Abstract: A system and method for temporarily displaying an ornament in a jewelry article is provided. The system comprises an ornament holder configured to temporarily hold an ornament and a jewelry article attachment configured to temporarily couple the ornament holder to a jewelry article. The ornament holder and the jewelry article attachment may be coupled together or design as a one-piece configuration.

Abstract: A cut design of an ornamental diamond and an observation method of the diamond which an observer can perceive a more beauty, are disclosed. The cut design is a round brilliant cut comprising a girdle, a crown above the girdle and a pavilion below the girdle. A girdle height (h) is 0.026 to 0.3 times a girdle radius, a pavilion angle (p) of a pavilion main facet ranges from 37.5 degrees to 41 degrees, and a crown angle (c) of a crown main facet is within a range of satisfying: c>?2.8667×p+134.233 and p<¼×{(sin?1(1/n)+sin?1(1/n·sin c))×180/?+180?2c}, wherein n: refraction index of a diamond, ?: circular constant, p: pavilion angle in degrees, and c: crown angle in degrees. The cut design of the ornamental diamond provides an observer with plenty of visual-perceptible reflection when the observer watches the diamond above a table facet with a sight line of an angle less than 20 degrees with a vertical line at the center of the table facet.

Abstract: A brilliant gemstone cut, having a crown, a girdle and a pavilion. The crown has a flat table shaped as an equilateral n-sided polygon. The girdle is also multi sided polygon. The corner, lower girdle, bezel and star facets are at significantly angles of inclination, with respect to the table to provide significantly improved brilliance. The upper corner facets are spaced from the girdle. The space between the corner facet vertices and the girdle is left open to be covered by a prong of a jewelry setting.

Abstract: A gas bubbler device provides enhanced recirculation of molten glass within a glass melter apparatus. The bubbler device includes a tube member disposed within a pool of molten glass contained in the melter. The tube member includes a lower opening through which the molten glass enters and upper slots disposed close to (above or below) the upper surface of the pool of molten glass and from which the glass exits. A gas (air) line is disposed within the tube member and extends longitudinally thereof. A gas bubble distribution device, which is located adjacent to the lower end of the tube member and is connected to the lower end of the gas line, releases gas through openings therein so as to produce gas bubbles of a desired size in the molten glass and in a distributed pattern across the tube member.

Abstract: The invention relates to a bendable or vaulting support structure in a bending section or bending and tempering section for glass sheets or panels. The support structure comprises a plurality of support arms (10), which are attached by pivotal joints (7) to each other for a vaulting bridge. Each support arm (10) includes a bracket member (6) protruding from between two pivotal joints (7). Between the bracket members (6) is provided a guide lever mechanism, which directs bending or vaulting of the support structure with a constant-radius curvature. The guide lever mechanism is established by levers (11, 12, 13) set in a Z-pattern and provided with five pivotal joints (1-5), three (1, 4, 5) of which engage with the bracket members (6), and two articulated axles (2, 3) present therebetween, which connect the lever arms (11, 12, 13) to each other, are capable of moving relative to the bracket members (6).

Abstract: A method of planning and fabricating a single crocheted work-piece that incorporates a meandering pattern. A special grid is constructed, the pattern placed in the grid, and the stitch combinations noted on the pattern line forming a “map”. This map of the work-piece is carefully followed in the fabrication of the first round. The work-piece is fabricated by making a central piece that is the first round containing the complete meandering pattern line. The first round is constructed in two steps, a row 1A and a row 1B. Row 1A is not visible when the first round has been completed. Thereafter, encircling additional rounds are added until the work-piece has reached the desired size. Inside seams are connected to complete the work-piece. Alternating colors are used to emphasize the meandering pattern. New stitch combinations, specifically a three-way intersection and a four-way intersection, as well as inside and outside corners make the meandering pattern possible.

Abstract: The present invention provides a knitting method for knitting knitwear having raglan sleeves and knitwear thus formed, wherein a beautiful silhouette is gained when being put on, which knitwear is knitted in a seamless manner by using a flat knitting machine. It is a method of knitting knitwear with raglan sleeves formed by using a flat knitting machine, wherein the length of the back body is formed to be longer than the length of the front body. The sleeves and the front body are joined and then the sleeves and the back body are joined, while the bodies and the sleeves are knitted. After the sleeves and the front body are joined, the step 1 and step 2 are repeated.

Abstract: A leather working tool and a method for cutting a leather strip. The strip cutting tool includes a tool head adapted for placement at least partially through the aperture formed through the sheet of material. A tool shaft is attached to and extends from the tool head. A strip cutting blade is connected to and extends parallel to a longitudinal axis of the tool head. The strip cuffing blade is positioned with respect to the tool head at a distance defining a desired strip width. The strip end is pulled between the tool head and the strip cuffing blade, and a continuous strip of a selected width is cut.

Abstract: By providing two separate and independent locking systems formed in a single padlock, with both locking systems independently enabling the single shackle to be released and/or lockingly engaged, in combination with a signal/indicator system constructed to provide a positive notification when one of said systems is employed, an effective, easily produced, multi-purpose signal providing padlock is achieved. In the preferred embodiment, a single housing and shackle assembly are employed and constructed for enabling the shackle to be released from locked engagement with the housing using either a rotatable dial combination construction or a key activating tumbler construction. In addition, a signal/indicator is activated whenever the key controlled locking section is employed with the signal/indicator being locked in position, for resetting by only the user/owner.

Abstract: A locking device includes a shackle member that includes an elongated shank portion, a stop portion on a first end and a latch portion on a second end. A locking head includes a locking mechanism that has an entryway to receive the latch portion and is movable between a locked state to retain the latch portion and a unlock state to release the latch portion. A head cover includes a cover portion that engages the locking head and a flange portion that extends inwardly to define an opening to receive the latch portion therethrough. A seal structure is associated with the inner edge of the flange and sealably engages the outer surface margin of the latch portion. The seal structure may be a margin of the flange portion or a separate O-ring. The lock may be constructed as a lockable hitch pin.

Abstract: A lock assembly for attachment to an enclosure door. The enclosure door has a lock assembly receiving opening specifically created to receive the lock assembly. The preferred lock assembly includes a lock case assembly having a bolt that can be moved between at least two positions; a lock actuating assembly interconnected with the lock case assembly such that the lock actuating assembly can actuate a change in the position of the bolt from one position to another; and a mounting plate having an interior side and an exterior side. The lock actuating assembly is preferably secured to the mounting plate on the exterior side and the lock case assembly is preferably secured to the mounting plate on the interior side. In alternate embodiments, the present invention provides a mounting plate, an enclosure door including a lock assembly and a method of securing a lock assembly to an enclosure door. A method of securing a preassembled electronic lock assembly to an enclosure door is provided.

Abstract: The invention provides a pick-resistant locking mechanism with wafer tumblers, sidebars and an interchangeable cylinder that allows re-keying of the lock. The sidebars have projections with beveled sides that engage with cavities in the lock shell when rotational torque is applied to the lock in the absence of the correct key. A sidebar of the lock contacts two, nonadjacent wafer tumblers. The wafer tumblers have indentations that engage cavities in the lock shell when rotational torque is applied during picking of the lock. Tolerance between sidebars and the lock shell is less than the tolerance between tumblers and the lock shell. The tumbler springs are not accessible from the keyway of the lock and are more powerful than the sidebar springs.

Abstract: A method for measuring and displaying the flatness of a rolled steel sheet is disclosed that includes the steps of measuring tension in the sheet at a plurality of locations on the surface of the sheet and determining a plurality of tension ranges into which the sensed tension level can fall. A color is associated with each of the tension ranges, and a representation of the sheet is produced that is made up of a plurality of regions, each region having a color corresponding to tension range into which the tension sensed at the corresponding location on the surface of the sheet falls. A device for carrying out this method is also disclosed.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the subject invention includes a frame 10 comprising a front plate, a rear plate, a generally circular passage which extends through the frame, and rollers arranged, circumferentially positioned about the passage. The rollers are suspended within the passage by an adjustable arm which is mounted to the frame on one end, and is rotatably coupled to a roller on an opposite end. The adjustable arm includes a threaded rod that is rotatably mounted to a plate by a mounting plate and extension 18 which engages the rod and which travels longitudinally along the rod.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method to manufacture a shaft (22) as well as a device containing such a shaft (22), in particular an armature shaft (22) of an electromotive drive (10), which is held by at least one shaft mounting, whereby a curved, rounded stopping tip (40) that can support itself on an axial stopping face (32, 34) is formed at least one fore part (28, 30) of the shaft (22) by means of material displacement.

Abstract: In the transverse wedge rolling machine as claimed in the invention the drive motor is a permanent magnet motor, especially a torque motor. Furthermore the rotational speed of the rollers is controlled depending on their rotary position.

Abstract: A method for eliminating the vibrational chatter in a rolling mill stand, whereby existing roll chocks are machined to allow commercially available thrusting means, including hydraulic cylinders and the accompanying fittings and tubing, to be installed directly into the chocks so that when activated the thrusting means thrust horizontally outward to take up any gapping or play occurring between the chock face and the mill housing during normal mill operations, thus effectively eliminating chatter.

Abstract: The invention relates to manufacture of a cup (1) that is designed to serve as a blank in the production of a metal shell (2) by providing a body (3) of a bar material, placing the body (3) in a counterdie (6) in which a first end surface of the body (3), which is substantially perpendicular to the central axis (C) of the body, is placed facing towards the bottom of the counterdie while the inner wall of the counterdie (6) encloses at least a part of the body and preferably the whole body, so that the body (3) is hereby placed in the counterdie (6), applying a mandrel (9) to a second end surface of the body that is substantially perpendicular to the central axis C of the body (3), applying a pressing force to the mandrel (9) so that the body (3) is cold flow pressed through plastic deformation into a cup (1). The invention also relates to an application of a body for manufacture of a blank for a grenade/cartridge shell and a process for manufacture of a grenade/cartridge shell.

Abstract: A punch press tool includes a cylindrical punch guide in which a punch body provided with a punch tip for press forming is fit slidably. The punch tip consists of an appropriate number of long forming punch tips each including a press forming portion in the leading end thereof. The punch tip also consists of an appropriate number of clamping punch tips each with a shorter length compared with the forming punch tips. Both of the tips are attached to the punch body detachably and exchangeably.

Abstract: A method of expanding a diameter of a tube includes the steps of positioning the tube with one end abutting a stop member, extending a mandrel through an interior passageway of the tube, and expanding a diameter of an expandable head connected to the mandrel as the mandrel is moved in a direction toward the stop member. The diameter of the tube expands in correspondence with the expansion of the diameter of the mandrel. A longitudinal axial force is applied to the tube in a direction toward the stop member as the expandable head expands the diameter of the tube.

Abstract: A single-piece adapter (10) is disclosed for supplying gas to a gas detector (32) that contains at least one gas sensor (34) and that has a gas inlet (30) for allowing gas at the inlet to come into contact with the at least one sensor (34), which adapter comprises: a chamber (24) having an opening formed by a rim (22) for fitting over the gas inlet of a gas detector (32), the chamber having an inner surface (18), an inlet duct (14) for feeding gas into the chamber in a direction transverse to the opening, and an outlet (16) to vent gases from within the chamber. The inner surface (18) of the chamber is formed by a first moulding (12) of a rigid, non-absorbent material and a second moulding (20) of resilient material. The second moulding forms the rim (22) for providing a gas-tight seal between the adapter (10) and the detector (32).

Abstract: Various techniques are described which may be used to facilitate and improve seismic exploration activities. For example, one aspect of the present invention is directed to a technique for enabling in-situ measurement of geophone response parameters. Another aspect of the present invention is directed to a technique for improving geophone calibration and for improving the accuracy of measurement of geophone response parameters. Yet another aspect of the present invention is directed to a technique for compensating geophone response output data in order to improve the accuracy of such data.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is employed in determining the green-speed of a golf putting green.

Abstract: A pump housing that contains a pump that draws fuel from an underground storage tank containing fuel to deliver to fuel dispensers in a service station environment. The pump is coupled to a double-walled fuel pipe that carries the fuel from the pump to the fuel dispensers. The double-walled fuel piping contains an inner annular space that carries the fuel and an outer annular space that captures any leaked fuel from the inner annular space. The outer annular space is maintained through the fuel piping from the pump to the fuel dispensers so that the outer annular space can be pressurized by a pump to determine if a leak exists in the outer annular space or so that fuel leaked from the inner annular space can be captured by a leak containment chamber in the pump housing.

Abstract: A method of measuring the shape of a glass sheet is provided. The method includes positioning the glass sheet in contact with a fluid and measuring the distance between a sensor and a surface of the glass sheet at a plurality of locations on the surface thereof. The method may further include deconvolving the shape of the glass sheet into at least one simple shape element, such as cylindrical or spherical, and may further include varying the temperature profile of an array of heaters in a glass manufacturing process based on the at least one shape element.

Abstract: A method of determining whether a tire will satisfy a t hour pressure retention standard in about x hours, where x is less than t, that involves determining a tire pressure stabilization time z (120), inflating a tire at time t0 to a first pressure (122), taking a first pressure measurement at (x-y) hours after t0 where (x-y)?z (124), taking a second pressure measurement at x hours (126), determining a change in pressure between the first pressure measurement and the second pressure measurement (128) and determining from the change in pressure whether the tire will satisfy the t hour pressure retention standard (130).

Abstract: The tire pressure gauge has a body, a controller and a cap. The body has a valve stem connector that attaches to a valve stem of a tire to sample internal air pressure of the tire. The controller is mounted inside the body and includes a microprocessor, a pressure sensor, an alarm unit and a pressure indicator. The microprocessor stores a preset pressure value. The pressure sensor senses the tire's internal air pressure sampled by the valve stem connector, generates an electronic signal indicating the sensed pressure and sends the electronic signal to the microprocessor. The microprocessor compares the electronic signal to the preset pressure value. If the electronic signal is lower than the preset pressure value, the microprocessor activates the alarm unit that produces an audible warning.

Abstract: Tire pressure-indicating gauge is mounted at the center of a spoked wheel for a pneumatic tire to continuously monitor and display the tire's air pressure. The pneumatic tire is mounted on the rim of wheel, and pressurized air may be selectively introduced to, and captured within, the pneumatic tire via a common rim-mounted valve stem. Air pressure within the pneumatic tire is communicated to the pressure-indicating gauge via a hollow channel disposed within one of the spokes of the wheel, on the opposite side of the wheel from the valve stem. The pressure-indicating gauge is secured within a recess in the hub of the wheel in an air-tight fashion. The hollow air channel is preferably molded or cast into a spoke in such a manner that there is little or no outwardly visible physical difference between the various spokes of the wheel.

Abstract: A heating resistance flow rate measuring apparatus which can use a power source of an ECU in an automobile without requiring an expensive protective circuit and regulator. Heating of temperature detecting resistors themselves causes temperature changes on the windward and leeward sides, and these temperature changes depend on the amounts of heat generated by the temperature detecting resistors. The amounts of heat generated by the temperature detecting resistors depend on a voltage value of the ECU power source applied to the temperature detecting resistors, and an error is caused in a sensor output depending on a variation in the voltage of the ECU power source. Based on the finding that suppressing the amount of heat generated by the temperature detecting resistors is effective in avoiding the sensor output error caused depending on a variation in the output voltage of the ECU power source, means for suppressing the amount of heat generated by the temperature detecting resistors is disposed.

Abstract: The mounting structure for mounting the piezo-electric device (106) used to detect the consumption condition of the liquid in the liquid container (1) to the liquid container (1), having the receiving portion (363) to which the piezo-electric device (106) is to be mounted and the mount portion (363) to be mounted to the liquid container (1). The mounting structure can appropriately mount a piezo-electric device (106) for detecting the consumption condition of a liquid in a liquid container (1) to the liquid container (1).

Abstract: An ultrasonic fuel-gauging system has several probes each having a transducer mounted at the lower end of a still well. The transducers are connected to a processor, which measures the height of fuel above the transducers within the still wells. The processor also measures the resonant frequency of each transducer and from this calculates fuel density. The system calculates the mass of fuel in the tank from the density and the volume as calculated from the heights.

Abstract: A liquid level sensor includes a housing, a rotary shaft which is rotatably provided in the housing, a magnet which is fixed to the rotary shaft, and rotating together with the rotary shaft, a pair of stators which are disposed so as to face an outer peripheral surface of the magnet, and an electronic circuit which includes at least a set of terminals and a magnetoelectric transducing element for detecting a change of magnetic flux in the stators caused by rotation of the magnet and for outputting an electric signal. The magnetoelectric transducing element and the stators are electrically connected and fixed to the set of terminals so that a terminal assembly is formed. The housing is formed by insert molding the terminal assembly with resin so that the terminal assembly is embedded in the housing.

Abstract: In a method for testing the thermally induced unbalance of a rotating machine part, in particular the rotor of a turbogenerator, the rotating machine part or the rotor balanced at normal temperature is brought in the demounted state first to nominal rotational speed and held at this, while its temperature is varied and, at the same time, the transient variations in oscillations of the rotating machine part or rotor which are caused are measured. During the test, the rotating machine part or the rotor is surrounded at least partially by a closed heating cell, a cooling medium flows around and/or flows through the rotating machine part or the rotor in the heating cell, and the heating of the rotating machine part or of the rotor takes place essentially due to the flow-dynamic losses arising from the interaction of the rotating machine part or of the rotor with the circulating cooling medium.

Abstract: The present invention relates to MicroElectroMechanical Systems (MEMS), devices and applications thereof in which a proof mass is caused to levitate by electrostatic repulsion. Configurations of electrodes are described that result in self-stabilized floating of the proof mass. The electrical properties of the electrodes causing floating, such as currents and/or voltages, typically change in response to environmental perturbations affecting the proof mass. Measuring such currents and/or voltages allow immediate and accurate measurements to be performed related to those perturbations affecting the location and/or the orientation of the proof mass. Additional sensing electrodes can be included to further enhance sensing capabilities. Drive electrodes can also be included that allow forces to be applied to the charged proof mass resulting in a floating, electrically controllable MEMS device.

Abstract: A capacitance type dynamic quantity sensor has a first substrate, a second substrate disposed over the first substrate, and first and second electrodes each disposed on a main surface of a respective one of the first and second substrates. Each of the first and second electrodes has through-holes formed in a portion thereof. A third substrate is disposed between and connected to the main surface of each of the first and second substrates. A vibration member is mounted on the third substrate so as to confront the first and second electrodes with gaps therebetween. The vibration member is mounted on the third substrate to undergo vibrational movement in response to application of an acceleration or an angular velocity to the vibration member so that the capacitance type dynamic quantity sensor detects a dynamic quantity in accordance with a change in capacitance between the first and second electrodes due to vibrational movement of the vibration member.

Abstract: A method for detecting a high pressure condition within an interrupter includes measuring the intensity of light emitted from an arc created by contacts within the interrupter, comparing the measured intensity with a predetermined value, and providing an indication when the measured intensity exceeds the predetermined value.

Abstract: Disclosed is a pressure gauge including a body forming an inlet, an outlet, and a shunt hole. A pressure meter is provided to the shunt hole. An inlet duct in connection with an inflation device is provided to the inlet. A check valve is arranged in the inlet duct. An outlet duct is connected to the outlet and is prepared with an inflation mouth for coupling with an intake nozzle of an object to be inflated. When an inflation device is operated to charge air into an object for inflation through the inlet duct, the body, and the outlet duct, a pressure measuring process can be performed concurrently.

Abstract: A pressure sensor apparatus includes a reception container for receiving a pressure sensor, the reception container having an opening on one side. Furthermore, the pressure sensor apparatus includes a protective membrane closing the opening, a pressure sensor arranged in the reception container, and a gel arranged between the pressure sensor and the protective membrane.

Abstract: Two sides of a single metal plate are bent to form the structure of a spring terminal having two spring portions. In the spring terminal having such a structure, the two spring portions are different from each other in a natural frequency. For this reason, when external vibrations are applied to a pressure sensor, even if one of the two spring portions of the spring terminal resonates with the external vibrations, the other spring portion can keep the electric connection between a circuit in a substrate and a terminal.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring the differential pressure of fluid in filter. The apparatus comprises a housing defining a pressure chamber. A differential pressure gauge divides the pressure chamber into first and second fluid chambers. The differential pressure gauge is arranged to measure a differential pressure between fluid in the first chamber and fluid in the second chamber. The differential pressure gauge has a variable output.

Abstract: One embodiment of the invention is a method for evaluating a material such as low-k dielectric, by a stress-generating test tool such as a needle. The evaluation object is shaped as a stack of adhering layers: low-k dielectric, first metal (preferably copper), barrier metal (preferably tantalum nitride), and second metal (preferably aluminum). A numerical correlation is established between a cracking in the barrier metal layer caused by probing and a damage in the layer of insulating material-to-be-tested. A predetermined number of locations of the top metal layer is selected for the probing step comprising touch-down, applying force, and lifting is repeated so that the number of repeats provide a pre-determined statistical confidence level.

Abstract: A method of monitoring a strengthening process of a chemically active material having a liquid phase and a non-liquid phase, the method comprises: (a) continuously measuring at least one physical parameter characterizing the liquid phase; (b) extracting a time-dependence of the at least one physical parameter, so as to identify functional transitions in the time-dependence; and (c) using the functional transitions to determine a strengthening state of the chemically active material; thereby monitoring the strengthening process of the chemically active material.

Abstract: A device for measuring fluid flow rates over a wide range of flow rates (<1 nL/min to >10 ?L/min) and at pressures at least as great as 2,000 psi. The invention is particularly adapted for use in microfluidic systems. The device operates by producing compositional variations in the fluid, or pulses, that are subsequently detected downstream from the point of creation to derive a flow rate. Each pulse, comprising a small fluid volume, whose composition is different from the mean composition of the fluid, can be created by electrochemical means, such as by electrolysis of a solvent, electrolysis of a dissolved species, or electrodialysis of a dissolved ionic species. Measurements of the conductivity of the fluid can be used to detect the arrival time of the pulses, from which the fluid flow rate can be determined. A pair of spaced apart electrodes can be used to produce the electrochemical pulse.

Abstract: Cost is reduced by simplifying piping work and reducing the number of parts. At the same time, the degree of freedom in the arrangement of piping is raised by making the mounting posture of the piping variable. A pipe assembly unit with built-in sensors is fabricated by integrating a main pipe and multiple branch pipes, which branch from the main pipe and by building, in the multiple branch pipes a flow sensor which detects the flow rate of a fluid flowing through a conduit of each of the branch pipes, and the use of a conventional seal construction using a nipple in connections between the main pipe and the branch pipes is abolished. A pipe adapter having legs is detachably attached to opening ends of the main pipe and the legs are fixed to an installation surface A by changing the orientation of the pipe adapter, whereby the mounting posture of the pipe assembly unit is made variable.

Abstract: A torque sensor includes a substantially tubular giant magnetostrictive member, a shaft passing through the inner bore of the giant magnetostrictive member and capable of transmitting torque to the giant magnetostrictive member, and a detection coil for detecting changes in the magnetic permeability or remnant magnetization of the giant magnetostrictive member. Torque changes of the shaft are detected as changes in the magnetic permeability or remnant magnetization of the giant magnetostrictive member, based on the deformation of the giant magnetostrictive member. The torque sensor enables a reduction in the number of components and costs, as well as detection of torque changes with high sensitivity.

Abstract: Power steering apparatus includes input and output shafts connected by a torsion bar; and a coil unit disposed around one of the shafts and arranged to sense torque between the input and output shafts. A housing includes an axial bore in which the shafts and coil unit are installed. The housing is further formed with an insertion opening which extends radially into the axial bore and which is sized to allow insertion of the coil unit radially into the axial bore.

Abstract: Devices for measuring a nip width between rolls of a press nip include one or more sensors adapted to be placed in the nip while the nip is stationary. The electrical resistance of each sensor corresponds to the size of the nip width, whereby a nip width or a nip width distribution may be determined by measuring the sensor resistance(s). Methods of measuring a nip width distribution include providing a plurality of force sensitive resistor sensors each of which respond to pressure applied thereto to provide a variable sensor resistance as a function of the amount of pressure and the area of the pressure exerted on the sensor.

Abstract: The present invention provides a funnel collector for use with a sample testing device. The funnel collector collects and holds a fluid sample in order to place the sample in immediate contact with a diagnostic test strip, which reacts with the sample in a known fashion.

Abstract: A system for obtaining a representative sample of a natural gas stream, particularly a stream which is at or below its hydrocarbon dew point temperature (H.C.D.P.). The preferred embodiment of the present invention contemplates a sample cylinder having a flexible isolation barrier and integrated valving to provide a controlled ingress of sample gas at nominal pressure differential. The system thereby avoids throttling of the sample gas and the inherent cooling problems associated therewith when the stream is at or below hydrocarbon dew point temperature. The flexible isolation barrier of the present invention is relatively inexpensive and is configured for quick and easy replacement, which may be routinely performed to insure sample integrity. Alternative embodiments of the invention contemplate a spherical sample cylinder configuration with flexible isolation barrier, as well as an improvement for piston-type sample cylinders to provide constant sample pressure.

Abstract: An airbag inflator performance test system includes: a cylindrical tank; a disk-shaped piston vertically movably disposed with a gap between the piston and an inner peripheral face of the tank, the gap allowing gas to flow; a piston rod that projects upward from the piston and runs slidably through the tank so as to guide vertical movement of the piston; a lower chamber defined within the tank beneath the piston; an upper chamber defined within the tank above the piston; an inflator disposed in the lower chamber; a pressure sensor for detecting a pressure of the upper chamber; and a piston displacement sensor for detecting a displacement of the piston in order to detect a volume in the upper chamber. After ignition of the inflator, an inflator local work and an inflator total work, which are indexes of the energy of the inflator, are calculated based on the pressure and the volume of the upper chamber.