초록 ▼

The present invention comprises a device and a method for determining if a system with multiple seals has a leak and, if so, which of the multiple seals is causing said leak. The device and method employ a change in the optical reflectivity of a transparent, plastic membrane due to pulling a vacuum

The present invention comprises a device and a method for determining if a system with multiple seals has a leak and, if so, which of the multiple seals is causing said leak. The device and method employ a change in the optical reflectivity of a transparent, plastic membrane due to pulling a vacuum on the seal to make the above mentioned determination.

대표청구항 ▼

1. An optical leak detection device for seals or joints, comprising: an adhesive applied to outer edges of the seal or joint; at least one transparent, flexible membrane, having a size larger than the seal or joint, placed over the seal or joint, held in place by the adhesive, forming a gap ther

1. An optical leak detection device for seals or joints, comprising: an adhesive applied to outer edges of the seal or joint; at least one transparent, flexible membrane, having a size larger than the seal or joint, placed over the seal or joint, held in place by the adhesive, forming a gap therein and, means to pull a vacuum on a side of the seal or joint opposite to the membrane, wherein pulling a vacuum when no leak in the seal or joint exists results in no movement of the membrane and when a leak in the seal or joint exists results in the membrane directly contacting the seal or joint. 2. The optical leak detection device of claim 1, wherein the transparent, flexible membrane comprises cellophane. 3. The optical leak detection device of claim 2, wherein the adhesive comprises grease. 4. The optical leak detection device of claim 3, wherein the means to pull a vacuum pulls at least about 10 pounds per square inches of vacuum. 5. The optical leak detection device of claim 3, further comprising: a second transparent, flexible membrane placed between the means to pull a vacuum and the seal or joint, having a vacuum port therein to attach the vacuum to the second membrane. 6. The optical leak detection device of claim 5, wherein the second transparent, flexible membrane comprises cellophane. 7. A method for detecting leaks in a seal or joint, comprising the steps of: applying adhesive to outer edges of a side of the seal or joint; placing a transparent, flexible membrane over the seal or joint so it is held in place by the adhesive, forming a gap between the membrane and the seal or joint; pulling a vacuum on a side of the seal or joint opposite to the membrane, wherein no leak in the seal or joint results in no movement by the membrane and a leak in the seal or joint results in the membrane directly contacting the seal or joint. 8. The method of claim 7, wherein the membrane comprises cellophane. 9. The method of claim 8, wherein the adhesive comprises grease. 10. The method of claim 9, further comprising the steps of: applying adhesive to outer edges of a side of the seal or joint opposite to the membrane: providing a second transparent, flexible membrane over the seal or joint, on a side opposite to the membrane, so it is held in place by the adhesive, forming a gap between the second membrane and the seal or joint; and, providing a vacuum port on the second membrane to attach a vacuum. 11. The method of claim 10, wherein the second transparent, flexible membrane comprises cellophane. 12. An optical leak detection device for seals or joints in devices having an internal pressure higher than ambient pressure, comprising: at least one transparent, flexible membrane, having a size larger than the seal or joint, placed over and contacting the seal or joint; a vacuum port on the transparent, flexible membrane; and, means to pull a vacuum connected to the vacuum port wherein pulling a vacuum when no leak in the seal or joint exists results in no movement of the membrane and when a leak in the seal or joint exists results in the membrane lifting away from the seal or joint, forming a gap between the membrane and the seal or joint. 13. The optical leak detection device of claim 12, wherein the transparent, plastic membrane comprises cellophane. 14. The optical leak detection device of claim 13, wherein the adhesive comprises grease.