Patent ID: 7950433
Filing Date: 2011-05-31
Classification: B31D

Abstract:
1. A machine for inflating and sealing an inflatable web having first and second longitudinal edges and comprising a series of pre-formed flexible containers, each of said pre-formed containers being capable of holding therein a quantity of gas and having an opening at said first edge for receiving such gas, the machine comprising: a. a support structure having a base and a wall extending upwards from said base; b. a spool for rotatively supporting a roll of the inflatable web, said spool having a proximal end, at which said spool is attached to said wall, and an opposing distal end, which is spaced from said wall, said distal end having a higher elevation relative to said proximal end such that the roll is gravitationally biased towards said wall; c. a drive mechanism mounted to said support structure for withdrawing the inflatable web from the roll by inducing tension in the web and advancing the web along a path of travel beside said wall, with the web being oriented such that the first edge thereof is adjacent to said wall; d. a tension-control device located proximate said wall for applying frictional resistance to the web in opposition to the advancement of the web along the path, said frictional resistance varying in response to changes in the tension in the web as it is withdrawn from the roll, wherein e. an inflation nozzle positioned to direct gas into the openings of the containers as the web is advanced along the path, thereby inflating the containers; and f. a sealing device located proximate said inflation nozzle for sealing closed the openings of the inflated containers, wherein, the gravitational bias of the roll towards said wall urges the first edge of the web into alignment with said drive mechanism, inflation nozzle, and sealing device.