Abstract: A method of operating a vibratory testing apparatus is disclosed including providing a table frame with at least one vibrator attached thereto and attaching the at least one vibrator to a solenoid valve, wherein an input of the solenoid valve is connected to a pneumatic air supply and an output of the valve is connected to the vibrator. The solenoid valve is connected to a controller and a first control signal is sent from the controller to the solenoid valve for opening the valve and allowing a first burst of air to the vibrator thereby causing the vibrator to vibrate the table frame at a first amplitude. Then a second control signal is sent from the controller to the solenoid valve for opening the valve and allowing a second burst of air to the vibrator thereby causing the vibrator to vibrate the table frame at a second amplitude.

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: A method of operating a vibratory testing apparatus is disclosed including providing a table frame with at least one vibrator attached thereto and attaching the at least one vibrator to a solenoid valve, wherein an input of the solenoid valve is connected to a pneumatic air supply and an output of the valve is connected to the vibrator. The solenoid valve is connected to a controller and a first control signal is sent from the controller to the solenoid valve for opening the valve and allowing a first burst of air to the vibrator thereby causing the vibrator to vibrate the table frame at a first amplitude. Then a second control signal is sent from the controller to the solenoid valve for opening the valve and allowing a second burst of air to the vibrator thereby causing the vibrator to vibrate the table frame at a second amplitude.

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: A method for facilitating academic improvement, comprising the steps of providing a database of students who have qualified for an academic improvement plan in at least one predefined content area, diagnostic testing of the students relating to their respective content area and recording in the database the diagnostic results of the testing in the database, developing and recording in the database at least one intervention strategy based in part upon the results of the diagnostic testing of the respective students or based in part on a standardized testing, monitoring and recording in the database each of the student's respective progress and documenting in the database the successful completion of the academic improvement for each respective student.

Abstract: The new method is particularly useful for inventorying frozen laboratory specimens such as found in a hospital or research center. The method includes placing a specimen at a primary location in a freezer, selecting an "identifier" unique to that specimen and displaying a symbol representing the primary location. More typically, both the storage system and the number of specimens are quite large and progressively-more-specific secondary, tertiary and even sub-tertiary locations will also be displayed. Removing the specimen from the compartment involves manipulating the freezer interface device, e.g., keypad and screen, to display at least the primary location. The user may manipulate by "scrolling" the screen or by entering certain specimen-identifying parameters such as a specimen description, the date of initial storage and others. An optional security arrangement can be incorporated and requires that persons attempting to place or remove a specimen must enter a personal identification number (PIN).