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. Additionally or alternatively, the machine (12) is preferably slidable to a downstream position whereat its downstream portion projects outwardly from the table (10) and inspection and maintenance may be conveniently conducted on certain components of the machine (12).
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.
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.
Abstract:
A cushioning conversion machine of the type that converts sheet-like stock material into resilient-like dunnage product has associated therewith a stock roll holder and loading method characterized by a pair of laterally spaced apart mounts and a stock roll holder having opposite end portions removably supported on the mounts. The stock roll holder includes first and second holder portions each including a spindle member having an axially outer portion forming a respective one of the opposite end portions of the holder, a core insert rotatably supported on and axially carried by the spindle member for telescopic insertion into the hollow core of the stock roll at an adjacent end thereof thereby to support the stock roll for rotation with the core insert, and an axial abutment axially carried on the spindle member axially outwardly of the core insert and projecting radially outwardly beyond the core insert to form an abutment for engaging the adjacent axial end of the stock roll thereby to limit axial outward movement of the stock roll relative to the spindle member.
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. The inner feed assembly is mounted to the downstream ends of cantilevered supports extending through the first shaping device from an upstream end thereof.
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. Additionally, the resulting packing product includes a plurality of narrow, elongated strips of material; the material having a natural resilience; and each of the strips including a plurality of transverse folds against the natural resilience to form a longitudinally compressed strip element.
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 (10) comprises a frame (36), conversion assemblies (50, 52, 54, 56) which convert a stock material into a cushioning product, and a length measuring device (12) which determines the length of the cushioning product as it is being produced. The conversion assemblies include a rotating assembly (54) and the angular movement of this assembly directly corresponds to the length of the cushioning product. The length measuring device (12) is positioned to monitor the angular movement of the rotating conversion assembly (54) and thus the length of the cushioning product. In the preferred embodiment, the rotating conversion assembly (54) is a gear assembly.
Abstract:
The invention includes a method that produces a low cost aqueous solution of solubilized collagen by the steps of: (a) providing an aqueous ground slurry of insoluble collagen and adjusting the pH of said slurry to obtain activity for a proteolytic enzyme added in Step b; (b) adding said proteolytic enzyme to said pH adjusted slurry; (c) reacting the slurry and enzyme of Step b and/or recycled insoluble collagen and enzyme from Step e at a temperature, T, and for a time, t, effective for forming a solution increased in solubilized collagen; (d) adding additional water and insoluble collagen to said solution of Step c and mixing; (e) separating at least some of the solution of Step d containing solubilized collagen from insoluble collagen, whereby at least a portion of said insoluble collagen and proteolytic enzyme is recycled to Step c, and the separated solution containing solubilized collagen is withdrawn as product; an alternative embodiment provides for the direct production of solubilized collagen without the recycle step.