Abstract: A system for use in determining the torque required to loosen a threaded cap on a container, which container is held in a fixed position while a constant downward force is being placed on the threaded cap, by applying a gradually increasing electrical force to an electric motor tending to turn the electric motor so as to apply a torque on the threaded cap and using a torque sensor to measure the torque being applied by the electric motor on the threaded cap and recording the peak torque that was applied during the complete loosening of said threaded cap.

Abstract: A flexible disk damper which is capable of providing tight seals for a large diameter opening over a wide range of temperatures. Disks are made sufficiently flexible to compensate for inherent warpage in the damper seat by using a steel with a higher yield strength. Additionally, a varying cross-sectional thickness of the flexible disk is provided to ensure that unit stress is not exceeded along any point of the radius of the flexible disk for the deformation required to provide a tight seal. A pneumatic cylinder is utilized to provide a constant pressure to the flexible disks. A damper seat is fabricated from a cut plate or flat bar which is formed in an annulus. A deflection cone is utilized to deflect flue gases. The flexible disk is coupled together by bolts which are disposed in holes sufficiently large to allow independent movement of the disks to maximize deflection.