Air cushion inflation machine

Abstract

A methods of executing start, run, and stop sequences on a machine for converting a web of preformed pouches into inflated dunnage units. The pouches are defined by transverse seals extending from a remote edge to within a predetermined distance from an inflation edge.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A method for executing a start sequence on a machine for converting a web of pouch type or wrap type material into inflated dunnage units, the method comprising the steps of:
 changing sealing elements from an idle temperature to a sealing temperature using a temperature control arrangement; and   pre-inflating the pouch type or wrap type material using an inflation arrangement; and   closing the sealing elements;   advancing the web of material through the sealing elements at a speed that is based on the temperature of the sealing elements.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein no pouch type or wrap type material is un-inflated upon exiting the machine. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the machine identifies whether pouch type or wrap type material is being inflated. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising the steps of:
 determining a temperature of a sealing element relative to predetermined temperature set points,   reducing said speed if the temperature of the sealing element is lower than the predetermined temperature set points;   increasing said speed if the temperature of the sealing element is higher than the predetermined temperature set points.   
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising the steps of:
 comparing said speed to a predetermined belt speed set point;   reducing the temperature of the sealing element if said speed is lower than the predetermined belt speed set point;   increasing the temperature of the sealing element if said speed is higher than the predetermined belt speed set point.   
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising the steps of:
 determining a temperature of the sealing elements relative to a predetermined sealing element temperature set point;   changing the blower speed if the temperature of the sealing element is lower than the predetermined sealing element temperature set point;   comparing said speed to a predetermined belt speed set point;   changing the blower output if said speed is lower than the predetermined belt speed set point.   
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising the steps of:
 identifying whether pouch type or wrap type material is being inflated; and   if wrap type material is being inflated, changing the inflation arrangement from an idle output or speed to an inflation output or speed;   wherein the change from the idle output or speed to the inflation output or speed is controlled by a set point selected from the group consisting of an inflation pressure set point, a speed set point, a predetermined time after the inflation device has reached a speed set point, and combinations thereof   
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising the steps of:
 identifying whether pouch type or wrap type material is being inflated;   if pouch type material is being inflated, ramping a blower from an idle output to an inflation output after the sealing element closes on the web; and   starting at least one belt using a belt speed control.   
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 8 , wherein the inflation arrangement is controlled by feedback from the belt speed control, feedback from the temperature control arrangement, or combinations thereof. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 8 , wherein speed of the belt is controlled by feedback from a sealing arrangement. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 8 , wherein the inflation arrangement is controlled by feedback from a sealing arrangement. 
     
     
         12 . A method of executing run and stop sequences on a machine for converting a web of pouch type or wrap type material into inflated dunnage units, wherein control of a sealing arrangement, an inflation arrangement, or drive rollers are interrelated,
 the method comprising the steps of:   setting a belt speed and inflation device speed relative to a current temperature of a heating device;   updating the belt speed and inflation device speed relative to a current temperature if a set point of a sealing element or a set point of the inflation arrangement is changed;   retrieving the updated sealing element set point or the updated inflation arrangement set point;   resetting the belt speed and inflation device speed with respect to the temperature of the heating device;   determining whether the sealing element has reached a set point temperature;   updating the belt speed and inflation device speed;   stopping at least one belt with a belt speed control;   braking the inflation arrangement;   confirming that the at least one belt has stopped; and   confirming that the inflation arrangement has stopped.   
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 12 , further comprising the step of: beginning an idle sequence or bring the machine to a stop state. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein the machine is processing pouch type material and wherein the machine opens the sealing element after the at least one belt has stopped. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein the machine is processing wrap type material and wherein the step of braking the inflation arrangement happens after a predetermined period of time. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein the set point of a sealing element or the set point of the inflation arrangement is changed.