Method and apparatus for providing a sealed container containing a detectable gas

Abstract

An apparatus for making a hermetic device containing a detectable gas and comprising a surface having a fill port comprising a vacuum pump in communication with the hermetic device through a vacuum conduit; a liquid reservoir for containing liquid to be delivered to the hermetic-device; a gas reservoir for containing a detectable gas to be delivered to the hermetic device; a transfer vessel for transferring a selected quantity of liquid and gas to the hermetic device; and a block for passing the selected quantity of liquid and gas through a fill port of the hermetic device, and disposing a seal into the fill port. A method for making a hermetic device containing a detectable gas, and an exemplary hermetic device comprising an electrochemical cell or a capacitor are also disclosed.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS [0001] This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60 / 673,514, filed Apr. 22, 2005, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] 1. Field of the Invention [0003] The present invention generally related to quality control of hermetic devices and, more particularly, to leak detection of sealed enclosures to ensure their hermeticity after completion of manufacturing. Leak detection is enabled by providing a detectable gas within the container during the hermetic device manufacturing process. Confirming hermeticity is critical for any sealed enclosure, especially one housing an electrical power source for an implantable medical device. The power source can be either an electrochemical cell or a capacitor. [0004] In either case, the power source includes a negative electrode and a positive electrode physically segregated from each other by a separator and provi...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0009] There is, therefore, need for a method and apparatus for infusing electrical energy storage device containers with helium or another detectable gas in the manufacturing process, which requires minimal capital and labor costs and which has a high production throughput.

[0016] In one preferred embodiment, the gas reservoir is in communication with the transfer vessel through a gas conduit connected to a second inlet port provided in the housing of the transfer vessel. The vacuum pump may also be in communication with the transfer vessel for the purpose of evacuating it before the transfer of liquid thereto, preferably through a venting conduit and a venting port in the housing of the transfer vessel. A three-way valve may be used to easily switch between the connection of the hermetic device to the vacuum pump, and the connection of the hermetic device to the transfer vessel.

Problems solved by technology

If a leak exists, helium is forced into the void volume of the enclosure.

The method of leak testing in which a bombing chamber is used is cumbersome and expensive to perform.

The bombing operation is thus disadvantaged because it requires additional labor and capital equipment on the cell manufacturing line, and it reduces the throughput of the line.

Images