JPS6342439A - Method of testing leakage of seal of vessel and leakage detector used for said method - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Abstract] This bulletin contains application data before electronic filing, so abstract data is not recorded.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Main Plate ■ Bean Dan The present invention relates to a novel method for detecting leakage in container seals and an apparatus for carrying out this method. The invention particularly relates to detecting leakage in packages where a flexible closure material seals the container body and the resulting structure forms a flange-like structure in the sealed package.

Many leak detection machines have been proposed over the years. Some such machines utilize the method of injecting air into a leaking container.

U.S. Patent No. 4,326,408 issued to Kanoh
No. describes a method for detecting air leakage into a watch case. However, most such devices are used for packaging food and other items that are sealed within sterile packaging. Thus, U.S. Patent No. 2 granted to Foss.
, (11) No. 3,429, No. 3,751,972, issued to 1lass, and No. 1,974.027, issued to former CKS, set forth methods for testing cans. There is. Proximity sensors are known for use in detecting movement of container walls, as seen in US Pat. No. 4,188,819. More recently, U.S. Pat. No. 4.4(11),818 to Wyslotsky et al. A displacement sensor is used to detect the

The Wyslotsky device clearly relies on the use of unsealed areas of the packaging for effective containment of the test gas. Furthermore, it will be appreciated that the Wyslotsky test pressure exerts significant tension on the web of the package, thereby tending to pull the seal open. This somewhat limits the strength of the seals utilized with this device.

Therefore, an advantage of the present invention is to enable reliable, rapid and sensitive leak detection of packages having a sealed flange area formed from the lid and a flanged body portion of the container. It is to be.

A particular object of the invention is to maintain the container at atmospheric pressure while
Such tests may then be performed by applying pressurized test fluid only selectively to the exposed seal edges of the sealing flange.

Another object of the invention is to achieve a seal between atmospheric pressure and the test pressure by means of a mechanical pressure-retaining seal applied directly to the sealing flange itself, and yet to prevent this sealing from defects in the seal that must be checked. The objective is to perform this without interfering with the detection of

Another object of the invention is to provide a self-compensating mechanical seal for application to packaging seals during testing.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a test implementation method that adapts to the geometric properties of flexible packaging materials to ensure detection.

Other objects of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art after reading this disclosure.

The foregoing object provides the construction and use of a leak detection device having means for supporting a sealed flange of a package to be tested and a pressure chamber assembly adapted to be moved downwardly to form a pressure chamber. was substantially achieved. The pressure chamber is mechanically sealed to a sealing flange around the container. The outer edge of the sealing flange is isolated from atmospheric pressure and enclosed within a pressure chamber.

Another advantageous feature of the invention is to energize the gasket sealing means pressing against the sealed flange portion of the package, i.e. the portion of the package under test, so as to initially apply a light Applying sealing pressure. When a test pressure is applied, this light sealing pressure is automatically increased, for example by the gas pressure pressing against the seal during the test acting on the sealing means. This action maintains the differential pressure across the packaging seal at a suitably low level, thereby avoiding damage to the packaging seal and sealing off the leak to be detected.

It has been found that the mechanical sealing means is preferably neither too soft nor too hard for optimum performance. Shore A hardness values of about 20 degrees to 100 degrees are preferred. This allows the device to be used for a wide range of packaging and sealing applications without incurring any problems associated with excessive deformation of the gasket or excessive stiffness of the gasket when pressure is applied. Either factor, when combined with deficiencies in the quality of the web used to form the package, can create excessively high local pressures on the flange and damage the seal being tested.

The device of the invention can be configured in many relative configurations. A preferred relative arrangement is one in which the pressure chamber assembly surrounds the package and seals around a flange-shaped package seal surrounding the periphery of the package. In such a situation, the initial light sealing pressure exerted by the pressure chamber assembly (e.g., a few ounces of pressure per linear inch of seal) is caused to be applied by a thin resilient sheet forming the biasing means; is disposed in generally annular relation to the pressure chamber and cantilevered outwardly (when viewed in cross section) from a portion of the housing of said pressure chamber, such that the resilient sheet is exposed to the test pressure. It is particularly desirable that it be pushed towards the packaging seal. Thus, the sealing means to press against the packaging seal is pressed tighter due to the increased pressure acting on the elastic sheet. The mechanical seal thereby automatically adjusts to air pressure that may enter the packaging seal during testing, while simultaneously maintaining an effective seal of the pressure chamber assembly to the packaging.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, a proximity sensor is supported in the center of the seal assembly and serves to determine the position of the pressure-deflectable lid of the container.

This device typically uses O, OO5 to 0.0 of the lid of the package.
The sensitivity is such that 10 inches (0.127-0.254 mm) of travel causes deflection.

The example sensor shown below is an Ele sensor from Saratuta, Florida.
A linear proximity sensor available from ctro Corporations. It is the type that generates a magnetic field beneath the sensor. When a metal object, such as a flexible aluminum lid structure, enters this magnetic field, a vortex is induced that is detected by a sensor. The strength of the sensed signal is a measure of how close the metal retaining lid is to the sensor. Other sensor means can be used that are capable of sensing the initial position of the lid and the position of the lid occupied during the leak test. Among such proximity sensors are, for example, the common type of ultrasonic position sensing sensors available from Polaroid Corporation of Cambridge, Massachusetts. An ultrasonic detection sensor of the type that can hear leaks may be used as the detection means. Such sensors are sold by American Gas and Chemical Company Limited, North Pale, New Chassis. An ultrasonic detection device can be used in combination with the leak detection device of the present invention to listen for air escaping through the lid, thereby assuming the integrity of the container and lid structure in the form described above. The functionality and applications of the leak detection device of the present invention can be expanded.

In this application, preferred embodiments of the invention are described,
While various variations and modifications thereof are suggested, it is to be understood that these are not intended to be an exhaustive list and that other variations and modifications may be made within the scope of the invention. It is.

The proposals set forth herein are intended to be illustrative and to enable those skilled in the art to more fully understand the invention and its principles, and to be able to modify and embody it in various forms to best suit the conditions of a particular case. It has been selected and written for this purpose.

Preference-h 1. It will be appreciated that the apparatus of the invention has suitable support means for positioning the container to be tested relative to the leak detection means. Additionally, air can be admitted into and out of the system through the valves using electronic controls commonly used in the engineering field. These aspects of the device are not new per se and therefore will not be described in detail here. Such control systems can be used in many different variations, and one of these will be readily selected by an engineer familiar with the design of pneumatically and/or electronically actuated automatic test equipment. It can be used. Typically, such devices are packaged within a suitable external housing with the desired pneumatic and electronic controls for their operation.

1 and 2, leak detection apparatus 10 includes support means 12 for a container 14 positioned directly below a centrally located proximity sensor 16 within pressure chamber assembly 18. , it can be seen that the pressure chamber assembly 18 is positioned to seal the container flange 20 relative to the support means 12. The seal assembly is positioned by a conventional pneumatic or hydraulic prime mover. This prime mover is not shown as it is well known and readily provided by those skilled in the art. When such a seal is achieved, the pressure chamber 23 forms an annular area around the package or container;
The pressure exerted on the container is limited to the pressure exerted on the outer edge of the flange seal 20 formed by the aluminum foil lid 17 and the container body 19.

Pressure chamber assembly 18 includes an outer sealing block 22 as a housing and frame for its components. A sealing gasket 24 is carried within the block 22 and is adapted to seal the block 22 against the container support means 12 no matter what pressure is exerted on the seal by the prime mover. The assembly 18 further includes an inner sealing means, which seals the gas get support 2.
5 and a molded two-component polyurethane sealing gasket 27 having a Shore A hardness of approximately 80 degrees. The gasket 27 is attached to a gasket support 25, which has a thin, e.g.
It is attached to the outer sealing block 22 by an annular piece of beryllium copper metal 0.2 mm thick. This thin metal piece is the spring means 32 as described below. A screw 34 holds the annular spring 32 to the outer sealing block 22.

Inboard from the inner sealing block 25 is a sensor support ring 36 secured to the inner wall 38 of the sealing block 22 .

The ring 36 seals around and retains the centrally located proximity sensor 16 and includes spaced-apart conduits 52 that allow
It is ensured that the space 54 above the container 14 is at ambient pressure, which is maintained outside the pressure chamber. Atmospheric pressure is convenient in most environments.

Referring to FIG. 2, it can be seen that the enclosed space, in fact the pressure chamber 23, is formed by the sealing action of the sealing assembly 18 on the container 14 and the container support 12. Pressures above atmospheric pressure typically range from 20 to 80 bonds per square inch (1
, 4-5.6 kg/cII) is admitted into pressure chamber 23 through valve V in conduit 60, as described below.

When fluid is admitted, its pressure tends to force it through the defective portion of the container seal 70 formed between the aluminum closure member 17 and the plastic container body 19. This container seal 70 includes an adhesive adhesive seal,
or may be a heat seal or other sole intended to be substantially airtight. This test pressure compresses the annular spring 32 and therefore the inner sealing block 2 against the container flange 20, even if the pressure within the seal itself increases.
Helps maintain a sealing pressure of 5. Sufficient compensating pressure will penetrate into any seal defects so that such defects will not be sealed by the internal seal.

When the container is properly positioned as shown in FIG. 2 and a test pressure is applied to the lip of the seal, air will force its way through the defective portion of the seal and into the container 14, forcing the lid 17 upward and causing the proximity sensor 16 to close. increase the output signal of

During operation of the device, the container 14 is placed in a test position on the support 12. The sealing assembly 18 is then lowered into the sealing position shown in FIG. At this point, the inner sealing block 25 and its gasket 27 rest only lightly on the sealed flange portion 20 of the container. A test fluid, typically air or a gas such as nitrogen or helium, is used to raise chamber 23 to the test pressure. Once the test pressure is reached, the output of proximity sensor 16 is taken as an indication of the initial vertical position of 117. It is proposed to delay this first reading for a very short time, for example 0.05 to 0.3 seconds, so that the package can adapt its first test geometry to the test pressure. Actual test times will depend on the nature of the particular package. This time can be less than 1 second (but - for boat fishing it is about 2-3 seconds, and typically 1-60 seconds).

Continuous readings of the sensor output are obtained as a measure of the vertical position of the lid, ie, the vertical position that the lid occupies as a result of any gas flowing through the defective portion of the seal and into the container.

The height of the lid is used in determining whether the seal is defective. A “rejection signal,” such as a red light or buzzer, activated upon sensing a package that is rejected.
It is convenient to have t signal ).

In either case, the pressure chamber is depressurized, the sealing assembly is lifted, and the packaging is removed for the next cycle.

Other actuation schemes can also be used. For example, time can be used as a fixed test period, and if the sensor output does not indicate undesirable upward movement of the device during the predetermined period of time, then the seal is in place. I have given instructions.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating the sensor controls of a seal integrity tester constructed in accordance with the present invention.

Conventional pneumatic and electrical devices such as solenoid valves and air conduits are not shown in detail. This is because those skilled in the art can understand them after reading the description.

Place the packaging device 4 to be tested in position and use the test button to start the test cycle. Set timer 303 to maximum test time. At the same time, a reset signal is transmitted through conduit 306 to a bistable flip-flop circuit (bi-
stable flip-flop) 305. A visual indication of the proper state of the flip-flop circuit is sent to the green lamp via electrical conduit 308, 310. Also, via conduit 308.312, valve 3 (
11) to lower the sealing assembly 18 (as seen in FIGS. 1 and 2) to form a pressure chamber 23 around the seal to be tested.

Valve 313 is then opened to allow gas to enter the sealing assembly. A timer is started. Then 0
．． After a one second delay 316 (during which time a mechanical shift in the shape of the package occurs due to pressure and sealing stresses), the test period begins via conduit 318. When the 0.1 second delay ends, the sample-and-hold circuit
circuit) 317 enters the holding state via conduit 322. The signal to be maintained at this time is the signal coming from the sensor 16 indicating the vertical position of the metal lid of the package. Even if the signal on line 319 continues to fluctuate,
The level of the signal on conduit 319 exiting sensor 16 is maintained on conduit 324. conduit 32
The signal on 2 is also a read gate.
321. The read gate 321 is used to avoid setting the flip-flop circuit during pressure chamber closure, pressurization, and other times when testing is not being performed.

If the seal under test is leak-free, the signal level on conduit 319 remains the same as the signal level on line 324. Therefore, the output signal coming from comparator 323 via conduit 326 does not change and therefore does not issue a "set" command signal via conduit 329. The logic level signal on conduit 308 does not change and the green "OK" lamp 307 remains illuminated.

Timer 303 reaches zero time and conduit 331
The test is terminated by a signal sent to the sequence control circuit through. Alternatively, a stop button 328 may terminate the test. In any case,
Air valves 3 (11) and 313 operate simultaneously to depressurize the sealing assembly and open to lift it.

As mentioned above, if there is a leak in the seal under test, the distance between the lid and the sensor will be smaller due to the gas leaking into the packaging container. In such a case, as the lid is lifted, conduit 319
The signal level on conduit 319 and the signal level on conduit 324 are different because the voltage of the signal increases. Comparator 323 sends a signal based on this difference through conduit 326, thereby causing read gate 321
, and causes the bistable flip-flop circuit 305 to output a "set" logic instruction.

The resulting signal on conduit 308 extinguishes green lamp 307 and illuminates red lamp 340. The timer normally stops at this time. The pressure chamber is depressurized and lifted.

It is important that the gasket 27 be radially stable with respect to the device and packaging. Therefore, it is often recommended that the polyurethane gasket 27, which has a hardness of about 80 degrees Shore A, be reinforced with an internal support structure 40, as shown in FIG. The annular spring 32 is fixed to an aluminum support structure 40 and has a small overlap 4 with the support structure 40.
4. A V-shaped groove 46 is used to help hold gasket 27 in place.

The apparatus described herein is already configured to have a leak sensitivity of a leak rate of approximately 0.2 cubic centimeters per second.

In addition to the above-mentioned features of the invention, it is sometimes recommended to provide the calibration means with a device, as seen in FIG. One such calibration means may include a needle-like conduit 502 adapted to be inserted into the head space 504 of the container 514. A small calibrated leak device 516 (of the type commercially available) controls the flow of simulated leak gas being passed into the packaging container.

FIG. 6 schematically depicts another sealing assembly device according to the invention. A spring 602 is utilized to limit the initial pressure exerted on the flange 20.

However, as the pressure within pressure zone 623 increases, this pressure passes through spring cap 604 to spring 602.
As a result of the additional pressure exerted on Gaskent 6
27 tends to be pushed downward. However, the sealing pressure exerted on gasket 627 is independent of the mechanical sealing pressure exerted on gasket 24 via main annular sealing block 622 by the prime mover. 0 ring 6
30.632 provides gas sealing means between the pressure zone 623 and the atmosphere and between the atmosphere and the spring chamber 635. The O-ring is also sufficiently flexible and mobile so that differential pressure can be effective at the Gaskent 627.240 location.

It will be appreciated that the device may be used in a suction mode with a "pressure chamber" having a pressure below atmospheric pressure. In such cases, the deflection of the lid is downward, indicating a leak.

Additionally, aspiration systems may utilize chemical sensors to detect small amounts of material in the aspirated container and use this amount as a measure of the severity of the leak.

The scope of the claims is intended to include all of the genus and species features of the invention described above, and to include all statements of the scope of the invention that can be said to fall between the two. It should be understood that

[Brief explanation of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a plan view of the leak detection apparatus of the present invention taken along section 1--1 of FIG. 2, showing the relationship of the pressure chamber assembly to the container under test. Note, however, that with respect to section 1-1, no structure of the container appears in FIG. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional elevational view of the leak detection device of the present invention, showing the relative position of the packaging container under test with respect to the test sensor and sealing means. FIG. 3 is a circular diagram illustrating the use of proximity sensors in the method of the invention. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing the construction of a reinforced gas care seal useful in the present invention. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating a calibration mechanism useful in the present invention. FIG. 6 shows a dual-f seal of a modified example of the present invention.
orce 5eal). 10... Leak detection device, 12... Support means, 18.
... Pressure chamber assembly, 17... Lid, 27... First internal gasket means (sealing gasket), 24... Second external gasket means (sealing gasket), 20... Flange seal, 60. ... Conduit, 23 ... Pressure chamber, 32
... Urging means, 16 ... Proximity sensor, 14 ... Container, 22 ... Housing (outer sealing block part). 2-→ FIG, 2 FIG, 5 FIG, 6 Procedural amendment band 1, case description 1985 Patent Application No. 158765
No. 2, Title of the invention Leak test method for container seals and leak detection device used therefor 3 Relationship with the case of the person making the amendment Applicant name Bentos Incorporated 4, Agent 5, Date of amendment order Initiator 6 , Number of inventions increased by amendment 1 7, Subject of amendment Claims column 8 of the specification,
Contents of the Amendment As stated in the appendix, Claims (1) A method for testing the leakage of a flange seal of a container, the flange seal being formed from a flexible lid portion tightly fastened to a main body portion; The method comprises: (a) isolating an outer edge of said container seal within a pressure chamber formed from at least one sealing means;
As part of said isolation step, applying a mechanical sealing pressure directly to said flange by a first mechanical sealing means, (c1) applying said sealing pressure of said first mechanical sealing means acting on said flange to said sealing pressure within said pressure chamber; (dl) maintaining substantially constant the pressure acting on the second mechanical sealing means; (el) measuring deflection of said lid portion as a measure of leakage of said flange seal; (2) A pressure chamber assembly device for use in detecting side leakage from a defective seal on a package, the flange seal comprising:
The package is formed by at least one lateral bond between (1) a flexible lid portion of the package and (2) an outwardly projecting flange of the container portion of the package; a pressure chamber supported by means for holding said package by pressing on said pressure chamber and supported by means cooperating with said device to provide a sealing surface and complete the pressure chamber around the outer edge of said flange seal; an assembly apparatus comprising: (al) a housing over said lid; (bl) first internal gasket means depending from said housing and selectively pressing against and sealing the top of said flange seal; (c) said second outer gasket means spaced outwardly from said first inner gasket means depending from said housing, surrounding said inner gasket means and forming means sealing against said sealing surface; The first and second gasket means and the outer edge of the packaging seal are adapted to form a pressure chamber with the sealing surface, and within the pressure chamber the edge of the flange is isolated from atmospheric pressure. (e) said first gasket means surrounds and seals a deflection test area within said housing overlying a non-flange portion of said lid from said pressure chamber; fl Sensing means in the area for sensing deflection of the lid caused by fluid flowing from the pressure chamber through the flange seal and into the package. Three-dimensional device. (3) The first gasket means is attached to biasing means to limit the sealing pressure acting on the flange seal. (4) the biasing means is a thin sheet deflectable under pressure, the sheet being supported by the housing of the pressure chamber assembly and extending horizontally outwardly over the test area; forming a wall forming part of a pressure chamber, said wall supporting said first gasket means, said wall forming a wall forming part of said pressure chamber for determining the sealing pressure exerted by said first gasket means against said flange seal; responding to pressure;
The device according to claim (3), characterized in that: (5) The first gasket means has an angle of about 20 degrees to about 100 degrees.
4. A device according to claim 3, characterized in that it is made of a resilient material having a Shore A hardness of 100 degrees. (6) said biasing means is a thin resilient sheet extending outwardly from said pressure chamber assembly, said sheet forming part of a wall of said pressure chamber, said wall, when pressurized; Apparatus according to claim 3, characterized in that it forms means for approximately averaging any gas pressure within the defective seal. (7) The pressure chamber assembly is sealed against the flange portion around the entire circumference of the package. (6)
The equipment described in section. (8) The biasing means extends outwardly to bias the first gasket means around the entire circumference of the package. equipment. (9) The assembly is generally ring-shaped and supports in its central part - a proximity sensor forming a means for detecting the vertical position of the lid; The device according to claim (3). α0) A method for detecting leakage of a defective seal in a package having an edge seal, the edge seal being formed by a bond between overlapping edges of the walls of the package, one of the walls being one of the walls within the package. having a flexible part that changes shape when the volume changes;
In a leak detection method, the method includes: providing the package, applying a first pressure to the exposed outer edge of the edge of the wall, and applying a second pressure different from the first pressure to the flexible portion; A method for detecting leakage in a seal comprising: detecting deflection of the flexible wall in response to gas flow through a leakage portion of the edge seal between the overlapping edges. αD One of the walls of the packaging creates a container with an outwardly projecting flange, the other of the walls of the packaging creates a flexible lid of the packaging, and the lid is glued to the flange. 11. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that: The method of claim 00, wherein applying the first pressure comprises applying the first pressure across the flange. 01. The method of claim 00, wherein applying the pressure comprises engaging the overlapping edges of the wall between opposing members. α-li: Applying the pressure includes providing a chamber partially defined by the opposing members, and coupling the chamber to a pressure control mechanism for applying the first pressure. The method according to claim 1. 05) The method according to claim 14, characterized in that the pressure control mechanism is a pressurized gas source. 06) The method according to claim 1IS1, characterized in that the second pressure is atmospheric pressure. (+7) Applying said pressure includes separating said members facing each other, inserting said edge therebetween, bringing said facing members toward each other into engagement with said edge, and 3. A method as claimed in claim Ua, comprising: restricting the flow of air out of the chamber by. Oa contacting one of said heavily opposed members at its edge with one of said walls with a limited normal force to prevent occlusion of said leak by said heavily opposed member; Characterizing Claim No. 11
). A method according to claim 0, characterized in that the normal force is limited by a resilient support. Q... The method according to claim α9, characterized in that the elastic means comprises a spring. (21) The resilient support comprises a support wall member connected transversely to the direction of the normal force to one of the members facing the weight, the support wall member being connected to the chamber on one side thereof. , wherein the supporting wall member is exposed to a lower pressure on the other side and is biased in the direction of the normal force by the first pressure. The method described in (11). (22) The step of bringing the opposed members toward each other includes forming a seal between the members to create the chamber.
The method described in section. (23) An apparatus for detecting defective seal leakage of a package having an edge seal, the edge seal being formed by a bond between overlapping edges of the walls of the package, one of the walls being , a leak detection device having a flexible portion that changes shape as the volume within the package changes, the device applying a first pressure to an exposed outer edge of the edge of the wall; means for applying a second pressure to the portion that is different than the first pressure; and detecting deflection of the flexible wall in response to gas flow through a leak in the edge seal between the contoured edges. A leak detection device characterized by comprising: a deflection detector for detecting. (24) said means for applying pressure comprises mutually opposed members, said members being positioned between said members to engage said contoured edges; The apparatus according to claim (23). Claim characterized in that the mutually facing members partially form a chamber, and the means for applying pressure comprises a pressure control mechanism for creating a first pressure in the chamber. The device according to item (4) of the scope. (26) The apparatus according to claim (25), wherein the pressure control mechanism includes a pressurized gas source. (27) The device according to claim (26), wherein the second pressure is atmospheric pressure. (2) the mutually facing members are spaced apart from each other to allow insertion of the edge between the members; and
26. Apparatus according to claim 25, characterized in that they are mounted in close proximity to each other for engagement with said edges to restrict the flow of air from said chamber. (29) one of the mutually opposed members is mounted in contact with an edge of the wall with a limited normal force to prevent occlusion of the leak by the member; An apparatus according to claim (28). (30) The device includes a resilient support for one of the opposed members to provide the limited normal force.
The equipment described in section. (31) The device according to claim (30), wherein the elastic support body comprises a spring. (32) The resilient support comprises a support wall member connected to one of the mutually opposing members in a direction transverse to the direction of the normal force, the support wall member having the chamber on one side thereof. Claim 1, wherein the support wall member is partially formed, the support wall member being exposed to a lower pressure on the other side and biased in the direction of the normal force by the first pressure. The device according to item (30). (33) Claim 2, further comprising a gasket forming a seal to create the chamber when the mutually facing members are brought toward each other.
8) The device described in item 8).

Claims (1)

Claims: (1) of the type in which a flange seal is formed by at least one lateral bond between the flexible lid portion of the package and the outwardly projecting flange of the container portion of the package; A leak detection device for use in detecting lateral leakage of a defective sealed portion of a package, said device comprising: 1. support means for holding said package by abutting the bottom of said flange and providing a sealing surface; 2. A pressure chamber assembly adapted to form a pressure chamber around an outer edge of the flange seal, the pressure chamber assembly comprising: (a) a housing on the lid; and (b) the flange seal forming a pressure chamber around the outer edge of the flange seal. (c) a first internal gasket means depending from the housing so as to selectively abut the top of the flange seal when resting on the sealing surface of the housing; (c) an external gasket means depending from the housing; spaced apart from each other, and said first
(d) said first and second gasket means and an outer edge of said packaging seal; , said sealing surface forming a pressure chamber isolating said outer edge of said flange from atmospheric pressure; (f) enclosing an upper deflection test area and sealing the deflection test area from the pressure chamber; (f) said lid created by fluid flowing from said pressure chamber through said flange seal and into said package; 3. a pressure chamber assembly comprising: a sensing means for sensing a deflection of the pressure chamber assembly in the deflection test area; and 3. means for moving the pressure chamber assembly into and away from the sealed position. and 4. means for supplying test fluid to the pressure chamber. A leakage detection device comprising: (2) The first gasket means is attached to the biasing means so as to limit the sealing pressure acting on the flange seal.
Equipment described in Section. (3) The first gasket means has a Shore A hardness of about 2
Claim 2, characterized in that it is made of an elastic material having a hardness of from 0 degrees to about 100 degrees.
). (4) said biasing means is a thin resilient sheet extending outwardly from said pressure chamber assembly, said sheet forming part of a wall of said pressure chamber, said wall being , forming means for substantially averaging the gas pressure within the defective seal. (5) The pressure chamber assembly is sealed around the entire circumference of the package with respect to the flange portion, or No. (4th
). (6) The biasing means extends outwardly to bias the first gasket means around the entire circumference of the package. The device described. (7) The pressure chamber assembly is generally ring-shaped and supports in its central portion a proximity sensor forming means for detecting the vertical position of the lid. Apparatus according to scope (2). (8) the biasing means comprises a thin pressure deflectable sheet supported by the housing of the pressure chamber assembly and extending horizontally outwardly over the test area to form a wall-forming portion of the pressure chamber; and wherein said wall supports said first gasket means and said wall is responsive to pressure within said pressure chamber to determine a sealing pressure applied by said first gasket means to said flange seal. A device according to claim 2, characterized in that: (9) A method of testing for leakage of a flange seal of a container, wherein the flange seal is formed from a flexible lid portion secured to a body portion, comprising: (a) at least one seal; (b) as part of said isolation step, applying a mechanical sealing pressure directly to said flange by a first mechanical sealing means; (c) modifying the sealing pressure of the first mechanical sealing means acting on the flange in direct response to the pressure within the pressure chamber; (d) keeping the pressure acting on the second mechanical sealing substantially constant; (e) measuring the deflection of the lid portion as a criterion for leakage of the flange seal of a container. (10) A pressure chamber assembly device for use in detecting side leakage of a defective seal on a package, wherein the flange seal comprises (1) a flexible lid portion of the package and (2) a side leakage of the package. formed by at least one lateral bond between an outwardly projecting flange of the container part, said packaging being supported by means for retaining said packaging by pressing against the bottom of said flange, and a sealing surface. a pressure chamber assembly device provided with and supported by means cooperating with said device to complete a pressure chamber around an outer edge of said flange seal, comprising: (a) a housing on said lid; (b) (c) first internal gasket means depending from the housing and selectively pressing against and sealing the top of the flange seal; (c) spaced outwardly from the first internal gasket means depending from the housing; (d) a second outer gasket means being separated and surrounding the inner gasket means and forming a sealing means against the sealing surface; (d) an outer edge of the first and second gasket means and the packaging seal; (e) said first gasket means is adapted to form a pressure chamber with said sealing surface, said edge of said flange being isolated from atmospheric pressure within said pressure chamber; (f) from the pressure chamber through the flange seal and into the package; a sensing means in said region for sensing a deflection of said lid caused by inflowing fluid. (11) The first gasket means is attached to a biasing means to limit the sealing pressure acting on the flange seal.
). (12) the biasing means is a pressure-deflectable thin sheet, the sheet being supported by the housing of the pressure chamber assembly and extending horizontally outwardly over the test area; forming a wall-forming portion, the wall forming a wall-forming portion;
Claim 1, further comprising: supporting gasket means, said wall being responsive to pressure within said pressure chamber to determine a sealing pressure exerted by said first gasket means against said flange seal; The device according to item 11). (13) The first gasket means is about 20 degrees to about 10 degrees
12. Device according to claim 11, characterized in that it is made of a resilient material having a Shore A hardness of 0 degrees. (14) said biasing means is a thin resilient sheet extending outwardly from said pressure chamber assembly, said sheet forming part of a wall of said pressure chamber, said wall, when pressurized; Claim (11) characterized in that it forms means for approximately averaging any gas pressure within said defective seal.
Equipment described in Section. (15) The pressure chamber assembly is sealed against the flange portion around the entire circumference of the package. The device according to item (14). (16) The biasing means extends outwardly to bias the first gasket means around the entire circumference of the package. equipment. (17) The assembly is generally ring-shaped and supports in its central part a proximity sensor forming means for detecting the vertical position of the lid. The device according to item (11).