Patent ID: 7654131
Filing Date: 2010-02-02
Classification: G01F

Abstract:
1. An instrument for accurately measuring mass flow rate of a fluid pumped from a hermetically sealed container, through attainment of a steady state mass flow rate for purposes of detecting any leaks through the container, comprising: (a) a connection device defining a lumen, the connection device configured and arranged to sealingly engaging a hermetically sealed container so as to place the lumen defined by the connection device in fluid communication with a retention chamber defined by such a container, (b) a vacuum pump in sealed fluid communication with the lumen defined by the connection device effective for continuously pumping gaseous content from a hermetically sealed container through the lumen until a steady state mass flow rate is attained, (c) a mass flow rate sensor in sealed fluid communication with the lumen defined by the connection device for sensing mass flow rates pulled through the lumen until at least a steady state mass flow rate is attained, and (d) a check valve in sealed fluid communication with the lumen defined by the connection device and positioned intermediate the vacuum pump and the mass flow rate sensor for inhibiting the sensing of negative flow spikes by the mass flow rate sensor.