US3650145A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Method and apparatus for testing hermetically-sealed containers
Assignee: Gerber Products Co
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Filing: 1970-02-05
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Granted: 1972-03-21
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Expires: 1990-02-05
Abstract
Abstract A method for automatically detecting unsatisfactorily sealed containers including sequentially receiving, externally pressure modifying and subsequently testing hermetically sealed containers traveling along a conveyed path. The method includes the detection of any impulse that may be emitted as a result of cover diaphragm movement in those container(s) having insufficient vacuum. When such an audible emission occurs, the containers are rejected. The disclosure is also directed to apparatus for accomplishing this method.
Inventors
- 👤 Lloyd A Nelson
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-03 16:19
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01M; G01M3/00; G01M3/02; G01M3/36; G01M3/363; G01M3/04; G01M3/24
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 19
Claim 1
Independent Claim
107 words
A method for testing hermetically sealed containers, each container having a pressure flexible diaphragm aDapted to emit a detectable impulse when flexed by relative pressure changes between the inside and outside of said container, the steps of: providing a vessel having at least one sealable opening; conveying said entire container into said vessel through said opening; sealing said opening to said vessel; modifying the pressure within said vessel; detecting any emitted impulses within said vessel only when said pressure is varied interiorly thereof; providing a second opening from said vessel for egress of said container, and, conveying said container out of said second opening in said vessel.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
107 words
A method for testing hermetically sealed containers, each container having a pressure flexible diaphragm aDapted to emit a detectable impulse when flexed by relative pressure changes between the inside and outside of said container, the steps of: providing a vessel having at least one sealable opening; conveying said entire container into said vessel through said opening; sealing said opening to said vessel; modifying the pressure within said vessel; detecting any emitted impulses within said vessel only when said pressure is varied interiorly thereof; providing a second opening from said vessel for egress of said container, and, conveying said container out of said second opening in said vessel.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
19 words
A method in accordance with claim 1 wherein the internal vessel pressure is modified by increasing it above atmospheric.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
22 words
A method in accordance with claim 2 wherein the increased pressure is released before said container is conveyed out of said opening.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
21 words
A method in accordance with claim 3 wherein a partial vacuum is created in said vessel prior to increasing said pressure.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
23 words
A method in accordance with claim 1 wherein said container tested is one of a plurality of containers enclosed in opaque, gas-pervious cartons.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
130 words
Apparatus for testing a hermetically sealed container having a pressure actuatable diaphragm portion in at least one wall thereof, to indicate insufficient vacuum upon flexure of said diaphragm portion by external pressure changes upon said container, said apparatus comprising: a pressure vessel; conveyor means extending into said pressure vessel for conveying said container along a predetermined path; means for actuating said conveyor means for transporting said container into said pressure vessel; means for sealing said vessel when said container is therewithin; means for varying the pressure within said sealed vessel when said container is therewithin; means to detect sound emanating from said diaphragm portion within said vessel responsive to pressure changes within said vessel; and means responsive to said sound detecting means for diverting said container from said predetermined path.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
130 words
Apparatus for testing a hermetically sealed container having a pressure actuatable diaphragm portion in at least one wall thereof, to indicate insufficient vacuum upon flexure of said diaphragm portion by external pressure changes upon said container, said apparatus comprising: a pressure vessel; conveyor means extending into said pressure vessel for conveying said container along a predetermined path; means for actuating said conveyor means for transporting said container into said pressure vessel; means for sealing said vessel when said container is therewithin; means for varying the pressure within said sealed vessel when said container is therewithin; means to detect sound emanating from said diaphragm portion within said vessel responsive to pressure changes within said vessel; and means responsive to said sound detecting means for diverting said container from said predetermined path.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
21 words
The apparatus of claim 6 wherein said pressure varying means comprises vacuum drawing means and pressure increasing means actuatable in sequence.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
26 words
The invention of claim 6 and wherein said sound detecting means is adapted to detect sound only when said pressure is varied within said sealed vessel.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
38 words
The apparatus of claim 6 and wherein said sealing means includes first and second doors in the walls of said pressure vessel; and said conveyor means is adapted to transport said container into and out of said vessel.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
17 words
The apparatus of claim 6 and wherein said diverting means includes means for reversing said conveyor means.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
84 words
In combination: at least one container having a diaphragm included in at least one wall thereof for sound emanating flexure by pressure vessel; conveyor means extending into said pressure vessel; means for actuating said conveyor means for transporting said container into said pressure vessel; means for sealing said vessel when said container is therewithin; means for varying the pressure within said sealed vessel; and means to detect sound emanating from said diaphragm within said chamber only when pressure is varied within said sealed vessel.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
84 words
In combination: at least one container having a diaphragm included in at least one wall thereof for sound emanating flexure by pressure vessel; conveyor means extending into said pressure vessel; means for actuating said conveyor means for transporting said container into said pressure vessel; means for sealing said vessel when said container is therewithin; means for varying the pressure within said sealed vessel; and means to detect sound emanating from said diaphragm within said chamber only when pressure is varied within said sealed vessel.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
21 words
The invention of claim 11 wherein said pressure varying means comprises vacuum drawing means and pressure increasing means actuatable in sequence.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
20 words
The invention of claim 11 and wherein a plurality of said containers are transported simultaneously into said vessel for test.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
28 words
The invention of claim 11 and including means for diverting said containers from said conveyed path, said diverting means operatively responsive to sound detected by said detecting means.
Claim 18
Independent Claim
113 words
A method for testing hermetically sealed containers on a moving line of containers, each container having a pressure flexible diaphragm adapted to emit a detectable impulse should relative pressure changes between the inside and outside of said container cause flexing of said diaphragm, the steps of: moving a group of said containers to be tested to within a pressure sealable chamber; sealing said chamber; varying the pressure within said chamber containing said containers; detecting any emitted impulses within said sealed chamber while said pressure is varied therein; restoring the pressure within said chamber; removing said containers from said chamber; and separating those containers that emit said detected impulses from other of said containers.
Claim 19
Independent Claim
113 words
A method for testing hermetically sealed containers on a moving line of containers, each container having a pressure flexible diaphragm adapted to emit a detectable impulse should relative pressure changes between the inside and outside of said container cause flexing of said diaphragm, the steps of: moving a group of said containers to be tested to within a pressure sealable chamber; sealing said chamber; varying the pressure within said chamber containing said containers; detecting any emitted impulses within said sealed chamber while said pressure is varied therein; restoring the pressure within said chamber; removing said containers from said chamber; and separating those containers that emit said detected impulses from other of said containers.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1975-03-21 | 1975-09-20 | 1976-03-21 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1979-03-21 | 1979-09-20 | 1980-03-21 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1983-03-21 | 1983-09-20 | 1984-03-21 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |