Method and apparatus for inflating and sealing packing cushions with rotary sealing mechanism
US9381715B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 5, 2012 |
| Grant date | Jul 5, 2016 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 3, 2035 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T156/17
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An apparatus for inflating and sealing packing cushions has a drive mechanism for feeding a preconfigured film material to a sealing mechanism in a flattened state without wrinkles in the sealing region in which a longitudinal seal is formed. A feed mechanism includes a drive mechanism for advancing the film along a path, a first guide member which contacts a first surface of the film material in a first longitudinal region, and a second guide member which contacts the first surface of the film material in a second longitudinal region laterally offset from and parallel to the first longitudinal region. In some embodiments, the first and second guide members are adjacent belts. In other embodiments, the first and second guide members are stationary guide members or “skis.” The sealing mechanism may include a rotary sealing element and opposed backing element, such as a belt or a wheel.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.