Patent ID: 7571584

Claim:
A machine for converting a web of preformed pouches to dunnage units, wherein the web includes a continuously closed inflation edge that extends along an entire length of the web and a continuously closed remote edge that extends along the entire length of the web, wherein an entire width of the web is defined between the inflation edge and the remote edge, the pouches being defined by transverse seals that extend from a the remote edge of the web to within a predetermined distance of an the inflation edge of the web, the machine comprising: a) a guide pin for insertion between the transverse seals and the inflation edge of the web to define a path of travel of the web; b) a drive for moving web along the path of travel; c) a separation member positioned offset from the inflation edge of the web, the separation member configured to open a single layer of the web proximate to the closed inflation edge of the web, wherein the separation member is configured to open the web at a location on the web positioned prior to a point of inflation and prior to a point of sealing of the preformed pouches with respect to the path of travel; d) a blower positioned with respect to the path of travel for inflating the preformed pouches; and e) an elongated sealing element being positioned to provide a longitudinal seal that intersects the transverse seals to close the preformed pouches and form inflated dunnage units.