Abstract: A method and apparatus for directly measuring the hydraulic conductivity of porous materials at various degrees of saturation, the invention involves determination of the rate of rotation under dynamic equilibrium of concentric cylinders having a partially saturated porous material disposed in an annular space between the concentric cylinders, the rate of rotation being directly related to the hydraulic conductivity of the material. The hydraulic conductivity of the material can thus be determined without the need for measuring fluid discharge and piezometric head gradient as is necessary in prior art determination of hydraulic conductivity.

Abstract: An apparatus for pressure testing a can body. The apparatus includes a housing having a pivotable cover and an empty can with the lid attached is placed in a cradle in the housing. As the cover is moved to the closed position, a hollow needle, operably connected to the cover, is automatically inserted through the wall of the can body. On locking of the cover in the closed position, an electric circuit can be established to introduce gas under pressure through the needle into the can body. A readout of the pressure required to bulge the can body is given, thereby indicating whether the can body meets manufacturing specifications.

Abstract: A dynamic pressure test unit is utilized to determine the yield point of a lask. For a period of time prior to the yield point being reached the ratio of the pressure vs. volume of water pumped into a test flask assumes a constant value. After reaching the yield point the volume indication increases at a faster rate than the pressure giving a negative slope to a line on a stripchart recorder that indicates the pressure divided by the volume of water pumped into the flask.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for durability (fatigue) testing of prosthetic heart valves or other check valves. The apparatus is circular in plan and includes a test fixture in which the valves are circularly arranged, located with communicating passages, such passages communicating with bellows closed at one end. The bellows are carried by a swash plate journalled to a motor by a coupling providing an adjustable tilt axis. The tilt axis determines the amplitude of the motion or flow of the fluid, as the bellows alternately expand and contract. A central bypass chamber includes orifices which are selectively varied in effective cross section to control an amount of the test fluid which bypasses the test samples, thereby determining fluid pressure differential across the sample valves. Fluid in the apparatus can be heated by an electric heater to temperatures similar to human blood, a temperature probe monitoring the temperature for its control.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting cracks or other separations deep inside massive rock-like structures and assessing the integrity and safety of mine roofs and the like, wherein at least one borehole is drilled into the rock and a negative fluid pressure is applied thereto. The permeability of the rock at selected intervals along the borehole is measured and thereby the presence or absence of fractures in the rock is detected. The extension of the fracture to an adjoining hole may be determined by a pressure respond test in the adjoining hole.

Abstract: A hydrostatic test stand provides proof-testing of pressure vessels by measuring the amount of total deformation and permanent deformation as a result of a hydrostatic pressure applied to the pressure vessel. The test stand includes a transfer cylinder (which contains a floating piston and a bias spring), first and second control valves, a graduated cylinder, a pressure sensor, an oil reservoir, a booster pump, a booster pump valve, and quick-connect couplings. The pressure vessel is filled with water and connected to the couplings. With all of the valves open, the piston is at the lower end of the cylinder, and water is used to fill a first volume above the piston and the fluid lines to the pressure vessel, as well as filling the graduated cylinder to a predetermined first level. The first control valve and the booster pump valve are then closed and the booster pump is operated to drive the piston upward by oil pressure until a predetermined pressure has been reached in the pressure vessel.

Abstract: A system for measuring crush properties of a catalyst bed includes a catalyst bed container which includes at least one deformable wall around and adjacent to a catalyst bed. The catalyst bed container is enclosed within a pressure vessel. The pressure vessel is coupled to a pressure gauge and to a pump which acts to introduce measured quantities of an incompressible fluid such as water into the pressure vessel around the catalyst container. A pressure gauge is provided for measuring the pressure of the fluid within the pressure vessel. Two conduits extend from spaced positions within the catalyst vessel to the exterior of the pressure vessel, in order to create an air flow across a portion of the catalyst bed. Two spaced pressure taps also extend from locations within the catalyst vessel outside of the pressure vessel, and are coupled to a pressure sensor such as a manometer, for measuring the differential pressure between these two pressure taps.

Abstract: A system for measuring the flexure of a saw blade in situ includes in one embodiment a non-contact displacement sensor and means for directing a fluid flow at the blade adjacent the sensor. The deflection of the blade by the fluid flow is detected by the sensor which generates a signal related to blade flexure. The system indicates when a saw blade is correctly tensioned or when retensioning is required.

Abstract: A portable hydrostatic test apparatus for pressure testing fluid system components. Hydraulic fluid is pressurized and serves as the pressure source for imposing a desired test pressure on a water filled system. The apparatus includes a pneumatically operated control valve to control a directional control valve in the hydraulic system. The several valves in the hydraulic system are mounted on and interconnected through an internally ported manifold to eliminate hoses.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for testing containers for pressure leak characteristics is disclosed. The arrangement includes monitoring the fluid pressure in a container supplied with test fluid at two different time intervals, with the monitored difference being compared with a predetermined acceptable value of container pressure loss and a signal generated to either accept or reject the tested container. To facilitate a continuous updating of the calibration of the acceptable pressure loss, a digital computer controlled arrangement is provided for adjusting the predetermined acceptable pressure loss value as a function of the monitored difference in the pressures for containers previously tested.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to an air pressure sensor comprising a first air passage, a branch passage having an opening into the air passage, a sensor in the branch passage responsive to variation in air pressure in the opening and jet means for air flow through the first passage adjacent the opening to the branch passage to create an increased depression in static pressure as compared with the remainder of the air passage to enhance the response of the pressure sensor in the branch passage when air flow through the first passage occurs. The air passage terminates in a probe having an orifice to be opened and closed by the absence of and presence of a surface in contact with the probe so that the pressure sensor indicates whether or not the probe is in contact with the surface.

Abstract: A device for hydrodynamic, in vitro testing of heart valve prostheses. The device has a flow channel in which a flow of desired characteristics is induced. The flow channel includes a test fixture for supporting a prosthesis to be tested in a desired orientation within the flow. In a preferred embodiment, the test fixture includes first and second chambers spaced from each other along the flow channel and a shuttle intermediate the chambers which is movable between at least first and second positions. The shuttle includes at least one support for a heart valve prosthesis and selectively positions that prosthesis in the desired orientation within the flow by movement between the first and second positions. The shuttle may carry two or more heart valve prostheses to alternatively positioned one of them within the flow by movement of the shuttle.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for sensing and signaling a clogged nozzle condition in a spray gun of the type which includes a valve located adjacent the nozzle. The gun includes a restrictor located in the liquid flow path upstream of the valve and a pressure transducer located between the restrictor and the valve for measuring pressure drop when the valve of the gun is opened. A pressure drop of less than a predetermined amount is indicative of a clogged nozzle condition.

Abstract: A method testing a marine hydraulic release of the type used to secure life rafts and the like to ships comprising placing the hydraulic release on a tension stand and applying tension to it to approximate service conditions, characterized in that the method further comprises placing a load cell in direct line with the hydraulic release on the tension stand, the load cell being connected to a tension indicating device, and gradually increasing the tension on the hydraulic release unit by a desired level as determined by the load cell output on the indicating device, thereafter release testing the tensioned hydraulic release unit under superatmospheric air pressure and tension approximating actual service conditions while the hydraulic release and load cell remain undisturbed and under tension.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring the volume of a chamber in a part, such as the combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine cylinder head by, comparing the test chamber with a reference chamber of known volume, wherein the reference chamber is exposed to the part containing the test chamber so that ambient variables are minimized, and accurately controlled quantities of a gas are injected into each chamber and the difference in pressures in the chambers read as a function of test chamber volume, and thereafter the rate of change of pressure differences in the chambers is read as a function of chamber leakage and the volume measurement discarded if the rate of change exceeds a determined value.

Abstract: An apparatus capable of stressing test specimens to relatively high stres at an ultra fast rise time, and unstress at ultra fast decay time. System components include a hydraulic pumping unit, a gas-liquid accumulator, a pressure loading valve, an intensifier, a pressure vessel, a trigger mechanism, a pressure unloading valve, a surge tank, and system controls. To increase system operating response, the discharge port of the accumulator is connected directly to the inlet port of the loading valve. An exit port of the loading valve mounts directly to the inlet low pressure port of the intensifier. The high pressure outlet port of the intensifier mounts directly to the bottom inlet end of the pressure vessel, and the inlet port of the unloading valve mounts directly to a second exit port of the loading valve. The pressure vessel chamber and the intensifier's high pressure chamber are pre-filled as a closed system, with a low compressible fluid.

Abstract: A test head useful in the testing of compressed gas cylinders capable of withstanding high pressure. The water jacket head includes a neck seal including a spud insertable into the neck of a compressed gas cylinder for permitting a high pressure seal to be made to the cylinder. The present neck seal incorporates a permanent quick-connect sleeve for which mating male spud insert units can be designed for nearly any size cylinder neck. Changing the spud insert can be accomplished by hand, without removing the head from its use location. A diaphragm support spring is installed between the moving spud stem assembly and the top plate of the head which biases the spud stem assembly, thus increasing diaphragm life and preventing increasing reassembly difficulty following spud changes. Studs and screws replace welds in holding the top, side and bottom plates together which greatly alleviates the task of servicing inside the head when leaks eventually occur in the moving elements.

Abstract: An instrument used by surgeons to determine the suitability of an aneurysm or vascular clip just prior to its implantation. The primary component of the instrument is a test strip which comprises a first compartment, second compartment, and a tapered channel connecting these two compartments. The first compartment contains a colored fluid and means for forcing the fluid from the compartment into the tapered channel. The clip selected is attached to the test strip over the tapered channel. As the fluid is forced into the tapered channel and reaches the clip, the clip's effectiveness in impeding the pressurized fluid flow is observed. The pressure at which the clip fails is indicated on gauge means.

Abstract: This tester comprises a fixture which is bonded to a coating or surface, a plate and a membrane which are sealed together along their peripheries. A hole extends through the membrane and at least into the plate for receiving the fixture so that its bonding surface is flush with the membrane. The plate has a gas opening which is connectable with a source of pressurized gas.

Abstract: A system to monitor the amount of erosion taking place within a pipe in which a point of reduced strength of the pipe is made by drilling a hole or notch to a preselected depth in a selected portion of the pipe wall. A hollow casing is provided around the point of reduced strength to provide a sealed zone. A conduit in the hollow casing is connected to a sensing device to monitor pressure changes when pipe failure occurs at the hole or notch.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for durability (fatigue) testing of various samples (materials, valves, components and other objects) involves use of a test fixture for clamping a sample to be tested in a closed fluid environment and providing fluid passages on opposite sides of the object to be tested through which a bellows-actuated fluid oscillator causes axial oscillating flow of fluid, causing the sample to undergo repeated bidirectional axial pressures producing flexing in the case of a membrane of elastic material or repeated closing and opening in the case of a valve, etc., in response to oscillation of the fluid in the passages. The device is particularly suited for "blister testing" of elastomers and for life testing of prosthetic heart valves and other valves.

Abstract: The invention is an improved air test means in kit form that is portable and, additionally, includes a complete system arrangement for a plurality of modes of use. The portable kit is self contained for compressing air with a built-in power supply means. The system includes a high pressure test means, and a facility for storage of auxiliary equipment. The system, in addition to the built-in power supply means, has provisions for convenient operation from an external power supply means of comparable voltage output or for support power to preserve the built-in power supply means. Means are provided for convenient recharging of the built-in power supply means and for the attachment and use of auxiliary equipment such as a portable light means. The kit housing is provided with a safety vent for the power supply means and an automatic shut-off means if the kit is closed without first stopping the operating mechanism.

Abstract: A method for burst testing a vented pressure vessel accurately measures the rue burst pressure of the vented pressure vessel. The method employs a burstpressure test fixture which comprises a plug and a gauge adapter member for substantially plugging the vent opening in a pressure vessel to be burst tested. The plug and gauge adapter member is adapted for receiving a transducer or pressure gauge that is integrally mounted with a pressure gauge tube which is insertably mounted in the plug and gauge adapter member. The vent opening which is substantially plugged with the tube member of the plug and gauge adapter member is free from stress during pressurization to burst pressure. The method requires that the plug and gauge adapter member be stationary, but the vented pressure vessel is allowed to move outwardly along the tube member during dynamic testing. The fit of the plug to the vent opening (i.e.

Abstract: A process and device for plasma etching a thin layer. The process includes the steps of identifying a plateau in gas pressure that occurs slightly before the end of etching and then detecting a pressure variation (increase or decrease) from the plateau pressure. Etching is stopped at a predetermined time interval after the variation following the plateau begins. The device includes one or more pressure sensors and means for determining the plateau and subsequent pressure variation.

Abstract: A carefully dimensional drift is passed through a pipe section by fluid pressure to assure that the pipe is round and straight and of the right dimensions. The drift is light weight with an elastic contact surface, preferably of 70-D durometer hardness urethane, and thus is easily handled, adaptable to the fluid transit through the pipe and offers very long wear.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of determination of the change in subsurface structure of the earth resulting from the application of fluid pressure at a selected point, at a selected depth, in the earth, by measuring at least one physical parameter of the contour of the surface of the earth above the point of application of fluid pressure. The method involves positioning a plurality of tiltmeters on the earth above the point of application of fluid pressure arranged in a known array, and measuring the change in angle of tilt of the earth's surface at the point of placement of each sensor while varying the pressure and flow rate of fluid into the earth at the selected point. This invention further teaches how the individual values of incremental tilt at selected points on the earth's surface can be processed to provide indication of the azimuth of the vertical fracture in the earth, and an estimate of length of the fracture.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for determining true cigarette filter rod pressure drop, especially of nonwrapped and soft wrapped filter rods when the circumference thereof is being compressed by an encapsulation method as by an elastic sleeve, the pressure drop and circumference of the elastic sleeve and the filter rod encapsulated therewithin being measured simultaneously, and then through a fifth power relation true pressure drop is determined.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for testing of bonded laminates which include a substrate and a face sheet bonded thereto. The apparatus has at least one air nozzle arranged to direct high velocity air in a direction generally radially outward of the circular pattern at a shallow angle to the face sheet of the laminate. A detection plate on the examining surface of the device is encircled by the air nozzles. The detection plate has associated therewith means for detecting when the face sheet of the laminate is deflected toward the detection plate, indicating that the laminate is not bonded to the substrate in that area. High pressure air is introduced through the air nozzles thereby producing an air cushion between the examining surface of the apparatus and the face sheet of the laminate and simultaneously producing a vacuum in the area between the detection plate and the face sheet, whereby the face sheet will be deflected toward the detection plate in an area where the face sheet is not bonded to the substrate.

Abstract: Identity of pipeline at a first location as being the same pipeline at a second location, at which the pipeline pressure can be varied, is achieved by attaching a strain gage to the pipeline at the first location, varying the pressure in the pipeline at the second location, and observing the strain gage to see if it varies correspondingly to the pressure changes.

Abstract: A device is provided for testing the integrity of each container in a conveyed sequence of containers by individually applying pressure internally of each, sensing that pressure and generating a signal having a magnitude corresponding to the value of that pressure, comparing that signal magnitude to a selected threshold signal value, providing an output control signal indicative of the achievement of that signal magnitude and setting an enablement device in one of two states corresponding to the presence and absence, respectively, of that output control signal. One of those states corresponds to an unacceptable container condition and the other to an acceptable container condition. If the unacceptable container condition or reject state exists, a reject cycle is enabled over at least an enabling duration sufficient to clear the container or broken portion thereof from the position it occupies in the sequence.

Abstract: A device for checking the functioning of a gas measuring apparatus which includes a tubular connection for the passage of a gas so that it can be directed through a tube mounted in the connection which has means therein such as a chemical for measuring the gas which is passing therethrough. The device comprises a translucent diffusing screen mounted on the tubular connection so as to be able to view through the screen and into the gas passage and a spring diaphragm connected to the tube having a side disposed in space relationship to the screen and viewable through the screen and gas between the screen and the diaphragm when the diaphragm is flexed in one direction in respect to the screen so as to position it closer to the screen.

Abstract: A tester for testing the physical characteristics of bottles such as the degree of stretch of a plastic bottle and the pressure required for rupturing a glass bottle. The apparatus includes an elongated cylinder having a bore extending therethrough. A piston is threadably carried within the bore so that when the lower end of the cylinder is secured to the top portion of a bottle, the piston is in axial alignment with the bottle. Upon feeding the piston into the bottle filled with an incompressible fluid, pressure is exerted on the interior of the bottle stretching or exploding the bottle depending on the test being performed.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of determination of the change in subsurface structure of the earth resulting from the application of fluid pressure at a selected point, at a selected depth, in the earth, by measuring at least one physical parameter of the contour of the subsurface of the earth above the point of application of fluid pressure. The method involves positioning a plurality of tiltmeters on the earth above the point of application of fluid pressure arranged in a known array, and measuring the change in angle of tilt of the earth's surface at the point of placement of each sensor while varying the pressure and flow rate of fluid into the earth at the selected point.

Abstract: An elongated cylindrical member, such as an axle, a bolt, stud, rivet, supporting column, etc., has means for the in situ detection and indication of cracks therein. The member is generally solid and includes, in accordance with the invention, a cavity extending inwardly from at least one end of the member and terminating in a bottom surface of the cavity. A plurality of holes extend inwardly from the bottom surface of the cavity and are disposed in circular arrangement around the bottom surface of the cavity and adjacent to the periphery of the member. A ring member is disposed in the cavity, the bottom surface of the ring member being spaced from the bottom surface of the cavity to define a chamber therebetween. An opening extends through the ring member from the top surface to the bottom surface thereof, and valve means are inserted in the opening to permit the insertion of gas under pressure into the chamber and into the holes.

Abstract: Apparatus for measuring the level of particulate material in a container is disclosed including level indication conduit vertically disposed in a container so that changes in the level of the particulate material in the container result in corresponding changes in the level of particulate material in the level indication conduit, further conduits for flowing a gaseous stream through the level indication conduit and a pressure gauge for measuring the pressure drop in the gaseous stream flowing through the level indication conduit so that changes in the level of the particulate material in the level indication conduit causes corresponding changes in that pressure drop.

Abstract: A measuring while drilling tool is disclosed. The preferred embodiment incorporates an outer shell which is connected in a drill string above the drill bit and among the drill collars. The apparatus utilizes mud pressure variations to pump oil with a piston to energize a closed hydraulic circuit. The oil is delivered via a distribution and manifold system to first fill and scan five hydraulic signals sequentially. The sequential scan of the five hydraulic signals is then conveyed to an output mechanism comprising a choke which is placed in the lower end of the tool which choke varies the mud throughput, thereby varying upstream pressure in the mud circuit, forming an output which can be detected at the surface.

Abstract: A carriage having dual spindles reciprocates with continuously moving plastic containers. The first spindle pressurizes a container to blow out any dents in the plastic container. The second spindle inspects the container for detection of defects which would cause the container to be a leaker.

Abstract: Apparatus for testing hydraulic-release devices of the type used in marine applications and an improved method of testing such devices using the apparatus. The invention includes a positively identified stress rather than a predetermined strain being exerted on such devices before they are subject to the test environment.

Abstract: Apparatus suitable for inspecting the positional accuracy of a hole or passage in a workpiece comprising workpiece support means and a probe assembly. The probe assembly comprises two parallel tubes; one provided with a thermistor bead maintained at a temperature higher than ambient and the other provided with a nozzle adapted so as to direct a jet of air on to the thermistor bead. The tubes are positioned on each side of a workpiece to be inspected so that as the tubes are traversed across the workpiece, the jet of air is prevented from impinging upon the thermistor bead. However when a hole or passage in the workpiece is spanned by the nozzle and thermistor bead, the air jet will impinge upon the thermistor bead, thereby cooling it and hence providing a signal that a hole or passage has been encountered.

Abstract: The instant invention relates to a device for testing the end buckling strength of a can body wherein a uniquely disposed compressible ring- or doughnut-like member of appropriate elastic material is adapted to be compressed against the inside surface of a metal or container for the purpose of sealing the interior of the metal can from the atmosphere. The sealed interior of the can is then subjected to appropriate fluid or air pressure to determine the buckling characteristics of the can's closed end structure, after which the can body can be released from the testing device in an improved fashion.

Abstract: An apparatus which can accurately determine the flow rate through a nipple orifice such as nipples which are used in conjunction with baby bottles. The testing apparatus utilizes a purging nozzle which will expel air into the nipple so as to remove any particulate matter so that a subsequent accurate reading can be obtained. The nipple is then placed on a test nozzle unit which is raised into contact with a nipple receiving head on a rotameter. When the nipple is placed in contact with the nipple receiving head, it will be maintained in contact automatically by means of air pressure in the test nozzle housing which ultimately will flow through the nipple orifice and into the rotameter. A reading on the rotameter will give an indication of the nipple flow rate. By a unique valving arrangement, the test nozzle will hold the nipple against the rotameter nipple receiving head so as to provide a uniform force and an accurate reading.

Abstract: A digital output capacitive transducer wherein two capacitors are used, one providing a reference current and the other providing a varying signal current. The signal current is obtained from an oscillator through a capacitor, which varies in capacitance as a function of the parameter to be measured. The reference current offsets the signal current to attain a known relationship between the sampled parameter and the signal current. The circuit has a small number of components and operates on a relatively low voltage with an accurate digital output.

Abstract: A method for pressure testing a rocket motor case by inserting a movable ton in the nozzle end of the rocket motor case, sealing the piston relative to the throat of the rocket motor case and then applying pressure to the rocket motor case to pressure test the rocket motor case to a predetermined pressure or to failure.

Abstract: A cap inspection apparatus has an inspection stand and sorter for sorting defectively capped bottles from properly capped bottles. The inspection stand has a nozzle with a rearward flat bottom surface and a front inclined bottom surface inclined upwardly from the rear bottom surface. An air passage extends through the rear bottom surface. A low pressure air stream is operably connected to the air passage and passes through the nozzle. A pressure sensitive switch means is operably connected to the low pressure air stream. A solenoid valve is operably attached to the pressure sensitive switch means and controls a high pressure air stream operably connected to an air operated cylinder and rod. An ejection block is mounted at the end of the extendible rod for pushing defectively capped bottles.

Abstract: Early detection of cracks in non-permeable, structural members subject to stress is effected before the cracks traverse the member by:(a) forming a cavity in the structural member or adjacent thereto such that a crack forming in the structural member provides a passage for a fluid to flow between the environment and the cavity without passing through the entire structural member,(b) sealing a fluid passageway in fluid communication from the cavity to a source of pressure different than ambient pressure at the structural member and to a pressure sensor,(c) imparting a higher or lower pressure to the cavity and the fluid passageway, and,(d) monitoring the internal pressure in the cavity and fluid passageway with the pressure sensor,Such that a crack in the structural member penetrating to the cavity allows passage of fluid between the environment and the cavity and is thus detected by the pressure sensor.

Abstract: Apparatus for testing bottles to determine whether they will withstand internal pressure as from a carbonated beverage, also for detecting flaws in crown of bottle which may result in leaks. Hydraulic pressure is applied internally by hydraulic fluid, usually water. Bottle is filled with low pressure water, then high pressure water is used to apply pressure. Bottle is held between a sealing chuck which contacts and seals crown and a bottom member bearing against bottom of bottle, thus simulating force applied to bottle during filling with beverage and capping. Means are provided to remove air displaced during filling with low pressure water.

Abstract: Container pressure testing apparatus includes a housing having an open portion for sealably engaging the container surface circumscribing a pour opening of the container. Pressurized air is issued from the housing through the pour opening into the container and, on preselected container pressurization, a closure member for the pour opening is displaced within the housing in the direction of the pour opening. On the occurrence of predetermined pressure-induced force on the enclosure member, the closure member is rotated into securement with the pour opening.

Abstract: A testing apparatus is provided for comparative testing of disk passage resistance of various disks in a high energy loss disk stack to detect blocked, broken down or irregularities in the various disks or individual passages thereof. The testing apparatus includes a plug which is sealably movable within a central core of the disk stack to supply air to labyrinth passageways formed at predetermined stack heights by aligning an air outlet on the plug with the labyrinth passageways formed at that stack height. The plug is connected to a pressure gauge calibrated to indicate a normal range of labyrinth resistance. Readings below the normal range indicate broken down or low resistance labyrinths while readings above the normal range indicate high resistance or blocked labyrinths.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are provided for producing a stress-strain type curve for evaluating the functionality of a thermoplastic bottle. The method generally comprises the steps of internally pressurizing a thermoplastic bottle with an incompressible fluid by relative movement of a piston and a cylinder, sensing the pressure of said fluid and sensing the relative movement of said piston and cylinder as said bottle is being pressurized by such movement, and graphically and automatically recording said sensed pressure and said sensed relative movement as said bottle is being pressurized. The technique is rapidly performed with high sensitivity and automatically produces a curve in which one axis is pressure related and another axis is relatable to the deformation of the bottle.

Abstract: Apparatus for testing bottles to determine whether they will withstand internal pressure as from a carbonated beverage, also for detecting flaws in crown of bottle which may result in leaks. Hydraulic pressure is applied internally by hydraulic fluid, usually water. Bottle is filled with low pressure water, then high pressure water is used to apply pressure. Bottle is held between a sealing chuck which contacts and seals crown and a bottom member bearing against bottom of bottle, thus simulating force applied to bottle during filling with beverage and capping. .[.Means are.]. .Iadd.A valve is .Iaddend.provided to remove air displaced during filling with low pressure water.