Method and system for filling bladder members

Abstract

A method and system for automatic filling are provided. The system includes a drive assembly and a source of bladders to be filled wherein the bladders are joined in serial arrangement to a feeding web. The web is configured to be moved through the system using the drive assembly. The system further includes a nozzle configured to receive a flow of filling fluid and direct the flow of fluid into each bladder in turn and a closure device positioned proximate the nozzle wherein the closure device is configured to secure each bladder when filled such that each bladder remains filled after discharge from the system. The system also includes a trigger assembly configured to activate the closure device at a predetermined level of filling of each bladder.

1 . An automatic filling system comprising:
 a drive assembly;   a source of bladders to be filled, said bladders comprising a throat having an opening, said bladders joined in serial arrangement to a feeding web, said web configured to be moved through the system using said drive assembly;   a nozzle configured to receive a flow of filling fluid and direct the flow of fluid into each bladder in turn;   a closure device proximate said nozzle, said closure device configured to secure each bladder when filled such that each bladder remains filled after discharge from the system; and   a trigger assembly configured to activate the closure device at a predetermined level of filling of each bladder.   
     
     
         2 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein said drive assembly comprises at least one of a turbine, an electric motor, and a bias member as a source of drive power. 
     
     
         3 . The system of  claim 1 , further comprising a feeder comprising a mechanical power coupler, said feeder configured to contact the bladder feeding web and translate the feeding web from a stored position along a feed path through the automatic filling system. 
     
     
         4 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein said feeder is configured to align the opening of each bladder with the nozzle prior to a filling step. 
     
     
         5 . The system of  claim 1 , further comprising a reloadable bladder cartridge enclosing the source of bladders to be filled, the bladders removably coupled to the bladder feeding web. 
     
     
         6 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the trigger assembly is configured to determine a level of filling of each bladder using at least one of a weight and a size of the bladder. 
     
     
         7 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the closure device is configured to tie the throat of the bladder. 
     
     
         8 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the closure device is configured to clamp the throat of the bladder. 
     
     
         9 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the nozzle is configured to engage the opening of bladder being filled in a water tight seal. 
     
     
         10 . A reloadable balloon cartridge comprising:
 a base comprising an attachment device configured to couple to a complementary attachment member positioned on a automatic balloon filling system;   a cover configured to couple to said base enclosing an interior volume;   a feeder comprising a mechanical power coupler, said feeder configured to contact a balloon feeding web and translate the web through the cartridge from a stored position along a feed path to a cartridge outlet.   
     
     
         11 . The balloon cartridge of  claim 10 , further comprising an elongate flexible web positioned within the balloon cartridge, the web comprising a length and a centerline axis extending along the length of the web. 
     
     
         12 . The balloon cartridge of  claim 11 , further comprising a plurality of balloons coupled the web. 
     
     
         13 . The balloon cartridge of  claim 10 , wherein said web comprises a plurality of holes therethrough extending along the length and substantially aligned along the centerline. 
     
     
         14 . The balloon cartridge of  claim 10 , wherein said web comprises a plurality of balloon attachment points extending along the length and substantially aligned along the centerline, the balloon attachment points each comprising a coupler configured to removably attach one of the plurality of balloons to the web. 
     
     
         15 . The balloon cartridge of  claim 10 , wherein said mechanical power coupler is configured to couple to a mechanical power distributor and deliver mechanical power from a drive assembly to the feeder. 
     
     
         16 . A method of automatically supplying sealed fluid filled bladders, said method comprising:
 feeding a plurality of bladders sequentially arranged along a web;   aligning an opening of each of the plurality of bladders with a nozzle;   directing a stream of pressurized fluid through the opening into an interior of the plurality of bladders;   securing the opening after a predetermined amount of pressurized fluid has entered the interior; and   disengaging each of the plurality of bladders from the web upon the securing.   
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 16 , further comprising determining that a predetermined amount of pressurized fluid has entered the interior using at least one of a weight of the bladder and a diameter of the bladder. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 16 , wherein the plurality of bladders and the web are enclosed in a splittable sheath configured to protect the plurality of bladders and wherein directing a stream of pressurized fluid through the opening into an interior of the plurality of bladders comprises splitting the sheath during an expansion of the bladders during filling. 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 16 , wherein securing the opening comprises tying the opening of the bladder. 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 16 , wherein securing the opening comprises clamping the opening of the bladder.