Balloon inflation device

Abstract

A balloon inflation device is provided for inflating a balloon having a neck. The balloon inflation device includes: a source of pressurized gas; an inflation nozzle selectively receiving the neck of the balloon to communicate with the interior thereof, the inflation nozzle including: a fill nozzle having an outlet end, and a pressure sensor nozzle inside of the fill nozzle, the pressure sensor nozzle having an inlet end. The outlet end and the inlet end communicate with the interior of the balloon when the inflation nozzle receives the neck of the balloon. A gas feed line communicates between the source of pressurized gas and the fill nozzle of the inflation nozzle, and a pressure sensor communicates with the pressure sensor nozzle such that the pressure sensor is affected by the pressure of the gas within the balloon as received at the inlet end of the strain gauge nozzle.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]The invention herein resides generally in the art of balloon inflation devices. More particularly, the present invention relates to a balloon inflation device that avoids over inflation problems of the prior art.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]The prior art has provided balloon inflation devices for filling balloons using pressurized gas sources, the gas typically being air or, if it is desired that the balloon float, lighter-than-air gases, like helium. These devices have been provided not only to facilitate the production of filled balloons but also to avoid some of the inherent dangers involved in using a pressurized gas to inflate balloons. Typically, trained personnel are required to operate balloon inflation devices that employ pressurized gas. Employing such personnel is an added expense of providing inflated balloons, and it is therefore desirable to provide a balloon inflation device that can be safely used by the average consumer.[0003]U.S. Pat...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent text describes a balloon inflation device that prevents balloon material from reaching and covering the pressure sensor nozzle. This is achieved by shielding the pressure sensor nozzle with an overhanging portion of the fill nozzle. The technical effect is to ensure accurate measurement of pressure during balloon inflation.

Problems solved by technology

These utilitarian aspects, while overcoming some of the inherent problems in balloon inflation as mentioned above, are not time efficient in use, and are more complicated in construction than is necessary.

The consumers perceive these devices as being complicated and are thus less likely to desire to use them.

Helium is very expensive, and is likely to become more expensive as other industries, such as the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) industry, compete for the limited supply.

The balloon industry is significantly affected, and the need is significant.

When stretched, the balloon receives more gas, which is wasteful, and, depending on the balloon shape, size and material this can continue to the point of catastrophic failure, resulting a popped balloon.

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