Abstract: A package seal inspection system for detecting leaks in a sealed package which includes a box having a plurality of louvers mounted in a front wall, a plurality of strips mounted behind the louvers in the box, means mounted in the box behind the strips for detecting movement of the strips, means for supporting the package in front of the louvers and means for applying pressure to the top of the package whereby when a leak is present, air in the package is forced out and through the louvers to cause one or more of the strips to move and be detected by the detecting means.

Abstract: An electric motor with attached tachogenerator wherein the tachogenerator may be attached to electric motors of varying types without significantly changing the housing or motor shaft bearing plate configuration and while maintaining the required environmental protection. The rpm signal generator of the tachogenerator is placed onto a motor shaft end portion which extends out of the motor housing through the shaft bearing plate and is enclosed by a closable housing accommodating a detector, e.g. a coil. The housing is latchable, for example by means of detent hooks, to the bearing plate or motor housing. The arrangement is particularly useful for electric motors where dust free and liquid tight protection is required.

Abstract: The device comprises a conveyor for displacing the containers to be tested in translation in relation to a tunnel-shaped fixed enclosure and comprising internally a heating means. This heating means is constituted by a plurality of infrared lamps each of which is protected by a casing having a side transparent to the radiation emitted. An automatic monitoring device checks that each container entering the tunnel leaves it after a given advance of the conveyor, otherwise a safety device is triggered. The device can be used for testing the mechanical strength of pressurized containers of the aerosol can type on a continuous production line.

Abstract: A method of testing the integrity of fusible glass bulbs of the type used as actuators in automatic sprinkler fire protection systems includes the steps of placing the bulb in a vacuum chamber, evacuating the chamber to a predetermined vacuum level at which the fluid within the bulb would vaporize, maintaining the predetermined vacuum level for a set period and then releasing the vacuum within the chamber. The bulb is removed from the chamber and visually inspected to determine if there has been a loss of fluid. The apparatus includes the vacuum chamber, a vacuum pump and a control system for connecting the pump to the chamber, maintaining the vacuum level within the chamber at a predetermined level and then releasing the vacuum.

Abstract: An acceleration detector, the spring is a substrate plate, e.g., of Al.sub.2 O.sub.3, which is fixed at one end in a housing. The resistors and the evaluating circuit are arranged on the spiral spring and can be applied to the substrate plate in a single work step using thick-film technology.

Abstract: A system determines the movement of a track vehicle along the ground, the track vehicle having at least a first rotatable, endless track for supporting the vehicle on the ground, a drive for causing the movement of the vehicle, and a turning system for changing the direction of the movement of the vehicle. The system has a first traction-improvement device for mounting on the track vehicle. It bears on an inner-surface side of the first track with sufficient pressure for a small-surface portion on the opposite side of the first track to engage the ground with a higher pressure than any other portion of the first track, whereby to locate a pivoting axis of the track vehicle in the vicinity thereof.

Abstract: A tachometric generator comprises an input shaft which can be connected to a drive take-off from the vehicle, a main shaft connected to this input shaft by means of a ball joint resilient coupling torsionally coupled to an output shaft which can be connected to an external mechanical transmission. The speed of rotation of these shafts is detected by a magneto-electric sensor facing a magnetic disc fitted onto the output shaft.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for testing flexible sealed packages of the type wherein the package is at least partially made of a flexible, electrically conductive foil or metallic laminate wherein the capacitance between the flexible conductive foil or metallic laminated of the package and a fixed electrode is measured when the package is subjected externally to a partial vacuum. The apparatus includes an evacuable chamber adapted to support a package under test therewithin so that at least part of the flexible foil or metallic laminate portion of the package lies opposite said fixed electrode and a means for monitoring the capacitance between the electrode and that part of the foil or metallic laminate when the chamber is evacuated.

Abstract: A storage tank system for storing fluids in an environmentally safe container which includes a rigid external primary tank having a flexible protective secondary inner tank positioned within the tank and drawn, by negative pressure, into contact with the internal walls of the rigid external tank. A continuous monitoring system is connected into, and made a part of, the portion of the system used to evacuate the space between the inner and outer tanks, so that any leakage or loss of integrity which is developed in the liner can be immediately detected at any time.

Abstract: A device for determining swing speed of rotatable implements, for example human activated sporting goods such as a bat, a tennis racquet, etc. The device comprises a mounting base, a magnetically attractable arcuately movable member in the form of a metal plate, a stopper, the movable member upon activation coming into contact with the stopper to produce a hitting sound, a support member detachably supporting the movable member, and a rotatable disk magnet likewise supported by the support member, the movable member being rotatably movable through a rotational arcuate width between the stopper and the support member. The device further comprises a counter which may be contacted by the movable member to detect numerical frequency of rotations of the movable member.

Abstract: An apparatus for the automatic release of passenger protection devices in motor vehicles in the event of an accident has a sensor (35) having a mass (10) secured outside the center of mass (11). This mass (10) generates a comparably high torque in the suspension in the event of both positional change and rotational acceleration. These torques are detected with known measuring methods and split, with the aid of a high-pass filter (36) and a low-pass filter (40), into a high-frequency and a low-frequency portion. The high frequency portion corresponds to the rotational acceleration, from which the rotational velocity is obtained by means of an integrator (38). The low-frequency portion corresponds to the position of the motor vehicle. Thus both measurement variables that must be detected for releasing a roll bar are obtained with a single sensor (35).

Abstract: Leak detector for use in detecting defective flange-shaped seals between lid and body portions of a package. A pressure chamber is provided for isolating the external edge of the seal and applying test pressure thereto. Containment of the pressure chamber includes sealing pressure applied mechanically to the flange-shaped package seal during testing, but this sealing pressure does not affect seal testing because it is appropriately limited by a self-compensating biasing of the mechanical seal.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for testing hermetic seal integrity of sealed packages and containers, are provided. The method includes placing a sealed test package having at least one semi-flexible surface, within a test chamber. The pressure within the test chamber is changed from a first value to a second value, over the time interval of a test cycle. During the time interval of the test cycle, both the pressure within the test chamber and the displacement of the semi-flexible surface of the test package are continuously measured, and produced therefrom, are a first analog data signal proportional to the pressure within the test chamber, and a second analog data signal proportional to the displacement of the semi-flexible surface of the test package. During the time interval of the test cycle, the first analog data signal is converted into a first discrete data sequence, and the second analog data signal is converted into a second discrete data sequence.

Abstract: An accelerometer (50, 80, 90) provided with a plurality of mounting means for selectively mounting the accelerometer on a test structure. The mounting means include a magnet (64 or 96) carried by the accelerometer (58, 60), a threaded aperture (62) in the housing capable of receiving a mounting stud, and a planar external surface (66, 68; 82; or 94) on the housing, which surface is capable of being secured to the test structure by an adhesive or wax.

Abstract: In combination, a tachogenerator of compact construction with a hollow shaft connection and a clamping element for fixing the tachogenerator onto a rotating drive shaft, the tachogenerator includes a stator connected to a stationary machine part for securing the stator against torsion, and a rotor rotatably carrying a coding disk, the rotor being formed in part of the hollow shaft connection and being mountable on the drive shaft so as to be fixed against rotation relative thereto, the stator being mounted, through the intermediary or bearings, on the rotor for free relative rotation therebetween, the rotor having a rear end face, and the rotating drive shaft being formed with a shaft collar, the clamping element bringing the rear end face of the rotor flatly into engagement with the shaft collar formed on the rotating drive shaft.

Abstract: A transistor logic device uses a signal from a transducer responsive to the centrifugal force experienced in or near the strike zone of a baseball bat during the swing to digitally process and numerically display numerals representative of the maximum centrifugal force experienced during the swing. Knowledge of the maximum force during the swing is useful on a comparative basis in improving batting performance and the speed of the swing can be computed or the displayed numbers can be converted into numbers revealing swing speed in miles per hour or other units. The use of digital data, dealt with digitally, and displayed digitally simplifies, and reduces the cost and size of the apparatus to allow it to be integrated within an actual baseball bat.

Abstract: Disclosed are apparatus and methods for testing for leaks in bottles or containers having at least one flexible portion. The apparatus includes one or more test chambers including a means for applying a direct compressive force to the flexible container portion and also a means for measuring the reaction force exerted by the internal pressure in the container to the applied force after at least two predetermined time intervals following application of the direct force while the force is maintained, and means for generating signals indicative of the reactive forces. In its method aspect, the invention provides methods whereby the reaction force is compared with established reference values obtained by applying the same direct force to an identical container having known leak characteristics and establishing by such comparison if the leak rate for the tested container conforms to the established reference values.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring the motion of tall structures, particularly offshore platforms. The method comprises disposing a number of accelerometer packages in a tubular member attached to a vertical or near vertical member of the structure. Each package contains three accelerometers having their axes dipsosed in an orthogonal arrangement. The apparatus includes means for installing and removing a plurality of packages from tubular members or chutes that are permanently attached to the structure.

Abstract: Container testing apparatuses and methods for detecting leaks in containers such as at the rims of the container. Preferred apparatus have opposing testing heads with receptacles for receiving ends of a container. Each testing head has two seals. A first or end seal is preferably adapted to seal at the end wall of the container. The second or perimetric seal is expandable against the sidewall of the container. The perimetric seal has an internal expansion chamber which is pressurized to expand the seal into sealing engagement with the container. A differentially pressurized testing fluid is transmitting to a chamber formed between the seals and the container. A detector selectively senses changes in the container associated with the existence of a leak through which the differential pressure of the testing fluid is communicated.

Abstract: A method of testing the integrity of a package seal (14) provided between a container portion (11) and a lid portion (12), includes the steps of: initially reducing the pressure acting on the outer surface of the container portion to cause the lid portion to bow inwardly to a position of substantially maximum concavity while maintaining the ullage volume within the package substantially constant; further reducing the pressure acting on the outer surface of the container portion to distend the container portion for increasing the volume of the ullage space; and sensing for a change in position of the distended container wall.

Abstract: A coolant expansion tank, consists of a filling chamber for receiving the coolant and an expansion chamber connected via a connecting line and separated by a double-walled partition forming a monitorable testing space. The connecting line is led through and between the two walls of the double-walled partition. Openings to the exterior are provided in the testing space to dispurse any testing agent resulting from a leak in the partition or connecting line.

Abstract: An activity sensor which provides an indication of motion caused by changes in acceleration of a person or animal, and wherein such changes of motion are sensed by a movable magnet which is biased to a rest position along a guide. The axis of the path of movement of the movable magnet is substantially parallel to the direction of accelerations of interest. A Hall effect sensor is provided for sensing motions of the movable magnet from its rest position, and it provides an output proportional to these movements.

Abstract: A glass container to be tested for resistance to thermal schock and impact simulation is first filled with hot water to a point of overflowing. The hot water fill is terminated and the excess permitted to run off. Thereafter the bottle is closed and the external surface is sprayed with cold water to induce a thermal stress upon the container. After the cold water spray a low level internal pressure load is applied to the container following the thermal shock load. The application of the internal pressure extends partial fractures resulting in complete breakage of the container or a break resulting in a decrease of pressure in the container, indicating a failure.

Abstract: A pressure testing apparatus has a probe with a piercing tip. The probe sealingly engages a special entry port having a mating pressure-coupling body which establishes a sealing connection with the probe before the tip pierces the package. An adhesive sheet flange extends about the body of the entry port and sealingly secures the body to the package. This eliminates the need for external clamping or holding fixtures. In a preferred embodiment the pressure-coupling body is formed of a semi-rigid material and has a tapered through bore for receiving the probe. A face of the body defines a stop which limits the piercing travel of the probe tip. The probe assembly, in one embodiment has inlet and return ports which accommodate a pressure supply inlet line and a pressure sensing return line, respectively. A single piercing tip enters the packaging, with the inlet port located near to the tip end of the probe, and the return port located at a distal end.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process and an apparatus for monitoring the hermeticity of filled containers closed by sealed-on or welded-on covers, or the like. The air or gas cushion present between the cover and the material with which the container is filled, is heated, and the change caused in the position of the cover, by the resulting increase in the volume of air or gas, is monitored, after which the containers which have been indicated as having missing or faulty covers, are removed.

Abstract: A pressure pick-off for generating electrical signals comprises a reference pressure chamber which is oxygen-free, at least one pressure dependent deformable membrane closing the reference pressure chamber from a medium under pressure and supporting at least one electric sensor element, and a conductor located in the reference pressure chamber and connectable with a measuring current circuit, the conductor being formed so that during a leakage in the reference pressure chamber it is oxidized by penetrated oxygen so that it is electrically interrupted.

Abstract: The present invention contemplates a preferred position for mounting an antilock control system that uses a single wheel speed sensor. The wheel speed sensor is mounted to sense speed of rotation of the main differential gear in a differential gear assembly and generates a wheel speed signal indicative of the average rate of rotation of at least two wheels of the vehicle. The sensing point is beyond the final reduction in gear ratios so as to eliminate any need to accommodate different axle ratios. The preferred mounting position also reduces velocity fluctuations caused by oscillations of the truck driveline. A microprocessor controller is mounted in close proximity to the wheel speed sensor so as to minimize the length of sensor leads and, hence, the susceptibility of the antilock controller to electromagnetic interference.

Abstract: A method and apparatus with which a sealed gas containing first container, which is disposed in a sealed inaccessible and not visually observable further container, can be detectably opened. A thermally inducible opening mechanism disposed in a gas flow or connecting path in the wall of the first container is actuated and the gas escaping through the connecting path is detected acoustically. Among other uses, the invention can be used, in particular, for containers having radioactive contents which can be manipulated, welded and leak checked only in hot cells. The method is particularly suitable for leak checking fuel element containers or molds containing highly radioactive vitrified waste since the closing member of the first container can be composed of a soft solder plug and this plug can be melted out by local heating.

Abstract: A leak detector is adapted to test the fluid-tight sealed integrity of a hermetically-sealed package having a movable wall portion. An enclosure surrounds a package-to-be-tested, and the space within the enclosure is evacuated by a vacuum pump. As the pressure acting on the outer surface of the package begins to fall,the gas within the package will be expand, pushing the movable wall portion outwardly. Such displacement of the movable wall portion is sensed and compared with a predetermined value. If desired, the reduced pressure within the enclosure may be held constant for as time interval, and the sensor used to determine whether the distended wall portion has relaxed.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for determining a vacuum degree of a flexible vacuum package. The vacuum package is sealingly placed within a vacuum chamber and then the vacuum chamber is evacuated to a vacuum degree below the vacuum degree of the vacuum package placed within the vacuum chamber. A start of inflation of the package is detected during the evacuation step and pressure within the vacuum chamber is measured when the start of the inflation of the package is detected.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus and method for testing the integrity and acceptability of the seal of a package before or after it has been sterilized by any chosen conventional process which may include heat sterilization of a sealed package, aseptic packaging or irradiation. Testing is accomplished by subjecting the package or container to a controlled external pressure, preferably a linear actuator, sufficient to create a selected level of internal pressure. Any suitable means may be used to determine the rate of pressure change within a selected time interval. Upper and lower limits of pressure change determine whether the seal is acceptable.

Abstract: To facilitate assembly and provide for high-level output from a deceleration sensor which provides, inherently, only very low level output, an evaluation circuit, such as an amplifier structure, is connected immediately adjacent the deceleration sensor on a common metal plate, interconnected thereby by bonding wires, the common plate having connecting pins (18) passing therethrough for connection to a standard plug-and-socket connector; the evaluation circuit and the deceleration sensor are enclosed within a common sealed housing, so that both the deceleration sensor (12, 12') as well as the evaluation circuit (16, 17) are sealed against ambient influences, preferably retained within a high-viscosity fluid, such as insulating oil.

Abstract: For testing filled closed packages of flexible material for leaktightness use is made of an apparatus provided with conveyor means (2) for feeding packages in line and with means for applying pressure to the packages. The last-mentioned means consist of two pressure belts (4, 5) disposed a short distance apart. In the gap (6) between the pressure belts (4, 5) is situated a pivoting arm (8) or a shoe (20) having a pressure chamber (21), whereby it can be determined whether the portion of the package lying in the gap between the pressure belts is taut. This apparatus is in particular suitable for testing bags having two curved surfaces which are joined together by three or four sealing seams.

Abstract: A bag for use in leak testing vacuum packages, by placing a vacuum package in a bag of elastic flexible foil, providing a pressure differential between the outside and the inside of the bag, and monitoring the pressure variation in the space between the outside of the package and the inside of the flexible bag. According to the invention, the bag is double-walled with the inner and outer walls merging into each other at the open end of the bag, is provided with a dimensionally stable frame between the walls of the bag, and is further provided with an inlet for admitting compressed air into the space between the walls of the bag.

Abstract: An adaptive control system regulates operation of a mechanical seal assembly by reacting dynamically to changes in seal operating conditions to provide minimal wear with minimal fluid leakage. The disclosed "self-learning" method adapts automatically to arbitrary changes in fluid medium temperature and pressure, as well as shaft rotation speed, by detecting a limit cycle type oscillation of a seal-related variable, such as temperature of a seal face and/or fluid temperature. This variable is monitored via a microcomputer-based system which identifies these abrupt oscillations or spikes. The control algorithm selects a particular displacement of an actuator to modify the seal face deflection to the optimal value, and in this way attains maximum seal life while minimizing leakage.

Abstract: Apparatus for testing for leaks in flexible packages containing a product such as potato crisps and some air comprises three probing stations. Packages are transferred from station to station by suction cup heads carried on a reciprocable beam. Probes incorporating weights are applied by gravity at each probing station under control of a support plate and cause air to be squeezed out of packages which have substantial leaks. Probe position sensing equipment detects when probes have dropped down and uses this information as an indication of a leak. The specification also describes apparatus for transferring packages to the leak testing apparatus.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an apparatus and method for testing the integrity of a package having a flexible surface. The apparatus includes a chamber which can be sealed whereby it may be pressurized or a vacuum may be drawn. Inside the chamber is a transducer sensitive to the flexible surface of the package to be tested. Positioning of the transducer against the package to be tested is done automatically by a device which is computer controlled. The sequence of testing is also computer controlled whereby the chamber is sealed with the package in it, the probe is automatically adjusted to contact the flexible surface, the pressure of vacuum is applied to the chamber in order to test the integrity and thereafter the condition of the package is analyzed and recorded by a computer which receives the signal generated from the measuring transducers. The information is analyzed by the computer and a decision made regarding the airtightness of the package using either linear regression analysis or peak detection.

Abstract: It is proposed to store spent nuclear fuel elements in welded-shut steel containers, which are filled with argon at about 2 atmospheres pressure. It is desirable to be able periodically to check the containers for leaks. The invention proposes to do this by providing apparatus for sensing the pressure within the container from outside the container. To achieve this, a pressure responsive bellows is mounted inside the container, such that changes in the container pressure move a metal plate attached to the bellows towards or away from a portion of the inside wall of the container. Then, if the container starts to develop a leak, the pressure will begin to drop, and the gap between the metal plate and the wall will change. This gap can be sensed from outside the container, by an ultrasonic pulse echo technique. Preferably, the bellows and plate are mounted within the head of the combined valve and lifting pintle by which the container is sealed.

Abstract: This invention relates to measuring the pressure within a vacuum package prising a flexible, gas-tight film. The package is placed within a bell jar in which a vacuum is generated, and the pressure variation is measured as function of the time.

Abstract: Apparatus for testing for leaks in a flexible package containing loosely packaged product and some air includes a first set of gravitational probes at a first measuring station for applying a load to the package and obtaining a first measure of the thickness of the package under this load, a second set of gravitational probes at a second measuring station for applying a corresponding load to the package in a corresponding position and direction with respect to the package and obtaining a second measure of the thickness of the package under the second load and means for comparing the first and second measures of thickness and for indicating the presence of a leak when the second measure is substantially less than the first.

Abstract: Axle assemblies having a sensor of the mechanical input shaft type are difficult to access and subjected to radial and axial loads which cause premature failure. A connecting arrangement affixes a sensor body to a support bracket adjacent a second end of a rotatable spindle and maintains an input shaft of the sensor within a preselected range of axially aligned positions with respect to a spindle axis. A coupling arrangement couples the second end portion of the spindle to the input shaft and transfers only rotational motion from the spindle to the input shaft. The coupling arrangement permits a preselected amount of freedom of movement of the spindle relative to the sensor in axial and radial directions. Thus, damage to and premature failure of the sensor is alleviated and accessability is substantially improved. The axle assembly is particularly suited for use on an automatic guided vehicle.

Abstract: Sensors of the type capable of delivering a signal representative of the rotated position of an output member frequently fail prematurely because of excessive side and axial loading and electrical conductor damage. A mounting arrangement for a first sensor has an apparatus for connecting an input shaft of the first sensor to an output member, and apparatus for connecting a body of the first sensor to a housing and maintaining the body against rotation about an input shaft axis and thereby reducing the force applied to the sensor body caused by wobble of the first sensor. The mounting arrangement has a connecting shaft and guide assembly, which guides and protects an electrical conductor both internally and externally of the housing, and the first apparatus permits the passing of the electrical conductor thereby. Therefore, premature failure of and damage to the electrical conductor and the first sensor is substantially reduced.

Abstract: A G-force acceleration measuring instrument for use in an aircraft, spacecraft, submarine, or other vehicle, and employing electronic sensing and display transducers for increased reliability, small size, and small mass. The instrument includes a bar graph display, preferably incorporating liquid crystal transducer elements, uses a solid state or limited motion acceleration transducer, and provides graphic and numeric indication of the present G-force value together with numeric indication of historic maximum and minimum G-force values. The instrument also includes gain adjustment arrangements for accommodating different instrument panel slopes mounting in different types of vehicles with different G force capability, and a signal output tap for recording or slave indicating or telemetry or feedback use.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for detecting a possible leak in a vacuum package, in which the vacuum package is received within a wrapping wall at least essentially consisting of a gas-tight, flexible wrapping foil adapted for substantial adjustment to the contours of the vacuum package under the influence of overpressure, so that the vacuum package is tightly enveloped by the wrapping wall. Overpressure is applied to the wrapping foil such that this adjustment to the contours of the vacuum package is effected without sealing any leak present, ensuring that the pressure exteriorly of the vacuum package remains higher than the pressure within said vacuum package. Hermetic sealing from the outside air is effected in the residual space remaining between the vacuum package and the wrapping wall during a predetermined detection period, the pressure being gauged in function of the time.

Abstract: An LED (18) is spaced from and directed toward a photosensitive member such as a photoresistor (16). A shutter plate (38) positioned between the photoresistor (16) and the LED (18) varies the amount of light received by the photoresistor from the LED. The shutter plate (38) is connected to one end of a cantilever beam (20) which deflects in response to acceleration forces. The shutter plate (38) variably interferes with the amount of light the photoresistor (16) receives as the cantilever beam (20) deflects. The photoresistor (16) has a plurality of photosensitive grid lines (58) which change the resistance of the photoresistor in proportion to the number of grid lines which receive light from the LED (18). The photoresistor (16), LED (18), and cantilever beam (20) are connected to electrically conductive mounting pins (14) which are inserted in a base member (12) and extend downwardly therethrough.

Abstract: A brake for a vehicle adapted to be used for an off-road 3-wheel motor cycle or 4-wheel vehicle. This brake has a wheel, an axle rotated integrally with the wheel, a cylindrical hub rotatably engaged with the axle, a chamber formed in the hub and a multi-disc brake provided in the chamber. Thus, the brake is hardly affected by the influence of sand, mud and water scattered when the vehicle is running, and the tires and wheels can be readily cleaned when the vehicle is cleaned.

Abstract: A laser shielding device is disclosed, having two spaced-apart layers of shielding material defining a sealed chamber between the two. At least one layer will degrade in the presence of an impinging laser beam, creating a hole through the layer. A pressure change in the chamber is sensed and signaled to a machine controller to stop the lasing operation.

Abstract: A pneumatic pipe leak tester which includes: a compressed air source; a conduit of a first circuit connectible through an on-off valve to a pipe to be examined and provided with an electromagnetic valve; a conduit of a second circuit connectible through an on-off valve to a pipe to be examined and provided with an electromagnetic valve; a main conduit connecting the conduits of the first and second circuits to the compressed air source; a conduit of a third circuit communicating the conduits of the first and second circuits with each other; a calibration conduit branched off from one of the conduits of first and second circuits and connectible to a reference pipe through an on-off valve; an electromagnetic valve inserted in the conduit of the third circuit; a pressure transducer connected parallel with the electromagnetic valve of the third circuit C; and a detector adapted to produce a leak signal when the output signal of the pressure transducer exceeds a predetermined value; and a mechanism for sealing com

Abstract: A novel method and apparatus for detecting leaks in glass-to-metal seals of microelectronic devices and the like are described which comprise a double-gasketed vacuum station including a base plate having a central hole and a first gasket for exposing one side of the seals to a leak detector; a vacuum fixture surrounding the device provides a marginal region therearound which can be evacuated to prevent helium from permeating the first gasket; the vacuum fixture includes a central opening to expose the other side of the seals to a helium-containing atmosphere within a shroud enclosing the device and vacuum fixture; a second gasket provides a seal between the vacuum fixture and device periphery at the central opening in the fixture. For leak tests under controlled time/temperature conditions, an adjacent infrared lamp is used to radiantly heat the package containing the glass-to-metal seals, and a mask is included to avoid direct radiant heating of the gaskets and glass-to-metal seals.

Abstract: A non-intrusive duct system is disposed in a component of an air vehicle. The component has an external surface in a free stream flow. The duct system is disposed substantially flush with such external surface and is disposed with respect to the free stream flow to receive such flow. The duct system receives a portion of the free stream flow and conveys such portion through the duct system such that the portion bears a known relationship to the free stream flow. A flow data sensor for sensing a parameter of the portion of free stream flow is suitably disposed with respect to the duct system to be affected by the portion of flow therethrough and to sense such parameter. The duct system has a flow control apparatus disposed in the duct system to control the portion of flow such that the portion of flow is compatible with the sensing capabilities of the flow data sensor throughout the range of rates of free stream flow over which sensing of a parameter thereof is desired.