Method of and apparatus for testing for leaks in a package
AssigneeTestamatic Limited
InventorChristopher Fenlon
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A method of and apparatus for testing for leaks in a package is provided. The package is compressed under the weight of a test element (16). The position of the test element is measured at least twice and the positions are compared to check movement of the test head due to gas or liquid escape from the package.
Claims14
An apparatus for testing for leaks in a package, comprising a test element having a defined weight which is brought into abutment with a stationary package, and a position sensor for measuring a position of the test element, and in which the package is compressed solely by the weight of the test element, in which a first measurement is made of the position of the test element and a plurality of further measurements of the position of the same test element are made, and a comparator compares each further measurement with the first measurement to generate a measured comparison and indicates the package to be faulty when a result of the measured comparison exceeds a predetermined failure criterion value, the test element remaining continuously in contact with the package between the first and further measurements, and in which the test is arranged to be teminated as soon as the failure criterion value is exceeded, said test termination resulting in variable testing time.
A method of testing for leaks in a package, comprising the steps of bringing a test element of a known weight into abutment with at least a portion of a stationary package to be tested so as to compress the package soley under the weight of the test element, making a first measurement of the position of the test element, making a plurality of further measurements with the same test element to generate a measured comparison, comparing each further measurement with the first measurement and indicating the package to be faulty if the comparison exceeds a predetermined failure criterion value, the test element remaining continuously in contact with the package between making the first and each further measurement, and in which the test is terminated as soon as the failure criterion is exceeded, said test termination resulting in variable testing time.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.