Container leak detection apparatus and method
First Claim
1. A portable apparatus for the pneumatic testing of blow-molded containers having a top opening, the containers being continuously transported on a conveyor, the apparatus comprising:
- an encoder for monitoring the speed of the conveyor;
a sensor for sensing each of the containers in or near a position to be tested;
a probe assembly that sealingly applies pneumatic pressure to each container;
a slide for positioning the probe assembly where it can perform the pneumatic testing on each passing container; and
wherein the encoder, the sensor, the probe assembly, and the slide are controlled by a control system; and
wherein the apparatus only makes contact with a top surface of each of the containers during testing.
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Accused Products
Abstract
An apparatus and method for testing a container as to leakage and defects. The apparatus is especially useful for testing plastic bottles because it does not contact one or more of the bottle sides during testing. A frame with the test components may be adjusted so that the apparatus will fit many different conveyor configurations and container sizes. A container is moved along by a conveyor, where it is sensed by a photo-eye to initiate testing. The test probe makes contact with the container opening, and travels with the container during testing. The test probe introduces air into the container and detects the maximum pressure and pressure decay. If the pressures are not within an acceptable range, the container is ejected from the conveyor.
47 Citations
17 Claims
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1. A portable apparatus for the pneumatic testing of blow-molded containers having a top opening, the containers being continuously transported on a conveyor, the apparatus comprising:
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an encoder for monitoring the speed of the conveyor;
a sensor for sensing each of the containers in or near a position to be tested;
a probe assembly that sealingly applies pneumatic pressure to each container;
a slide for positioning the probe assembly where it can perform the pneumatic testing on each passing container; and
wherein the encoder, the sensor, the probe assembly, and the slide are controlled by a control system; and
wherein the apparatus only makes contact with a top surface of each of the containers during testing. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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15. A method of using an apparatus used for testing blow-molded containers for defects comprising the following steps:
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providing an apparatus for testing the containers, the apparatus comprising;
an encoder for monitoring the speed of the conveyor;
a sensor for indicating each of the containers is in a position to be tested;
a probe assembly that applies pneumatic pressure to each container;
a slide for moving the probe assembly to a position where it can perform the pneumatic testing on each passing container; and
a motor that receives input from the encoder so the motor can drive the linear-slide and probe assembly at a speed that allows each passing container to be pneumatically tested;
activating the encoder to sense the speed of the conveyor;
aligning the sensor so that it can sense when a bottle is presented for testing;
aligning the probe assembly so that it can apply pneumatic pressure to the container;
setting the slide to match the conveyor speed. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17)
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Specification