Patent ID: 8745960

Claim:
An apparatus for inflating and sealing a mailer comprising an inner inflatable liner having at least one inflation port or valve through which a portion of gas can be introduced into said liner, wherein said apparatus comprises: a. an inflation assembly comprising: i. upper and lower support arms that form a mouth for inserting said mailer, wherein said upper and lower support arms are positioned respectively above and below said mouth; ii. at least one inflation nozzle positioned on at least one of said support arms, said inflation nozzle comprising an inlet port connected to a gas source and an outlet port configured to be positioned adjacent to said at least one inflation port or valve when said mailer is inserted into said mouth, wherein said inflation nozzle is capable of initiating inflation without direct contact with said inflation port or valve; and wherein said inflation nozzle is not configured to be inserted inside said inflation port or valve; b. a sealing assembly comprising: i. upper and lower support arms positioned respectively above and below said mouth and downstream from said inflation assembly; ii. an upper heat seal jaw positioned on said upper support arm; iii. a lower heat seal jaw positioned on said lower support arm; iv. a heat seal element on at least one of the heat seal jaws; wherein the introduction of gas into the mailer causes outward expansion of the liner, resulting in a seal being created against the inflation port or valve.