Patent ID: 7069792

Claim:
An apparatus for testing elastomeric joints, said joints comprising a length of sealant spanning a gap between adjacent substrates, said apparatus comprising: (a) a frame (b) a first fluid cylinder, said cylinder comprising (i) a first end wall, (ii) a first tubular cylinder wall (iii) a first piston (iv) a first shaft, said first shaft response to movement of said piston, said first shaft having a probe connection portion; (c) a probe, said probe affixed to said probe connection portion; (d) a second fluid cylinder, said second fluid cylinder having an internal pressure equalization chamber defined by (i) a second end wall, (ii) a second tubular cylinder wall (iii) a second piston (e) a fluid supply port for receiving a substantially constant pressure fluid supply to said internal pressure equalization chamber; and (f) wherein movement of said first piston transfers fluid pressure to said internal pressure equalization chamber of said second piston, thereby maintaining a substantially constant pressure on said first piston, and thus a substantially constant reaction force on said probe.