Automated air-pillow dispenser
US8240533B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 4, 2007 |
| Grant date | Aug 14, 2012 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 18, 2030 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T225/393
- WIPO fieldHandling
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A transfer and dispensing apparatus is disclosed for the conveying and separation of packaging material, cushions or pillows when needed by the operator. When a packer working over a conveyor receives a box that requires void fill, an operating switch such as a foot pedal is depressed to dispense pillows from the apparatus and into the box in a connected strip. When the operating switch is released, the apparatus stops dispensing pillows, separates the continuous strip of pillows along a transverse perforation in the strip, and ejects the end of the separated segment. The packer can then complete packing the box by placing the severed end of the pillows into the box, advance to the next box, and repeat the process. The transfer and dispensing apparatus may be positioned in any convenient location including adjacent to, above or attached to the inflation device.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.