US3882715A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Air leak detector
Assignee: Treadwell Corp
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Filing: 1973-07-05
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Granted: 1975-05-13
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Expires: 1993-07-05
Abstract
Abstract Apparatus for detecting leaks in joints is provided in which a barrel having a seal is pressed against a tube sheet. The seal is larger in diameter than the exterior diameter of a tube welded to the sheet. An axial rod extends in and also past the end of the barrel. The extension carries an expandable plug which fits into and upon expansion, seals off the interior of the tube. A vacuum chamber is created adjacent the sheet one wall of which is formed by the expandable plug, the other wall being formed by a barrel plate inserted in the barrel at a point spaced from the tube sheet.
Inventors
- 👤 William R Slinger
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-01 22:27
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01M; G01M3/00; G01M3/02; G01M3/26; G01M3/28; G01M3/2853; G01M3/2869
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 2
Claim 1
Independent Claim
231 words
A device for detecting leaks in a joint between a tube sheet and a tube end fitted into an opening in said sheet comprising a barrel having an internal diameter larger than the external diameter of said tube, and sealing means surrounding said barrel at one end thereof adapted to seal said barrel to said sheet when said barrel is placed against said sheet, a draw rod in said barrel having an end extending beyond said barrel, a radially expandable plug surrounding at least a portion of the draw rod which extends from said barrel, said plug fitting inside said tube, means for expanding said plug to seal said tube, a chamber located at the end of said barrel, the sheet and plug defining one wall of said chamber, and a barrel plate internal to and spaced from said plug defining the other wall of said chamber, means for evacuating said chamber to a pressure below atmospheric pressure, gauge means connected to said chamber for reading increases in pressure in said chamber after evacuation, means for isolating said chamber from the vacuum source, and means for reciprocating said rod which means comprises a cylinder, a piston in sAid cylinder, means for selectively introducing a fluid on either side of said piston, said piston being attached to the end of said rod at a position remote from the end of said barrel.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
231 words
A device for detecting leaks in a joint between a tube sheet and a tube end fitted into an opening in said sheet comprising a barrel having an internal diameter larger than the external diameter of said tube, and sealing means surrounding said barrel at one end thereof adapted to seal said barrel to said sheet when said barrel is placed against said sheet, a draw rod in said barrel having an end extending beyond said barrel, a radially expandable plug surrounding at least a portion of the draw rod which extends from said barrel, said plug fitting inside said tube, means for expanding said plug to seal said tube, a chamber located at the end of said barrel, the sheet and plug defining one wall of said chamber, and a barrel plate internal to and spaced from said plug defining the other wall of said chamber, means for evacuating said chamber to a pressure below atmospheric pressure, gauge means connected to said chamber for reading increases in pressure in said chamber after evacuation, means for isolating said chamber from the vacuum source, and means for reciprocating said rod which means comprises a cylinder, a piston in sAid cylinder, means for selectively introducing a fluid on either side of said piston, said piston being attached to the end of said rod at a position remote from the end of said barrel.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US2342616A
Cited
US2507124A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1978-05-12 | 1978-11-11 | 1979-05-13 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1982-05-12 | 1982-11-11 | 1983-05-13 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1986-05-12 | 1986-11-11 | 1987-05-13 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |