Systems for dispensing pillows for product packaging

A device for dispensing pillows for product packaging, each of the cushioning pillows comprising a first portion, and second portions each having a thickness less than a thickness of the first portion, the second portions of adjacent pillows adjoining each other to form a continuous web of the pillows, the web defining peaks coinciding with locations of maximum thickness of the first portions, and valleys located between the peaks, the device comprising:

• a separation unit configured to receive the web of packaging items, the separation unit comprising:
• an anvil configured to support a cover and a cutting device of the separation unit,
• the cover, the cover mounted on the anvil and configured to move in relation to the anvil between a first position and second position of the cover,
• a press movable between a first position and a second position of the press, the press configured to move the cover from the first to the second position of the cover, and to push the webbing into the cutting device, when the press moves from the first to the second position of the press, the press also configured to at least partially enclose the cutting device when the cover is in the second position of the cover;
• and
• the cutting device, the cutting device mounted on the anvil and configured to sever the second portions of the pillows upon contact with the second portions, wherein:
• the cover at least partially encloses the cutting device when the cover is in the first position of the cover.

A device for dispensing pillows for product packaging, each of the cushioning pillows comprising a first portion, and second portions each having a thickness less than a thickness of the first portion, the second portions of adjacent pillows adjoining each other to form a continuous web of the pillows, the web defining peaks coinciding with locations of maximum thickness of the first portions, and valleys located between the peaks, the device comprising:

• a holding bin defining an internal volume configured to receive the web of pillows;
• a duct defining a channel configured to receive the web of pillows and guide the web of pillows to the internal volume of the holding bin in a first direction;
• an air circulating device in fluid communication with the channel and configured to, during operation, direct air into the channel at a pressure and flow-rate sufficient to move the web of pillows through the channel in the first direction;
• and
• an anti-reverse feature mounted within the channel and configured to inhibit movement of the web of pillows in a second direction opposite the first direction.