Automated inflation device

An inflation device for inflating an inflatable structure defining a plurality of inflatable chambers, the inflatable chambers being capable of holding therein a quantity of a fluid and having an external opening for receiving the fluid during inflation, the inflation device comprising:

• a holder configured for holding the inflatable structure;
• an engagement device for engaging the inflatable structure and advancing the inflatable structure from the holder in a machine direction;
• a pressurized fluid source defining a fluid outlet, the pressurized fluid source configured for inflating at least one proximate inflatable chamber in the inflatable structure by directing pressurized fluid from the fluid outlet through the external opening of the at least one proximate inflatable chamber;
• a remote sensor configured for being removably secured to a substantially vertical surface beneath the engagement device and for sensing the presence of the inflatable structure in proximity to the remote sensor;
• and
• a control unit in communication with the remote sensor, the control unit being configured to cause the engagement device and pressurized fluid source to advance the inflatable structure in the machine direction and inflate multiple inflatable chambers of the inflatable structure until the remote sensor detects the presence of the inflatable structure in proximity to the remote sensor.