Inflation and sealing device with rotary cutter

摘要

An inflatable-cushion inflation and sealing device is disclosed. The device includes an inflation assembly configured for inflating with a fluid a cushion cavity disposed between first and second layers of film. The inflation assembly includes a fluid conduit configured for longitudinal reception between first and second overlapping portions of an inflation channel adjacent to and in fluid communication with the cushion cavity. The device further includes a cutting element disposed proximate the fluid conduit and configured and 10 oriented to cut open inflation channel by a cutting motion that includes rotation thereof. Also, the device includes a sealing assembly configured to seal the overlapping portions to each other and to form a longitudinal seal configured to seal the fluid in the cushion cavity.

主权项

1. A method for inflating and sealing an inflatable cushion, comprising:
pulling the inflatable cushion in a longitudinal direction over a substantially stationary fluid conduit, the fluid conduit including a recessed portion, the fluid conduit configured for inflating with a fluid a cushion cavity and configured for longitudinal reception in an inflation channel; engaging the inflation channel with the fluid conduit; inflating the cushion cavity disposed between first and second layers of film by directing a flow of a fluid through the inflation channel adjacent to and in fluid communication with the cushion cavity such that the fluid flows into the cushion cavity, wherein the inflation channel is formed from two overlapping portions of the film that are juxtaposed with one another on two sides of the inflation channel; powering a cutting disk to rotate relative to the fluid conduit, the cutting disk positioned stationary relative to the substantially stationary fluid conduit, wherein the cutting disk partially extends into the recessed portion of the fluid conduit; cutting open the inflation channel in the longitudinal direction during the pulling of the inflatable cushion using the rotating cutting disk; and sealing the overlapping portions to each other so as to form a longitudinal seal configured to seal the fluid in the cushion cavity.