Sealed Patents (Class 73/49.3)
  • Patent number: 11633328
    Abstract: A bag for containing a biopharmaceutical product includes at least one fluid input/output port and a measurement opening remote from the fluid port. A probe holder port has a body with an axial through-bore and a peripheral collar with a second fastening zone and defining a fastening plane. A contact probe, extending in the axial through-bore, is assembled on the probe holder port, has an active measurement end portion in contact with the product, and has an end portion opposite the end portion. The probe holder port includes a transition portion between the body and the collar, which extends between a radially central end portion of the collar and a first axial end portion of the body. The first axial end portion is the axial end portion closest to the radially central end portion of the collar. The first axial end portion is disposed on the outer side relative to the fastening plane, and the active measurement end portion is axially disposed on the outer side relative to the fastening plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2023
    Assignee: SARTORIUS STEDIM FMT SAS
    Inventors: Alain Pallares, Shuai Yi, Mathilde Salaun, Andreas Prediger, Julia Lueders, Thomas Regen
  • Patent number: 11630024
    Abstract: A method for testing a test specimen for the presence of a leak using a film chamber for accommodating the test specimen, wherein the film chamber comprises walls enclosing a film chamber volume, which walls include at least one flexible wall area, comprising the steps of: placing the test specimen into the film chamber, and closing the film chamber, characterized in that complete closing of the film chamber is determined on the basis of the signal of a position measuring device which detects the relative position of the film chamber walls with respect to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2023
    Assignee: INFICON GmbH
    Inventor: Norbert Rolff
  • Patent number: 11486789
    Abstract: An assembly (10) to engage seemingly closed bags (11) that contain a product. The assembly (10) includes a conveyor (14) that has a length (16) that is moved in a conveying direction (17). A compression device (24) is adjustable in respective distance from the length (17) by a “parallelogram” arrangement. The compression device (24) engages the bags (11) and compresses the bag (11) against the length (12), with sensors (33 and 34) providing a signal indicative of the depth of the bags (11), and therefore a signal indicative of bags (11).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2022
    Assignee: TNA Australia Pty Limited
    Inventor: Brian Joseph Pearson
  • Patent number: 11480494
    Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus and method for testing the integrity of a package, the apparatus comprising a first volume detecting means for detecting a first volume of the package at a first position; conveying means for moving the package from the first position to a second position downstream from the first position; compression means for providing a compression force on the package; a second volume detecting means for detecting a second volume of the package at the second position; determining means for determining the integrity of the package based upon a change in volume of the package; and rejecting means for removing packages, the integrity of which is determined by the determining means not to be intact, wherein the determining means is in electronic signal communication with each volume detecting means independently, wherein the determining means is in electronic signal communication with the rejecting means, wherein the compression means is located above a portion of the conveying means and w
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2022
    Assignee: Snack Engineering LTD
    Inventors: Trevor Campbell, Joshua Campbell
  • Patent number: 11473999
    Abstract: A leak inspection device includes an inspection mechanism that executes a first inspection process for compressing the insides of a first inspection chamber and a reference chamber, and inspecting the first inspection chamber for a pressure leak based on a differential pressure therebetween, and a second inspection process for compressing the insides of a second inspection chamber and the reference chamber, and inspecting the second inspection chamber for a pressure leak based on a differential pressure therebetween, a first pre-compression valve that opens and closes a first pre-compression path, and a control device that opens, during the execution of the first inspection process, the first pre-compression valve to pre-compress the second inspection chamber, and causes, in a state where the inside of the second inspection chamber is pre-compressed, the inspection mechanism to execute the second inspection process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2022
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Tetsuya Matsukawa
  • Patent number: 11105703
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a test chamber and a pressure-application structure. The pressure-application structure is configured to apply a force on a device under test within the test chamber in response to a vacuum being drawn in the test chamber. The force has a magnitude that is proportional to a difference between an external pressure outside the test chamber and an internal pressure within the test chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2021
    Assignee: SEAGATE TECHNOLOGY LLC
    Inventors: Christopher Byrne, Samuel Severson, Jason Delaney, John Rigsby
  • Patent number: 10900862
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the gross leak measurement of an at least partially incompressible test object (18) in a film chamber (12) that comprises at least one flexible wall region and is connected, in a gas-conducting manner, to a pressure sensor (30), a vacuum pump (26) and, by way of a calibration valve (34), to a calibration chamber (36) enclosing a calibration volume (37), comprising the steps of evacuating the film chamber (12), measuring the pressure curve within the film chamber (12) after the evacuation is completed, connecting, in a gas-conducting manner, the calibration volume (37) to the inner volume of the film chamber (12) during the measurement of the pressure curve, the pressure being measured before the gas-conducting connection is established, and with the gas-conducting connection established, to the film chamber (12), and the pressure in the calibration chamber (36) prior to the connection to the film chamber (12) being higher or lower than the pressure in the film chamber (12
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2021
    Assignee: INFICON GmbH
    Inventors: Silvio Decker, Norbert Rolff
  • Patent number: 10859463
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing a bag in the interior space of a container and for testing said bag, and to a system for this purpose, to a computer program product for execution, and to the use of the system for the methods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2020
    Assignee: BOEHRINGER INGELHEIM INTERNATIONAL GMBH
    Inventors: Gerald Mathe, Carlos-Manuel Costa Pereira-Kirchwehm
  • Patent number: 10697850
    Abstract: A method for testing a container (11) having an interior volume (12) for tightness, comprising the following steps: providing the container (11) in a pressure chamber (10) and reducing pressure within the pressure chamber (10) or increasing pressure within the container (11) as far as a predefined test pressure, ascertaining a pressure profile (100) within the pressure chamber (10) over time, comparing the pressure profile (100) to a reference profile (200) in order to determine whether a leak is present within the container (11), wherein ambient conditions of the container (11) and/or the pressure chamber (10) are monitored and the reference profile (200) is adapted to changing ambient conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2020
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Wolfram Schindler, Wolfgang Maurischat, Thomas Peter, Lucien Matthias Drescher
  • Patent number: 10690564
    Abstract: There is provided a leak detection system for detecting breaches in sealed food containers. The leak detection system comprises air-sample testing equipment configured to test the composition of an air sample provided to the air-sample testing equipment. At least one pressing member is provided configured to, in use, apply pressure to the sealed food container located in an air-sampling region. At least one air-sampling port is located in the air-sampling region. An air sample conduit is provided extending between the at least one air-sampling port and the air-sample testing equipment. In use, the at least one air-sampling port takes an air sample from the air-sampling region at least during or after the at least one pressing member applies pressure to the sealed food container in the air-sampling region and communicates said air sample through the air sample conduit to the air-sample testing equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2020
    Assignee: ISHIDA EUROPE LIMITED
    Inventors: David Hann, Graham Neale, Lee Graham Johnson, Lee Vine
  • Patent number: 10578509
    Abstract: Systems and methods for verifying sealing integrity in a portable electronic device. One method includes raising, with an electronic processor, an internal temperature of the portable electronic device. The method includes, when the internal temperature exceeds a threshold, determining whether a vent port of the portable electronic device is closed. The method includes, when the vent port is closed, receiving, from a pressure sensor, a first internal pressure for the portable electronic device. The method includes, after a cool down period has elapsed, receiving, from the pressure sensor, a second internal pressure for the portable electronic device. The method includes determining, based on the first and second internal pressures, a pressure drop rate. The method includes determining a sealing integrity indication based on the pressure drop rate. The method includes providing a test result output based on the sealing integrity indication.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2020
    Assignee: MOTOROLA SOLUTIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Evgeny Bialik, Asaf Rafid, Yaakov Moseri, Gleb Korenzvit
  • Patent number: 10421565
    Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided for the detection of a leak between a container and a flexible cover secured about an opening in the container. The apparatus comprises a vacuum chamber for receiving the container, a pressure indicating sensor coupled to a controller; and a sensor support. The sensor is positioned on the sensor support wherein, in operation, the sensor is located in close proximity to the container cover such that when the container is within the vacuum chamber and subjected to a vacuum condition, gases within the container cause the cover to expand at the location of a leak between the cover and the container. Upon contact with the cover the sensor generates a signal received by the controller to indicate both the detection and the location of the leak about the opening in the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2019
    Assignee: 2266170 Ontario Inc.
    Inventor: Yucheng Fu
  • Patent number: 10408703
    Abstract: A method of checking a sealing state of a housing includes starting an operation of a pressure sensor configured to measure an internal pressure of the housing. The method includes checking whether or not the housing is pressed. The method further includes checking the sealing state of the housing through checking a measured value of the pressure sensor under a pressure of the housing. An apparatus for checking a sealing state of a housing includes the housing configured to keep an internal space thereof sealed off from an outside, a pressure sensor configured to measure a pressure of the internal space, and an interface unit configured to provide to the pressure sensor a control signal that controls an operation of the pressure sensor, and provide pressure information detected through the pressure sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2019
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kwang-Min Kil, Seong-Joon Kweon, Kyung-Ho Lee
  • Patent number: 10330561
    Abstract: Blowout preventers, fluid pressure systems and portions thereof may be tested for leaks by calculating an Apparent Compressibility Factor which is determined during initial pressurization of the system to the test pressure. The equivalent decay rate is calculated by measuring the amount of intensifying fluid required to be added to maintain the system at the test pressure level. The equivalent decay rate in psi per minute is then compared to the acceptable decay rate for the pressure level of the test to determine if the system passed the test.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2019
    Assignee: Engip, LLC
    Inventors: Clifford Lee Hilpert, Jeffrey Hilpert
  • Patent number: 10309863
    Abstract: The leak test for a flexible pouch specifically designed to contain a biopharmaceutical fluid includes the following steps: the flexible pouch is sandwiched between two plates which have an internal surface able to allow gas which escape from a hole on the flexible pouch flowing out of an external surface of the flexible pouch, a gas is introduced within the flexible pouch, and the pressure within the flexible pouch is measured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2019
    Assignee: SARTORIUS STEDIM NORTH AMERICA
    Inventors: Marc Sanchez, Jonathan Cutting
  • Patent number: 10302523
    Abstract: The method for testing the integrity of a seal of a cavity in an engine includes providing a sealed test tank external to the cavity, the test tank having an internal volume that is particularly selected, as described herein. A pressure differential is generated between the test tank and the cavity, by creating an initial test pressure within the test tank that is different than an ambient pressure inside the cavity. Gas flow between the test tank and the cavity is then permitted, and a change in pressure within the test tank is measured, as is a test time required for the pressure inside the test tank to reach a reference pressure. The measured test time is compared with a predetermined reference time, and the integrity of the seal may be confirmed when the test time is greater than or equal to the reference time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2019
    Assignee: PRATT & WHITNEY CANADA CORP.
    Inventors: Roger Huppe, Pierre Yves Legare, Alain C. Martel, Valeri Soukhostavets
  • Patent number: 10139305
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a canister for packaging and delivering a product such as, but not limited to, infant formula. The canister of the invention includes a container and cover. The cover includes a base and a lid with the base including an easy-open sealing material and/or a utensil for dispensing the product and docking station for holding the utensil when not in use. This invention is further directed to an apparatus and method for the in-line sterilization of the cover during the manufacture thereof. The invention is further directed to an apparatus and method for the in-line detection of leaks in the canister for quality assurance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2018
    Assignee: PBM Nutritionals, LLC
    Inventor: George M. Salg
  • Patent number: 10031042
    Abstract: A method includes receiving a result of a benchmark leak detection test for a pressure system and determining whether the result indicates that a leak is present in the pressure system. In response to the result of the benchmark leak detection test indicating that a leak is not present in the pressure system, the method includes performing a subsequent leak detection test for the pressure system, comparing a result of the subsequent leak detection test to the result of the benchmark leak detection test, and determining, based on the comparison, whether the subsequent leak detection test indicates that a leak is not present in the pressure system. A time to determine whether a leak is not present based on the comparison is less than a time to determine whether a leak is not present based on the benchmark leak detection test.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2018
    Assignee: INNOVATIVE PRESSURE TESTING, LLC
    Inventor: Charles M. Franklin
  • Patent number: 9977404
    Abstract: Method for testing the water resistance of at least one timepiece, wherein it comprises the following stages: E1—Measuring the rate of the timepiece when subjected to a first external pressure, in particular atmospheric pressure, in order to obtain a first reference rate value; E2—Measuring the rate of a timepiece when subjected to a second external pressure inside a pressurization chamber, in order to obtain a second rate value under pressure; E3—Comparing the rate value under pressure and the reference rate value in order to deduce therefrom the presence or otherwise of a deficiency in the water resistance in the event of a variation in excess of a predefined threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2018
    Assignee: ROLEX SA
    Inventor: Jean-Samuel Dupertuis
  • Patent number: 9915679
    Abstract: A method of detecting whether a microelectromechanical system (MEMS) device is hermetic includes applying at least three voltage differences between a movable part and a sensor electrode of the MEMS device to measure at least three effective capacitances, calculating a capacitance-to-voltage curve and an offset voltage of the MEMS device according to the at least three effective capacitances; and determining whether the offset voltage is within a predetermined range to determine whether MEMS device is hermetic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2018
    Assignee: SensorTek technology Corp.
    Inventors: Hsin-Hung Huang, Wei-Yang Ou, Hung-Sen Chen
  • Patent number: 9863834
    Abstract: A seal testing system provides an indicator of the tightness of seals in packaging of the seal testing system includes at least partially light permeable thermoplastic film providing two flexible layers that are impermeable for liquid and that are circumferentially sealed to define chambers that store a seal testing fluid and that are interconnected via a narrowed intermediate passage. At least section of a seal between the film layers is weakened to allow release of the seal testing fluid when pressure is introduced in the chambers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Inventor: Peter Kozin
  • Patent number: 9835517
    Abstract: The present invention discloses an airtight test apparatus and an airtight test method using the same for testing an airtight property of a case assembled with a plurality of additional members thereon in which the case has through holes corresponding to the additional members. The airtight test apparatus comprises a base, a top plate and a plurality of sealing members selectively and detachably disposed on the top plate. The top plate is capable of moving towards the base to allow the sealing members to correspondingly seal the through holes. During test, the case is placed on the base to form a gas chamber, an air-extracting is performed for the gas chamber and an air pressure is detected. When the detected air pressure is larger than a predetermined value, the sealing members can be selectively utilized to seal the corresponding through holes for determining which through holes have poor airtight property.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2017
    Assignee: PEGATRON CORPORATION
    Inventor: Yen-Pang Lee
  • Patent number: 9810600
    Abstract: The invention relates to a simplified method for detecting leaks on a non-rigid test specimen, comprising the steps of: introducing the test specimen into a film chamber, lowering the pressure in the film chamber outside of said test specimen, and detecting a leak in the test specimen on the basis of a spatial change in the film of said film chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2017
    Assignee: Infinicon GMBH
    Inventors: Daniel Wetzig, Silvio Decker
  • Patent number: 9772252
    Abstract: There is provided a method of channel leakage detection in a medical device having one or more channels and a housing having an internal volume surrounding at least a portion of the one or more channels, comprising the steps of (a) pressurizing one or more of the channels by introducing air or gas into the channel; and (b) detecting leakage by monitoring pressure increase in the internal volume of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2017
    Assignee: Ethicon, Inc.
    Inventor: Hal Williams
  • Patent number: 9734280
    Abstract: A plastic packaging material testing system and method based on an internet of things and cloud technology including a cloud computing center that achieves data communication, data storage and data processing between customers and testing laboratory, computing center includes a private and public cloud. With the function of the internet of things, the testing system modules achieve the automatic acquisition, storage, parsing and transmission of the testing information and testing data. It combines test methods, testing instruments, modern logistics technology and software system together, which solves the problems that current testing instruments cannot achieve the massive test data storage and internet technology applications and avoids the one-time investment on the instruments purchasing and laboratory construction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2017
    Assignee: LABTHINK INSTRUMENTS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Haimo Jiang, Yunzhong Jiang
  • Patent number: 9734281
    Abstract: The invention discloses a plastic packaging material testing system and method based on internet of things and cloud technology. It includes: cloud computing center, this system module achieves the data communication, data storage and data processing between the customers and testing laboratory. There is public or private cloud for cloud computing center. For the private cloud, data will be stored as a separated group of data in the database server based on the private infrastructure which is provided by the system provider. The system provider provides the most effective control of data, data security and the service quality. For the public cloud, system provider ensures the system running and provides the data service by renting available cloud which is provided by the third party provider.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2017
    Assignee: Labthink Instruments Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Haimo Jiang, Yunzhong Jiang
  • Patent number: 9632001
    Abstract: A testing device includes a test gas container, which is provided with a test leak for producing a test gas flow at a predefined leakage rate. The test leak includes at least one capillary tube, which connects the interior of the test gas container to the outer surroundings of the test gas container in a gas-conducting manner. The test gas container is at least partially made of a flexible material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2017
    Assignee: INFICON GmbH
    Inventors: Silvio Decker, Ludolf Gerdau
  • Patent number: 9606018
    Abstract: A device for detecting leaks or weaknesses in a flexible package. The device includes a first member having a non-conductive surface, a second member secured in a position adjacent the first member, and a control system. The second member has an electrically conductive first portion and an electrically conductive second portion. The electrically conductive first portion of the second member is normally electrically insulated from the electrically conductive second portion of the second member. The control system is arranged to detect an electrical current between the electrically conductive first portion and the electrically conductive second portion. The second member may be positioned relative the first member to compress a flexible package between the first member and the second member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: ABBOTT LABORATORIES
    Inventors: Kenneth William Botterbrodt, David Carl Ulstad
  • Patent number: 9413015
    Abstract: A method for testing a seal of a part that includes an electrolyte of an electrochemical cell, the method including: forming a closed cavity delimited by a first outer surface of the part including the electrolyte to be tested; contacting a second outer surface of the part, opposite the first surface, with a first fluid; circulating a second fluid, separate from the first fluid, through the closed cavity between an inlet and an outlet of this cavity; and analyzing the fluid extracted via the outlet of the cavity, to detect possible presence of the first fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2016
    Assignee: Commissariat a l'energie atomique et aux energies alternatives
    Inventors: Bertrand Morel, Jacques Pocachard
  • Patent number: 9310272
    Abstract: The electronic device (1) is provided with an automatic leak detection means, notably for a gas leak, in the case (2) of the device. The automatic leak detection means includes an internal pressure sensor (3), an external pressure sensor (4) and a calculation unit (5) connected to the internal pressure sensor and to the external pressure sensor. The calculation unit, which is a microcontroller, and the internal pressure sensor are arranged inside the case, whereas the external pressure sensor is arranged on an external surface of the case. The microcontroller (5) checks, based on measurements performed by the pressure sensors over time, whether the pressure variation inside the case is different from the pressure variation outside the case to determine whether or not the case has a sufficient degree of sealing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2016
    Assignee: The Swatch Group Research and Development Ltd
    Inventors: Michel Willemin, Jean-Claude Martin, Christophe Germiquet
  • Patent number: 9176021
    Abstract: The leak detection device using hydrogen as a tracer gas is intended to be connected to an object to be tested. The leak detection device includes a hydrogen sensor placed in a low-pressure enclosure and includes a diode, a resistor, a MOS-type transistor whose gate is covered with a palladium catalyst, a pump connected to the low-pressure enclosure, a pressure gauge configured to measure the pressure in a vacuum line formed by the low-pressure enclosure connected to the pump, and a multiway valve having a first port allowing admission of the gas flow containing the tracer gas into the vacuum line, and a second port allowing the admission of neutral gas. The method makes it possible to stabilize the pressure of the vacuum line in order to avoid fluctuations in the hydrogen measurements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2015
    Assignee: ADIXEN VACUUM PRODUCTS
    Inventors: Ketan Patel, Frederic Rouveyre
  • Patent number: 9146224
    Abstract: A canister for measuring the natural gas content of rock cores which (1) has an inner core-containment bag made of non-permeable plastic which can be flash evacuated, collapsing around the core and thus minimizing the amount of air present and improving the quality of the gas analyses and (2) which prevents the released gas from reacting with the outer canister. A procedure for using gas-sampling bags to periodically collect the gas released from the core so that (1) the volume of released gas can be measured at a later date using more convenient and precise laboratory methods, (2) the gas can be readily transported and stored, and (3) the gas can be easily submitted for analysis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2015
    Assignee: Isotech Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis D. Coleman, Todd M. Coleman
  • Patent number: 9055863
    Abstract: Provided herein are water-tight, portable endoscopes that include the light and power source incorporated into a sealed compartment (also referred to herein as sealed canister) within the endoscope handle. The description also features water-tight, endoscope handles that include the light and power source incorporated into a sealed canister within the handle. In some embodiments, the sealed compartment contains all of the electronic components of the endoscope.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2015
    Assignee: Optim, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert J. Krupa, William F. Laflash, Thomas V. Root, Aleksandra A. Levshina
  • Publication number: 20150107340
    Abstract: For leak testing closed containers (9) which are filled with a filling product containing at least one liquid component the container is introduced in a test cavity (1) which is evacuated at least down to vapour pressure of that liquid component. The pressure in the surrounding of the container (9) and thus within test cavity (1) is monitored. Monitoring is performed by a vacuum pressure sensor (7), whereas lowering pressure surrounding the container (9) is performed by a vacuum pump (5). Leakage is detected by monitoring a pressure change in the surrounding of the container which is due to evaporation of liquid emerging from a leak and being evaporated in the low pressure surrounding.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2014
    Publication date: April 23, 2015
    Inventor: Martin Lehmann
  • Publication number: 20150090009
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for localizing a defect in an electrochemical store (165). The method includes a step of controlling the temperature of a subarea (145, 150, 155, 160, 170) of the electrochemical store (165) to increase an internal pressure of the subarea (145, 150, 155, 160, 170), a step of detecting a measured value which represents an escape of a component from the subarea (145, 150, 155, 160, 170) occurring in response to the increased internal pressure of the subarea (145, 150, 155, 160, 170), and a step of localizing the defect in the subarea (145, 150, 155, 160, 170) when the measured value is in a predetermined relation to a comparison value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2013
    Publication date: April 2, 2015
    Applicant: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Kathy Sahner, Jens Grimminger, Dirk Liemersdorf
  • Patent number: 8973425
    Abstract: Apparatuses for evaluating the integrity of a container seal and methods of using same are provided. The apparatuses include a sealed container having a conductive fluid and a first probe therein, a conductive solution bath having a second probe therein, a conductivity meter and a pressurized fluid supply. A pressurized fluid is supplied from fluid supply to an interior of the sealed container through the first probe until the seal on sealed container ruptures, first and second probes create an electrical circuit, and the conductivity meter detects a flow of electrons between the two probes. In this manner, apparatuses of the present disclosure are able to quantify the amount of internal pressure in the container at the time the container seal ruptures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Nestec S.A.
    Inventor: Anthony Edward Dzikowicz
  • Patent number: 8955370
    Abstract: A method of detecting leaks and measuring volumes as well as a device, the Power-free Pump Module (PPM), provides a self-contained leak test and volume measurement apparatus that requires no external sources of electrical power during leak testing or volume measurement. The PPM is a portable, pneumatically-controlled instrument capable of generating a vacuum, calibrating volumes, and performing quantitative leak tests on a closed test system or device, all without the use of alternating current (AC) power. Capabilities include the ability is to provide a modest vacuum (less than 10 Torr) using a venturi pump, perform a pressure rise leak test, measure the gas's absolute pressure, and perform volume measurements. All operations are performed through a simple rotary control valve which controls pneumatically-operated manifold valves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: Sandia Corporation
    Inventors: Steven M. Thornberg, Jason Brown
  • Patent number: 8931329
    Abstract: A leak detection method for an air bed having an air chamber comprises adjusting the air chamber to a predetermined pressure level, sensing a first pressure value of the air chamber after a first time interval, sensing a second pressure value of the air chamber after a second time interval, determining a pressure change in the air chamber, detecting whether the air chamber is leaking by comparing the pressure change with a second pressure value, and displaying a leak detection indicator. In one embodiment, the second pressure value is a pressure change in a second air chamber. In another embodiment, the second pressure value is an expected pressure change of the air chamber that is calculated based upon changes in ambient temperature and barometric pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: Select Comfort Corporation
    Inventor: Paul James Mahoney
  • Patent number: 8921128
    Abstract: Manufactured capped MEMS device wafers are tested for hermeticity on a vacuum prober at differing pressures or on a wafer prober at differing temperatures. Resonant frequency testing is conducted. Leaking MEMS devices are distinguished from the remaining MEMS devices on the basis of quality factor (“Q”) measurements obtained from the resonant frequency testing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Analog Devices, Inc.
    Inventors: Li Chen, Kuang L. Yang
  • Patent number: 8910509
    Abstract: An apparatus for integrity testing a first container having a flexible body at least partially defining a first interior chamber using a second container having a second, preferably sterilized interior chamber at least partially filled with a detectable gas. A sensor associated with a detection chamber for receiving the flexible container, and possibly the second container as well, senses the presence of the detectable gas external to the first interior chamber in the event of a leak of the detectable gas therefrom. Related methods also involve integrity testing of fluid processing bags and other types of flexible containers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: Pall Technology UK Limited
    Inventors: Alexandre N. Terentiev, Sergey Terentiev
  • Publication number: 20140360251
    Abstract: The present invention discloses an airtight test apparatus and an airtight test method using the same for testing an airtight property of a case assembled with a plurality of additional members thereon in which the case has through holes corresponding to the additional members. The airtight test apparatus comprises a base, a top plate and a plurality of sealing members selectively and detachably disposed on the top plate. The top plate is capable of moving towards the base to allow the sealing members to correspondingly seal the through holes. During test, the case is placed on the base to form a gas chamber, an air-extracting is performed for the gas chamber and an air pressure is detected. When the detected air pressure is larger than a predetermined value, the sealing members can be selectively utilized to seal the corresponding through holes for determining which through holes have poor airtight property.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2014
    Publication date: December 11, 2014
    Inventor: Yen-Pang Lee
  • Publication number: 20140352409
    Abstract: A device for detecting leaks or weaknesses in a flexible package. The device includes a first member having a non-conductive surface, a second member secured in a position adjacent the first member, and a control system. The second member has an electrically conductive first portion and an electrically conductive second portion. The electrically conductive first portion of the second member is normally electrically insulated from the electrically conductive second portion of the second member. The control system is arranged to detect an electrical current between the electrically conductive first portion and the electrically conductive second portion. The second member may be positioned relative the first member to compress a flexible package between the first member and the second member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 3, 2013
    Publication date: December 4, 2014
    Applicant: ABBOTT LABORATORIES
    Inventors: Kenneth William Botterbrodt, David Carl Ulstad
  • Patent number: 8899100
    Abstract: A protocol for testing the integrity of a double-walled underground storage tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Inventor: David D. Russell
  • Publication number: 20140326053
    Abstract: A method for testing the hermetic sealing of packages, comprising subjecting the package to two or more moderate depressurization cycles in order to cause stress to the package followed by a final depressurization step at a high negative pressure in order to reveal possible failures and air leaks.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2011
    Publication date: November 6, 2014
    Applicant: AUTOMATED DATA SYSTEMS S.A. DE C.V.
    Inventor: Miguel Mendoza Machain
  • Publication number: 20140290344
    Abstract: Described is a method for checking syringe bodies of the type comprising a hollow body, a seal for closing the hollow body and a dose of a liquid product enclosed by the hollow body and by the seal, the method comprising the steps of applying a pneumatic negative pressure to the syringe body and moving a stop body towards the syringe body in such a way that, during at least a part of the step of applying the pneumatic negative pressure, the stop body obstructs withdrawal of the seal towards a rear end of the syringe body opposite the liquid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2014
    Publication date: October 2, 2014
    Applicant: BONFIGLIOLI ENGINEERING S.r.I.
    Inventor: Giuseppe BONFIGLIOLI
  • Patent number: 8836524
    Abstract: A detecting device is used for detecting a battery leak, a positive terminal of the battery is electrically connected to a first contact, a negative terminal of the battery is electrically connected to a second contact. The detecting device includes a first conductor, a second conductor electrically connected to the second contact, and a warning unit electrically connected between the first contact and the first conductor. The second conductor being electrically connected to the first conductor through electrolyte leaked out of the battery, thus the warning unit will be actuated to produce a warning signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Lung Dai
  • Publication number: 20140257721
    Abstract: An off-board vehicle fuel containment tester that utilizes a vacuum/pressure pump to change the pressure in the vehicle's fuel handling and containment system. A microprocessor is programmed to control the vacuum/pressure pump system and through the reading produced by a pressure transducer will determine, by the pressure changes occurring in the containment system, if a leak is present and the size of the leak. Once a leak is determined to be present, a gas analyzer that can detect carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons is used to find the point of leakage in the vehicle containment system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2013
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Applicant: Automotive Test Solutions Inc.
    Inventors: Bernie C. Thompson, Neal R. Pederson
  • Publication number: 20140230526
    Abstract: The electronic device (1) is provided with an automatic leak detection means, notably for a gas leak, in the case (2) of the device. The automatic leak detection means includes an internal pressure sensor (3), an external pressure sensor (4) and a calculation unit (5) connected to the internal pressure sensor and to the external pressure sensor. The calculation unit, which is a microcontroller, and the internal pressure sensor are arranged inside the case, whereas the external pressure sensor is arranged on an external surface of the case. The microcontroller (5) checks, based on measurements performed by the pressure sensors over time, whether the pressure variation inside the case is different from the pressure variation outside the case to determine whether or not the case has a sufficient degree of sealing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2014
    Publication date: August 21, 2014
    Applicant: The Swatch Group Research and Development Ltd
    Inventors: Michel WILLEMIN, Jean-Claude MARTIN, Christophe GERMIQUET
  • Publication number: 20140230525
    Abstract: The electronic device is provided with an automatic leak detection means, notably for a gas leak, in the case of the device. The automatic leak detection means includes a pressure sensor, a temperature sensor and a calculation unit connected to the pressure sensor and to the temperature sensor. The calculation unit, which is a microcontroller, the pressure sensor and the temperature sensor are arranged inside the case. In operation, the microcontroller checks, based on measurements performed by the pressure sensor and the temperature sensor over time, whether the variation in pressure in the case is within a defined margin proportional to the variation in temperature to determine whether or not the case has a sufficient degree of sealing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2014
    Publication date: August 21, 2014
    Applicant: The Swatch Group Research and Development Ltd
    Inventors: Michel WILLEMIN, Jean-Claude MARTIN, Christophe GERMIQUET
  • Publication number: 20140216139
    Abstract: A test apparatus is provided for detecting a gas leakage from at least a rechargeable battery, the test apparatus includes a stainless steel vacuum chamber storing the rechargeable battery and full of the low temperature gases, a first pump coupled to the stainless steel vacuum chamber and sucking the low temperature gases in the stainless steel vacuum chamber so the pressure inside is decreased to a first pressure, a second pump coupled to the stainless steel vacuum chamber, wherein after the pressure inside the stainless steel vacuum chamber is decreased to the first pressure, the second pump sucks the low temperature gas in the stainless steel vacuum chamber so the pressure inside is decreased from the first pressure to a second pressure, and a test device coupled to the second pump and tests the gas leaked from the rechargeable battery among the low temperature gas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Applicant: JUSUN INSTRUMENTS CO., LTD.
    Inventor: JONATHAN YANG