Abstract: Method and apparatus for testing hermetic seal integrity of sealed packages and containers, are provided. The method includes placing a sealed test package having at least one semi-flexible surface, within a test chamber. The pressure within the test chamber is changed from a first value to a second value, over the time interval of a test cycle. During the time interval of the test cycle, both the pressure within the test chamber and the displacement of the semi-flexible surface of the test package are continuously measured, and produced therefrom, are a first analog data signal proportional to the pressure within the test chamber, and a second analog data signal proportional to the displacement of the semi-flexible surface of the test package. During the time interval of the test cycle, the first analog data signal is converted into a first discrete data sequence, and the second analog data signal is converted into a second discrete data sequence.

Abstract: A razor blade having guard elements deposited in recessed guard seats formed in the cutting edge and flanking surfaces of the blade. The guard elements may be deposited by electrochemical plating and their retention on the blade is enhanced by the recessed seats formed in the blade surfaces. The guard seats extend rearwardly from the blade edge a significant distance and may be interconnected by a transversely extending locking guard seat into which guard element material is also deposited.A method for applying the guard elements to the blade comprises applying a photoresist material to the blade edge and adjacent region, fixing a photographic image on the photoresist material in accordance with a predetermined guard element pattern, removing a portion of the photoresist material in accordance with the pattern and etching the underlying blade to form the guard seats.