Abstract:
An inflatable, balloon-type catheter apparatus which is conformable to fit most all intake and exhaust systems to delivery pressure (with or without smoke) to test the fluid integrity of the fluid system. The device is configured to be inserted into the canal of the intake or exhaust system and inflated to seal off the fluid system. The pressurized smoke is passed through the inflated inlet adapter to test for leaks.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/706,690, filed Sep. 27, 2012, the contents of which are expressly incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     STATEMENT RE: FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH/DEVELOPMENT 
       [0002]    Not Applicable 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    1. Technical Field 
         [0004]    The present disclosure generally relates to an inlet adapter for use with a fluid testing device, and more specifically, to an inflatable universal inlet adapter configured to form a fluid tight seal with the fluid system under test when the inlet adapter is inflated. 
         [0005]    2. Related Art 
         [0006]    There are many useful systems which contain and/or operate using a fluid (gas, liquid or combination of both). For example, automobiles have several systems which contain and utilize a fluid in their operation including the fuel system, the exhaust system, the heating, cooling and ventilation (HVAC) system, and the hydraulic power steering and brake systems, to name a few. Moreover, numerous industrial machines, household HVAC systems, and other devices utilize a fluid to operate. Such fluids include, for example, gases such as air or evaporated system liquid, fuel, hydraulic fluids, manufactured gases and liquids, and many other fluids. 
         [0007]    In almost all circumstances, it is important, and in many cases crucial, that these fluid systems be properly sealed to prevent leakage of the system fluid. As an example, in an automobile fuel system, the gas tank and gas lines must be thoroughly sealed to prevent gasoline fumes from polluting the air and also to prevent leaking fuel from creating a fire hazard, not to mention the obvious benefit of conserving gasoline. In HVAC systems, it is important to seal the ducting which transports the conditioned air in order to maintain the efficiency of the systems. Air leaks tend to do nothing but heat or cool an attic, wall interior or other undesired space. 
         [0008]    In many cases, leaks in fluid systems are very difficult to detect and/or locate because the leak is small or in a location not easily accessible. Accordingly, a variety of methods and devices have been devised to detect leaks in fluid systems. The most common leak detectors utilize a visual indicator to locate a leak so that the leak may be repaired. Some of the visual indicators include liquid dyes. The visual indicator is dispensed into the fluid system and leaks are detected by locating places on the system where the visual indicator has escaped the system. For instance, a liquid dye will leave a trace of dye at the leak and smoke will billow out through the leak. Liquid dyes tend to be most useful for detecting leaks in fluid systems which utilize a liquid and are not so useful for gas systems or systems which must seal vapors created by the system fluid. Nevertheless, liquid leaks are typically easier to detect than gas and vapor leaks because the liquid itself is usually visible. 
         [0009]    Vaporized dyes and smoke are generally most useful for detecting leaks in gas systems and systems which have vapors. In some cases, vaporized dye may be added to the smoke such that a trace of dye is left at the leak as the smoke flows through the leak. In general, devices for producing smoke for leak detection comprise a sealed chamber in which smoke is generated by vaporizing a smoke-producing fluid using a heating element. The smoke within the sealed chamber is forced out of the chamber through an outlet port by air pressure from a source of compressed air pumped into the sealed chamber. 
         [0010]    Critical to most any fluid detection system is an inlet adapter which is able to contain the test fluid/vapor at the inlet end. Historically, intake systems and exhaust systems could be effectively tested using EVAP smoke machines that produce smoke at relatively small pressures. Because of the low pressure, smoke could be inserted into the intake/exhaust system via an adapter cone inserted by hand. Leaks in naturally aspirated engines were routinely detected via this method very effectively. 
         [0011]    However, boosted engines (with turbochargers or supercharges) have leaks that are typically present under load where the boost can be 10 PSI to 15 PSI, or in some cases over 20 PSI. These types of tiny leaks only make themselves known at high pressures (e.g., 10-20 PSI or higher). 
         [0012]    In view of these high pressure requirements, high pressure diagnostic leak detectors have been developed which produce smoke at elevated pressures for testing the fluid integrity of the fluid system. Inlet adapters are typically used with these high pressure diagnostic leak detectors; however, the inlet adapters are typically customized for use with a fluid system having conduits which are of a specific size and configuration. 
         [0013]    Accordingly, there is a need in the art for a universal inlet adapter configured to deliver pressurized smoke into most all fluid systems. The present invention addresses this need, as will be discussed in more detail below. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY 
       [0014]    According to an aspect of the invention, there is provided a balloon-type catheter apparatus which is conformable to fit most all intake and exhaust systems to deliver pressure (with or without smoke) to test the fluid integrity of the fluid system. The device is configured to be inserted into the canal of the intake or exhaust system and inflated to seal off the fluid system. The pressurized smoke is passed through the inflated inlet adapter to test for leaks. 
         [0015]    One embodiment of the present invention includes a universal inlet adapter for a leak detection device using a pressurized detection media for detecting a leak in a fluid system having a fluid duct. The universal inlet adapter comprises an inflatable bladder selectively transitional between an inflated configuration and a deflated configuration. The inflatable bladder is configured to be engagable with the fluid duct to form a fluid tight seal therebetween as the inflatable bladder transitions from the deflated configuration to the inflated configuration. The universal inlet adapter further includes a test fluid delivery tube extending through the inflatable bladder such that the inflatable bladder is disposed radially outward from the test fluid delivery tube. The test fluid delivery tube is fluidly connectable with the leak detection device for delivering the pressurized detection media into the fluid duct for testing. 
         [0016]    The inflatable bladder may define an internal bladder reservoir, and the test fluid delivery tube may traverse through the internal bladder reservoir. The inflatable bladder may be conformable to the shape of the fluid duct as the inflatable bladder transitions from the deflated configuration to the inflated configuration. The inflatable bladder may define a tubular configuration. 
         [0017]    The test fluid delivery tube may be co-axially aligned with the bladder. The test fluid delivery tube is an elongate rigid tube. The test fluid delivery tube may define an internal passageway fluidly isolated from the internal bladder reservoir. 
         [0018]    The universal inlet adapter may additionally include an inflation conduit fluidly connected to the inflatable bladder and fluidly connectable to a pressurized fluid source for selectively transitioning the inflatable bladder from the deflated configuration to the inflated configuration. A hand pump may be fluidly coupled or connectable to the inflation conduit for delivering fluid into the inflatable bladder for causing the inflatable bladder to transition from the deflated configuration to the inflated configuration. 
         [0019]    The universal inlet adapter may additionally include a pair of rigid end caps connected to the inflatable bladder at opposed end portions of the inflatable bladder. A pair of locking rings may cooperate with respective ones of the pair of rigid end caps to secure the bladder therebetween. The pair of rigid end caps may include a first rigid end cap and a second rigid end cap, wherein the first rigid end cap is connected to the test fluid delivery tube and the inflation conduit, and the second rigid end cap is connected to the test fluid delivery tube. The pair of rigid end caps and the test fluid delivery tube may be threadedly engageable. 
         [0020]    According to another embodiment, there is provided a method of testing the fluid integrity of a fluid system having a fluid duct. The method includes providing a leak detection device including an inflatable bladder selectively transitional between an inflated configuration and a deflated configuration, wherein the inflatable bladder is configured to be engagable with the fluid duct to form a fluid tight seal therebetween as the inflatable bladder transitions from the deflated configuration to the inflated configuration, and a test fluid delivery tube extending through the inflatable bladder such that the inflatable bladder is disposed radially outward from the test fluid delivery tube. The method additionally includes inserting the leak detection device into the fluid duct and inflating the inflatable bladder to create a fluid tight seal between the inflatable bladder and the fluid duct. The method further includes directing a test media into the fluid system via the test fluid delivery tube. 
         [0021]    The inserting step may include inserting the leak detection device into the fluid duct such that a majority of the bladder is inserted into the fluid duct. 
         [0022]    The inflating step may include using a hand pump to inflate the inflatable bladder. The inflating step may include inflating the bladder to a pressure greater than the pressure of the test media. The inflating step and the directing steps may result in the creation of a pressure differential within the fluid duct on opposed sides of the bladder. 
         [0023]    The method may additionally include the step of fluidly connecting the test fluid delivery tube to the test media. The method may further comprise the steps of deflating the bladder from the inflated position to the deflated position to break the fluid-tight seal between the bladder, and removing the leak detection device from the fluid duct. 
         [0024]    The presently contemplated embodiments will be best understood by reference to the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0025]    These and other features and advantages of the various embodiments disclosed herein will be better understood with respect to the following description and drawings, in which: 
           [0026]      FIG. 1  is an upper perspective view of a universal inlet adapter configured for use with a pressurized test media for testing the fluid integrity of a fluid system; 
           [0027]      FIG. 2  is a side sectional view of the universal inlet adapter in a deflated configuration and inserted within a fluid duct of the fluid system; and 
           [0028]      FIG. 3  is a side sectional view of the universal inlet adapter depicted in  FIG. 2 , with the universal inlet adapter depicted in the inflated configuration. 
       
    
    
       [0029]    Common reference numerals are used throughout the drawings and the detailed description to indicate the same elements. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0030]    The detailed description set forth below in connection with the appended drawings is intended as a description of the presently preferred embodiments of the invention, and is not intended to represent the only form in which the present devices may be developed or utilized. It is to be understood, however, that the same or equivalent functions may be accomplished by different embodiments that are also intended to be encompassed within the spirit and scope of the invention. It is further understood that the use of relational terms such as first, second, and the like are used solely to distinguish one from another entity without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order between such entities. 
         [0031]    Referring now to the drawings, wherein the showings are for purposes of illustrating a preferred embodiment of the present invention only, and are not for purposes of limiting the same, there is depicted a universal and inflatable inlet adapter  10  for use with a fluid leak detector. The inlet adapter  10  is configured to assume a deflated configuration to define a small profile to facilitate insertion of the inlet adapter  10  into a fluid system  12  for testing. Once inserted, the inlet adapter  10  is selectively transitional from the deflated configuration to an inflated configuration, wherein the inlet adapter  10  expands so as to create a fluid-tight seal between the inlet adapter  10  and the fluid system  12 . The inlet adapter  10  is further configured to deliver test media  14  (e.g., smoke) into the fluid system  12  for identifying potential leaks within the system  12 . 
         [0032]    The inflatable inlet adapter  10  is configured to be conformable to the unique size and configuration of a fluid duct  16  (e.g., intake or exhaust) of the fluid system  12  being tested. In this regard, the degree to which the inlet adapter  10  is inflated typically depends directly on the size of the opening  18  defined by the fluid duct  16 . The inlet adapter  10  will generally be inflated to a lesser degree for smaller fluid ducts  16 , and to a greater degree for larger fluid ducts  16 . Furthermore, the inflatable portion of the inlet adapter  10  will generally conform to the specific shape of the duct opening  18  to create a strong, fluid-tight seal between the fluid duct  18  and the inlet adapter  10 . 
         [0033]    The inlet adapter  10  includes an inflatable bladder  20  selectively transitional between the inflated configuration and the deflated configuration. The inflatable bladder  20  defines an internal bladder reservoir  22  which expands as the bladder  20  transitions from the deflated configuration toward the inflated configuration. The inflatable bladder  20  is preferably formed from an expandable, resilient and durable material capable of being inserted within fluid systems for testing. Along these lines, the material used to form the bladder  20  should have a sufficient thickness which provides strength and durability to the bladder  20  so as to mitigate inadvertent rupturing of the bladder  20 , while at the same time allowing the bladder  20  to be flexible enough so as to generally conform to the unique shape of the fluid duct  16  as the bladder  20  transitions to the inflated configuration. 
         [0034]    The exemplary bladder  20  depicted in the Figures is formed from a generally cylindrical sleeve having an opening extending through the sleeve. The bladder  20  preferably engages with a pair of rigid end caps  32 ,  34  at opposed ends of the bladder  20 , as will be described in more detail below. 
         [0035]    The universal inlet adapter  10  further includes a test fluid delivery tube  24  extending through the inflatable bladder  20  for delivering the pressurized detection media  14  (e.g., smoke) into the fluid duct  16  for testing. The test fluid delivery tube  24  includes a first end portion  26  connectable to the leak detection device to receive a pressurized testing media  14  therefrom, and an opposing second end portion  28  configured to deliver the pressurized test media  14  into the fluid duct  16  for testing. The test fluid delivery tube  24  defines an internal passageway fluidly  30  isolated from the internal bladder reservoir  22  and extending between the first and second end portions  26 ,  28 . 
         [0036]    According to one embodiment the test fluid delivery tube  24  is an elongate rigid tube extending through the bladder reservoir  24 , and co-axially aligned with the bladder  20  such that the inflatable bladder  20  is disposed radially outward from the test fluid delivery tube  24 . The test fluid delivery tube  24  may include a nipple or fluid connector  25  disposed adjacent the first end portion  26  and being fluidly connectable with the testing device for receiving the testing media  14  therefrom. 
         [0037]    The universal inlet adapter  10  may additionally include a pair of rigid end caps  32 ,  34  connected to the inflatable bladder  20  at opposed end portions of the inflatable bladder  20 . A first rigid end cap  32  is connected to the test fluid delivery tube  24  adjacent the first end portion  26  thereof and a second rigid end cap  34  is connected to the test fluid delivery tube  24  adjacent the second end portion  28  thereof. The end caps  32 ,  34  include respective insertion portions  31 ,  33  insertable into the bladder opening at respective ends of the bladder  20 . Flange portions  35 ,  37  extend radially outward from respective insertion portions  31 ,  33  and preferably define a perimeter or diameter that is larger than the perimeter/diameter of the bladder  20  at the end portions. 
         [0038]    In the exemplary embodiment, the test fluid delivery tube  24  is externally threaded at the first and second end portions  26 ,  28 , while the first and second end caps  32 ,  34  include apertures which are internally threaded. The external threads on the test fluid delivery tube  24  engage with the internal threads formed on the rigid end caps  32 ,  34  to connect the end caps  32 ,  34  to the test fluid delivery tube  24 . The threaded engagement between the test fluid delivery tube  24  and the rigid end caps  32 ,  34  preferably forms a fluid-tight seal between the test fluid delivery tube  24  and the rigid end caps  32 ,  24  to allow the bladder  20  to be inflated without fluid leaking through the interface between the delivery tube  24  and the end caps  32 ,  34 . It is contemplated that a sealant may be used to strengthen the fluid-tight engagement between the delivery tube  24  and the end caps  32 ,  34 . 
         [0039]    A pair of locking rings  36 ,  38  may be used to connect the inflatable bladder  20  to the end caps  32 ,  34 . Each locking ring  36 ,  38  cooperates with one of the pair of rigid end caps  32 ,  34  to secure the inflatable bladder  20  between the locking rings  32 ,  34  and the end caps  36 ,  38 . The locking rings  36 ,  38  fit over respective insertion portions  31 ,  33  of the end caps  32 ,  34  and may be positioned adjacent to or in abutting relation with the respective flange portion  35 ,  37  of the end caps  32 ,  34 . The locking rings  36 ,  38  may define an outer diameter that is flush with the outer diameter of the corresponding flange portion  35 ,  37 . Furthermore, the locking rings  36 ,  38  may include smooth inner diameters which force contact at the tips of the barbs formed on the outer diameter of insertion portions  31 ,  33  to create an air tight seal. As the bladder  20  inflates, the expanding bladder  20  forces and holds the rings  36 ,  38  in place 
         [0040]    The engagement of the end caps  32 ,  34  to the delivery tube  24  preferably fixes the axial length of the inlet adapter  10 , such that when the bladder  20  is inflated, the bladder  20  expands radially outward, rather than expanding in an axial dimension. 
         [0041]    The universal inlet adapter  10  may additionally include an inflation conduit  40  fluidly connected to the inflatable bladder  20  and fluidly connectable to a pressurized fluid source for selectively transitioning the inflatable bladder  20  from the deflated configuration to the inflated configuration. The inflation conduit  40  extends through the first end cap  32  to deliver pressurized fluid from the fluid source into the bladder  20 . 
         [0042]    A hand pump  42  may be fluidly coupled or connectable to the inflation conduit  40  for inflating the bladder  20 . In the exemplary embodiment, the hand pump  42  includes a pumping mechanism  44  and a pump conduit  46  for delivering pressurized fluid (e.g., air) into the bladder reservoir  22 . The hand pump  42  may also include a release valve  45  for releasing fluid from the bladder  20  during deflation thereof. Although the exemplary embodiment includes a hand pump  42  for inflating the bladder  20 , those skilled in the art will appreciate that an electrical pump may also be used for inflating the bladder  20 . 
         [0043]    Although the exemplary embodiment includes rigid end caps  32 ,  34 , it is contemplated that other embodiments of the inlet adapter  10  may not include rigid end caps  32 ,  34 . In this regard, the bladder  20  may be coupled directly to the delivery tube  24 , and may include an inflation port integrated into the bladder  20  for inflation. Furthermore, it is also contemplated that other embodiments may include a hybrid design wherein a single rigid end cap is used at one end of the bladder  20 , while the opposing end of the bladder  20  is formed without an end cap. 
         [0044]    With the basic structural features of the inlet adapter  10  described above, the following discussion focuses on use of the inlet adapter  10  for testing the fluid integrity of the fluid system  12 . With the bladder  20  in the deflated configuration, the inlet adapter  10  is inserted into the duct opening  18  such that a majority of the bladder  20  is inserted into the fluid duct  16 . In this regard, a sufficient amount of the bladder  20  is inserted into the duct  16  so as to allow the bladder  20  to create a fluid tight seal between the bladder  20  and the inner surface  48  of the duct  16 . 
         [0045]    The inflatable bladder  20  is then inflated to create a fluid tight seal between the inflatable bladder  20  and the inner surface  48  of the fluid duct  16 . As can be seen in  FIG. 3 , when the inflatable bladder  20  is inflated and begins to interface with the inner surface  48  of the fluid duct  16 , the bladder  20  begins to conform to, or assume the shape of the inner surface  48  of the bladder  20 . In particular, the pressure within the bladder  20  shown in  FIG. 3  has caused the bladder  20  to engage with the inner surface  48  and to define a flattened region  50  that has assumed the shape of the inner surface  48 . 
         [0046]    As noted above, inflation of the bladder  20  may be achieved through the use of a hand pump  42 , or an electrical pump, or via other inflation means known by those skilled in the art. Preferably, the bladder  20  is inflated to an internal pressure which is greater than the testing pressure so as to anchor the bladder  20  firmly within the fluid duct  16  during testing. 
         [0047]    The method further includes directing the pressurized test media  14  into the fluid system  12  via the test fluid delivery tube  24 . The pressurized test media  14  may be directed into the fluid system  12  by connecting the test fluid delivery tube  24  to testing device. 
         [0048]    When the bladder  20  is inflated and the pressurized media  14  is directed into the fluid system  12 , a pressure differential may be created within the fluid duct  16  on opposed sides of the bladder  20 . In particular, the pressure within the fluid duct  16  on the downstream side of the bladder  20  (e.g., the side to which the pressurized media  14  is emitted) is greater than the pressure within the fluid duct  16  on the opposed side of the bladder  20 . The fluid-tight seal between the bladder  20  and the duct  16  allows the creation of the pressure differential for conducting the fluid integrity testing. 
         [0049]    It is contemplated that the fluid integrity testing may be conducted at various pressures, preferably in the range of 0.5-20 PSI, although those skilled in the art will recognize that tests performed at pressures outside of exemplary pressure range may also be conducted without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Elevated testing pressures (i.e., 10-20 PSI) are preferable for boosted engines (with turbochargers or superchargers), wherein the leaks may only be detectable at such high pressures. 
         [0050]    Once the testing is complete, the bladder  20  may be transitioned from the inflated position to the deflated position to break the fluid-tight seal between the bladder  20  and the fluid duct  16 , and to facilitate removal of the inlet adapter  10  from the fluid duct  16 . 
         [0051]    The particulars shown herein are by way of example and for purposes of illustrative discussion of the embodiments of the present invention only and are presented in the cause of providing what is believed to be the most useful and readily understood description of the principles and conceptual aspects. In this regard, no attempt is made to show more details than is necessary for a fundamental understanding of the disclosure, the description taken with the drawings making apparent to those skilled in the art how the several forms of the presently disclosed invention may be embodied in practice.