System for testing valves
First Claim
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1. A method for controlling an accelerated life testing system, the method comprising:
- receiving, by a computer controller of the system, an indication of an effective open area of a valve that is being cycled between an open state and a closed state by the accelerated life testing system, the effective open area corresponding to the open state, wherein the indication of the effective open area of the valve is received from a machine vision system that includes a camera that captures images of the valve as the valve is being cycled between the open state and the closed state;
comparing, by the computer controller, the indication of the effective open area of the valve to a threshold value;
adjusting, by the computer controller and based on the comparing, an actuator of the accelerated life testing system, wherein the adjusting causes a change to the effective open area of the valve; and
illuminating the valve using one or more lights.
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Abstract
This document provides systems and methods for testing of various kinds of valves. For example, this document provides systems and methods for accelerated life testing of prosthetic heart valves.
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Citations
14 Claims
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1. A method for controlling an accelerated life testing system, the method comprising:
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receiving, by a computer controller of the system, an indication of an effective open area of a valve that is being cycled between an open state and a closed state by the accelerated life testing system, the effective open area corresponding to the open state, wherein the indication of the effective open area of the valve is received from a machine vision system that includes a camera that captures images of the valve as the valve is being cycled between the open state and the closed state; comparing, by the computer controller, the indication of the effective open area of the valve to a threshold value; adjusting, by the computer controller and based on the comparing, an actuator of the accelerated life testing system, wherein the adjusting causes a change to the effective open area of the valve; and illuminating the valve using one or more lights. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4)
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5. A system for testing a valve, the system comprising:
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a chamber assembly comprising; a proximal chamber portion that defines a proximal interior space; a distal chamber portion that defines a distal interior space that is confluent with the proximal interior space; and a valve holder that is disposed between the proximal interior space and the distal interior space, the valve holder configured to receive the valve in a bore of the valve holder; one or more lights coupled to the chamber assembly and configured for illuminating the valve; an oscillating fluid pump defining an interior pump space that is confluent with the proximal interior space; an actuator that is configured to actuate the oscillating fluid pump at a rate of actuation, thereby adjusting the interior pump space; a control system that is configured to cause the one or more lights to illuminate at a rate correlated to the rate of actuation; and a signal interface between the control system, the one or more lights, and the actuator. - View Dependent Claims (6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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Specification