GB1295303A - - Google Patents

Abstract

1295303 Detecting leaks in flexible articles SEMPERIT AG 8 April 1970 [9 April 1969] 16543/70 Heading G1S [Also in Division D1] A method of detecting perforations in a flexible hollow body having an opening whereby it may be turned inside out comprises the steps of applying to the outer surface a gaseous medium at a higher pressure than the inner surface whereby the body is turned inside out and is inflated by the gaseous medium exerting the higher pressure and, after inflation, detecting any leakage of the gaseous medium. As described a rubber glove is placed over sleeve 2 at an opening in a housing 1. Piston 4 withdraws, collapsing bellows 3. The glove is thereby everted into the housing. Wire mesh 7 is displaced vertically by the glove until it contacts metal ring 13 supported by wire cage 8. Proximity detectors 9, 10 then detect the wire grid 7. If a leak is present in the glove, it deflates, permitting grid 7 to drop and this dropping is detected by the proximity detectors 9, 10 to cause an indication of the fault in the glove. If no movement of the grid occurs within a predetermined time, then a "no fault" signal is given. Alternatively, glove 31 is mounted on a sleeve 15 about an aperture in a plate 14. Housing 17 is brought up to surround the glove. Pressure is applied to housing 17 through line 19 valve 20 is then closed. The glove everts through the opening and is inflated 31 and contacts diaphragm 27 of probe 24. Probe 24 comprises a thin diaphragm 27 and a rigid electrically conducting shell 26 attached to non conducting measurement capillary 25. It contains an electrically conducting fluid. At the top of capillary 25 are two electrodes 30, 29. When the inflated glove touches the diaphragm 27, liquid moves up the capillary to contact the electrodes. If deflation of the glove and hence contact of the glove with diaphragm 27 and contact of the liquid with the electrode does not occur within a predetermined time, the glove is regarded as leak free.