Abstract: A process and system for pressurizing a vessel for integrity testing with gas comprising helium, recovering the gas comprising helium, and purifying the gas comprising helium for reuse. The process for purifying the gas stream comprising helium comprises drying the gas stream; separating the dried gas stream in a membrane separator stage into a helium-enriched permeate product stream and a helium-depleted raffinate stream; recovering helium in the raffinate stream in a membrane stripper stage thereby producing a purge stream; and purging water from the dryer with the purge stream.

Abstract: The vacuum tester has a housing which is small enough to be held in one hand in which is contained a small vacuum pump, an activator switch and a vacuum gauge. A non-return flap valve, or check valve, is disposed between the vacuum pump and the vacuum gauge so that the vacuum within the chamber under test is not lost once the vacuum pump has been turned off. A connector with a vacuum hose extending therefrom is provided to apply the vacuum to the chamber. Interchangeable adapters can be attached at the end of the vacuum hose to provide a seal with the opening in the chamber. Detection and quantization of leaks in closed systems is provided by observing the leak-back rate on the vacuum gauge once the vacuum pump has been turned off.

Abstract: A detection medium and method for use in detecting gross and fine leaks in a hermetically sealed package. In a preferred embodiment, the detection medium includes a detectable perfluorinated gas dissolved in a detectable perfluorinated liquid. The package is placed in a bombing chamber and then exposed to the detection medium under pressure introduce the detectable liquid and dissolved, detectable gas into the package through any gross leak openings and to introduce the detectable gas and some detectable liquid vapor into the package through any fine leak openings. The package is then removed from the detection medium and air dried to evaporate any detection medium attached to an exterior surface of the package. The package is placed in a test chamber which collects detectable gas and vapor of the detectable liquid escaping through the gross and fine leak openings. A measurement instrument detects whether a component of the detection medium has escaped from the sealed package as an indication of a leak.

Abstract: The present invention includes a can tester having a main body for holding a can, a mechanism for positioning and securing the can, a movable measuring portion and a mechanism for moving the movable measuring portion. The mechanism for moving the slidable measuring portion includes a first component and a second component substantially perpendicular to the first component. The present invention also includes a method for measuring a pressurization of retorted cans.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for the testing of containers, preferably in a filling closing machine for comestible products in plastic cups or the like. The container is received in a vacuum bell or chamber which is equipped with a suction cup at the end of a suction pipe above the cover so that, when the chamber is evacuated, the cover can bulge to block the suction cup and a pressure differential developed between the suction pipe and the chamber signalling an effective seal. In the case of an ineffective seal, damage to the cover or the like, the pressure difference does not develop and the defective package can be sorted out.

Abstract: A process and an apparatus for the ultrasonic testing of welds between plastic packaging like food trays and cover foils. The welded joint between the tray and cover foil is periodically exposed to pulses of ultrasonic radiation. The pulses pass through the weld and are picked up or received by a receiver. The amplitude of the received pulses is evaluated. The cross-section of the beam of ultrasonic radiation is so small that the radiation only passes through the weld itself. The packages and the ultrasonic tester are moved relative to each other in order to examine the whole circuit of the weld. The pulse rate is such that the weld areas covered by successive pulses overlap.

Abstract: The internal pressure of a sealed container is characterized by tapping to vibrate a wall of the container, and then basing the characterization of the internal pressure on a frequency spectrum of the vibration and stored data measured from vibrating other sealed containers. The stored data is generated by vibrating a series of tests controllers having different, known internal pressures.

Abstract: An apparatus (20) for sensing pressure in a stiff wall sealed vessel (30) comprises a speaker (60) operatively coupled to the vessel (30) for, when energized, transferring energy to pressurized fluid in the vessel (30). The energy transferred from the speaker (60) establishes oscillations of the pressurized fluid in the vessel (30). A piezoelectric capacitive sensor (62) is operatively coupled to the vessel (30) for providing a received electrical signal having a frequency value indicative of the oscillation frequency of the pressurized fluid in the vessel (30). A receiver circuit (70, 90, 110) is operatively connected to the capacitive sensor (62) and provides a fluid resonating signal having a frequency indicative of the natural frequency of the oscillating pressurized fluid in the vessel (30). The natural frequency of the pressurized fluid is indicative of the fluid pressure in the vessel (30).

Abstract: A system for sampling air contained in an appliance shipping container includes a gas analyzer sealably interconnected with a probe by a flexible conduit. Disposed on the lower portion of a side wall of the appliance shipping container is an opening sealably covered by a film patch. A conveyor line arrangement positions the shipping container such that the film patch is disposed adjacent the probe. When the appliance shipping container is detected to be suitably positioned adjacent the probe, an electro-solenoid interconnected with the probe is activated causing the probe to puncture the reflective film patch and permitting an air sample to be drawn from the appliance shipping container into the gas analyzer. If the presence of a vaporized refrigerant is detected, a controller shunts the appliance shipping container to a site for repair of the appliance.

Abstract: A method of verifying the integrity of the walls and seals of a sealed container is provided in which a low molecular weight gas is introduced into the interior of the container before the container is sealed. After sealing, the container either alone, or in batches with others, is placed into a chamber which is evacuated of gases to a pressure level below that interior of the container and is evacuated of the low molecular weight gas to a partial pressure below that which the gas has within the container. Subsequently the gas within the chamber is sensed to determine whether the rate of increase of the low molecular weight gas in the chamber exceeds a predetermined rate.

Abstract: A method and test chamber for leak testing a container with a substantially flexible wall portion wherein the container is introduced into a test cavity so that the wall portion of the container is spaced from an inner adjacent wall portion of the test cavity with a gap being defined between the wall portion of the cavity and the flexible wall portion of the container. A pressure difference is installed as an initial value between the interior of the container and at least the gap by applying a pressure at least to the gap which is smaller than a pressure inside the container. The flexible wall portion is supported form its exterior side within the test cavity so as to prevent the flexible wall portion from bending outwardly into contact with the wall portion of the test cavity as a result of the pressure difference. The time course of a pressure prevailing within the gap is measured as a leak indicative signal.

Abstract: A process and an apparatus for leak testing a package. The method includes placing a sheet-like and airtight wrapper around a part of the package liable to leakage, e.g. a closing element. Applying a higher pressure to the outside than to the inside of the wrapper for causing the wrapper to fit closely around the part of the package and for hermetically sealing the wrapper from a part of the package outside the part to be tested. Sealing the measuring space between the enveloped part of the package and the wrapper pressed against it from the surrounding space by applying a measuring pressure in the closed measuring space which is different from the pressure then prevailing in the package, and for measuring the change of pressure in the closed measuring space for a determined measuring time.

Abstract: A method for determining whether surface connected, through thickness defects exist in a coated carbon-carbon composite article. The method involves the immersion of the coated article in a low viscosity liquid; if a stream of bubbles rises from the surface of the coating, such bubbles indicate the existence of at least one surface connected, through thickness defect in the coating.

Abstract: A portable device for testing a pouch containing a flowable substance and manufactured from flexible film. The device includes two plates. One of the plates is moveable towards the other and one has a pressure sensor mounted flush with a surface which faces the pouch to be tested. The pouch is placed between the plates and they are moved together, pressing the pressure sensor against the pouch.

Abstract: To test a closed container having at least one flexible wall area in order to determine a leakage by an increasing of the inner volume of the container and a measuring of a correspondingly caused changed measured value, at least one outer wall area of the container is exposed to a medium having a pressure which is greater than a pressure produced by the increase of the volume of the container if such has no leakage. The increase of the volume can be made by a pneumatic or mechanical application of a force at a flexible wall area. The arrangement is specifically suitable when the wall of the container or its contents strive to self-seal a leakage spot in a wall area.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for nondestructively testing sealed containers to proof test for seal leaks present in one or more container seals formed between mating parts of a container. The apparatus preferably includes a container rest or support assembly which holds a container being tested. The container support can advantageously include two corresponding testing head members which are movably mounted on a frame to clamp peripheral portions of the container to form a secondary seal outward of the primary seal which is being tested for leakage. The secondary seal creates a test chamber defined within marginal edge portions of the container which is adjacent the primary seal for applying a testing pressure thereto. Some of the preferred embodiments include a passage forming device for forming a testing fluid supply passage into the test chamber. The passage forming device can be an injection probe which forms an opening and injects a pressurized testing fluid into the test chamber.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for leak-testing a filled and closed flexible package, in which the package is placed on a vertically movable support member and is compressed between the support member and a pressure member bearing on the top of the package as a result of relative movement of these members towards each other. The change in the pressure is measured for a fixed measuring time and from this the presence or absence of a leak is determined.The support member supports the package, substantially completely filled with a liquid product, by means of springs. The package is compressed by lowering the pressure member onto the package, the support member thereby being pressed downwards against the spring force acting on the support member.For a fixed measuring time, the change in the spring force is measured for determining possible leakage of liquid from the compressed package.

Abstract: An instrument for the measurement of vacuum within sealed packets 12, the packets 12 having a wall 14 sufficiently thin that it can be deformed by the application of an external vacuum to small area thereof. The instrument has a detector head 18 for placement against the deformable wall 14 of the packet to apply the vacuum in a controlled manner to accomplish a limited deformation or lift of the wall 14, with this deformation or lift monitored by the application of light as via a bifurcated light pipe 20. Retro-reflected light through the light pipe is monitored with a photo detector 26. An abrupt change (e.g., a decrease) of retro-reflected light signals the wall movement such that the value of the vacuum applied through the head 18 to achieve this initiation of movement is equal to the vacuum Within the packet 12. In a preferred embodiment a vacuum reference plate 44 is placed beneath the packet 12 to ensure that no deformation occurs on the reverse surface 16 of the packet.

Abstract: A detector for detecting leakage or weak points in a package which is continuously moveable relative to the detector includes a detector element which is resiliently mounted for movement transverse to the feed direction of the package. The detector element includes at least one electrical conductor and a guiding part for guiding the electrical conductor toward that part of the package which is to be detected.

Abstract: The amount of extraneous gas within a hermetic sealed package, such as water vapor, is measured by measuring the total gas pressure within the package. This gas pressure is compared to a correlation made of expected total pressure within a package to deviations to that total pressure to determine the amount of extraneous gas. The correlation itself is derived statistically by comparing samples of actual total pressure to expected total pressure. These samples are then used to statistically produce the above correlation which is then used in actual testing.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for extracting and measuring a gas sample from a package. The apparatus includes a hollow needle for puncturing the package, a suction pump for withdrawing a gas sample, and an intermediate sensor and valve to receive and direct gas flow through the system. The method includes puncturing the package, activating the suction pump for a predetermined time, equalizing the pressure drop across the sensor, and measuring the gas oxygen content.

Abstract: A can testing device for measuring pressure and temperature in a sealed container wherein a strap encircles the body of the container circumferentially and a probe affixed to the strap penetrates the sidewall of the container to allow instruments for measuring the temperature and pressure of the container contents to come into physical contact with said contents.

Abstract: A method of testing for and detecting defective liners (12) enclosed within a carton (14) of a double package is disclosed utilizing an apparatus (10) including a pressure plate (16) which rests upon the liner (12), with gravity acting on the pressure plate (16) placing pressure on the liner (12). The extent that the liner (12) deflects under the pressure of the pressure plate (16) can be detected such as by the use of a magnetic sensor (72), with the liner (12) deflecting a greater extent when the liners (12) are improperly sealed allowing escape of the trapped air from the liner (12). In the preferred form, the pressure plate (16) is slideably mounted to a carriage (18) which is reciprocated between a first, lower position and a second, upper position by a crank arm assembly (32). In the first, lower position, the carriage (18) is adjacent to the double package with the pressure plate (16) extending through the open top of the carton (14) and resting upon the liner (12).

Abstract: A closed container is placed in a test chamber for the purpose of testing the container's tightness. A pre-chamber is brought to a desired pressure, then connected with the test chamber. The pressure in the test chamber is stored at a certain point in time on the input side of a differential pressure sensor and then the plot of the test chamber pressure is compared with the reference pressure thus formed. Any pressure compensation which occurs if leaks are present in the hollow body is recorded as an indication of such leakage.

Abstract: Methods and systems for testing the seals of container lids to the top portion of container bodies are provided. Testing the integrity of the seal is achieved by injecting fluid under pressure under the lid portion of the container and detecting if the lid bulges outwardly with respect to its at-rest position prior to injecting fluid. A container adapted to having the seal tested for leakage is also provided.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method for determining the proper sealing of a hermetically sealed package. The method consists of the steps of providing a pressure source for effecting a movement of air mass, providing an enclosable vacuum chamber suitable for accommodating a hermetically sealed package therein being enclosable in sealing tight engagement. An air flow path is provided from the vacuum chamber to the pressure source, the air flow path having a valve interposed to isolate the vacuum chamber from the pressure source. The air flow path is provided with a mass flow transducer and a pressure differential measuring device. A hermetically sealed package is placed in the vacuum chamber and by activating the isolating valve to connect the vacuum chamber to the source of pressure, a flow of gas is effected through the air flow path activating the pressure differential measuring device to determine the rate of mass flow of gas through the mass flow transducer as a function of time.

Abstract: An oxygen detector for use in a double envelope lamp is described. The detector may be formed by nitriding a metal surface to produce a metal piece with a first visual color or state. The surface thickness is sufficient to exclude oxygen during normal assemble, but thin enough to change colors during lamp operation if oxygen is present.

Abstract: A pressure tester (50) is provided for safely and efficiently buckle testing a container (120). A housing (52) encloses a test chamber (54) and the related operating equipment. The chamber (54) includes a neck block (80) and a cradling assembly (82) for holding the container (120) therein. Upon activation of a test cycle, the container (120) is punctured on a domed end (124) by a hollow needle (100) which fits within a domed pedestal (94). The container (120) is pushed into the neck block (80) where an outwardly sloping surface (130) generally matches a neck (126) of the container (120). A flexible seal (134) is fitted within a groove (132) in the surface (130) which provides flex without support if the container (120) expands during the test.

Abstract: A low pressure, low energy measuring device for indirectly and non-invasiy measuring the pressure of a gaseous medium in a sealed system, such as gas discharge lamp, is disclosed. The measuring device and method measures the luminance of an externally-induced, high-frequency glow discharge of a gas in the lamp by non-invasive means. Comparison of the measured luminance with calibrated luminance vs. pressure data provides the pressure for the gas. In one embodiment, the components of the measuring device form a stand-alone unit useful for testing multiple sealed systems. In another embodiment, certain components of the device are integrated into the lamp's discharge system to facilitate measurement in the field. A separate peripheral unit is required with this latter embodiment.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for leak testing a sealed package having at least one flexible wall portion and a sealed flange wherein at least one flexible wall portion of the package spaced from at least a seal-exposing edge of the sealed flange is gripped and pulled outwardly from the package to stress the package in tension while at least the seal-exposing edge of the sealed flange is exposed to a gas pressure equal to or greater than atmospheric pressure. The reaction of the sealed package to the stressing is then detected. The method and apparatus are useful for testing retort or aseptic pouches, cups and multi-layered trays with heat sealed lids, etc., with or without head space. Leaks in the seal and also in areas adjacent the seal can advantageously be detected quickly and with a high degree of reliability.

Abstract: Residual pressure and oxygen content of a pack are measured in an apparatus having a pressure measuring system and an oxygen measuring system in a branched arrangement. The oxygen content is measured by employing a vacuum pump to displace gas from the pack to an oxygen measuring system and a compression chamber which is then reset to atmosperic pressure and the oxygen content of the gas is measured. A two-way valve enables stopping displacement of the gas to the oxygen measuring system and enables the oxygen measuring system and compression chamber to be reset to atmospheric pressure.

Abstract: Gas-generating or absorbing activity of microorganisms is detected by providing a vessel in which the microorganisms are incubated, the vessel having a cap with a membrane indicator therein. The membrane has a deformed region which is inflated to indicate the existence of a change in pressure within the vessel as compared with ambient pressure. Automatic monitoring of the inflated portion is disclosed.

Abstract: A method and test chamber for leak testing a container with a substantially flexible wall portion wherein the container is introduced into a test cavity so that the wall portion of the container is spaced from an inner adjacent wall portion of the test cavity with a gap being defined between the wall portion of the cavity and the flexible wall portion of the container. A pressure difference is installed as an initial value between the interior of the container and at least the gap by applying a pressure at least to the gap which is smaller than a pressure inside the container. The flexible wall portion is supported from its exterior side within the test cavity so as to prevent the flexible wall portion from bending outwardly into contact with the wall portion of the test cavity as a result of the pressure difference. The time course of a pressure prevailing within the gap is measured as a leak indicative signal.

Abstract: A method for inspecting a sealing property of a plastic container having contents. The container has a lid which is deflectable under a negative pressure developed in the container. The contents are charged in to the container so that a negative pressure is developed under a normal temperature or room temperature. The deflection of the lid is measured so as to detect the sealing property of the container.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for leak testing a hollow body wherein the hollow body is placed in a test chamber. A prechamber is brought to a desired pressure, then connected with the test chamber. The pressure in the test chamber is stored at a certain point in time on an input side of a differential pressure sensor and then the course of the test chamber pressure is compared with reference pressure thus formed. Any pressure compensation which occurs if leaks are present in the hollow body is recorded as an indication of such leakage.

Abstract: A method and apparatus can automatically detect the presence of leaks in sealed plastic bags filled with product and gas by detecting the amount of displacement and the variation in displacement over time of a displacement transducer movable into contact with a fluffed bag, and utilizing the variation of displacement over time to detect such leaks. The variation of displacement over time is compared to the variation (or lack thereof) observed in a control bag without appreciable leaks, and a sufficient difference therebetween indicates a bag with a leak, which is thereafter rejected.

Abstract: Gas-generating activity of microorganisms is detected by providing a vessel in which the microorganisms are incubated, the vessel having a cap with a membrane indicator therein. The membrane has a deformed region which is inflated to indicate the existence of an increase in pressure within the vessel as compared with ambient pressure. Visual or automatic monitoring of the inflated portion is disclosed.

Abstract: A microprocessor is employed to control a test program which operates to cause a component under test to be filled (or evacuated) to a predetermined pressure P.sub.2 at which a leak test is to be carried out. The test program is arranged firstly to perform a rapid test at atmospheric pressure P.sub.1 to determine the pressure change dpl'/dt in the component due to the temperature fluctuation. The component is then filled (or evacuated) automatically to the test pressure P.sub.T, at which the leak check is carried out. Temperature compensation is achieved by subtracting the value of C dpl'/dt from the pressure change dp.sub.t /dt actually measured, i.e. the actual leak rate dPL/dt is given by ##EQU1## where the constant, C, is generated from an identical proram run, the calibration run, on a known non-leaker with a high temperature fluctuation.

Abstract: Disclosed are container testing apparatuses and methods for detecting leaks in containers. Such employ first and second annular seals for defining a testing chamber therebetween. An actuating seal is shown which is controllably retracted from engagement with sidewalls of the container. Another embodiment uses two passive seals. A further embodiment uses a pressurized expandable seal. In a preferred apparatus and method, at least one of the first and second seals functions by inwardly pressing against the container surfaces to enhance sealing upon application of differentially pressurized fluid within the testing fluid chamber. A detector can be employed to sense changes in the container associated with the existence of a leak through which the differential pressure of the testing fluid is communicated.

Abstract: An apparatus for testing the quality of a seal on a package overwrap having a cutting or burning element to create a hole in the package overwrap without breaching the integrity of the package; a measuring head for introducing super-atmospheric air pressure through the hole between the overwrap and the package; and a pressure transducer for determining whether the rate of air leakage from the overwrap is within acceptable limits.

Abstract: Apparatus for testing the contents of a sealed container 10 holding a liquid under the pressure of gas in a head space includes a first piercing needle 18 positioned and operable to penetrate the top of the container 10 whereby to place the head space in communication with a gas passage way 20 and a second piercing needle 56 positioned and operable to penetrate the bottom of the container 10 whereby to place the liquid in communication with a liquid passage way 58. The apparatus may be used to measure the gas pressure in the container and the dissolved oxygen content of the liquid.

Abstract: The leaky or non-leaky condition of a membrane-sealed container is determined by causing motion in one direction of one portion of the membrane; sensing motion in a direction opposite the first direction of another portion of the membrane; and delivering a corresponding signal indicative of the leaky or non-leaky condition.

Abstract: Double seal arrangement with intermediate test gas holding means for leak testing and assuring high hermetic batteries.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for non-destructively testing for a predetermined minimum release torque of container caps on containers at a torque testing station. The apparatus includes a device for clamping the containers at the torque testing station; a device for grasping the caps of the containers at the torque testing station; a device connected to the cap grasping device for applying a release torque to the container caps; and, a device including a strain gage coupled to the release torque applying device for sensing the level of release torque applied to the caps and providing a signal indicative of such level. The apparatus also includes selectively operable controls for destructively testing selected capped containers, on a sampling basis, to determine the actual release torque of the container caps on such containers.

Abstract: In a purely optical process for monitoring the pressure prevailing in a container without contact with the container, the cap of the container is illuminated by an incident beam and a reflected monitoring beam is obtained; the latter is intercepted by a diffusing support, making it possible to obtain a spot of light observed by a linear video camera. The video signal representing the pressure, after conversion into an electric output signal, makes it possible to monitor or measure continuously the pressure in the container.

Abstract: This invention concerns a resilience testing gauge and a resilience testing system, which includes the gauge, suitable for testing the seal quality of partly inflated bags. This invention also concerns a method of testing the seal quality of partly inflated bags using the resilience testing gauge. The gauge employs a first (2) and a second (3) beam cantilevered from a rigid block (4). In use the rigid block (4) is vibrated and one of the beams (3) is brought into contact with the article under test. The phase responses of the two beams (2 and 3) then provide information from which the test results can be determined.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for testing the integrity of a container of the type which includes a thin walled cup and a flexible lid sealed to the rim of the cup. In accordance with the method a force is applied to an elongated portion of the lid which circumscribes an area which is coaxial with the center of the cup. Since the cup is sealed this application of force causes the circumscribed area to bow outwardly from the cup. The displacement of the bowed portion is then compared to the previously measured displacement for containers known to be of acceptable quality. An apparatus for performing the test has an upper test assembly with a rim which is adapted to be urged against the elongated portion of the lid. A displacement sensor is mounted within the upper test assembly.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting internal pressure of a can has a reaction detector comprising two sets of fixed members and load cells arranged slightly narrower than the outside diameter of a can body and in a slightly different spaced apart from each other and a buckling detection sensor for detecting a displacement of the center of a cover. The reaction detector and the buckling detection sensor are mounted on a frame adjustable in position according to the kind of cans to be tested. The can is made to pass between two fixed members and load cells while being held by side retaining belts provided along the conveyor while being prevented from rotation. The same part of a can body is forced with different amounts of force and the reaction at that time is measured and converted into internal pressure of the can. The internal pressure of a can is thus measured accurately by this apparatus even if there are deviations in the roundness of the can body.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus are provided for measuring the pressure of a gas within a sealed vessel. A sonic transducer is used to apply an oscillating force to the surface of the vessel. The frequency of the ultrasonic wave is swept through a range which causes resonant vibration of the gas in the vessel. A receiving transducer measures the amplitude of the resultant vibration at the vessel surface and reveals the resonant frequency of the gas as peaks in the amplitude of the sweep. The resonant frequency obtained depends upon the composition of the gas, its pressure and temperature, and the shape of the confining vessel. These relationships can be predetermined empirically so that the pressure inside the vessel can be calculated when the composition of the gas, its temperature, and shape of the confining vessel are known. The output of the receiver is fed into a computer which is programmed to calculate the pressure based upon these predetermined relationships which are stored in the computer.

Abstract: Improved measurement of leakage in fuze seals is obtained by employing an r bubble leak indicator. The fuze to be tested is connected to an air supply line coming from an air bubble leak indicator. The air bubble leak indicator has a narrow orifice submerged in a liquid, which in turn is connected to an air supply. When the system has stabilized, any leakage from the fuze seals will result in air bubbles passing through the liquid. A light source and light detector placed at the outlet of the orifice will electronically detect bubbles and provide an electronic indication of leakage. The system also offers a visual indication of leakage. All parts of the unit being tested remain in a dry condition.