Method and apparatus for testing vent caps
AssigneeThe Boeing Company
InventorsDustin P. Greene, John M. Holder
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A fixture tests operation of a plurality of battery vent caps. The fixture includes a base having recesses into which the vent caps can be placed for testing either simultaneously or sequentially. Pressurized air is supplied to the vent caps through solenoid valves in the fixture operated by a controller.
Claims18
Apparatus for testing a vent cap having a valve for controlling an escape of gas, comprising:
- a fixture having at least one recess configured to have the vent cap placed therein,
- the fixture including an inlet configured to couple the vent cap with a source of pressurized air, and an outlet coupled with the vent cap;
- a pressure sensor coupled with the outlet and configured to sense opening and closing of the valve;
- a base having a top in which the recess is formed, and
- a cover removably mounted on the base covering the recess, and forming an air tight seal over the recess.
Apparatus for testing a plurality of vent caps each having a valve for controlling an escape of gas through the vent cap, comprising:
- a fixture having a plurality of recesses in which a plurality of vent caps may be respectively placed;
- a plurality of inlet passages in the fixture configured to be coupled with a source of pressurized air and respectively coupled with the vent caps;
- a plurality of outlet passages in the fixture respectively coupled with the vent caps;
- and
- at least one pressure sensor coupled with the outlet passages and configured to sense air pressure within the outlet passages indicating an opening or closing of each of the valves.
A method of testing a plurality of vent caps each containing a valve for controlling an escape of gas, comprising:
- placing each of a plurality of vent caps on a fixture;
- supplying pressurized air to each of the vent caps through the fixture;
- sensing a pressure at which the valves each of the vent caps opens;
- and
- sealing each of the vent caps inside the fixture.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.