includes a motor and a material feeding arrangement driven by the motor for pulling material from a supply roll of the material supported on a stand of the system, and feeding it through the apparatus. A plurality of material shaping members upstream of the feeding arrangement shape the material in the apparatus to convert it into a continuous strip of cushioning product.

Abstract: A paper conversion dispenser machine for converting sheet-like material into a relatively low density cushioning dunnage product. The machine has a stock supplying assembly that supplies at least one stock paper roll, a shaping member for crumpling and converting sheet-like material of the roll(s) into a three-dimensional shape that consists of a pre-entry section with two side entry guiding rollers for guiding and reducing the sheet-like material of a supplied width to a narrower width non linear crumpled stream of paper, and an entry section with two side entry rollers to guide and reduce the crumpled down stream of paper to an even narrower width relatively low density cushioning dunnage product. The machine also has a guiding tunnel of a substantially uniform cross section, a feed mechanism with driving rollers for driving the stock material through the shaping member, and an automatic cutting set for cutting the dunnage product.

Abstract: A cushioning conversion machine (100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900) comprising a conversion assembly (101, 201, 301, 401, 501, 601, 701, 801, 901) which converts a sheet stock material into a three-dimensional strip of cushioning. The conversion assembly (101, 201, 301, 401, 501, 601, 701, 801, 901) includes a forming assembly (120, 220, 320, 420, 520, 620, 720, 820, 920) that forms the stock material into a strip of stock material. The forming assembly (120, 220, 320, 420, 520, 620, 720, 820, 920) comprises an external forming device (122, 222, 322, 422, 522, 622, 722, 822, 922) and an internal forming device (124, 224, 324, 424, 524, 624, 724, 824, 924). The internal forming device (124, 224, 324, 424, 525, 624, 724, 824, 924) includes interacting and/or mandrel portions (164, 264, 364, 464, 564, 664, 764, 864, 964) which internally interact with lateral portions of the strip of stock material to internally reshape the cross-sectional geometry of the strip.

Abstract: A cushioning conversion system (20; 120; 320) and method for making a coil of cushioning product, including a cushioning conversion machine (22; 122; 322) and a coiler (24; 124; 224; 324). As a strip of cushioning product (S) is emitted from the cushioning conversion machine (22; 122; 322), the coiler (24; 124; 224; 324) rolls the strip of cushioning product (S) into a coiled configuration to form a coil of cushioning product (C). The coiler (24; 124; 224; 324) is adapted to allow the coil of cushioning product (C) to be removed in its coiled configuration. The cushioning conversion system may also include a guide device (26; 326), which guides the strip of cushioning product from the cushioning conversion machine's outlet (34) to the coiler (24; 124; 324), and/or a controller (28; 328), which controls the coiler (24; 124; 224; 324) based on the production of the cushioning conversion machine (22; 122; 322).

Abstract: A cushioning conversion machine (20) including a conversion assembly (30) which converts a continuous sheet of multi-ply stock material (22) into a three dimensional cushioning product (32) and a stock supply assembly (550) which supplies the multi-ply stock material (22) to the conversion assembly (30). The conversion assembly (30) includes a forming assembly (52) which inwardly turns lateral portions of the stock material (22) as the stock material (22) travels therethrough in a downstream direction. The stock supply assembly (550) includes a separating device (574) and/or constant-entry device (580) designed to minimize tearing due to excessive tension in the lateral regions of the stock material (22). Additionally or alternatively, the forming assembly (52) includes a shaping member (590) having protrusions in its turning perimeter and/or holding surface to modify the shape of the cushioning product.

Abstract: A monitoring system for monitoring one or more packaging material conversion machines includes one or more sensors for monitoring one or more operating characteristics of the one or more conversion machines. The system also includes a controller in communication with the one or more sensors. The controller evaluates the one or more operating characteristics of the one or more conversion machines to thereby provide diagnostic, inventory and machine usage information. In addition, a method of monitoring one or more packaging material conversion machines includes sensing an operating characteristic of the one or more conversion machines and evaluating the operating characteristic of the one or more conversion machines. The sensed operating characteristics may be evaluated either local to the conversion machines or at a remote site, thereby providing a substantial amount of flexibility.

Abstract: A process of and apparatus for forming dunnage are disclosed. A chain of interconnected plastic pouches are fed along a path of travel to a fill and seal station. The pouches are sequentially opened as each pouch is positioned in the fill station. Each pouch is opened by directing a flow of air through a pouch fill opening to separate a face from a back of each such pouch and continuing the flow of air through each such opening to inflate each opened pouch. Steps are taken to control the volume of air in an inflated pouch. Each such inflated pouch is then sealed to create hermetically closed and inflated dunnage units. Novel web and dunnage units are also disclosed.

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 method, apparatus and system for making cushioning product, and a roll tensioner therefor apply frictional resistance to the periphery of a roll of material to be converted into cushioning product with at least one roll support member which supports the roll in addition to applying frictional resistance to rotation. Efficient operation is attained automatically in that the frictional resistance applied and also the pulling profile exerted on the material during unwinding of the roll are changed as a function of weight and/or other characteristics of the roll of material to be converted into cushioning product.

Abstract: A rotary hammer and a power tool. The rotary hammer is operable in an idle mode and a hammer mode and comprises a housing and a barrel positioned in the housing and having a forward portion. A ram is positioned within the barrel and is movable relative to the barrel between hammering positions and an idle position. In some aspects, a ram catcher assembly is positioned along the axis adjacent the forward portion of the barrel to releasably hold the ram in the idle position. The ram catcher assembly includes a friction member frictionally engageable with the ram and a damping member at least partially surrounding the friction member. As the ram moves to the idle position with a force, the damping member absorbs at least a portion of the force and the member applies friction to the ram.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of manufacturing a honeycomb body (1) formed by winding a flat metal foil (3) and a corrugated metal foil (4) in layers and brazing them, capable of reducing the equipment cost of honeycomb body manufacturing facilities and conforming to the countermeasure against an engine misfire problem of the honeycomb body, without causing insufficient or excessive application of adhesive which is seen in the cases of adhesive application methods using rolls; and relates to a method of manufacturing a honeycomb body characterized by: applying an adhesive to the portions to be brazed of the flat or corrugated foil corresponding to a bonding portion (17) which is located at one or both ends of the honeycomb body and/or a bonding portion (18) inside the honeycomb body over a cross section which is located away from one or both ends thereof in the axial direction; then, winding the flat and corrugated foils in layers to form a honeycomb body; then, making the portion of one or both end

Abstract: A packaging material comprising a plurality of cushioning members for cushioning an article in a container is provided. The cushioning members being formed by crumpling a flexible sheet of material having a plurality of slits extending through the sheet of material and into a globular configuration having a plurality of random folds, a plurality of random engaged portions, and a plurality of voids. The sheet of material has an upper surface and a lower surface with at least one of the upper surface and the lower surface having a bonding material disposed thereon such that at least a portion of the engaged portions are bondably connected thereby increasing the resiliency of the folds.

Abstract: A cushioning conversion machine (20) for converting sheet-like stock material (22) into a three-dimensional cushioning product (P) including a device (400; 400′; 500; 600; 600′; 700) which controls the width of the strip and which may be selectively adjusted to change the width of the strip. By selectively setting the device (400, 400′, 500; 600; 600′; 700), a cushioning product of a desired width may be produced. For more sophisticated packaging needs, the stock material may be converted into a first portion of a certain width, the device adjusted, and then the stock material may be converted into a second portion of a different width whereby the cushioning product will have continuous portions of different widths.

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 cushioning conversion machine and method for converting sheet stock material into a cushioning dunnage product with better control over the tension of the stock material fed into such machines for conversion into a dunnage product and better control over the dunnage product during a cutting operation to minimize the chance of a machine jam. The machine and method are characterized by a stock supply assembly that includes a plurality of constant entry guides at an upstream end of the machine for passage of respective plies of stock material thereover, a biased damper over which the multi-ply stock material can be trained before passage to constant entry guides, and a plurality of separators between the constant entry guides and the conversion assembly. Also disclosed is a severing assembly for severing the strip of cushioning to form a pad, which severing assembly includes a shutter movable with the moving blade for substantially blocking the strip path when the moving blade is in its extended position.

Abstract: A monitoring system for monitoring one or more packaging material conversion machines includes one or more sensors for monitoring one or more operating characteristics of the one or more conversion machines. The system also includes a controller in communication with the one or more sensors. The controller evaluates the one or more operating characteristics of the one or more conversion machines to thereby provide diagnostic, inventory and machine usage information. In addition, a method of monitoring one or more packaging material conversion machines includes sensing an operating characteristic of the one or more conversion machines and evaluating the operating characteristic of the one or more conversion machines. The sensed operating characteristics may be evaluated either local to the conversion machines or at a remote site, thereby providing a substantial amount of flexibility.

Abstract: A cushioning conversion system includes a cushioning conversion machine which converts stock paper into a plurality of cut pads, and a conveyor system positioned to receive pads produced by the cushioning conversion machine and including a conveyor which conveys the pads away from the machine and at least one moveable gate having an open position allowing a pad to pass, therethrough and a closed position for stopping progress of a pad along the conveyor when there is insufficient space on the conveyor downstream of the gate to permit a pad to progress substantially through the gate.

Abstract: An automatic roll tensioner for a material dispensing system enables a material, e.g., paper or plastic, to be unwound from a roll of the material by pulling the material from the roll while maintaining tension on the material when pulling suddenly stops. The roll of material is positioned in the roll tensioner such that it can be rotated about a longitudinal axis of the roll by pulling the material from the roll to unwind material from the roll. A mechanism actuated by the weight of the roll of material applies frictional resistance to the rotation of the roll at a plurality of circumferentially spaced locations on the periphery of the roll. An apparatus for converting sheets of paper into cushioning dunnage advantageously employs the automatic roll tensioner.

Abstract: A cushioning conversion machine for converting sheet-like stock material into a relatively low density cushioning dunnage product. The machine has at least one conversion assembly for forming the stock material into a three-dimensional shape. The machine includes a feed mechanism for drawing the stock material over a shaping member in the conversion assembly. Any one of a plurality of manually operated severing mechanisms can be mounted in the second unit for cutting the cushioning dunnage product into cut sections. One severing unit has a circular cutting disc which is driven by a rack and pinion faster than rolling contact along a reaction member. Another severing mechanism has a fixed blade with an inclined cutting edge that moves across the path of the converted material. A third mechanism has straight edged blade that moves on vertical tracks downward through the path of the emerging converted material to sever the material against a fixed reaction member.

Abstract: A cushioning conversion machine for converting a sheet-like stock material into a dunnage product includes a frame having an upstream end and a downstream end, conversion assemblies, mounted on the frame, which convert the sheet-like stock material into a continuous strip of a dunnage product, a feeding assembly, mounted on the frame, for feeding the stock material through the conversion assemblies, a cutting assembly, mounted on the frame downstream of the conversion assemblies, which cuts the continuous strip of dunnage into a section of a desired length, and a diagnostic device which monitors the operation of the machine, the diagnostic device including, a sensing device for sensing the mode of operation of the feeding assembly and the cutting assembly, a processing device which determines improper operation of the feeding assembly and the cutting assembly for the sensed mode of operation and generates signals in accordance with such improper operation, and a displaying device which displays codes correspo

Abstract: A safety output chute for a cushioning conversion machine includes a chute having an input end and an output end, the input end including an opening for receiving a flexible cushioning product from an outlet of the cushioning conversion machine; and a plurality of rollers situated inside the chute, the rollers being oriented such that the flexible cushioning product must follow a non-linear path from the input end of the chute to the output end of the chute. Other embodiments of a safety output chute are also disclosed.

Abstract: A cushioning conversion machine having a novel former around which a sheet material is folded to form an improved cushioning product. The former has longitudinally spaced side surfaces inclined from bottom to top toward a downstream end of the machine. The side surfaces cause the obstruction of the sheet stock material upstream of the side surfaces so that the sheet material crumples in the spaces upstream of the side surfaces, thereby increasing the cushioning properties of pillow portions of the cushioning product. The former also has a centrally located base plate which minimizes crumpling in a central portion of the sheet material so that the folded over portions and the central portion can be connected to maintain more effectively the shape of the pillow portions in the resulting cushioning product. In addition, the former has a guard plate mounted above longitudinally spaced bottom edges extending laterally outwardly from the base plate and upstream from a vertical central plane.

Abstract: A cushioning conversion system including a cushioning conversion machine having conversion assemblies for converting a sheet stock material into a relatively lower density cushioning dunnage product, a stand for supporting the cushioning conversion machine at a convenient height and/or angular orientation, and a stock supply cart including a dancer roller for helping to maintain a greater uniformity of tension on the sheet material being fed through the conversion assemblies from changes in loads acting on the sheet material upstream of the dancer roller regardless of the angular orientation of the cushioning conversion machine.

Abstract: The present invention discloses folded corrugated material for producing segments or strips for use as Easter grass, packing material and the like or for use as flower pot covers, floral wrappings and ribbon materials.

Abstract: A packaging material comprising a plurality of cushioning members for cushioning an article in a container is provided. The cushioning members being formed by crumpling a flexible sheet of material into a globular configuration having a plurality of random folds, a plurality of random engaged portions, and a plurality of voids. The sheet of material has an upper surface and a lower surface with at least one of the upper surface and the lower surface having a bonding material disposed thereon such that at least a portion of the engaged portions are bondably connected thereby increasing the resiliency of the folds.

Abstract: Cushioning conversion stitching/coining members each include a plurality of radially outwardly extending projections that meshingly engage during rotation. One stitching member includes a recess and the other stitching member includes cutting edges received in the recess to cut a row of slits in the overlapped portions of the stock material to form at least one row of tabs for interlocking the overlapped portions of the stock material. The cutting edges are radially positioned between adjacent projections of the second stitching member and circumferentially spans less than the circumferential space between adjacent projections. Additionally or alternatively, the projections are shaped so that there is exaggerated backlash between meshing projections.

Abstract: An improved apparatus and method compresses a cylindrical blank into a tampon which is dimensionally stable and which is provided with a domed insertion end. A cylindrical blank is radially compressed and then introduced into a cylindrical axial compression chamber. The blank is then subjected to an extreme axial overcompression. The closed insertion end of the compression chamber has a bore formed therethrough. The bore is generally coaxial and is adapted to accept a reciprocating ejection ram having a ram surface facing into the chamber. When the ram is seated in the first position, the ram surface and the insertion end wall of the compression chamber together form a smooth doming surface. The bore periphery is of a smaller diameter than the chamber and hence radially spaced from the side walls of the chamber, and the ram has sufficient clearance to move through the chamber and eject the tampon without interference from the walls of the chamber.

Abstract: A cushioning conversion system comprising a cushioning conversion machine, a packaging surface, and a dispenser. The cushioning conversion machine includes a conversion assembly which converts a sheet-like stock material into cushioning pads. The dispenser includes a receptacle in which the pads are placed in a vertical stack as they are produced by the cushioning conversion machine. The receptacle is positioned above the packaging surface when the pads are selectively withdrawn therefrom to package items on the packaging surface. The cushioning conversion system allows the accumulation of a plurality of cushioning pads for selective withdrawal without the packaging person having to bend over, without sacrificing valuable packaging surface space, and/or without substantially increasing the system's footprint.

Abstract: A cushioning conversion machine located below a work table includes a stock supply assembly, a conversion assembly for converting the stock material into a cushioning product and providing it through a machine exit, and a pad transferring system including an upper series of rollers arranged in a path, a lower series of rollers arranged in a path and a motor for powering the rotation of the drive elements, the upper and the lower series of rollers defining a path therebetween leading from the machine exit to a passage in the work table.

Abstract: A cushioning conversion machine including a conversion assembly which converts a sheet stock material into a relatively less dense cushioning product. The conversion assembly includes a forming assembly, having an external forming device and an internal forming device positioned at least partially within the external forming device, the forming assembly inwardly turning lateral regions of the sheet stock material as the sheet stock material travels through the forming assembly in an upstream to downstream direction. The sheet stock material passes between the external forming device and the internal forming device as it travels through the forming assembly. The internal forming device has a central guide portion with a bottom guide surface which guides a central region of the sheet stock material as its lateral regions are inwardly turned, and a cascade portion having stages disposed above the bottom guide surface of the central guide portion.

Abstract: A cushioning conversion machine, method and product characterized by a connecting assembly that provides a mechanical interlock between overlapped portions of sheet-like stock material to prevent “unzippering” of a low density cushioning product produced by the cushioning conversion machine. The connecting assembly comprises a pair of rotatable stitching members, a first one having a plurality of radially outwardly extending projections, or teeth, around the circumference thereof, with the projections having at least two axially spaced apart segments defining a recess therebetween. The second stitching member includes at least one axial punch segment which includes a peripheral edge portion dimensioned to be received in the recess in the first stitching member during rotation of the stitching members.

Abstract: A cushioning conversion network includes a supervisory controller linked to a plurality of cushioning conversion machines which convert sheet-like stock material into a dunnage product, each machine including a controller for controlling the operation of the machine in accordance with instructions received from the supervisory controller.

Abstract: A cushioning conversion machine (20) including a conversion assembly (30) which converts a continuous sheet of multi-ply stock material (22) into a three dimensional cushioning product (32) and a stock supply assembly (550) which supplies the multi-ply stock material (22) to the conversion assembly (30). The conversion assembly (30) includes a forming assembly (52) which inwardly turns lateral portions of the stock material (22) as the stock material (22) travels therethrough in a downstream direction. The stock supply assembly (550) includes a separating device (574) and/or constant-entry device (580) designed to minimize tearing due to excessive tension in the lateral regions of the stock material (22). Additionally or alternatively, the forming assembly (52) includes a shaping member (590) having protrusions in its turning perimeter and/or holding surface to modify the shape of the cushioning product.

Abstract: A packaging material comprising a plurality of cushioning members for cushioning an article in a container is provided. The cushioning members being formed by crumpling a flexible sheet of material into a globular configuration having a plurality of random folds, a plurality of random engaged portions, and a plurality of voids. The sheet of material has an upper surface and a lower surface with at least one of the upper surface and the lower surface having a bonding material disposed thereon such that at least a portion of the engaged portions are bondably connected thereby increasing the resiliency of the folds.

Abstract: A packaging material comprising a plurality of cushioning members for cushioning an article in a container is provided. The cushioning members being formed by crumpling a flexible sheet of material into a globular configuration having a plurality of random folds, a plurality of random engaged portions, and a plurality of voids. The sheet of material has an upper surface and a lower surface with at least one of the upper surface and the lower surface having a bonding material disposed thereon such that at least a portion of the engaged portions are bondably connected thereby increasing the resiliency of the folds.

Abstract: A cushion producing machine includes a frame, a forming assembly mounted to the frame for creating a cushioning product from sheet-like stock material, the forming assembly including a triangular plate coacting with a pair of curved surfaces to inwardly roll the lateral edges of the stock material to form a continuous strip having lateral pillow-like portions and a thin central band, and a coining assembly for coining the central band of the continuous strip.

Abstract: A process is for the production of a padding material (7) made from paper or similar flat structures that are folded together and are formed by tools. At least one intermediate layer (3, 4) is perhaps incorporated within a top layer (2) that is to be folded together. The top layer and the intermediate layer that may or may not be provided are formed along their narrow sides by at least one forming tool (10, 11) after the top layer has been folded together. An intermittent transport unit acts on the structure (1) that is still flat but has been folded together. This causes the structure to be formed longitudinally, in addition to the forming that is carried out by the forming tool (10, 11).

Abstract: The invention is an apparatus for converting sheets of paper into cushioning dunnage. The apparatus includes a supply assembly, a conversion mechanism, a cutting assembly and a cutting assembly interlock device. The supply assembly supports the paper which is to be converted. The conversion assembly crumples single ply paper into cushioning dunnage and the cutting assembly cuts the newly formed dunnage into desired lengths, where the dunnage is allowed to fall into a container to cushion an item within the container. The cutting assembly interlock device permits activation of the cutting assembly only when the cutting assembly has fully moved into the proper, cutting position.

Abstract: A cushioning conversion machine for converting a sheet-like stock material into a dunnage product includes a frame having an upstream end and a downstream end, conversion assemblies, mounted on the frame, which convert the sheet-like stock material into a continuous strip of a dunnage product, a feeding assembly, mounted on the frame, for feeding the stock material through the conversion assemblies, a cutting assembly, mounted on the frame downstream of the conversion assemblies, which cuts the continuous strip of dunnage into a section of a desired length, and a diagnostic device which monitors the operation of the machine, the diagnostic device including, a sensing device for sensing the mode of operation of the feeding assembly and the cutting assembly, a processing device which determines improper operation of the feeding assembly and the cutting assembly for the sensed mode of operation and generates signals in accordance with such improper operation, and a displaying device which displays codes correspo

Abstract: A cushioning conversion machine (20) including conversion assemblies (24) which convert a sheet stock material into a relatively low density cushioning product. The conversion assemblies (24) include a feed/cut assembly (26) having a feed device (100), a cut device (200), and a drive device (300). The drive device (300) is operable in two opposite directions and alternately drives the feed device (100) and the cut device (200). Clutch (134) and/or clutch (234) are provided which allow reverse operation of the feed device (100) and/or the cut device (200). A brake (238) prevents inadvertent movement of the moving components (220, 222) of the cut device (200). The power transmission from the drive device (300) to the feed device (100) and the cut device (200) includes a gear train (136, 236, 306) . These and other features of the feed/cut assembly (26) improve operating efficiency and/or simplify assembly procedures.

Abstract: A cushioning conversion machine (10) comprising conversion assemblies (52, 54) which convert a sheet-like material (22) into a continuous strip (30) of a cushioning product; a cutting assembly (56) which cuts a leading portion of the strip (30) into a cut pad (32) of a desired length; and a pad-transferring assembly (12). The pad-transferring assembly (12) is mounted to the machine's frame (36) downstream of the cutting assembly (56) and it is designed to engage the leading portion of the strip (30) prior to it being cut. Once the strip (30) is cut, and the pad (32) is formed, the pad-transferring assembly (12) transfers the cut pad (32) away from the cutting assembly (56).

Abstract: A cushioning conversion machine (20) including a converting assembly (52, 54) which converts a sheet-like stock material (22) into a strip (31) having at least one pillow-like portion (33) and another portion (34), and a severing assembly (56) which severs the leading section of the strip (31) to form a cushioning pad (32). The cushioning conversion machine 20 is characterized by a pad-transferring device (300, 400, 500, 600, 700) which transfers the cushioning pad (32) away from the severing assembly (56) by applying a transferring force to the cushioning pad (32) that is concentrated at the other portion (34) of the cushioning pad (32). The other portion (34) of the cushioning pad is preferably a compressed portion, a connecting portion which maintains the geometry of the pillow-like portion, and/or a central portion.

Abstract: A cushioning conversion machine and method for converting sheet stock material into a relatively low density cushioning dunnage product. The machine has at least one conversion assembly for forming the stock material into a three-dimensional shape and a power infeed mechanism which supplies sheet material at a tension that does not exceed a predetermined level. A preferred embodiment of the infeed mechanism includes a powered roller that is driven at a surface speed that is faster than the speed at which a conversion assembly draws the sheet material over the former. A pressure roller presses the sheet material against the powered roller so that the sheet material is supplied to the conversion assembly. The force of the pressure roller is controlled so that the sheet material is supplied to the former at the same rate the former draws in the material, as by means of a dancer that bears against a loop of material between the pressure roller and the conversion assembly.

Abstract: In combination, a cushioning conversion machine and a dispensing table, the cushioning conversion machine connected underneath the dispensing table by a guide system. The guide system includes at least one multiposition guide track connected to the dispensing table in cooperative relation with a follower connected to the cushioning conversion machine, whereby the cushioning conversion machine can be withdrawn out either the front, rear, or either side of the dispensing table.

Abstract: A cushioning conversion machine for converting a sheet stock material into a cushioning product. The cushioning conversion machine includes a forming assembly which forms the stock material into a three- dimensional strip and a feed assembly which feeds the stock material through the forming assembly. The forming assembly includes a chute and a forming member at least partially positioned within the chute. The forming member is attached to the chute independently of the machine's frame whereby the chute and the forming member may be assembled as a subassembly and then this subassembly mounted to the machine's frame.

Abstract: A cushioning conversion machine and method employing a loading assembly that eliminates the need to manually thread sheet-like stock material through a forming assembly of the machine during a loading operation. The loading assembly and associated method are characterized by cooperating feed members that are located adjacent an upstream or inlet end of a converging chute. Upon actuation of an accessible operator member, the feed members are selectively engaged to push stock material through the chute and out the exit end of the chute for engagement by a feeding/connecting assembly which is at least energized during such selective engagement.

Abstract: A machine and method for making cushioning dunnage products by crumpling paper as well as the produced dunnage product is disclosed. The dunnage product is produced from multi-ply paper-like material in which the lateral edges are folded back, and the material is then driven, crumpled, and connected by successive compressions. The folding, crumpling and connecting operations are formed independent of each other in successive steps. By separating the steps, perforations or tearing is avoided, thereby permitting the use of less expensive raw materials, such as recycled paper, rather than the more expensive high quality kraft paper.

Abstract: Cushioning conversion machine and method for converting a sheet stock material into U-shape strips of dunnage. The machine and method are characterized by at least one conversion assembly which converts the sheet stock material into a strip of dunnage, an outlet through which the strip of dunnage emerges and which defines an exit path of the strip of dunnage, and a capture device disposed in the exit path of the strip of dunnage emerging from the outlet and being operative to cause the emerging strip of dunnage to be progressively bent into a U-shape and then removed while retaining the U-shape.

Abstract: A pair of clutches selectively transmit power to a coining mechanism and to a cut-off mechanism in a paper converting machine. As sheet-like material is advanced through the machine, it is formed into a three dimensional strip of padding by a forming mechanism. Next the strip is coined or otherwise secured to keep its three dimensional shape by a coining mechanism. Thereafter the strip is cut into sections of the desired length by a cut-off mechanism. Advantageously, both the coining mechanism and the cut-off mechanism are powered by a single motor, then are selectively connected to the motor by a pair of clutches. The clutches may be wrap spring clutches, and the clutch controlling power to the cut-off mechanism may be a single revolution clutch.