Abstract: A method for testing or inspecting the integrity of package closure seals using contact and non-contact ultrasonic systems wherein a relative movement is created between a package seal and at least one ultrasonic transmitting transducer and at least one receiving transducer such that ultrasonic energy is focused so as to be transmitted toward and along a length of the seal from the transmitting transducer to the receiving transducer in a gaseous environment to thereby monitor energy signals which are analyzed to provide an indication of the seal integrity.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for testing seals of packages or containers incorporating gas permeable materials wherein the packages are placed between opposing components of a vacuum test chamber such that the seals of the packages are open to a pressure testing system. A flexible bladder backed by a foam material or pressurized fluid seal the gas permeable material afterwhich at least a partial vacuum is drawn to create pressure differential between interior sealed spaces of the packages and the exterior of the package seals. In some embodiments, flexible bladders are provided to initially seal opposite surfaces of packages having opposite gas permeable material covering layers.