Abstract: A self piloting balance arbor for use in the dynamic balancing of gas turbine engine components having shafts extending therefrom. The arbor includes a cylindrical sleeve for receiving the shaft, and an annular flange at one end. A conical compliant member extends axially and radially inward from the flange to an end portion having two flat surfaces perpendicular to each other. Upon the application of a load to the arbor the two flat surfaces come into contact with the component, thereby correctly positioning the arbor relative to the component.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting the possibility of transfer of material through a protective barrier between a worker and an external object and warning the worker of that possibility is provided. In one embodiment, an electronic leak alarm module is electrically connected to the worker and to the external object. In another embodiment, the module is connected to the worker and a conductive layer on or within the protective barrier.

Abstract: In the program-controlled cleaning of endoscopes in a cleaning apparatus, the head parts are cleaned, rinsed, disinfected and rinsed clean in pressure chambers and, at the same time, the insertion tubes are cleaned, rinsed, disinfected and rinsed clean in pipes, attached to these pressure chambers, in a number of cleaning stages using cleaning liquid which is introduced via a circulation pump at a pressure of approximately 200 mbar. Prior to each of these cleaning stages, compressed air generated in the compressed air unit of the cleaning apparatus is introduced from there through the pressure test attachment of each endoscope, which pressure test attachment is connected by means of a pressure test adaptor to a compressed air attachment of the cleaning apparatus, until an internal pressure of 250 mbar is reached.

Abstract: The rotor blades of a helicopter are balanced both in the chordal direction and in the spanwise direction in a static balancing assembly. The assembly includes a support surface on which there are four weighing scales. The scales are positioned in close proximity with the four corners of the rotor blade. The scales provide four cooperating pairs of blade spanwise and chordwise balancing reference data. The scales are operably connected to a microprocessor which is preprogrammed with desired balance data for the blades being tested. Deviations from the desired balance data detected by the scales and the microprocessor are corrected by selectively adding or subtracting weight on the blades at appropriate locations of the surfaces thereof.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting the possibility of transfer of material through a protective barrier between a worker and an external object and warning the worker of that possibility is provided. In one embodiment, an electronic leak alarm module is electrically connected to the worker and to the external object. In another embodiment, the module is connected to the worker and a conductive layer on or within the protective barrier.

Abstract: A method for testing a condom for viral penetration includes the steps of positioning a condom to be tested in a restraining device so that expansion of the condom is restricted to a size corresponding to the device anthropomorphic dimensions of a penis; pressurizing the condom via a liquid containing viral particles in suspension, and monitoring for passage of viral particles through the condom. The method which simulates conditions of human sexual intercourse while using a viral particle to test condom integrity can be effected using an apparatus with elements that are commonly found in a microbiology lab.

Abstract: A method of testing for leaks in a closed fluid filled system and a system tested by such method are provided, the method comprising the steps of disposing the system in a chamber, disposing a fluid in the chamber under a pressure so that if a leak path of a certain size or larger exists in the system such fluid of the chamber will be forced through the leak path to change the fluid condition in the closed volume of the system, removing the system from the chamber after a certain period of time, then subjecting the system to a certain pressure and temperature condition so that an expandable part of the system will be in an adverse expanded position beyond its normal position for that certain pressure and temperature if the leak path of at least a certain size existed, and then detecting the adverse expanded position of the part of the system.

Abstract: A detection medium and method for use in detecting gross and fine leaks in a hermetically sealed package. In a preferred embodiment, the detection medium includes a detectable perfluorinated gas dissolved in a detectable perfluorinated liquid. The package is placed in a bombing chamber and then exposed to the detection medium under pressure introduce the detectable liquid and dissolved, detectable gas into the package through any gross leak openings and to introduce the detectable gas and some detectable liquid vapor into the package through any fine leak openings. The package is then removed from the detection medium and air dried to evaporate any detection medium attached to an exterior surface of the package. The package is placed in a test chamber which collects detectable gas and vapor of the detectable liquid escaping through the gross and fine leak openings. A measurement instrument detects whether a component of the detection medium has escaped from the sealed package as an indication of a leak.

Abstract: A tank filled with water is covered by a layer of oil containing carbon black. A radiation source preferably a high intensity visible spectrum light is aimed at the bottom surface of the oil/carbon layer. A radiation detector is placed parallel with and immediately above the oil/carbon layer. In operation, the oil/carbon layer will offer an opaque surface thereby preventing the passage of radiation. A bubble rising in the water will momentarily penetrate the oil/carbon layer. If the bubble diameter is greater than the oil/carbon layer thickness, the radiation will pass through the oil/carbon layer. Once the bubble bursts, the oil/carbon layer will immediately heal, thereby sealing off the passage of radiation. The radiation detector will detect any radiation passing through the oil/carbon layer. A passing bubble will be indicated as a discrete blast of radiation. The radiation detector preferably consists of an array of radiation detectors.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus and method for detecting a leak from an object. A bubble collecting tube is used for collecting bubbles emitted from an object and a bubble detecting assembly adjacent the bubble collecting tube is used for detecting a predetermined volume of bubbles collected in the bubble collecting tube to indicate a leak in the object.

Abstract: A method for determining whether surface connected, through thickness defects exist in a coated carbon-carbon composite article. The method involves the immersion of the coated article in a low viscosity liquid; if a stream of bubbles rises from the surface of the coating, such bubbles indicate the existence of at least one surface connected, through thickness defect in the coating.

Abstract: A method of testing for leaks in a closed fluid filled system and a system tested by such method are provided, the method comprising the steps of disposing the system in a chamber, disposing a fluid in the chamber under a pressure so that if a leak path of a certain size or larger exists in the system such fluid of the chamber will be forced through the leak path to change the fluid condition in the closed volume of the system, removing the system from the chamber after a certain period of time, then subjecting the system to a certain pressure and temperature condition so that an expandable part of the system will be in an adverse expanded position beyond its normal position for that certain pressure and temperature if the leak path of at least a certain size existed, and then detecting the adverse expanded position of the part of the system.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for leak testing a fluid containing chamber wherein the chamber is pressurized with a gas and is submerged in a liquid. The bubbles of gas rising from the submerged chamber are directed past a plurality of a predetermined locations that are each in optical communication with a photoelectric detector. The signals from the detectors are counted and when the number of bubbles exceeds a predetermined number, a signal is activated indicating a leaking container. By grouping a number of adjacent photoelectric detectors into a predetermined set, the apparatus can discriminate between random bubbles rising from the chamber surface as it is submerged and a number of bubbles all originating from a given location indicating a leak. The photoelectric detectors may be positioned in the liquid adjacent the predetermined locations or positioned out of the liquid and coupled to the predetermined locations by fiber optic cables.

Abstract: An apparatus for testing the waterproofness of a casing having divided casing elements which are connected to each other at opposite end surfaces thereof, includes a dummy casing made from liquid rubber material which has been cured, after a connecting end surface of one of the divided casing elements has been inserted therein, to form a recessed groove corresponding to the connecting end surface. A connecting end surface of one of the divided casing elements is then depressed against the recessed groove of the dummy casing to form a sealed assembly. The waterproofness of the casing can then be determined by determining the waterproofness of the assembly.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus and method for detecting a leak from an object. A bubble collecting tube is used for collecting bubbles emitted from an object and a bubble detecting assembly adjacent the bubble collecting tube is used for detecting a predetermined volume of bubbles collected in the bubble collecting tube to indicate a leak in the object.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for leak testing a fluid containing chamber wherein the chamber is pressurized with a gas and is submerged in a liquid. The bubbles of gas rising from the submerged chamber are directed past a plurality of a predetermined locations that are each in optical communication with a photoelectric detector. The signals from the detectors are counted and when the number of bubbles exceeds a predetermined number, a signal is activated indicating a leaking container. By grouping a number of adjacent photoelectric detectors into a predetermined set, the apparatus can discriminate between random bubbles rising from the chamber surface as it is submerged and a number of bubbles all originating from a given location indicating a leak. The photoelectric detectors may be positioned in the liquid adjacent the predetermined locations or positioned out of the liquid and coupled to the predetermined locations by fiber optic cables.

Abstract: A method for balancing the rotor of a wind turbine and a balancing weight. The weight is formed of a piece of steel or other material of sufficient weight bent in an L shape with holes that allow it to be bolted onto a flange at the root of the wind turbine's blades. The width, thickness, or length of the weight can be varied to produce balancing weights of unique weight and radius from the rotor's axis of rotation. A trial weight is disclosed for use with the so-called four run method of determining the rotor's unbalance. The trial weight can be quickly and easily attached and removed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a portable bicycle tire leak detector apparatus which is adapted to be attachable to a bicycle frame or conventional bicycle tire pump. The apparatus generally comprises a water bottle having a trough member releasably mounted thereto. The trough member is adapted to contain a quantity of water in a manner allowing an inner-tube of a bicycle tire to be submerged therewithin. The apparatus further includes bicycle tire repair elements which may be stored within the trough member when not filled with water.

Abstract: A slowly turning rotating mass, such as a wind turbine rotor, is balanced in situ by measuring the magnitude of a phenomenon, such as acceleration, created by rotor unbalance at a location on a mass support shaft which is close to the mass. The measurement of the phenomenon is made along a line selected to be insensitive to the bias of gravity on the mass. The measurement is made while the mass turns at its usual operating rate. The structure which supports the shaft is fixed as rigidly as possible in space while measurements of the phenomenon are made.

Abstract: A method and device for checking the tightness of a casing which is, filled with a gaseous medium, immersed in a container with liquid medium placed in a chamber of which the interior is insulated for sound and vibrations, the output signals of a sensor in contact with the container wall being amplified, filtered and evaluated.

Abstract: Method for determining the reliability of men's contraceptives, characterized by submerging the contraceptive in a liquid, injecting a liquid in impulses into the contraceptive, and generating shock waves.

Abstract: A device for the testing of air leaks in a vehicle rim or the like includes a water tank having a predetermined volume of water in the bottom thereof, a mounting and bearings for holding the rim and permitting it to be rotated, a pair of separated pressure chambers sealed by sealing rings and communicating with a manometer which has a discharge valve mounted outside the tank, and a feeder extractor carried by the mounting for manipulation of the rim into and out of the water so as to be checked for air leaks.

Abstract: The invention is a method and device for precisely balancing the mass and center of gravity of airfoils, one pair at a time. Airfoils are clamped between grooved clamps having a central pin, and their tip-to-tip and root-to-root moments are balanced. Thus the mass and center of gravity are made equal. Reference positions, equally offset from the central pin, are provided to allow enhanced sensitivity when balancing airfoils of particularly small mass.

Abstract: A device for measuring dynamic balance of a rotor including a shaft to which an impeller is secured at its one end and which has a neck portion adjacent to the impeller so that the shaft may be rotatably supported by a bearing member at the neck portion. The device comprises: a housing member, a thrust bearing secured to the housing member and engageable with the neck portion of the shaft, a support member provided in the housing member beneath the thrust bearing and engageable with the shaft so that the shaft may be rotatably supported in a slanted or a vertical position by the support member and the thrust bearing with the impeller being positioned upward, and a sensor connected to the housing member for detecting the vibration of the housing member caused when the rotor supported by the thrust bearing and the support member is rotated. The dynamic balance of the rotor can be measured by the sensor in terms of the vibration of the housing.

Abstract: An aircraft propeller blade is constructed by forming two shells of composite material laminates and bonding the two shells to a metallic spar with foam filler pieces interposed between the shells at desired locations. The blade is then balanced radially and chordwise.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system and method for minimizing vibration over the full operating range of a rotor of an apparatus. The system includes a transducer or an array of transducers for resolving up to six degrees of freedom of motion of a rotor support structure. In one embodiment the transducer is a six degree of freedom accelerometer located near the center of gravity of the structure. In addition to the motion transducer, a shaft position reference sensor is connected to the shaft of the rotor and/or rotor support structure. A signal processor that receives signals from the transducer and the shaft position reference sensor produces Fourier coefficients of motion occurring in each degree of freedom. The system utilizes analytical models or empirically derived data to describe the Fourier coefficients of acceleration (or strain) resulting from each of the available rotor adjustments.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for leak testing a fluid containing chamber wherein the chamber is pressurized with a gas and is submerged in liquid. The bubbles of gas rising from the submerged chamber are directed past a plurality of predetermined locations which are each in communication with a photoelectric detector. The electrical signals from the photoelectric detectors are counted and when the number of bubbles exceeds a predetermined number, a fault signal is activated indicating a leaking container. By grouping a number of adjacent photocells into a predetermined set, the apparatus can discriminate between random bubbles rising from the chamber as it is submerged, and a number of bubbles all originating from a given location. The photoelectric detectors may be positioned in the liquid adjacent the predetermined locations or positioned out of the liquid and coupled to the predetermined locations by fiber optic cables.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of detecting bubbles issuing from a hermetic container. A hermetic container, i.e., an object to be measured, is immersed in a liquid, and pressurized air is applied to this hermetic container to produce bubbles from a leaking portion. The bubbles are allowed to pass between a pair of optical fibers provided with a gap therebetween. At that time, a light beam emitted from one optical fiber and received by the other optical fiber is radiated across the intended pathway of the bubbles. When the light beam passes through the bubbles, the beam is diffused by the difference in density between the liquid and the bubbles, a reduced part of it is received by the other optical fiber, and the amount of light thus received is converted to an electrical signal. In addition, an apparatus for detecting bubbles for implementing this method is also disclosed.

Abstract: Given limitations on potential locations, weight sizes and amount of weights all possible applied unbalance magnitudes and angles are calculated after determining the initial unbalance magnitude and angle of the rotor this result is vector summed with all possible applied unbalances. The lowest resultant magnitude is determined, independent of the angle. The corresponding weight combination produces the lowest possible residual unbalance within the constraints.

Abstract: A water bath apparatus for testing pressurized cans of aerosol products in groups for leakers. A spokeless horizontal cylinder is supported and rotatable on trunnions in a tank partly filled with water. The cylinder has end rings which ride on sets of trunnions mounted on opposing walls on the tank interior. Uniformly spaced elongated clamps structurally interconnect the end rings to form the sidewall of the cylinder. Each clamp after loading carries a group of cans down into the water and then upwardly out of the water for unloading. A horizontal tube extends through the tank and through the spokeless interior of the cylinder. An elongated conveyor extends through the top of the tube and the interior of the cylinder. Each clamp is normally closed so as to retain a group of cans to be tested.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for leak testing a fluid containing chamber wherein the chamber is pressurized with a gas and is submerged in liquid. The bubbles of gas rising from the submerged chamber are directed past a predetermined location which is adjacent to a photoelectric detector. The electrical signals from the photoelectric detectors are counted and when the number bubbles exceeds a predetermined number a fault signal is activated indicating a leaking container. By grouping a number of adjacent photocells into a predetermined set, the apparatus can discriminate between random bubbles rising from the chamber as it is submerged, and a number of bubbles all originating from a given location.

Abstract: A drum testing apparatus simultaneously tests the bottom chine, sidewall vertical chine, and wall integrity of a typical drum, such as a 55-gallon drum. The apparatus includes a frame for supporting the drum to be tested in a generally upright position. A turntable base is moveably supported by the frame and provides a rotatable surface for supporting and turning the drum at its bottom end portion. A reservoir immerses the drum bottom chine and the top chine during testing and while the turntable base rotates the drum. A liquid spray simultaneously immerses the drum sidewall and the vertical chine during testing and while the drum rotates. A holder including a pair of spaced-apart flanged portions engages respectively the top end portion and the bottom end portion of the drum and preloads the drum end portions to prevent removal of the drum end portions during testing. An air pressure source pressurizes the drum interior during testing.

Abstract: Apparatus and a method for testing leaks in the footwear articles are provided. Bootie and sock inserts for shoes made of waterproof materials in which the seams are seam-sealed have become popular among people who are involved in sports and other outdoor activities. Many of these products are sufficiently waterproof so that guarantees are made as to their waterproofness. A method for testing and apparatus for testing has been developed which can perform tests on multiple footwear articles simultaneously and produce immediate and reliable results within a matter of minutes. Footwear articles may include boootie inserts, socks, or shoes.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for testing for gas leaks in waterproof gloves and glove inserts by applying gas under controlled pressure into a confined glove or insert and measuring bubbling or lack thereof in a suitable reservoir of liquid. The glove is not wet by liquid.

Abstract: A method of leak testing electrical or electronic components, by immersion in an inert liquid at a temperature above 100.degree. C., to detect any bubbles arising from the component, after which the component is removed from the liquid and drained, wherein according to the invention the liquid in which the component to be tested is immersed comprises predominantly perfluoroperhydrofluorene, C.sub.13 F.sub.22.

Abstract: A method of dynamically balancing an assembly of a metal jig and a ceramic rotor attached thereto, the ceramic rotor having a shaft portion, and the metal jig having at its one axial end a fixing hole, comprising the steps of: inserting the shaft portion of the ceramic rotor into the fixing hole of the metal jig, and thereby fixing the ceramic rotor to the metal jig to provide the assembly; and dynamically balancing the assembly by fixing at least one balancing piece in at least one of a plurality of balancing holes which are formed in the metal jig, the balancing holes being open in an outer surface of the metal jig. Also disclosed is a metal jig of a generally cylindrical shape for rotating a ceramic rotor in a dynamically balanced condition, having a fixing hole in its one axial end portion, in which a shaft portion of the ceramic rotor is inserted and fixed.

Abstract: There is provided a method and apparatus for testing drums such as steel drums, wherein the drums are moved automatically into a pre-determined area, and the drums are rotated and oriented, air under pressure is next introduced into the drums, and wherein after an operator observes the drums for leaks, the drums are mechanically lifted from a water filled area. The method and apparatus can be utilized as a dum submerged tester for handling a plurality of drums, or the method and apparatus can be for a single drum submerged tester.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for balancing of a motor armature and fan coupled thereto is disclosed. The apparatus includes a pair of spaced end brackets for supporting an armature of the motor and the fan for rotary movement. At least one motor bracket is coupled between the end brackets and includes means for detachably mounting a set of field coils for the motor thereon. The motor bracket further includes a recess therein which, when the set of field coils is detached from the motor bracket, exposes the armature to permit the armature and fan to be rotated as a unit so that the balance of the unit can be determined. The method and apparatus are particularly adavantageous for balancing a motor-fan system in which the motor is of the split-field coil type.

Abstract: Apparatus for the transfer of a module, the module including an outer casing in which is held the stator stage and a turbine rotor constituted by disks supporting blade rows, the disks being held by tie bolts, the apparatus having a holding device of the outer casing on the balancing machine, a temporary interconnection means of the disks of the turbine, and a transport device ensuring the securing of the turbine disks after withdrawal of the holding device.

Abstract: Orientation and/or position of a first body, such as the inboard end 42 of a helicopter blade 21, with respect to a second body, such as a rotor hub arm 36, is sensed by determining the position of the images 93, 95-97, of light from sources 80, 81 passed through slits 89, 90 on detector arrays 91, 92. Signal processing means (FIG. 5, FIG. 11) provide signals indicative of such image positions, which can be used to determine, from simple trigonometry, the orientation and/or position of the first body.

Abstract: A propeller 12 is supported by means of a propeller accommodation 10 comprising a fixing flange on a tubular hollow bending spring 16. A tubular transmitting member 24 coaxial to the hollow bending spring 16, is affixed to the propeller accommodation 10. The position of the transmitting member 24 is detected in two coordinates by sensors 26 and displayed as a light spot by a vector display instrument. This results in calibratable unbalance display. An axial plunger 32 mounted on the hub 14 of the propeller 12 for the blade adjustment extends into the tubular transmitting member 24 and does not obstruct the mounting of the propeller 12 on the propeller accommodation 10.

Abstract: The invention concerns method and apparatus to obtain accurate tracking of rotor blades, as for example helicopter rotor blades, despite the existence of conditions transiently altering rotor angular velocity.

Abstract: A universal balancing plate is presented for balance of rotational parts. The plate is an aluminum plate which is webbed for strength and hard coated for wear. There are five slots in radial locations in which five steel details slide on rotary screws. Three slots carry tool locators to pilot the part to be balanced, and two slots carry hold down bolts to secure the part to the plate. Each movable detail has a vernier scale attached for quick radial adjustment via a crank at the outside diameter of the aluminum plate.

Abstract: An enclosure to define a substantially annular chamber around a conduit to be tested for leakage, and to confine a liquid to permit the visual detection of gas bubbles indicative of a gas leak in the conduit. The enclosure is sleeve-like and includes two body members pivotable about a longitudinal hinge to permit quick attachment to and removal from a pipe section. A longitudinal seal is provided and a radial seal extends from corresponding ends of the body members to define the bottom wall of the enclosure and to sealingly engage the pipe.

Abstract: Asymmetries of rotatable members such as aircraft propellers can be balanced out by the careful addition of counterweights at proper positions on the members. An accelerometer coupled to the mounting of an unbalanced rotating member produces a signal containing a component indicative of the unbalance. This signal would be useful for helping in the balancing process but it may also contain noise components from which the useful component has to be extracted without too much alteration. A fixed frequency band-pass filter could be used but the results then have to be manually corrected if the actual frequency varies from that associated with the filter or a manually turnable filter could be used but then of course the filter has to be tuned for each test.

Abstract: A leakage detector of endoscopes inspects cracks and pinholes within an endoscope of the perfect watertight structure by detecting leaked air therefrom while applying compressed air in the endoscope and, when no defect such as cracks and pinholes exists, controls by means of a relief valve so that the rise of air pressure within the endoscope assumes a given value.

Abstract: A machine for balancing large rotatable parts such as marine propellers in the plane of rotation. A swing assembly hangs from a support assembly such as two spaced posts on a stand by means of two or more thin metal sheets which extend from the support assembly to the bottom of the swing assembly. The rotatable part is centered on the top end of a vertical arbor mounted for rotation about a vertical axis in a vertical column on said swing assembly. As the arbor and part are rotated, any imbalances causes a deflection of the swing in a plane perpendicular to the thin metal sheets which act as sensitive leaf springs. Deflection is measured by an indicator adjacent to the swing. Since the metal sheets are very strong in tension, very heavy parts can be tested. These sheets, due to their length and slight thickness, are easily deflected sideways by very small off-center loads. Thus, small imbalances can be detected, measured and corrected.

Abstract: An apparatus and procedure for measuring and regulating the relative vertical displacement of helicopter blades from a rotational plane, comprising a stroboscopic illuminating means, intended to be directed across a reflective tape placed at the extremity of each blade, and a means for controlling the timing of the stroboscopic emissions, whereby the passage of a reflective tape, located at the extremity of each blade, through the line of sight of the lamp, permits a visualization of the relative positions of the different reflecting tapes, the apparatus may be used while on the ground or during flight.

Abstract: A system for detecting small leaks at low pressures in hermetically sealed units that includes a first flow circuit for connecting a test unit to a source of pressurized gas (air) to place the unit at a desired test pressure. The gas (air) is then rerouted through a second flow circuit containing a bubble chamber so that in the event of a leak, a stream of bubbles are produced in a liquid. The presence of bubbles in the liquid is detected by a doppler radar which provides an alarm signal in response thereto. The mass displacement of the bubbles within the liquid is controlled and the time period between bubbles is sensed to provide sufficient data to quantify the leak rate.

Abstract: An improved method for testing the integrity of containers and closures for same is disclosed which is simple, easy to perform, and possesses a high degree of sensitivity. The method comprises immersing a container (whose walls are substantially transparent and in which a substantially transparent liquid is stored) into a solution of a dye under conditions which will favor the passage of the dye through any leaks present in the container or closure and into the liquid. The container is then placed in the path of a laser beam emitting a wavelength which approximates the fluorescent excitation frequency of the dye. If the color of the beam transmitted through the liquid is that which is characteristic for the fluorescing dye, a leak in the system is indicated.