Cushioning conversion machine and method

A stitching assembly adapted for use in a cushioning conversion machine which converts stock material into a cushioning product said stitching assembly comprising;

• a frame, first and second shafts, a mounting assembly which mounts the first and second shafts to the frame in such a manner that the first shaft is movable transversely towards and away from the second shaft so as to define a minimum set distance between the first and second shafts, and first and second rotating toothed-wheel gear members carried on the first and second shafts, respectively;
• the mounting assembly positioning the first and second gear members in a meshed condition for coining stock material passing therebetween and resiliently urging the first shaft and the first gear member carried thereon towards the second shaft and the second gear member so as to apply a pinch force to the stock material;
• the mounting assembly including a first tie member movably connected to said first shaft and extending transversely with respect to the first shaft and having one end supported in a fixed transverse position relative to the frame;
• a first adjustable stop on the first tie member which is selectively adjustable towards and away from the first shaft, and a first spring member interposed between the first shaft and the first adjustable stop about said first tie member having a first end connected to said first shaft and a second end connected to said first adjustable shaft for resiliently biasing the first shaft towards the second shaft so that said pinch force is adjustable without changing said set minimum distance between the first and second shafts.