Abstract: This document provides systems and methods for testing of various kinds of valves. For example, this document provides systems and methods for accelerated life testing of prosthetic heart valves.

Abstract: An apparatus for fatigue testing an article includes a base having a platform for receiving an article to be tested, a shaft extending toward said platform for applying a force to said article, a coupling assembly connected to said shaft, said coupling assembly comprising a joint that pivots about an axis, and flex pivots disposed to be aligned with said axis about which said joint pivots.

Abstract: An electromagnetic motor includes a stator and an armature arranged to move substantially linearly relative to the stator in an intended direction during operation of the motor. A first and second flexure are connected to a first end of the armature. Each flexure has a longest portion which lies substantially in a plane that intersects a plane in which the armature lies at a substantially right angle. The flexures allow motion of the armature in the intended direction while resisting motion of the armature in one or more other degrees of freedom.

Abstract: This document provides systems and methods for testing of various kinds of valves. For example, this document provides systems and methods for accelerated life testing of prosthetic heart valves.

Abstract: A conditioning system includes a sample chamber capable of receiving a specimen as well as first and second specimen-holding fixtures positioned within the sample chamber and configured to apply mechanical stimulation to a specimen held by the fixtures. The system has at least one port capable of providing a fluid to the sample chamber. The chamber is sized and shaped so that it can be inserted into an imaging device which can record images of a specimen held by the fixtures.

Abstract: This document provides mechanical seals that include one or more rolling diaphragms. In one example embodiment, this document provides double rolling diaphragm seals that are usable in conjunction with various types of equipment including, but not limited to, accelerated life testing systems. In such a context, the double rolling diaphragm seals facilitate high-speed linear modulation of a variable volume pressure vessel, while maintaining precise volumetric control. Such an arrangement can facilitate an essentially frictionless linear actuation system having a long stroke, long service life, and precise volumetric control. In addition, this document provides linear actuator systems that can be used in adverse environmental conditions.

Abstract: An electromagnetic motor includes a stator and an armature arranged to move substantially linearly relative to the stator in an intended direction during operation of the motor. A first and second flexure are connected to a first end of the armature. Each flexure has a longest portion which lies substantially in a plane that intersects a plane in which the armature lies at a substantially right angle. The flexures allow motion of the armature in the intended direction while resisting motion of the armature in one or more other degrees of freedom.

Abstract: This document provides systems and methods for testing of various kinds of valves. For example, this document provides systems and methods for accelerated life testing of prosthetic heart valves.

Abstract: A system for applying mechanical stimulation to a biologic sample includes a first biologic sample chamber having a biologic sample holder therein, a support structure for holding the first biologic sample chamber, and a first actuator that can supply a mechanical load to a biologic sample held by the biologic sample holder. The actuator is configured to move into a first position proximate to the chamber in which the actuator can transmit the load to the biologic sample via a first transmission path that includes the biologic sample holder. A controller is configured to automatically move the first actuator into the first position.

Abstract: Stability of a control system for a materials testing system using specified filter parameters is confirmed by inputting to the control system a test signal having a predetermined waveform, automatically monitoring the output of the materials testing system, and automatically comparing the output to a threshold. If the output exceeds the threshold, a first action is taken. If the output does not exceed the threshold, input of a command signal to the control system is permitted.

Abstract: An electromagnetic motor includes a stator and an armature arranged to move substantially linearly relative to the stator in an intended direction during operation of the motor. A first and second flexure are connected to a first end of the armature. Each flexure has a longest portion which lies substantially in a plane that intersects a plane in which the armature lies at a substantially right angle. The flexures allow motion of the armature in the intended direction while resisting motion of the armature in one or more other degrees of freedom.

Abstract: A securing apparatus includes a housing, a cam member, and a movable device that can be moved in a first direction to engage a first surface of the cam member to cause the cam member to move from a first position to a second position. When the cam member is in the first position, first and second movable members can be moved relative to the housing. When the cam member is in the second position, second and third surfaces of the cam member press respectively against the first and second movable members to trap the first and second movable members respectively between the second and third surfaces of the cam member and the housing such that the first and second movable members are fixed relative to the housing.

Abstract: An apparatus for fatigue testing an article includes a base having a platform for receiving an article to be tested, a shaft extending toward said platform for applying a force to said article, a coupling assembly connected to said shaft, said coupling assembly comprising a joint that pivots about an axis, and flex pivots disposed to be aligned with said axis about which said joint pivots.

Abstract: A conditioning system includes a sample chamber capable of receiving a specimen as well as first and second specimen-holding fixtures positioned within the sample chamber and configured to apply mechanical stimulation to a specimen held by the fixtures. The system has at least one port capable of providing a fluid to the sample chamber. The chamber is sized and shaped so that it can be inserted into an imaging device which can record images of a specimen held by the fixtures.

Abstract: This document provides systems and methods for testing of various kinds of valves. For example, this document provides systems and methods for accelerated life testing of prosthetic heart valves.

Abstract: A securing apparatus includes a housing, a cam member, and a movable device that can be moved in a first direction to engage a first surface of the cam member to cause the cam member to move from a first position to a second position. When the cam member is in the first position, first and second movable members can be moved relative to the housing. When the cam member is in the second position, second and third surfaces of the cam member press respectively against the first and second movable members to trap the first and second movable members respectively between the second and third surfaces of the cam member and the housing such that the first and second movable members are fixed relative to the housing.

Abstract: An electromagnetic motor includes a stator and an armature arranged to move substantially linearly relative to the stator in an intended direction during operation of the motor. A first and second flexure are connected to a first end of the armature. Each flexure has a longest portion which lies substantially in a plane that intersects a plane in which the armature lies at a substantially right angle. The flexures allow motion of the armature in the intended direction while resisting motion of the armature in one or more other degrees of freedom.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling fluid flow characteristics includes a fluid conduit for containing a fluid, a first dynamic pump connected to a first portion of the conduit, a second dynamic pump connected to a second portion of the conduit and a controller for operating the first and second dynamic pumps to control dynamic flow of the fluid and dynamic pressure in the fluid in the conduit.

Abstract: A system for applying mechanical stimulation to a biologic sample includes a first biologic sample chamber having a biologic sample holder therein, a support structure for holding the first biologic sample chamber, and a first actuator that can supply a mechanical load to a biologic sample held by the biologic sample holder. The actuator is configured to move into a first position proximate to the chamber in which the actuator can transmit the load to the biologic sample via a first transmission path that includes the biologic sample holder. A controller is configured to automatically move the first actuator into the first position.

Abstract: A sample testing system includes a plurality of sample tubes, each sample tube coupled to a pumping chamber, a pressure control subsystem and a flow control subsystem. The pressure control system includes a first dynamic pump equipped to induce pulsatile pressure in a mass of pumping fluid coupled to the pumping chambers. The flow control subsystem includes a mean flow pump equipped to generate a flow of sample fluid in a plurality of flow loops. Each of the flow loops conducts the flow of sample fluid between the mean flow pump and one of the sample tubes. The pumping chamber couples pressure from the pumping fluid to the sample fluid.