Patent ID: 6050134
Filing Date: 2000-04-18
Classification: G01M

Abstract:
A leak detecting system for detecting the presence of an unwanted aperture in a container that has a desired opening, comprising:a conveyor for moving the container, the conveyor comprising a belt for supporting the container;a sensor mounting block comprising a first bottom portion that is disposed at a height above the container, such that when the conveyor moves the container beneath the sensor mounting block a seal is created between the first bottom portion and the desired opening of the container;a vacuum pump for pulling a fluid from an area peripheral to and around the exterior of the container when the conveyor moves the container beneath the sensor mounting block; anda vacuum switch, coupled to the sensor mounting block, that is placed in fluid communication with an interior of the container through the desired opening in the container, as the container passes beneath the first bottom portion, the vacuum switch detecting a pressure decrease within the container if the vacuum pump pulls fluid through said unwanted aperture, thereby determining if the container has the unwanted aperture by determining the pressure decrease in the container.