Weather resistance tester

A weather resistance tester comprising:

• (a) a U.V. radiation source comprising a lamp for generating U.V. radiation;
• (b) a reflector having the U.V. source accommodated therein and an opening at a lower portion thereof for permitting the lamp to project U.V. radiation downward through the opening;
• (c) a shield panel provided in the opening of the reflector and closing the opening for transmitting U.V. radiation therethrough and substantially blocking water vapor therefrom;
• (d) a sample support disposed below the opening;
• (e) means for adjusting the temperature in operative relation with the sample support;
• (f) a compartment having accommodated therein the U.V. source, the reflector, the shield panel, the sample support and the temperature adjusting means;
• (g) a recycling duct having an intake portion and an outlet portion connected to the compartment and provided with a heat exchanger and means for blowing air;
• (h) a humidifier in operative relation with the sample support for providing a condensation condition therearound;
• and
• (i) control means for giving operational instructions to the U.V. source, the temperature adjusting means, the heat exchanger, the blower means and the humidifier to maintain a sample on the sample support at a predetermined temperature while the lamp is on and to subject the sample to a condensation condition while the lamp is off.