With Immersion Patents (Class 73/45.5)
  • Patent number: 11549858
    Abstract: An apparatus for testing the airtightness of a separator for a fuel cell includes: a jig unit being in close contact with a surface of the separator on which an airtightness line is formed, and having a test flow field formed thereon, the test flow field being opened to a location contacting the airtightness line of the separator; and a test solution supply means for supplying a test solution to a contact location at which the airtightness line of the separator and the jig unit contact to each other through the test flow field of the jig unit, such that a leakage of the test solution at the contact location is tested.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2023
    Assignees: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY, KIA MOTORS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Jin Hyeok Yoo, Byeong-Heon Jeong
  • Patent number: 11484091
    Abstract: The present invention is related to a water-resistant shoe and a method of making the water-resistant shoe. In most embodiments the shoe comprises an outsole, an insole, an upper, and a bootie product comprised of a bootie, a bootie liner, a strobel and a gasket. In many embodiments water-resistant materials such as tape or glue are used to cover all seams and joints. In some embodiments the different pieces are tested for water-resistance before combining and in others the final shoe is tested for water-resistance. The present shoe and method provide a comfortable yet water-resistant shoe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2022
    Inventors: James E. Issler, Thomas McClaskie
  • Patent number: 11422055
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for checking emitter bonds in an irrigation drip line and for manufacturing drip line in a manner that allows the bond between the in-line emitter and surrounding conduit to be checked. In one form, a downstream in-line vacuum tester is provided for monitoring the amount of air escaping from outlet openings in the drip line to detect excessive air associated with poorly bonded emitters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2022
    Assignee: Rain Bird Corporation
    Inventors: Mark Richard Edris, Farshad Motamedi, Berj Zakarian, Mark Murphy Ensworth
  • Patent number: 11280695
    Abstract: A system for testing the closure integrity of a sealed container at a cryogenic temperature is provided. The system includes a sealed container containing helium having an opening sealed by a closure, a cryogenic storage vessel at least partially filled with a cryogenic fluid at the cryogenic temperature, a hollow tube extending through an opening of the cryogenic storage vessel, a fixture configured to engage the sealed container, and a leak detection unit connected to the hollow tube. The hollow tube has a first end positioned outside of the cryogenic storage vessel and an opposing second end positioned inside the cryogenic storage vessel. The fixture is configured to be removably inserted within the hollow tube through an opening at the first end of the hollow tube, such that the sealed container is positioned at or proximate the second end of the hollow tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2022
    Assignee: West Pharmaceutical Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Louis J. Brasten, James McCaw
  • Patent number: 11125641
    Abstract: The present invention provides a gas leakage sensing device comprising a gas conduit, a liquid storage tank and a bubble sensing component. The gas conduit guides leaking gas from industrial equipment into a liquid in the liquid storage tank through an exhaust port and generates bubbles. A monitoring part with a bubble sensing component is formed on the tank wall of the liquid storage tank, the height of the monitoring part from the liquid surface is less than the height of the exhaust port from the liquid surface. By sensing the size, amount of generated bubbles, and floating frequency of the bubbles generated in the liquid, the flow rate and volume of the leaking gas are obtained to improve the accuracy of sensing the leaking gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2021
    Assignee: MAS AUTOMATION CORP.
    Inventors: Chin-Cheng Lu, Pei-Chih Lin
  • Patent number: 10996135
    Abstract: A method and apparatus to ensure proper operation of an air permeable vent on an electronic device by allowing the vent and its surrounding area to be pressure decay leak tested using liquid to create the seal around the air permeable vent. The method may include filling a chamber with a known volume of liquid to cover the vent. Then, a remaining volume of air can be pressurized and monitored to detect a liquid leak either through the vent or through the sealing surface around or between the vent and the substrate of the electronic device. A pressure decay unit may adequately determine a leak rate to determine if the electronic device will pass or fail the required IP rating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2021
    Assignee: Inventus Power, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas James Beyreis
  • Patent number: 10330559
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for checking emitter bonds in an irrigation drip line and for manufacturing drip line in a manner that allows the bond between the in-line emitter and surrounding conduit to be checked. In one form, a downstream in-line vacuum tester is provided for monitoring the amount of air escaping from outlet openings in the drip line to detect excessive air associated with poorly bonded emitters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2019
    Assignee: Rain Bird Corporation
    Inventors: Mark Richard Edris, Farshad Motamedi, Berj Zakarian, Mark Murphy Ensworth
  • Patent number: 10330562
    Abstract: Provided is an apparatus for testing waterproofness of a half-finished product, wherein the apparatus is configured to form a chamber space such that areas of holes and parts of the half-finished product are separated from each other, and high-pressure air is injected into the chamber space, thereby performing a waterproofness test. In addition, a sliding block is provided such that a hole blocking means blocking the holes of the half-finished product is moved forward and backward through engagement and disengagement of a body and a cover without requiring a separate power, and the apparatus includes the body, the cover, a sealing means, and a hole blocking means including a sliding block moved in a lateral direction of the half-finished product, a blocking member blocking a side hole of the holes, and a pushing member pushing the sliding block to be moved forward when the body and the cover are combined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2019
    Assignee: DMC CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Dong Un Kim
  • Patent number: 9625347
    Abstract: An adaptor for use to direct pressurized fluid into a glove to inflate the glove is disclosed. A kit for holding several test components for use to inflate a glove is also disclosed. The kit is provided for testing a glove for leakage. The components include an adaptor, a strap, and a portable pump, which can be either a DC-powered air compressor or a hand or foot pump. A method is also disclosed for inflating a glove to test the glove for leaks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: San Diego Gas & Electric Company
    Inventors: Rogelio Marquez, Jr., Daniel P. Rodriguez
  • Patent number: 9594000
    Abstract: A leak test apparatus and method is provided which includes an embodiment including a transparent container adapted to selectively permit a device under test to be placed therein, selectively maintain a vacuum, and contain an immersion liquid. The test apparatus further includes a test fixture plate adapted to remain fixed while the container moves along a first axis so as to permit the container to raise or lower with respect to the test fixture plate so as to raise or lower a test fluid with respect to the test fixture plate. The apparatus further includes a support structure adapted to raise or lower the container such that the test fixture plate remains fixed with regard to the container, a vacuum manifold system selectively coupled to the container, and a control system adapted to control raising or lowering of the container and control of vacuum in the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2017
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Harry Farmer, Timothy Leonard
  • Patent number: 9360437
    Abstract: An inspection assembly for inspecting an at least partially transparent single-dose casing of the envelope type, in which there is arranged a substantially transparent container for containing a substantially transparent liquid. The assembly includes a substantially point-like light source and a diffusive screen. The container is provided between the light source and the diffusive screen, which is a side of the casing itself, in order to project onto the screen a profile of luminous intensity that is recorded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Assignee: SWISSLOG ITALIA S.P.A.
    Inventors: Luca Natali, Lorenzo Spagna, Flavio Este
  • Patent number: 9145252
    Abstract: An ejecting device includes a supporting plate and a balloon member. The supporting plate includes a top surface. The balloon member is fixed on the top surface and includes a main portion and a number of ejecting portions. The main portion is configured for receiving fluid. The ejecting portions are positioned on the main portion. When the main portion is full filled with the fluid, each ejecting portion protrudes from the main portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2015
    Assignee: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Shao-Kai Pei
  • Patent number: 8990030
    Abstract: A submersion detection circuit includes a power source unit, a reference resistor connected between the power source unit and a voltage measurement node, a submersion unit configured to include a plurality of submersion measurement resistors connected in parallel to the voltage measurement node. Submersion contact terminals are formed at respective ends of the submersion measurement resistors, and a voltage measurement unit connected to the voltage measurement node and configured to measure voltage divided by the reference resistor and the submersion unit when the submersion contact terminals submerge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: LG Chem, Ltd.
    Inventor: Seongmun Baek
  • Patent number: 8862414
    Abstract: An apparatus and method providing for detecting and responding to high voltage electrolysis within an electric vehicle battery enclosure to limit possible excessive thermal condition of the battery cells and modules. The present invention includes embodiments directed towards detection algorithms and apparatus for promoting the use of voltage, current, humidity, temperature, and pressure sensors for the purpose of detecting high voltage electrolysis. Additionally, the present invention includes response processes and structures to address high-voltage electrolysis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: Tesla Motors, Inc.
    Inventors: Francisco LePort, Weston Arthur Hermann, Michael Bell
  • Publication number: 20140250982
    Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods, adapted to immersively test/inspect machine components (e.g., tubes, conduits, etc.) in an in-situ manner are disclosed. In one embodiment, a system includes: a first seal member configured to sealingly engage a first portion of a machine component; a base system connected to the first seal member and configured to extend within the machine component, the base system including: a housing; and a inspection device disposed within the housing and configured to inspect the machine component; and a second seal member connected to the base system and configured to sealingly engage a second portion of the machine component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2013
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Gary Austin Lamberton, Curtis Wayne Rose
  • Publication number: 20140154495
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a defect inspection apparatus including: a container storing a fluid; a passage member that is configured such that a hollow fiber membrane travel passage, which allows the porous hollow fiber membrane to pass therethrough continuously, is formed thereinside and the passage member being disposed in the fluid to thereby fill the passage with the fluid; a restrictor that restricts travel of the porous hollow fiber membrane such that the porous hollow fiber membrane passes through the fluid in the hollow fiber membrane travel passage of the passage member; a fluid suction device that flows the fluid in the hollow fiber membrane travel passage to thereby lower the pressure of the fluid in the hollow fiber membrane travel passage; and an air bubble detector that detects an air bubble that is released into the fluid from a defect of the porous hollow fiber membrane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2012
    Publication date: June 5, 2014
    Applicant: Mitsubishi Ryaon Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kotaro Hiraoka, Toshinori Sumi, Hiroyuki Fujiki
  • Patent number: 8706343
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for preparing models of technical devices, wherein each technical device comprises units that are connected to each other by means of connection point, wherein, when performing the method, at least one structure made of units connected to each other by means of connection points comprising commonalities for all technical devices is integrated and automatically described as at least one common module (8) for all models.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Martin Streib
  • Patent number: 8627710
    Abstract: A gas probe for sampling gas molecules from a fluid. A housing includes an orifice and is adapted to be arranged in gas communication with a test gas sensor. The probe includes a stack of layers, whereby gas sample molecules have to pass through all layers of the stack in order reach the sensor. The stack includes at least a first membrane layer, a first spacer layer, a first filter layer and a second spacer layer. The housing includes an inlet for introducing blocking gas molecules into the second spacer layer and an outlet for discharging blocking gas molecules out of the first spacer layer. The gas probe is connectable to a control unit for controlling the blocking gas flow into the second spacer layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2014
    Assignee: Inficon AB
    Inventors: Claes Nylander, Peter Hebo, Fredrik Enquist
  • Publication number: 20130312494
    Abstract: A liquid submerged portion fuel leakage diagnostic apparatus includes a tank internal pressure detection portion; a liquid level detection portion; to reference-state liquid level extraction portion configured to extract, as a reference-state liquid level, a liquid level detected by the liquid level defection portion, when a tank internal pressure detected by the tank internal pressure detection portion becomes equal to a reference internal pressure; a fuel consumption detection portion configured to detect consumption of fuel in a fuel tank; and a fuel leakage diagnostic portion configured such that if the fuel consumption is not detected by the fuel consumption detection portion during a period between extraction timings at which the reference-state liquid levels are extracted by the reference-state liquid level extraction portion, the fuel leakage diagnostic portion diagnoses presence or absence of fuel leakage from a liquid submerged portion based on comparison of the reference-state liquid levels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2013
    Publication date: November 28, 2013
    Applicant: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yuusaku Nishimura
  • Patent number: 8485022
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus are provided for detecting improperly sealed portions of sealed packages. For example, in one embodiment, a package leak detection system automatically provides pressure within a tank for a predetermined period of time. The tank is at least partially filled with colored fluid with a sealed package being at least partially submerged in the colored fluid. In the tank, the pressure inside the tank forces the colored fluid into improperly sealed portions of the sealed package. After the predetermined period of time has elapsed, the package leak detection system automatically shuts off the package leak detection system and releases the pressure within the tank so the sealed package can be inspected for potential leaks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Inventor: Craig Hanson
  • Patent number: 8483554
    Abstract: An electronic device is provided that includes a housing, a waterproof air-permeable membrane, a door, an air pressure gauge and a watertightness detector. The housing defines an opening and includes an air vent. The waterproof air-permeable membrane blocks off the air vent. The door is shiftably coupled to the housing and movable between a first position that uncovers the opening and a second position that covers the opening. The door and the housing form a watertight structure when the door is in the second position. The air pressure gauge is disposed inside the watertight structure. The watertightness detector is configured to determine whether the housing and the door have maintained a watertight state based on changes in the air pressure inside the watertight structure when the door moves from the first to the second position. The changes in the air pressure are measured by the air pressure gauge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Aya Takimoto, Hirotsugu Matsuura, Yuji Tominaga
  • Patent number: 8402816
    Abstract: A system for detecting leaks on a surface, such as a floor or a bottom of an equipment cabinet, includes a sound wave generator configured to generate sound waves, a tube having a first end coupled to the sound wave generator, a second end opposite the first end, and a plurality of openings formed in the tube, and a sound wave receiver coupled to the second end of the tube. The sound wave receiver is configured to detect sound waves generated by the sound wave generator that travel through the tube. The arrangement is such that sound waves are blocked from detection by the sound wave receiver when fluid enters the tube through the plurality of openings in the tube thereby indicating a fluid leak on the surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: Schneider Electric IT Corporation
    Inventor: Daniel J. Rohr
  • Patent number: 8347690
    Abstract: A compressor leakage detector includes a water tank, an elevator platform, a control panel, and a pressure testing unit. The elevator platform is disposed in the water tank to rise and drop vertically. The operating panel of the control panel has a human-machine interface, indicators, and pressure gauges. The pressure testing unit in the control panel uses an intake pipe to connect to several branch pipes that in turn connect to the compressors in the water tank. Each of the branch pipes connects in series to at least one intake EM valve and at least one exhaust EM valve. A pressure sensor is interposed between the intake EM valve and the corresponding compressor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Heng Sheng Precision Tech. Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chi-Hung Lo, Mau-Jia Chen
  • Patent number: 8176771
    Abstract: An endoscope washing and disinfecting apparatus includes: a connecting portion connected to a bending transmitting portion of an endoscope to transmit driving force; a distal end driving portion for transmitting the driving force to the bending transmitting portion through the connecting portion; a fluid supplying unit for supplying gas into an inner space of the endoscope; and a control unit for controlling a pressure detecting portion for detecting pressure in the inner space and the distal end driving portion to provide the bending portion with bending motion, and for determining occurrence or nonoccurrence of water leak in the endoscope by comparing the pressure detected by the pressure detecting portion and a preset threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Assignee: Olympus Medical Systems Corp.
    Inventors: Hideto Onishi, Kenichi Kobayashi, Keisuke Nozaki, Shintaro Suzuki, Naoya Taya, Masahiko Tomita, Toshiaki Noguchi, Eiri Suzuki
  • Patent number: 8096169
    Abstract: A test device for testing the integrity of a seal has a clear t-shaped liquid reservoir with three ends. A guide adapter is connected to the first end of the liquid reservoir and extends axially therefrom along an axis of the reservoir. A shaft adapter is connected to the second end of the body, opposite the first end. A test shaft with first and second ends extends axially through the first and second ends of the body and test and shaft adapters along the axis. The first end of the shaft is adapted to be connected to the rotating shaft of pump assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: John L. Bearden, Steven K. Tetzlaff
  • Patent number: 8087285
    Abstract: A test apparatus for testing fluid seals within an aerated fluid includes a container and a fluid located within the container. A plurality of seal coupons are submerged within the fluid in the container. An air supply is connected to the container to aerate the fluid within the container. Testing the seal coupons includes flowing air from the air supply through the fluid to contact the seal coupons. After the air has contacted the seal coupons then the plurality of seal coupons are removed from the fluid. A value for at least one characteristic of the seal coupons is then compared with a standard value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2012
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Joan M Petit, Roy Fewkes, Michael B Glasgow
  • Patent number: 7836754
    Abstract: A test rig capable to test feed-throughs for cryogenic service is provided. The test rig permits testing feed-throughs under the actual pressure and cryogenic temperature conditions of the anticipated in-service application, without the risk of releasing volatile liquid cryogens in the event of leakage or catastrophic failure of the feed-through. Methods of using the test rig are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2010
    Assignee: Sierra Lobo Inc.
    Inventors: Antony Skaff, Daniel Schieb
  • Publication number: 20100212404
    Abstract: A safe, precise, and cost effective storage tank leak detection system. Embodiments include two highly precise quartz crystal type pressure transducers held at a constant temperature. A bubbler to achieve access to the hydrostatic pressure at the tank bottom and just below the liquid surface. First transducer and bubbler are used to measure fluid mass while second transducer and bubbler are used to measure fluid density then used in combination with data correction and regression techniques to yield a storage tank leak detection system for use in horizontal cylindrically shaped tanks with an extremely low leak detection threshold. The storage tank leak detection system is thought to be most useful for detecting and measuring very small leaks in large horizontal cylindrical storage tanks.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2010
    Publication date: August 26, 2010
    Inventors: JIMMY WOLFORD, Bernie Wolford, JR., Clark Lockerd, Ricky Slaughter
  • Patent number: 7748098
    Abstract: The present invention is for a method of testing a seal on a collapsible tube dispensing orifice during the manufacturing process in an assembly line. Air pressure is applied within the tube wall, at a station in the line, on one side of the seal, and the pressure is monitored on the other side of the seal within a reciprocating cover, for any increase in pressure which would indicate a leak in the seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: IntraPac (Swedesboro) Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph P. Hayes, Carl B. Schartner, William D. Brennan
  • Publication number: 20100089129
    Abstract: A test apparatus for testing fluid seals within an aerated fluid includes a container and a fluid located within the container. A plurality of seal coupons are submerged within the fluid in the container. An air supply is connected to the container to aerate the fluid within the container. Testing the seal coupons includes flowing air from he air supply through the fluid to contact the seal coupons. After the air has contacted the seal coupons then the plurality of seal coupons are removed from the fluid. A value for at least one characteristic of the seal coupons is then compared with a standard value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2009
    Publication date: April 15, 2010
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Joan M. Petit, Roy Fewkes, Michael B. Glasgow
  • Publication number: 20090178469
    Abstract: A waterproofing test system for testing waterproofing of an object includes a container for containing fluid. The object is disposed with the fluid inside the container. The waterproofing test system includes a pressure part for applying pressure to the fluid so that the pressure of the fluid can reach to a simulation pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2008
    Publication date: July 16, 2009
    Inventor: Tien-Chung Tseng
  • Publication number: 20090078028
    Abstract: A subsea leak detection system is disclosed which includes a plurality of subsea leak detection sensors and a leak detection controller adapted to receive leak detection data from the plurality of subsea leak detection sensors and direct the sensing activities of the plurality of subsea leak detection sensors based upon the received leak detection data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2007
    Publication date: March 26, 2009
    Inventors: Daniel McStay, Gordon Shiach, Aidan Nolan
  • Patent number: 7102528
    Abstract: A device for establishing and/or monitoring a predetermined fill level in a container is provided, to indicate the fill level in a container and exhibiting a best possible, optimum fit for an application, which device includes: a mechanical oscillatory structure placed at the height of the predetermined fill level, which structure exhibits a membrane and two mutually separated oscillation bars formed thereon, an electromechanical transducer, which in operation excites the oscillatory structure to oscillate with oscillations, such that the oscillation bars execute oscillations perpendicular to their longitudinal axis, a receiver- and evaluation-unit, which uses the oscillations to establish and/or monitor whether the predetermined fill level has been reached, or not, in which the oscillation bars exhibit a shape in which a mass moment of inertia of a liquid quantity, which the oscillation bars move with them in the immersed state in the liquid, is as large as possible and greater than 0.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2006
    Assignee: Endress + Hauser GmbH + Co. KG
    Inventor: Helmut Pfeiffer
  • Patent number: 6493413
    Abstract: A fuel assembly mechanical flow restriction apparatus for detecting failure in situ of nuclear fuel rods in a fuel assembly during reactor shutdown.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2002
    Assignee: Framatome ANP Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas A. Galioto, Patrick M. O'Leary, Edward J. Ruzauskas, Thomas E. Vincent, Jerome B. Lee, Richard G. McClelland
  • Patent number: 6491625
    Abstract: The present invention is a cap tester for a water resistant cap for medical video equipment that comprises a neck capable of insertion within the cap. The neck has an air duct extending therethrough. Preferably, the neck further comprises at least one projection extending outwardly from the neck. The projection mates with interior grooves of the cap to releasably connect the cap tester to the cap. A collar extends outwardly beyond the neck to provide a cover to the neck upon insertion into the cap. A conduit extends above the collar and substantially aligns with the duct within the neck that may be connected to a positive air supply. Thus, upon placing a cap tester within the cap, the method of the present invention comprises pressurizing the cap and cap tester, submersing the cap and cap tester in liquid and observing the immersed cap and cap tester for air bubbles thereby indicating a leak in either the cap frame or any seal located therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2002
    Assignee: The Scope Exchange, Inc.
    Inventors: William Charles Brian Newton, Bradly Lawrence Jensen
  • Patent number: 6479294
    Abstract: A method and apparatus suitable for use in high volume production for determining leakage from a nominally sealed product container, e.g., a battery case. The method and apparatus first functions to analytically test for leakage of a particular component of interest, e.g., a liquid electrolyte comprising a mixture of ethylene carbonate (EC) and methyl-ethyl carbonate (MEC) in a lithium-ion battery. A second gas leakage test can then be performed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2002
    Assignee: Quallion LLC
    Inventors: Wendy Fong, Naoki Ota, Hisashi Tsukamoto
  • Publication number: 20020121128
    Abstract: A quantitative method of evaluating swimwear for underwater leakage using a mechanical test mannequin, a water tank, a fluorescent bowel movement simulant, and a fluorescence meter. More particularly, a swimwear garment is applied to the mannequin, the fluorescent bowel movement simulant is inserted into the swimwear garment, the mannequin and the swimwear garment are submersed into water within the water tank, and a motion mechanism attached to the mannequin moves the mannequin up and down, thereby simulating typical water play movements. The fluorescence meter can be used to quantitatively determine the amount of leakage of the fluorescent bowel movement simulant from the swimwear garment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2000
    Publication date: September 5, 2002
    Inventors: Sherry Ann Van Dyke, Robin Kurt Nason, Daryl Steven Meyer, David W. Koenig, Thomas Mathias Kolb, Cynthia Helen Nordness, Marcille Faye Ruman, Faith Eileen Cochrane, Jesse Paul Sorenson, Devertt DeWayne Woolwine, Jerome James Workman
  • Patent number: 6430989
    Abstract: A quantitative method of evaluating swimwear for underwater leakage using a mechanical test mannequin, a water tank, a fluorescent bowel movement simulant, and a fluorescence meter. More particularly, a swimwear garment is applied to the mannequin, the fluorescent bowel movement simulant is inserted into the swimwear garment, the mannequin and the swimwear garment are submersed into water within the water tank, and a motion mechanism attached to the mannequin moves the mannequin up and down, thereby simulating typical water play movements. The fluorescence meter can be used to quantitatively determine the amount of leakage of the fluorescent bowel movement simulant from the swimwear garment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2002
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Sherry Ann Van Dyke, Robin Kurt Nason, Daryl Steven Meyer, David W. Koenig, Thomas Mathias Kolb, Cynthia Helen Nordness, Marcille Faye Ruman, Faith Eileen Cochrane, Jesse Paul Sorenson, Devertt DeWayne Woolwine, Jerome James Workman, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6223586
    Abstract: An inspection method for evaluating the hermeticity of integrated circuits and micro-electromechanical devices having a cavity. The method includes submerging one or more of the devices in a liquid, under pressure, for a given time period in order to allow the liquid to seep into any cavities that have leak paths. After the pressure soak, the devices are transferred to another liquid and observed under a microscope for signs of the liquid in any of the devices cavities, thereby determining if hermeticity is present.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2001
    Assignee: Visteon Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Karl Allen Dierenbach, Fred John Trusell, John Carlson Ames, Paul Elwin Stevenson