US3855531A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Method of testing the seals of food containers and containers suitable therefor
Assignee: Lever Brothers Co
•
Filing: 1972-06-28
•
Granted: 1974-12-17
•
Expires: 1992-06-28
Abstract
Abstract A thin-walled flexible container containing sterilised foodstuff is tested by measuring the electrical conductivity of a path from the interior of the container through the seal to the outside. A container which can be so tested non-destructively is described.
Inventors
- 👤 J Fielibert
- 👤 Rooijen A Van
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-07 21:19
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01M; G01M3/00; G01M3/40
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 3
Claim 1
Independent Claim
135 words
A method of testing the effectiveness of the seal of a freestanding thin-walled container containing therein an electrically conductive food product said container providing an electrically insulated barrier between the food product and the exterior of the container comprising the steps of inserting an electrode in a wall of the container, the electrode being in electrical contact at one portion thereof with the food product and in electrical contact at another portion thereof with a point outside of the container while being electrically insulated from the container immersing the container in an electroltye, connecting the portion of the electrode outside of the container with a source of electrical current while maintaining electrical insulation between said electrode and the electrolyte, removing the container from the electrolyte and removing the electrode from the wall of the container.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
135 words
A method of testing the effectiveness of the seal of a freestanding thin-walled container containing therein an electrically conductive food product said container providing an electrically insulated barrier between the food product and the exterior of the container comprising the steps of inserting an electrode in a wall of the container, the electrode being in electrical contact at one portion thereof with the food product and in electrical contact at another portion thereof with a point outside of the container while being electrically insulated from the container immersing the container in an electroltye, connecting the portion of the electrode outside of the container with a source of electrical current while maintaining electrical insulation between said electrode and the electrolyte, removing the container from the electrolyte and removing the electrode from the wall of the container.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
44 words
A method according to claim 1 in which said electrode is a conductive needle which is injected through a point in the walls of the container and is subsequently removed, and the method further comprises resealing the container at said point in its wAlls.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1977-12-16 | 1978-06-17 | 1978-12-17 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1981-12-16 | 1982-06-17 | 1982-12-17 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1985-12-16 | 1986-06-17 | 1986-12-17 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |