Measuring and testing – With fluid pressure – Leakage
Patent
1994-12-06
1996-07-02
Williams, Hezron E.
Measuring and testing
With fluid pressure
Leakage
73824, 73842, 73843, G01M 334
Patent
active
055311016
DESCRIPTION:
BRIEF SUMMARY
BACKGROUND
This invention relates to a machine and method that may be used for applying a non-destructive test to a package such as a vacuum package, containing, for example, food, chemicals or medicines. This may be to check that the sealing of the package is good, e.g. so that the product within the package cannot escape from the package; nor can the outside atmosphere enter the package. It is particularly applicable to packages having flexible outer layers of plastics films.
A machine of such type is useful, for example, in production lines, where it would be desirable to verify the integrity of the seals of the complete production throughput without destroying the packages or products.
SUMMARY
According to the invention there is provided a apparatus for testing packages comprising: the support means; said probe having a surface portion which is transversely displaceable; support means to contact with its displaceable surface portion a package supported at said test station; surface portion; and and providing a corresponding output signal; whereby the probe is urgeable by said first urging means to contact a package at the test station with its surface portion, whereupon the ability of the second urging means to displace the probe surface portion is dependent on the nature of he contacted package, so that the output signal of the detecting means is indicative of package quality.
The apparatus may test a stationary package. Dynamic testing is also possible, with packages moving continuously through one or more test stations.
In another aspect the invention provides a method of testing a package comprising applying a test probe to the package; urging transverse displacement of a surface portion of the probe relative to the package while restraining displacement of the package in response thereto; and determining the amount of displacement of the probe surface portion relative to the package and providing a corresponding output signal indicative of package quality.
The force and/or torque applied by the probe may be variable.
In order that the invention may be more clearly understood some embodiments will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein:
BRIEF DESCRIPTION
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment;
FIG. 2 is a schematic side view of a second embodiment having two test stations; and
FIG. 3 is a front view of a test station of the second embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
FIG. 1 shows an automatic conveying and seal integrity testing system having the means to receive a packaged product from an upstream machine, such as a fill and seal machine, via a feed conveyor 4, into a test area. A machine frame comprises side plates 13 adjacent the feed conveyor 4. One side plate 13 carries an arm assembly including a rotatable shaft 3 which is urgeable towards the surface of the conveyor 4 to contact an article, such as a package 1, thereon. The shaft 3 carries a test roller 3' with a high-friction surface. The shaft is rotatably and driveably mounted in a test arm 14 which is displaceable by an actuator 5. It is rotatable by a second actuator 6, as explained below.
The arrival of a package is sensed by a sensor 2 which signals a computer 10 to operate the displacement actuator 5. Actuator 5 operates only after an adequate amount of time has passed to allow the package due to be tested to arrive centrally under the test roller 3'.
The complete test function is automatic, with timed signals being sent to all the actuators, forcing a sequence of operations. For example, conveyor 4, which has a conveyor surface with gripping qualities, stops momentarily when package 1 arrives centrally under test roller 3' to allow the test to be applied. The actuator 5 then pulls test arm 14 downwards, forcing test roller 3' into contact with the top layer of the packaging material of package 1. The gripping qualities enable the conveyor belt fitted to conveyor 4 to hold the package 1 in a fixed position during the test. Rotation actuator 6 pulls test shaft plate 22, forcing test shaf
REFERENCES:
patent: 5140166 (1992-08-01), Gerlier
Ishida-Nonpareil Limited
Politzer Jay L.
Williams Hezron E.
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