LEAK DETECTION APPARATUS AND A VACUUM SYSTEM THEREFOR

摘要

A leak detection apparatus comprising a vacuum chamber and a sensor head located within the vacuum chamber for testing packages for leaks. The sensor head includes an annular constraining device for limiting the portion of the package with which the sensor head interacts. A reservoir is connected between the vacuum chamber and a vacuum pump to enable quick evacuation of the vacuum chamber. Output signals from the sensor head are extrapolated to improve testing times. The sensor head may include a variety of sensor types including a plethysmographic sensor responsive to changes in the size of the surface area of the package.