Automated System Of Protective Packaging

Abstract

A method of automating a packaging system comprises receiving from a customer an order to be shipped to the customer, determining a volume of the order, selecting a box having a volume sufficient to contain the order and a desired quantity of cushioning product, determining a difference in the volumes of the box and the order, generating a signal based on the difference in the volumes, and causing, with the signal, a cushioning product producing and/or dispensing machine to produce and/or dispense the desired quantity of cushioning product.

1 . A method of automating a packaging system comprising:
 receiving from a customer an order to be shipped to the customer,   determining a volume of the order,   selecting a shipping box having a volume sufficient to contain the order and a desired quantity of cushioning product,   determining a difference in the volumes of the box and the order,   generating a signal based on the difference in the volumes, and   causing, with the signal, a cushioning product producing and/or dispensing machine to produce and/or dispense the desired quantity of cushioning product.   
   
   
       2 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the method is embodied in software adapted to run on a computer. 
   
   
       3 . The method of  claim 2  wherein the steps of receiving an order from a customer, determining a volume of the order, and selecting a box having a volume that can contain the order and a desired quantity of cushioning product, are embodied in pre-existing software. 
   
   
       4 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the cushioning product is air pillows, paper pads, loosefill, or foam-in-bag cushions. 
   
   
       5 . The method of  claim 1  further comprising the steps of identifying the box and confirming the identity of the box prior to producing and/or dispensing the desired quantity of cushioning material.