초록 ▼

The leak detection system preferably includes a conveyor system for moving a container and a sensor for sensing the pressure in the interior of the container through an opening in the top of the container. While the sensor is sensing the pressure in the interior of the container, a vacuum pump pulls

The leak detection system preferably includes a conveyor system for moving a container and a sensor for sensing the pressure in the interior of the container through an opening in the top of the container. While the sensor is sensing the pressure in the interior of the container, a vacuum pump pulls air from the region around the exterior of the container. If the container has an aperture, a vacuum will be created in the container and will be noted by the sensor. Conversely, if the container does not have an aperture, a vacuum will not be created within the container and the sensor will determine this by noting that the pressure of the container is above a predetermined pressure limit. This sensor determines that the container has an aperture by noting that the vacuum in the container is greater in magnitude than a predetermined pressure limit. The leak detection system of this invention may further include a reject assembly for rejecting a container that is detected by the sensor to have an aperture and a controller for controlling the reject assembly in response to signals from the sensor.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed:] [1.] A leak detecting system for detecting the presence of an unwanted aperture in a container that has a desired opening, comprising:a conveyor for moving the container, the conveyor comprising a belt for supporting the container;a sensor mounting block comprising a first bottom

[ What is claimed:] [1.] A leak detecting system for detecting the presence of an unwanted aperture in a container that has a desired opening, comprising:a conveyor for moving the container, the conveyor comprising a belt for supporting the container;a sensor mounting block comprising a first bottom portion that is disposed at a height above the container, such that when the conveyor moves the container beneath the sensor mounting block a seal is created between the first bottom portion and the desired opening of the container;a vacuum pump for pulling a fluid from an area peripheral to and around the exterior of the container when the conveyor moves the container beneath the sensor mounting block; anda vacuum switch, coupled to the sensor mounting block, that is placed in fluid communication with an interior of the container through the desired opening in the container, as the container passes beneath the first bottom portion, the vacuum switch detecting a pressure decrease within the container if the vacuum pump pulls fluid through said unwanted aperture, thereby determining if the container has the unwanted aperture by determining the pressure decrease in the container.