Inflation probe device with measurement of inflation pressure

An inflation device for airbags the type having an inflation valve, comprising:

• A) an inflation tube adapted for delivering inflation gas through the inflation valve of an airbag and delivering inflation gas into the airbag;
• the inflation tube having a distal end;
• B) a handle mounting the inflation tube extending therefrom to its distal end, the handle adapted for connection to a source of pressurized inflation gas;
• C) a delivery valve controlling the flow of pressurized inflation gas to and through the inflation tube, and operable between an open position and a closed position, wherein in the open position the delivery valve is configured to allow the flow of pressurized inflation gas from the source to and through the inflation tube;
• D) a pressure gauge with an input orifice;
• and
• E) a pressure gauge conduit extending from the input orifice of the pressure gauge along the inflation tube and terminating in a distal end of the pressure gauge conduit at or adjacent to the distal end of the inflation tube, wherein the distal end of the pressure gauge conduit is exposed to and is in pressure communication with the inflation pressure within the airbag and transmits that inflation pressure to the pressure gauge at least when the delivery valve is in the open position and pressurized inflation gas is allowed to flow from the source to and through the inflation tube;
• whereby the delivery valve may be operated to achieve a desired inflation pressure of the airbag as indicated on the pressure gauge.