Patent ID: 7578333

Claim:
A machine for the production of air filled cushions comprising: a) a drive mechanism which is operative to move layers of plastic through the machine along a predefined path; b) an injector located in the path and which, in use, is located within the plastic tubing as the tubing is moved through the machine, wherein the injector has an inlet and an outlet and the drive mechanism is operative to move the plastic tubing over the outlet of the injector, whereby air can be injected through the injector into the plastic tubing; and c) a sealing mechanism comprising first and second sealing portions having an operating position in which the sealing portions are disposed on opposite sides of the layers in the path and in association therewith for sealing the layers together to seal off the injected air, the first and second sealing portions being connected with respect to each other for moving between the operating position and a standby position, in which the sealing portions are separated from each other; and wherein the drive mechanism is associated with the sealing mechanism to move together between the operating and standby positions.