Patent ID: 7435576
Filing Date: 2008-10-14
Classification: B01D,G01N,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A device for applying an axial compressive force to a fluid contamination detection system comprising a funnel having first and second members joined to each other by a frangible connection, said device comprising: a stop element; a platform supported relative to a base and disposed in an opposed, spaced-apart relationship relative to said stop element, wherein said platform is movable relative to said stop element between (i) a first position in which the distance between said platform and said stop element is greater than the axial length of the detection system when the first and second members are connected to each other, and (ii) a second position in which the distance between said platform and said stop element is less than the axial length of the detection system when the first and second members are connected to each other; a housing containing said stop element and said platform, wherein said housing has a generally triangular hood; and an actuating mechanism for causing movement of said platform between said first and second positions, wherein said platform is movable from said first position to said second position during which movement a portion of a detection system disposed between said stop element and said platform contacts said stop element, resulting in an axial compressive force sufficient to break the frangible connection joining said first and second members of the funnel without damaging at least one of the first and second members of the funnel.