Patent ID: 6475130
Filing Date: 2002-11-05
Classification: B31D,B65G,Y10S

Abstract:
A cushioning conversion system comprising a cushioning conversion machine, a conveyor, and a controller;the cushioning conversion machine including a conversion assembly which sequentially converts a sheet-like stock material into a plurality of cushioning pads; the conveyor including a conveying surface which is positioned to receive in a sequential order the plurality of cushioning pads from the cushioning conversion machine and a drive which moves the conveying surface in a first direction away from the machine; the conveyor including a gate defining an upstream end of a conveyor zone which is sized to fit a plurality of cushioning pads; the gate being movable between an open position whereat cushioning pads on the conveying surface upstream of the gate may be conveyed into the conveyor zone and a closed position whereat cushioning pads upstream of the first gate are blocked from entering the conveyor zone; the controller including a zone-full sensor sensing when there is insufficient space in the conveyor zone to fit another cushioning pad; and the controller moving the gate to the closed position when the zone-full sensor senses that there is insufficient space in the conveyor zone.