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with a follower connected to the cushioning conversion machine, whereby the cushioning conversion machine can be withdrawn out either the front, rear, or either side of the dispensing table.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 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 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.

Abstract: A cushioning conversion machine (20) and a dispensing table (100), in combination, are provided. The dispensing table (100) includes a substantially horizontal work platform (102) which includes an opening (109). The cushioning conversion machine (20) is mounted to the table (100) in such a manner that the cushioning product is deposited on the work platform (102) during operation of the machine. In this manner, a worker may conveniently place the cut section in a shipping case, or box, to fill any voids and/or to cushion an item during the shipping process.

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 method and apparatus characterized by slitting a sheet of material having a natural resilience into a plurality of strips to form a body of such strips and folding each of the strips into a zig-zag shape. The folding step/function is accomplished by advancing the plurality of strips against a restriction acting on the body of strips in such a manner that the natural resilience of the material produces substantially uniform adjacent opposite folds thereby causing each of the strips to assume a zig-zag shape.

Abstract: A cushioning conversion machine, which converts stock material into cut sections of dunnage, includes a cutting/aligning assembly. The cutting/aligning assembly comprises a moving blade unit which is mounted on the frame in such a manner that it travels between a rest position and a cutting position whereat it cuts a dunnage strip (which is emerging from a dunnage outlet opening) into a cut section. The cutting/aligning assembly also includes an automatic alignment device which automatically aligns the cut section with the dunnage outlet opening when the blade unit is moved from the cutting position to the rest position. The automatic alignment device is unattached to the moving blade member but travels therewith during jam-free operation of the cushioning conversion machine.

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.

Abstract: A method of producing a packing product includes the steps of feeding at least one sheet of material in a first direction; cutting the at least one sheet of material into a plurality of strips; the cutting being performed by rotating two sets of alternating, overlapping cutting discs; the feeding of the at least one sheet of material being between the two sets of cutting discs; advancing each of the strips by the rotating of at least an outer surface of a corresponding one of the cutting discs as the outer surface moves in the first direction; restricting each strip from continued advancing in the first direction; and sequentially folding each of the strip means by the restricting in opposition to the advancing. There is included apparatus and means for producing the packing product.

Abstract: Chips of cardboard, in particular of packing cardboard, which are formed by cutting flat, preferably used packing cardboard lengthwise and crosswise, and the bulk volume of which is increased by copings and/or bent-over portions and/or peaks and/or recesses are provided, as is a packing unit comprising a wrapper, loosely filled at least to a substantial proportion with the bulk packing material made from a web of paper, in which the wrapper is formed by the web of paper shaped in the manner of a helical roll, the adjacent, helically extending long edges of which web are joined overlapping one another, and in which the wrapper is closed at both ends in the manner of a sack, and as is a process in which the cardboard, in particular packaging cardboard, is comminuted (cut) and is deformed to increase the bulk volume of the chips forming the packaging material, as well as an apparatus having a device for comminuting cardboard, in particular packaging cardboard, having one lengthwise and one crosswise cutting unit

Abstract: A cushioning conversion machine for converting a sheet-like stock material, which may be viewed as having two edge sections and a central section, into a cushioning product is provided. The machine includes a conversion assembly for converting the sheet-like stock material into a cushioning product and a supply assembly which supplies the sheet-like stock material to the conversion assembly. The stock material is supplied to the conversion assembly in such a manner that its edge sections must travel in a longer path than the central section thereby creating edge-tension in the edge sections of the stock material. While a certain minimum conversion-tension is necessary in the edge sections of the stock material to properly convert the stock material into a cushioning product, a certain continuous tearing-tension, greater than the minimum conversion-tension, will cause a continuous tear in the stock material.

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: Apparatus for crumpling and dispensing dunnage from a roll of stock paper material, includes a frame having a pair of side walls for guiding sheet paper from the roll of paper in a converging manner, each side wall including an inclined central section for guiding the sheet paper in the converging manner and two angle supports for supporting the inclined central section in an inclined manner, two roll supports for supporting the roll of paper at a diverged end of the pair of side walls, a connecting section for connecting the pair of side walls at a converged end of the pair of side walls, the connecting section including a reduced dimension corrugated-shaped opening for crumpling the converging paper exiting therethrough, for substantially maintaining the paper in the crumpled form and for maintaining a portion of the crumpled paper in an extended manner through the opening; and a box-like housing for holding the frame, the box-like housing including an opening in alignment with the reduced dimension opening

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 annular container mounted at the base of a passage between a layering tube and a central mandrel is charged with a layered tube of flexible tubing delivered over a floating mandrel when coaxially in contact with mandrel by driving rollers coacting with pinch rollers on the floating mandrel. The tubing passes over the mandrel and gathers in the layering tube while being compacted by two sets of shoes reciprocated 180.degree. out of phase by rotating discs and connecting rods. When sufficient tubing has been delivered the floating mandrel is raised to enable a hot wire to pass between the mandrels to sever the tubing. The layering tube and central mandrel with the container can then be carried by a turntable through further stationary positions where the layered tubing is further compressed by reciprocable rings, a lid is put on the container to form a cassette and the cassette is discharged.

Abstract: A gear-like stitching assembly adapted for use in a converter mechanism of the type providing for the production of pad-like cushioning dunnage product from sheet-like stock material which is conventionally disposed in multi-ply, roll form for use with the converter mechanism. The stock material is pulled from the stock roll by the converter and the lateral edges of the stock material are rolled inwardly prior to being formed into the pad-like product. The stitching assembly comprises a pair of rotatable gear-like members adapted to be disposed in coacting, meshed condition, and to stitch confronting and generally abutting rolled edge portions of the sheet-like stock material together by coining, as the latter rolled edge portions pass between the members. The teeth of at least one of the members have projections extending outwardly thereform, for perforating the stock material along the central coined section of the pad-like product, to aid the coined section in maintaining the product in its pad-like form.

Abstract: A mechanism and method for producing relatively low density pad-like cushioning dunnage product from sheet-like stock material. The mechanism takes the sheet-like stock material from a multi-ply roll thereof and changes it into a pad-like cushioning dunnage product having lateral pillow-like portions connected together along the generally central portion of the product.A separating mechanism for separating the sheets of stock material as they move from the stock roll toward the forming frame and the converging member is provided, together with a transversely extending roller disposed ahead of the separating mechanism whereby the point of commencement of entry of the multi-ply sheet-like stock material toward the separating mechanism remains constant irrespective of the diameter of the stock roll.An alternate, multi-ply stock roll comprising a thicker gauge but lesser width web with a plurality of wider webs or sheets is disclosed.

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 process for manufacturing articles of filter paper in which the wet strength of the regions of weak points resulting from mechanical working is increased by the application of a wet strengthener of cross-linked cationic polyalkylenimines. For this purpose, the wet strengthener is applied only to the regions of the weak points after the filter paper has been manufactured. Seams or edge reinforcements are formed by relief printing before the application of the wet strengthener and a heat treatment takes place after application of the thermoplastic wet strengthener to cause the wet strengthener to harden. The application of the wet strengthener is effected in measured doses so that the legally prescribed maximum amounts to be added are not exceeded.

Abstract: A converter mechanism for producing generally low density pad-like cushioning dunnage product in continuous strip form from flexible sheet-like stock material such as, for instance, paper, with an electrically energizable cutter mounted on the converter mechanism, for cutting the produced dunnage product into selected lengths. The cutter includes a pivotably movable blade member adapted for engaging the produced strip of dunnage product and severing it to selected length, together with an electrically energizable motor unit coupled to the cutter blade member for actuating the latter pursuant to control of the mechanism operator.

Abstract: A converter mechanism for producing low density, pad-like resilient cushioning dunnage product from sheet-like stock material, such as for instance paper, with a separate mobile cart for rotatably mounting a roll of sheet-like stock material thereon in position for feeding the stock material into the converter mechanism. The cart comprises a framework open at its forward end and including spaced upright members, and adapted to receive therebetween in generally snug relation a laterally projecting portion of the converter mechanism for coupling the cart to the converter mechanism especially in a direction transverse of the converter mechanism and cart, and providing for expeditiously positioning the cart and the associated stock roll in proper position adjacent the converter mechanism.

Abstract: A mechanism for producing low density pad-like resilient cushioning dunnage product from sheet-like stock material, such as for instance paper, comprising a support for rotatably mounting a roll of sheet-like stock material in operative condition thereon, and projections on the support adapted for coupling with receptacle structure defining recesses on a separable mobile cart, for detachably coupling the cart to the mechanism, with the cart having mounts thereon for rotatably mounting a roll of sheet-like stock material and in position for feeding the stock material into the dunnage producing mechanism, when the latter and the cart are in coupled condition, to create the pad-like cushioning dunnage product.

Abstract: Apparatus making foldable box blanks of pre-printed corrugated material by continuously delivering pre-printed web material to a reciprocating press which is operated intermittently to cut and score the web material and utilizing an accumulator mechanism which receives the pre-printed web material continuously and delivers it intermittently.

Abstract: Closures for shirred tubular food casings comprise a wound end-closure plug positioned entirely inside the casing bore followed by inverted casing wall tapered into the shape of a truncated cone, said closures providing significantly stronger, more resistant means for reducing the incidence of casing blow-out during filling operations.

Abstract: A can stuffer and method of stuffing a can with a flexible sheet product by placing the product in a generally flat receiver chamber and pushing the product edgewise to crowd the product into one edge region of the chamber by forming longitudinal folds or creases in the product to effectively reinforce and strengthen the product in the direction of the folds, and endwise ejecting or ramming the strengthened folded or creased product from the chamber into a container or can.

Abstract: A means and method for handling trim strip slit from the margin of a travelling web, comprising rotary means by which biasing forces is applied to the strip away from the slitter into the chute. Within the chute relatively low velocity means advance the trim strip in a foldably bunched condition toward the bottom of the chute where the bunched trim strip is then transported away from the chute. Low velocity air, as well as rotary members are provided in the chute for effecting the foldable bunching and advancing of the trim strip. Either or both of low velocity air and mechanical conveying apparatus may be provided for transporting the trim strip away from the bottom of the chute.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for fabricating battery plate envelopes from a sheet formed of microporous plastic material having a width greater than that of a battery plate to be enveloped. A battery plate is pushed edgewise into the sheet to fold the sheet about the battery plate with edges overlapping the battery plate on both sides. The folded sheet is fed with the battery plate therein into the interface between a pair of opposed pressure rollers each of which include a pair of axially aligned sealing wheels. A continuous seal is formed between the overlapping edges of the sheet by compressing the edges into one another between the sealing wheels. Each set of sealing wheels may comprise gear teeth whose teeth continuously mesh with those of the teeth mounted on the opposing pressure roller.

Abstract: A thermoplastic bag characterized by having handles formed on opposite ends of the bag mouth which is characterized by having structural features immediately adjacent the mouth of the bag to provide stress relief at those positions on the bag mouth where maximum stress is concentrated when such bags are being filled with product and eventually carried by the user. The stress redistribution feature is characterized by an area or areas, immediately adjacent the mouth portion of the bag and the base of the handle members, which are characterized by having a plurality of narrow pleats which are impressed into the bag structure by die members during formation of the individual bag.