Measuring and testing – With fluid pressure – Leakage
Reexamination Certificate
2000-09-15
2002-11-12
Larkin, Daniel S. (Department: 2856)
Measuring and testing
With fluid pressure
Leakage
C073S049700, C239S136000, C392S394000, C392S396000, C392S397000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06477890
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to smoke-producing apparatus for detecting leaks.
Leak detection by using smoke-carrying air is known. For example, automobile mechanics have, for many years, used smoke-laden air pumped into a closed system, such as a radiator and engine coolant system, to find leaks. However, there is a need for devices that are lower cost, more reliable, non-complex, and that produce a more consistent smoke. Also, devices are needed that are adaptable for different uses, with different equipment and in different environments. In particular with automotive fuel and evaporative emissions testing, a smoke-producing apparatus is needed that does not leave a residue, and that produces a highly uniform and low-particle-size smoke.
Pieroni et al. U.S. Pat. No. 5,922,944 discloses an apparatus for simultaneously producing smoke and airflow. However, sometimes separate or independent control is needed, such as when more or less airflow is needed, or when denser (or less dense) smoke is needed or preferred. Further, there is a need for better control of the smoke during initial start-up of the apparatus and for more uniform smoke concentration, and also for control over fluid droplets going downstream. Also there is a need for remote control so that a mechanic doesn't have to go back to tester unit to control it or to turn it off (or on).
Accordingly, an apparatus is desired having the aforementioned advantages and solving the aforementioned problems.
SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
In one aspect of the present invention, an apparatus for generating smoke includes a closed chamber having an air inlet and an air outlet, an electric heating element positioned transversely in the chamber, and a supply of smoke-producing fluid. A dispenser is positioned over the electric heating element and operably connected to the supply of smoke-producing fluid, the dispenser being configured to spread and drop controlled quantities of the smoke-producing fluid onto the heating element. An air supply is connected to the air inlet, and a conduit is connected to the air outlet for communicating air from the air supply mixed with smoke generated by the heating element in the closed chamber to a location for use.
In another aspect of the present invention, an apparatus for testing for leaks includes a smoke-producing chamber, and a first control for controlling a quantity of smoke generated. An air supply is operably connected to the smoke-producing chamber, and a second control, independent of the first control, is provided for controlling flow of smoke from the smoke-producing chamber.
In another aspect, an apparatus for testing for leaks includes a smoke-producing device having a control for controlling a quantity of smoke generated and dispensed, the control including a receiver for receiving signals and being constructed to turn off the smoke-producing device upon receiving a shutoff signal. A remote control sender is provided and constructed to send the shutoff signal to the receiver.
In yet another aspect, an apparatus for generating smoke includes a closed chamber having a top cover, and an air inlet tube and an air outlet tube extending through the cover, at least one of the tubes being conductive. An electric coiled-wire heating element is positioned transversely in the chamber and operably electrically connected to the at least one conductive tube. A spray dispenser is attached to the top cover and positioned over the heating element and operably connected to a supply of smoke-producing fluid, the dispenser being configured to spread and drop controlled quantities of the smoke-producing fluid onto the heating element.
REFERENCES:
patent: 1561276 (1925-11-01), Pankratz
patent: 1882318 (1932-10-01), Curioni
patent: 2003979 (1935-06-01), {haeck over (S)}korić
patent: 2070038 (1937-02-01), Batt
patent: 2850615 (1958-09-01), Luse, Jr. et al.
patent: 2882240 (1959-04-01), Charwat
patent: 2930511 (1960-03-01), Vanerstrom
patent: 3002237 (1961-10-01), Spexarth
patent: 3087327 (1963-04-01), Kägi
patent: 3093596 (1963-06-01), Cone
patent: 3250723 (1966-05-01), Fortney
patent: 3392479 (1968-07-01), Simmons
patent: 3395514 (1968-08-01), Bub
patent: 3432439 (1969-03-01), Dickman
patent: 3444721 (1969-05-01), Hearn et al.
patent: 3483735 (1969-12-01), Packo
patent: 3835293 (1974-09-01), McAlister
patent: 3975943 (1976-08-01), Brachet
patent: 3990987 (1976-11-01), Rogers
patent: 4155249 (1979-05-01), Scott
patent: 4198856 (1980-04-01), Kaselaan et al.
patent: 4303397 (1981-12-01), Swiatosz
patent: 4326119 (1982-04-01), Swiatosz
patent: 4330428 (1982-05-01), Clifford
patent: 4349723 (1982-09-01), Swiatosz
patent: 4419302 (1983-12-01), Nishino et al.
patent: 4493211 (1985-01-01), Weinstein
patent: 4524607 (1985-06-01), Pelletier et al.
patent: 4547656 (1985-10-01), Swiatosz et al.
patent: 4568620 (1986-02-01), Wright et al.
patent: 4646558 (1987-03-01), Gaultieri et al.
patent: 4694695 (1987-09-01), Sewell et al.
patent: 4764660 (1988-08-01), Swiatosz
patent: 4818843 (1989-04-01), Swiatosz
patent: 4871115 (1989-10-01), Hessey
patent: 4942920 (1990-07-01), Chalifoux et al.
patent: 4998479 (1991-03-01), Perham et al.
patent: 5078976 (1992-01-01), Shibauchi et al.
patent: 5095647 (1992-03-01), Zobele et al.
patent: 5107698 (1992-04-01), Gilliam
patent: 5112442 (1992-05-01), Goodson
patent: 5168544 (1992-12-01), Kolasa
patent: 5182941 (1993-02-01), Frenkel et al.
patent: 5220637 (1993-06-01), Levin, III et al.
patent: 5335536 (1994-08-01), Runnevik
patent: 5367603 (1994-11-01), Wenrich et al.
patent: 5507176 (1996-04-01), Kammeraad et al.
patent: 5637788 (1997-06-01), Remboski et al.
patent: 5753800 (1998-05-01), Gilliam
patent: 5763764 (1998-06-01), Mieczkowski et al.
patent: 5803359 (1998-09-01), Vandoninck
patent: 5859363 (1999-01-01), Gouge
patent: 5870524 (1999-02-01), Swiatosz
patent: 5887117 (1999-03-01), Desu et al.
patent: 5898108 (1999-04-01), Mieczkowski et al.
patent: 5922944 (1999-07-01), Pieroni et al.
patent: 5937141 (1999-08-01), Swiatosz
patent: 6018615 (2000-01-01), Loblick
Combustion Testing Module, Lennox Education, Module 1204, Sep. 1995.
Heat Exchanger Inspection Module, Lennox Education, Module 12097, Nov. 1994.
Emi-Tech, Inc., Vacutec Test Information. 1995.
Smog Check, Motor Apr., 1996, Sue Hannibal.
Emi-Tech, Inc., Operation Manual, Vacutec, Model 816, The Diesel Technician.
K-Line Industries, Inc.
Larkin Daniel S.
Price Heneveld Cooper Dewitt & Litton
LandOfFree
Smoke-producing apparatus for detecting leaks does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Smoke-producing apparatus for detecting leaks, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Smoke-producing apparatus for detecting leaks will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2961213