Abstract: A portable, case-enclosed pressure test manifold, configured to support both pneumatic and hydrostatic pressure testing, and comprising a downstream fluid path (e.g., a system test gauge, a ball valve, a system test port, a system relief valve, and other components/piping) and an upstream fluid path (e.g., a low-pressure gauge, a high-pressure gauge, and other components/piping). A regulator and/or the ball valve selectively operate the downstream fluid path, defining a hydrostatic pressure testing path, to receive a liquid; and the upstream fluid path in combination with the downstream fluid path, defining a pneumatic pressure testing path, to receive a gas. Manifold components are pressure rated based on use and are ASME Code B31.3 compliant. A flexible hose connects with either of the pneumatic pressure testing path and the hydrostatic pressure testing path of the manifold. The case includes parking receptables and a carrying handle configured to stow the hose during transport.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for enhanced vacuum bags. One embodiment is a method that includes placing a laminate comprising uncured fiber reinforced polymer onto a mandrel, laying up a vacuum bag, which includes integral ultrasonic transducers within a gas-impermeable layer, atop the laminate, and sealing the vacuum bag to the mandrel. The method also includes drawing a vacuum on the laminate via the vacuum bag, removing gas between the integral ultrasonic transducers and the laminate, and interrogating the laminate with the integral ultrasonic transducers.

Abstract: Devices, methods, and systems for operating gas meters are described herein. The systems may include a gas measuring system connectable to a gas line, where the gas measuring system may include a flow rate sensor, a pressure sensor, and a controller in communication with the flow rate sensor and the pressure sensor. The flow rate sensor and the pressure sensor may be configured to sense measures of a gas passing through the gas line. The controller may repeatedly obtain pressure measurements at set pressure measurement times. Measures from the flow sensor may be monitored and when a measure from the flow sensor measure meets a flow rate criteria, the controller may trigger an extra pressure measurement without waiting for a next pressure measurement time. The controller may initiate closing of a gas valve when a measure from the pressure sensor exceeds a threshold value.

Abstract: A permeameter device comprising a pedestal base, wherein said pedestal base comprises an inner raised wall and an outer raised wall, wherein the inner raised wall is lower in height than the outer raised wall, a trough defined between the outer and inner walls of dimensions to accept therein a cylindrical tube, and at least one passage, having an inner port on said inner wall and extending through the outer wall through an outer port for fluid connection through said passage, and a loading rod, wherein a sample is prepared to fit within the cylindrical tube.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a flip chip package includes forming a plurality of semiconductor chips and bonding the semiconductor chips to a package substrate. The method further includes electrically testing the plurality of semiconductor chips on the package substrate, molding the tested semiconductor chips, and singulating the molded chips. Electrically testing the semiconductor chips includes covering the semiconductor chips with a protection member.

Abstract: Defect detection systems include at least one nozzle for delivering a CO2 particulate fluid to an inlet end of a plugged honeycomb body. Defects in the honeycomb, if any, are determined by monitoring CO2 particulate flow at the outlet end of the honeycomb body. Methods for detecting defects in plugged honeycomb bodies are also disclosed.

Abstract: An improved mechanism for evaluation of degradation criticality is described. Corresponding apparatuses, systems, methods, and computer readable media are provided. The evaluation of corrosion criticality is utilized to estimate a failure pressure of a pipeline that is subject to structural degradation (e.g., metal loss corrosion). The evaluation, in some embodiments, is utilized with a specific tool configured for controlling or otherwise regulate pipeline operations responsive to the estimated failure pressure. The evaluation is a specific technical process whereby multiple failure paths through anomalies (structural defects arising from degradation features) are utilized in concert to determine an estimated failure pressure. The failure pressure, in some embodiments, is used to control actuation of one or more valve regulator features or to guide excavation.

Abstract: A modular medical testing device at least two driving motor modules, wherein the motors are separately controlled.

Abstract: A crack detection device for detecting a crack that occurs in a structure, includes: an MI cable that includes a metal sheath and a conductive wire accommodated in the metal sheath via a mineral insulating powder, and that is disposed along the structure so as to intersect an assumed crack C in a part of the structure where occurrence of a crack is assumed; a joint portion that is made of a metal that forms a joint when solidified from a melting state, and that joins the MI cable to the structure or a member fixed to the structure; and a detection device connected to both ends of a conductive wire, and configured to detect electrical characteristics of the conductive wire. The joint portion is present on one side and the other side with respect to the assumed crack C in a direction intersecting the assumed crack C.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a tri-axial mechanical test apparatus and method for simulating the process of freezing the high-pressure water into ice. The tri-axial mechanical test apparatus comprises a main body loading system, a freezing system, and a sample test system; in the main body loading system, a flange, an axial pressure piston and a pressure-bearing shell are constituted to a loading main body, and the axial pressure and confining pressure are controlled directly by a tri-axial servo tester and indirectly by an oil-water separator respectively; in the freezing system, a circumferential freezing liquid circulation channel and a base freezing liquid circulation channel are connected to an external cold source for cooling and freezing, and a dissoluble shell is provided on the periphery of the sample to ensure the shape of ice; in the sample test system, a serial of optical fiber sensors in the sample is connected to an optical fiber data collector, to measure temperature and strain.

Abstract: Embodiments of systems and methods for supplying fuel, enabling communications, and conveying electric power associated with operation of a hydraulic fracturing unit of a plurality of hydraulic fracturing units are disclosed and may include a fuel line connection assembly configured to be connected to the first hydraulic fracturing unit and to supply fuel from a fuel source to a gas turbine engine connected to the hydraulic fracturing unit. A system also may include a communications cable assembly configured to be connected to the hydraulic fracturing unit and to enable data communications between the hydraulic fracturing unit and a data center or another hydraulic fracturing unit. A system further may include a power cable assembly configured to be connected to the hydraulic fracturing unit and to convey electric power between the hydraulic fracturing unit and a remote electrical power source or the plurality of hydraulic fracturing units.

Abstract: A solid-propellant rocket engine (1) has a casing (2) and a thermal protection (15) internally coating the casing and delimiting a housing (17), which contains a mass of solid propellant (3); the thermal protection has a fixed portion (22) and at least one movable portion (23) that adheres to the mass of solid propellant (3) and can be moved from a back position to a forward position with respect to the fixed portion (22) through a thrust system obtained by pressuring a chamber 31 provided by installing a membrane 32 between the fixed portion 22 and the movable portion 23; the engine is tested by verifying the adhesion of the mass of solid propellant (3) to the movable portion (23) after having moved the movable portion (23) to the forward position by means of a thrust directed from the fixed portion towards the mass of solid propellant (3).

Abstract: A system for testing properties of a sample, the system including a test cell. The test cell includes a cell casing having a first end piece, a second end piece, and at least one wall extending between the first end piece and the second end piece. The cell casing defines a pressure boundary enclosing an interior region of the cell. The test cell further includes a sample chamber, a first reservoir, and a second reservoir disposed within the pressure boundary. The sample chamber defines an interior region. The first reservoir fluidly connects to the interior region of the sample chamber. The second reservoir fluidly connects to the interior region of the sample chamber. The test cell also has a piston assembly having a piston fluid chamber and a piston with a stem extending into the piston fluid chamber. The piston partially defines the sample chamber.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a flip chip package includes forming a plurality of semiconductor chips and bonding the semiconductor chips to a package substrate. The method further includes electrically testing the plurality of semiconductor chips on the package substrate, molding the tested semiconductor chips, and singulating the molded chips. Electrically testing the semiconductor chips includes covering the semiconductor chips with a protection member.

Abstract: A laboratory device for simulating the cement sheath consolidation in the frozen soil strata includes the main body, the pressure system and the measuring system. The main body includes the fixing plate, the detachable plate and the base plate. The circular hole is provided in the center of the base. The central column or the heat insulating casing is mounted on the base through the circular hole. The fixing plate, the detachable plate, the base plate and the central column or the heat insulating casing form a cavity for preparing the core and the cement sheath. During use, the device is placed in a low temperature context, and then the frozen soil core with a hollow cylinder can be artificially fabricated. Further, the heat insulating casing holder is placed, and the cement is added to simulate the state of the cement sheath consolidation under the actual strata conditions.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for testing the integrity of packaging using vacuum. The apparatus consists of tank with an interior chamber, a lid operable to allow placement of a package into the interior chamber, a hold down plate attached to the lid, a measuring device configured to measure the size of the package, and a vacuum device configured to apply vacuum to the interior chamber of the vacuum chamber. During testing the package is submerged in a liquid, then placed under vacuum until predetermined size is reached. Then the package is inspected for indications of leakage.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for capturing images of articles under test and processing the images to automatically detect the failure of a test article. The described methods include optimizing image capture to allow for the use of low cost imaging devices instead of high speed cameras or other expensive equipment. The described methods also include several methods for processing the images to identify the occurrence of a failure event.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of determining a permeation property of hollow-fibre membranes wherein the permeation property of the hollow-fibre membrane is determined on a hollow-fibre membrane bundle which has been introduced into a housing and has terminally open hollow-fibre membranes at a first end of the hollow-fibre membrane bundle and terminally closed hollow-fibre membranes at a second end of the hollow-fibre membrane bundle. The invention more particularly relates to a method of determining the ultrafiltration rate and/or the ultrafiltration coefficient of hollow-fibre membranes.

Abstract: An actuator-operation detecting apparatus is configured to check the operating state of a piston of an actuator. The actuator includes a double-acting cylinder, the piston that partitions the cylinder into a first pressure acting chamber and a second pressure acting chamber, and a rod connected to an end face of the piston facing the second pressure acting chamber. The actuator-operation detecting apparatus includes a first pressure detector to detect the pressure in the first pressure acting chamber, a second pressure detector to detect the pressure in the second pressure acting chamber, a differential amplifier circuit to calculate a thrust force acting on the piston based on the pressures detected by the first and second pressure detectors and the pressure-receiving area of the piston, and a microcomputer to monitor the operation of the piston based on the thrust force.

Abstract: A fall detection apparatus detects when a suspected fall event has occurred based on receipt of arm direction information. The fall detection apparatus provides further discrimination of when events involving a subject are suspected fall events.

Abstract: A leak test apparatus including a sleeve member having a first end and a second end and being configured to surround a portion of a transmission medium, a first retaining device configured to couple the first end of the sleeve member to a boundary fitting to which the transmission medium is coupled, and where the sleeve member is configured to contain a leak detection medium and effect a pressurization of the boundary fitting with the leak detection medium.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices are provided for testing a drug eluting prosthesis. A drug eluting prosthesis is placed within a conduit that is coupled at one end to a first conduit frame and at a second end to a second conduit frame. The first conduit frame is coupled to the second conduit frame using a movable shaft, such that the first conduit frame and the second conduit frame can move relative to each other. When the first conduit frame and the second conduit frame are moved relative to each other, they expose the conduit and the drug eluting prosthesis to compressive or tensile forces. While the drug eluting prosthesis is being exposed to compressive or tensile forces, a fluid flow is provided through the conduit to test the particle shed rate of the drug eluting prosthesis.

Abstract: A falling weight deflectometer comprising a load plate adapted to engage a test surface, force transmission means adapted to transmit a force to the load plate, buffer means, and a drop weight. The drop weight is adapted to impact the force transmission means via the buffer means so as to provide a force to be transmitted to the load plate via the force transmission means. The falling weight deflectometer further comprises at least one linear electric motor for lifting the drop weight to a predetermined height above the force transmission means.

Abstract: A manifold assembly has a manifold and can be located between a block and a plate, and serve as a stator for a valve or other component. The manifold, block or plate can have a plurality of ports either integral thereto or removably connected thereto, with the ports adapted to receive and sealingly engage with a tube having an inner tube layer, an outer tube layer, a sleeve, a tip portion, and a nut. Each of the nut, sleeve, inner and outer tubing layers, and tip portion have a passageway therethrough, with at least the passageways in the sleeve, tip portion, outer tube layer, and nut adapted to allow the inner tube layer to pass therethrough or extend over the inner layer. The ends of the tip portion and inner layer together can define a substantially flat surface which can form a seal in a flat-bottomed port of the manifold, block, or plate, which can be used in a component in an analytical instrument system, including for example a liquid chromatography system.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of delivering a predetermined volume of a liquid product, defined as the liquid end product, formed by addition of a first and second liquid product, into a thermoplastic container formed from a heated preform positioned in a mold and having an opening opposite an injection head. Prior to injecting the second liquid product into the preform causing expansion of the container, the preform is at least partially, filled with the first liquid product.

Abstract: A method of accelerated aging of bioresorbable polymer scaffolds including exposing the scaffold to water is disclosed. The scaffold is exposed to water at a controlled temperature for a selected aging time. The functional outputs, such as radial strength, expandability, and % recoil obtained from aged scaffolds predict those of real-time aging of the scaffold. The accelerated aging factor, which is the required shelf life divided by the aging time, is significantly higher for poly(L-lactide) scaffolds tested than thermal aging.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to systems and methods for stress testing to failure tubular mesh devices, specifically, one or more stents or mesh grid tubes. A radial compression method of stress to fatigue is developed by placing a tubular medical implant within a lower than normal compliance test vessel. A radial expansion method of stress to fatigue is developed by placing higher than normal compliance tubes within a tubular medical implant. A method for radial expansion and radial compression is conducted by placing a higher than normal compliance tube through the mesh device and the placing the tube and device within a lower than normal compliance test vessel. Each method is tested on a tester that operates by delivering pulsatile flow with varying pressures, frequencies and testing parameters. Fracture of the test subject is visualized by high speed camera.

Abstract: A testing system for testing high pressure fluid control products includes a testing chamber having a testing configuration in which an access door is in a closed position and contents of the testing chamber are contained for testing. The testing chamber includes a designated fitting testing area and a designated pipe testing area in fluid communication via an access window. The testing system also includes a set of interchangeable quick connect fixtures having similarly sized base ends and differently sized attachment ends. The designated fitting testing area includes a fitting test bench supporting at least one quick connect fixture for testing high pressure fittings, and the designated pipe testing area includes a pipe test bench supporting at least one quick connect fixture for testing high pressure pipes.

Abstract: A testing system for testing high pressure fluid control products includes a testing chamber having a testing configuration in which an access door of the testing chamber is in a closed position and contents of the testing chamber are contained for testing. The testing chamber includes a designated fitting testing area and a designated pipe testing area in fluid communication via an access window. The designated fitting testing area includes one or more test fixtures for testing high pressure fittings, and the designated pipe testing area includes one or more test fixtures for testing high pressure pipes. The testing system also includes one or more conveyors positioned within the designated pipe testing area and supporting the one or more test fixtures for testing high pressure pipes, each of the one or more conveyors being axially moveable within the designated pipe testing area between a load/unload position and a test position.

Abstract: Transportable system for the diagnosis, evaluation and prediction of leakages in hydraulic circuits of low pressure between 0 to 7 bar and of high pressure from 0 to 170 bar, quickly and safely for the operator is provided having a first independent circuit of high pressure and low flow and a second independent circuit of low pressure and high flow wherein the first independent circuit comprises: a first pressure subsystem, which delivers pressure to a first 4/3 valve with ports A, B, P and T, which is actuated by first solenoids, to deliver pressure to a first coupling A or to a first coupling B, in fluid communication with the ports A and B of the first 4/3 valve respectively a computer arranged to control the pressure of each pressure subsystem and associated method.

Abstract: A testing device and method for improved detecting of fluid leaks considered important, for example, fluid leaks that would be external to a component or machine are disclosed. The testing device includes a conventional infinite fluid pressure supply source which supplies equal fluid pressure to a reference volume zone, a critical zone and an internal zone, the critical zone and internal zone may be positioned inside of a device being tested.

Abstract: In hybrid electric vehicles having increased battery storage capacity and plug-in capability, electric-only operation of significant duration is available. To supplement lubrication for the electric and mechanical components provided in a fluid circuit by an engine-driven mechanical pump, an electric pump is provided in parallel to the mechanical pump. When the electric pump is operating, a diagnostic can be performed to determine system integrity. According to one embodiment, an actual quantity provide to the circuit is determined; an expected quantity is estimated; and a fault is determined when the actual and expected quantities differ by more than a predetermined amount. The fault may indicate a leak or plug in the fluid circuit or a failure of a component in the fluid circuit.

Abstract: A vacuum system and method for inspecting a workpiece that can include use of the vacuum system, where the vacuum system can include a housing defining at least a portion of a vacuum chamber, a piston within the housing that oscillates to vary a volume of the vacuum chamber, a first valve and a second valve in fluid communication with the vacuum chamber, and a hood in fluid communication with the second valve and the vacuum chamber. The vacuum system can include high-speed valves that enable vacuum system cycling and thus vacuum pressure cycling at a rapid frequency.

Abstract: An inspection method of a suction nozzle. Air flow rates that flow in multiple reference pipes that have different sectional areas are measured. A proportionality factor between air flow rates and sectional areas of the reference pipes is calculated based on the measured air flow rates of the multiple reference pipes, and the sectional areas of the multiple reference pipes. An air flow rate in a suction nozzle that is an inspection target is measured. The sectional area of the suction nozzle is calculated based on the air flow rate of the suction nozzle and the calculated proportionality factor. The sectional area of the suction nozzle calculated in this manner is substantially fixed even when the pressure of air supplied from an air source fluctuates. The sectional area of the suction nozzle is proportional to the air flow rate that flows in an inner portion of the suction nozzle.

Abstract: Machine (18, 19) for processing containers (1) including a base (7) having a high standing ring (8) and a central invertible diaphragm (9), the machine (18, 19) including: a container supporting frame (20) including a hollow support ring (21) for engaging a container base (7), a pusher (26) movable with respect of the container supporting frame (20), capable of coming into abutment with the container base (7) through the supporting frame (20), an actuator (28) for slidingly moving the pusher (26) frontwards towards the container base (7) through the supporting frame (20), and backwards, a strain gauge (29) coupled to the actuator (28) for gauging a strain applied by the actuator (28) to the pusher (26), a control unit (30) including a processor (32) connected to the strain gauge (29) and programmed for comparing a gauged strain value to a memorized strain reference value.

Abstract: An image pixel may include a shutter element that is operable in an open state during which a corresponding photodiode accumulates charge and a closed state during which charge is drained from the photodiode. During a first portion of an image frame, the image pixel may operate in a flicker mitigation mode in which a non-continuous exposure period is used. During a second portion of the image frame, the image pixel may operate in a high dynamic range mode in which images are obtained with exposures of varying lengths. To conserve memory requirements, the signal from the flicker mitigation mode may not be sampled until the end of the first exposure of the high dynamic range mode.

Abstract: An apparatus to detect fluid sealing of fuel tank includes a flow inlet and a flow outlet. The apparatus also includes a first flow path, fluidly connected between the flow inlet and the flow outlet, where the first flow path includes a fluid pump which pressurizes fluid from the flow inlet, the first flow path including an on-off valve to allow flow from the flow inlet to the flow outlet, the first flow path including a pressure sensor, and a flow control orifice located in the first flow path between the check valve and the flow outlet. The apparatus also includes a second flow path fluidly connected between the flow inlet and the flow outlet, the second flow path including an on/off valve located therein.

Abstract: A test cell (10) for containing equipment (12) subject to pressure testing comprises a plurality of metal plate wall panels (14) and a mesh roof panel (16) formed from mesh strands (26) of a high strength material. Each wall panel has a lapped connection (18) with an adjacent wall panel. The mesh panel (16) may be formed from a ballistic fabric, and the mesh strands (26) may be wire, rope and braid of steel, metal, plastic, natural or composite fiber, or a combination thereof. In the event of a pressure failure of the equipment (12) under test, the roof panel (16) captures fragments of the equipment while allowing the dissipation of pressure shock waves through the apertures (28) in the mesh. The lapped connections (18) between wall panels (14) result in increased friction between adjacent wall panels (14) and thus an increase in the strength of the connection when subject to pressure shock waves.

Abstract: An airfoil (112) including an internal cooling circuit (136) to direct cooling fluid (120) through an interior of the airfoil. The airfoil also includes a trailing edge (114?) defining plugged holes (115) and cooling holes (116) along a radial direction (117). A selective group (314) of the cooling and plugged holes are based on a reduced cooling fluid requirement at the trailing edge (114?) resulting from an improved thermal barrier coating (126). A process (200) is also provided including removing (202) an airfoil from service in a gas turbine engine and adding or improving (204) a thermal barrier coating on the airfoil. The process also includes selectively (206) plugging holes in the airfoil in response to a reduced cooling fluid required through the airfoil as a result of the added or improved thermal barrier coating.

Abstract: A testing system is provided for an article wrapped with an overwrap. The testing system includes first and second receptacle portions cooperating to define a test receptacle having a test fixture therein. The test receptacle is configured to receive the wrapped article. The test fixture is configured to form a seal with the test fixture about a perimeter thereof and to draw a portion of the overwrap away from the article in response to a suction applied in association with the test fixture. A piercing device is configured to form an orifice in the overwrap, within the perimeter, and a fluid between the overwrap and the article, through the orifice, from a fluid source. A pressure and/or a fluid flow change within the test receptacle, externally to the overwrap, is measured with a measuring device to determine whether there is leakage in the overwrap. An associated method is also provided.

Abstract: An endoscope reprocessor includes: an endoscope information reading section configured to read endoscope information from each of endoscopes; a treatment tank in which the endoscopes are disposed; a number detection section configured to detect a number of the endoscopes disposed in the treatment tank; a determination section configured to determine whether a first number that is the number of endoscopes read by the endoscope information reading section is equal to a second number that is the number of the endoscopes detected by the number detection section; a notification section configured to execute error notification; and a control section connected with the determination section and the notification section, and configured to drive the notification section when the determination section determines that the first number is different from the second number.

Abstract: A device and method of using infrared radiation to observe coal rock fracture development processes, for use in experiments to monitor coal rock fracture development using infrared radiation comprises three telescopic box bodies sleeved together. An infrared thermal imager connected to a computer is arranged at the front end of the telescopic box bodies, and a light-blocking plate is installed on a rear end. The distance between a coal rock test block and a lens of the infrared thermal imager can be freely adjusted via the three telescopic box bodies. The telescopic box bodies are installed on a rock press, and a loading test is performed on the coal rock test block.

Abstract: A device and a method for assessing a gasket pressure of a gasket arrangement between two adjacent heat transfer plates of a plate heat exchanger is provided. The gasket arrangement seals between adjacent heat transfer plates to define a flow channel between adjacent heat transfer plates, and the gasket arrangement is arranged to be exposed to a fluid passing through the flow channel. The device comprises a test object and a holder which are adapted to be arranged in a flow path of the fluid. The holder is arranged to hold the test object and the test object is arranged to be exposed to the fluid. The device is adapted to be arranged outside a space delimited by the adjacent heat transfer plates. The test object is arranged to be evaluated for an indirect assessment of the gasket pressure of the gasket arrangement.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of the present invention provide a differential pressure transducer that comprises first and second diaphragms of different configurations, i.e., different diameters and/or thicknesses. The pressure transducer provides more versatility over prior art designs as the diaphragms can be of different configurations yet still maintain substantially similar back pressures. Therefore, the errors commonly associated with back pressures are eliminated because the back pressures from the diaphragms ultimately cancel out in the sensor's differential pressure measurement.

Abstract: A drainage system that includes a ventricular catheter, a drainage catheter, and a positive displacement pump that can function to actively drain CSF from the ventricles of the brain of a patient. The pump can include, for example, a diaphragm pump, a piston pump, a rotor pump, a peristaltic pump, or a screw pump.

Abstract: Various methods and apparatuses are provided to monitor a sound transportation passageway between an engine airway and a passenger cabin, detect a rupture in an air-tight sound-permeable barrier within the sound transportation passageway separating the engine airway and the passenger cabin, and responsively effect a warning and/or a corrective action.

Abstract: A hydrostatic head tester arrangement has a frame, a test pressure generating device, a clamping device having first clamping ring and a second clamping ring and wherein a power gain element is connected to the first clamping ring. Further, the power gain element is connected to an actuation lever via a resilient member.

Abstract: A portable containment vessel to perform a pressure test to a test specimen includes a base skid, a ballistic outer enclosure connected to the base skid and comprising a plurality of walls, a door, and a lock to maintain the door in a closed position, a sample tray configured to support the test specimen, wherein the sample tray is operable through a doorway of the ballistic outer enclosure between a retracted position and an extended position, a containment fluid to surround the test specimen while a pressurized test fluid is applied to the test specimen, and a sensor to indicate a failure of the pressure test.

Abstract: A flush pump feature on a liquid purifying filter includes a segment of flexible tubing containing a small bulb pump is described. Two check valves are positioned upstream and downstream of the bulb pump which then terminates with a simple manually operated open/closed valve. The addition of this flush pump feature enables the filter unit to be easily purged of air at first use and also will make the filter easier to clean and maintain without the need to remove it from a hydration carrier. In addition, the flush bulb feature can also be used to perform a simple visual integrity test of filter while out in a remote location and also can be used to effectively remove bulk water from the filter for lighter storage when not in use which also minimizes freeze related damage when used in a cold environment.

Abstract: An arrangement for monitoring the functionality of a structural adhesive layer to be fabricated between a first surface of a stiffening element and another component. A sensor block is bonded to a second surface of the stiffening component opposite to the first surface. The area of the structural adhesive layer incorporates a plurality of air openings and vacuum openings that vertically extend through the stiffening component and structural adhesive layer and the sensor block. The air openings are interconnected among each other by at least one air channel, and the vacuum openings by at least one vacuum channel. At least one of the channels is connected to an evaluator unit to detect a failure of the structural adhesive layer.