Abstract: A smoke producing device for detecting leaks in a fluid system comprises a smoke producing chamber and a fluid reservoir for containing a smoke producing fluid. A heating element is provided within the smoke producing chamber. The chamber has a pressurized gas inlet for receiving a pressurized gas and an outlet port for conveying pressurized gas and/or smoke out of said chamber. A fluid transfer device has a first portion disposed within the fluid reservoir and a second portion which is adjacent and/or in contact with the heating element. The fluid transfer device is a capillary flow device which conveys smoke producing fluid from the fluid reservoir to the vicinity of the heating element primarily by capillary action.

Abstract: A smoke and clean air generating machine for detecting the presence and location of leaks in a fluid system (e.g. the evaporative or brake system of a motor vehicle). A source of gas (e.g. air or nitrogen) under pressure is delivered to a smoke generating apparatus or to a flow meter by way of a multi-position selector valve. With the selector valve in a first position, gas is delivered to the system under test via the flowmeter to detect the presence of a leak in need of repair depending upon the reading of the flow meter. With the selector valve in a second position, gas is delivered to the smoke generating apparatus so that smoke can be supplied to the system under test to locate the leak. With the selector valve in a third position between the first and second positions, pressure is bled from the machine to disable the smoke generating apparatus and thereby terminate the production of smoke.

Abstract: A method for detecting leaks in a fluid system such as, but not limited to, the evaporative or air brake system of a motor vehicle. A smoke generating machine produces a supply of smoke to be delivered to the system under test. At least some of a mixture of oil and fluorescent dye is heated and vaporized into smoke within a sealed chamber. The smoke functions as a carrier for the dye. Some of the smoke which is delivered to the system under test from the chamber will exit a leak (e.g. a hole), and the fluorescent dye carried by the smoke will leave a fluorescent trace around the leak. By shining ultraviolet light along the system under test, the fluorescent trace around the leak will be illuminated. Accordingly, even small leaks may be quickly, easily and reliably located for repair.

Abstract: A smoke and clean air generating machine for detecting the presence and location of leaks in a fluid system (e.g. the evaporative or brake system of a motor vehicle). A source of gas (e.g. air or nitrogen) under pressure is delivered to a smoke generating apparatus or to a flow meter by way of a multi-position selector valve. With the selector valve in a first position, gas is delivered to the system under test via the flowmeter to detect the presence of a leak in need of repair depending upon the reading of the flow meter. With the selector valve in a second position, gas is delivered to the smoke generating apparatus so that smoke can be supplied to the system under test to locate the leak. With the selector valve in a third position between the first and second positions, pressure is bled from the machine to disable the smoke generating apparatus and thereby terminate the production of smoke.

Abstract: A chamber for producing smoke having particular application for detecting and locating leaks in a fluid system. Sealed within a smoke producing chamber is a supply of fluid that is adapted to be vaporized into smoke. An air inlet tube having an inlet orifice runs through the supply of fluid. When air is pumped through the air inlet tube, some of the fluid is drawn via the inlet orifice into the tube and blown against a heating element that extends laterally across the chamber above the supply of fluid, whereby the fluid is vaporized into smoke. The smoke exits the chamber through an air outlet tube so as to be introduced, by way of a flexible smoke supply conduit, to the system to be tested.