Abstract: Apparatus and methods for in-line testing of the internal pressure of flexible containers traveling along a production line at high speeds. The apparatus inspects semi-rigid plastic and thin-walled liquid filled containers by analyzing the output from a load cell that indirectly measures the reaction force applied to a container through the intermediary of a load cell roller that, in turn, supports a flexible belt that directly contacts containers while moving them through an inspection station without interrupting the flow of the production line. Containers are contacted only by a flexible portion of a conveyor belt to minimize structural and aesthetic damage to them that might otherwise occur during the inspection process.

Abstract: A system for testing systems which are in turn used to test the leaktightness of a hollow body is suggested.

Abstract: The invention relates to testing apparatus (1) for testing a container (2) of a suspension of a substance (3). The substance may in particular, but not solely, comprise a pharmaceutical substance. The substance (3) is suspended in a propellant (4), which is under pressure. The container (2) itself comprises a body (5), which defines a chamber and has a valve stem (6), which extends from a head of the body. A metering chamber is selectively communicable, by means of the valve stem, with the atmosphere and the chamber (7). The valve stem providing via a L-shaped conduit, which extends between the free end and the side wall thereof the outlet of the container (2) through which metered doses of the substance are released from the container (2).

Abstract: A method and relative working station (SV) for checking the integrity of packages (2), in particular single-dose packages, includes basically the following operation steps:

Abstract: A method and device for testing containers, the method calling for a difference in pressure to be generated between the pressure inside the container and the pressure immediately surrounding the container, the behavior of one of these pressures permitting the gas tightness of the container to be assessed. A pressure value is stored and subsequently compared with one of the pressures, the stored pressure value being stored electronically and compared with at least one value of the output signal from a pressure sensor. The container is housed in an enclosure which is connected to a pressure or suction line, and a pressure-value storage unit, a comparator unit and a pressure sensor are associated with the pressure or suction line.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for testing one or more glass light bulbs assembled into a sub-assembly for cracks. The apparatus comprises a chamber having an enclosed hollow interior and a door that is adapted to open and close to either allow access to the hollow interior or to seal the hollow interior; a test tray assembly having a plurality of compartments for receiving and holding a plurality of glass light bulbs and sub-assemblies to be tested, said tray assembly adapted and dimensioned to be placed into and enclosed by said chamber; a control assembly for controlling the introduction of oxygen into said chamber; and a source of pressurized oxygen connected to said chamber to supply oxygen under pressure to said chamber under the control of said control assembly.

Abstract: A water sensing wire for a cable. The water sensing wire has a conductor and a water permeable insulation surrounding the conductor. The conductor is formed by a plurality of metal wires. The water sensing wire may also have a plurality of filaments contained inside the water permeable insulation. Longitudinal and/or radial application of stresses cannot cause damage to the water sensing wire because damage can be avoided by the deformable cross section of the sensor conductor and by the reinforcement provided through the filaments. The water sensing wire is particularly useful in power cables but may also be used in telecommunication cables or optical fibres.

Abstract: An environmental condition sensing device arrangement and method for sensing an environmental condition are provided. A device case which is water-tight and/or air-tight is provided for sensing such condition. In addition, a sensing device configured to sense an environmental condition, a transmitter being operatively connected to the sensing device, and a power source supplying power to the sensing device and the transmitter are also provided. The sensing device, the transmitter and the power source are disposed within the device case.

Abstract: A control system for a gas sensor element capable of lessening the effect of variations in sensor properties among gas sensor elements as well as the effect of environmental factors, such as temperature and humidity, to thereby accurately detect variation in the concentration of a specific gas. In a control system 10 for a gas sensor element 11 whose sensor resistance Rs varies with the concentration of NOx gas, a pulse signal Sc which alternates between 0 V and +5 V is input to a pulse input terminal 17. When a voltage of 5 V is applied to the pulse input terminal 17, a capacitor 14 is charged via a fixed resistor 15 having a resistance Rc and a diode 16. When a voltage of 0 V is applied, the capacitor 14 discharges via the gas sensor element 11. An output voltage Vout is A/D-converted and processed by means of a microcomputer 20, thereby controlling an electronic control assembly 21.

Abstract: A liquid-quantity monitoring apparatus includes: a piezoelectric device having a vibrating part capable of being exposed at least partly to a liquid-containing space, the piezoelectric device being capable of vibrating the vibrating part by a given drive signal and of generating a signal representing back electromotive force generated by vibration of the vibrating part; and a liquid-quantity determining unit for determining a quantity of liquid remaining in the liquid-containing space, to which the vibrating part is exposed, based on a resonance frequency of a residual vibration signal output from the piezoelectric device due to a residual vibration of the vibrating part after the vibrating part has been vibrated by the drive signal.

Abstract: The loss of trace gas to the atmosphere when leak testing heat exchangers is avoided by the use of internal and external containers, with both the trace gas sensor and the coil to be tested being placed within the internal container. The space between the two containers is preferably placed under a vacuum, and the inner and outer containers are fluidly connected to a refrigerant recovery vessel for the accumulation of leaked trace gas. The trace gas can then be returned to the charging system for reuse. The use of extractors can also be made to conduct the flow of leaked trace gas from the containers to the refrigerant recovery vessel. A containment that is also provides to receive and contain any contaminated refrigerant from the two containers.

Abstract: A system for testing systems which are in turn used to test the leaktightness of a hollow body is suggested.

Abstract: A method of measuring the effective temperature inside a sealed container having a headspace is provided. A liquid solvent is added to the container, and a solid compound is added to the liquid solvent to create a saturated solution. Vapor of the saturated solution is allowed to equilibrate in the headspace of the sealed container, and a volume thereof is transferred to a chromatographic column, where chromatographic readings of the equilibrated vapor are taken. A temperature within the sealed container is then calculated based upon the chromatographic readings of the equilibrated vapor, wherein the temperature calculation is based upon the concentrations of the liquid solvent and the solid compound in the equilibrated vapor.

Abstract: The invention provides an efficient inspection method for inspecting a hermetically sealed package for pinholes, in which when a hermetically sealed package whose contents such as electrically conductive fluid or food are covered with an electrically insulating film is inspected for pinholes by using a high voltage, the inspection can be achieved with an extremely simple procedure while fully preventing occurrence of misoperations due to the atmosphere such as humidity during the inspection. In a hermetically sealed package in which contents 1 such as electrically conductive fluid are covered with an electrically insulating film 2, an electrical conductor 4 derived from a voltage output terminal of a DC high voltage power supply 6 is put into contact with or proximity to a side face portion 31 of the hermetically sealed package, by which the contents 1 in the hermetically sealed package 3 are electrified.

Abstract: Leak testing a closed container with at least one flexible wall area is performed with the method and apparatus wherein a biasing arrangement compresses or expands the container under test. A biasing force is monitored with a force detector applicable to the wall of the container. The force detector generates an electric output first biasing force signal at a first po9int in time which is stored for comparison with the monitored biasing force signal at a second subsequent point in time to generate a different signal as a leak indicative signal. A difference signal is generated at the first point in time from the first force measuring signal stored and the first force measuring signal. This latter difference signal is stored as a zero offset signal which is used to compensate zero offset of the generated difference signal.

Abstract: A system for performing chromotherapy in a bathtub, comprising a light source having light emitting diodes of three different colours for emitting a resultant coloured light output. An intensity of each colour of the light emitting diodes being controllable individually for varying a colour of the resultant coloured light output. The light source is adapted to be mounted to a wall of a bathtub so as to diffuse light in water filling the bathtub. A control module is connected to a power source and to the light source, for controlling the intensity of each of the light emitting diodes to vary a colour of the resultant coloured light output emitted by the light source and diffused in the water of the bathtub.

Abstract: The invention is an apparatus and method for testing the residual seal force of the closure of a container, particularly a container for parenteral pharmaceutical products. An automated and instrumented press collects stress and strain data for a closure of a container for parenteral pharmaceutical products. An algorithm is automatically applied to the resulting data set, determining candidate residual seal forces for several data smoothing spans. Confidence levels are determined for each of the candidate residual seal forces. The candidate residual seal force corresponding to the highest confidence level is selected. The process is repeated and the results averaged to determine a final residual seal force.

Abstract: A method of assembling and filling a dispenser device for dispensing a fluid substance made up of an active substance and of a propellant. The device includes a receptacle and a dispenser member, such as a metering valve, for dispensing the fluid substance. The method is characterized in that it includes the steps of assembling the dispenser member onto the receptacle in leaktight manner; inserting a determined quantity of propellant into the receptacle and/or into the dispenser member; storing the dispenser device for a determined storage time; checking and/or testing the dispenser devices so as to discard any devices that have defects; and filling the active substance to be dispensed only into those devices which have satisfied the checking and/or testing.

Abstract: A fixture for testing a sealed container for possible leakage, having a removable cover and a silicon gel gasket affixed to the undersurface of the cover, and having a lower housing with a cavity for receiving the sealed container, the container top surface being isolated from the rest of the container surfaces by the silicon gel gasket.

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.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting the presence of powdered materials in envelopes comprises a container with an envelope-positioning unit, envelope corner or edge cutter, a powder excitation and extracting means for shaking the contents of the envelope, and a powder detector with a particle intake device, and air circulation system for circulation of the particle-containing air through the powder detector. The detector can be placed inside or outside of the sealed container and is connected to the cutting zone via the particle suction device. In operation, the envelope is placed into the envelope-positioning unit. Either a corner or an edge of the envelope is cut off or perforated so as to allow a part of the powdered material to leave the envelope while maintaining the other contents, except for small particulates, intact and inside the envelope. The envelope is then subjected to vibration or impacts under the effect of the excitation means.

Abstract: A machine 10 to test bags 11 to detect faulty bags 11a. The machine 10 includes a probe assembly 23 including a belt 27 which supports a plurality of probes 31. More particularly the bags 11 are engaged by probe portions 33, with displacement of the probe portions 33 providing data for a CPU controller 24 enabling the detection of faulty bags 11a. Faulty bags 11a are then ejected from the conveyor 13 by bag ejector 21.

Abstract: Leak testing a closed container with at least one flexible wall area is performed with the method and apparatus wherein a biasing arrangement compresses or expands the container under test. A biasing force is monitored with a force detector applicable to the wall of the container. The force detector generates an electric output first biasing force signal at a first point in time which is stored for comparison with the monitored biasing force signal at a second subsequent point in time to generate a different signal as a leak indicative signal. A difference signal is generated at the first point in time from the first force measuring signal stored and the first force measuring signal. This latter difference signal is stored as a zero offset signal which is used to compensate zero offset of the generated difference signal.

Abstract: A filter vent fitting for a drum which allows for the passage of hydrogen gas but precludes the passage of radioactive particulates, the fitting having evacuation/pressurization conduits which allow the drum to be evacuated or pressurized, and cryogenic/sapling conduits which allow the temperature of the drum to be reduced and samples drawn from the interior which are not filtered. Preferably a cap member is provided with a pressure balancing bore which is active during the evacuation and pressurization steps.

Abstract: An intra-aortic balloon pump system having a leak detector comprising a processor, a pressure sensor, and optionally a temperature sensor. Gas leaks from the intra-aortic balloon pump system are detected by comparing shuttle gas pressure readings, taken just prior to IAB inflation, with similar thermodynamic histories, i.e. similar equilibrium times.

Abstract: An improved method for detecting leaks in a sealed package or container, where the contents of the container includes at least one liquid component, is disclosed. First the container to be tested is placed in a vacuum chamber which is in turn sealed. A vacuum is then applied to the vacuum chamber to lower the pressure, within the chamber, to a pressure that is below the vapor pressure of the liquid component in the container being tested. The vacuum source is then isolated from the chamber. The presence and severity of any package leak is detected by monitoring the increase of pressure in the vacuum chamber as a leak indicative signal whereby a relatively steady increase in pressure over time is indicative of “leaking” unrelated to the package under test and wherein relatively uneven increases of pressure, over time ,is indicative of boiling liquid and therefore a leak in at least one test specimen.

Abstract: A method monitors the emissions of a supply vessel storing a volatile medium during operation including a fuel supply tank of a motor vehicle. A tightness check of the supply vessel is carried out from time-to-time. The temperature of the medium is determined based on at least one characteristic variable utilizing a model computation from time-to-time or cyclically. Either the temperature is utilized in the tightness check or the tightness check is carried out only when the determined temperature of the medium lies within a pregivable temperature interval.

Abstract: A laser displacement transducer mounted on an X-Y table below a vacuum chamber with a bottom glass window measures displacement in flexible surfaces of sealed packages to test for leakage. Sealed packages, including multi-chamber packages are positioned precisely in a grid pattern by rapid loading and unloading of the top of the vacuum chamber mounted on top of a console to permit using the device with an assembly line. Leaking cavities and packages are instantaneously identified by comparison of the measured displacement with programmed information about displacement and the results displayed on a screen. Leaking packages are discarded and well sealed packages are returned to the assembly line.

Abstract: An apparatus to test integrity of a seal of a package. The apparatus includes a height detector detecting a height of the package, a test portion determining the integrity of the seal based upon a position of the test portion as a function of time when contacting the package, and a mover moving the test portion into an initial position of contact with the package based upon the detected height. The test portion includes a test head contacting the package, and the mover includes a servo motor driving the test head, and a ball screw linking the servo motor and the test head.

Abstract: A sensor device comprising an interface medium having an outer layer for interaction by a user, at least two transducers located on or in the interface medium and spaced from the outer layer, and each adapted to generate a signal in response to interaction by the user, and a processor to receive the signal and determine the location on the outer layer at which the user has interacted with the outer layer.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for measuring the puncture resistance of an aluminum can that has improved repeatability and more accurately simulates end-use punctures. A penetrator that moves in a horizontal direction and is driven by a falling weight impacts a pressurized aluminum can containing liquid. The aluminum can is impacted by a penetrator of the puncture gauge in an area below the liquid level. Various sensors, such as a load cell and a displacement transducer, measure data from the impact and the data is compiled and analyzed by a data acquisition system.

Abstract: Leak testing a closed container with at least one flexible wall area is performed with the method and apparatus wherein a biasing arrangement compresses or expands the container under test. A biasing force is monitored with a force detector applicable to the wall of the container. The force detector generates an electric output first biasing force signal at a first point in time which is stored for comparison with the monitored biasing force signal at a second subsequent point in time to generate a different signal as a leak indicative signal. A difference signal is generated at the first point in time from the first force measuring signal stored and the first force measuring signal. This latter difference signal is stored as a zero offset signal which is used to compensate zero offset of the generated difference signal.

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.

Abstract: A seal inspecting machine for inspecting bagged products to determine the presence or absence of a seal abnormality in each bagged product being transported by a transport conveyor 2 includes a presser unit 3 and a servo motor 32 for driving the presser unit 3 to sandwich the bagged product G between the presser unit 3 transport conveyor 2. The servo motor 32 itself has a capability of detecting a reactive force acting on the presser unit 3 or a displacement of the presser unit 3 that occurs as a result of contact with the bagged product, where any failure of the bagged product to exert a sufficient reactive force or displacement resistance is considered evidence of a seal abnormality being present in such bagged product. With this seal inspecting machine, seal check of the bagged products can be efficiently and inexpensively carried out.

Abstract: A device for testing the inflation state of an cold gas inflator for an airbag has a gas reservoir that is filled with gas at a high pressure, in particular an inert gas. Oscillations of frequencies varying within a particular frequency range are generated at the filled gas reservoir and the resonance frequency is measured. The measured resonance frequency is compared by a comparator with a resonance frequency which was determined at the gas reservoir filled with the desired pressure.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting seals on a film from which bags are formed includes a force transmitter and a force sensor. The force transmitter transmits a force from the film to the sensor. The force sensor receives the transmitted force and provides a force signal. A controller receives the force signal and provides a seal signal. The the force sensor may be an mechanical sensor, an acoustic sensor, a mechanical sensor, a vibration sensor or a piezoelectric sensor.

Abstract: A non-destructive method for testing sealed packages for leakage, particularly packages having a gas-permeable portion and a non-gas-permeable portion, by applying a temporary barrier over the gas-permeable portion, wherein the temporary barrier has two apertures, and enclosing the package in a testing chamber having a carrier gas flowing through it to a detector, and passing a tracer gas through the package interior via the two apertures in the temporary barrier.

Abstract: A non-destructive method for testing sealed packages for leakage, particularly packages having a gas-permeable portion and a non-gas-permeable portion, by applying a temporary barrier over the gas-permeable portion, wherein the temporary barrier has an aperture, and connecting the aperture to a pressure monitor, and recording the pressure drop in the sealed package, via the aperture, for a predetermined time.

Abstract: For determining the adequate perviousness of venting tube nipples (4) on fuel tanks (3) made of plastics material a test duct (12) is connected to the nipple (4) and air drawn into the test duct (12) from the tank (3). From measuring, the partial vacuum of e.g. approx. 5 mbar or the volume flow rate in the test duct (12) it can be determined whether the nipple (4) and its joint (9) to the tank (3) are sufficiently permeable. This test is very precise and silent and needs only little consumption of compressed air. Thereby the load on the sealing seat (14) between test duct (12) and nipple (4) is only slight.

Abstract: For tightness testers with a plurality of in-line test stations (1) on a conveyor it is proposed to supply the tightness-relevant measurement signals from the chambers by detecting pressure change measurements via pressure sensors or electrical impedance measurements via electrodes that occur at the test stations over a time interval. The signals are supplied through multiplexers (5) to a central evaluation (9).

Abstract: Method and apparatus for leak testing a closed container with at least one flexible wall area, whether or not the container undergoing leakage testing is is filled with a product or not. A biasing member is moved towards and onto the flexible wall area in order to apply a predetermined force and the accompanying reaction forces are monitored over time. The instant invention of this leakage or integrity testing system constitutes an improvement over conventional prior art pressure monitoring sytems by instead monitoring a biasing force applied by such biasing member to such flexible wall area at different times over a testing cycle, whereby storage of two biasing force values at different times allows the later processing of a difference signal that is generated by using two measured force signals over time to thus result in both a leak indicative signal and an updated compensating zero offset signal.

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.

Abstract: One method empirically determines a stiffness value for each of two or more different subsets of the bristles of a brush seal, then calculates a variation in stiffness, and then identifies the brush seal as defective if the calculated variation in stiffness exceeds a predetermined stiffness variation criteria. One apparatus includes a load transducer having a contact head sized to contact less than twenty percent of the bristles, a displacement transducer which measures the displacement of the free ends of the contacted bristles, and a clamp for securing the brush seal and presenting the bristles for contact.

Abstract: To test closed containers, e.g. with regard to residual air volume or the quality and tightness of the closures which are attached to containers, mechanical oscillations are excited in the closure, the mechanical oscillations are analyzed, measurement values are derived from this, these measurement values are compared with pre-set values for acceptable closures and a signal is produced which states whether the measurement value corresponds to a value for an acceptable closure. To increase the reliability of the test, the oscillation properties of the closure blanks (R) are also ascertained before their attachment to the containers (B) and the range of acceptable values of the closures (V) attached to the containers (B) is chosen according to the oscillation properties of the corresponding closure blank (R). The closure blanks (R) can be classified according to their oscillation properties.

Abstract: A device for testing the inflation state of an cold gas inflator for an airbag has a gas reservoir that is filled with gas at a high pressure, in particular an inert gas. Oscillations of frequencies varying within a particular frequency range are generated at the filled gas reservoir and the resonance frequency is measured. The measured resonance frequency is compared by a comparator with a resonance frequency which was determined at the gas reservoir filled with the desired pressure.

Abstract: A method for preparing a fuel tank for repairs and verifying the repair work using an apparatus is presented. The apparatus is connected to the fuel tank. The fuel tank is purged of oxygen to a certain level using a gas provided by the apparatus until a level of the oxygen in the fuel tank reaches that level. Openings on the fuel tank are closed to the environment. The fuel tank is repaired while the level of oxygen is maintained in the fuel tank. The gas provided by the apparatus pressurizes the fuel tank to a certain pressure level. The pressure level is maintained for a specified period of time. An inspection of the repaired area of the fuel tank is then performed.

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 vapor 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.

Abstract: For tightness testers with a plurality of in-line test stations (1) on a conveyor it is proposed to supply the tightness-relevant measurement signals from the chambers by detecting pressure change measurements via pressure sensors or electrical impedance measurements via electrodes that occur at the test stations over a time interval. The signals are supplied through multiplexers (5) to a central evaluation (9).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining the internal pressure of a sealed container are disclosed.

Abstract: An improved method for detecting leaks in a sealed package or container, where the contents of the container includes at least one liquid component, is disclosed. First the container to be tested is placed in a vacuum chamber which is in turn sealed. A vacuum is then applied to the vacuum chamber to lower the pressure, within the chamber, to a pressure that is below the vapor pressure of the liquid component in the container being tested. The vacuum source is then isolated from the chamber. The presence and severity of any package leak is detected by monitoring the increase of pressure in the vacuum chamber as a leak indicative signal whereby a relatively steady increase in pressure over time is indicative of “leaking” unrelated to the package under test and wherein relatively uneven increases of pressure, over time ,is indicative of boiling liquid and therefore a leak in at least one test specimen.