Abstract: A single pass analyzer includes multiple infrared sensors, a catalytic converter, a scrubber and a thermal conductivity cell all coupled in series to provide a single pass (i.e., one sample) analyzer which allows for fast analysis, allows for the speciation of hydrogen samples, requires no purging between different sample types, utilizes a single carrier gas, and eliminates molecular sieves and Shutze converters. The resultant analyzer provides improved quicker results with less plumbing (i.e., gas conduits and valving) in a single instrument.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for solid-phase microextraction and analysis of substances in a carrier fluid, in which a collector is brought into contact with the stirred fluid containing the substances for a sufficient time and is then subjected to a solid-phase extraction directed at at least one substance adhering to the collector, and desorbed substances are transported for analysis by means of a carrier gas, in which the carrier fluid containing the substances is stirred in a receptacle of a magnetic stirrer by means of a coated magnetic stirring element as the collector, and/or the carrier fluid is made to move intimately relative to the collector by means of ultrasound, and then the stirring element is placed in a solid-phase extraction device.

Abstract: A deterioration detector, for a pulse detector with which a transmission signal from a transmitting element suffers changes due to the blood stream and the vascular wall to be received in the form of a reflected signal and the resultant reflected signal is processed to obtain a pulse signal, includes a second transmitting element and a second receiving element. A second transmitting element and a second receiving element are disposed in a deterioration detector so that when a pulse detector having a pulse sensor device constituted by a first transmitting element and a first receiving element is installed in the deterioration detector, the first transmitting element and the second receiving element face each other and the first receiving element and the second transmitting element face each other.

Abstract: In an analyzer, an oxidation reagent is supplied to an oxidation reaction portion, and after organic materials contained in the oxidation reagent are removed by oxidation decomposition, a sample is provided into the oxidation reaction portion to react with the oxidation reagent. An infrared gas analyzing portion starts detecting a peak for analyzing. Thus, even if a concentration of the component to be measured in the sample is low, the concentration can be measured accurately without being disturbed by a concentration of the impurities in the oxidation reagent.

Abstract: An analysis device, preferably in the form of a floating buoy, is disclosed for the analysis of fluids, such as waste water. The device has a main body portion and a removable cartridge containing consumable ingredients for use in analysis.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus and method to calibrate a clamp, such as a wire clamp, which is suitable for use with a wire-bonding machine for semiconductor devices. A contact means is arranged to be contacted by an arm of the clamping device and a sensing mechanism is positioned in operational relationship with the arm. An indexing means is adapted to change positions of the clamping device relative to the contact means incrementally as said arm maintains contact with the contact means. The sensing mechanism is capable of sensing feedback from said arm at various positions of the clamping device relative to the contact means. The apparatus is particularly suitable for measuring a clamping force and/or a clamping gap between clamping arms of the clamping device.

Abstract: A gas sensor for the detection of gases comprises a housing and an active element disposed within the housing. The active element is surrounded by a porous insulating material having a bulk density no greater than 0.15 g/cc. Another gas sensor comprises an active element surrounded by a porous insulating material having a surface area no greater than approximately 200 m2/cc. Another gas sensor comprises a copper compound positioned so that gas contacts the copper compound before contacting the active element. Another gas sensor comprises an active element surrounded by a porous material having an average pore size of at least approximately 100 Å. Another gas sensor comprises a heating element surrounded by a porous material that supports a catalyst.

Abstract: A detector for smoke, heat or the like, which has test function circuitry capable of initiating verification of the detector operation, including testing of a communication path between the detector and a central control unit. The test is actuated on receipt of a signal initiated at the detector, which indicates success by illuminating the detector's LED. An operator is able to initiate the test by means of a laser pointer.

Abstract: A method for analyzing cavitation in a component includes establishing an energy level associated with a system condition associated with the component and analyzing cavitation in response to said energy level

Abstract: Devices for measuring and detecting a wide variety of analytes, including polyatomic anions, such as organophosphorus pesticides and nerve agents are provided. The devices function by selectively binding an analyte to a luminescent functionality-imprinted copolymer. The copolymers possess a securely bound luminescent lanthanide ion, such as Eu3+, in a coordination complex that has been imprinted to bind the chemical functionality. Also provided are methods for producing the lanthanide-containing molecularly imprinted polymers of the invention.

Abstract: An apparatus for facilitating calibration of sensors embedded within an object includes: a foundation; a force generator mounted on the foundation configured to generate a force in a first direction; a load cell connected with the force generator that detects the magnitude of force applied by the force generator; a roller mounting assembly pivotally interconnected with the foundation and pivotable about a first axis of rotation, the first axis of rotation being generally perpendicular to the first direction; and a roller rotatably mounted on the roller mounting assembly for rotation about a second axis of rotation, the second axis of rotation being generally perpendicular to the first direction, the roller protruding in the first direction sufficiently to apply a force to the object. This apparatus can enable force applied to the sensor to be calibrated with sensor output.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the analysis of a gaseous component or of a component that can be transformed into gaseous form (23) of a sample (5) which provides that the sample (5) is filled into a sample receptacle (2) through a receptacle opening (4), and an analysis receptacle (7), which was previously supplied with a tracer reagent, is then by way of its receptacle opening (4) connected with the receptacle opening (4) of sample receptacle (2) via an adapter (10), after which step the component (23) is expelled from the sample receptacle (2) and into the analysis receptacle (7) wherein the analysis receptacle (7) is connected with the outside atmosphere in such a manner that a pressure compensation can take place. The invention further relates to a test kit, in particular, a test kit for implementing the method.

Abstract: A NoFoam system which permits the testing of the Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting vehicle's foam delivery system. The NoFoam system includes the piping, valves, and connecting elements to interface with the fire vehicle's foam delivery system, while minimizing the release of Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF) to the environment.

Abstract: The design and manufacturing processes for Hollow Cathode Assemblies (HCA's) that operate over a broad range of emission currents up to 30 Amperes, at low potentials, with lifetimes in excess of 17,500 hours. The processes include contamination control procedures which cover hollow cathode component cleaning procedures, gas feed system designs and specifications, and hollow cathode activation and operating procedures to thereby produce cathode assemblies that have demonstrated stable and repeatable operating conditions, for both the discharge current and voltage. The HCA of this invention provides lifetimes of greater than 10,000 hours, and expected lifetimes of greater than 17,500 hours, whereas the present state-of-the-art is less than 500 hours at emission currents in excess of 1 Ampere.

Abstract: A check chip of a sensor measuring device is provided with a structural characterizing portion of a convex shape, concave shape or a penetration hole at a location where a user is considered to pick the check chip up. The state of the structural characterizing portion is made to be different from that of a structural characterizing portion provided on a correction chip which is similar to the check chip, in size, the number of the structural characterizing portions, or placement location. Therefore, the difference from the correction chip can be easily identified even by a visually handicapped person or a weak-sighted person, according to the difference in the structural characterizing portion, from feel, thereby preventing the person from using the check chip and the correction chip with confusion.

Abstract: A hydrocarbon detector (20) includes a gas stream delivery element (26) configured to discharge a carrier gas (70) onto a surface (24). The carrier gas (70) serves to volatilize a hydrocarbon presence (22) from the surface (24). A gas stream recovery element (28) is configured to aspirate a sample gas (78) formed from the carrier gas (70) combined with the hydrocarbon presence (22) volatilized from the surface (24). A hydrocarbon sensor (58) detects the hydrocarbon presence (22) in the sample gas (78) and generates an output signal indicative of the hydrocarbon presence (22). An indicator (80) receives the output signal and indicates the hydrocarbon presence (22) in the sample gas (78). A heat source (72) coupled to the gas stream delivery element (26) heats the carrier gas (70) to further aid in the volatilization of the hydrocarbon presence (22).

Abstract: An exhaust gas sensor includes a housing and a sensor element supported by the housing. The sensor element includes a support member having an exhaust side, a reference side, and an aperture extending through the support member between the exhaust side and the reference side. The sensor element further includes an exhaust-side electrode on the exhaust side of the support member. The exhaust-side electrode is electrically connected to a contact on the reference side of the support member via a lead extending through the aperture. The aperture is sealed around the lead such that gas cannot pass through the aperture. The support member is oriented substantially parallel to the flow of exhaust gases when the exhaust gas sensor is installed on a vehicle. The sensor further includes a contact pin in the housing that engages the contact and biases the sensor element against a portion of the housing.

Abstract: The calibration circuit is used with a differential input, monolithic integrated circuit preamplifier in a sensor system. The calibration circuit tests the integrity of the sensor, the preamplifier, and the wiring in the sensor system. The calibration circuit includes first and second calibration capacitors having different capacitances connected to the preamplifier input leads. A calibration signal source is connected between the capacitors. The capacitors are preferably implemented on the same integrated circuit as the preamplifier. In operation, a calibration signal of known amplitude is applied to the calibration circuit and the level at the preamplifier output is determined. The level at the preamplifier output indicates certain conditions relating to the integrity of the sensor and its wiring, for example, an open circuit condition or a short circuit condition.

Abstract: The invention is directed toward a subsurface gravity measurement device and a method for calibrating the same that includes a tilt meter and a gravity sensor. The method includes associating tilt information produced by the gravity sensor as a function of a relationship between tilt information produced by the tilt meter and a correction parameter. The tilt meter produces tilt data, and the gravity meter produces gravity data, corresponding to the tilt data The tilt data and gravity data is fitted to a polynomial equation that has a plurality of initial coefficients associated therewith. The initial coefficients include information concerning the correction parameter. The correction parameter is derived as a function of the initial coefficients.

Abstract: A stereo imaging based vision system to monitor the area on the two sides of either a door and control door motion according to the motion of 3D objects in the viewing area. The system calibrated to provide heights above the ground plane for any point in the field of view. Therefore, when any object enters the field of view, it generates interest points called “features”, the heights of which are measured relative to the ground plane. These points are then clustered in 3D space to provide “objects”. These objects are then tracked in multiple frames to provide “trajectories”. Such a system could then control the door motion (open, close, stall) based on the various pieces of information generated about the object.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for measuring contaminant mobile ions in a dielectric portion of a semiconductor. The apparatus is comprised of a heat source configured to elevate a temperature of the dielectric portion of the semiconductor and mobilize the contaminant mobile ions. The apparatus is also comprised of a fluid source configured to expose the dielectric portion of the semiconductor to a mobilizing fluid having contaminant ion releasing atoms that assists in mobilizing the contaminant mobile ions. The apparatus further comprises a mobile ion measurement unit configured to perform measurements of the contaminant mobile ions in the dielectric portion of the semiconductor.

Abstract: A checkrod (1) for apparatus for measuring properties of longitudinally permeable rods, the check rod (1) comprising a hollow cylindrical body (2) having first, second and third transverse walls (4, 5, 6); a first chamber (17) defined by body (2) and the first and second transverse walls (4, 5); a second chamber (8) defined by body (2) and the second and third transverse walls (5, 6); at least one first ventilation window for air to flow laterally into chamber (7); at least one second ventilation window for air to flow laterally into chamber (8); and tubes (9, 10, 11) which are open at each end and provide for laminar air flow therethrough which is the only flow of air through the transverse walls, said tubes comprising at least one short tube (9) which passes through wall (4) and opens into chamber (7); at least one intermediate length tube (10) which passes through walls (5, 6) and opens into chamber (8), and at least one long tube (11) which passes through all walls (4, 5, 6) to allow passage of air throug

Abstract: In one aspect, a spin-rinse-dry chamber comprises an adjustable nozzle. A calibration element may be positioned in the spin-rinse-dry chamber at which the adjustable nozzle may be directed. Targets (for example cross-hairs in one embodiment) may be located on the calibration element at a position corresponding to where it is desired to direct a fluid flow from the adjustable nozzle. Another aspect provides a method of calibrating a spin-rinse-dry chamber having an adjustable nozzle comprising inserting a calibration element having a similar contour as a substrate into the spin-rinse-dry chamber. Fluid is then directed through the adjustable nozzle at a selected target position located on the surface of the calibration element.

Abstract: A NoFoam system which permits the testing of the Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting vehicle's foam delivery system. The NoFoam system includes the piping, valves, and connecting elements to interface with the fire vehicle's foam delivery system, while minimizing the release of Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF) to the environment.

Abstract: An apparatus for calibrating a non-contact tonometer comprises an electronic eye having a damped pressure sensor for receiving a tonometer air pulse and providing a pressure signal in response to the air pulse, and an applanation simulator connected to the pressure sensor for providing a pseudo-applanation event when the pressure signal reaches a predetermined level corresponding to a known IOP measurement standard. A method for calibrating a non-contact tonometer using the inventive calibration apparatus is also described.

Abstract: A process for thermal imaging scanning of a swaged heater of an anode subassembly of a hollow cathode assembly, comprising scanning a swaged heater with a thermal imaging radiometer to measure a temperature distribution of the heater; raising the current in a power supply to increase the temperature of the swaged heater; and measuring the swaged heater temperature using the radiometer, whereupon the temperature distribution along the length of the heater shall be less than plus or minus 5 degrees C.

Abstract: A probe drive system of a precision liquid handler sequentially inserts probe tips of a multiple probe array into a locator well at a known position on a locator bed. The position of each probe tip is determined by driving the probe tip into contact with points on the side wall of the locator well and sensing the contracts. The positions of the probe tips are mapped and checked for skew of the probe array. The probe tip positions are overlaid to determine probe tip scatter. If a probe tip is excessively misaligned, it is inserted into the locator well and driven against the side wall to bend the probe and reduce the misalignment of the probe tip. The center of the probe tip scatter is determined and is used by the probe drive system as a global correction factor. Probe tips with known positions are inserted into spaced apart locator wells to detect skew of the locator bed.

Abstract: A combustible gas sensor includes an active element in electrical connection with a measurement circuit. The measurement circuit includes a thermistor network to compensate for the effect of changes in ambient temperature to the resistance of the active element. Another combustible gas sensor includes an active element having a geometric surface area no greater than approximately 0.5 mm2 in electrical connection with a measurement circuit. The measurement circuit includes a compensator that compensates for the effect of changes in ambient temperature to the resistance of the active element without compensating for heat lost by thermal conduction from the active element.

Abstract: The mixed oxide WxMo1-xO3, where preferably x can be in the range 0.01 to 0.9, is very useful for the detection of oxidizing gases and in particular is superior for the detection of ozone. The preferred composition is in the range of 1% to 21% Mo (i.e. 99% to 79% W). The present example in which the composition of the sensing material is in the range WxMo1-xO3 with x varying from 0.01 to 0.9, is clearly distinct from the device claimed in applicant's earlier patent. Precipitation of the material as a mixed oxide from an aqueous solution of the ammonium metallates in concentrations of the appropriate stoichiometric proportions yields a powder that can be screen-printed to give an ideal microstructure. Resistivity of the material may be tailored to a desired value by adjusting the Mo/W ratio within the single phase field. Varying this ratio adjusts catalytic properties of the material.

Abstract: A system for testing knock sensors includes a test stand that includes a temperature chamber into which knock sensors to be tested are placed. A shaker is placed outside the chamber and includes a fixture that extends into the heating chamber. Thus, knock sensors can be heated or cooled to a predetermined temperature and then, shaken within the chamber.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for calibrating the position of a wafer platform in an ion implanter, and particularly in a medium current ion implanter. The apparatus is constructed by a curvilinear piece formed in a half-circular shape, a pair of linear rods for supporting the curvilinear piece, and at least one cross-bracing rod connected in-between the pair of linear rods for providing rigidity of the apparatus. When the inside peripheral surface of the curvilinear piece intimately engages an outside peripheral surface of the wafer platform of the ion implanter, or when the first and second linear rods fit snugly on the implanter indicative that the wafer platform is properly calibrated at a zero-angle position. When such fitting is not possible, the wafer platform is then adjusted until a snug fitting is made possible.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for simulating a package pressure burst condition for calibrating a package pressure burst detector, where the package pressure burst detector is connected to a pressure tank, and the detector applies an air flow into the tank to gradually increase the tank pressure, and the tank has an output relief conduit connected to a pressure relief valve via a pressure switch, wherein the pressure relief valve is activated for a predetermined time when the pressure switch detects a preset pressure in the tank.

Abstract: A reference measuring machine previously calibrated and an object measuring machine to be calibrated are positioned in such a manner that a measurement space by the reference measuring machine is superimposed on a measurement space by the object measuring machine. First measurement values by the reference measuring machine and second measurement values by the object measuring machine are acquired each on plural points in the measurement spaces respectively by the reference measuring machine and the object measuring machine. The object measuring machine can be calibrated based on the first- and second measurement values.

Abstract: A sensor monitoring system and associated methods are provide that preferably include a plurality of sensors connected in parallel across a single pair of wires that include resistances of equal value placed in series between each sensor. This allows each sensor to measure the voltage dropped between itself and the monitoring system to determine its relative placement on the bus to autonomously assign itself a number to delineate to the monitoring system its relative location on the equipment or item being monitored. The sensors modulate their internal resistance to change the current on the bus to transmit their status to the monitoring system.

Abstract: A method for testing a fire sensing system detecting fires in closed spaces on the basis of the pictures of an electro-optic camera comprises the following procedural stages:

Abstract: The calibration circuit is used with a differential input, monolithic integrated circuit preamplifier in a sensor system. The calibration circuit tests the integrity of the sensor, the preamplifier, and the wiring in the sensor system. The calibration circuit includes first and second calibration capacitors having different capacitances connected to the preamplifier input leads. A calibration signal source is connected between the capacitors. The capacitors are preferably implemented on the same integrated circuit as the preamplifier. In operation, a calibration signal of known amplitude is applied to the calibration circuit and the level at the preamplifier output is determined. The level at the preamplifier output indicates certain conditions relating to the integrity of the sensor and its wiring, for example, an open circuit condition or a short circuit condition.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for such that a measurement made for a given vehicle by a given detector is substantially repeatable using either the same detector from one time to another, or using a different detector. In one embodiment, normalization coefficients are determined by measuring one or more common probe vehicles and standardizing the outputs of the detector(s) to give a consistent output. In another embodiment, normalization coefficients are determined by measuring one or more operating or circuit parameters of the detector circuit(s), and compensating the outputs of the detector(s) for variations in these measured parameters.

Abstract: A system, method and computer readable medium of instructions are provided which are useful for determining whether an evaluation testing method or device is clinically equivalent to a reference testing method or device. The report can include a modified mean difference plot, a variability chart, confidence intervals for bias and a plot of the intervals. A graphical user interface is provided to allow data associated with the reference and evaluation methods or devices to be identified. A level of variance in the reference method is determined. An observed bias between the evaluation methods or devices and the reference methods or devices is calculated. A confidence interval for the bias is calculated. The biases between the evaluation methods or devices and reference method or device is compared relative to the level of variance in the reference method, and a report is generated including a conclusion about whether the evaluation methods or devices are clinically equivalent to the reference method or device.

Abstract: A vehicle seat weight calibration includes at least one weight sensor for determining weight on a seating surface and at least one presence sensor for determining the presence of an occupant on the seating surface. The at least one weight sensor is calibrated based upon a determination by the presence sensor that an occupant is not present on the seating surface. If it is determined that no occupant is present on the seating surface, and if the current weight indication from the weight sensor is within a predetermined value of a previously stored zero-reference weight, the current weight is stored as the new zero-reference weight.

Abstract: A continuous processing trap apparatus is capable of increasing the trapping efficiency while maintaining conductance required by a vacuum chamber. The trap apparatus includes an exhaust passage for evacuating a hermetically sealed chamber by a vacuum pump, a hermetically sealed trapping and regenerating casing extending across the exhaust passage and a regenerating passage adjacent to the exhaust passage, and a trap unit movably housed in the trapping and regenerating casing for selective movement between a trapping position connected to the exhaust passage and a regenerating position connected to the regenerating passage. The trap apparatus further includes valve bodies disposed one on each side of the trap unit and supporting seals on outer circumferential surfaces thereof for sealing the exhaust passage and the regenerating passage from each other, and a monitoring mechanism for monitoring whether the seals are functioning normally.

Abstract: A real-time self-compensating gravity gradiometer (GGI) of the type having an input plane (IP) includes a mass concentration (MC) that is moved along an orbital path (16) in the input plane (IP) to cause a positionally varying gravity perturbation in the gradiometer near field that causes a corresponding signal output. The characteristics of the perturbation function are quantifiable and compared to the corresponding output function of the gradiometer (GGI). The differences between the quantified perturbation function and the gradiometer (GGI) output function represents an aggregate instrument error that is processed into an error reducing or compensation function to improve gradiometer (GGI) accuracy and signal-to-noise ratio.

Abstract: A calibration system for use on a work machine wherein electro hydraulic controls are utilized to control the operation of a particular work element, the present calibration system being operable in both a semi-automatic mode and an automatic mode. In the semi-automatic mode, operator interaction is required and the calibration process is preferably initialized and controlled via a service tool which is in communication with a work machine controller. A command signal having a command signal value indicative of a command state of the component being calibrated is generated by a command signal generator, and a detector in communication with the component receives the component signal and detects when the component has reached the command state, and generates a detector signal having a value representing a calibration factor to be used in correlating the component signal value with the actual state of the component.

Abstract: Described is a system and a method to monitor measuring and control equipment. The occurrence of a malfunction does not immediately lead to the monitoring system entering a secure state, but rather increases the count of a counter. If the count exceeds a certain value, then the monitoring system enters a secure state.

Abstract: A wearable periodic self-calibrating body analyte monitoring system based on the principles of microdialysis for measurement of a body analyte is disclosed. In a preferred embodiment, the system is designed to measure glucose, and can be held on the body with a skin adhesive for comfort. The system may be combined with an insulin delivery system to create an artificial pancreas.

Abstract: In one aspect, a spin-rinse-dry chamber comprises an adjustable nozzle. A calibration element may be positioned in the spin-rinse-dry chamber at which the adjustable nozzle may be directed. Targets (for example cross-hairs in one embodiment) may be located on the calibration element at a position corresponding to where it is desired to direct a fluid flow from the adjustable nozzle. Another aspect provides a method of calibrating a spin-rinse-dry chamber having an adjustable nozzle comprising insetting a calibration element having a similar contour as a substrate into the spin-rinse-dry chamber. Fluid is then directed through the adjustable nozzle at a selected target position located on the surface of the calibration element.

Abstract: A gap checking device includes a housing, a plunger, and a paint applicator. The housing defines a paint reservoir in which a proximal end of the plunger is received. The plunger is movable between a closed position sealing the reservoir and an open position permitting the release of paint from the reservoir. When the plunger is open, paint flows along the plunger toward a distal end of the plunger. The paint applicator, which is disposed near the distal end of the plunger, is specially shaped and sized to check a gap between a pair of surfaces, such as the gap in an end surface of a control shaft. To check the gap, the distal end of the plunger is inserted into the gap, and the device housing is forced toward the end surface. The distal end of the housing moves axially toward the end surface of the control shaft. If the gap is not too small, the end surface of the control shaft engages the paint applicator and is thereby coated with paint.

Abstract: A balance (1) with a balance housing (4) containing a weighing cell (15) has a weighing-load carrier (2) that is configured as a plane horizontal grate (16).

Abstract: The invention provides a method and system for calibrating an instrument pointer driven by an electric motor against a mechanical stop without using feedback control. According to the invention, the system for calibrating said instrument pointer comprises a pointer (8) engageable with the electric motor (2) including an intermediate gear (3) for driving the pointer (8). A stop means (5) is positioned at a desired reference point where, in a first powered state, the motor (2) is accelerated at a maximum torque for a first predetermined radial distance to move said pointer (8) towards a position whereat said stop means (5) is engaged. The motor (2) is then re-accelerated at a reduced torque for a second predetermined radial distance, whereby the pointer (3) is caused to be moved and held against the stop means (5).

Abstract: The calibration circuit is used with a differential input, monolithic integrated circuit preamplifier in a sensor system. The calibration circuit tests the integrity of the sensor, the preamplifier, and the wiring in the sensor system. The calibration circuit includes first and second calibration capacitors having different capacitances connected to the preamplifier input leads. A calibration signal source is connected between the capacitors. The capacitors are preferably implemented on the same integrated circuit as the preamplifier. In operation, a calibration signal of known amplitude is applied to the calibration circuit and the level at the preamplifier output is determined. The level at the preamplifier output indicates certain conditions relating to the integrity of the sensor and its wiring, for example, an open circuit condition or a short circuit condition.

Abstract: Shot peening coverage is confirmed by mounting a test strip having surface irregularities of graduated depth on a surface of a component undergoing peening for which peening coverage is to be confirmed. The component, with the test strip attached thereto, is exposed to the shot stream under production conditions. The strip, which is selected according to a procedure described herein such that some, but not all, of the surface irregularities are removed when proper peening coverage is attained, is then removed and examined.