Patent ID: 7273142

Claim:
A system for conveying a string of packaging cushions comprising: a machine capable of manufacturing the string of packaging cushions, wherein the machine defines a manufactured cushion outlet elevation; a transport conveyor adapted to transport the string of packaging cushions, the transport conveyor having an inlet end capable of receiving the string of packaging cushions and an outlet end capable of delivering the string of packaging cushions, wherein: the transport conveyor comprises two or more transport conveyor sections; at least one of the transport conveyor sections is adapted to be moveable between: a conveyor-section open position to create an intermediate outlet between the inlet and outlet ends of the transport conveyor and establish an intermediate flow path for the string of packaging cushions along the transport conveyor from the transport conveyor inlet end through the intermediate outlet; and a conveyor-section closed position in which the intermediate outlet is closed to establish a primary flow path for the string of packaging cushions past the intermediate outlet location; and a rotating member adapted to cooperate with the transport conveyor to propel the string of packaging cushions from the machine to the transport conveyor inlet end and between the rotating member and the transport conveyor.