The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
May. 15, 1990
Filed:
Apr. 17, 1989
Donald C Gates, Troy, MI (US);
Expertek, Inc., Detroit, MI (US);
Abstract
A method and apparatus is disclosed for leak testing a fluid containing chamber wherein the chamber is pressurized with a gas and is submerged in liquid. The bubbles of gas rising from the submerged chamber are directed past a plurality of predetermined locations which are each in communication with a photoelectric detector. The electrical signals from the photoelectric detectors are counted and when the number of bubbles exceeds a predetermined number, a fault signal is activated indicating a leaking container. By grouping a number of adjacent photocells into a predetermined set, the apparatus can discriminate between random bubbles rising from the chamber as it is submerged, and a number of bubbles all originating from a given location. The photoelectric detectors may be positioned in the liquid adjacent the predetermined locations or positioned out of the liquid and coupled to the predetermined locations by fiber optic cables.