Abstract: A pipetting apparatus is provided with clot detection. The pipetting apparatus comprises a nozzle for aspirating a sample. A pressure sensor is connected with the nozzle for measuring pressure in said nozzle. A plurality of pressure difference calculating circuits are operatively connected with the pressure sensor, each for inputting an output of said pressure sensor and obtaining a pressure difference at a different pressure calculation period, respectively. A plurality of discriminating circuits each having a different discrimination threshold value determined according to each of the pressure calculation periods are provided. An alarm circuit is included for outputting a clot detection alarm signal when at least one of said discriminating circuits discriminates that the obtained pressure difference exceeds the discrimination threshold value.

Abstract: A flow restriction detector for a nozzle assembly of a liquid dispensing machine is capable of detecting a blocked or partially blocked nozzle during the cleaning of the nozzle assembly. During nozzle cleaning, a return plate is attached to the nozzle plate of the nozzle assembly to receive a flow of pressurized fluid from the nozzles. Both the inlet and return fluid lines are provided with pressure sensors, and the return line has a constant back pressure applied to it so that the differential between the inlet and return line pressure sensors is in the range 5-10 psi. The pressure differential is monitored during cleaning and from one cleaning to the next for the purpose of identifying a blocked or partially blocked nozzle. A change of as little as 5% from the pressure differential value established for an unblocked system may indicate a partial blockage of a nozzle.

Abstract: A tissue heart valve test device which is capable of testing the valves in a rapid manner before implantation to ensure that there are no unacceptable leaks or flaws. The test device enables the valve to be tested in the operating room during the open heart procedure. The test device is configured with a chamber which allows the user to thoroughly visually inspect the valve as part of the test criteria. In addition, the test device is provided with size-specific mounts which are adapted to the particular valve to be tested.

Abstract: A system for hydrostatically measuring the volumetric deformation of a crushable foam includes a test chamber that is in fluid communication with a pressure fluid reservoir. A sample of a crushable foam is loaded within the test chamber within a latex pouch and the pressure fluid is pumped into the test chamber in order to subject the foam sample to triaxial loading. The volumetric deformation of the crushable foam is continuously monitored through suitable electronics as a function of pressure within the system.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for electrically processing vacuum pressure information in a vacuum unit. The apparatus basically comprises a vacuum supply mechanism, a detecting device, a determining device, a failure precognition signal generating device and a pressure setting-up device. In the apparatus, pressure values are first detected, and a desired pressure value lower than the maximum pressure value of the detected pressure values is digitally displayed on a display unit. Then, the desired pressure value is stored in a storage unit, and pressure values relative to vacuum, which are detected from the detecting device held in front of a passage which communicates with a vacuum port, are converted into digital signals. Thereafter, the digital signals thus converted are digitally displayed on the display unit. Further, the desired pressure value stored in the storage unit is compared with each of the detected pressure values.

Abstract: Non destructive adhesion testing of coatings to substrates. A supersonic jet of water is impinged against the coating. The impingement intensity of the jet is set at a predetermined "failure intensity" determined by testing of a sample having a minimum acceptable level of adhesion. Parts passing through the supersonic jet unscratched pass the test. Parts whose coatings debond when impacted by the jet fail the test.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting obstructions of a flow line. A detector housing is provided having a cavity therein. The detector housing has first and second openings into the cavity. The flow line is attached to the detector housing establishing a flow path through the first opening, the cavity, and the second opening, respectively. A pressure detector detects changes in pressure within the cavity, indicating the presence of an obstruction.

Abstract: Disclosed are a method and apparatus for determining the stretching characteristics of thermoplastic articles such as bottles on a consistently accurate basis by making an initial measurement such as dimension or volume, stretching the article to the onset of strain hardening, and correlating the measurements to a physical property such as inherent viscosity, intrinsic viscosity or molecular weight of the thermoplastic article.

Abstract: A method for making vacuum components from plastic material, and in particular, PVC and CPVC, where the plastic component is exposed to a high vacuum or ultra high vacuum for an extended period of time, by which the outgas rate drops considerably to levels that are well within required limits for high vacuum and ultra high vacuum applications. Residual gas analysis may be used to certify this low outgas level for the plastic components.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting defects in a structure formed of a honeycomb matrix bonded to a support surface including providing a probe body including means defining a fluid passage forming a supply port to an exterior surface of the probe body; connecting a pressurized fluid source to the fluid passage at a location distal from the supply port; placing the supply port in close proximity to a cell of the honeycomb matrix; supplying fluid from the compressed fluid source to the cell via the fluid passage; and monitoring a fluid pressure produced at a portion of the honeycomb matrix adjacent to the supply port to detect disbonds between the honeycomb matrix and support surface.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of determination of the deformation of the surface or subsurface of the earth resulting from an applied pressure change at a selected point, at a selected depth, in the earth, by measuring at least one physical parameter of the deformation above the point of application of pressure change. The method involves positioning a plurality of tiltmeters on or below the surface of the earth above the point of application of pressure change arranged in a known array, and measuring the change of angle of tilt of earth's surface or subsurface at the point of placement of each sensor while varying the pressure and flow rate of fluid into or out of the earth at the selected point. This invention further teaches how the individual values of incremental tilt at selected points on or below the earth's surface can be processed to determine material properties at selected points in the earth.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting, with a high degree of reliability and precision, a two dimensional position of any defects that might be present in a microporous hollow fiber membrane module (10) as manufactured. Detection of defects is carried out in a dark chamber (42) in which the module (10) to be tested is placed. Air carrying fine airborne particles having a particle size larger than the pore size of the micropores of the hollow fibers is forced to flow through the module. A laser beam (54) is projected closely adjacent to the end face (22) of the module to irradiate any particles that have passed the defects. Upon irradiation, the microscopic particles scatter the incident beam and are visualized by scattered light. The light intensity of the visualized scene of particles is magnified by an image intensifier (64) and a video camera (68) generates video signals of the intensified image.

Abstract: The present invention is a gauge and method for characterizing the surface venting of rollers. The gauge includes a smooth pliable saddle with a pick-up head positioned at a mid-point of the saddle. The pick-up head includes an opening which faces the outer surface of a roller when the saddle is draped over the roller. The roller's venting characteristics are determined by applying a vacuum to the pick-up head and measuring the equilibrium flow rate between the saddle and the outer surface of the roller.

Abstract: A fixture for testing a circumferentially compliant bioprosthetic valve. The fixture comprises a silicone rubber simulated aorta which approximates the geometry of a healthy human aorta and a cradle for the aorta. The compliance characteristics of the aorta can be selected by varying the proportions of ingredients in the silicone rubber, so that simulated aortas of different compliance but identical geometries can be provided. The compliant valve is disposed inside the aorta and held in place by suturing or the like. In one embodiment, the aorta and valve are supported by means of a cylindrical cradle, with the inflow and outflow ends of the aorta being folded over cylindrical rims on the respective inflow and outflow ends of the cradle. End caps are then fitted in place over the folded-over ends of the aorta, the end caps having holes therein to allow flow through the aorta and valve.

Abstract: A post depressurization device (30) for providing an indication of the pressure that existed within a fluid filled pressure vessel (22) just prior to depressurization of the pressure vessel, having a housing (102) and a piston (130) for temporality sealing an open end of the housing and outwardly movable in response to a pressure differential not less then a predetermined level generated subsequent to the depressurization of the pressure vessel. The piston and the housing cooperating to define a pressure storage cavity (156). The housing including a valve (122) for permitting the fluid within the pressure vessel to enter the pressure cavity and stabilize at a level substantially equal to the pressure level within the pressure vessel and for inhibiting a rapid decrease in the pressure within the pressure cavity immediately subsequent to depressurization of the pressure vessel.

Abstract: A novel gas passage shifting device used primarily for a surface area measuring apparatus for particulate materials is disclosed. The device is characterized by having a base member provided with a recess which receives a tubular body so as to gas-tightly connect it to the gas passage by a simple operation.

Abstract: An apparatus for testing the permeability of shredded elastomeric material which contains a vessel, a bed of tire chips in the vessel, and a fluid inlet which communicates with a first fluid outlet and a second fluid outlet through the bed of tire chips. The first fluid outlet is provided with a cap for optionally preventing fluid flow through it. The second fluid outlet is higher than both the fluid inlet and the first fluid outlet. A plate located above the bed of tire chips is used to compress the tire chips.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for measuring the diffusion of hydrogen atoms from a second surface to a first surface of a ferrous metal body as a means of measuring the magnitude of corrosion occurring at the second surface. The apparatus comprises a chamber-defining member which can be sealed to the first surface of the body so as to define with the first surface a sealed chamber. The chamber-defining member is constructed of material sufficiently flexible that upon evacuation of the sealed chamber the chamber-defining member deflects toward the first surface to reduce the chamber volume. The apparatus provides a connecting means for attaching an evacuating pump which is used to evacuate substantially all of the contents of the chamber.

Abstract: An apparatus for leak testing a garment, such as an over-water flying suit formed of a waterproof material, comprises a closure plug (4) for closing the neck of the garment and clamps (36, 38, 40, 42) for holding it in place. Clamps (26, 28) close other openings in the garment to allow it to be inflated, usually turned inside out to simulate exposure to water immersion. A mixture of water and compressed air is sprayed into the inflated garment via nozzles (18). The inflated garment is then inspected visually for leaks, and may be raised to an upright position to facilitate inspection. A restraining cage (70) can be used to prevent damage by stretching during inflation.

Abstract: Testing apparatus and methods are described for determining required vacuum characteristics of a radon evacuation system, wherein the radon evacuation system is of a type which utilizes floor vent holes in a basement floor to evacuate radon from beneath the basement floor. The preferred embodiment comprises an elongated vacuum tube extending from a floor vent hole to a variable vacuum test source. Pressure and air velocity measurement devices are positioned to determine actual static pressure and air flow rate within the vacuum tube. To determine the minimum vacuum required at the floor vent hole, the vacuum test source is adjusted to produce the lowest vacuum which will maintain a negative pressure in nearby test holes. The corresponding static pressure and air flow rate are then noted from the measurement devices.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for approximating the life of a gasket used in a predetermined environment is provided which allows for the long-term exposure to the environment to be simulated over a shortened period of time. The method and apparatus utilize the steps of placing a gasket sample in a test assembly, clamping the gasket sample within the test assembly at a predetermined clamping pressure whereby a chamber is formed within the interior of the gasket sample, filling the chamber with a gas at a predetermined pressure from a gas fill system, changing the temperature of the gasket sample over a predetermined number of temperature cycles, and measuring the amount of the gas which leaks from the chamber. The apparatus may also include a pressure control system for changing the pressure within the chamber over a predetermined number of pressure cycles or in response to predetermined temperature conditions.

Abstract: A firmness measuring device for non-destructive testing of objects with rough surfaces (such as fruit) is disclosed. The device comprises the following components: a means to generate an impulsive jet of a fluid (such as air) aimed at the surface of the object under test; a laser to generate a beam of coherent light aimed at the area on the surface of the object under test impacted by the fluid jet; a detector to sense the light reflected off of the surface of the object from the laser beam; an analyzer to determine the amount of deformation of the surface caused by the fluid jet based on the input to the detector; and a controller to coordinate the release of the impulsive jet with the analyzer.

Abstract: A pressure device control apparatus including a pressure source having a pump, and an accumulator connected to the pump and a pressure device, and a pressure detector for detecting the pressure in the accumulator; a normally-closed type solenoid valve interposed between the pressure device and the accumulator or a fluid tank; and a control unit having a drive control device for outputting a driving signal indicative of a command to operate the pump in response to a detection pressure detected in the pressure detector becoming equal to or less than a first predetermined pressure and a drive stopping signal indicative of a command for stopping the operation of the pump in response to the detection pressure becoming equal to or more than a second predetermined pressure which is higher than the first predetermined pressure.

Abstract: A sealing element for use in the testing of cigarettes or other rod-shaped articles of the tobacco processing industry has an elastic tubular body with an end portion having an axially movable end wall and an annular lip extending beyond the external surface of the end wall. The latter has a central opening constituting the inlet or the outlet of an axial passage for testing fluid. When the end of an article to be tested is caused to bear against the external surface of the end wall, the latter yields axially of the tubular body and causes the lip to flex radially inwardly into engagement with the periphery of the adjacent end of the article to be tested. In order to reduce the likelihood of damage to the end wall and/or the lip by sharp edges surrounding the ends of certain articles which are caused to bear against the external surface of the end wall, such external surface is provided with an annular recess which is inwardly adjacent the lip and can have a substantially semicircular cross-sectional outline.

Abstract: A sealing element for the end portions of cigarettes or other rod-shaped articles of the tobacco processing industry has an elastic tubular body defining a longitudinally extending passage for the flow of air or another testing fluid from one end of an article being tested or in the opposite direction. The end face of the article being tested is engaged by a deformable membrane at one end of the passage, and such membrane has a central opening for the flow of testing fluid from or into an enlarged chamber between the membrane and an internal fluid deflecting baffle of the tubular body. The baffle causes the testing fluid to flow in the chamber radially inwardly toward or radially outwardly from the opening in the membrane and thus prevents the accumulation of tobacco particles and/or particles of filter material for tobacco smoke in the chamber. The stream of testing fluid in the major portion of the passage flows in the axial direction of the article being tested.

Abstract: Establishing that pressure-influencing factors other than leakage of gas have stabilized before testing the integrity of a vessel in a system including the vessel, a reference vessel that can be connected to and isolated from the vessel, a common source of pressurized gas, a gauge to measure the difference between the vessel pressure and the reference vessel pressure and a computer capable of recording a series of pressure-difference measurements and mathematically manipulating them, the method including equalizing the pressures in the two vessels, then isolating them from each other for a preselected time period, then recording the pressure difference between them at the end of the time period, again equalizing the pressures and repeating that sequence until the pressure difference at the end of two consecutive time intervals is the same, thereby establishing that pressure-influencing factors other than leakage have stabilized.

Abstract: Disclosed are a method and apparatus for determining the stretching characteristics of thermoplastic articles such as bottles on a consistently accurate basis by making an initial measurement such as dimension or volume, stretching the article to the onset of strain hardening, and correlating the measurements to a physical property such as inherent viscosity, intrinsic viscosity or molecular weight of the thermoplastic article.

Abstract: A test fixture for simulating the inflation profile of a vehicle air bag. The test fixture includes a cavity block containing compressed nitrogen at a first predetermined pressure, and accumulator containing compressed nitrogen a second higher predetermined pressure, a diffuser containing an air bag at ambient pressure, a first rupture disk intermediate the accumulator and the cavity block adapted to rupture at a third predetermined pressure intermediate the first and second predetermined pressures, and a second rupture disk intermediate the diffuser and the cavity block adapted to rupture at a fourth predetermined pressure intermediate the first and second predetermined pressures.

Abstract: A hydraulic-pneumatic cushioning device including a pressure indicator mounted on the device or remote from the device and connected to the pressure chamber within the cushioning device. The indicator includes a recess and a small pin extending into the recess. The position of the pin relative to the recess provides a tactile indication of the condition of the cushioning device.

Abstract: The apparatus for measuring a hydraulic fluid flow rate and/or leak rate through an object, particularly a valve, includes an approximately vertical measurement tube, a capacitive sensor mounted on the measurement tube, an equalization vessel extending vertically next to the measurement tube, and a source of hydraulic fluid connected to the equalization vessel and the measurement tube below the capacitive sensor and a source of a pneumatic medium connected to both the equalization vessel and the measurement tube above the capacitive sensor. Hydraulic and pneumatic valves are also provided so that hydraulic fluid can be accommodated in a lower part of the equalization vessel and pneumatic medium in an upper part. A connector tube with a connector valve is connected to the equalization vessel at about the level of the capacitive sensor so that the level of hydraulic fluid can be set at the capacitive sensor in the measurement tube at the beginning of the measurement.

Abstract: In an apparatus for testing pneumatic flow resistance of a test component, such as an air filter useful in a system for admixing parenteral solutions, a pneumatic bridge has two branches connected, via a filter, a flow restrictor, and a flowmeter, to a source of gas under regulated pressure. Each branch comprises two arms with a centerpoint. The bridge has a pressure transducer connected between the centerpoints and arranged to detect pressure imbalances in the bridge. Each arm comprises a flow restrictor, namely a needle valve, which is calibrated via a vernier head. The valves are adjustable to balance the bridge. In one arm, in which the needle valve can be fully opened, the test component is connectible to constitute a flow restrictor. The transducer produces an output displayed via a digital voltmeter, which may be calibrated.

Abstract: A hydraulic hose impulse tester capable of simultaneously testing multiple samples of hydraulic hose in a stationary-impulse condition and in a flexing-impulse condition in the same test environment. The tester eliminates varying extraneous factors which can affect comparative test results by performing the static and dynamic tests simultaneously. Alternatively, all sample hoses can be tested in either a static or dynamic condition.

Abstract: An apparatus for testing seal members for use in an oxygen-rich environment. The test apparatus operates and is constructed to replicate the service environment as closely as possible. The test unit includes a hull with an interior test portion, with connections for gaseous or liquid oxygen and nitrogen and having a reciprocating actuator shaft extending into the hull interior. A valve seal member is carried on a retainer and bears against sealing surfaces on a nozzle to test valve sealing operations, while a dynamic O-ring bears against a liner element carried within the hull. Pressure sensors determine whether an effective seal is maintained, while a temperature sensor insures that the dynamic O-ring temperature does not exceed specifications. The retainer and the nozzle can be changed to permit testing a variety of valve seals.

Abstract: A method and device for testing artificial or natural venous valves. The device comprises chamber (10) a sample for mounting a test valve (V) on a liquid flow path and a muscle pump component (16) and/or respiratory pump component (50) and/or capacitance reservoir (58) and/or vertical hydrostatic column component (102) fluidly connected to the flow path to mimic the muscle pump, respiratory pump, capacitance and hydrostatic impedance effects on venous circulation in the mammalian body. Included in the invention are methods of testing venous valves by mimicking known hemodynamic flow conditions within a mammalian body.

Abstract: Non-invasive, portable, modular testing apparatus for non-invasively testing timepieces for fluid integrity without damaging or dismantling the timepiece and without interrupting the timekeeping function or operation thereof, including a transparent tubular container member capable of providing a high pressure, fluid sealed environment for the timepiece, the container member being open at one end and provided with an enlarged, integral rim portion, the opposite integral end of the tubular container member including an enlarged integral rim portion equal in diameter to the rim portion of the open end providing a rigid, non rockable base for the container, a circular, rigid, transparent closure member for the container securing the closure member to the tubular container member, and a pressure applicator integral with the tubular container member, for automatically pressurizing the internal volume of the tubular container member.

Abstract: The apparatus for checking the volume of bottles (1) comprises a head (2) adapted to be moved sealingly onto the bottle mouth (21), with a metering piston (7) which is displaceable in relation to the head (2) to be inserted into the bottle (1) and compress the air contained therein, and a pressure sensor (9) for measuring the excess pressure produced in the bottle. The measured volume (11) in the bottle is linked to a compensating volume (12) through a duct (10). The compensating volume is determined on the one hand by the constant starting height of the metering piston (7) and on the other hand by the variable displacement path length of the head (2).

Abstract: The detection of thickness variations in sheet material, more specifically the presence or absence of labels on a moving web, is accomplished by providing two spaced apart nozzles, an entry for pressurized fluid, first and second conduits to connect the entry and the nozzles, and a differential pressure sensing element connected between the conduits so as to detect a mismatch between the fluid pressures in the two conduits.

Abstract: The apparatus for checking the volume of bottles (1) comprises a head (2) adapted to be moved sealingly onto the bottle mouth (21), with a metering piston (7) which is displaceable in relation to the head (2) to be inserted into the bottle (1) and compress the air contained therein, and a pressure sensor (9) for measuring the excess pressure produced in the bottle. The measured volume (11) in the bottle is linked to a compensating volume (12) through a duct (10). The compensating volume is determined on the one hand by the constant starting height of the metering piston (7) and on the other hand by the variable displacement path length of the head (2).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting defects in a structure formed of a honeycomb matrix bonded to a support surface including providing a probe body including means defining a fluid passage forming a supply port to an exterior surface of the probe body; connecting a pressurized fluid source to the fluid passage at a location distal from the supply port; placing the supply port in close proximity to a cell of the honeycomb matrix; supplying fluid from the compressed fluid source to the cell via the fluid passage; and monitoring a fluid pressure produced at a portion of the honeycomb matrix adjacent to the supply port to detect disbonds between the honeycomb matrix and support surface.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for detecting blockage in a spray gun of a liquid spray system wherein a first transducer is positioned to detect the pressure of paint or sealer in a supply line at an upstream position and a second transducer is positioned immediately adjacent and upstream a spray orifice of a spray gun to detect a second pressure of the liquid wherein a pressure drop of the liquid is calculated and a blockage signal is generated when the pressure drop is less than a predetermined amount. Preferably, the line and the spray gun are sized so that pressure drop is at least 10 psi and preferably approximately 350 psi in the absence of any blockage.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for pressure testing a large vessel utilizing a base enclosure having a base ring of the same diameter as the pressure vessel. The base enclosure includes a base plate welded to the base ring and beams under the base plate for supporting the weight of the base enclosure as well as the portion of the vessel to be tested. The vessel is fabricated in or divided into half portions with each portion being connected to a base ring for separate testing. This eliminates the excessive weight that would be experienced if the vessel were to be pressure tested as one unit, particularly in the case of hydrotesting where the vessel is filled with water.

Abstract: A hydrostatic test system for subjecting a workpiece or test specimen to a predetermined test pressure until the workpiece fails by developing a leak detectable by the test system. The hydrostatic test system is a modular system readily adaptable to, and able to incorporate therein, a number of different physical devices for regulating, controlling, detecting, and registering functions and activities pertaining to leak detection. Among the devices adaptable in the hydrostatic test system for detecting a leak condition in the workpiece is a differential pressure switch and a static pressure switch, a combination differential and static pressure switch, or an accumulator associated with either a pressure transducer or a high accuracy transducer. The leak condition may be visually signaled by a lamp or indicator light or the sensing of a leak condition may be visually output to a CRT screen.

Abstract: A fixture for pressure testing sight glasses includes a base having a reced pressure chamber therein, a peripheral seal ring in the pressure chamber and a supply passage for supplying a pressurized fluid to the pressure chamber. The test fixture is operable by securing a sight glass on the fixture so that the sight glass is received in sealing engagement with the seal ring above the pressure chamber in order to apply a predetermined fluid pressure to the sight glass.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for preparing stators of a fluid cooled generator for ground (megger) and other tests. The method of automatically cycling into stator cooling coils gradually incremented pressures of super-desiccated air followed by subsequent rapid blowdown literally urges pockets of moisture out of the coils, freeing them by staccotic erosion or deterioration, as droplets and vapor. The process is carried out through the use of a palletized vacuum subsystem and conditioned air treatment/pressurization subsystem which includes a panel containing relay control logic for semi-automatic/automatic conduct of the testing protocol and including essentially relay logic, an air compressor with necessary valving, air filtration and drying apparatus, a receiver which affords storage of the treated, dried air and a sequencing valve with adjunct equipment for connection of the receiver output to the stator-under-test.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for locating an obstruction, leak or fault in an electrical cable segment, and determining the extent thereof, comprising a method and apparatus for supplying an interruptible pressurized gas to the cable's interstitial void space, first and second valves for directing the flow of the gas, a first device for acquiring data on the flow rate of gas to or from the interstitial void space and generating a first electronic signal proportional thereto, the first flow data acquisition device being in gaseous communication with the first valve, a second device for acquiring data on the flow rate of gas to or from the interstitial void space and generating a second electronic signal proportional thereto, the second flow data acquisition device also in gaseous communication with the second valve, and a method and apparatus for numerically relating the first and second electronic signals generated by the first and second data acquisition devices to determine the location and extent of the leak or

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring the diffusion of hydrogen atoms from a second surface to a first surface of a ferrous metal body in order to monitor the magnitude of corrosion occurring at the second surface. The apparatus comprises a chamber-defining member which can be sealed to the first surface of the body so as to define with the first surface a sealed chamber. The chamber-defining member is constructed of material sufficiently flexible that upon evacuation of the sealed chamber the chamber-defining member deflects toward the first surface to reduce the chamber volume. The apparatus provides a connection for attaching an evacuating pump which is used to evacuate substantially all of the contents of the chamber. A valve is provided to isolate the evacuated chamber from the evacuation pump so that hydrogen atoms, generated as a result of corrosion of the second surface, migrate through the body and exit the first surface within the chamber and combine to form hydrogen molecules which collect in the chamber.

Abstract: A method and device for testing artificial or natural venous valves. The device comprises (a) a fixture for mounting a sample valve on a liquid flow path, (b) a muscle pump component and/or (o) respiratory pump component and/or (d) capacitance reservoir component and/or (e) vertical hydrostatic column component, all of the components being fluidly connected to the flow path to mimic the muscle pump, respiratory pump, capacitance and hydrostatic impedance effects of actual in situ venous circulation in the mammalian body. The invention includes methods of testing venous valves by mimicking known hemodynamic flow conditions within a mammalian body.

Abstract: An O-ring test apparatus for a mass air flow sensor having a lift mechanism for lifting the mass air flow sensor and its production line carrier from the production line to a test location. In the test location, a clamping mechanism clamps the mass air flow sensor to the carrier compressing the O-ring. A seal mechanism blocks one end of an air flow passage provided in the production line carrier and connects an air inlet member to the other end. The air inlet member is connected by a manifold to a source of pressurized air through a solenoid valve. A pressure sensor connected to the manifold generates at least a first pressure signal in the manifold which rises to a pressure indicating that the O-ring is properly mounted on the mass air flow sensor. A control circuit activates the lift mechanism, the seal mechanism and the solenoid valve in a predetermined sequence and generates a fail signal in the absence of the first pressure signal when the solenoid value is open.

Abstract: A method and device (10) for testing condoms, the device (10) comprises a perforated, elongated plastic, cylindrical member (12) having a head (14) at one end thereof, a body (16) and a base (18) at the other end thereof. Fitable into the hollow interior of cylindrical member (12) is a plunger assembly (30) with a piston (78) thereon. Perforations (20) in the body (16) of the cylindrical member (12) provide communication with a sleeve (28) in which the piston (78) rides. A condom is unrolled over cylindrical member (12) and sealed air-tight to the base (18) thereof. Pumping the piston (78) inflates the condom where it can be inspected for perforations, tears, and porosity. A flap valve (35) in the piston (78) allows air in the condom to escape through the perforations (20) and through a whistle means (42) to provide an audio signal whose pitch is a function of velocity of air through the signal and thus indicative of the porosity of the condom membrane.

Abstract: An apparatus for testing a tube for its strength to resist internal pressure, is composed of: an expandable elastomer having a hollow body with one open end; a test head, connected to the expandable elastomer, to provide the expandable elastomer with pressure using fluid as a medium; a holder, disposed below the test head, to vertically move a tube into a place in which the expandable elastomer is inserted into a tube; and a transferring mechanism, arranged beside the holder, to provide the holder with a tube from a rack. The apparatus according to the present invention can automatically and continuously test numerous tubes for its strength to resist internal pressure, overcoming disadvantages of the non-automatic, non-continuous apparatus previously disclosed.