Abstract: The present invention relates to a leak detection system for checking the leak-tightness of an object, the system including: a device for pressurising a space; a first pressure sensor configured to measure the variations in pressure of the pressurised space; a second pressure sensor configured to measure the variations in ambient pressure, such as atmospheric pressure; an electronic entity configured to determine a leak depending on the variations in the pressure ?P in the pressurised space and the variations in the ambient pressure ?Pext, the variations ?P, ?Pext being measured over a predetermined test time interval ttest by the first and second sensors, respectively.

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: 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 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 the device being tested.

Abstract: A sole (10) for footwear has a plurality of x-shaped pillars (30), preferably made of rubber or other elastomer. The x-shaped pillars (30) are vertical columns in the cross-sectional shape of an “X” having a wider base towards the inside of the footwear and extending, preferable in steps, to a narrower cross-section at the walking surface. The x-shaped pillars are preferably aligned longitudinally on the sole so that the arms of the x-shaped pillar face forward, rearward and to both sides of the footwear. This longitudinal orientation is preferred because it promotes gripping the engaged surface along the vertices of the x-shaped pillar, providing enhanced traction in the longitudinal and lateral directions. One embodiment has a plurality of channels (20) or cut throughs on a frame surrounding the x-shaped pillars and extending from the base of the x-shaped pillars through the frame to permit ejection of matter engaged between the x-shaped pillars.

Abstract: An improved tread having a grid-like pattern formed of self-supporting, connecting protuberances, such that a chamber is disposed between the protuberances. The chamber of the improved tread is capable of dispersing at least one of fluids, solids, and fluid-solid mixtures.

Abstract: A traction device includes a polygonal member having a number of attachment regions and a chamber with a predetermined number of sides. The chamber is disposed within a central region of the polygonal member. The number of attachment regions of the traction device is substantially equal to the predetermined number of the sides. Each chamber of the traction device is capable of dispersing at least one of fluids, solids, and fluid-solid mixtures.

Abstract: Planar solid-state membrane modules for separating oxygen from an oxygen-containing gaseous mixture which provide improved pneumatic and structural integrity and ease of manifolding. The modules are formed from a plurality of planar membrane units, each membrane unit which comprises a channel-free porous support having connected through porosity which is in contact with a contiguous dense mixed conducting oxide layer having no connected through porosity. The dense mixed conducting oxide layer is placed in flow communication with the oxygen-containing gaseous mixture to be separated and the channel-free porous support of each membrane unit is placed in flow communication with one or more manifolds or conduits for discharging oxygen which has been separated from the oxygen-containing gaseous mixture by permeation through the dense mixed conducting oxide layer of each membrane unit and passage into the manifolds or conduits via the channel-free porous support of each membrane unit.