Venturedyne, Ltd.

Steven P Beavers

Joseph D Wetzel

Randall J Beekman

John Alderson

Brian L Nahey

Randall J Beckman

Richard M Telgenhoff

A method of operating a vibratory testing apparatus is disclosed including providing a table frame with at least one vibrator attached thereto and attaching the at least one vibrator to a solenoid valve, wherein an input of the solenoid valve is connected to a pneumatic air supply and an output of the valve is connected to the vibrator. The solenoid valve is connected to a controller and a first control signal is sent from the controller to the solenoid valve for opening the valve and allowing a first burst of air to the vibrator thereby causing the vibrator to vibrate the table frame at a first amplitude. Then a second control signal is sent from the controller to the solenoid valve for opening the valve and allowing a second burst of air to the vibrator thereby causing the vibrator to vibrate the table frame at a second amplitude.

Apparatus and method for vibratory testing

In a first embodiment of the present invention a method of monitoring individual vibrators in a pneumatic vibration testing system is disclosed. The method includes providing a pneumatic vibration testing system including at least one vibrator, where each vibrator is connected to a pressurized air system through an output of a valve. Pressurized air is then supplied at a known pressure to an input of the valve. When that air is supplied to the valve the valve releases air in measured bursts to the vibrator and the pressure between the valve and the vibrator is monitored. The pressure between the valve and the vibrator is compared to the known pressure, which indicates if the vibrator is failing or has failed. In preferred embodiments, the testing system includes a plurality of vibrators and an equal plurality of valves, each vibrator is connected to the pressurized air system through a single associated valve.

Monitoring of independent vibrators

The new method is particularly useful for inventorying frozen laboratory specimens such as found in a hospital or research center. The method includes placing a specimen at a primary location in a freezer, selecting an 'identifier' unique to that specimen and displaying a symbol representing the primary location. More typically, both the storage system and the number of specimens are quite large and progressively-more-specific secondary, tertiary and even sub-tertiary locations will also be displayed. Removing the specimen from the compartment involves manipulating the freezer interface device, e.g., keypad and screen, to display at least the primary location. The user may manipulate by 'scrolling' the screen or by entering certain specimen-identifying parameters such as a specimen description, the date of initial storage and others. An optional security arrangement can be incorporated and requires that persons attempting to place or remove a specimen must enter a personal identification number (PIN). A related apparatus is also disclosed.

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Hudsonville, MI, United States of America

Steven P Beavers