Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus and method for detecting a leak from an object. A bubble collecting tube is used for collecting bubbles emitted from an object and a bubble detecting assembly adjacent the bubble collecting tube is used for detecting a predetermined volume of bubbles collected in the bubble collecting tube to indicate a leak in the object.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for leak testing a fluid containing chamber wherein the chamber is pressurized with a gas and is submerged in a liquid. The bubbles of gas rising from the submerged chamber are directed past a plurality of a predetermined locations that are each in optical communication with a photoelectric detector. The signals from the detectors are counted and when the number of bubbles exceeds a predetermined number, a signal is activated indicating a leaking container. By grouping a number of adjacent photoelectric detectors into a predetermined set, the apparatus can discriminate between random bubbles rising from the chamber surface as it is submerged and a number of bubbles all originating from a given location indicating a leak. The photoelectric detectors may be positioned in the liquid adjacent the predetermined locations or positioned out of the liquid and coupled to the predetermined locations by fiber optic cables.

Abstract: A fully automated leak testing apparatus is disclosed in which the components to be tested are loaded on a water wheel for indexed movement through a water tank in which when the chamber is positioned at a test station within the liquid, bubbles of a leaking gas rising from the chamber are deflected by a panel to one of a plurality of predetermined locations at which is positioned a bubble detector device comprising a fiber optic cable for transmitting light to and across the predetermined location where it is received by another fiber optic cable and transmitted to a bubble detector. When a bubble passes the predetermined locations, the light transmitted across the location is interrupted producing a signal from the bubble detector of the bubble passing the predetermined location. When a predetermined number of bubbles are detected, a leak is indicated and that chamber is rejected. The water wheel then rotates the chamber to an unload position where the tested chamber is removed from the water wheel.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for leak testing a fluid containing chamber wherein the chamber is pressurized with a gas and is submerged in liquid. The bubbles of gas rising from the submerged chamber are directed past a plurality of predetermined locations which are each in communication with a photoelectric detector. The electrical signals from the photoelectric detectors are counted and when the number of bubbles exceeds a predetermined number, a fault signal is activated indicating a leaking container. By grouping a number of adjacent photocells into a predetermined set, the apparatus can discriminate between random bubbles rising from the chamber as it is submerged, and a number of bubbles all originating from a given location. The photoelectric detectors may be positioned in the liquid adjacent the predetermined locations or positioned out of the liquid and coupled to the predetermined locations by fiber optic cables.

Abstract: A method and device for testing for leaks in fuel tanks. The method requires a vacuum be drawn around the fuel tank while a test gas is injected into the tank. Any leaks in the tank will permit the test gas to be drawn into the vacuum chamber, the output of which is tested by a sensor sensitive to the test gas. The entire test is conducted assuring speed, accuracy and safety. The device contains a vacuum chamber which is molded directly upon the tank to be tested, thereby minimizing the size of the vacuum chamber. The device also contains a sealing system which is adjustable. An optional addition to the system is a method of localizing a leak that is detected.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for leak testing a fluid containing chamber wherein the chamber is pressurized with a gas and is submerged in liquid. The bubbles of gas rising from the submerged chamber are directed past a predetermined location which is adjacent to a photoelectric detector. The electrical signals from the photoelectric detectors are counted and when the number bubbles exceeds a predetermined number a fault signal is activated indicating a leaking container. By grouping a number of adjacent photocells into a predetermined set, the apparatus can discriminate between random bubbles rising from the chamber as it is submerged, and a number of bubbles all originating from a given location.

Abstract: A method and device for testing for leaks in fuel tanks. The method requires a vacuum be drawn around the fuel tank while a test gas is injected into the tank. Any leaks in the tank will permit the test gas to be drawn into the vacuum chamber, the output of which is tested by a sensor sensitive to the test gas. The entire test is conducted assuring speed, accuracy and safety. The tank device contains a vacuum chamber which is molded directly upon the tank to be tested, thereby minimizing the size of the vacuum chamber. The device also contains a sealing system which is adjustable. An optional addition to the system is a method of localizing a leak that is detected.