BALLOON INFLATION APPARATUS AND PLUG THEREFOR

摘要

A balloon inflation apparatus (10) and a balloon plug (34) for sealing the neck (32) of a balloon (30) are designed to work together. The balloon plug (34) has a resilient body with an outer perimeter (40) designed to engage the inside of the neck (32) of a balloon (30). The resilient body also has a pierceable central portion (42). Inflation apparatus (10) has a support frame (12) and an plural inflation station (26). Engagement openings (108) retains a balloon plug, with a ballon engaged therewith. Inflation needle (112) has a retracted position and an inflation position. The needle extends through the pierceable central portion (42) of plug (34) retained by the engagement openings (108) when in the inflation position. An actuator moves the needle between the positions. Pressurized gas supply (154) is in fluid communication with the needle selectively supplies gas to the needle. Apparatus (10) is operable to move the needle so that the plug is pierced as gas is supplied to needle (112) and attached balloon (30) is inflated.