Apparatus configured to dispense a plurality of connected inflatable structures and associated system and method

A system configured to dispense a plurality of connected inflatable structures, comprising:

• an apparatus configured to dispense the connected inflatable structures, comprising:
• a dispensing device configured to advance the connected inflatable structures;
• a motor configured to advance the dispensing device;
• a sensor configured to detect a pulling force applied to the dispensing device and configured to output a signal corresponding to the pulling force;
• and
• a controller configured to receive the signal and output a control signal to direct the motor to advance the dispensing device in response to the signal to thereby dispense the connected inflatable structures;
• and
• an inflation device configured to inflate the connected inflatable structures.

A method of dispensing a plurality of connected inflatable structures, comprising:

• providing for pulling the connected inflatable structures and thereby applying a pulling force to a dispensing device about which the connected inflatable structures are positioned;
• detecting the pulling force applied to the dispensing device;
• and
• advancing the dispensing device in response to the pulling force to thereby dispense the connected inflatable structures.

A system configured to dispense a plurality of connected inflatable structures, comprising:

• an apparatus configured to dispense the connected inflatable structures, comprising:
• a dispensing device configured to advance the connected inflatable structures;
• a plurality of projections extending from the dispensing device,
• wherein the projections are configured to engage the connected inflatable structures, and
• wherein the projections extend a distance from the dispensing device and wherein the distance varies with an axial position along the dispensing device;
• and
• a motor configured to advance the dispensing device.