Importance

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Abstract

Testing methods and equipment are provided for fast, non-destructive testing of the quality of seal and/or integrity of a package. According to certain embodiments, dynamic impact characterization is used to determine whether a loss of pressure due to a leak in the package occurs. The methods and equipment can be used in-line with product packaging processes. According to one embodiment, an initial pressure is applied to a package under test. A region of the package is impacted with a force sufficient to create a disturbance to the package while not destroying the package by using an impacting rod. Force sensors/transducers in contact with the package and spaced a distance away from the impact region of the package detect a force signature from the impact. The existence of a leak is determined by evaluating the force signature.

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First Claim