Air cushion inflation machine

摘要

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. The machine includes a tensioning device for frictional engagement with the web, an inflation arrangement for inflation of the preformed pouches, a sealing arrangement, and a clamping arrangement. The sealing arrangement may be positioned to provide a longitudinal seal that intersects the transverse seals to close the preformed pouches and form a dunnage unit. The tensioning device holds the web taught during downstream travel.

主权项

1. A machine for converting a web of preformed pouches into inflated dunnage units, the pouches defined by transverse seals extending from a remote edge to within a predetermined distance from an inflation edge, the machine comprising:
a guide pin for insertion between the transverse seals and the inflation edge to define a path of travel of the web; a tensioning device for frictional engagement with the web, wherein the tensioning device holds the web taught during downstream travel; an inflation arrangement for inflation of the preformed pouches; a sealing arrangement positioned to provide a longitudinal seal that intersects the transverse seals to close the preformed pouches and form a dunnage unit, the sealing arrangement having at least two sealing belts, each belt powered by a drive roller and positioned to engage a surface of the web and pull the web through sealing elements positioned on either side of the web; and a clamping arrangement positioned to pinch the two layers of the web during travel through the sealing elements, the clamping arrangement having a spring loaded clamping assembly and at least two pinching belts, each belt powered by a drive roller and positioned to engage a surface of the web between the longitudinal seal and the remote edge and pinch the web to inhibit air under pressure from applying force to the longitudinal seal, while the longitudinal seal is molten; wherein the spring loaded clamping assembly is attached to the machine and comprises a support member, at least one clamping member, at least one shaft member, and at least one spring disposed around the shaft member, wherein the clamping member, shaft member, and spring are coupled to the support member; wherein the at least two sealing belts and the at least two crimping belts are driven in sync.