초록 ▼

A programmable and automated leak detection apparatus performs automated handling and leak testing of varying sized objects. In one embodiment, the apparatus seals one portion of the object to form an inner chamber and also forms an enclosure about the entire object. Different partial vacuums are dr

A programmable and automated leak detection apparatus performs automated handling and leak testing of varying sized objects. In one embodiment, the apparatus seals one portion of the object to form an inner chamber and also forms an enclosure about the entire object. Different partial vacuums are drawn on the chamber and the enclosure and a test gas injected into the enclosure. The chamber is monitored for test gas leakage from the enclosure. The apparatus includes an automated measuring subsystem for obtaining a physical parameter of the object which is then compared with data in a program controller\s memory to determine a pass/fail leak rate for that particular object. The vacuum system used has separate vacuum lines to the enclosure and chamber and the test gas purging system combined with the use of separate vacuum lines results in the efficient and rapid purging of test gas prior to testing the next object.

대표청구항 ▼

A leak detection system for detecting leaks in an object, the system comprising: handling means for moving the object; measurement means for measuring the object; and sealing means for sealing a part of the object to form a chamber; enclosing means for forming an enclosure about the object including

A leak detection system for detecting leaks in an object, the system comprising: handling means for moving the object; measurement means for measuring the object; and sealing means for sealing a part of the object to form a chamber; enclosing means for forming an enclosure about the object including the chamber; first vacuum means for creating a partial vacuum in the chamber; second vacuum means for providing a partial vacuum to the enclosure such that the partial vacuum of the enclosure is less than the partial vacuum of the chamber; test gas supply means for introducing a test gas in the outer enclosure, detection means for detecting the amount of test gas in the chamber; memory means for storing data regarding unacceptable leak rates for a plurality of different objects; controller means for automatically controlling the handling means to receive the object, move the object to the measurement means, move the object to the detection means, the controller means also for automatically receiving the measurement of the object from the measurement means, for automatically controlling the test gas supply means to introduce test gas into the enclosing means, for automatically receiving the amount of detected test gas from the detection means, for automatically comparing the measurement of the object and the amount of detected test gas to the data in the memory means and for automatically determining whether the object has an unacceptable leak rate based on such comparison.