Inflator/sealer device for inflatable packaging cushion

摘要

An inflator/sealer machine useful for inflating and sealing an inflatable cushion having a resistance wire that extends across the inlet of the inflatable cushion. The machine includes an inflation tube, a seal bar, and an anvil. The inflation tube is connected to a source of inflation fluid and has an outlet that is larger than the inflation aperture of the inflatable cushion. The inflation tube and anvil are adjustable between a tube/anvil engaged position and a tube/anvil disengaged position. In the tube/anvil engaged position, the inflation tube outlet opposes the anvil and can engage the inflation aperture of the inflatable cushion between the inflation tube and the anvil to inflate the cushion. The seal bar and the anvil are adjustable between a bar/anvil engaged position and a bar/anvil disengaged position. In the bar/anvil engaged position, the anvil opposes the seal bar to compress the inlet heat seal zone of the inflatable cushion between the anvil and the seal bar. Left and right contacts are positioned on opposing sides of the seal bar during the bar/anvil engaged position. The contacts are connected to an electrical power source. The contacts touch the resistance wire that extends across the inlet of the inflatable cushion to complete an electrical circuit during the bar/anvil engaged position and form a heat seal across the inlet of the inflatable cushion.