Abstract: Apparatus for preparing a latex balloon neck for sealing includes a cleaner and a refresher for cleaning and refreshing the surface of latex material at a region of the inner surface of the neck of a balloon and extending substantially around an inner circumference of the neck so that the neck can be sealed by bring opposed areas of the refreshed surface into direct contact with each other to form a latex—latex bond.

Abstract: An apparatus and process are described for turning inside out (i.e. everting) a part of the neck (7) of a balloon (5). The apparatus essentially comprises an elongate mandrel (1) which is tapered at one end so that is can be inserted into the neck (7) of the balloon (5), and pressure applying means (3), which in use press a portion of the neck (7) against the inserted mandrel (1). The neck (7) is everted simply by a reciprocating motion of the mandrel (1) relative to the pressure applying means (3). An adhesive glue can then be administered to the everted neck portion. There is further described an automated apparatus for everting a plurality of balloons by applying adhesive to each of the everted neck portions, securing each prepared balloon to a protective, removable strip, and packaging the secured balloon in either a cassette or comb form.