Patent ID: 6362488
Filing Date: 2002-03-26
Classification: G01J,G01N

Abstract:
In a method of detecting leaks from a sealed system including the steps of illuminating fluorescing fluid material which fluoresces when illuminated by ultraviolet light and viewing visible light emitted in response to illumination thereby by ultraviolet light in order to detect the presence of said fluorescing material at a potential leak site of said sealed system into which said fluorescing fluid material has been introduced, the improvement comprising the steps of:generating an intense beam of ultraviolet light of wavelengths causing said material to fluoresce, including the step of energizing a high wattage ultraviolet lamp of a substantially higher wattage than a conventional flashlight to cause said ultraviolet emitting lamp to emit an intense beam of ultraviolet emitting light; transmitting ultraviolet light from said lamp through a dichroic filter mounted in a housing supporting said ultraviolet emitting lamp, light of an approximate wavelength range of 340 to 380 nm while reflecting back visible light of wavelengths longer than said UV range and also UV light below said UV range, said dichroic filter also transmitting infrared light; directing said intense ultraviolet beam at said site of possible leakage of fluid material.