Abstract: Apparatus for making gas-filled filling bodies includes a supply reel for storing a pre-fabricated half-tubular plastic film having an at least partially open border side and being divided into individual pockets by weld seams which extend transversally with respect to a transport direction of the plastic film. Positioned downstream of the reel and receiving the plastic film from the reel is a gas filling device for blowing air into the pockets. Positioned downstream of the gas filling device and receiving the plastic film from the gas filling device is a welding tool for welding the open border side of the plastic film for formation of closed filling bodies. The transport of the film through the apparatus is realized by a drive unit which applies a force upon the plastic film essentially downstream of the gas filling device, as viewed in the transport direction.

Abstract: An inflation apparatus automatically inflates and seals a plurality of pockets preformed in a film web to form packaging cushions. As the film web is advanced, a stream of inflation gas is directed from an inflation port into each of the pockets. The steam of inflation gas is directed in a flow direction having a component in the direction of travel. A sealing mechanism is positioned as close as possible to the inflation port so that the opening of each pocket is almost entirely closed and sealed while the stream of inflation gas is directed into the pocket. As a result, it is possible to achieve more fully inflated packaging cushions on a consistent basis.

Abstract: In a plastic tube (1) for the production of gas filled bodies, with two superimposed sheets, connected in a gas tight manner to each other along a first longitudinal edge thereof, the upper sheet (2) and the lower sheet (3) are welded together in the transverse direction along gas tight welded seams (5a,5b), arranged in pairs at a separation from each other, in order to form inflatable pockets (7), which seams extend from the first longitudinal edge (4) to a point at a predetermined separation from the opposing second longitudinal edge (6). The pockets each present, between the upper sheet and the lower sheet, a gas filling opening (8) which is accessible from the second longitudinal edge. Also proposed are a method for the production of gas filled bodies using such plastic tubes and a device for carrying out said method.

Abstract: A plastic tube is prefabricated for producing gas-filled filling bodies. The tube comprises an upper film and a lower film which are connected together in superposed relationship along both of their longitudinal edges. The upper film is divided in its center by a longitudinal cut, thus forming upstanding flaps on both sides of the cut. The films are also subdivided into individual pockets by weld seams extending in the transverse direction of the tube at a spacing from each other. The tube can be filled by introducing a filling gas under the film flaps, the open ends of the pockets being closed after they have been inflated in that way.