Abstract: A portable gas purge and fill system. The inventive system (10) includes a portable housing having gas inlet and outlet couplings. An electronic pressure gauge (30) is disposed within the housing (11) for measuring the pressure of the fluid at the outlet (24) thereof. A self-check mechanism (32) is disposed within the housing (11) for verifying calibration and operation of the electronic pressure gauge (30). A pressure regulator (20) is disposed within the housing and connected between the inlet (12) and outlets (24) thereof. A second gauge (14) is included for measuring the pressure of the fluid contained in the source. First, second and third two-way valves (18, 22, and 28) are included. The first two-way valve (18) is mounted between the second gauge (14) and the pressure regulator (20). The second two-way valve (22) is located between the pressure regulator (20) and the outlet (24). The third two-way valve (28) is located between the pressure regulator (20) and the self-check mechanism (32).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a pressure housing for in-water pressure based systems and to a method for improving the life of the transducers and electronics of underwater systems by maintaining a humidity-free and clean environment around them by avoiding the entry of humidity, dust, or any suspended particles in the air during occasional data offloading and battery replacement in a humid and dust-laden field station; improving the ease of closing and opening of the pressure housing by the use of a novel arrangement thereby avoiding the use of conventionally employed cumbersome protruding and corrosion-prone locking devices such as screws, bolts, or clamps; and implementing reliable transmission of water pressure to the pressure port of the transducer, simultaneously minimizing the errors arising from dynamic pressure effects, preventing its chemical corrosion from saline water, and arresting bio-fouling in the vicinity of the pressure inlet.

Abstract: A pressure transducer calibration device is disclosed having a housing which defines a first and second chamber separated by a compliant barrier. Two ports are in fluid communication with the first chamber, and one port is in fluid communication with the second chamber. The first chamber is configured to be filled with fluid and connected, via a three-way stopcock, to a pressure monitoring line. The second chamber is configured to be connected in fluid communication with a pressure generation device. In operation, the transducer is isolated from the monitored pressure source. Fluid communication is established between the first chamber and the transducer. A known fluid pressure is applied to the second chamber such that the known fluid pressure is also applied to the first chamber through the compliant barrier. The pressure transducer is then calibrated based upon the known fluid pressure within the first chamber.

Abstract: An emergency water system testing system (20) is provided which includes a retaining tank (21) having inlet conduits (23 and 24), a vent (25), and an outlet conduit (26). The testing system also includes a support carriage (33) having four lockable wheels (34) and a flow measuring device (36). The system may be coupled to the coupler valve (14) of an emergency water system (12) so that water expelled from the emergency water system is contained on sight while the flow rate of the water is determined. In this manner the water expelled from the water system may then be moved to a remote location and controllably discharged.

Abstract: When obtaining load displaying calibration data, first, a reference die height position (a) where a load (F) of a mechanical press (1) comes to minimum load value (Fa) is sought as well as a reference die height position (f) where the load (F) comes to maximum load value (Ff). Then a plurality of intermediate die height positions (b . . . e) are selected between these reference die height positions (a) and (f). Subsequently, a load is imposed on the mechanical press (1) at each of the die height positions (a . . . f) and a pressure sensor (33) senses peak oil pressures (Pa . . . Pf) corresponding to the respective die height positions (a . . . f). Thereafter, relative relationships between load values (Fa . . . Ff) corresponding to the die height positions (a . . . f) and the peak oil pressures (Pa . . . Pf) are obtained as a characteristic curve (B).

Abstract: A compact, portable and NIST traceable pressure source dynamically generates very low pressures includes at least one adjustable valves in-line with a fluid, such as air, flowing through the valve. A differential pressure is created across a pressure control device downstream from the valve. The differential pressure varies depending on the volume of the gas flow and the amount of resistance to the gas flow. The pressure generating device utilizes a miniature pump to create a pressure, or, alternatively, a vacuum, that causes gas flow. The pressure generating device is compact and capable of providing a very low and stable differential pressure by using a dynamic flow that compensates for temperature changes and volume changes. The compact module may be configured as a plug-in module for existing handheld calibrators for operator ease of use.

Abstract: A method and a device are described for monitoring a sensor, in particular a sensor for measuring a pressure variable which characterizes the pressure of the air supplied to the internal combustion engine. A fault is detected if a change in an operating variable that characterizes the quantity of fuel to be injected results in no corresponding change in the output variable of the sensor.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for testing differential pressure sensors. The method includes applying a pressure of predetermined value to the reference side of the differential pressure sensors, measuring the output values from the measurement sides of the differential pressure sensors, and comparing the measured output values. The disclosed apparatus includes a pump for simultaneously applying a pressure of a predetermined value to the reference side of a number of differential pressure sensors.

Abstract: A high sensitivity pressure sensor with long term stability including a housing with first and second chambers, a membrane separating the first and second chambers, a first electrode located in the first chamber and spaced from one side of the membrane forming a first capacitor therewith, and a second electrode located in the second chamber and spaced from an opposite side of the membrane forming a second capacitor therewith. A measuring circuit is connected across the first and second capacitors for measuring membrane displacement by detecting differences in capacitance between the first and second capacitors and a compensation circuit is configured to apply an electric field to the membrane as a compensating force by reducing the voltage difference between the first electrode and the membrane and simultaneously increasing the voltage difference between the second electrode and the membrane or vice versa to provide long term stability.

Abstract: A spindle tension testing kit designed to allow mill operators to quickly and easily determine the gripping or holding force of the coupler and drawbar assembly on a spindle against the tool holder used with a milling or other machine using this method of tool retention. In one embodiment, the kit includes a tool holder, an upper frame member, a transfer rod, a clevis member, and a modified pull stud, and a hydraulic piston. The upper frame member threadingly connects to the transfer rod that is longitudinally extended into the central bore formed in the tool holder. The frame member includes a central opening with a lower horizontal member designed to receive a clevis member. The clevis member is a U-shaped member disposed in an inverted, longitudinally aligned position over the lower horizontal member on the frame member so that its legs are adjacent to the top surface of the tool holder when assembled.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tester for pressure sensors (1) in the wafer compound or isolated pressure sensors having a recess for the pressure sensors as well as means for electrical contacting (7) of the electrical connections of at least one of the pressure sensors. The invention is intended to make it possible to test pressure sensors still in a wafer compound for their function. According to the invention, a pressure head (9) is provided which has an interior space (10) open on one side, the open face (11) of which is capable of being mounted on the pressure sensor (1) in such a way that the interior space (10) is tightly sealed by the latter. In this way a static or dynamic pressure of specified amount and duration can be exerted on the sensor element (4) at least so that the sensor element (4) is moved out of its resting position. At the same time, the electrical connections (7) of the selected pressure sensor (1) are connected with an electrical evaluation unit (21).

Abstract: A pressure sensor unit which comprises (i) a housing, (ii) pressure sensor members installed therein including a mount, the bottom of which is fixed to the inner base of the housing by means of an adhesive, a sensor chip firmly bonded to the top of the mount, terminals disposed on the inner base of the housing and bonding wires connecting the sensor chip to their respective terminals, and (iii) a sealant filling the housing so that all the pressure sensor members are completely buried therein; with the terminals being covered with a fluorinated polymer-containing composition functioning as adhesive in at least an upper part thereof and with the sealant being a fluorinated polymer-containing gel material, wherein the composition as adhesive is similar in fluorinated polymer to the gel material.

Abstract: A pressure transducer calibration device is disclosed having a housing which defines a first and second chamber separated by a compliant barrier. Two ports are in fluid communication with the first chamber, and one port is in fluid communication with the second chamber. The first chamber is configured to be filled with fluid and connected, via a three-way stopcock, to a pressure monitoring line. The second chamber is configured to be connected in fluid communication with a pressure generation device. In operation, the transducer is isolated from the monitored pressure source. Fluid communication is established between the first chamber and the transducer. A known fluid pressure is applied to the second chamber such that the known fluid pressure is also applied to the first chamber through the compliant barrier. The pressure transducer is then calibrated based upon the known fluid pressure within the first chamber.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method for evaluating the integrity of a seal on liquid-filled container. According to one aspect of the invention, the apparatus comprises a tank for containing a liquid solution and a clamp with a first and second member between which the container is engaged. The clamp is positioned with respect to the tank such that a portion of the container properly situated in the clamp will extend into the tank and contact the liquid solution. A ram and cylinder are operatively connected to the clamp to engage the container. A seat is provided to support a portion of the container such that at least a portion of the container supported by the seat will extend into the tank. A drill is provided to pierce a surface of the container to make an opening. The drill is positioned such that the opening can be made while the container is in the clamp and/or the seat such that at least a portion of the container extends into the tank.

Abstract: Apparatus for testing the quality of air in sources of compressed air in which a housing forms an elongated bore closed at one end by an elastomeric bag or balloon and at the other end by a check valve to form a chamber to hold a test strip which is chemically treated to change color or characteristics when air contaminants are present. The air to be tested is introduced through the valve to inflate the balloon and maintain the test strip under air pressure where it can be viewed through a transparent portion of the housing.

Abstract: A sensor apparatus which can accurately detect a fault due to poor connection or the like at a connection portion between a sensor portion and a control portion. The sensor apparatus is provided with a sensor portion and a control portion which is electrically connected to the sensor portion via a power supply line, an output line and a ground line. The control portion includes a switch and the diagnosis circuit. The switch switches the power supply to the sensor portion to one of the power supply line and the output line. When the power is supplied to the output line, the diagnosis circuit measures current flowing from the output line to the ground line, and detects the fault by comparing the measured current with a reference voltage value.

Abstract: In automated reprocessing system (B), a leak detection system (10) evaluates the integrity of an endoscope (A), having an internal passage (66). The leak detection system includes an interior chamber (42) which is connected to the internal passage by quick connects (18, 20). A source of compressed air (22) pressurizes the chamber and internal passage to a suitable test pressure. A pressure sensor (50) and a temperature sensor (54) detect the pressure and temperature within the chamber and hence in the endoscope passage. Pressure and temperature measurements made over time are used to determine changes in the gas volume, indicative of whether leaks are present in the endoscope. If the endoscope is determined to be free of leaks, the endoscope is washed and microbially decontaminated in the reprocessing system.

Abstract: A method of diagnosing components used for leak detection in a closed vapor handling system of an automotive vehicle, implemented by a system, the method including providing leak detection components including a pressure switch that moves at a given relative vacuum, a control valve that operates to allow and prevent flow therethrough, and a shut off valve that operates to allow and prevent flow therethrough, running an engine, determining whether the pressure switch is closed, purging a canister, specifying a fail condition if the control valve is inoperative after purging, ascertaining whether the control valve is inoperative in a flow-through condition or inoperative in a non-flow-through condition if a fail condition is specified, specifying a pass condition if the control valve is functioning after purging, determining whether the shut off valve and pressure switch are malfunctioning if a pass condition is specified based on whether the pressure switch is open, and displaying an error if a component is ma

Abstract: Differential pressure generator 100 includes a stacked pair of opposed novel gravity transducers of the inverted-cup falling-cylinder type. First enclosure 21 contains a first gravity transducer 23 and second enclosure 31 contains a second gravity transducer 33. First gravity transducer 23 includes first cylinder 24, and first piston 25. The first cylinder is mounted for gravity-driven, viscosity-limited motion with respect to the first piston to generate a first pressure difference. The second gravity transducer includes a second cylinder and a second piston. The second cylinder is mounted for gravity-driven, viscosity-limited motion with respect to the second piston to generate a second pressure difference. The first cylinder has a displacement volume that is equal to the displacement volume of the second cylinder, and the first cylinder is heavier than the second cylinder. The first pressure difference and the second pressure difference are summed in opposition to produce a reference differential pressure.

Abstract: In a drift detection method for detecting drift in a pressure detection value output from a pressure detector, pressure is detected by the pressure detector at a preset detection point in a pressure-uncontrolled region in an arbitrary molding cycle. The detected pressure is set as a reference pressure. Pressure is detected by the pressure detector at the same detection point in the pressure-uncontrolled region in a subsequent molding cycle. A deviation of the detected pressure from the reference pressure is obtained. When the deviation is greater than a preset value, it is determined that a drift is present, and processing for coping with the drift is performed.

Abstract: Automated apparatus and method to aid in the servicing of fuel injectors is adapted to be selectively operated in a test mode or a cleaning mode. The test mode senses flow rate through the injector and current draw of the injector solenoid, and provides the operator with visual indication and a printed record of the data. The cleaning mode begins with a testing sequence to record baseline flow and current draw data, cycles through predetermined cleaning steps including flowing a cleaning agent through the injector, checks the flow rate and current draw of the injector during and after the cleaning cycle, and repeats the testing sequence. This testing-cleaning cycle may be repeated until either the injector meets predefined performance criteria or until a pre-selected limit has been reached.

Abstract: An automotive emission control module has an emission control valve containing a main flow passage having a valve member that controls fluid flow through the flow passage. An internal pressure sensing passage communicates pressure at one side of an orifice in the main flow passage to a pressure sensor. The pressure sensor and a fluid pressure regulator valve are integrated with the body of a fluid-pressure-operated actuator that operates the valve member. The module is calibrated and tested in a test stand, and can be re-calibrated after installation in an automotive vehicle.

Abstract: The invention is an apparatus for measuring pressure, which comprises a pressure communicating device (3) for location at a point (4) at which pressure is to be measured, a primary tube (1) containing a fluid for linking the pressure communicating device (3) to a control point (9) where the pressure information is required, a sealing device for sealing the primary tube (1) so as to form a closed system when the pressure communicating device (3) is closed, a pressure control device (6) for changing the pressure of the fluid within the primary tube (1), a volume measuring device (8) for measuring changes in the volume of the fluid within the primary tube (1) as the pressure of the fluid is varied, a pressure measuring device (7) for measuring the pressure of the fluid at some point within the fluid, and device remote from the control point (9), and a transmitter device for transmitting pressure information from the pressure measuring device to the control point (9).