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 system and method for conveying and dispensing packing material, such as a chain of linked air bags which includes a pressurized pathway and an elongated hopper that conveys and dispenses the air bags. The hopper includes a plurality of air jets that transfer the bags between each jet to a remote end of the hopper, and a series of dispensing ports so the bags may be accessed by several users. The hopper further includes a venting and display surfaces throughout its length.

Abstract: A pad production (supply) and packaging system, and method, for automatically producing dunnage pads and inserting one or more of the produced dunnage pads into a container for packaging of an article in the container. The invention is characterized by a pad discharge assembly and/or pad insertion assembly to provide an automatic pad production and packaging system, and method, that afford advantages over existing pad production and packaging arrangements. The discharge assembly, which provides for controlled discharge of dunnage pads produced by a pad producing machine, includes a gating device for effecting passage of the pad out of the holding zone in a direction transverse to the pad length. A controller causes the discharge assembly to release a pad held in the holding zone for passage onto a working surface and preferably a conveyor in synchronous relation to movement of the conveyor for controlled deposition of pads onto the conveyor.

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 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: An apparatus for manufacturing a cushioning packaging material from a web-shaped material having at least two layers, the apparatus comprising a material supply shaft for deforming side edges of the web-shaped material into a substantially rolled shape with bead-shaped margins, and a device for receiving a deformed material and for joining layers of the deformed material and having a first wheel-shaped member and a second wheel-shaped member the axes of the rotation of which lie in a plane inclined to a running plane of the deformed material, which is determined by a longitudinal extent of the supply shaft, at an angle deviating from a right angle.

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: A cushioning conversion system for converting a sheet-like stock material into a section of dunnage. The system has a feed motor operatively connected to advance the stock material under the control of a motor control signal, the motor control signal having a series of sequential values corresponding to either a motor power on state or a motor power off state; and a controller, the controller generating the motor control signal by executing a motor control logic routine.

Abstract: A method and machine for making a plurality of accordion-folded strips each having a predetermined unfolded length. A sheet of material is longitudinally and transversely separated into a plurality of strips and the strips are folded into a plurality of accordion-folded strips. The method/machine are characterized by the transverse separation of the strip occurring at completion of the longitudinal separation.

Abstract: A cushioning conversion machine for converting sheet-like stock material into cut sections of a pad-like cushioning dunnage product is provided. The machine includes a frame, conversion assemblies which convert the sheet-like stock material into the cushioning dunnage product, and a cutting assembly (56) which cuts the cushioning dunnage product into cut sections. The frame (46) includes an outlet opening (48) through which the cushioning dunnage product emerges. The cutting assembly (56), which is mounted downstream of the outlet opening (48), comprises a first blade (160) and a second blade (162). The second blade (162) is mounted on the frame (46) in such a manner that it travels between a rest position whereat it is removed from the first blade (160) to a cutting position whereat it coacts with the first blade (160) to cut the cushioning dunnage product into a cut section.

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 novel cushioning conversion machine and method for converting sheet stock material into a novel cushioning product and for producing discrete sections or pads of desired length, without the need for a cutting assembly, thereby enabling the construction of a less expensive, smaller and less complex machine. The machine and method are characterized by a weakening device for perforating a sheet stock material of one or more plies along tear lines so that as a strip of cushioning is formed from the stock material, discrete sections or pads of desired length may be detachable along the tear lines. The stock material includes material which is biodegradable, recyclable and composed of a renewable resource, such as Kraft paper.

Abstract: A cushioning product including a pillow-like portion made from multiple plies of a sheet-like stock material. The cushioning product is characterized by the pillow-like portion including an inner stuffing and a shell which surrounds the inner stuffing. The multiple plies of the sheet-like stock material include at least one ply shaped to form the shell of the pillow-like portion and remaining plies crumpled to form the inner stuffing. The inner stuffing is formed only from the remaining plies of the sheet-like stock material.

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 and method for converting sheet stock material into a cushioning dunnage product and wherein the tension in the stock material is controlled to avoid problems associated with improper tension. A conversion assembly draws the stock material from a stock supply and converts the stock material into a strip of cushioning, and a controller controls the operation of the conversion assembly. The conversion assembly is powered by a motor and the controller controls the operation of the motor in response to a sensed parameter related to the tension in the paper. In another embodiment, a torque control is interposed between the feed motor and feed components that engage the stock material.

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: Pre-folded stock material for use in a cushioning conversion machine which converts the pre-folded stock material into a three-dimensional cushioning product. The stock material includes at least one ply having a plurality of layers at two of which are joined at a longitudinally extending fold. The stock material is preferably biodegradable, recyclable, and reusable paper and may be supplied in a roll or in a fan-folded stack.

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 product having plural layers of a sheet-like stock material folded upon themselves to form a pillow-like portion. The lateral edges of the outer layer of the stock material are overlapped and connected together to maintain the geometry of the pillow-like portion. The lateral edges of the outer layers are connected together (for example, they are mechanically interlocked) separate from the central portion of the outer layer. The overlapped edges of the outer layer may form a tab portion projecting from the pillow-like portion. Alternatively, the overlapped lateral edges of the outer layer may be generally coplanar with adjacent unoverlapped portions of the outer layer. Preferably, the stock material comprises layers of paper, more preferably biodegradable, recyclable and reusable paper, and even more preferably Kraft paper.

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: An expandable metal product for use in extinguishing fires and in the prevention of or protection against explosions. The product is a continuous sheet of magnesium alloy foil having discontinuous slits in spaced apart lines parallel to each other but transverse to the longitudinal dimension of the sheet. The invention is also directed to the expanded form of the product, either in sheets which may be used for preventing fires or explosion or in the form of shaped ellipsoids for use in a passive inerting system for fuel tanks.

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.

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 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 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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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

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.