Bruce A Welt

US Patent:

20080232426, Sep 25, 2008

Filed:

Jan 18, 2005

Appl. No.:

10/586118

Inventors:

Bruce A Welt - Gainesville FL, US

Assignee:

University of Florida Research Foundation, Inc. - Gainesville FL

International Classification:

G01K 3/04
G01D 21/00

US Classification:

374102, 116207, 374E03004

Abstract:

Time-temperature integrators (TTIs) are useful for providing a means to monitor safety of fresh foods, particularly foods packaged in reduced-oxygen environments. TTIs of the present invention utilize Arrhenius-type curves to offer safety margins that satisfy regulator and shelf-life requirements. One method of using TTIs of the present invention involves using duel TTIs, one as a reference and one as a safety.

US Patent:

20090158817, Jun 25, 2009

Filed:

Dec 15, 2008

Appl. No.:

12/335230

Inventors:

BRUCE WELT - Gainesville FL, US
Ayman Abdellatief - Gainesville FL, US

Assignee:

University of Florida Research Foundation, Inc. - Gainesville FL

International Classification:

G01N 15/08

US Classification:

73 38

Abstract:

A method and apparatus is provided for measuring the oxygen transmission rate (OTR) of a material, such as a perforated film packaging material. The method and apparatus can use a fiber optic oxygen sensor that does not consume oxygen and does do not require any flowing gas during measurement of the OTR.

US Patent:

20140013824, Jan 16, 2014

Filed:

Jul 12, 2013

Appl. No.:

13/941225

Inventors:

BRUCE A. WELT - GAINESVILLE FL, US

International Classification:

G01N 15/08

US Classification:

73 38

Abstract:

A method and apparatus is provided for measuring the transmission rate of a substance through a material, such as a packaging film. The transmission rate of the substance during the test can be increased, or decreased, by increasing the pressure, or decreasing the pressure, respectively, at which the test is conducted. Embodiments can use a probe that does not consume the substance. Specific embodiments can utilize flowing gases. Other embodiments do not require any flowing gas during the measurement.

US Patent:

20160370251, Dec 22, 2016

Filed:

Aug 31, 2016

Appl. No.:

15/252311

Inventors:

- Gainesville FL, US
Bruce A. Welt - Gainesville FL, US

International Classification:

G01M 3/32

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.