Patent ID: 6634216
Filing Date: 2003-10-21
Classification: G01M,G01N

Abstract:
A method for inspecting, for any pinhole, a hermetically sealed package 3 which contents 1 selected from the group consisting of electrically conductive fluid or powder or food are covered by and are in contact with an electrically insulating film 2, the method comprising the ordered steps of: putting a single first electrode 4 connected to a voltage output terminal of a high voltage power supply 6 into contact with said electrically insulating film 2 of a side face portion 31 of the hermetically sealed package 3; electrifying the contents 1 in the hermetically sealed package 3 using said single first electrode 4 then placing a second electrode 5 into close contact with or opposed proximity to an inspection-object portion 3a of the hermetically sealed package 3; then grounding said second electrode 5; and detecting a discharge current from the inspection-object portion 3a to thereby detect any pinhole of the hermetically sealed package 3 when said second electrode 5 is grounded.