US3584500A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Fluid leakage test method and system
Assignee: Motors Liquidation Co
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Filing: 1969-07-31
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Granted: 1971-06-15
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Expires: 1989-07-31
Abstract
Abstract An automatic electrically controlled fluid plumbing test system including separate pneumatic and hydraulic fluid circuits and having application, in one form, to vehicle brake systems. The pneumatic fluid circuit contains solenoid valves that are cycled to selectively actuate a hydraulic fluid pressure-intensifying unit. The hydraulic fluid circuit also contains solenoidcontrolled valves and initially supplies the fluid plumbing system with fluid at a line pressure of 20 to 200 p.s.i. completely filling the system. The pneumatic circuit supplies a first air pressure sufficient to actuate the intensifier and develop a relatively high fluid pressure P1 in the system under test, this pressure being approximately 2000 p.s.i. in a vehicle brake system. This pressure is held in the system under test for a time period sufficient to expand the fluid plumbing and test for mechanical defects. The pneumatic system then automatically cycles and supplies a second air pressure to the intensifier whereby a somewhat lower fluid pressure P2 is developed, this pressure being approximately 1600 p.s.i. in a vehicle brake system. The P2 fluid is held in the plumbing system for a time period sufficient to stabilize the plumbing and temporarily arrest all creep and expansion inherent in the lines. This pressure on the fluid is then automatically held in the portion of the plumbing being tested for a predetermined time period and any leakage occurring is registered on a leak meter. If the fluid-plumbing system is acceptable and meets a predetermined standard, electrical control circuitry automatically energizes apparatus for stamping or punching a card indicating approval. In the event a leak occurs; there is excessive air in the system; or in the case of a test concerning a vehicle brake system, the brake warning switch is defective; the cycle is automatically terminated. Upon completion of the test the control circuitry automatically reconditions the test apparatus for use on a subsequent fluid-plumbing system.
Inventors
- 👤 Ward F Diehl
- 👤 Robert E Heintz
- 👤 Marshall S Swisher
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-24 14:45
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01M; G01M3/00; G01M3/02; G01M3/26; B; B60; B60T; B60T17/00; B60T17/18; B60T17/22; B60T17/221; B60T17/222
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 18
Claim 1
Independent Claim
173 words
A system for pressure leakage-testing closed fluid containing members comprising: a fluid circuit capable of being connected to said members while conducting the leakage test, control valves in said circuit, a fluid pressure intensifier also in said fluid circuit, electrical control circuitry automatically sequencing said control valve supplying fluid to said intensifier developing a first fluid pressure being supplied to the fluid-containing members for a specified time period sufficient to remove a major portion of the expansion inherent in said fluid-containing members, said electrical control circuitry automatically sequencing said control valves supplying fluid to said intensifier developing a reduced second fluid pressure for a specified time period stabilizing the rate of expansion of said fluid-containing members, said stabilized rate of expansion continuing in said members being within predetermined test tolerances, means automatically actuated by said electrical control circuitry maintaining the second pressure fluid in said fluid-containing members for a specific test time period, and means in said electrical control circuitry sensing and providing an indication of any leakage in the closed fluid-containing members.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
173 words
A system for pressure leakage-testing closed fluid containing members comprising: a fluid circuit capable of being connected to said members while conducting the leakage test, control valves in said circuit, a fluid pressure intensifier also in said fluid circuit, electrical control circuitry automatically sequencing said control valve supplying fluid to said intensifier developing a first fluid pressure being supplied to the fluid-containing members for a specified time period sufficient to remove a major portion of the expansion inherent in said fluid-containing members, said electrical control circuitry automatically sequencing said control valves supplying fluid to said intensifier developing a reduced second fluid pressure for a specified time period stabilizing the rate of expansion of said fluid-containing members, said stabilized rate of expansion continuing in said members being within predetermined test tolerances, means automatically actuated by said electrical control circuitry maintaining the second pressure fluid in said fluid-containing members for a specific test time period, and means in said electrical control circuitry sensing and providing an indication of any leakage in the closed fluid-containing members.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
130 words
A fluid leakage-testing system comprising: a hydraulic circuit supplying pressure fluid to a closed fluid system being tested, a pneumatic system intensifying the pressure of the fluid in the hydraulic circuit, automatic electrical control circuitry actuating components in the respective systems to subject the closed system to a first pressure fluid for a specified period of time sufficient to remove a majority of its inherent expansion, said circuitry automatically reducing the pressure of the fluid to a second value for a second specified time whereupon the rate of expansion is greatly reduced and stabilized within a desired test tolerance range, and means for maintaining this second pressure in the test system for a specified test time period whereby the automatic control circuitry senses any leakage and provides an indication thereof.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
130 words
A fluid leakage-testing system comprising: a hydraulic circuit supplying pressure fluid to a closed fluid system being tested, a pneumatic system intensifying the pressure of the fluid in the hydraulic circuit, automatic electrical control circuitry actuating components in the respective systems to subject the closed system to a first pressure fluid for a specified period of time sufficient to remove a majority of its inherent expansion, said circuitry automatically reducing the pressure of the fluid to a second value for a second specified time whereupon the rate of expansion is greatly reduced and stabilized within a desired test tolerance range, and means for maintaining this second pressure in the test system for a specified test time period whereby the automatic control circuitry senses any leakage and provides an indication thereof.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
274 words
A leakage-testing system for fluid circuitry comprising: a hydraulic circuit including electrically operated valves and a fluid pressure intensifier, a pneumatic circuit including electrically actuated pressure regulating valves providing two preset pneumatic pressures to said hydraulic intensifier so that the hydraulic fluid is selectively pressurized at two levels, electrical control circuitry automatically sequencing said valves, an adapter connecting the hydraulic circuit to the fluid circuitry being tested, a leak meter assembly including a piston movable in response to any loss of fluid in the system under test, said piston movable within a plurality of coils whereby a proportional electrical signal is produced in response to leakage, the higher level hydraulic pressure generated by said intensifier being sufficient to remove a majority of the expansion inherent in the fluid circuitry, the second hydraulic pressure being sufficient to provide an adequate test while simultaneously the expansion rate is reduced to a rate within predetermined test tolerances, a test valve movable from open to closed positions by said electrical control circuitry, said test valve being open allowing the fluid to flow directly to the fluid circuitry under test when said intensifier pressurizes the fluid to the two levels, said test valve being closed for a test period of time by said electrical control circuitry while the second pressure fluid is being supplied, said leak meter measuring any passage of fluid to the test fluid circuitry during the test period, and on test completion means biasing said intensifier to a retracted position when the pneumatic pressure therein is exhausted, retraction of said intensifier withdrawing fluid from the circuitry under test reducing the pressure permitting removal of said adapter.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
274 words
A leakage-testing system for fluid circuitry comprising: a hydraulic circuit including electrically operated valves and a fluid pressure intensifier, a pneumatic circuit including electrically actuated pressure regulating valves providing two preset pneumatic pressures to said hydraulic intensifier so that the hydraulic fluid is selectively pressurized at two levels, electrical control circuitry automatically sequencing said valves, an adapter connecting the hydraulic circuit to the fluid circuitry being tested, a leak meter assembly including a piston movable in response to any loss of fluid in the system under test, said piston movable within a plurality of coils whereby a proportional electrical signal is produced in response to leakage, the higher level hydraulic pressure generated by said intensifier being sufficient to remove a majority of the expansion inherent in the fluid circuitry, the second hydraulic pressure being sufficient to provide an adequate test while simultaneously the expansion rate is reduced to a rate within predetermined test tolerances, a test valve movable from open to closed positions by said electrical control circuitry, said test valve being open allowing the fluid to flow directly to the fluid circuitry under test when said intensifier pressurizes the fluid to the two levels, said test valve being closed for a test period of time by said electrical control circuitry while the second pressure fluid is being supplied, said leak meter measuring any passage of fluid to the test fluid circuitry during the test period, and on test completion means biasing said intensifier to a retracted position when the pneumatic pressure therein is exhausted, retraction of said intensifier withdrawing fluid from the circuitry under test reducing the pressure permitting removal of said adapter.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
186 words
A vehicle brake leakage testing system comprising an adapter capable of being secured to the rear compensating port in a reservoir of a dual master cylinder, a leak meter attached to said adapter, an intensifier pressurizing a source of brake fluid for transmittal to said leak meter and said adapter, a first electrically controlled valve supplying air at a first pressure to said intensifier, a second electrically controlled valve supplying air at a reduced second pressure to said intensifier assembly, a fluid supply valve electrically controlled to selectively supply fluid to said intensifier assembly, electrical control means automatically energizing said first valve supplying air at said first pressure to said intensifier thereby supplying brake fluid at a first pressure to said vehicle brake system substantially completely expanding the system, said control means energizing said second valve supplying air at a second pressure to said intensifier whereby a reduced pressure fluid is supplied to the system for a predetermined stabilization time period, and means maintaining said reduced pressure fluid in the system for a test time period, said leak meter accurately measuring any loss of fluid therefrom.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
186 words
A vehicle brake leakage testing system comprising an adapter capable of being secured to the rear compensating port in a reservoir of a dual master cylinder, a leak meter attached to said adapter, an intensifier pressurizing a source of brake fluid for transmittal to said leak meter and said adapter, a first electrically controlled valve supplying air at a first pressure to said intensifier, a second electrically controlled valve supplying air at a reduced second pressure to said intensifier assembly, a fluid supply valve electrically controlled to selectively supply fluid to said intensifier assembly, electrical control means automatically energizing said first valve supplying air at said first pressure to said intensifier thereby supplying brake fluid at a first pressure to said vehicle brake system substantially completely expanding the system, said control means energizing said second valve supplying air at a second pressure to said intensifier whereby a reduced pressure fluid is supplied to the system for a predetermined stabilization time period, and means maintaining said reduced pressure fluid in the system for a test time period, said leak meter accurately measuring any loss of fluid therefrom.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
242 words
A vehicle brake leakage-testing system comprising a hydraulic circuit including an electrically operated supply valve, a fluid pressure intensifier and an electrically operated test valve; a pneumatic circuit including electrically actuated pressure regulating valves providing two preset pneumatic pressures to said hydraulic intensifier, said hydraulic intensifier being selectively pressurized to intensify the hydraulic fluid selectively to two predetermined pressure levels respectively, in response to the preset pneumatic pressures; an adapter connecting said hydraulic circuit to the vehicle brake system through a compensating port in the master cylinder; a leak meter assembly and said test valve being directly connected to said adapter so that said test valve is capable of being closed to maintain pressure fluid directly in the vehicle brake system at the master cylinder so that the leak meter assembly only responds to loss of fluid from the vehicle brake system; said intensifier being selectively sequentially actuated to initially supply the vehicle brake system with 2,000 p.s.i. pressure fluid for a period of 10 seconds to remove a majority of expansion in the brake system conduits; the intensifier being actuated to reduce the pressure fluid to 1,600 p.s.i. for a 5 second stabilization period; said test valve being actuated to a closed position while maintaining 1,600 p.s.i. fluid in the vehicle brake system for a ten second test period; and automatic recording devices connected in electrical circuitry with said leak meter to measure any leakage occurring from the vehicle brake system.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
242 words
A vehicle brake leakage-testing system comprising a hydraulic circuit including an electrically operated supply valve, a fluid pressure intensifier and an electrically operated test valve; a pneumatic circuit including electrically actuated pressure regulating valves providing two preset pneumatic pressures to said hydraulic intensifier, said hydraulic intensifier being selectively pressurized to intensify the hydraulic fluid selectively to two predetermined pressure levels respectively, in response to the preset pneumatic pressures; an adapter connecting said hydraulic circuit to the vehicle brake system through a compensating port in the master cylinder; a leak meter assembly and said test valve being directly connected to said adapter so that said test valve is capable of being closed to maintain pressure fluid directly in the vehicle brake system at the master cylinder so that the leak meter assembly only responds to loss of fluid from the vehicle brake system; said intensifier being selectively sequentially actuated to initially supply the vehicle brake system with 2,000 p.s.i. pressure fluid for a period of 10 seconds to remove a majority of expansion in the brake system conduits; the intensifier being actuated to reduce the pressure fluid to 1,600 p.s.i. for a 5 second stabilization period; said test valve being actuated to a closed position while maintaining 1,600 p.s.i. fluid in the vehicle brake system for a ten second test period; and automatic recording devices connected in electrical circuitry with said leak meter to measure any leakage occurring from the vehicle brake system.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
237 words
A vehicle brake leakage-testing system comprising an adapter capable of being attached to the compensating port in the reservoir of a vehicle master cylinder, a leak meter attached to said adapter, a test valve also attached to said adapter, a hydraulic circuit supplying fluid to said adapter, a pressure intensifier in said hydraulic circuit for pressurizing the fluid prior to entrance into said adapter, a pneumatic circuit supplying pressurized air to said intensifier, a first pressure-regulating valve in said pneumatic circuit supplying air at a first value to said intensifier, a second electrically controlled pressure-regulating valve Supplying air at a second pressure to said intensifier, electrical controlled circuitry automatically sequencing the energization of said pressure-regulating valves so that said intensifier first supplies pressure fluid at 2,000 p.s.i. to the vehicle brake system through said adapter for a period of 10 seconds, said circuitry then sequencing the valving to supply 1,600 p.s.i. fluid to the adapter for a period of 5 seconds for stabilization in the vehicle brake system, said control circuitry then actuating said test valve to maintain the 1,600 p.s.i. fluid in the brake system for a period of 10 seconds, and automatic electrical recording means connected to said leak meter to read any leakage sensed and record the same automatically, said electrical control circuitry automatically terminating the test should a leak occur when the 2,000 p.s.i. fluid is initially supplied to the vehicle brake system.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
237 words
A vehicle brake leakage-testing system comprising an adapter capable of being attached to the compensating port in the reservoir of a vehicle master cylinder, a leak meter attached to said adapter, a test valve also attached to said adapter, a hydraulic circuit supplying fluid to said adapter, a pressure intensifier in said hydraulic circuit for pressurizing the fluid prior to entrance into said adapter, a pneumatic circuit supplying pressurized air to said intensifier, a first pressure-regulating valve in said pneumatic circuit supplying air at a first value to said intensifier, a second electrically controlled pressure-regulating valve Supplying air at a second pressure to said intensifier, electrical controlled circuitry automatically sequencing the energization of said pressure-regulating valves so that said intensifier first supplies pressure fluid at 2,000 p.s.i. to the vehicle brake system through said adapter for a period of 10 seconds, said circuitry then sequencing the valving to supply 1,600 p.s.i. fluid to the adapter for a period of 5 seconds for stabilization in the vehicle brake system, said control circuitry then actuating said test valve to maintain the 1,600 p.s.i. fluid in the brake system for a period of 10 seconds, and automatic electrical recording means connected to said leak meter to read any leakage sensed and record the same automatically, said electrical control circuitry automatically terminating the test should a leak occur when the 2,000 p.s.i. fluid is initially supplied to the vehicle brake system.
Claim 13
Independent Claim
117 words
A method of leakage testing closed fluid containing members comprising the steps of connecting a fluid circuit to the closed members, supplying fluid from a source through the circuit to said closed members, intensifying the pressure of the fluid in said closed members to a first value for a time period sufficient to substantially completely expand and remove the stretch inherent in said members, reducing the intensified pressure fluid to a second value for a time period sufficient to stabilize the rate of expansion of the closed members, maintaining the fluid at the second pressure value in the closed members for a test time period, and measuring any loss of fluid indicating leakage in the closed members.
Claim 14
Independent Claim
117 words
A method of leakage testing closed fluid containing members comprising the steps of connecting a fluid circuit to the closed members, supplying fluid from a source through the circuit to said closed members, intensifying the pressure of the fluid in said closed members to a first value for a time period sufficient to substantially completely expand and remove the stretch inherent in said members, reducing the intensified pressure fluid to a second value for a time period sufficient to stabilize the rate of expansion of the closed members, maintaining the fluid at the second pressure value in the closed members for a test time period, and measuring any loss of fluid indicating leakage in the closed members.
Claim 15
Independent Claim
147 words
A method of leakage testing vehicle brake systems comprising the steps of connecting a test fluid circuit to the brake system, supplying fluid through the test circuit from a source to the brake system, intensifying the pressure of the fluid in the test system and the brake system to approximately 2,000 p.s.i. for an approximate 10 second time period sufficient to substantially completely expand the vehicle brake system thereby removing a majority of the stretch inherent in the system, reducing the intensified 2,000 p.s.i. pressure fluid to an approximate 1,600 p.s.i. value for an approximate 5 second time period to stabilize and significantly reduce the rate of expansion of the brake system, isolating the fluid in the vehicle brake system at the 1, 600 p.s.i. pressure value for an approximate 10 second test period, and measuring any loss of the isolated pressure fluid in the brake system.
Claim 16
Independent Claim
147 words
A method of leakage testing vehicle brake systems comprising the steps of connecting a test fluid circuit to the brake system, supplying fluid through the test circuit from a source to the brake system, intensifying the pressure of the fluid in the test system and the brake system to approximately 2,000 p.s.i. for an approximate 10 second time period sufficient to substantially completely expand the vehicle brake system thereby removing a majority of the stretch inherent in the system, reducing the intensified 2,000 p.s.i. pressure fluid to an approximate 1,600 p.s.i. value for an approximate 5 second time period to stabilize and significantly reduce the rate of expansion of the brake system, isolating the fluid in the vehicle brake system at the 1, 600 p.s.i. pressure value for an approximate 10 second test period, and measuring any loss of the isolated pressure fluid in the brake system.
Claim 17
Independent Claim
183 words
A method of leakage testing vehicle brake systems comprising the steps of connecting a test adapter to the vent port in a vehicle brake master cylinder, supplying fluid from a source through an intensifier to the adapter, intensifying the pressure of the fluid to said master cylinder to an approximate 2,000 p.s.i. value for an approximate 10 second time period substantially completely expanding the conduits in the vehicle brake system, reducing the pressure to the vehicle brake master cylinder to an approximate 1,600 p.s.i. value for an approximate 5 second time period stabilizing the pressure of the fluid and the rate of expansion of the fluid conduits, actuating a test valve located in the adapter to maintain the 1,600 p.s.i. fluid in the vehicle brake system, applying the maintained 1,600 p.s.i. pressure fluid to one end of the piston in a leak meter, applying the 1,600 p.s.i. fluid from the intensifier to the other end of the piston, measuring displacement of the piston electrically through a leak meter mounted in the adapter, and automatically electrically recording the output signal of said leak meter.
Claim 18
Independent Claim
183 words
A method of leakage testing vehicle brake systems comprising the steps of connecting a test adapter to the vent port in a vehicle brake master cylinder, supplying fluid from a source through an intensifier to the adapter, intensifying the pressure of the fluid to said master cylinder to an approximate 2,000 p.s.i. value for an approximate 10 second time period substantially completely expanding the conduits in the vehicle brake system, reducing the pressure to the vehicle brake master cylinder to an approximate 1,600 p.s.i. value for an approximate 5 second time period stabilizing the pressure of the fluid and the rate of expansion of the fluid conduits, actuating a test valve located in the adapter to maintain the 1,600 p.s.i. fluid in the vehicle brake system, applying the maintained 1,600 p.s.i. pressure fluid to one end of the piston in a leak meter, applying the 1,600 p.s.i. fluid from the intensifier to the other end of the piston, measuring displacement of the piston electrically through a leak meter mounted in the adapter, and automatically electrically recording the output signal of said leak meter.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
No citation records indexed.
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1974-06-14 | 1974-12-14 | 1975-06-15 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1978-06-14 | 1978-12-14 | 1979-06-15 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1982-06-14 | 1982-12-14 | 1983-06-15 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |