Abstract: An inspection system is configured for use with a conveyer apparatus including carrier bars. Each carrier bar conveys pellet-shaped articles along a predetermined path. The inspection system includes at least one camera unit for sensing a predetermined characteristic of the pellet-shaped articles, a removal unit, and a controller. The removal unit, downstream from the at least one camera unit, removes selected pellet-shaped article(s) from the carrier bar(s) depending on whether the characteristic is sensed by the at least one camera unit. The controller is in communication with the at least one camera unit and the removal unit. The controller provides a signal to the removal unit in accordance with the sensed characteristic. The removal unit includes a rotatable ejection drum having extended vacuum nozzles along its length, equal to the number of articles conveyed in each carrier bar. Each vacuum nozzle selectively removes article(s) from the carrier bar(s) by suction.

Abstract: There are disclosed various methods, apparatuses and computer program products for a testing apparatus. In accordance with an embodiment the testing apparatus includes a frame; a gripping head for gripping a device to be tested; a first movement element for moving the gripping head with respect to the frame; a movement detector to detect at least one of a location and a position of the device; a touching element for touching the device; an imaging device for capturing images of the device; a display for generating visual information for capturing by the device; a set of sensors for examining operations of the device; a set of actuators for providing signals for reception by the device; and a set of plugs adapted to be inserted into a socket of the device.

Abstract: Close containers which are filled with a consumer product are tested on leakiness by means of mass spectrometry (10) in that an impact (AN(P)) by the consumer product (P) upon the surrounding atmosphere (A(P)) of the container to be leak tested is monitored by the mass spectrometry (10).

Abstract: A jig includes a wafer including an accommodation groove configured to accommodate a capacitive micromachined ultrasonic transducer (cMUT) when flip chip bonding is performed, and a separation groove formed in a bottom surface of the accommodation groove, the separation groove having a bottom surface that is spaced apart from thin films of the cMUT that face the bottom surface of the separation groove when the cMUT is seated on portions of the bottom surface of the accommodation groove.

Abstract: Closed containers which are filled with a consumer product are tested on leakiness by means of mass spectrometry (10) in that an impact (AN(P)) by the consumer product (P) upon the surrounding atmosphere (A(P)) of the container to be leak tested is monitored by the mass spectrometry (10).

Abstract: A flexible leak test apparatus and method for leak testing a variety of workpieces having various multiple configurations with at least one internal cavity and at least one aperture leading therefrom. The flexible leak test apparatus and method provide a plurality of leak test fixtures adaptable to receive the workpieces. Each leak test fixture has a bottom portion and a top portion that engage one another when the workpieces are loaded in the bottom portion of the leak test fixture. The leak test fixtures are shuttled in and out of the workstation, and a manipulator loads and unloads the workpieces into and out of the bottom portion of the leak test fixtures. The leak test fixtures seal the apertures in the workpieces so that the workpieces can be leak tested by pressurizing the internal cavity of the workpiece.

Abstract: A leak detection system has: a test chamber connected to a vacuum pump; a filling device for filling a test piece with helium gas; a transfer device for transferring the test piece between a ready-for-detection position in which the test piece is ready to be carried into the test chamber and a filling-operation position in which the operation of filling helium gas by the filling device is performed; a carrying device for carrying the test piece from the ready-for-detection position to a detection position inside the test chamber; a sealing device for hermetically sealing the test chamber in a state in which the helium-gas-filled test piece is in the detection position; and a leak detector for detecting helium to be leaked out of the test piece when, after having sealed the test chamber by the sealing device, the test chamber is evacuated by the vacuum pump to a predetermined pressure.

Abstract: Container inspection utilizing a linear actuator. A linear actuator shaft is movable such that the shaft end temporarily contacts the container. A feedback parameter resulting from or related to a change of an electrical property of the linear actuator, is detected or determined by a controller, which determines whether the container satisfies pre-determined inspection criteria, e.g., whether the container is properly sealed, satisfies pressure criteria and/or has unacceptable vacuum. These determinations are made based at least in part upon one or more detected feedback parameters including or related to at least one of a change of position of the shaft, a change of velocity of the shaft and a force or torque exerted by the container to the shaft. In this manner, high speed leak detection is performed without a load cell or force transducer, without squeezing or compressing bottles and without determining fill level changes.

Abstract: To test the integrity of packages—cups (11)—a package conveyor (14) is provided, on whose conveying run (17) the cups (11) are positioned at a distance from one another, specifically in a correct formation forming transverse rows (23). In order to form a sealed testing chamber (13) for a group of cups (11) to be tested, a covering hood (19) can be lowered from above onto the package conveyor (14). Together with the covering hood (19), the latter forms a sealed testing chamber (13). A vacuum is produced in the latter, with the consequence that the packages experience deformation, specifically the cups (11) experience deformation of a closure film. Non-sealed cups (11) are identified and separated out.

Abstract: Leak detector systems for detecting leaks in sealed food packages are disclosed, as well as methods for detecting leaks in sealed food packages. The leak detector system includes advancing a food package to a seal testing station where a portion of the food package is deflected and a deflection characteristic is measured. If the deflection characteristic is greater than a predetermined deflection characteristic limit that a sealed package should undergo while being subjected to the predetermined force, indicating that the package contains leaks, the food package is rejected. Otherwise the food package is advanced from the seal testing station.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device 100 for the testing of a packaging material comprising a housing 101 with an opening 104, a holder 105, whereby the holder 105 is positioned in a inner chamber 106 with an in- and outlet and means 103 for applying a vacuum in the inner chamber 106. The vacuum means apply a vacuum on a material to be tested, which when having defects (like undesired pores) will not withstand the vacuum and generating to a signal.

Abstract: The invention is a quick connect coupling apparatus in the form of a test module for use in a robotic work performing application which accomplishes testing of an end effector in an offline location such that the integrity of each pneumatic circuit can be independently verified and any pneumatic components found leaking may be replaced at the offline location rather than result in downtime during production use.

Abstract: A method and a device for testing whether planar material, in particular films, are leakproof. The planar material is continuously conveyed in a continuous process through a test chamber which has a test gas chamber on one side of the planar material and a measuring chamber on the other side of the planar material. The test gas chamber side is subjected to a test gas with a predefinable test pressure, and the presence of test gas on the measuring chamber side is detected.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for rapidly preprocessing and analyzing chemical substances, which places a vaporization bottle containing a sample inside a microwave device and uses a magneton driving device to drive the magneton inside the vaporization bottle to rotate as to stir the sample liquid even. In the meantime, the radiation of the electromagnetic wave of the microwave device is used to activate the molecules of the sample liquid to move, causing the tested chemical substance in the sample liquid to be vaporized in a very short time. Therefore, the tested chemical substance can be absorbed or adsorbed by the absorbing medium to greatly reduce the sample preprocessing time and increase the quantity of the tested chemical substance sample. The detection limits of a tested chemical substance are therefore lowered without using organic solvents.

Abstract: An apparatus for inspecting sealed packages having volumetric dimensions includes a frame having an inlet and an outlet side, conveyor means for conveying packages along a path of transport from the inlet side through said frame towards said outlet side, and first inspection means disposed adjacent to said conveyor means and pivotally connected to said frame, such that upon being contacted by a package located on said conveyor means said first inspection means are pivoted around at least a first pivoting point. The first inspection means includes first counteracting means for applying a first load on said package urging said first inspection means against said package to be tested, and means for generating a first indication of the volumetric dimensions of said package.

Abstract: A package inspection apparatus is provided, and includes a conveyor for transporting a package, a pressure unit for applying a compressive force to the package, a tracer movable over the upper surface of the package for measuring package attributes along a dimension of the package, and a processor. According to some embodiments, the processor determines a trace area of the package from the package measurement attributes. According to certain embodiments, the measured package attributes are compared to a running average, and if the package is within predetermined tolerances, the package measurement attributes are averaged into the running average. Also provided is a related method.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for heat stress testing medicament aerosol inhalation devices, such as a metered dose inhaler, is described. An electrical induction work coil is used to heat the inhalers to 55° C.±5° C. Heated inhalers are subsequently weighed to detect and reject nonconforming inhalers where a nonconforming amount of propellant has leaked.

Abstract: An elevator for bulk material includes an elevator head that mounts a mass flow measuring device. The mass flow measuring device includes an achoring plate, a resiliently deformable connection; a mounting plate and a load cell series interconnected in a load transferring circuit. One end of the load cell is secured to the anchoring plate; and the other end thereof is secured to a fixing member protruding from the mounting plate. Consequently the moment arm between the resiliently deformable connection and the load cell is longer than in prior art devices. This in turn reduces the effect of thermal expansion and contraction on the accuracy of the device.

Abstract: A method for testing a vacuum package with regard to seal-tightness, the vacuum package is placed with at least one surface section against at least one contact surface of a vacuum device. A vacuum is generated on a side of the contact surface opposite the vacuum package. A parameter indicative of an air flow through the contact surface in a flow direction away from the vacuum package is measured. The parameter is compared with at least one limit value. A first state is assigned to the vacuum package when the parameter surpasses the at least one limit value and a second state is assigned to the vacuum packaged when the parameter drops below the at least one limit value.

Abstract: A device for the pneumatic inspection of cigarettes comprises a roller which turns about an axis of rotation and has a plurality of seats, each designed to receive a cigarette. For each seat the device has a pair of caps made of strong material, designed to connect with the ends of the cigarette in such a way that, at an inspection station, each cigarette is connected to a source of a fluid which can subject the cigarette to the action of the fluid. A pneumatic—electric pressure transducer is connected to each seat. The transducer issues a signal which depends on the action of the fluid and which indicates the state of the cigarette.

Abstract: A conveyor assembly 18 that detects bags that leak. The assembly 18 includes a first conveyor 24 that operates in unison with a second conveyor 29. The conveyors 24 and 29 confine the bags in chambers, with the bags being engaged by pressure assemblies 50 so that the bags that leak are reduced in volume. The bags are engaged at a downstream position and at an upstream position by detection devices 44 that provide a signal indicative of the volume of each bag. These signals are compared to thereby identify bags that leak.

Abstract: The object of this invention is to provide a leakage-detecting device for sealed packages that is capable of performing detection continuously for all sealed packages when performing leakage detection for sealed packages.

Abstract: Apparatus for detecting a leak in one or more pockets of one or more blister packs is described. The apparatus comprises means to support the or each pack, means to apply a reduced pressure around the or each pack so as to cause deflection of at least one side of the or each blister pocket, and a scanner means moveable or stationary in relation to the blister pockets, and a computing means. The scanner means is able to scan across at least one side of the or each blister pocket so as to detect the deflection of that side of the or each blister pocket at a reduced pressure, and the computing means compares scans at different pressures over the or each pocket. The apparatus can detect a leak in any format of blister pocket regardless of the shape of the pocket or whether the contents are tablets or capsules. Preferably, the blister packs are supported on a nest or similar means.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for leak testing moulded plastic containers in which the containers are conveyed seriatim along a linear path. Each successive container is pressurized at a first station along the path and then sealed to maintain pressurization while being disconnected from the source of pressure. A test station is provided a distance downstream along the path from the first station selected to allow pressure in the container to stabilize if there is no leak. At the test station, the pressure in each successive container is momentarily determined and a signal is provided if a container is determined to be leaking. The apparatus includes battery-powered test heads that are brought into engagement with successive containers at the first station and momentarily energized by an optical transmitter when a pressure reading is to be taken, so that battery power is conserved.

Abstract: A system for leak testing industrial components, such as engine blocks, is disclosed and includes a conveyor system for transporting the engine components to and from a test area having a support surface. A robot is operable in the test area and includes a manipulator which engages and moves the industrial components. At least two leak test units are provided where each leak test unit includes a shuttle for receiving the industrial component from the robot and thereafter subjecting that industrial component to a leak test. Each leak test unit then generates a failure output signal in response to a failed leak test on the industrial component. Each leak test unit is movably mounted to the test area support surface between an operable position and an inoperable position. In its operable position the leak test unit is positioned in the test area to receive the industrial components from the robot and perform the leak test.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for monitoring the production of blow molded plastic containers. It has been discovered that by sonically monitoring the production of a plastic blow molded container, the occurrence of a hole in the wall of the container being formed by a blow molding operation will produce a detectable noise signal. The noise signal is caused by the flow of pressure fluid through the hole. The flow of pressure fluid is caused by the pressure differentiating between the inside and the outside of the container being produced. The noise signal is of an amplitude and frequency readily recognizable from the ambient background noise.

Abstract: To test the tightness and/or the correct closure of containers which are transported on a conveyor, the containers succeeding each other at brief time intervals and the containers being sealed by attachment of a closure, a characteristic dependent on the internal pressure (internal-pressure characteristic) of the container is measured. Upon attachment of the closures to the containers, the internal-pressure characteristic or parameters of the closures or containers, knowledge which is necessary to measure the characteristic depending on the internal pressure, are recorded. The containers are marked no later than when the closure is attached in a way which permits the values recorded upon attachment of the closures to be allocated to the respective container.

Abstract: An assembly for measuring the condition of fruit and vegetable is disclosed which comprises an expandable resilient bellows arrangement (10) having a passive sensor (22) mounted therein. In use, the bellows (10) can be expanded so as to bring the passive sensor (22) into contact with, or adjacent to, and item of fruit or vegetable whereby the sensor can react to a property of the fruit or vegetable and produces a signal related to that property. The bellows (10) can the be contracted away from the fruit or vegetable. The sensor (22) can detect the properties of, for example, surface gas detection, chlorophyll fluorescence, visible and Near Infra Red spectrometry and change transfer. An arrangement is also disclosed in which a plurality of bellows (10) are mounted on a rotatable mounting (510) whereby by rotation of the mounting (510), the bellows (10) can be brought sequentially into a position in contact with, or adjacent to, a respective fruit or vegetable.

Abstract: An inspection system and method for inspecting a container are disclosed. The method comprises directing gas under pressure at the container, then detecting any gas which passes through the container material. Also provided is an inspection system which is integrated into a system for manufacturing the containers, and methods for integrated manufacture and inspection of containers.

Abstract: The fluid tightness of containers having a first deformable section and a second deformable section spaced from the first deformable section is checked by changing the pressure applied to the first deformable section, preferably without causing fluid to flow through the first deformable section out of the container, and without changing the pressure applied to the second deformable section, thereby causing a deformation of the first deformable section and a change in pressure within the container; and thereafter monitoring a predetermined characteristic, preferably the position, of the second deformable section. This process can be used to check the fluid tightness of the containers with relatively fragile seals, for example, a foil lid of a food container without mechanical contact. Automated apparatus for carrying out this process is described.

Abstract: The leakage check system is applied to a vessel having a sealing valve unit that can close a gas passage and a liquid passage of the outlet port of the vessel. To determine the presence of a liquid leakage from the outlet port, there is provided an electrode for measuring liquid electrical conductivity. An actuator moves the electrode forward and backward relative to the outlet port. A forward part of the electrode is surrounded by a liquid receiver cup which is opposed to the outlet port during the leakage check of the liquid in the vessel. The forward part of the electrode is extended from a bottom of the liquid receiving cup. The liquid receiving cup is supplied with a dilution water from a water feeder. The vessel is conveyed by a conveyor with the vessel being upside down so that the outlet port is directed downwardly. The outlet port of the vessel is insertable into the liquid receiving cup.

Abstract: An apparatus for inspecting sealed packages of product includes a conveyor belt for receiving the packages. An inspection belt contacts the packages and moves away from the conveyor belt a particular distance depending on whether the packages are properly sealed. When engaged by a package with a good seal, the inspection belt is moved a first distance which causes an indicator carried thereon to send a signal which prevents removal of the good package from the conveyor belt. However, when a leaky bag contacts the inspection belt, the inspection belt is moved a second distance which is insufficient to cause the indicator to send a signal. Consequently, the improperly sealed package is removed from the conveyor belt. The inspection belt may be mounted for linear or pivotal movement upon being contacted by the packages carried by the conveyor belt.

Abstract: A leak detection system determines whether a container has a leak or an aperture by attempting to draw a vacuum in the container and determining whether a vacuum has been created in the container. If a vacuum can be created in a container, this indicates that the container has a leak. Conversely if a vacuum cannot be created in the container, this indicates that the container does not have a leak.The leak detection system preferably includes a conveyor system for moving a container and a sensor for sensing the pressure in the interior of the container through an opening in the top of the container. While the sensor is sensing the pressure in the interior of the container, a vacuum pump pulls air from the region around the exterior of the container. If the container has an aperture, a vacuum will be created in the container and will be noted by the sensor.

Abstract: A plurality of rolled-up prophylactic devices are passed through a plurality of pairs of unroller tubes with a randomizer vessel being coupled between each pair of unroller tubes, the randomizer vessels functioning to randomly reorient a portion of rolled-up ones of the prophylactic devices passing therethrough to move a rolled-up portion of each of the latter to the outside of the associated prophylactic device to facilitate unrolling of the same as it passes from the randomizer vessel into another one of the unroller tubes. A separator tank has an inlet port coupled to an output end of the last occurring unroller tube, for collecting the processed prophylactic devices, and for applying a vacuum to the system for sucking the prophylactic devices through the unroller tubes and randomizer vessels.

Abstract: Above containers transported on a conveyor, the apparatus is provided with a continuous revolving belt, which has perforations. These are in communication via passageways with fixed fluid couplings and the drive to the belt is set so that they move in step with the containers along the conveyor path. Thus, by simple means, a connection is provided between the moving containers and the fixed fluid couplings, and the system is suitable for high conveying speeds.

Abstract: A photo-acoustic leak detection system for detecting a gas leaking from a component 30, includes at least two laser beams 24,26, incident on the component 30 and disposed so as to completely illuminate an inspection region 159 around at least a portion 28 of the component 30, each beam having a corresponding wavelength .lambda..sub.1 which is absorbed by the gas, the gas emitting an acoustic signal 36 when the gas absorbs light from at least one of the beams, an acoustic sensor 40, which receives the acoustic signals 36 and provides a sensor signal indicative thereof on a line 42 to a bandpass filter 44 and a synchronous detector 18 which provide a filtered signal indicative of the acoustic signal 36 on a line 50 to a signal processor 52. The processor 52 provides an output signal indicative of the leak in the component 30.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for leak testing a closed container having a substantially flexible wall structure wherein a compressive force is applied to the wall structure such that the wall structure is displaced from a first position to a second position. The compressive force is maintained for a pre-determined first period of time to stabilize the container wall structure. After the stabilization period, the compressive force is released wherein the wall structure commences recovery from the second position toward the first position. The wall structure recovery from the second position is measured at a pre-determined second period of time.

Abstract: Method and apparatus, in the form a kit of parts, for securing and restraining the threaded brass adapter bushing of a standard pressure tester in its threaded engagement within the riser of a tapping tee on a gas main during pressure testing of the main, to prevent blow-off of the bushing. The assembled parts provide a swivel plate having respective connection rod apertures at its opposite ends and mounted loosely via an enlarged central aperture on the nipple of the tester immediately adjacent to the adapter bushing which is threaded onto, and holds the swivel plate on the nipple; an elongated angular saddle plate placed against the gas main below the tapping tee and having diagonally disposed connection rod apertures corresponding to those in the swivel plate; and a pair of threaded connection rods passed through the respective corresponding pairs of apertures and tightly connecting the swivel plate and saddle plate.

Abstract: Apparatus for testing can lids or other discrete articles for leaks includes a conveyor belt having a plurality of grommets attached thereto. The articles to be tested are placed on the grommets and tested for leaks by applying a pressurized gas to one side of the articles while applying a vacuum to the other side of the articles. A detector detects the flow of a gaseous fluid through the discrete articles as a result of the vacuum application or as a result of the combined application of vacuum and pressurized gas.

Abstract: A conveyor line conveys plural containers. A first sampler means moves the containers to a position at which a leaking liquid inspection apparatus is provided. A second sampler moves the containers to a position at which the entering air inspection apparatus is provided. A first stopper interrupts the containers at a position of the first sampler. A second stopper interrupts the vessels at a position of the second sampler. A third stopper is provided on the upstream side of the first and second stopper.

Abstract: The testing of containers for leaks is accomplished solely by means of volumetric compression of air trapped within the container interior during a stroke of a top cuff forming mandrel. Upon sensing the presence of a defective container, a container transfer chute is activated so as to remove the defective container from the container-making machinery and thereby separate it from those containers determined to be acceptable. In the event that a number of containers per predetermined unit time period (e.g., at least 10 containers per minute) have been determined to be defective, a controller will initiate a machine self-diagnostic mode. Once a first threshold number of defective containers per unit time is sensed, then a complete machine shut-down will occur if a second threshold number of defective containers is sensed in the next subsequent unit time period (e.g., greater that 10 containers during the next successive minute of operation).

Abstract: Bottles made of transparent plastic material or glass are subjected to at least one stationary examination device and further for detecting impurities or damage to the bottom, side wall or mouth regions of vessels. To be able to detect defects which may cause the bottles to leak, and which cannot be detected reliably by optoelectronic devices, the vessels are inspected additionally using a leak test by developing pressures.

Abstract: A leak detection device includes a container-rotating disc mounted for rotation about a rotation axis. Multiple container-supporting test heads are mounted to the disc for rotation about the rotation axis. Each test head includes a sealing assembly supported by a first cam follower and comprising a cylinder, and a piston supported by a second cam follower and received in the cylinder. First and second annular cams are mounted above the disc to operate the first and second cam followers, respectively, such that the sealing assemblies and the pistons are moved between respective upper and lower positions as the disc rotates with respect to the cams. The cams are shaped to press the sealing assemblies against the containers, to raise the pistons to draw a partial vacuum in the containers, and then to lift the sealing assemblies and any sealed containers for a vacuum test. An improved seal accommodates a wavy upper surface of the container.

Abstract: The sealing integrity and/or the proper filling of sealed packages is determined by conveying them continuously along a path and applying loads to them. The loads have package contacting surface portions that travel in the conveying direction, e.g., provided by driven belts or arrays of free-running rollers. Preferably each package is subject to a first load and to a second load greater than the first, and two values related to the effective package thickness under the loads are derived and compared by a computer system. The difference value is indicative of package seal quality.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for testing the seal between a container and a flexible lid by measuring the lid's deflection. In the disclosed embodiment, an actuator impacts the lid and activates an alarm if the lid is not securely attached to the container.

Abstract: A system for testing a condom includes a housing containing a porous liner having an interior cavity conformed to the exterior shape of a condom to be tested, whereby a holder carrying the condom is inserted into the liner, a closed pathway for gas flow is provided between a gas port of the holder and the interior volume of the condom, for permitting the condom to be inflated with the gas, causing the exterior walls of the condom to be pushed against opposing inside walls of the liner, permitting gas passing through holes in the condom to flow through pores in walls of the liner to another gas port of the housing for detecting unacceptable holes in the condom using differential pressure techniques and/or gas tagging.

Abstract: Disclosed are a method and apparatus for testing the tightness of foil bags (10). In order to test the tightness of foil bags (10), mechanical testing members are used which act upon the foil bag (10) in the region of a cavity (15) formed above the packaged goods. Testing rams (18) are pushed against a bag wall (16, 17) with a given testing pressure. The depth of impression is indicative of the airtightness of the foil bag ( 10). The size of the cavity (15) which can be used for testing is reduced by clamping members (26) and, as a result, a residual cavity (25) is formed next to the clamping members (26). Consequently, an increased pressure is present within the residiual cavity, that is to say within the foil bag (10), which facilitates testing.

Abstract: A flexible seal (2), particularly for use in pneumatic testing of cigarettes, includes a conical seat (6) attached to a tube (4) having a resilient collar (8). The collar permits longitudinal movement of the seat relative to the tube, thereby permitting an effective seal against the cigarette being tested, and contributes to extended life for the seal.

Abstract: The internal pressure of a sealed container is characterized by tapping to vibrate a wall of the container, and then basing the characterization of the internal pressure on a frequency spectrum of the vibration and stored data measured from vibrating other sealed containers. The stored data is generated by vibrating a series of tests controllers having different, known internal pressures.

Abstract: In an apparatus for detecting micro-holes of a cigarette having a filtered section, cigarettes are successively carried to a support section which is rotated and each of the cigarettes is supported between pads 14a and 14b. The supported cigarette is moved to a pre-pressuring stage in which one end face of the cigarette is closed and a pre-pressure is applied to other end face of the cigarette from a pre-pressure source. Therefore, the cigarette is reached to a measuring stage in which a measuring pressure is applied to the other end face of the cigarette so that air flows through micro-holes of the filter section and a reduced pressure is appeared in the one end of the cigarette. The measuring and reduces pressures are detected by pressure transducers and electrical signals from the transducers are proceed so that dilution value of the cigarette is calculated.