Accelerated Weathering Test Apparatus with Calibration-Access Assembly

An accelerated weathering test apparatus comprising a test chamber defined within an enclosure for exposing a specimen to a light source, the accelerated weathering test apparatus further comprising:

• a door connected to the enclosure that is movable between an open position that permits access to the test chamber and a closed position that prevents access to the test chamber;
• a sensor-support assembly disposed in the test chamber including a panel and a plurality of sensors removably connected to the panel for exposure to the light source;
• a calibration-access assembly in registration with each of the plurality of sensors including:
• an aperture defined in the door and a shield connected to the door that is movable between a first operative position that prevents access to the sensor and a second operative position that permits access to the sensor;
• and
• a handle connected to each shield, the handle disposed on an exterior of the door such that movement of the handle corresponds to movement of each shield, wherein a reference sensor is removably connected to the panel in place of one of the plurality of sensors when the door is disposed in the closed position and one of the shields is disposed in the second operative position.

A method of calibrating an accelerated weathering test apparatus comprising a test chamber defined within an enclosure for exposing a specimen to a light source, a door connected to the enclosure that is movable between an open position that permits access to the test chamber and a closed position that prevents access to the test chamber, a sensor-support assembly disposed in the test chamber including a panel and a sensor removably connected to the panel for exposure to the light source and detecting irradiance, and a calibration-access assembly including an aperture defined in the door and a shield connected to the door that is movable between a first operative position that prevents access to the panel and a second operative position that permits access to the panel, the method comprising the steps of:

• disposing the door in the closed position;
• disposing the shield in the first operative position;
• operating the accelerated weathering test apparatus;
• disposing the shield in the second operative position;
• removing the sensor from the panel;
• connecting a reference sensor to the panel;
• performing calibration;
• removing the reference sensor from the panel;
• reconnecting the sensor to the panel;
• and
• disposing the shield in the first operative position.

A method of calibrating an accelerated weathering test apparatus comprising a test chamber defined within an enclosure for exposing a specimen to a light source, a door connected to the enclosure that is movable between an open position that permits access to the test chamber and a closed position that prevents access to the test chamber, a sensor-support assembly disposed in the test chamber including a panel and a plurality of sensors removably connected to the panel for exposure to the light source and detecting irradiance, a calibration-access assembly in registration with each of the plurality of sensors including an aperture defined in the door and a shield connected to the door that is movable between a first operative position that prevents access to the panel and a second operative position that permits access to the panel, and a handle connected to each shield, the method comprising the steps of:

• disposing the door in the closed position;
• disposing each shield in the first operative position;
• operating the accelerated weathering test apparatus;
• disposing one shield in the second operative position;
• removing one of the plurality of sensors from the panel;
• connecting a reference sensor to the panel in place of the removed one of the plurality of sensors;
• performing calibration;
• removing the reference sensor from the panel;
• reconnecting one of the plurality of sensors to the panel;
• and
• disposing the shield in the first operative position.