Abstract: A valve actuator fault analysis system for detecting, analyzing and reporting valve actuator performance characterized as deviations, malfunctions and failures. The fault analysis system includes an expert system that monitors the valve actuator and related components, such as the power supply and signal line, for determining causal factors of degraded and/or defective performance; generation of fault-analysis reports in a readable text format file; and methods for characterizing deviations, malfunctions and failures, for generating and concatenating event messages and for detecting and characterizing events that take place in valve actuators, peripheral systems and devices and displaying the results on a display device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a measuring device comprising a flexible polymer plate (1) and at least one cavity (R0) formed within the polymer plate, comprising a window opening onto an upper face of the polymer plate and configured to receive at least one physical value sensor (SR) arranged in a casing (SP0). The measuring device also comprises electrical conductors (11, 13) embedded in the polymer plate and comprising a termination extending into the cavity (R0), to electrically couple the sensor to an electrical input/output point (4) of the polymer plate. Application mainly to measurements of parietal parameters.

Abstract: An inspection method of an SOI wafer in which profiles P1 and P2 are calculated in the SOI wafer to be inspected and in an SOI wafer having a film thickness of the SOI layer thicker or thinner than that of the SOI wafer to be inspected, respectively; a profile P3 of a difference between P1 and P2, or a profile P4 of a change ratio of P1 and P2 is calculated; light having the wavelength band selected on the basis of a maximum peak wavelength within the calculated profiles P3 or P4 is irradiated to the surface of the SOI wafer to be inspected, to detect the reflected-light from the SOI wafer; and a place of a peak generated by an increase in reflection intensity of the detected reflected-light is found, as the defect caused by the change in the film thickness of the SOI layer.

Abstract: The invention proposes a system for obtaining information relating to a pipe (4) conveying a flow of fluid (28), and/or relating to the fluid. This system comprises a module (1;30) comprising means (10) of acquiring data, subsequent analysis of which makes it possible to obtain information relating to the pipe and/or the fluid, and means (11) of storing the data which said data acquisition means acquire, the self-contained module being arranged to be pushed by the fluid flow after being introduced into the pipe. It also comprises a mechanical link (2) which is connected to the self-contained module and accessible from outside the pipe.

Abstract: An inline inspection system and method for calibrating an acoustic monitoring structure installed along a pipe. The system includes a pipe inspection vehicle; a microprocessor configured to attach a time stamp to a measured distance traveled by the pipe inspection vehicle; an acoustic source attached to the pipe inspection vehicle and configured to generate sound waves inside the pipe, the sound waves having predetermined frequencies and predetermined amplitudes; plural sensors disposed along the pipe and configured to record time of arrivals and intensities of the sound waves generated by the acoustic source; and a processing unit configured to communicate with the plural sensors and receive the time of arrivals, intensities and frequencies of the sound waves from the plural sensors. The processing unit calibrates the acoustic monitoring structure by calculating a distance between the acoustic source and a first sensor of the plural sensors.

Abstract: An inspection device includes a distal area, a proximal area and a flexible area disposed between the distal area and the proximal area. The flexible area includes a plurality of segments disposed displaceably to each other. At least one external guide element is disposed outside of the flexible area, between the distal area and the proximal area so that the distal area can be displaced with respect to the proximal area with the aid of the external guide element.

Abstract: A phenotron assay can be used for determining an adverse effect on health by: identifying an exposure condition to be studied for an adverse effect on the health of an organism; providing a phenotron having one or more sensors each configured to sense a signal; introducing one or more test founder organisms into the phenotron, said test founder organisms each having a signal emitting tag that is sensed by the one or more sensors and each being exposed to the exposure condition; introducing one or more control founder organisms into the phenotron, said control founder organisms each having a signal emitting tag that is sensed by the one or more sensors and none of said control founder organisms being exposed to the exposure condition; collecting, from the one or more sensors, signals from the tags to obtain data indicative of a parameter of the health of the one or more test founder organisms compared to the one or more control founder organisms; and determining from the data whether the exposure condition has

Abstract: Systems and methods for analysis of data associated with fluid flow through a conduit and potential control of the fluid flow. In one embodiment, a method includes a data processing unit obtaining from a sensor a signal representing a series of measurements of a physical parameter associated with fluid flow through the conduit. The data processing unit performs singular spectral analysis of this signal and thereby identifies recurring, possibly non-sinusoidal patterns in the signal. The data processing unit may construct a second signal from some or all of the recurring patterns identified in the first signal. Alternatively, the data processing unit may identify recurring patterns in the signal which are indicative of corresponding conditions associated with the fluid flow through the conduit. The data processing unit may then initiate control functions responsive to the recurring patterns and associated conditions.

Abstract: A pedal travel transducer has sensors and a pedal unit which has a pedal travel transducer. The pedal travel transducer has a transducer which experiences a movement of the pedal through an elastic driver that is connected to the pedal so that the sensors register this movement.

Abstract: A testing device for testing of rivets is provided. The testing device includes a first holding element and a second holding element that can be driven toward the first holding element to cooperatively define at least one hole on which at least one type of rivet can be installed. The second holding element also can be driven to separate from the first holding element to release the installed rivets for analyses.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for enhancing performance curve generation, damage monitoring, and improving non-destructive testing performance. Damage standards used for performance curve generation are monitored using a non-destructive testing (NDT) sensor during a damage evolution test performed with the standard. The evolution test may be intermittently paused to permit ground truth data to be collected in addition to the NDT sensor data. A damage evolution model may be used to estimate ground truth data during the intervening periods of the damage evolution test. The NDT sensor data and ground truth data are used to generate performance curves for the NDT system. Multiple sensors may be monitored at multiple locations on the damage standard and multiple damage evolution tests may be performed with multiple damage standards.

Abstract: A monitoring device of a machine tool, in particular a circular saw bench, includes a safety unit having at least one first sensor. The monitoring device further includes at least one reference sensor, which is provided to convert a characterizing physical measured variable of the workpiece into an electric characteristic variable during machining of a work piece using the machine tool. The characteristic variable is provided to establish a reference value for a signal of the first sensor.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for vibrometry, gauging, condition monitoring and feedback control of robots, using one or more ultrasonic probes (100) that are non-contact and form a focused beam. The ultrasonic probe is driven by a pulser-receiver (120) controlled by a computer. The probe has a substantially spherical transducer surface (75) that forms the focused beam within a gas or a liquid. The curvature of the transducer surface determines the focal length (25) and the extent of the focal region (50) of the beam. For greatest lateral accuracy, measurements are made within the focal length, where beam is narrowest. Diameter (80) of the probe determines the size of the beam, which can be chosen to satisfy a particular application. The focused beam has acoustic depth of field (85), which is the furthest distance from the probe to a surface (90) that can return a measurable echo to a pulse emitted by the probe.

Abstract: An inspection sensor module for an in-line pipe inspection tool has a support for mounting the module on the tool, a finger pivotally attached at one end to the support and pivotally attached at the other end to a sensor block carrying one or more inspection sensors. A first leaf spring extends from the support to the finger to bias the finger outwardly, and a second leaf spring extends from the support to the carrier to bias the sensor block. Biasing sensors are mounted on the leading and trailing edges of the first leaf spring to detect movement of the first leaf spring corresponding to movement of the inspection sensors towards or away from the support.

Abstract: A method for inspecting the interior of a non-horizontal pipe includes (a) filling the pipe with a first fluid, (b) feeding a second fluid into a lower part of the pipe when the second fluid is more dense than the first fluid or into an upper part of the pipe when the second fluid is less dense than the second fluid the pipe, a meniscus forming between the first and the second fluid and moving along the pipe, (c) introducing an inspection device having an average density between the densities of the first and second fluids such that the device locates at and moves with the meniscus, (d) obtaining inspection data from the inspection device as the device moves along the pipe, (e) determining positions of the meniscus as it moves along the pipe, and (f) relating the meniscus positions to positions at which the inspection data is obtained.

Abstract: The invention relates bridge structure safety evaluation technology by means of combining vibration measuring and structural model analysis techniques for bridge erosion evaluation and pre-warning monitoring applications. This technology can also be applied for long-term bridge structure monitoring and safety evaluation as well as judgment and evaluation of rail structure abnormality.

Abstract: A method for determining the adequacy of the refrigerant charge in an air conditioning system based upon both the instantaneous degree of subcooling present in the liquid refrigerant in the refrigerant line at a location whereat only liquid refrigerant is present and a calculated average subcooling value based upon accumulated instantaneous subcooling values. The adequacy of the refrigerant charge in the system may be indicated by an alert indicating “check charge” or by a series of lights including a first indicator light indicating that the refrigerant charge is low, a second indicator light indicating that the refrigerant charge is high, and a third indicator light indicating that the refrigerant charge is correct.

Abstract: A method and a device for verifying mass inside a quilt is provided. A top of a box of a write-through device is placed with the quilt, which is unfolded and paved, and which is then put with a transparent platen. The quilt is next gently pressed and fixed by a semi-transparent board of the box, and the box rotates twice and stops at a vertical position. When the quilt is photographed under a write-through condition, one photo which is put in a transparent bag, and the other photo which is a locally exploded picture of the quilt, are attached on proper positions of the quilt.

Abstract: A method for determining a mobility of an object includes the steps of measuring at least a portion of a shape of an object under an initial increment of a weight load of a plurality of increments of a total weight load using a device and measuring at least a portion of the shape of the object under a next increment of a total weight load of a plurality of increments of a weight load using the device. Repeating the measurements until a total weight load is achieved and comparing the measurements from the device under the plurality of incremental weight loads, thereby determining a mobility of at least the portion of said object under the plurality of increments of weight loads. The method further includes adjusting the elevation and angular orientation of a support surface for the object to achieve further measurements and a device for obtaining such measurements. The method further includes comparing the mobility of a present object to a normal-object to determine a deviation.

Abstract: A method for inspecting a wafer and a system. The system includes: a chuck; and a robot that includes a movable element connected to a detachable adaptor selected from a group of diced wafer detachable adaptors and non-diced wafer detachable adaptors; wherein a diced wafer detachable adaptor is shaped such to partially surround the diced wafer and comprises at least one vacuum groove adapted to apply vacuum on a tape that supports the diced wafer; and wherein the robot is adapted to fetch the wafer from a cassette and to place the wafer on the chuck.

Abstract: Techniques for determining values for a metric of microscale interactions include determining a mesoscale metric for a plurality of mesoscale interaction types, wherein a value of the mesoscale metric for each mesoscale interaction type is based on a corresponding function of values of the microscale metric for the plurality of the microscale interaction types. A plurality of observations that indicate the values of the mesoscale metric are determined for the plurality of mesoscale interaction types. Values of the microscale metric are determined for the plurality of microscale interaction types based on the plurality of observations and the corresponding functions and compressed sensing.

Abstract: A component is deployed into a well on a carrier line that includes an electrical cable. A depth of the component in a well is determined using a time domain reflectometry technique.

Abstract: A configuration method for a computer device comprises generating a load condition on at least one serial bus link using a plurality of differential voltage levels, determining a minimum voltage differential value for producing an eye compliance diagram at a receiver of the at least one serial bus link, and configuring a driver associated with the at least one serial bus link to drive an operational differential voltage level on the at least one serial bus link within a predetermined range of the minimum voltage differential.

Abstract: A method for demonstrating the comparative break-though strengths of at least two tissue products is disclosed. The steps include: a) providing a break-through test apparatus b) providing the tissue products; c) observing a first condition of each tissue product; d) disposing a first of the tissue products between a lower platen and an upper platen in a face-to-face-to-face relationship between coextensive apertures disposed within the lower and upper platen; e) providing a simulated mucous composition; f) directing a first portion of the simulated mucous composition toward the first tissue product; g) observing a second condition of the first tissue product; h) disposing a second tissue product between the coextensive apertures; i) directing a second portion of the simulated mucous composition toward the second tissue product; j) observing a second condition of the second tissue product; and, k) comparing the second condition of the first tissue product and the second condition of the second tissue product.

Abstract: Tab positions of tab sheets that are inserted between printed pages while a print job is performed are determined to be correct or incorrect using a control method for controlling an inspection apparatus which is connectable to a printing apparatus. The method includes reading tab sheets conveyed from the printing apparatus, detecting positions of tabs of the tab sheets conveyed from the printing apparatus according to the reading result, and determining whether each of the detected positions is correct or incorrect.

Abstract: A bearing device for coupling a position indication device to an apparatus for measuring a position of the apparatus is described. The apparatus includes a first connecting member. The bearing device includes a bearing housing including a first opening defined therein configured to receive the first connecting member and a second opening defined therein configured to receive at least a portion of the position indication device. The bearing device also includes a grommet configured for positioning within the first opening and for positioning around the first connecting member.

Abstract: An in-line pipe inspection tool has one or more inspection platforms (28, 30) which are connected to an elongate wheeled trolley by link arms (20 to 26). The trolley unit (10, 12) has drive means for driving the point of connection of the first link arm (20, 22) to the trolley (10) relative to the point of connection of the second link arm (24, 26) to the trolley (12), thereby to move the inspection platforms (28, 30) in a direction perpendicular to the direction of elongation of the trolley (10, 12). Thus the inspection platforms (28, 30) are movable which is relative to the trolley (10, 12) to permit the tool to be adapted to pipelines of different diameters. Moreover, the platforms (28, 30) preferably have permanent magnets which contain a rotatable magnet. The rotatable magnet permits the net magnetic field generated by the platform to be varied.

Abstract: A system for endoscope data management of an endoscopic image of a body acquired by an endoscope is provided. An image filing apparatus retrieves the image from the endoscope, and records data of the image and scope ID assigned to the endoscope in association with one another. A washer washes the endoscope. A memory is incorporated in the washer, for storing log information of washing of the endoscope. A data manager retrieves the log information on line with the washer, to record the scope ID and the log information in association with one another. A server device records the data of the image, the scope ID and the log information on line with the image filing apparatus and the data manager. Furthermore, the data manager includes an editor for editing the log information of the washer.

Abstract: Protection, measurement and control IEDs in a substation compute if switches they control may be operated safely, according to interlocking rules or physical principles as well as the dynamic topology of the substation. The IEDs have access to the substation electrical topology, to real-time information generated by other IEDs, and to the rules for interlocking. A standardized Substation Configuration Description (SCD) of the substation for which a Substation Automation system is intended, and a standardized description of the implemented device functions or capabilities of an individual IED are utilized. The substation topology is available from SCD file, real time information about the position of switches and line voltage/current can be obtained via an appropriate protocol, and the interlocking rules are available in script form. These features apply both to simulated and real devices, and increase system testing possibilities by supporting an efficient configuration of a simulation.

Abstract: An inline tool tracking system for tracking an inline tool traveling along a pipe includes a detection and communication device operable to detect an inline tool as it passes generally near the device. The detection and communication device is operable to generate a detection output, which includes data indicative of the detection of the tool and a geographical location of the device. A control is operable to wirelessly receive the detection output and to process the detection output. The control generates a control output responsive to the processing, and the control output is indicative of the detection of the tool and the geographical location of the detection and communication device. A display device receives an input indicative of the control output and displays the information indicative of the detection of the tool and the geographical location of the detection and communication device to a user of the display device.

Abstract: An indoor testing device for multiple rotor-containing flying objects including a main support having a plurality of linking members, a plurality of mechanical arms, a plurality of trays, and control units of the mechanical arms. The main support is disposed vertically. The mechanical arms are separately disposed on the linking members of the main support with different height. The trays are separately disposed on one end of the mechanical arms for receiving rotor-containing flying objects, and the control units are disposed on the mechanical arms and rotate therewith. The device can be used for the cooperation and coordination test of multiple rotor-containing flying objects and autonomous control experiments of a single rotor-containing flying object. The tests have high stimulation and improve the usability of the experimental results in the actual system.

Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for presenting users with dynamic views of process data related to the operations of an industrial system. Data obtained by a SCADA system may be stored in a real-time status database (which reflects the current process data of the industrial system) and a historian database (which archives the process data from the industrial system as it changes over time). A design canvas allows users to compose a dynamic view of the process data obtained by the SCADA system. For example, a user may compose a dynamic view of selected temperatures, pressures, and flow rates obtained by the SCADA system while monitoring the status of a pipeline.

Abstract: A device is used to view utilities that have been potholed and covered up due to rain or crew shutdowns. The device includes a cylindrical body which is driven into the ground and has a light so the pipe can be viewed from above ground.

Abstract: There is disclosed a sensor assembly and a method of sensing. The sensor assembly is for sensing a property associated with a structure of interest. The sensor assembly includes an elongate member constructed and arranged so as to be capable of assuming a structure-engaging form in which it is resiliently biased such that the member can engage with and grip the structure along at least part of the length of the member, and, at least one sensor supported by the elongate member.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for air-ground detection. A truck beam of a semi-levered landing gear is mounted on a pivot pin. The truck beam is configured to rotate about the pivot pin between a toes down position and a toes up position. A positioning mechanism is connected to a locking mechanism that secures an angle of the truck beam in the toes up position. The locking mechanism is secured in a steady state and configured to change from the steady state to a locked state in response to an initial ground contact. A sensor is connected to the locking mechanism. The sensor is configured to detect a change from the steady state to the locked state.

Abstract: A diagnostic method and system is described for diagnosing an operating condition of a conductive particulate matter sensor. The sensor has a substrate with electrical resistance that varies with temperature and two electrodes on the substrate adapted to collect particulate matter between the electrodes, thereby establishing an electrically conductive path through collected particulate matter between the electrodes that can be detected by measuring electrical resistance between the electrodes, Relect. The diagnosis is performed by heating the substrate in the area between the electrodes and detecting whether resistance varies with temperature as expected, and then cooling the substrate back down and detecting whether resistance varies with temperature as expected. If resistance varies as expected during both heating and cooling, then a validation is diagnosed that the sensor is in proper operating condition if resistance increases in a manner consistent with evaporation of condensate.

Abstract: A master verification assembly includes a plurality of plunger devices. Each of the plunger devices includes a piston that is axially moveable between a raised position and a depressed position. When placed in a washing assembly, each of the plunger devices is aligned with a nozzle. The nozzles dispense a cleaning fluid under pressure. An axial force applied by the dispensed cleaning fluid depresses the pistons into the depressed position, whereupon the pistons disposed in the depressed position are axially secured in an indicator position. Upon removal of the master verification assembly from the washing assembly, depressed pistons in the indicator position indicate proper function of the nozzles, whereas pistons disposed in the raised position indicate improperly functioning nozzles.

Abstract: A kiosk apparatus that may select for a person a recommended footcare product based on pressure measurements collected from pressures sensors or calculated biomechanical data estimates. Pressure measurements and calculated biomechanical data estimates may be used to determine if a foot is unshod on the pressure sensor and also group a person into a classified subgroup. The pressure measurement and calculated biomechanical data estimates may also be used to select a recommended footcare product.

Abstract: A nondestructive inspection apparatus and method for inspecting a structure having an interior opening portion may comprise an inspection apparatus outer probe unit having a plurality of outer probe unit walls each having a surface corresponding to a respective one of the plurality of exterior surfaces of a respective structure wall, the outer probe unit may comprise a first outer probe member and a second outer probe member, magnetically coupled to each other through magnetic attraction between a magnet on the first outer probe unit member and a magnet on the second outer probe unit member; and a magnetic balance positioned to force the second outer probe unit member in a direction of increased magnetic coupling of the second outer probe unit member to the first outer probe unit member through magnetic repulsion between a magnet on the magnetic balance and a magnet on the second outer probe unit member.

Abstract: A method for determining a physical property of an object or fluid in a dynamic multi-path clutter environment comprises transmitting an RF interrogation signal to a wireless sensor physically coupled to the object or fluid (gas or liquid) in the dynamic multi-path clutter environment, wherein the wireless sensor is operable to receive the RF interrogation signal, produce a reference signal and a measurement signal, and retransmit the reference signal and the measurement signal in the dynamic multi-path clutter environment. The reference signal and measurement signal are delayed by the wireless sensor by an amount of time that may be a function of the unknown physical property. The method also comprises receiving the retransmitted reference signal and the retransmitted measurement signal and comparing them in the time domain in order to determine the unknown physical property of the object or fluid.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus that precisely measures the bearings in a rotor pitch link. The apparatus permits measurements to within a thousandths of an inch to be taken in multiple perpendicular orientations. Namely, measurements can be taken in the axial direction, in the longitudinal radial direction, and in the transverse radial direction. All of these measurements can be taken without having to reorient the pitch link. By using the apparatus of the present invention, a user can detect unacceptable levels of wear within the pitch link bearings to thereby permit timely replacement and/or repair.

Abstract: A ceramic honeycomb filter including trapping holes forming lattices is used to detect particulates trapped in the filter. An electromagnetic wave is transmitted to the filter in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the trapping hole. The electromagnetic wave after the electromagnetic wave passes through the filter is received and the particulates trapped in the filter are detected on the base of a received intensity of the electromagnetic wave. The electromagnetic wave has a frequency of 0.294 c/a or more and c/a or less (a represents a lattice spacing of said trapping holes and c represents the speed of light). The electromagnetic wave is irradiated to the filter wherein the particulates are not trapped and an inclined angle ? of the electromagnetic wave with respect to the lattices is changed so as to increase a received intensity of the electromagnetic wave.

Abstract: An arrangement for quantifying a wafer bow. The arrangement is positioned within a plasma processing system is provided. The arrangement includes a support mechanism for holding a wafer. The arrangement also includes a first set of sensors, which is configured to collect a first set of measurement data for a plurality of data points on the wafer. The first set of measurement data indicates a minimum gap between the first set of sensors and the wafer. The first set of sensors is positioned in a first location, which is outside of a set of process modules of the plasma processing system.

Abstract: An electrical motor bearing condition monitoring system includes an assembly that includes a shaft, a first bearing race coupled to the shaft, a plurality of bearing balls, and a second bearing race coupled to the first bearing race via the plurality of bearing balls. A portion of the assembly has a magnetic field encoded thereon. The monitoring system includes a magnetic field sensor positioned proximately to the magnetized assembly and configured to measure the magnetic field, and a processing unit configured to detect changes in the magnetic field via the magnetic field sensor.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates an inspection instrument adapted to increase testing throughput in a manufacturing process. In one embodiment, the inspection instrument includes a base plate and a vertical frame, where the base plate and the vertical frame are configured to provide structural support of the inspection instrument, a first mounting mechanism coupled to the base plate, where the first mounting mechanism is configured to hold a sample for inspection, and a second mounting mechanism coupled to the vertical frame, where the second mounting mechanism is configured to hold a set of sensors and an optical system for inspecting the sample. The first mounting mechanism and the second mounting mechanism are decoupled from each other to reduce impact of movements of the sample to the set of sensors and the optical system.

Abstract: A wind turbine rotor blade and a wind turbine incorporating the rotor blade include a first and second composite skin. A first and a second spar pultrusion having a base and a plurality of integral ribs generally normal to base are attached to the inside surface of the first and second composite skins and extend the span of the rotor blade. At least one shear web connects a rib of the first spar pultrusion to a corresponding rib of the second spar pultrusion. The width of the spar pultrusions decreases in a step-wise fashion along the span of the rotor blade from the root to the tip. The leading or trailing edge of the rotor blade may be selectably opened for inspection and repair.

Abstract: An inspection tool for in-line inspection of a pipeline is provided. The inspection tool comprises a flow channel. The inspection tool also comprises a flow control valve assembly comprising: a valve member movable in a first direction for reducing the flow of fluid through the flow channel and in a second direction for increasing the flow of fluid through the flow channel; a motor configured to drive the valve member in the first direction; and a return spring configured to be wound during movement of the valve member in the first direction and to unwind and drive the valve member in the second direction when the motor is not driving the valve member in the first direction. The inspection tool further comprises an electrical circuit configured to regulate the movement of the valve member in the second direction under the action of the return spring.

Abstract: A device and method for use in detecting anomalies in wind turbines is provided. The method includes monitoring data acquired by at least one sensor in a first wind turbine, wherein the data is calculated to produce a value for a predetermined amount of time, monitoring data acquired by at least one sensor in a grouping of wind turbines similar to the first wind turbine, wherein the monitored data corresponds to the monitored data of the first wind turbine and is combined for a predetermined amount of time, and comparing the monitored data of the first wind turbine with the monitored data of the grouping of wind turbines. The method also includes generating a sensor error if the monitored data of the first wind turbine deviates more than a predetermined amount from the monitored data of the grouping of wind turbines, and displaying the results of the comparison of the monitored data.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for determining presence or absence of contamination in bottles or similar containers, in which a first fluid medium is introduced into a container, and then a second, different, fluid medium is introduced into the container to thus form a third fluid medium in the container. A portion of the third fluid medium is then removed from within the container by suction. Finally, the portion of the third fluid medium is sensed in a sensor apparatus to determine presence or absence of contamination in the portion of the third fluid medium.

Abstract: A check valve includes a valve body having a valve seat, a diffuser, a disc coupled to the diffuser, and a compression spring. The diffuser is positioned inside the valve body and has a forward face. The disc is coupled to and movable relative to the diffuser and has an upstream face and a downstream face. The compression spring biases the disc into a normally open position during forward flow. A check valve apparatus further comprises at least one test bore through the valve member in communication with the disc. A method for testing the operation of a passive check valve is also disclosed.