Quick connect coupling test apparatus and method

A pneumatic test apparatus adapted to attach to a complementary member, said pneumatic test apparatus comprising:

• a base member having:
• a first end face;
• an opposite end face spaced from said first end face;
• a peripheral edge surface between said first end face and said opposite end face;
• a plurality of through passages extending from said first end face to said opposite end face;
• means for sealing mounted to said first end face and surrounding each of said plurality of through passages;
• means for selectively terminating fluid flow communication through each of said plurality of through passages, said selectively terminating means mounted to said opposite end face of said base member;
• means for locking said base member to said complementary member and thereby seal said base member interface with said complementary member;
• a plurality of internal flow passages interconnecting said plurality of through passages extending from said first end face to said opposite end face, said plurality of internal flow passages located between said first end face and said opposite end face of said base member;
• an inlet port for receiving a source of pressure/vacuum, said inlet port located in said base member, said inlet port having an inlet passage communicating with said plurality of internal flow passages;
• a shutoff valve mounted in said inlet passage of said inlet port whereby when said source of pressure/vacuum is attached to said inlet port fluid flow communication is established in said inlet passage and in each of said plurality of internal flow passages located between said first end face and said opposite end face of said base member as well as each of said plurality of through passages in said base member, said fluid flow communication selectively terminated by said means for selectively terminating fluid flow communication of each of said plurality of passages such that the pressure/vacuum in each passage can be individually leak tested, said fluid flow communication further being terminated completely by closure of said shutoff valve mounted in said inlet passage, such that when said complementary member such as an end effector is mounted to said base member and said means for sealing said interface of each of said plurality of through passages, each of said plurality of through passages can be individually seal tested in an offline location to replace any component found leaking during the nonworking cycle of said end effector.