Abstract: A method of and apparatus for testing for leaks in a package is provided. The package is compressed under the weight of a test element (16). The position of the test element is measured at least twice and the positions are compared to check movement of the test head due to gas or liquid escape from the package.

Abstract: A conveyor is provided in which the belt or a plurality of bands (2-36) forming a composite belt extend between free running guide rollers (38, 40). A. Drive shaft (50) runs adjacent the belt or bands and one or more pinch wheels are movable by actuators to cause the belt or bands to be driven from the drive shaft.

Abstract: A package tester is provided which uses a rotating platen (10) to convey packages under test between first and second test positions. A compressive load (22) is applied to a package (50) before it reaches the first test position and travels with and remains in contact with the package as it moves towards the second test position. Thus, the package is kept under load for longer than is possible with known package testers working at an equivalent test rate.

Abstract: Packages (7) are conveyed through at least one, and preferably two, test stations (14, 16). At each station there is a test head (7) which is urged towards the conveying path, preferably by gravity. As a package (7) is conveyed through a station it displaces the head away from the path. The displacement is monitored. Preferably, subsequent displacement towards the path due to leakage of the package is also monitored.

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 package is conveyed to a test station where a friction roller is pressed against the package and urged to rotate relative to the package. The amount of rotation urgeable for a preset torque is indicative of package seal quality. This rotation is automatically detected and compared with a preset value to determine the quality of the package seal.