Patent ID: 6141941
Filing Date: 2000-11-07
Classification: A63H

Abstract:
Apparatus for inserting an object into a balloon, comprising:a balloon chamber having a size sufficient to accommodate an inflated balloon, said chamber having an opening through which an inflated balloon may pass;a lid disposable over said chamber opening for forming a substantially air-tight seal with the balloon chamber, said lid having means to access the balloon orifice;a positive pressure air source for inflating the balloon in said chamber, said air source being in communication with said balloon orifice access means;said lid further has means to expand and maintain balloon orifice in an expanded state and in contact with a sealing surface including:a plurality of gripping elements disposed to move between a first position in which said elements are bunched together generally near the center of said balloon orifice access means for receiving a balloon orifice, and a second position in which said elements are spaced apart to expand said balloon orifice into contact with said sealing surface, and means for selectively causing said gripping elements to move between said first and second positions; whereinsaid balloon orifice access means comprises a tunnel structure in sealing relation on a first end to said lid and having a removable cap to seal a second end, thereby maintaining positive pressure inside said balloon access means while inflating said balloon.