Abstract: A sensor apparatus for measuring a pressure of an airflow in a duct. The sensor apparatus includes a first sensor portion that includes a first end and a second end, and that is without ports in communication with the airflow. The sensor also includes a second sensor portion that is coupled to the first sensor portion adjacent the first end, and a third sensor portion that is coupled to the first sensor portion adjacent the second end. The second sensor portion includes a first port that senses a first airflow pressure of the airflow, and a second port that senses a second airflow pressure of the airflow. The third sensor portion includes a third port that senses a third airflow pressure of the airflow, and a fourth port that senses a fourth airflow pressure of the airflow.

Abstract: A particulate filtration device having a cleaning assembly including the cleaning nozzle that accelerates gas toward the downstream surface of the filter media. The cleaning nozzle comprises an inlet portion defining a converging inlet path, a throat portion defining a narrowest portion of the nozzle, and an outlet portion defining a diverging path and ending at an exit edge. The inlet portion, throat portion, and outlet portion collectively create an inner surface of the nozzle. The nozzle defines a centerline and an exit half angle relative to the centerline, and the exit half angle is about ten degrees. The nozzle has a throat area at the throat portion and an exit area at the exit edge. A ratio of the exit area to the throat area is about 1.4. A portion of the inlet portion adjacent the throat portion has a throat inlet radius, and a portion of the outlet portion adjacent the throat portion has a throat outlet radius. The throat outlet radius is larger than the throat inlet radius.

Abstract: A test chamber that is capable of operating in a mode where the temperature of the chamber is efficiently cooled without removing a substantial amount of moisture from the air. In one aspect, the test chamber includes a structure defining a work space having air, and a temperature control system (e.g., a refrigeration system having a compressor, a condenser, and an evaporator valve). The temperature control system includes a heat exchanger (e.g., an evaporator) positioned to communicate with the air in the work space, a source of cold fluid (e.g., a compressed, condensed, and throttled refrigerant) coupled to the heat exchanger, a source of hot fluid (e.g., compressed refrigerant gas) coupled to the heat exchanger, and a controller for controlling a mixture of cold fluid and hot fluid entering the heat exchanger (e.g., by adjusting a cold fluid valve and/or a hot fluid valve).

Abstract: In a first embodiment of the present invention a method of monitoring individual vibrators in a pneumatic vibration testing system is disclosed. The method includes providing a pneumatic vibration testing system including at least one vibrator, where each vibrator is connected to a pressurized air system through an output of a valve. Pressurized air is then supplied at a known pressure to an input of the valve. When that air is supplied to the valve the valve releases air in measured bursts to the vibrator and the pressure between the valve and the vibrator is monitored. The pressure between the valve and the vibrator is compared to the known pressure, which indicates if the vibrator is failing or has failed. In preferred embodiments, the testing system includes a plurality of vibrators and an equal plurality of valves, each vibrator is connected to the pressurized air system through a single associated valve.

Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, a vibrator table apparatus includes a primary table member driven by at least two vibrators, having upper and lower surfaces and defining x and y axes. The improvement of this embodiment includes at least one of the upper and lower surfaces of the primary table member defining an opening for each of a first plurality of substantially parallel channels and an opening for each of a second plurality of substantially parallel channels substantially perpendicular to the first plurality of channels.

Abstract: An environmental sensor including an inlet and an outlet such that a flow of fluid moves from the inlet to the outlet, a particle detection portion to detect particles in the fluid, and a controller connected to the particle detection portion. The environmental sensor can be in communication with a data acquisition system (e.g., via a wireless access point) to form a particle counting system. Also disclosed are methods of operating the environmental sensor and methods of operating the particle detection system.

Abstract: An environmental sensor including an inlet and an outlet such that a flow of fluid moves from the inlet to the outlet, a particle detection portion to detect particles in the fluid, and a controller connected to the particle detection portion. The environmental sensor can be in communication with a data acquisition system (e.g., via a wireless access point) to form a particle counting system. Also disclosed are methods of operating the environmental sensor and methods of operating the particle detection system.

Abstract: A universal access port includes a specific size opening that is formed through a wall of a conditioning enclosure and located at a specific distance from a floor or mounting surface. The opening is preferably rectangular in shape, but other shapes may also be used. When not in use, the universal access port is covered with a sealing panel. Insertable devices may be efficiently inserted and removed from the universal access port. A perimeter of the insertable device is sized to be sealable inserted into the universal access port. Each insertable device preferably seals with an exterior and interior wall of the conditioning enclosure. Some insertable devices include fixturing devices, windows, manual manipulation devices, junction devices, hinged access doors, wire access devices, temperature modifying devices or air circulation devices.

Abstract: A carrier of circuit boards includes a base frame having a plurality of first card guides disposed on its upper surface, the first card guides for securing respective first side edges of a corresponding plurality of circuit boards, a plurality of second card guides for securing respective second side edges of the plurality of circuit boards, and a plurality of adjustment members, each being for individually adjusting a distance between a respective pair of one first card guide and one second card guide. A method of preparing a carrying arrangement for a plurality of circuit boards includes providing a carrier for the plurality of circuit boards. Groups of circuit boards having different vertical on-edge dimensions may be interconnected and/or tested by being placed together and individually snugly held on a single carrier shelf.

Abstract: A universal access port includes a specific size opening that is formed through a wall of a conditioning enclosure and located at a specific distance from a floor or mounting surface. The opening is preferably rectangular in shape, but other shapes may also be used. When not in use, the universal access port is covered with a sealing panel. Insertable devices may be efficiently inserted and removed from the universal access port. A perimeter of the insertable device is sized to be sealable inserted into the universal access port. Each insertable device preferably seals with an exterior and interior wall of the conditioning enclosure. Some insertable devices include fixturing devices, windows, manual manipulation devices, junction devices, hinged access doors, wire access devices, temperature modifying devices or air circulation devices.

Abstract: A circuit board support rack for vibratory testing of printed circuit board comprises a frame and a board engagement platform fixed with respect to such frame. A board retention member is spaced from the engagement platform. The rack has a first adjustment mechanism, e.g., rows of vertically-spaced apertures, any of which may receive a shoulder screw to thread to the retention member. Such first adjustment mechanism coacts with the frame and the retention member, thereby permitting selection of the dimension by which the engagement platform and the board retention member are spaced apart. The rack also has a second adjustment mechanism, e.g., a plurality of screws threaded to the retention member. Each such screw has a notched locating pin coupled to it. Such second adjustment mechanism is mounted for locating-pin movement toward and away from the engagement platform.

Abstract: A refrigeration system is provided having refrigerant flowing therethrough. The refrigeration system provides temperature and humidity cooling within a chamber. The refrigeration system includes a compressor having an input and an output and an evaporator coil in communication with the chamber. A single expansion valve is provided in the input line to the evaporator coil for controlling the flow rate of the refrigerant delivered thereto and for limiting the pressure of refrigerant delivered to the input of the compressor.

Abstract: A testing apparatus is provided for testing a product in various climatic conditions. The testing apparatus includes a testing cabinet defining a first testing chamber for receiving the product therein and a vibration chamber. A vibration table is positioned within the testing apparatus and has an upper surface communicating with the testing chamber and a lower surface. A plurality of vibrators are operatively connected to the lower surface of the vibration table and are disposed in the vibration chamber. A climate control structure communicates with the vibration chamber for controlling the environment thereof.

Abstract: A device for sealing filters in a dust collector. The preferred dust collector has a housing enclosing clean-air and dirty-air chambers, a support base in the housing having a support side and an opposite side, and a contact surface spaced from the support base and facing the support side. A filter is positioned between the contact surface and support side. A push, lift or hold-release device is provided to secure the filter in sealed engagement with the support side and the contact surface. In a “hold” position, said device secures the filter with respect to the housing. In a “removal” position, said device permits the filter to be removed from the housing.

Abstract: An apparatus for conducting environmental tests on a device and which incorporates an improved transfer mechanism is provided. The apparatus includes a cabinet defining first and second chambers therein. An insulation wall extends between the testing chambers and has an opening therein so as to allow passage between the first and second testing chambers. The transfer mechanism includes a frame structure positioned within the cabinet for supporting a basket which carries the device to be tested. The basket is slidable along the supports of the frame structure for carrying the device between the first and second testing chambers.

Abstract: An improved dust collector having a housing that encloses clean-air and dirty-air chambers with an elongate non-vertical annular hollow filter with an end accommodating the flow of clean air positioned in the housing, and a nozzle connected to an air source where the nozzle is positioned so as to inject a blast of air into the filter in order to dislodge particulate accumulated on the outside of the filter. The improvement involves a turbine positioned within the filter and linkage joining the turbine with respect to the filter such that a blast of air from the nozzle turns the turbine which thereby turns the filter whereby the filter is reoriented to facilitate removal of particulate collected thereon.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for conducting environmental tests on a device. The apparatus includes a cabinet defining a testing chamber for receiving the device therein. Control structure, operatively connected to the cabinet, varies the environmental conditions within the testing chamber to a user desired environment. An isolation structure is provided for isolating the device within the testing chamber and preventing electromagnetic and radio frequency waves from passing therethrough.

Abstract: A door assembly for securing an elongate filter cartridge in a dust collector. The door assembly utilizes a mounting plate engaged with the cover of an elongated filter cartridge so as to substantially seal the cartridge opening. The filter cartridge and mounting plate surround a support rod which extends through an aperture in an outer door that is engaged with the door wall of the dust collector so as to substantially seal the entrance of the dust collector. A spring assembly is positioned about the rod connects the door to the mounting plate. A compression spring within the spring assembly extends between the door and mounting plate, and a holder is tightenably and removably engaged with the end of the support rod thereby applying a closing force along the rod and sealing the cartridge in position in the dirty-air chamber.

Abstract: An air-channeling apparatus for channeling the flow of air into a dirty-air chamber of a dust collector. The air-channeling apparatus having a top baffle member secured with respect to the ceiling of the dust collector, the top baffle member positioned at the entrance port to the dirty-air chamber and inwardly converging toward the ceiling to define a first opening therebetween. A first angled baffle member is connected to and angled away from the top baffle member while a rear baffle member having a plurality of openings is attached to the ceiling of the dirty-air chamber inward of the first opening. Furthermore, a vertical baffle member is positioned in registry with a portion of the air entrance port and spaced from the ceiling. The vertical baffle member is secured with respect to the ceiling so as to define a second opening with respect to the side wall having the air entrance port. Finally, a second angled baffle member is spaced from and secured with respect to the ceiling.

Abstract: Disclosed is a particle sensor having a light beam with a beam long axis and an air flow tube with an inlet end and a particle exit mouth. In an aspect of the invention, the cross-sectional area of the flow passage at the inlet end is greater than the cross-sectional area of the exit mouth. This enlarged area dramatically reduces pressure drop along the tube. The exit mouth is in registry with the light beam and is elongate in a direction substantially parallel to the beam long axis. Thus, particles flowing through the mouth pass through the beam. In another aspect, the invention includes a centrifugal blower which is light in weight and which may be battery powered.