Patent ID: 7571589

Claim:
Apparatus for producing a string of interconnected packing cushions, said apparatus comprising: a packing cushion production machine which produces a string of interconnected packing cushions, the string of interconnected packing cushions exiting an output end of said machine at a first velocity, and a separation device associated with said output end of said machine, said separation device adapted to selectively engage the string of interconnected packing cushions and to drive the string at a second velocity, greater than the first velocity, and in doing so to cause the string of interconnected packing cushions to separate, wherein said separation device comprises a first moving surface adapted to contact one side of the string of interconnected packing cushions and a second moving surface adapted to be selectively placed into and out of contact with the other side of the string of interconnected packing cushions, wherein said first and second moving surfaces are belts.