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:
Dec. 21, 1999
Filed:
Sep. 18, 1998
Robert B Danielson, Mahtomedi, MN (US);
Stanlee W Meisinger, Golden Valley, MN (US);
Fastest, Inc., St. Paul, MN (US);
Abstract
The invention provides an improved bubble leak tester, and associated method for performing a leak test and operating the leak tester, to test for leaks in a test part. The apparatus and methods of the invention allow for simple, inexpensive, quick and accurate testing of the test part, provides a visual indication of a leak, and eliminates the part damage and clean-up associated with conventional water immersion tests. Further, the apparatus and methods in accordance with the invention control liquid backflow, so that contamination and damage to the device is reduced. In one embodiment in accordance with the invention, a leak tester is provided that is connectable to a reference volume and a test volume for determining the presence of a leak in the test volume. The leak tester comprises a reference port for connection to the reference volume, a test port for connection to the test volume, a bubble chamber connected between the reference port and the test port, and apparatus for selectively controlling flow between the reference port and the bubble chamber and between the test port and the bubble chamber.