Abstract: Devices are provided for dispensing pillows for use in packaging arranged in web and having relative a relatively thick portion bordered by relatively thin portions that adjoins the individual pillows within the web. The systems can include a transfer unit having a pushing member. The pushing member is configured to engage the web of pillows as the pushing member moves so that the pushing member draws the web into the transfer unit, and moves the web through the transfer unit and toward an exit opening of the transfer unit. The devices further can include a separation unit having a cutting device, and a movable cover that at least partially encloses the cutting device to prevent unintentional contact with the cutting device.

Abstract: Systems and methods for packing a shipping container. The methods comprise: detecting, by a computing device, a presence of the shipping container; identifying, by the computing device, a void area inside the shipping container; dividing, by the computing device, the void area into a plurality of void area sections; obtaining, by the computing device, a first amount for a first void area section of the plurality of void area sections and a second amount for a second void area of the plurality of void area sections; and causing, by the computing device, the protective packaging to be dispensed into the void area such that the first amount of the first void area section is filled with the protective packaging and the second amount of the second void area section is filled with the protective packaging.

Abstract: Dunnage conversion machines can include a drive mechanism that deforms a stock material into a continuous length of dunnage, a cutting device that severs a piece of dunnage from the continuous length of dunnage, and a jaw that moves between a first and a second position. When in the first position, the jaw contacts the dunnage and exerts a first force on the dunnage that prevents substantial movement of the dunnage in an upstream direction while the dunnage is being severed. When in the second position, the jaw exerts a lower second force on the severed piece to retain the severed piece on the dunnage conversion machine. The second force can be low enough to prevent tearing of the severed piece when the severed piece is removed from the dunnage conversion machine.

Abstract: Devices are provided for dispensing pillows for use in packaging arranged in web and having relative a relatively thick portion bordered by relatively thin portions that adjoins the individual pillows within the web. The systems can include a transfer unit having a pushing member. The pushing member is configured to engage the web of pillows as the pushing member moves so that the pushing member draws the web into the transfer unit, and moves the web through the transfer unit and toward an exit opening of the transfer unit. The devices further can include a separation unit having a cutting device, and a movable cover that at least partially encloses the cutting device to prevent unintentional contact with the cutting device.

Abstract: A device for producing dunnage includes a jam detector located downstream of a crumpler and upstream of an outlet chute of the device and configured to detect a jam of the dunnage between the crumpler and the outlet chute.

Abstract: Systems and methods for packing a shipping container. The methods comprise: detecting, by a computing device, a presence of the shipping container; generating, by a computing device, a 3D point cloud comprising a 3D perspective representation of interior of the shipping container and surfaces of at least one item disposed in the shipping container; analyzing, by a computing device, the 3D point cloud to identify a void area inside the shipping container, the void area being absent of the at least one item; selecting, by the computing device, a percentage from a plurality of possible percentages based on a characteristic of the void area; and causing, by the computing device, protective packaging to be dispensed into the void area such that the selected percentage of the void area is filled with the protective packaging.

Abstract: Systems and methods for packing a shipping container. The methods comprise: detecting, by a computing device, a presence of the shipping container; identifying, by the computing device, a void area inside the shipping container; dividing, by the computing device, the void area into a plurality of void area sections; obtaining, by the computing device, a first amount for a first void area section of the plurality of void area sections and a second amount for a second void area of the plurality of void area sections; and causing, by the computing device, the protective packaging to be dispensed into the void area such that the first amount of the first void area section is filled with the protective packaging and the second amount of the second void area section is filled with the protective packaging.

Abstract: Devices for producing dunnage include a crumpler configured to convert a high-density stock material into low-density dunnage, and a former positioned upstream of the crumpler. The outer former has interior surface defining a passage configured to receive the inner former. The interior surface configured to fold the stock material into overlapping layers as the stock material moves through the passage. An outer surface of the inner former opposes and is spaced from the interior surface of the outer former so that the outer surface and the interior surface of the outer former define a channel for receiving the stock material.

Abstract: Dunnage conversion machines can include a drive mechanism that deforms a stock material into a continuous length of dunnage, a cutting device that severs a piece of dunnage from the continuous length of dunnage, and a jaw that moves between a first and a second position. When in the first position, the jaw contacts the dunnage and exerts a first force on the dunnage that prevents substantial movement of the dunnage in an upstream direction while the dunnage is being severed. When in the second position, the jaw exerts a lower second force on the severed piece to retain the severed piece on the dunnage conversion machine. The second force can be low enough to prevent tearing of the severed piece when the severed piece is removed from the dunnage conversion machine.

Abstract: Systems and methods for packing a shipping container. The methods comprise: detecting, by a computing device, a presence of the shipping container; generating, by a computing device, a 3D point cloud comprising a 3D perspective representation of interior of the shipping container and surfaces of at least one item disposed in the shipping container; analyzing, by a computing device, the 3D point cloud to identify a void area inside the shipping container, the void area being absent of the at least one item; selecting, by the computing device, a percentage from a plurality of possible percentages based on a characteristic of the void area; and causing, by the computing device, protective packaging to be dispensed into the void area such that the selected percentage of the void area is filled with the protective packaging.

Abstract: Devices are provided for dispensing pillows for use in packaging arranged in web and having relative a relatively thick portion bordered by relatively thin portions that adjoins the individual pillows within the web. The systems can include a transfer unit having a pushing member. The pushing member is configured to engage the web of pillows as the pushing member moves so that the pushing member draws the web into the transfer unit, and moves the web through the transfer unit and toward an exit opening of the transfer unit. The devices further can include a separation unit having a cutting device, and a movable cover that at least partially encloses the cutting device to prevent unintentional contact with the cutting device.

Abstract: A device for producing dunnage includes a jam detector. The detector is mounted on an outlet chute that receives dunnage produced by a dunnage mechanism of the device. The detector is sensitive to detect a dunnage jam within the outlet chute, and is associated with the dunnage mechanism to cause the dunnage mechanism to stop driving the dunnage into the outlet chute when a jam is detected.