Abstract: A system and method for securing package contents is provided. One embodiment which secures package contents comprises a supply conveyor configured to transport at least one package having at least one deflated void-fill bag, the void-fill bag having a collar protruding through the package, an inflate nozzle configured to sealably couple with the collar such that the void-fill bag may be filled to secure contents of the package, a vision system configured to detect a target associated with the collar of the void-fill bag, and a servo-drive system configured to control a position of the inflate nozzle based upon the detected target such that the position of the inflate nozzle is adjusted to sealably couple the inflate nozzle with the collar.

Abstract: A pressurized dispensing system (10) for dispensing a multi-component product, comprises an outer body (11) defining a first chamber (8) constructed to contain a first component of said product; an inner container (20), disposed within said body, defining a second chamber (7) constructed to contain a second component of said product and maintain said second component separate from said first component; a dispensing head (50), in fluid communication with said first (8) and second (7) chambers, through which the product is dispensed; and a modular valve assembly (5), including a valve constructed to move between a closed position, in which said first and second chambers are sealed, and an open position, in which said first and second components flow simultaneously from said first and second chambers to said dispensing head.

Abstract: A bag with a flexible wall which delimits a closed chamber of the bag for a store of a substance, for example a liquid, gaseous, pasty or pulverulent substance, for example a bag with a wall made from single-layer or multilayer (plastic) sheet material. A female element with a body through which a bore extends is attached to the inner side of the wall, which bore extends from an insertion opening for a male element, which is covered in a sealed manner by the wall of the bag, in the vicinity of the wall of the bag, to an opening in the chamber of the bag.

Abstract: A continuous strip bag feeder and loader that includes an integrated printer assembly for printing information on each individual bag of the continuous strip. The printer assembly is mounted to a support frame and receives a continuous strip of bags from a feed assembly. The printer assembly includes a print head that prints the desired information on each individual bag of the continuous strip. The printer assembly is positioned relative to the loading assembly such that after each individual bag is printed, the bag is immediately loaded with a product at the loading assembly. Thus, no printed bags are positioned between the loading assembly and the printer assembly, thereby assuring each bag is loaded with a product prior to the printing of another bag.

Abstract: A flexible pouch with a self-contained straw for packaging a product includes a front panel and a back panel each having an upper edge, a lower edge opposite the upper edge, and side edges extending therebetween the upper and lower edges. A straw is disposed inside the pouch at an angle between an upper corner of the pouch and an opposite lower corner. The pouch includes a first seal applied to the upper corner of the pouch to form a pocket for holding an upper end of the straw, and a second seal extending along the unsealed portion of the upper edge of the pouch to close the pouch. A method of forming and filling a flexible pouch with an integral straw includes the steps of forming each of the panels and joining two panels by sealing together their side edges and lower edge to form the pouch. The method also includes the steps of opening the pouch and inserting the straw into the pouch by positioning the straw at an angle between an upper corner of the pouch and an opposite lower corner.

Abstract: An inflation valve assembly, for a dunnage or cargo air bag, comprises an annular flange member which is adapted to be heat-sealed to an interior surface portion of one of the plies of the inflatable bladder of the air bag, and an externally threaded nipple portion for fluidic connection to a source of pressurized fluid for inflating the bladder of the dunnage or cargo air bag. A flapper valve member, having a substantially circular configuration, has an end portion which is adapted to be fixedly secured upon an arcuate portion of the upper surface portion of the annular flange member by a fixation bar which extends along a chordal extent of the annular flange member. Opposite end portions of the fixation bar project radially inwardly toward each other so as to effectively define a pair of oppositely disposed detents for maintaining the flapper valve member in its OPENED state.

Abstract: An agricultural feed bagging machine rotor which includes a plurality of rotor teeth mounted thereon with each of the rotor teeth having a tooth face provided thereon. Each of the tooth faces has a progressively increasing thickness from the inner end thereof to the outer end thereof. The outer face of each of the tooth faces has a channel formed therein with the depth of the channel progressively decreasing from the outer end of the tooth face towards the inner end thereof.

Abstract: An icing dispenser having an expandable elastic reservoir on the handle proximal end which when loaded expands a reservoir bladder under an elastic bias that tends to return the bladder to its unexpanded condition, therein uniformly impressing constant pressure on the icing within the reservoir. A reservoir neck extends from the bladder through a handle passageway to a decorator icing tip. A butterfly valve within the reservoir neck modulates an amount of icing flowing through the tip with butterfly ends angled parallel to the passageway and urged into the pliable neck at a preferred angle, slightly deforming the neck to effect a valve seal. The handle is adapted for operation in an operator's fingers as a writing instrument with icing extrusion modulated by a lever on the handle being adjusted relative to the handle by the fingers.

Abstract: The present invention provides an easy-to-use refill apparatus for refilling a refillable container. The refill apparatus includes a compressible container containing ink and a compression device that holds the compressible container in alignment with the container to be refilled. In use, the compression device compresses the compressible container thereby causing ink to flow from the compressible container to the refillable container. Decompression of the compressible container removes air out of the refillable container to prevent ink from leaking from the refillable container.

Abstract: A vacuum device and method for extraction of a substance from a fluid source, the vacuum device including an upper member that may be selectively, and operably, connected to a lower member. The upper member defines a bottom opening, and has a vacuum pump in fluid communication with the bottom opening. The vacuum pump is selectively coupled to an energy source. The lower member defines an inner cavity, a first opening, and a second opening, the inner cavity in communication with the first opening and the second opening. An elastic membrane defining an interior cavity is disposed in the inner cavity and is coupled to the first opening of the lower member.

Abstract: A machine for filling bags with comestible liquids, includes a transfer station rotatable about a vertical central axle mounted on a plate secured to the machine frame, multiple filling stations each comprising an element for gripping and holding the base of a removable closure for a bag and an element for manipulating the upper portion of the closure, and a filling device coacting with the opening of the open closure following removal of its upper portion and supplied with liquid by a pump connected to a reservoir, the assembly of these elements being managed by a control device. The control device is a device with cams mounted fixedly on the machine. The invention is more particularly applicable to the field of packaging and dispensing of liquids, in particular comestible liquids, in small flexible receptacles.

Abstract: A “bag-in-a-drum” container for storage and dispensing of fluids. The container is adapted to minimize volumetric space requirements in storage, transport and use of the container. The containers are usefully employed in a system of supplying liquid in containers to an end user market and refabricating containers subsequent to consumption of the liquid from the containers.

Abstract: A vacuum attachment for use with a vacuum hose, which is for use with a vacuum device, and a container, particularly any conventional plastic food storage bag. The vacuum attachment has a first attacher for attaching the vacuum attachment to the vacuum hose, and an inserter for inserting the vacuum attachment into the container. The first attacher may be a hollow substantially frustoconical body. The inserter may be a hollow substantially cylindrical neck. The vacuum attachment may also have a second attacher, such as a suction cup, for attaching the vacuum attachment to a planar surface. The vacuum attachment may also have an air flow blocker for blocking the air flow between the container and the vacuum attachment. The air flow blocker may be a hollow substantially cylindrical cap with a closed end. The air flow blocker may have an opening or a filter.

Abstract: The present invention provides a flexible mounting for securing at least one evacuation member to a fitment for use in a collapsible bag. The mounting comprises a peripheral ring adapted to fit within a spout of the fitment, a central member to which the at least one evacuation member is secured and a plurality of spring members extending between the peripheral ring and the central member, the spring members supporting the central member while permitting the central member to be displaced relative to the peripheral ring.

Abstract: Described are a method of and an apparatus for supplying fuel for a motor vehicle comprising at least one hydrogen consumer wherein the hydrogen is liberated by catalytic reaction of a hydrogen donor provided as the fuel and recyclable fuel which has reacted in that operation is produced. The method comprises taking unreacted fuel from a first storage volume, filling at least one second storage volume separate from the first storage volume with reacted fuel and at least partially additionally using the first storage volume which has become vacant by virtue of unreacted fuel being taken therefrom, for storage of the reacted fuel. A fuel container arrangement includes at least one storage container for unreacted fuel and communicating with a removal container for supplying the fuel to the reaction, and a collecting container communicating with a storage container, when vacated of unreacted fuel, by way of a flow transfer conduit for transferring reacted fuel to the storage container.

Abstract: Several embodiments of small volume containers for use to feed liquid to a gravity feed liquid spraying device. Each container comprises a body portion having axially spaced first and second ends, means for closing the second end of the body portion, and a first adapter attached to the first end of the body portion. The body portion, means for closing, and first adapter have inner surfaces defining a cavity in the container having a small volume. The adapter comprises an engagement portion having a through opening communicating with the cavity in the body portion, which engagement portion is adapted for liquid and air tight engagement an inlet port of the spraying device. The container includes vacuum restricting means for restricting vacuum within its cavity as liquid moves out of its cavity into a spraying device through the opening in the first adapter with the second end of the container uppermost.

Abstract: A machine for filling bags with comestible liquids, includes a transfer station rotatable about a vertical central axle mounted on a plate secured to the machine frame, multiple filling stations each comprising an element for gripping and holding the base of a removable closure for a bag and an element for manipulating the upper portion of the closure, and a filling device coacting with the opening of the open closure following removal of its upper portion and supplied with liquid by a pump connected to a reservoir, the assembly of these elements being managed by a control device. The control device is a device with cams mounted fixedly on the machine. The invention is more particularly applicable to the field of packaging and dispensing of liquids, in particular comestible liquids, in small flexible receptacles.

Abstract: A vacuum attachment for use with a vacuum hose, which is for use with a vacuum device, and a container, particularly any conventional plastic food storage bag. The vacuum attachment has a first attacher for attaching the vacuum attachment to the vacuum hose, and an inserter for inserting the vacuum attachment into the container. The first attacher may be a hollow substantially frustoconical body. The inserter may be a hollow substantially cylindrical neck. The vacuum attachment may also have a second attacher, such as a suction cup, for attaching the vacuum attachment to a planar surface. The vacuum attachment may also have an air flow blocker for blocking the air flow between the container and the vacuum attachment. The air flow blocker may be a hollow substantially cylindrical cap with a closed end. The air flow blocker may have an opening or a filter.

Abstract: A method for dispensing a fluent material to articles which receive the fluent material. The method comprises the steps of selectively dispensing fluent material to the articles through open ends of nipples of a first flexible bag positioned for dispensing fluent material to the articles by deforming the nipples to eject fluent material therefrom. The open ends of the nipples of the first flexible bag are sealed. A second flexible bag having nipples is positioned for dispensing fluent material from the nipples to the articles, and fluent material is selectively dispensed to the articles through open ends of the nipples of second flexible bag by deforming the nipples to eject fluent material therefrom.

Abstract: An apparatus (having a flexible-walled vessel compatible with a fluent substance not for direct consumption by mammals) for transporting the fluent substance and dispensing during research, testing, and other related processes. The process is separate from a filling-site where the vessel is filled. The vessel, as oriented by a support framework, has an upper-end and a lower-portion with at least one port through which the fluent substance is dispensed, and an outwardly-facing indicia. This port is in communication with a primary flow channel and a valve for controlling the dispensing of a preselected amount of the substance as needed during the process. The fluent substance is selected from the group consisting of liquid reagents, cleaning solutions, solvents, and/or other fluent substances used in the production process. A second flow channel, in communication with a second port of the vessel's lower-end, may be added for filling the vessel at the filling-site.

Abstract: A method for filling and degassing a pouch contained in a cartridge. A fluid injection unit introduces fluid into a rotatable pouch. The pouch contained in the cartridge is permitted to rotate from a vertical position for degassing and weighing to a horizontal position for fluid introduction. After several rotational cycles, accurate pouch weighing and complete evacuation of the pouch results in a precise fluid loaded pouch.

Abstract: An apparatus precisely delivers a prescribed amount of fluid into a degassed pouch contained in a cartridge. The apparatus has a rotating cartridge holding member that alternately positions the cartridge in either a horizontal position for filling or a vertical position for degassing. A digital weighing element associated with the fixture enables the cartridge to be weighed during the filling process to ensure the delivery of a predetermined amount of fluid.

Abstract: An apparatus for unloading a bag containing a bulk particulate material, having a discharge spout, generally consisting of a support structure, means for mounting such bag on the support structure, a hopper mounted on the support structure, a first member mounted on the support structure, having an opening through which the spout of a bag may be extended when the bag is mounted on the support structure, a second member mounted on support structure having an opening communicating with an inlet of the hopper, about which a portion of such spout extending through the opening of the first member may be fitted, and fluid actuated devices mounted on the support structure for displacing the first and second members relation to each other when the discharge spout of the bag is extended through the opening in such first member and fitted about such second member to cause a portion of spout to be interposed between such first and second members in clamped relation.

Abstract: A pressurized container includes a vessel defining a chamber therein. A housing that is connected to the vessel defines an outlet that is fluidly separated from the chamber by a closure member. A moveable member may be seated within and form a seal with the housing and abut the closure member. Activation of an initiator propels the moveable member through the closure member, thereby fluidly connecting the chamber and the outlet. The pressurized container might include an obstruction partially blocking an outlet path and another initiator that breaks the obstruction when activated, thereby further opening the outlet path. The pressurized container might include a main path fluidly connected to the outlet, a first secondary path that connects the main path to the chamber, and a second secondary path that also connects the main path to the chamber.

Abstract: A device for inflating an elastic, translucent object, specifically a balloon which encloses a nozzle that can be inserted into an opening of the object, whose nozzle bore hole is connected to a compressed gas line, having a self-activating, resettable, release lever for manually controlling the compressed gas flow, designated in such a way so that the nozzle bore hole is connected to at least one paint cartridge, which can contain liquid paint and upon activation of the release lever the paint together with the compressed gas can flow into the inside of the object.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for manufacturing a filled flexible pouch is provided. The apparatus includes a cylindrical cup member having an open upper end, a closed lower end and a side wall extending therebetween the upper end and lower end. An inside portion of the side wall includes a pair of opposed guide channels for receiving the flexible pouch, and the side wall includes a slot positioned adjacent guide member. The side wall includes a notched opening positioned above each of the guide channels. The apparatus also includes a pouch opening lever arm pivotally attached to the side wall of the cup member, having a lower portion below the pivotal attachment with a wheel at an outer end and an upper portion above the pivotal attachment with an outwardly extending push member at an outer end. The manufacturing process includes the steps of placing the flexible pouch into the guide channels of the cylindrical cup member, while the lever arm is pivoted outwardly.

Abstract: A gas container having a deformable outer container body, an inner bag, which has a gas barrier characteristic, and an outlet/inlet formed within the inner bag. A gas is charged into the inner bag through the outlet/inlet and discharged there by applying a pressure to the outer container body from outside. According to the invention, all of the gas held in the container can be used without leaving any remaining gas waste. In addition, the container can be re-used.

Abstract: The self funnel drink additive product has two surfaces connected at a perimeter to enclose a volume which contains drink additive, the volume being substantially flat for storage, and has a narrow neck portion of the perimeter, so that the drink additive is funneled through the narrow neck into a vessel opening when the perimeter is opened along an optimal cut line at the narrow neck.

Abstract: The invention is an inflatable pad with a built-in pump, including an inflation unit with a laminated fringed chamber and an interior air pump assembly with an inflation and deflation channel. The pump chamber has two pieces of unidirectional membrane tubing in a reverse loop. One tubing is a channel between the pump chamber and the inflation chamber. The other tubing is installed inside the pump chamber so that one end connects to the pump chamber and the other to a piece of round tubing on the chamber edge. The round tubing connects to the laminated edge of the inflation chamber and has an insertable hollow bolt so that an inflation access is formed. On the round tubing surface ther is a vent hole. When the bolt is removed from the tubing, a deflation channel is formed.

Abstract: A thin, flat device (10) for inserting scrapbook page device (22) for quick application of article protectors (20). The device is made of a flexible material, with a spine (12) so it can be repeatedly folded, without fracturing, tearing or cracking. In addition it provides a fast, easy and hassles free approach to applying article protectors (20). Not only does it provide a quick method of inserting it also protects a scrapbook page (22) from being torn, folded, bent or torn during the application of article protectors (20).

Abstract: The present invention relates to an inflatable pad with a built-in pump, mainly comprising an inflation unit and a air pump assembly inside the inflation unit. The inflation unit has an inflation chamber with laminated fringe while the air pump is composed of a protuberant pump chamber and an inflation/deflation channel. Especially, on one side of the pump chamber there are two pieces of unidirectional membrane tubing, A and B, in a reverse loop. The membrane tubing B is provided as a channel between the pump chamber and the inflation chamber. The membrane tubing A is installed inside the pump chamber so that one end connects to the pump chamber and the other end at the chamber edge connects to a piece of round tubing. The round tubing connects to the laminated edge of the inflation chamber and has an insertable hollow bolt so that an inflation access is formed. On the proper place of the round tubing surface, there is a vent hole.

Abstract: A continuous strip bag feeder and loader that includes an integrated printer assembly for printing information on each individual bag of the continuous strip. The printer assembly is mounted to a support frame and receives a continuous strip of bags from a feed assembly. The printer assembly includes a print head that prints the desired information on each individual bag of the continuous strip. The printer assembly is positioned relative to the loading assembly such that after each individual bag is printed, the bag is immediately loaded with a product at the loading assembly. Thus, no printed bags are positioned between the loading assembly and the printer assembly, thereby assuring each bag is loaded with a product prior to the printing of another bag.

Abstract: An apparatus for unloading a bag containing a bulk particulate material, having a discharge spout, generally consisting of a support structure, means for mounting such bag on the support structure, a hopper mounted on the support structure, a first member mounted on the support structure, having an opening through which the spout of a bag may be extended when the bag is mounted on the support structure, a second member mounted on support structure having an opening communicating with an inlet of the hopper, about which a portion of such spout extending through the opening of the first member may be fitted, and fluid actuated devices mounted on the support structure for displacing the first and second members relation to each other when the discharge spout of the bag is extended through the opening in such first member and fitted about such second member to cause a portion of spout to be interposed between such first and second members in clamped relation.

Abstract: A loading station having a dispensing manifold for loading syringe pairs with thrombin and adhesive and clotting proteins for use as a biological adhesive. The resulting loaded syringe pairs are compatible with a variety of biological adhesive dispensers and may be used in a surgical setting.

Abstract: A fluid dispensing system has a flexible bag filled with a dispensable material, a dispensing opening adjacent a receiving socket, the dispensing opening including a push valve. A dispensing coupling is removably located in the receiving socket and has an actuating end which engages the push valve to initiate flow. A flow regulator is incorporated with the dispensing conduit for controlling the flow of the material from the bag.

Abstract: A bagging machine is provided that includes a frame for supporting the components of the bagging machine. The components of the bagging machine include an inlet hopper for receiving the material for compaction and moving it into the bagging machine, a compaction zone having a power compaction device located therein, wherein the compaction device conveys the material from the inlet hopper into the compaction zone, a material receptacle for receiving the material upon its exit from the compaction zone; and a brake assist mechanism assisting in, and at least partially controlling the level of, compaction of the material.

Abstract: A powder feeding container is made from paper, resin film, or a synthetic film made with paper and resin film, the container containing powder within, and having a peak at one end, which is formed from an incline that starts from a middle of one edge of the container. The peak end is cut to form a first opening that releases the inside powder, whereas a change proximity area that starts forming an inclined edge is cut, and the rear area from the incision is folded inward, so that air is sent into the first opening along the inner wall of the inclined edge, forming a second opening.

Abstract: A pouch machine includes a modular feeder having feeder components mounted in a module. The pouch machine has a common socket for receiving a selected one of a plurality of feeder modules in operative position proximate a pouch filler apparatus.

Abstract: An inflatable bladder is provided with an inflation valve device that includes a sleeve member, a tubular indicator mounted movably in the sleeve member and marked with indicia for indicating internal pressure of the bladder, an inflation needle mounted in the indicator for inflation of the bladder, and an urging member disposed between the sleeve member and the indicator in such a manner that outward movement of the indicator resulting from the pressure difference between the pressure in the bladder and the atmospheric pressure results in displacement of the urging member, which is indicated by the indicia exposed from the bladder.

Abstract: A bottle and method is provided for storing a carbonated beverage so that the beverage can be dispensed over time without the beverage remaining in the container losing carbonation. The bottle can be comprised of a container having a bladder inserted therein. The annular space between the container and the bladder is accessed through a pressure port by a pump and the container is pressurized such that the bladder is compressed and the useable volume of the bottle is reduced. By reducing the volume, excess air can be prevented from collecting in the bottle.

Abstract: A method of filling a bag with pourable, especially powdery material, by means of a dispensing device with a vertical filling pipe which can be introduced into the bag and which comprises flanging-on means at its upper end and a closing device at its lower end, wherein prior to or during the filling operation, air is extracted from the material above the closing device via the inside of the filling pipe.

Abstract: A pouch for dispensing a beverage. The pouch includes a pair of opposing walls with a first half and a second half. A valve is inserted within one of the walls at the first half of the pouch. The valve is configured to be operable with a beverage dispenser. The pouch also includes various elements for hanging the pouch by its second half such that the pouch may be hung and dispense the beverage through the valve.

Abstract: A mobile, automatic sandbagging machine includes a source of sandbags and a guide track positioned adjacent to the source of sandbags. A hook attached to a chain of the guide track selectively removes a sandbag from the source of sandbags and advances the sandbag along the guide track. An end of the sandbag is opened under a fill chute, and the sandbag is partially filled with fill material. A closing mechanism closes the open end of the sandbag and the sandbag is removed from the machine.

Abstract: In a structure which includes a second tank for reserving a predetermined amount of ink to be supplied to a printing head and in which a supply system is configured such that ink is intermittently supplied to the second tank from a first tank, a high charging efficiency to and shortened processing time for charging the second tank, and high overall usability of ink are achieved. In an orientation upon using the printing apparatus, a port of a channel located at the second tank side for supplying ink from the first tank to the second tank is arranged relatively high position and an outlet port for supplying ink from the second tank to the head is arranged relatively low position in relation to the direction of gravity, and a port of the channel located at the first tank side is arranged at the bottom of the first tank.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for filling one or more containers with flowable material such as cereals, grain or rice. Flowable material is transferred via a material guide into filling stations. The material guide or the filling stations can be moved between a first position in which all the flowable material input is guided into the first container, and a second position in which all the flowable material input is guided into the second container. At intermediate positions between the first and second positions, the flowable material input is divided between the first and second containers. The proportion of flowable material entering each of the containers is varied to enable a nearly full container to be topped up to the desired level while maintaining control over the flow and at the same time rapidly filling another container. The filling stations, at which the containers are located, may be positioned in various configurations.

Abstract: A squirt gun includes a hollow housing in the form of a gun with a liquid dispensing assembly within the housing. The liquid dispensing assembly includes a rigid pressure vessel having either a gas-filled compressible bladder or a spring-loaded piston disposed within. The vessel is connected to a flexible tube with a nozzle at one end, and the gun is adapted to receive and expel water to and from the vessel through the nozzle. A pivotable trigger cooperates with the flexible tube to either enable both the receiving and expelling, or to deny the expelling of the water. To fill the gun, water is forced into the vessel under pressure, which compresses the air bladder or the piston to retain that pressure within the water-filled vessel. To expel the retained water, the trigger is moved to an “open” position, which allows the water to be forced from the pressurized water-filled vessel, through the nozzle, and from the gun as the air bladder or the piston expands.

Abstract: A system and method of reducing particle generation in packaging containers used to transport ultra pure liquids. Particle generation in the containers is reduced by reducing the air-liquid interface present during filling, transport, and dispensing of the liquid.

Abstract: A processing solution container package system includes a frame that supports the containers of the package system and allows each of the containers to collapse while avoiding a trapping of solution within the containers. The frame comprises first and second members that include interlocking sections to permit each of the members to be accommodated on the surface of the containers and interlocked to each other. The frame includes curved sections to support a valve neck of each of the containers in an extended non-collapsed position. This helps in the assembly of the containers, and further prevents the valve necks of the containers from collapsing back towards the top surface of the containers while the containers are being filled with solution. Also, the frame that supports the containers prevents damage to the containers if the containers are accidentally dropped. In a further feature of the invention, the containers have a crown shaped surface which corresponds to a curved surface of the frame.

Abstract: A variable volume buffer is employed to conduct a multitude of articles from an elevated supply stream into a container at a lower elevation while maintaining a drop distance for the articles that is shorter than the distance from the source to the bottom of the container. The bottom of the buffer is vertically displaced in response to the height of the articles in the buffer in a continuous or step-wise function to maintain the fill level of the articles in the buffer at substantially a constant drop distance from the source. Upon the bottom of the buffer moving adjacent the bottom of the container, the gate is opened and the buffer is raised to permit the spilling of the articles directly from the buffer and into the container.

Abstract: The present invention provides an inflation block for a balloon inflation device including an inflation nozzle that is operatively connected to a source of pressurized gas, and a trough that substantially encloses the inflation nozzle in order to prevent access thereto by an operator's mouth, yet allowing for the insertion of the neck of a balloon thereon. The inflation nozzle is operatively connected to a slide valve that has a closed position and an open position. The slide valve is located between a source of pressurized gas and the inflation nozzle such that, in its closed position, the slide valve blocks the flow of gas from the source of pressurized gas through the inflation nozzle, and, in its open position, the slide valve opens the flow of gas from the source of pressurized gas through the inflation nozzle, in order to allow for the inflation of a balloon having its neck placed over the inflation nozzle.