Abstract: A test cell for determining expansion or contraction of a sample contained therein includes, a test cell body, a reflective surface within the test cell body, the reflective surface moveable responsive to expansion or contraction of the sample, a displacement sensor system exterior of the cell body, the displacement sensor system having a transmitter for transmitting directed electromagnetic radiation and a sensor for sensing electromagnetic radiation, a lens provided in the cell body, the lens constructed to allow electromagnetic radiation to pass therethrough. The transmitter, reflective surface, and sensor are constructed and positioned such that directed electromagnetic radiation transmitted from transmitter toward reflective surface is reflected from reflective surface toward the sensor.

Abstract: A test sample heating apparatus and method includes a heating jacket that applies heat to a sample vessel containing a test sample. The heating jacket has a vessel-receiving recess that is sized and shaped to allow the sample vessel to be placed within the recess with limited annular spacing between at least part of the sample vessel exterior surface and at least part of the heating jacket recess interior surface. Proximate surfaces of at least one of the heating jacket and the sample vessel may be coated with a dark coating to enhance heat transfer.

Abstract: A test sample heating apparatus and method includes a heating jacket that applies heat to a sample vessel containing a test sample. The heating jacket has a vessel-receiving recess that is sized and shaped to allow the sample vessel to be placed within the recess with limited annular spacing between at least part of the sample vessel exterior surface and at least part of the heating jacket recess interior surface. Proximate surfaces of at least one of the heating jacket and the sample vessel may be coated with a dark coating to enhance heat transfer.

Abstract: A gasket material comprising polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) and a thermoplastic polymer having a melting point lower than the melting point of PTFE. Preferred thermoplastic polymers comprise fluorinated thermoplastic polymers, and most preferred fluorinated thermoplastic polymers comprise fluorinated ethylene propylene and perfluoroalkoxy copolymer. The PTFE component preferably comprises full density PTFE, and a filler material may optionally be added. The PTFE component is present in the gasket material in an amount from approximately 50% to less than 100%, based on the total weight of the gasket material, and the thermoplastic polymer is present in an amount from greater than 0% to approximately 20%, based on the total weight of the gasket material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a flexible composite plastic material that can be used to fabricate a variety of mechanical goods such as diaphragms. The composite plastic material comprises a layer of rePTFE and a layer of flexible polymer. The composite plastic material may further comprise a layer of thermoplastic polymer between layers of rePTFE and flexible polymer.