Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 9
Claim 1
Independent Claim
111 words
A method of locating and measuring leaks from a test subject, said method comprising the steps of: producing a reference holographic image of said test subject and any fluid surrounding the test subject, said holographic image being produced upon an image recording medium; pressurizing said test subject; producing a second holographic image of said test subject and any fluid surrounding said test subject, said second holographic image being produced during said pressurizing step upon said image recording screen, said second holographic image being superimposed over said reference holographic image to produce a hologram with an interference pattern; and analyzing distortions in said interference pattern for purposes of locating and measuring leaks.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
111 words
A method of locating and measuring leaks from a test subject, said method comprising the steps of: producing a reference holographic image of said test subject and any fluid surrounding the test subject, said holographic image being produced upon an image recording medium; pressurizing said test subject; producing a second holographic image of said test subject and any fluid surrounding said test subject, said second holographic image being produced during said pressurizing step upon said image recording screen, said second holographic image being superimposed over said reference holographic image to produce a hologram with an interference pattern; and analyzing distortions in said interference pattern for purposes of locating and measuring leaks.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
32 words
The method as claimed in claim 1 wherein said reference and second holographic images are generated with laser beams having a duration which diminishes the effects of vibration in said test subject.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
55 words
The method as claimed in claim 1 wherein said method further comprises the step of calibrating said image recording medium prior to producing any holographic images of the test subject or of and fluid surrounding the test subject by displacing said image recording medium such that said interference pattern exhibits a desired, scaled fringe spacing.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
25 words
The method as claimed in claim 1 wherein said distortions are analyzed by means of a video camera trained upon a photo-electric image recording plate.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
31 words
The method as claimed in claim 4 further comprising the step of displacing said photo-electric image recording plate an amount such that said intereference pattern exhibits a desired, scaled fringe spacing.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
25 words
The method as claimed in claim 1 wherein said distortions are analyzed by means of a real-time monitor trained upon a photo-electric image recording plate.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
39 words
The method as claimed in claim 1 wherein said holographic images are produced by a pulsed laser, said pulsed laser providing a beam whose duration diminishes the effects of vibration in said test subject upon said second holographic image.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
46 words
The method as claimed in claim 1 wherein said holographic images are produced by a continuous beam laser, a triggering means controlling the duration of said continous beam laser such that the effects of vibration in said test subject upon said second holographic image is diminished.