Joint sealant adhesion indicator

US7069792B2 · kind B2 · utility

Inventors

• Donald F. Casad · Puyallup, US
• Daniel N. Huff · Warsaw, US
• Dale R. Herbert · Lakewood, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Aug 8, 2002
• Grant date: Jul 4, 2006
• Expiry date: Nov 5, 2023

Classification

• Technology area (CPC G): Physics
• CPC primary: G01N2203/021
• WIPO field: Measurement
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

Apparatus for locating adhesive failure of sealant joints. Useful for determination of the quality of sealant joints in structures, especially curtain wall buildings. A substantially constant pressure probe is utilized to displace roughly a middle third of a sealant bead that is located along a sealant joint having longitudinal axis and spanning a gap between adjacent substrates, using a predetermined force calibrated to provide a preselected elongation of a particular type of sealant. The testing apparatus has a frame, a first fluid cylinder having an first end wall, a first tubular cylinder wall, a first piston, and a first shaft. The first shaft is response to movement of the first piston. The first shaft has a probe affixed thereto. A second fluid cylinder is provided having an internal pressure equalization chamber defined by a second end wall, a second tubular cylinder wall, a second piston, and a fluid supply port for receiving a substantially constant pressure fluid supply to the internal pressure equalization chamber. Movement of the first piston transfers fluid pressure to the internal pressure equalization chamber of the second piston, thereby maintaining a substantially…