Mechanism for leak testing of hermetically sealed vessels

Abstract

A self-contained device for selectively discharging a pressurized gas within a hermetically sealed vessel to which it has been sealed, to enable a leak testing of the vessel. A linear actuator is functioned to open a small, high pressure cylinder that has been charged with a detector gas. The mechanism is preferably mounted to the interior of a lid which is then sealed onto the vessel which is to be tested. Proper functioning of the device may be confirmed electrically, since circuit continuity between an electrical contact pin and at least one additional portion on the exterior surface of the vessel will be permanently broken after proper functioning.