Abstract: A test stand for testing hydraulic devices such as hydraulic pumps and motors, either separately or jointly. The test stand is comprised of a primary power source which acts in combination with a hydraulic motor to drive a drive train, which is in turn, operated by a hydraulic pump. The hydraulic pump and the hydraulic motor are fluidly connected together by passage means so that hydraulic fluid can be pumped therebetween. A pressure control means is present in the passage means for sensing and preventing the pressure from going above a predetermined value. Connected between this pressure control means and the hydraulic motor is a control means for adjusting the fluid displacement of the hydraulic motor to correspond to the fluid output of the hydraulic pump. This control means enables the hydraulic motor to operate in synch with the hydraulic pump at all times. The test stand also has power regenerative features wherein the hydraulic motor is capable of converting the fluid pressure to mechanical power.

Abstract: Apparatus for determining end-play in a torque converter without draining oil from the torque converter and also useful for measuring end-play of same unit at salvage yards. The apparatus comprises a spring operated plunger slidably arranged in a tubular casing; locking pins slidably attached to the casing; a pair of plunger operating handles to initiate motion of the plunger; a central rod inside the plunger extending through the pair of handles; and a measuring gauge having a central pin slidably extending in the direction of the central so that an upward movement of the central rod representing the end-play in the torque converter causes to push the pin upward which provides a reading on the gauge.

Abstract: A fluid dispenser pumps fluid in increments. The dispenser includes a computer which, on command, determines the volume of fluid dispensed per increment, the determined value constituting a calibration value which is stored in the memory of the computer. A controller which may include the computer as a component provides for dispensing a selected number of doses, each of a selected volume. The controller can also specify a time interval between the delivery of successive doses. The dispenser is particularly useful in combination with apparatus for charging petri dishes with agar.

Abstract: The instant invention provides a method and apparatus for the verification and calibration of pumping rates in systems having a volumetric pump drawing fluid from a tank. An effluent valve is connected to the base of the tank and in turn the valve is connected to the base of a calibrated column. The column is also connected at its top to the top of the tank thereby providing equalized pressure conditions within the column and the tank. A sight level gauge mounted on the calibrated column, or a transparent calibrated column alone, may be used to determine the liquid level. The liquid levels in both the calibrated column and tank are continually at equilibrium during normal pumping operations. In order to operate the invention, the effluent valve is closed and the decrease in the level of the fluid in the calibrated column is measured during a timed interval to determine the pumping rate.

Abstract: Apparatus for continuous casting has pairs of rolls defining a path for the solidifying slab of steel. Between the rolls on each side are rows of spray nozzles. To check the operation of the sprays and thus achieve uniform cooling, checking apparatus carrying detectors for the sprayed water is passed through the path. To achieve a useful measure of the spraying efficiency the detectors must be highly sensitive and robust. Each detector has a metal diaphragm which is set in vibration by the sprayed water and a piezo-electric element fixed to the diaphragm so as to emit a signal whose amplitude is dependent on the amplitude of the vibration of the diaphragm.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to apparatus for testing a hydraulic assembly. The assembly includes a member having an orifice formed through a wall thereof and a valve member spring urged toward one side of the wall so as to close the orifice. The apparatus includes an enclosure for the assembly and hydraulic pressure means for applying hydraulic pressure to the opposite side of the wall around the orifice. The pressure applying means includes means for gradually changing the hydraulic pressure and indicating the pressure at which the valve member moves to open the orifice. The apparatus further includes means for supporting the assembly on a link so as to simulate actual operating conditions.

Abstract: An apparatus for testing and calibrating respiratory therapy equipment. A single compact unit is pre-programmed to automatically valve in each selected test, and display pertinent parameters in a digital format. The system includes two flow transducers, one each for high and low flows, a regulated heater to test thermometers, and measurement circuits for checking the electrical insulation integrity of the equipment tested.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for testing the setting of a valve (particularly a safety valve mounted on a vessel) comprising a valve member biassed towards a valve seat, employs a pulling device which is engaged with the valve member and operated to apply a tractive force opposed to the bias which is just sufficient to separate the valve member from the valve seat. The pulling device is preferably operated by a hydraulic or pneumatic pump. The hydraulic or pneumatic pressure which is just sufficient to separate the valve member from the valve seat is indicated by a suitable gauge and is proportional to the tractive force. The sum of the tractive force and the force acting on the valve from inside the vessel and which can be calculated from the internal pressure indicated on a pressure gauge communicating with the interior of the vessel is indicative of the setting of the valve.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for the testing of fluidic devices. An adaptor that provides a temporary interface with such a device is affixed to it and used to direct a gaseous medium into the device for the testing of its various portions.

Abstract: The aeroload torque simulator provides torques for either statically or dmically loading the output shaft of a power servo system such as a missile fin control system. It simulates the aerodynamic torque load developed at the missile fin which varies dynamically in flight.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method and test apparatus for use in determining and certifying hoist compliance with one of several minimum body and payload torque requirement curves, which curves establish torque classifications for hydraulic hoists suitable for use in dump body applications. The apparatus is made up of a base frame which simulates a truck chassis, and an upper frame pivotally connected to the base frame and which simulates the under-structure portion of a dump body. The test hoist is mounted to the base and upper frames so that the hoist can be rendered operative to pivot the upper frame through a predetermined range of dump angles. Longitudinally adjustable tension link or estraining arm assemblies are connected to the base and upper frames and are used for successively restraining the pivotal movement of the upper frame to predetermined incremental dump angles within the predetermined range of dump angles.

Abstract: This disclosure deals with apparatus for and a method of testing a plurality of hydraulic and/or pneumatic systems. Each such system has a hose connected in it and the hose terminates in a valved fitting. All of the fittings are releasably attached to a subassembly which in turn is attached to center member or a manifold. When the systems are to be tested, a test fixture is attached to the center member, such attachment automatically opening the valved fittings. The test fixture also includes valved fittings identical with those connected in the systems. All of the fittings are opened by attachment of the test fixture, and the appropriate tests are then carried out. When the systems are not being tested, the test fixture is removed and a protective cover is applied to the center member in place of the fixture.

Abstract: A test system and method for in line testing of shock suppressor shut-off valves is provided. Vacuum and fluid canisters are mounted to a backpack that can be carried by maintenance personnel to the operating locations of shock suppressors. The fluid canister contains a fluid for being driven through the shut-off valves of the shock suppressor during testing. Fluid lines interconnect the canisters and the shock suppressor. A valve assembly is disposed within the fluid lines for regulating the rate of flow of the fluid from the fluid canister to the shock suppressor. The system further includes structure disposed within the fluid lines for evacuating the fluid lines and the valve assembly prior to testing of the shut-off valves.

Abstract: A control device for automatically operating a bilge pump is located in a receptacle having, in its side wall, holes at a level below the predetermined level of liquid at which the control device is designed to start the pump automatically, and having an inlet through which liquid can be introduced into the receptacle at a greater rate than it can flow out through the holes, so that the liquid can rise to said predetermined level to effect testing of the control device and the pump.

Abstract: A fluid pressure operated system adapted to identify malfunctioning components in the system with pressure and flow indicating devices incorporated in the system to continuously monitor fluid volume and pressure. Further, each control or regulating component utilized in the system, as well as rotary or linear motion producing components are provided with shut-off valves, which are operable to selectively isolate any component from the rest of the fluid system. Accordingly, by isolating in turn each component from the rest of the system and observing fluid pump output and pressure, a faulty component is easily identified for replacement or repair. In a hydraulic system the pressure and flow indicating devices are incorporated in the system's relief valve. The flow indicating device having a calibrated end portion externally visible, rests on the valve spool and accordingly signals the spool position relative to the valve seat to provide an accurate indication of hydraulic fluid by-passing to tank.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for simultaneous testing of one or more hydraulic control systems, each system having a hydraulic pressure pump whose high-pressure end is connected to a first tank in which a first piston element having a relatively small surface is movable and whose low-pressure end is connected to a second tank in which a second sealing element, which has a relatively large surface and is coupled with the first piston element, is movable in such a way that under normal working conditions a constant compression ratio is maintained in the system and each individual system includes at least one working unit between the high-pressure end and the low pressure end while, for use on a test unit with a pressure pump of its own, its high-pressure end is connected to the high-pressure end of each system to be tested and the low-pressure end is connected by way of a tank to the low-pressure end of each system to be tested, at least one pressure regulator for each system being inserted between the tank to the te

Abstract: A system for precisely measuring the amount of fluid discharged by a pulsating fluid flow device such as a pump, or the like. The discharged fluid is collected in a container and the amount collected is sensed by a transducer which provides a corresponding signal. The signal is processed for determining the amount of fluid collected for a predetermined number of fluid flow pulses and for automatically starting and stopping measuring cycles. The arrangement is such that continuously updated measurements are provided and are entrained in the collecting container has no effect on the measurements.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for the testing of fluidic devices. An adaptor that provides a temporary interface with such a device is affixed to it and used to direct a gaseous medium into the device for the testing of its various portions.

Abstract: A fixture and method is disclosed for assembling and standardizing embodiments of fuel injection valves of the outward opening type and in particular those valves having a retainer connection between the stem of the valve closure and the compression spring urging the closure to its seated position which permits the stem to rock with respect to the end of the spring. The retainer connection is formed of one or more members of selectable thickness, or having a selectable stop ring height, wherein by use of the fixture a plurality of valves can be manufactured having substantially identical flow rate characteristics. A subassembly comprising the valve body, valve spring and valve closure are held in the fixture and a specified assembled load is applied to the spring. Measurements are made leading to a determination of the thickness to be employed for said member(s) to be assembled in that valve.

Abstract: The volumetric output of fuel injectors is rapidly and accurately measured y accumulating in first and second counters respectively, a count of pulses generated as a function of the strokes made by the injector, and a count of pulses generated by an optical encoder attached to the piston of a positive displacement flow meter through which the output of the injector is directed. When the first counter reaches a count representative of a preset number of injector strokes, the accumulated count in the second counter representative of injector output for the preset number of strokes is stored and displayed continuously while the counters are reset and the test cycle is automatically repeated. The direction of movement of the reciprocating piston of the positive displacement flow meter is automatically reversed by the control system as either end of travel is reached through coordinated operation of a pair of solenoid valves.

Abstract: The invention relates to pressure differential indicating apparatus in a hydraulic measuring bridge which includes a measuring chamber that is provided with a valve means that emits a throughflow quantity into the chamber to be measured thereby and a further valve element for discharging the throughflow quantity from said chamber. The measuring chamber is associated with a pressure differential sensor having a movable wall which controls the volume of the measuring chamber and is acted upon by the pressure of a measuring medium that pulsates at slightly different pressures. Further, the pressure differential sensor is provided with a signal transmitter for controlling the measuring chamber volume and includes a cylinder having a wall provided with a piston means associated with a piston rod.

Abstract: In-place testing of hydraulic shock suppressors is accomplished by apparatus that selectively pumps hydraulic fluid into the shock suppressor cavities. The rate and direction of flow of the fluid is measured to determine the condition of the valves, pistons and other components within the shock suppressor. While the test apparatus is attached, the piston can be forced to traverse through all or a part of its operational distance. Additionally, the fluid within the shock suppressor can be filtered, deaerated and replenished as necessary.

Abstract: A testing apparatus for testing the hydraulic circuits of a vehicle having at least two independent hydraulic circuits including a plurality of supplies conduits, one for each independent hydraulic circuit for receiving hydraulic fluid from the associated circuit, couplings on the supply conduits for coupling each supply conduit to an associated circuit, a return for returning hydraulic fluid to the circuits, a single particle sensor adapted to receive hydraulic fluid and provide an output signal indicative of particle contaminants in the hydraulic fluid, the return being connected to the sensor and a valve for selectively connecting any desired one of the supply conduits to the sensor and disconnecting the remainder of the supply conduits from the sensor so that contamination in any of the independent circuits may be determined with a single sensor.

Abstract: The present apparatus includes a readily portable carrying case holding all of the equipment needed for detecting a leak in the gasoline line between an above-ground dispensing apparatus and an underground gasoline storage tank, substantially in accordance with my U.S. Pat. No. 3,910,102.

Abstract: A device and method for checking the adequacy of the rate of air flow in a rotating clothes dryer drum having air flow passing through perforations in the rear wall of the drum into the interior of the drum. The device comprises a rotatable fan and a counter assembly arranged to register the number of revolutions of the fan. There is provided a structure for removably attaching the device to the rear wall of the drum over at least some of the perforations in the rear drum wall. With this device and method the rate of air flow to the clothes dryer drum may be tested by operating the clothes dryer and registering the number of revolutions made by the fan for a period of time and comparing that number to a number determined previously to be an adequate air flow rate.

Abstract: An improved device and method for checking the adequacy of the rate of air flow in a rotating clothes dryer drum having air flow passing through a first centrally disposed set of perforations and a second set of perforations radially outward of the first set of perforations in the rear wall of the drum into the interior of the drum. The device comprises a rotatable fan and a counter assembly arranged to register the number of revolutions of the fan. There is provided a structure for removably attaching the device to the rear wall of the drum over the first set of perforations in the rear drum wall. A flexible circular skirt having a central opening is removably attached to the rear wall of the drum over and blocking air flow through the second set of perforations.

Abstract: A system for calibrating the flow rate of a pump, and especially designed for a pump which is normally used in a system to blend highly vaporous and odorous fluids, in which the blending fluid discharged from the pump is diverted from its normal flow stream into a closed calibration system which has a sight glass for receiving the fluid discharged by the pump. After a predetermined number of cycles by the pump, the amount of fluid within the sight glass is determined and then the calibration system is purged by a displacement gas so that the offensive material is returned back to its original source to be reused in its normal fashion.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for testing and evaluating the runout and recoil control systems for a gun in which a body having a mass representative of the mass of the moving parts of the gun is accelerated under the control of the runout system under test and then decelerated under the control of the recoil control system under test. During both acceleration and deceleration various conditions such as the position and velocity of the body are measured and recorded.

Abstract: The stall condition occurring in the unstable working range of an axial flow fan or compressor arranged in an air duct is detected by measuring the pressure difference between the total air pressure acting in a direction opposite to the direction of revolution of the fan wheel and a reference pressure corresponding substantially to the static pressure at the wall of the air duct in the same radial measuring plane. The detector device comprises first and second pressure measuring probes of an open tubular configuration for measuring said total pressure and reference pressure, respectively, and means for detecting the difference between the pressure values measured thereby, said probes being designed and arranged in the air duct so that the flow conditions around them are equal in the stable working range of the fan or compressor.

Abstract: A digital electrohydraulic steam turbine control system that generates a feedforward total steam flow demand signal to position the governor valves singly or sequentially in accordance with a dynamic nonlinear representation of steam flow vs. valve lift position having provision for testing the throttle valves while the turbine is operating in either the single or sequential mode and without effectively disturbing the load on the turbine and without the necessity of turbine operational feedback loops in service, is disclosed. Decremental and incremental flow changes for each of the governor valves in the test path and the non-test path, respectively, are calculated iteratives in accordance with a non-linear valve flow vs. valve lift position characterization for the total steam flow to the turbine.

Abstract: Apparatus for hydrostatically testing hydraulic equipment and/or for recording the results of the hydrostatic test. The apparatus includes a reservoir for hydraulic fluid, supply means for supplying hydraulic fluid under pressure to the equipment being tested, a first pressure gauge assembly including a fitting to the equipment being tested and a first pressure gauge in communication with the fitting for registering the pressure in the equipment, a second pressure gauge for recording the pressure in the equipment as a function of time, and valve means for isolating either or both of said first and said second pressure gauges from the reservoir for the hydraulic fluid during the time the test is being conducted.

Abstract: The testing method and means of the present invention utilizes a conventional dynamometer for testing a hydraulic pump. The dynamometer is used to mechanically drive the pump and the hydraulic system of the dynamometer is used to supply the test pump with hydraulic fluid. A flow rater is connected to the tested pump for registering the pressure, flow rate, and temperature of the fluid being pumped by the test pump.

Abstract: A completely enclosed system for volumetric calibration wherein timed valves divert liquid components into separate metering tubes for observation. Pistons or separators in the metering tubes are displaced by the flow of liquid thereto. After the calibration or measurement in the metering tubes, the components are returned to the circulating system by applying a pressure to the metering tubes by means of air or an inert fluid whereby the components are driven back through the valves. A separate displacement cylinder can be coupled to the metering tubes through the inert fluid to measure total displacement of both components.