Package leak tester
AssigneeR. J. Reynolds Tobacco Company
InventorsBenny L. Hester, William H. Graves, Jr.
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A method and apparatus for testing packages for leaks. Selected values of suction and positive pressure are supplied to a testing position, which may be a test head. A package to be tested is held in the testing position by the suction, and positive pressure is introduced into the package through a puncture, which may be made before or after the package is placed in position. Values of suction and positive pressure are chosen such that a package meeting leakage specifications will contain sufficient positive pressure to overcome the suction, causing the package to be ejected from the testing position. If the package does not meet specification, leakage will cause the suction to hold the package in position. Thus, a rapid and visible indication of package quality is provided.
Claims11
Apparatus for testing packages for leaks, comprising:
- vacuum means for applying suction to hold the package in a position for testing;
- puncturing means for producing an opening in the package;
- positive pressure means for introducing pressure into the interior of the package through said opening, said pressure being regulated to a selected value relative to said vacuum means such that said positive pressure is elevated over a selected time period to a value in excess of said suction if the package meets leakage specifications, whereby a package meeting said specifications is thereby ejected from said testing position.
A method for testing packages for leaks, comprising the steps of:
- puncturing the package;
- placing the package adjacent a test head in a testing position, with said puncture oriented toward said head;
- applying suction at a selected valve to hold the package on said testing position;
- introducing positive pressure to the package through said puncture, whereby the package will be ejected from said head if capable of holding sufficient pressure to overcome said suction.
A test head for leak testing apparatus, comprising a testing position having substantially flat surface;
- means for applying suction to the package to hold same in said testing position, including:
- means for defining a suction area of said testing position;
- and
- means for communicating suction between said suction area and a source of source, including a manifold in communication with said suction source and a plurality of ports extending from said manifold to said suction area;
- and
- means for applying positive pressure to the package.
Apparatus for automatically testing packages for leaks, comprising:
- means for selecting individual packages for testing;
- means for testing individual packages, including:
- means for applying suction to a package at a selected level of negative pressure;
- means for puncturing the package;
- means for introducing positive pressure to the interior of the package at a selected pressure, such that said pressure within the package stresses the package to a pressure higher than said suction, whereby the package is ejected from said testing position if the package contains said pressure;
- means for sensing the presence or absence of a package in said testing position;
- and
- control means for sequentially directing the operation of the apparatus and signalling the results of said testing.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.