Abstract: A method for investigation of essentially similar samples for leaks, whereby the samples are introduced to a leak detection device by means of a transport device. The samples are investigated for leaks and removed by means of a transport device. An “in-line” leak investigation of the samples may be carried out in which each sample is placed in one of several test chambers that are located on a circular support. During the rotation of the support, the leak test is first prepared and then carried out, and finally the sample is removed from its respective test chamber and taken away.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the integral leak detection on test samples with relatively thin walls, in which the test sample (1) comprising the test gas is tested for leaks in a test chamber; in order to test whether or not test samples are properly filled with test gas, it is proposed that for checking the test gas concentration in the test samples (1), the test gas concentration in at least one of the test samples (1) is measured thereby that its wall (2) is provided with a leak (4), and that with this test sample (1) a leak detection process is carried out.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for testing the tightness of a package (11) containing a packaged object (10) and in which a test gas is contained; leak testing is performed in such a manner that the packaged object (10) is introduced into a test chamber formed by two extensible foils (2, 3) and where the space between the foils (2, 3), in which the packaged object is contained, is evacuated in such a manner that the foils (2, 3) can wrap the packaged object (10); at least in the areas of their surfaces which face the packaged object (10) and in which the tightness of the package (11) is to be inspected, the foils (2, 3) are provided with means (12) which form a coherent intermediate space (13) over the areas to be inspected of the package (11); the intermediate space (13) is evacuated down to a pressure lower than the pressure within the package (11); the evacuated intermediate space (13) is connected to a detector (30) sensitive to the test gas to determine if test gas escapes outwards through the inspected area of

Abstract: A helium supply unit (1) supplies helium from a high pressure storage (21) to fill a test chamber (6) which encloses a sample holder (5) to be examined for leaks by measuring device (2) including a mass spectrometer (3) and a control unit (4). The test gas is recovered after the testing by a pressure difference between a low pressure storage (18) and the test chamber (6). The test chamber is evacuated prior to receipt of the test gas by a vacuum pump (27) and after testing by a vacuum pump (34) for more complete helium recovery. The recovered test gas is then transmitted back to the high pressure storage (21) through a compressor (19), which raises the pressure of the recovered gas to a predetermined pressure, from the low pressure storage (18). The control unit (4) also controls a pure test gas supply (37) and a release valve (44).