Crushing Or Crumpling Patents (Class 493/464)
  • Patent number: 6077209
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2000
    Assignee: Ranpak Corp.
    Inventors: Steven E. Armington, Richard O. Ratzel, Walter J. Brugge, John E. Silvis, William J. Dobson
  • Patent number: 6067779
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2000
    Assignee: Southpac Trust International, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald E. Weder
  • Patent number: 6055795
    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, a probe for determining the packaging requirements of a particular container, and a controller which controls the feeding and cutting assemblies to produce the required sections of dunnage product for the container as determined by the probe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2000
    Assignee: Ranpak Corp.
    Inventors: James Harding, Richard O. Ratzel
  • Patent number: 6037036
    Abstract: A cushioning conversion machine, converting method and dunnage product characterized by a novel connecting assembly which provides a unique interlock between overlapped portions of sheet-like stock material forming a dunnage product to prevent "unzippering" of the product. The connecting assembly includes a pair of loosely meshed stitching wheels, a first one of the stitching wheels having a plurality of radial projections protruding from a radially outer circumferential surface thereof, and a second one of the stitching wheels including a plurality of recesses for receiving the radial projections in meshed relationship upon rotation of the stitching wheels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2000
    Assignee: Ranpak Corp.
    Inventor: Gary K. Febel
  • Patent number: 6035613
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2000
    Assignee: Ranpak Corp.
    Inventors: Michael J. Lencoski, Edwin P. Beierlorzer
  • Patent number: 6033353
    Abstract: A novel stock roll support assembly and loading method for a cushioning conversion machine that produces dunnage product from sheet stock material supplied as a roll provides for easier loading of the stock roll onto a roll support at the upstream end of the cushioning conversion machine in certain situations, such as where the machine is located against a wall or over (or under) a conveyor, etc. The stock roll support assembly is connected to a main frame of the machine for rotatably supporting a roll of sheet stock material. The stock roll support assembly includes a stock roll support mounted to the main frame for swinging movement between an operating position and a loading position. In the operating position, the stock roll support is operative to support the stock roll adjacent the main frame, and in the loading position, the stock roll support is swung away from the main frame to facilitate loading of a stock roll thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2000
    Assignee: Ranpak Corp.
    Inventors: Michael J. Lencoski, Christopher J. Butcher
  • Patent number: 6033354
    Abstract: A separator for cutting a cushioning/packing material generally in the form of a continuous web made from a base stock of stacked paper sheets, crushed so as to form a cushioning web which moves along a conveyance axis (A) orthogonal to the separator, is characterised in that it includes means for pulling off the portion downstream from said separator, which means operate by a tearing off action exerted at right angles from the conveyance axis (A) and further have means (2, 2', 3, 3') for securely holding the web material in a stationary position at least in the pulling off region, while the tearing means (4) act upon the web material to separate the portion downstream from said separator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2000
    Assignee: Naturembal (S.A.)
    Inventor: Theodore Baumuller
  • Patent number: 6026632
    Abstract: A packaging system and method according to the invention are generally characterized by a cushioning conversion machine for forming and dispensing cut sections of a cushioning product through a discharge outlet, an inclined dispensing chute for sequentially receiving the cut sections of the cushioning product, a cut section presence detector for detecting the presence of a cut section on the inclined chute at a pick-up location remote from the discharge outlet of the conversion machine, and a controller which initiates dispensing of a cut section of cushioning product in response to a detected absence of a cut section by the cut section presence detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2000
    Assignee: Ranpak Corp.
    Inventor: James A. Simmons
  • Patent number: 6019715
    Abstract: An improved cushioning conversion machine and related methodology characterized by one or more features including, inter alia, a feeding/connecting assembly which enables an operator to easily vary a characteristic, for example, the density, of the cushioning product; a feeding/connecting assembly wherein input and/or output wheels or rollers thereof are made at least in part of an elastomeric or other friction enhancing material, which reduces the cost and complexity of the input and output rollers; a manual reversing mechanism that is useful, for example, for clearing paper jams; a modular arrangement of a forming assembly and feeding/connecting assembly in separate units that may be positioned remotely from one another, as may be desired for more efficient utilization of floor space; a turner bar which enables alternative positioning of a stock supply roll; and a volume expanding arrangement cooperative with the feeding/connecting assembly for adjusting the density of the cushioning product and changing pr
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2000
    Assignee: Ranpak Corp.
    Inventors: Richard O. Ratzel, Joseph J. Harding, Michael J. Lencoski, James A. Simmons, Donald J. Barnhouse
  • Patent number: 6017299
    Abstract: A cushioning conversion machine includes a plurality of laterally spaced apart upstream assemblies which advance the sheet stock material with a transversely reciprocating twisting motion and at least one downstream assembly that retards the advance of the stock material. Additionally, the upstream assemblies feed the sheet stock material at a feed rate greater than the feed rate at which the downstream assembly passes the sheet stock material. The downstream assembly thereby cooperates with the upstream assemblies to crumple the stock material and impart loft thereto, and as a further result, the crumpled stock material includes a regular arrangement of folds preferably forming a herringbone pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2000
    Assignee: Ranpak Corp.
    Inventor: Richard O. Ratzel
  • Patent number: 6015374
    Abstract: A cushioning conversion machine and method for converting sheet-like stock material into a cushioning product without the use of a conventional forming device, thereby enabling a substantial reduction in the size of the machine. The machine and method are characterized by the use of a web of flat-folded sheet-like stock material of one or more plies and an expanding device which is operative to open up, or "expand", the flat folded stock material before passage through a crumpling and/or connecting device which also preferably functions to advance the stock material through the machine. The invention also provides a flat folded web of stock supply including at least one ply of sheet-like stock material having portions thereof folded upon themselves along the length of the stock material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2000
    Assignee: Ranpak Corp.
    Inventors: Cynthia S. Murphy, Richard O. Ratzel
  • Patent number: 5997461
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1999
    Assignee: Ranpak Corp.
    Inventors: Steven E. Armington, Richard O. Ratzel, Michael J. Lencoski, James A. Simmons, David V. Murphy
  • Patent number: 5989176
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1999
    Assignee: Ranpak Corporation
    Inventors: Richard O. Ratzel, Joseph J. Harding, Dirk Siekmann, Edward W. Lintala
  • Patent number: 5947886
    Abstract: A cushioning conversion machine and method for converting sheet-like stock material into a cushioning product. The machine includes a forming assembly which inwardly crumples the lateral edges of the sheet-like stock material to form a dunnage strip, a stock supply assembly which supplies the stock material to the forming assembly, and a feed assembly which feeds the stock material to the forming assembly. The method includes the steps of withdrawing a section of stock material from a continuous web and forming the stock material into a dunnage strip. The cushioning conversion machine and method are characterized by an embossing device or step which embosses the stock material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1999
    Assignee: Ranpak Corp.
    Inventor: James A. Simmons
  • Patent number: 5938580
    Abstract: A machine for manufacturing a cushioning product starting from a multi-ply stock (R) material or the like includes a frame (12) having a housing (14) with an exit opening, a stock supply supported by the frame, a forming assembly (28) causing the lateral edges of the stock material to roll inwardly to form a continuous strip (36) having lateral pillow-like portions and a central band, a gear assembly (34) for feeding the stock material through the forming assembly and out the exit opening, a cutting assembly (26) intermediate the gear assembly and the exit opening for cutting a determined length of the continuous strip to produce a cushioning product and, an access assembly (46) for permitting the cushioning product to be fed therethrough and inhibiting access to the cutting assembly from outside the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1999
    Assignee: Ranpak Corp.
    Inventor: Dirk Johannes Siekmann
  • Patent number: 5924971
    Abstract: A cushioning conversion machine for converting a sheet-like stock material into a dunnage product. The machine includes a set of rotating members movable between a first position whereat they interact to deform the sheet-like stock material as it travels therethrough and a second position whereat they are separated a sufficient distance to permit easy threading of the stock material during loading of the machine. A mechanism is provided for selectively moving the rotating members between the first and second positions to permit easy threading of the stock material during loading of the machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 20, 1999
    Assignee: Ranpak Corp.
    Inventor: James A. Simmons
  • Patent number: 5913766
    Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for crushing panels including a conveyor for moving the panel with respect to a compression assembly including a plurality of crushing elements which may be positioned at different heights with respect to the conveyor for incrementally crushing at least a portion of the panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 22, 1999
    Assignee: Tenneco Packaging
    Inventors: Robert R. Reed, Paul G. Hegger, Paul Moser, Jeffrey L. Karr
  • Patent number: 5910079
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for manufacturing paper cushioning members in which work paper is inserted between a pair of intermittent-cutting roller members to process multiple rows of thin bands with link portion. Waste-collecting members are provided at a discharge side of the rollers to separate the work paper from the roller members and to feed the processed work paper into a wave-forming guide. The wave-forming guide includes an upper pressing member that rotates about a hinge positioned at an end nearest to the discharge side of the rollers and a counterweight positioned at a distal end of said upper pressing member such that the upper pressing member is biased toward the interior of the wave-forming guide. The wave-forming guide is designed to forcibly compress the processed work paper into finely crumpled thin bands and to discharge the crumpled thin bands in a wavy form.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 8, 1999
    Assignee: Strapack Corporation
    Inventor: Tokuji Watanabe
  • Patent number: 5910089
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 8, 1999
    Assignee: Southpac Trust International, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald E. Weder
  • Patent number: 5908375
    Abstract: A cushioning conversion machine and method for converting stock material into a cushioning product, characterized by a manual feed mechanism or assembly. The machine includes a shaping member over which the stock material is drawn to form the stock material into a three-dimensional shape and the manual feed mechanism draws the stock material over the shaping member. The manual feed mechanism may include a rotatable member for engaging and advancing the stock material, and an operator member mounted for reciprocating movement and operatively connected to the rotatable member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 1, 1999
    Assignee: Ranpak Corp.
    Inventors: James A. Simmons, Richard O. Ratzel, David V. Murphy
  • Patent number: 5906569
    Abstract: A machine and method for making folded strips, which machine and method are characterized by features that enable a reduction in the size, weight and cost of the machine. The machine and method comprises a housing having first and second housing sections, a longitudinal severing assembly for longitudinally severing the sheet stock material into a plurality of strips, and a folding device downstream of the longitudinal severing assembly and operative to cause back and forth folding of the strips to produce accordion-folded strips having substantially uniform adjacent opposite folds. The longitudinal severing assembly includes first and second slitting members respectively carried in the first and second housing sections, and the first and second housing sections are separable whereby the housing is openable to maintain and repair the machine. The slitting members include a shaft and an array of slitting discs carried on the shaft for rotation therewith.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 25, 1999
    Assignee: Ranpak Corp.
    Inventor: Richard O. Ratzel
  • Patent number: 5902223
    Abstract: A cushioning conversion machine for converting a sheet-like stock material into cushioning products is provided. The machine includes an outlet extension which forms a continuous passageway for the cushioning products from the machine outlet to an appropriate exit location. The outlet extension is coupled to the outlet in such a manner that it is selectively adjustable relative to the outlet to provide for a plurality of exit locations for the cushioning products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 11, 1999
    Assignee: Ranpak Corp.
    Inventor: James A. Simmons
  • Patent number: 5897478
    Abstract: A cushioning conversion machine, and method of using such a machine, in which stock material is converted into a cushioning product. The machine and method are characterized by providing stock material having information encoded thereon and then retrieving the encoded information from the stock material for machine control, diagnostic, inventory, and other purposes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 27, 1999
    Assignee: Ranpak Corp.
    Inventors: James Harding, Richard O. Ratzel
  • Patent number: 5897481
    Abstract: Machine for continuously making cellular packaging from a paper-like web material wound around at least one roll (2, 3) freely rotatable located at the input of the machine, each web travelling thereafter through a station (C) creating a transversal crease, then between two rolls (14, 34), at least one of which being driven by a drive means, allowing on the one hand the continuous driving of the web and on the other hand the moulding of the cells, one of said rolls (14) having over its peripheral surface male prints (15) of the cells whereas the other roll (34) has over its peripheral surface female prints (35) of the cells, the engagement of both male and female prints providing the driving of the web, which travels finally through an output station (E) having a cutting system connected to a drive means, cutting at regular intervals the cellular packaging web obtained at the output, characterised in that both driving rolls (14, 34) including said male prints (15) and female prints (35) are each disposed in a
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 27, 1999
    Assignee: Naturembal (S.A.)
    Inventor: Theodore Baumuller
  • Patent number: 5891010
    Abstract: A novel stock roll support assembly and loading method for a cushioning conversion machine that produces dunnage product from sheet stock material supplied as a roll provides for easier loading of the stock roll onto a roll support at the upstream end of the cushioning conversion machine in certain situations, such as where the machine is located against a wall or over (or under) a conveyor, etc. The stock roll support assembly is connected to a main frame of the machine for rotatably supporting a roll of sheet stock material. The stock roll support assembly includes a stock roll support mounted to the main frame for swinging movement between an operating position and a loading position. In the operating position, the stock roll support is operative to support the stock roll adjacent the main frame, and in the loading position, the stock roll support is swung away from the main frame to facilitate loading of a stock roll thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 6, 1999
    Assignee: Ranpak Corp.
    Inventors: Pierre G. Kobben, Herman R.L. Van Heumen
  • Patent number: 5891009
    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 forming assembly includes a chute having an inlet end which is outwardly flared in a trumpet-like fashion to facilitate passage of the sheet-like stock material into the chute.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 6, 1999
    Assignee: Ranpak Corp.
    Inventors: Richard O. Ratzel, Michael J. Lencoski, David V. Murphy
  • Patent number: 5873809
    Abstract: In a machine for making packaging material, paper is pulled off a roll by two pairs of spaced rubber nip rollers, the lower ones of which rollers are driven. The edges of the paper roll over as the paper passes through the former and the rolled paper is pushed into a pair of meshing gear wheels in order to hold the rolled dunnage together loosely. A pair of blades cut the dunnage to the required length after it has passed through the gear wheels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 23, 1999
    Assignee: Easypack Limited
    Inventors: Mark Alan Kempster, Timothy Edward Lawrence Panther
  • Patent number: 5871432
    Abstract: The present invention relates of a method and apparatus for making an improved resilient packing material by forming, resiliently folding and crimping shredded strips of moistened paper material into an improved interlocking, bulk, packaging material. The method and apparatus includes a wetting or dampening system which can be selectively varied to regulate the moisture content of moistened paper material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 16, 1999
    Assignee: Ranpak Corp.
    Inventor: Edwin P. Beierlorzer
  • Patent number: 5871429
    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, a probe for determining the packaging requirements of a particular container, and a controller which controls the feeding and cutting assemblies to produce the required sections of dunnage product for the container as determined by the probe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 16, 1999
    Assignee: Ranpak Corp.
    Inventors: Joseph J. Harding, Richard O. Ratzel
  • Patent number: 5864484
    Abstract: A diagnostic system for performing real time diagnostics on a cushioning conversion machine includes a machine resident controller for controlling and monitoring operation of the cushioning conversion machine, a remote processor for performing diagnostic functions based on information retrieved from a cushioning conversion machine, and a communication device for facilitating real time communication between the machine resident controller and the remote processor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 26, 1999
    Assignee: Ranpak Corp.
    Inventor: Joseph James Harding
  • Patent number: 5840004
    Abstract: A cushioning conversion machine for converting a sheet-like stock material into a cushioning product. The machine includes a manual cutting assembly having a blade and a handle which moves the blade between a first position whereat a strip of dunnage may advance through a cutting zone and a second position whereat the strip of dunnage will be cut in the cutting zone. The cutting zone is defined by a housing which encloses the blade of the cutting assembly. The handle of the cutting assembly is positioned outside of the housing for manual manipulation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1998
    Assignee: Ranpak Corp.
    Inventor: Richard O. Ratzel
  • Patent number: 5829231
    Abstract: An automated cushioning producing and filling system includes a cushioning conversion machine which converts stock paper into cut pads of a selected length and transports the pads to a staging location, a pad sensor for sensing the presence of a pad in the staging location, a box transporting system for transporting a box from a remote location to a filling location, a box sensor for sensing the presence of a box in the filling location, a bar code reader for reading a bar code from the box indicative of the packaging requirements of the box when the box sensor has sensed the presence of a box in the filling location, a pad transferring apparatus for transferring a pad from the staging location to the box when the pad sensor has sensed the presence of a pad in the staging area, and a system controller for determining the box packaging requirements from the code read by the bar code reader and instructing the cushioning conversion machine to produce pads in accordance with the packaging requirements for the bo
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1998
    Assignee: Ranpak Corporation
    Inventors: Joseph J. Harding, Richard O. Ratzel, James A. Simmons, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5823935
    Abstract: A cutting device for effecting a cut in a board-like fibrous material and densifying an area adjacent to the cut, includes a main body portion and a blade portion extending from the main body portion. The blade portion includes a cutting edge having first and second angled surfaces extending divergingly therefrom. A densifying member extends outwardly from at least one of the first and second angled surfaces. The densifying member compresses an area of the material adjacent to the cut as the blade is pressed into the material and densifies the adjacent area. The compression surface may be configured non-planar with an upper surface of the board-like material to selectively, variably densify the area adjacent to the cut.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 20, 1998
    Assignee: Tetra Laval Holdings & Finance, S.A.
    Inventor: Michael K. Puhl
  • Patent number: 5823936
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 20, 1998
    Assignee: Ranpak Corp.
    Inventor: Richard O. Ratzel
  • Patent number: 5816995
    Abstract: In combination, a dispensing table (10) and a cushioning conversion machine (12) which is slidably mounted to the table (10). The table (10) includes a substantially horizontal work platform (14) and the machine (12) is situated below the platform (14). The cushioning conversion machine (10) includes conversion assemblies (50, 52, 54, 56, 58) which convert stock material (S) into a cushioning product (P). The cushioning conversion machine (12) is slidable to an operating position whereat the cushioning product (P) is deposited on the work platform (14) during operation of the machine. Preferably, the machine (12) is also slidable to an upstream position whereat its upstream portion projects outwardly from the table (10) and loading and threading procedures can be easily performed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1998
    Assignee: Ranpak Corp.
    Inventors: James E. Tekavec, James A. Simmons
  • Patent number: 5813967
    Abstract: A cushioning conversion machine which converts a multi-ply sheet stock material into a cushioning product is characterized by an arrangement and methodology that minimizes slack in the inner ply payed off of a stock roll that might lead to the formation, upstream of the conversion components, of a "bag" that negatively impacts the integrity or quality of the cushioning product upon passage through conversion components of the machine. In a preferred embodiment, a guide member is interposed between ply separator members and a forming assembly to bring the outer edges of the plies substantially back together downstream of the separator members and before passage to the conversion components. The guide member is positioned to deflect at least the outer edges of at least one ply away from the path that it would otherwise follow if not guided over the guide member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 29, 1998
    Assignee: Ranpak Corp.
    Inventor: Sandra K. Davila
  • Patent number: 5807229
    Abstract: A cushioning conversion machine, converting method and dunnage product characterized by a novel connecting assembly which provides a unique interlock between overlapped portions of sheet-like stock material forming a dunnage product to prevent "unzippering" of the product. The connecting assembly includes a pair of loosely meshed stitching wheels, a first one of the stitching wheels having a plurality of radial projections protruding from a radially outer circumferential surface thereof, and a second one of the stitching wheels including a plurality of recesses for receiving the radial projections in meshed relationship upon rotation of the stitching wheels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 15, 1998
    Assignee: Ranpak Corp.
    Inventor: Gary K. Febel
  • Patent number: 5803893
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1998
    Assignee: Ranpak Corp.
    Inventors: Steven E. Armington, Richard O. Ratzel, Michael J. Lencoski, James A. Simmons, David V. Murphy
  • Patent number: 5791483
    Abstract: A cushioning conversion machine for converting stock material into a continuous strip of a cushioning product. The machine includes a stock-preparing assembly which prepares the stock material; a stock-shaping assembly which shapes the prepared stock material into a continuous strip having a pillow-like portion and at least one tab portion projecting therefrom; and a tab-connecting assembly which connects the tab portion of the continuous strip whereby the pillow-like portion will maintain its pillow-like geometry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 11, 1998
    Assignee: Ranpak Corp.
    Inventor: James A. Simmons
  • Patent number: 5785639
    Abstract: A cushioning conversion machine for converting stock material into a continuous strip of a cushioning product. The machine includes a stock-preparing assembly which prepares the stock material; a stock-shaping assembly which shapes the prepared stock material into a continuous strip having a pillow-like portion and at least one tab portion projecting therefrom; and a tab-connecting assembly which connects the tab portion of the continuous strip whereby the pillow-like portion will maintain its pillow-like geometry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 28, 1998
    Assignee: Ranpak Corp.
    Inventor: James A. Simmons
  • Patent number: 5778631
    Abstract: A redundant automated cushioning producing and dispensing system includes a plurality of spaced cushioning conversion machines which convert stock paper into pads of a selected length, each cushioning conversion machine including a controller for controlling operation of the machine and communicating with another machine, a pad dispenser, and a sensor for determining when the amount of stock paper is less than a predetermined amount, a conveyor extending between the plurality of cushioning conversion machines for conveying a container into which a pad is to be dispensed, and at least one container sensor for providing information to at least one controller from which the controller can determine whether a pad has been dispensed into a container whereby the controllers cooperate to selectively switch operation of the cushioning conversion machine from an active state to an inactive state in accordance with information received from the stock supply sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1998
    Assignee: Ranpak Corp.
    Inventor: James A. Simmons
  • Patent number: 5755656
    Abstract: A cushioning conversion machine and method for converting multiple layers of sheet-like stock material into a cushioning product are characterized by a forming assembly which shapes plural layers of the stock material into a continuous three dimensional strip of dunnage having central portions and overlapped edge portions, a connecting assembly downstream of the forming assembly for connecting the overlapped lateral edge portions of the layers separately from central portions of the layers, and a guide which directs the central portions of the layers away from connecting assembly to prevent the central portions from passing through the connecting assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1998
    Assignee: Ranpak Corp.
    Inventor: Edwin P. Beierlorzer
  • Patent number: 5749824
    Abstract: A loading device and method for loading sheet-like stock material in a cushioning conversion machine. The loading device comprises an elongated threading member having an end portion dimensioned to pass through the stock material path of the cushioning conversion machine and at least one clip or other attachment device proximate an end of the threading member for attaching the stock material to the threading member. After attaching a leading end of the stock material to the loading device, the loading device is advanced through the cushioning conversion machine until the leading end of the stock material exits the downstream end of the machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 12, 1998
    Assignee: Ranpak Corp.
    Inventor: Paul J. Guth
  • Patent number: 5749821
    Abstract: A cushioning conversion system includes a cushioning conversion machine which converts stock paper into cut pads, a conveyor system positioned to receive a pad produced by the cushioning conversion machine and to move the pad to a staging area, the staging area including a sensor for sensing the presence of a pad in the staging area and generating a representative signal, and a pad retrieval system for retrieving the pad from the staging area, wherein the cushioning conversion machine produces a pad when the representative signal indicates that a pad is not present in the staging area and the retrieval system retrieves a pad when the representative signal indicates a pad is in the staging area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 12, 1998
    Assignee: Ranpak Corp.
    Inventor: James A. Simmons
  • Patent number: 5738621
    Abstract: A cushioning conversion machine for converting stock material into a continuous strip of a cushioning product. The machine includes a stock-preparing assembly which prepares the stock material; a stock-shaping assembly which shapes the prepared stock material into a continuous strip having a pillow-like portion and at least one tab portion projecting therefrom; and a tab-connecting assembly which connects the tab portion of the continuous strip whereby the pillow-like portion will maintain its pillow-like geometry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1998
    Inventor: James A. Simmons
  • Patent number: 5735784
    Abstract: A novel loading assembly for a cushioning conversion machine that eliminates the need to manually thread the stock material through the former of the machine. The loading assembly is disposed at one end of the machine and feeds the stock material through the former to the machine's feed assembly. Hence, a cushioning conversion machine and method for converting a stock material into a cushioning product comprises a former assembly which forms the stock material into a strip of cushioning; a downstream feed assembly located at a downstream end of the former assembly which feeds the strip of cushioning passing therethrough; a loader feed assembly located at an upstream end of the former assembly, the loader feed assembly which, when engaged, feeds the stock material through the former assembly to the feed assembly; and a loader operator assembly for selectively engaging and disengaging the loading assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 7, 1998
    Assignee: Ranpak Corp.
    Inventor: Richard O. Ratzel
  • Patent number: 5733403
    Abstract: This invention relates to a product packaging material and method, and in particular to a product packaging material (27) formed from a length of rolled corrugated paper (20) and a method of manufacture therefor. There is provided a packaging material comprising corrugated paper (20), the corrugated paper including non-sinusoidal corrugations (16, 18, 72). There is also provided a method of making a packaging material of multi-layer corrugated paper (27) including the steps of forming corrugated paper (20) having a sheet with sinusoidal corrugations (42), and compressing the sheet to destroy the sinusoidal form of at least some of the corrugations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 31, 1998
    Assignee: Aston Packaging Limited
    Inventor: Timothy Corben Morley
  • Patent number: 5730696
    Abstract: A cushioning conversion system (10) including a stand (12), a cushioning conversion machine (14), and a machine mounting assembly (16) which mounts the machine to the stand in such a manner that the machine may be selectively rotated relative to the stand in a horizontal plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 24, 1998
    Assignee: Ranpak Corp.
    Inventor: James A. Simmons
  • Patent number: 5713825
    Abstract: A cushioning conversion machine and method for converting multiple layer of sheet-like stock material into a cushioning product, characterized by a first shaping device which shapes a first layer of the stock material into a casing with the lateral edge portions being brought into overlapping relationship one inside the other, a second shaping device which shapes at least one second layer of the stock material into a stuffing for the for the casing, a connecting assembly downstream of the first shaping device for connecting the overlapped lateral edge portions of the first layer separate from the stuffing, and an inner feed assembly downstream of the second shaping device for feeding the second layer into the interior of the casing. The machine further comprises an outer feed assembly for engaging and feeding a central portion of the first layer, the outer and connecting assemblies being cooperative to pull the first layer through the first shaping device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 3, 1998
    Assignee: Ranpak Corp.
    Inventor: Richard O. Ratzel
  • Patent number: 5709642
    Abstract: A cushioning conversion machine for converting sheet-like stock material into a cushioning product. The machine comprises a frame; a forming assembly which forms the sheet-like stock material into a three-dimensional strip of dunnage; a stock supply assembly which supplies the sheet-like stock material to the forming assembly; and a feed assembly which feeds the stock material through the forming assembly. The feed assembly includes a pair of shafts transversely movable relative to each other, a pair of rotating members mounted on respective shafts through which the strip of dunnage passes, a biasing member which urges one shaft towards the other shaft and thus one rotating member towards the other rotating member, and an adjustment member which adjusts the tension between the rotating members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 20, 1998
    Assignee: Ranpak Corp.
    Inventors: Richard O. Ratzel, James A. Simmons