Patents by Inventor David J. Balke

David J. Balke has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 10107711
    Abstract: Embodiments of the inventive subject matter include a method and apparatus for performing a leak test. A fluid flows through a first aperture of a product and at least a portion of the fluid is allowed to exit the product through a second aperture while the fluid is flowing through the first aperture. The second aperture is closed in response to determining that a first threshold parameter is reached. The first aperture is closed in response to determining that a second threshold parameter is met. Then, a leak test can be performed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2018
    Assignee: InterTech Development Company
    Inventors: David J. Balke, Jacques E. Hoffman
  • Publication number: 20170205310
    Abstract: Embodiments of the inventive subject matter include a method and apparatus for performing a leak test. A fluid flows through a first aperture of a product and at least a portion of the fluid is allowed to exit the product through a second aperture while the fluid is flowing through the first aperture. The second aperture is closed in response to determining that a first threshold parameter is reached. The first aperture is closed in response to determining that a second threshold parameter is met. Then, a leak test can be performed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2016
    Publication date: July 20, 2017
    Inventors: David J. Balke, Jacques E. Hoffman
  • Patent number: 7213440
    Abstract: A leak test arrangement having a leak calibration device is disclosed. The calibration device is connected into communication with the leak test arrangement and provides a controlled source (sink) of fluid at a predetermined amount. The calibration includes a substantially sealed volume of fluid in fluid communication with the test arrangement and a control arrangement for heating and/or cooling the volume to produce the source (sink) of the calibrator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2007
    Assignee: Intertech Development
    Inventors: Jacques Hoffmann, David J. Balke, Peter Davey
  • Patent number: 7017387
    Abstract: A leak test arrangement having a leak calibration device is disclosed. The calibration device is connected into communication with the leak test arrangement and provides a controlled source (sink) of fluid at a predetermined amount. The calibration includes a substantially sealed volume of fluid in fluid communication with the test arrangement and a control arrangement for heating and/or cooling the volume to produce the source (sink) of the calibrator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2006
    Assignee: Intertech Development Company
    Inventors: Jacques Hoffmann, David J. Balke, Peter Davey
  • Patent number: 6279383
    Abstract: A method of, and apparatus for, determining leakage in a valve or the like which is not dependent on bulk modulus of the fluid is described. The test apparatus includes a pressure transducer which measures the change in pressure along a length of pipe (XY) from the valve under test to a second valve for a period of time. The effect of bulk modulus of the test fluid is eliminated by placing a volume of gas between the pressure transducer and the section XY of pipe. Leakage is determined by measuring the change in pressure at the transducer over a period of time after the valve under test is closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2001
    Assignee: Intertech Corporation
    Inventors: David J. Balke, Jacques E. Hoffmann
  • Patent number: 5546789
    Abstract: A leakage detection system and method for measuring pressure leaks from pressure vessels, containers, or the like which hold or exclude fluids. A sealed test fixture or bell jar surrounds the container or part under test and is connected to a reference pressurized reservoir. A reference bias flow is introduced into the bell jar to establish a "floor" or offset wherein any deviation measured from introduced bias flow indicates an anomaly. The test part is pressurized. The flow between the bell jar and the reference pressurized reservoir is measured by a mass flow leak sensor. The measured flow is used to determine the leakage of the test part by taking into account the previously introduced reference bias flow. The present invention provides accurate measurement of leaks having low flow rates occurring over short periods of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 20, 1996
    Assignee: InterTech Development Company
    Inventors: David J. Balke, Jacques E. Hoffmann
  • Patent number: 5363689
    Abstract: A leak detector calibration device for generating a leak standard and for calibrating leak detecting instruments. The leak detector calibration device includes a flow control valve, a transducer, an amplifier module, and a display module, all operating from a 9 volt supply. This configuration is a compact, hand-held instrument for use in a manufacturing environment. The device is highly accurate and uses a mass flow sensor sensitive to measurement of low flow rates. The need for fragile glass orifices or clumsy soap film flowmeters present used to calibrate leak detecting instruments is eliminated. In addition, the device can be used not only to generate a leak standard to calibrate positive flow leak detectors, but can also be used to generate a leak standard for negative flow or vacuum type leak detectors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 15, 1994
    Assignee: Intertech Development Company
    Inventors: Jacques E. Hoffmann, David J. Balke