Abstract: A micromechanical rotation rate sensor, comprising at least one substrate, wherein the rotation rate sensor has at least a first and a second seismic mass which are coupled to one another by means of at least one coupling beam, and wherein the rotation rate sensor is embodied in such a way that it can detect rotation rates about at least a first and a second sensitive axis, wherein each seismic mass is assigned at least one actuator unit with which the deflection behavior of the seismic mass can be influenced.

Abstract: A head fitting for a bathtub waste water drainage system is disclosed. The head fitting simplifies leak testing in bathtub waste water drainage system and eliminates the need for a separate test cap and fastening hardware for leak testing. The head fitting includes an internal partition wall and a breakout test plug molded as an integral part of the head fitting. The internal partition wall and breakout test plug initially hermetically seal the flow passage of the head fitting for leak testing the drainage system. The test plug can be broken out from the internal partition wall to open the flow passage after leak testing and without damaging the head fitting. The test plug forms part of the partition wall defined by an annular groove in the partition wall. The groove forms an annular band of relatively thin material (fracture band) that integrally connects the test plug to the partition wall, but allows the test plug to be forcefully separated from the partition wall.

Abstract: A portable air pressure decay test apparatus for leak testing of a sealed system includes a hollow housing, an air pump having an inlet and an outlet disposed in the housing, and a controller disposed in the housing and connected to the pump for controlling the operation of the pump. A test head is mounted on the housing for releasably attaching to an attachment point of a sealed system. The test head is in fluid communication with the outlet of the pump. When the test head is attached to the attachment point of the sealed system, the controller operates the pump to provide pressured air to the sealed system and raise the pressure in the sealed system to a predetermined value. After the predetermined value of pressure is reached, the controller stops the pump and monitors the air pressure in the sealed system for a predetermined time interval to measure an air pressure decay rate.

Abstract: A test plug assembly which tests the integrity of a segment of pipe having an internal diameter. The assembly comprises an annular body with opposite annular faces and defining on its outer perimeter, an annular recess, a pair of bosses, a pair of resilient annular members adapted to be respectively juxtaposed between an adjacent boss and annular face, means for urging the bosses respectively against the adjacent resilient annular member so as to urge the same frictionally engage and to seal against the internal diameter of the selected pipe segment and, means communicating through the assembly to that plenum now defined by said recess, the resilient annular members and the internal diameter of the pipe whereby the integrity of that pipe segment may be determined.

Abstract: A pneumatic pipe plug for pipeline tee-connections and access ports having a molded cap structure, an elastomeric inflatable body, and a sealant ring. The molded cap structure of the pneumatic pipe plug having two concentrically spaced projections which act to receive and seal the elastomeric inflatable body. The elastomeric inflatable body having a closed bottom and an open top which has a peripheral shoulder extending therefrom. The sealant ring of the pneumatic pipe plug having a threaded exterior and an interior lip which compresses the peripheral ridge of elastomeric inflatable body against the projections of the molded cap structure when the sealant ring is joined to the molded cap structure. The molded cap having an inflation device that is suitable to regulate air flow through the upper surface of the cap and into the area contained within the inner most projection of the lower molded cap.

Abstract: A leak detector for a pump having a plurality of stacked diaphragms includes a plurality of flat spacer rings each having discontinuous channels and being disposed in face-to-face abutting and stacked relationship with one another wherein the discontinuous channels of the spacer rings together form tortuous leak paths extending through the flat spacer rings from working areas of the pump to a point outside of sealing areas thereof. A port is disposed in fluid communication with the port and an apparatus is provided for developing a visual indication of fluid in the port. A circumferential fluid-tight seal is disposed radially outside of the port for sealing off fluid loss beyond the outer periphery of the plurality of diaphragms and flat spacer rings.

Abstract: An improved system for the non-destructive testing of the fluid tight integrity of an installed fluid transfer line such as a drain pipe or vent and wastewater system of a building. A removable test baffle is held in place between ends of adjacent sections of an installed fluid transfer line to isolate a portion of the line for testing. The test system comprises a baffle carriage, a removable test baffle, and a sleeve adapted to engage the outer surfaces of the adjacent sections to seal the junction and the test installation from leaking and optionally to provide one or more gaskets between the section ends and the baffle carriage. In optional preferred embodiments of the test system the baffle carriage is an integral part of the sleeve. Preferred baffles for use with the invention are flexible, of larger diameter than the fluid line, and comprise dual-gasket sealing means and means for removal of the baffles from either side of the test seal.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for verifying positive inflation of an inflatable element include electrical switches or sensors adapted to be actuated when sufficient element to borehole wall contact is achieved. The device may be a micro switch similar to that used in a calculator button, proximity switch or may employ a spear type arrangement wherein a spear is connected to one lead and is isolated from the other lead by insulation and wherein the spear is forced radially inwardly by the radially outwardly expansion of the cover on the element against the borehole wall. Upon piercing the insulation, the spear will have connected first and second leads that such connection being detectable via hard wire to the surface and electrical continuity whereby downhole electronics or intelligence whereby a downhole signal generator using any type of telemetry to communicate uphole.

Abstract: A drain plug sensor for determining whether a drain plug is inserted into a drain hole of a watercraft is provided. In a preferred embodiment, a reed switch for sensing a magnetic field is threadably mated with a receiver at one end thereof. The receiver and reed switch are emplaced into the drain hole. The drain plug, which is capable of being inserted into another end of the receiver, is formed together with a samarium cobalt magnet such that a magnetic field is created and emanated therefrom. In this manner, whenever the drain plug is inserted into the receiver, the reed switch detects the presence of the magnetic field. Conversely, whenever the drain plug is not inserted into the drain hole, no magnetic field is detected. Regardless of whether the drain plug is inserted into the drain hole, an indication is supplied to a user to alert the user as to whether the drain hole is operational.

Abstract: An improved system for the non-destructive testing of the fluid tight integrity of an installed fluid transfer line such as a drain pipe or vent and wastewater system of a building. A removable test baffle is installed in a seat extending radially into the sidewall of a pipe or other fluid transfer line to isolate an installed portion of the fluid line for testing. The test baffle comprises a pair of gaskets to improve the effectiveness of the baffle in sealing or isolating the line and a domed central web to facilitate testing at increased pressures. The test baffle optionally further includes a lightweight, low cost ribbed construction and a means for removing the baffle from either the convex or concave side of the dome without leaving behind any portion of the baffle to impair fluid flow within the line. On removal, the baffle is flexed into a saddle shape and removed from the line without need for dismantlement of the line.

Abstract: Providing an apparatus for detecting gas leakage from the periphery of a cylinder valve or the like of a plurality of gas cylinders, non-manually in a short time without failure, in place of manual detection.The apparatus for detecting gas leakage from a plurality of gas cylinders is characterized in that the apparatus is constructed such that one end of each of flexible hoses (2) is connected to each cap (1) put on a plurality of gas cylinders, the other end of each of flexible hoses is connected to one of the faces of an assembly panel (3), another flexible hose (4) is led out of the other face of the assembly panel and connected to a detector (6), a gas aspirator (5) for sucking gas from the cap, is connected upstream or downstream of the detector (6), and these apparatuses are controlled by a controller (7).

Abstract: A leak test adapter system and method for using same are provided for leak esting a container. A test port is defined in the container to have a cylindrical portion accessible from within the container and a slot accessible from the cylindrical portion and the exterior of the container. A housing fitted over the test port from the exterior of the container defines a chamber in line with the test port. A plug has a first portion sealable within the cylindrical portion of the test port, a second portion extending axially from the first portion for engagement in the slot when the first portion of the plug is sealed in the cylindrical portion, and a third portion extending axially from the second portion. A control rod is attachable to the third portion of the plug.

Abstract: The present invention provides a single compact fitting for air, CO.sub.2, or nitrogen pressure testing either gas piping or waste piping. Each fitting is used for gas pipes of a particular outside diameter and waste pipes of a single larger diameter. The typical plumber would have a set, for example four, of the inventive fittings available, one for each size waste pipe that is be tested. The inventive fitting couples easily to either gas fuel piping or waste piping. A single air-pressure gauge is used to test either type of piping system. The inventive fitting is not limited to waste, vent, or gas piping systems; it can also be used to couple to other piping systems. The inventive fitting, in addition to being more versatile than conventional air-pressure test fittings, is also smaller and more compact.

Abstract: A device for leakage and pressure testing can bodies and can body-end closure combinations includes a can clamp assembly having an expandable resilient sealing ring over which an open end of a can body is slid. The can clamp assembly automatically draws the open end of the can body into a collar and then expands the resilient sealing ring outwardly to clamp and seal the can body in the assembly. Air is pumped into or drawn out of the can by an air passage formed through an actuating rod attached to the can clamp assembly for extending and retracting the sealing ring. For testing can bodies having no end closures, the device includes a second can clamp assembly which clamps and seals the other open end of the can body. A shaft attached to the second can clamp assembly is slidably and rotatably supported in an aperture of a support plate such that the can body is free to expand axially and to rotate about its axis during loading and testing of the can body.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting leaks in fluid lines having any type, size, or style of fitting, the apparatus comprising in general a source of pressurized gas which is delivered into the fluid line to be tested. The fluid line is sealed on one end by a blanking plug mounted in a bracket, where the blanking plug sealingly mates with any type of fitting. The other end of the fluid line is connected to the gas source by an injector plug mounted in a bracket, the injector plug also sealingly mating with any type of fitting.

Abstract: An overflow system for a bathtub has an overflow port and has a drain pipe in connection with the overflow port. A flexible diaphragm is secured to and seals the port by a plate having a center opening. The diaphragm seals the overflow port when the system is being tested for leaks with pressurized fluid. Following the test, when the fluid is removed, the diaphragm is cut or slashed to open the overflow port to provide fluid flow. A cap covering the plate and the diaphragm is secured to the drain pipe and covers the plate and the diaphragm.

Abstract: An engine component of the type having a cavity therein through which cooling water can circulate, there being ports which lead from a face of the engine component into the cavity, is pressure tested by closing the ports and by pressing port closing elements onto the face so as to blank off the ports. The cavity is then pressurised and the engine component observed for seepage of water or the appearance of bubbles. The port closing elements are pressed onto the face by means of a transparent, laminated glass plate which is held in a steel frame by means of an elastomeric adhesive. Between the glass plate and a pressure bearing face of the steel frame there is a layer of elastomeric material.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for pressure testing valves utilizes a seal plate having a mounting plate disposed on one of its ends and a sealing surface on its other end, and a mounting plate cradle is provided for releaseably securing the mounting plate to a cradle support plate, whereby the seal plate may be readily installed within a valve testing machine without the necessity of screwing or bolting the seal plate within the valve testing machine.

Abstract: An apparatus which tests the internal integrity of, or isolates, a segment of pipe having an internal diameter. The apparatus comprises an annular body with opposite annular faces and defining on its outer perimeter, an annular recess, a pair of bosses, a pair of resilient annular members adapted to be respectively juxtaposed between an adjacent boss and annular face; means for urging the bosses respectively against the adjacent resilient annular member so as to urge the same in frictionally engage and to seal against the internal diameter of the selected pipe segment and, means communicating through the apparatus to that plenum now defined by said recess, the resilient annular members and the internal diameter of the pipe whereby the integrity of that pipe segment may be determined. The apparatus further includes a vent or passage through which the contents of the pipe upstream of the apparatus are allowed to pass.

Abstract: A leak check blind, according to the present invention, allows an in-line valve seat to be tested without removal of the valve from the line. The leak check blind is inserted in the flow line upstream from the valve to be tested. The blind is connected to a pressurized fluid supply for injecting a flow (pressure) to the valve and external flow measuring devices are provided for monitoring any flow of the test fluid. Any test fluid flow is indicative of a leaking in-line valve. If the detected leak is outside prescribed limits, the valve is then removed from the line and either repaired or replaced with a new valve. If the leak is within acceptable limits, the valve is simply reconnected and put back in service.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a leakage detection apparatus for testing the vacuum tightness of a semiconductor processing equipment which is equipped with a universal adapter head for testing various components of the equipment and a method for conducting such tests. Valuable down time can be saved on the semiconductor fabrication equipment by pre-screening all components on the basis of vacuum tightness testing done by a leak detection chamber supplied with such universal adapter head before they are assembled into the fabrication equipment after a maintenance or cleaning procedure is conducted on the components.

Abstract: A pressure testing device for attachment to an inlet opening of an object to be pressure tested. The device has a sealing head with a bladder. An inlet to the bladder allows it to be inflated and a passage extends through the bladder for pressurising the object. An adjustable coupling is mounted to the stem for attaching the device to the inlet opening and an adjustable guard is mounted to the stem and is movable into engagement against the inlet opening.

Abstract: In a method for life cycle testing of a swivel joint having male and female conduit elements, a fluid is supplied to the swivel joint under a predetermining pressure; and a certain mechanical load is applied to the swivel joint under test, thereby simulating typical operating conditions. While maintaining one of the conduit elements of the swivel joint immovable, the other conduit element is rotated continuously for a predetermined number of rotational cycles corresponding to a calculated life cycle. The direction of rotation is periodically reversed after a predetermined time period. The swivel joint is continuously checked for an undesirable leakage. A test setup for the life cycle testing is provided.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for testing a plumbing system in a more dependable and cost-effective manner. During the rough-in plumbing phase of construction, the drain pipe leading from the plumbing system in a building to the city sewer main or main sewer line is positively sealed off by a test cap welded in the pipe at the location of the clean-out. Access to the test cap is maintained through the clean-out. Pressurizing the rough-in plumbing to test the same can then proceed knowing that if any leaks occur, they are in the branch plumbing on the building side of the test cap, and not at or in the test cap. Following successful completion of the initial test, the top-out plumbing job is completed, leaving the test cap welded in the clean-out or drain pipe. After the roof vents are in, the second test of the plumbing system is made, again knowing that if the system shows any leaks, they are the result of a failure in the plumbing work and not a failure of the test cap.

Abstract: An apparatus and associated method which detects breaks and irregularities in a sealing arrangement, especially in heat-sealed, sterile packages by providing a standardized verification bar on the package adjacent a color coded sealing area. The verification bar may indicate examples of a proper seal, an underseal, and an overseal, as well as common seal problems such as bubbles, hairline voids and regular coextensive voids. The package which is especially useful as a sterilization pouch can be visually inspected both by the user of the package contents just prior to use and by the vendor of articles in the packages post assembly of the article into the sealed and sterilized package.

Abstract: A fusion joint test system for a saddle fusion joint on a pipe includes a movable sealing mechanism and computer for automatically testing a saddle interface, or fusion joint. The test system controllably pressurizes a substantially isolated area about the fusion joint to a set pressure using a fluid pressure source. A pressure sensor senses a change in pressure about the fusion joint after pressurization and a computer electronically determines whether the fusion joint is within an acceptable integrity range.

Abstract: A waterproof connector is checked for waterproofness, which waterproof connector has a terminal-accommodating chamber into which a terminal is inserted and which is sealed with a waterproofing rubber stopper through which an insulated wire attached to the terminal passes. A connector-holding block of a waterproofness-checking jig engages in a watertight manner with the connector-fitting side of the waterproof connector, followed by depressurizing the waterproof connector with an ejector and comparing the pressure inside the waterproof connector with a reference pressure to determine the presence or non-presence of a leakage. Owing to the depressurization of the waterproof connector, the terminal, if inserted incomplete, is moved into a fully-inserted position in the connector housing in one piece with the waterproofing rubber stopper. A waterproof connector can be easily and reliably checked for waterproofness without making errors, while remedying incomplete insertion of a terminal.

Abstract: A test head assembly for heat exchanger tube bundles consists of a structural frame to support the bundle, test heads, sealing devices between the test heads and the tube sheets, clamps securing the test heads to the bundle with the sealing devices therebetween, a supply reservoir for the test fluid, a collection reservoir to receive the test fluids after testing to permit proper environmental disposal, a control station, pumping assemblies and related equipment. The structural frame is suitable for holding various common arrays of tube bundles for heat exchangers in a test configuration. The sealing devices include two sealing plates, preferably fiat discs, mounted on opposite ends of the assembly and biased toward each other either hydraulically or mechanically, hydraulics being the most desirable biasing force, and two sealing rings, each typically a short cylinder of the proper outer diameter to fit the gasket surface of the bundle between the seal plates and the ends of the bundle to be tested.

Abstract: An outer diameter plug is provided for sealing the open end of a pipe. The plug is capable of being reused on a range of pipe outer diameter tolerances and of providing effective fluid-tight sealing over a range of internal pressures. The plug is particularly suited for use in pressure testing pipes by means of pressure fluids admitted to the pipes through the plug.

Abstract: An arrangement for leak testing an equipment consisting of a ventilator and of a breathing system provided between the ventilator and a patient, said ventilator comprising a gas delivery means and an expiration and inspiration valve, and said breathing system comprising at least tubing provided between the patient and the ventilator and a connector as well as possible other auxiliaries, the arrangement thus comprising a closing part, by means of which the connector can be closed during leak testing. To achieve automatic detection, the closing part is provided with a detecting means, which is arranged to provide a signal when the closing part closes the connector.

Abstract: A stuffing tube integrity checking assembly includes first and second annular seals, with each seal adapted to be positioned about a stuffing tube penetration component. An annular inflation bladder is provided, the bladder having a slot extending longitudinally therealong and including a separator for sealing the slot. A first valve is in fluid communication with the bladder for introducing pressurized fluid to the space defined by the bladder when mounted about the tube. First and second releasible clamps are provided. Each clamp assembly is positioned about the bladder for securing the bladder to one of the seals for thereby establishing a fluid-tight chamber about the tube.

Abstract: An apparatus for testing a section of pipe for leaks, includes mirror-image first and second portions each having an attachment assembly for attaching the portion to the section of pipe to be tested, an enclosure device for enclosing the section of pipe, and a sealing element for sealing the attachment assembly to the pipe. Also included is a resilient expansion device for permitting movement of the first portion relative to the second portion to accommodate expansion of the pipe, the expansion device being secured to the first portion and to the second portion.

Abstract: A freeze device for an elongated element includes a pressure vessel disposed about at least a part of the element and a freeze seal between the part of the elongated element and the pressure vessel. The freeze seal includes a frozen material exerting a force inwardly against the part of the element and outwardly against the pressure vessel by virtue of having been frozen in situ such that the frozen material thereby seals the elongated element to the pressure vessel.

Abstract: An inflatable pneumatic plug useful for expediting the hydrostatic testing of bathtub and water plumbing installations. The pneumatic plug has a semi-rigid handle tube with an air valve at one end and an inflatable tube attached to its opposite end. The inflatable tube and the handle are of sufficiently small diameter to pass through the overflow drain in the bathtub, past the drain stopper assembly and into the drain trap without disassembly of the plumbing. The inflatable tube, such as a latex tube, is chosen with a length and wall thickness such that the inflatable tube is relatively stiff and will tend to deflect laterally around a solid obstacle when advanced into the plumbing rather than flattening axially. The inflatable tube is inflatable to a diameter at least five times greater than its deflated diameter for making a water-tight seal in a plumbing conduit.

Abstract: Device for testing the imperviousness of a flexible membrane (8) used for communications between the outside world and a volume (2) closed by a wall (1). The membrane is seal-connected to a movable box (13), the contents of which may be evacuated. Evolution of the pressure or the concentration of a gas derived from the volume (2) in the box (13) makes it possible to measure any leaks through the membrane (8).

Abstract: An apparatus and method for pressure testing a body having a chamber by utilizing differential pressures to create a seal, whereby the body can be pressure tested without undesired forces being exerted upon the body.

Abstract: The invention concerns a cooling system pressure testing device for the purpose of leak detection. The device has a bladder with a passage extending therethrough. The bladder may be inflated to lock it within an opening in an object to be pressure tested and once inflated fluid may be passed through the passage to pressurize the object being tested.

Abstract: An adapter is provided for facilitating the charging of containers and leak testing penetration areas. The adapter comprises an adapter body and stem which are secured to the container's penetration areas. The container is then pressurized with a tracer gas. Manipulating the adapter stem installs a penetration plug allowing the adapter to be removed and the penetration to be leak tested with a mass spectrometer. Additionally, a method is provided for using the adapter.

Abstract: A test apparatus for leak-testing waterproof footwear comprises a support post (40) and an inflatable collar (2, 43) slideably mounted thereon. A foot (48) is attached to the lower end of the post for abutting the inside sole of the footwear and spacing the collar the correct distance therefrom to seal the entrance to the footwear. The collar is inflated to seal the interior of the footwear, which is then pressurized with air. Any air leaks are detected by immersion in water and observation of bubbles, or by using a sonic probe. Almost complete footwear items can be tested, usually before application of the outer sole.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for pressure testing valves utilizes a seal plate having a mounting plate disposed on one of its ends and a sealing surface on its other end, and a mounting plate cradle is provided for releaseably securing the mounting plate to a cradle support plate, whereby the seal plate may be readily installed within a valve testing machine without the necessity of screwing or bolting the seal plate within the valve testing machine.

Abstract: A disc-shaped sealing device for use in temporarily blocking and sealing a plastic fitting in a drain, vent, waste plumbing system is molded as an integral, unitary piece from polymeric material. The sealing device comprises a circular disc and an angled flange extending outwardly and upwardly from the perimeter of the circular disc. The disc-shaped device fits snugly within a barrel of a plastic fitting such that the circular disc is coaxially received in the barrel of the plastic fitting and the angled flange mates with and lies against a bevel in the barrel of the plastic fitting. A lug extends downwardly from the circular disc. First and second elongate grooves are formed in one of the surfaces of the circular disc. These grooves have a common juncture positioned near the forward end of the lug, the grooves diverge and extending along the opposite sides of the lug to near the back end of the lug.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a leak detection means that directs any leaked fluid to a single preselected radial point where it contacts and activates an indicating means. The means for defining the leakage flow path to the indicating means also acts as a barrier preventing contamination of the flange bolts by any leaking fluid.

Abstract: The apparatus comprises a lower sensor-holder head (40) and an upper sensor-holder head (72) each located at the center of an annular gasket (20, 70). Either (or both) of the sensor-holder heads are received in a space extending along the center axis of the gasket and are axially movable between a retracted position and an extended position. Preferably, one or both of the gaskets has stepped concentric rings for adaptation to different test object diameters. In operation, an object to be tested such as a wheel rim (C) is sealed between an upper gasket and lower gasket to define a space inside the wheel rim which encloses the sensor-holder heads, and to define a space enclosed between the outside of the wheel rim and an airtight bell chamber (66) which is pressurized with air or testing gas. Any leakage through the wheel rim is detected by one or more sensors on the heads.

Abstract: In accordance with illustrative embodiments of the present invention, the existing valves in a crude oil, gas, or other product pipeline are positively sealed off to allow a pressure test to be made of a section or segment of the pipeline between the valves. The section is packed with a hydrocarbon or aqueous liquid. A mixture of a highly viscous hydrocarbon based gel material and a lost-circulation material are injected into the pipeline segment adjacent each valve to form plugs in the line. The gel plugs are squeezed under pressure against the internal components of each valve to cause all leakage paths therein to be bridged over and sealed off. The pipeline segment then is pressure tested to determine if there are any leaks therein, after which the gel is flushed out of the line and broken down into a linear pumpable state for disposal.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for approximating the life of a gasket used in a predetermined environment is provided which allows for the long-term exposure to the environment to be simulated over a shortened period of time. The method and apparatus utilize the steps of placing a gasket sample in a test assembly, clamping the gasket sample within the test assembly at a predetermined clamping pressure whereby a chamber is formed within the interior of the gasket sample, filling the chamber with a gas at a predetermined pressure from a gas fill system, changing the temperature of the gasket sample over a predetermined number of temperature cycles, and measuring the amount of the gas which leaks from the chamber. The apparatus may also include a pressure control system for changing the pressure within the chamber over a predetermined number of pressure cycles or in response to predetermined temperature conditions.

Abstract: A multi-port tool which tests for leaks in the seals of a control rod drive that has been removed from its housing. The fixture is attached to the flange of the control rod drive using quick-release clamps. Two ports of the fixture are respectively coupled to the insert and withdraw ports of the control rod drive. A source of demineralized water at a constant pressure is applied to an inlet port of the leak test fixture. The pressurized water is applied to the control rod drive while the index tube is restrained by a restraining rig. A number of valves are selectively opened or closed to provide a flow path for the pressurized water to either the insert port or the withdraw port. The leakage rate at each of a number of leakage points is determined when the pressurized water is applied at the insert port only and again when the pressurized water is applied at the withdraw port only.

Abstract: A sealing element for use in the testing of cigarettes or other rod-shaped articles of the tobacco processing industry has an elastic tubular body with an end portion having an axially movable end wall and an annular lip extending beyond the external surface of the end wall. The latter has a central opening constituting the inlet or the outlet of an axial passage for testing fluid. When the end of an article to be tested is caused to bear against the external surface of the end wall, the latter yields axially of the tubular body and causes the lip to flex radially inwardly into engagement with the periphery of the adjacent end of the article to be tested. In order to reduce the likelihood of damage to the end wall and/or the lip by sharp edges surrounding the ends of certain articles which are caused to bear against the external surface of the end wall, such external surface is provided with an annular recess which is inwardly adjacent the lip and can have a substantially semicircular cross-sectional outline.

Abstract: A sealing element for the end portions of cigarettes or other rod-shaped articles of the tobacco processing industry has an elastic tubular body defining a longitudinally extending passage for the flow of air or another testing fluid from one end of an article being tested or in the opposite direction. The end face of the article being tested is engaged by a deformable membrane at one end of the passage, and such membrane has a central opening for the flow of testing fluid from or into an enlarged chamber between the membrane and an internal fluid deflecting baffle of the tubular body. The baffle causes the testing fluid to flow in the chamber radially inwardly toward or radially outwardly from the opening in the membrane and thus prevents the accumulation of tobacco particles and/or particles of filter material for tobacco smoke in the chamber. The stream of testing fluid in the major portion of the passage flows in the axial direction of the article being tested.

Abstract: A pressure testable flexible entry boot that provides sealed piping penetration through a container wall including a first elastomeric boot which cooperates with a second elastomeric boot to form a sealed air pocket, which may be pressurized by introducing air through a port extending through one of the elastomeric boots to detect leaks.

Abstract: An apparatus for testing seal members for use in an oxygen-rich environment. The test apparatus operates and is constructed to replicate the service environment as closely as possible. The test unit includes a hull with an interior test portion, with connections for gaseous or liquid oxygen and nitrogen and having a reciprocating actuator shaft extending into the hull interior. A valve seal member is carried on a retainer and bears against sealing surfaces on a nozzle to test valve sealing operations, while a dynamic O-ring bears against a liner element carried within the hull. Pressure sensors determine whether an effective seal is maintained, while a temperature sensor insures that the dynamic O-ring temperature does not exceed specifications. The retainer and the nozzle can be changed to permit testing a variety of valve seals.