Vacuum assisted nut drop test

Abstract

The present invention provides for an apparatus for testing a surface coating. An elongated tube having a first end and a second end is provided wherein said second end is open to a holding container. The first end of the elongated tube farther includes a funnel. A planar test panel is adapted to hold a variety of materials to be tested. Such materials include paint, coatings, tape, or other like materials. A separator is fluidly connected to the holding container via a first conduit. A vacuum is fluidly connected to a separator by means of a second conduit. A tester places a plurality of loose test pieces, such as metal nuts or small rocks, into the funnel and the loose test pieces fall through the elongated tube and onto the planar test panel. The loose test pieces then fall into the holding container. The vacuum creates suction through said separator and through the conduits into the holding container thereby removing the loose test pieces from the holding container through the conduit and into the separator. The loose test pieces can then be removed from the separator, and the testing process may easily be repeated.