1. A system for evaluating tests of a computer program, comprising:
one or more processors;
a computer-readable storage medium containing instructions configured to cause the one or more processors to perform operations, including:
creating a file containing a list of required actions for testing an application, wherein the file includes automation control code, and wherein the file is created by a test designer on a test design automation independent tool within a first insulated environment;
automatically transmitting the file to a test coding and execution automator in a second insulated environment that is separate from the first insulated environment;
receiving the file in the second insulated environment, wherein an interface is generated through which the test coding and execution automator enters one or more code segments, and uses an automation engine to generate test automation code by associating the one or more code segments with one or more details abstracted from the automation control code;
using an automation framework to translate the test automation code into an automation application map by mapping the test automation code to the automation application map, wherein the automation application map includes a lower level of executable computer code used to test the application;
executing the automation application map code to test the application and produce test results;
automatically transmitting the test results to a test analysis automation independent tool in a third insulated environment that is separate from the first and second insulated environments; and
receiving the test results in the third insulated environment and comparing the received test results to one or more other received test results, wherein the comparison is done by a test results analyst using the test analysis automation independent tool in the third insulated environment.
2. The system of claim 1, wherein the automatically transmitting of the test results to the test analysis automation independent tool in the third insulated environment involves copying or moving the test results from the second insulated environment to the third insulated environment.
3. The system of claim 2, wherein the third insulated environment includes an internet web browser for viewing received test results.
4. The system of claim 1, wherein the format of the received test results include JPEG, HTML, GIF, and combinations thereof.
5. The system of claim 1, wherein the list includes an action to test a computer-human interface generated by the computer program.
6. The system of claim 1, wherein the list includes an action to test performance of the computer program.
7. The system of claim 1, wherein the first insulated environment, the second insulated environment, and the third insulated environment operate on a network such that each of the environments are accessible through different computer terminals, wherein the first insulated environment operates on a first computer which does not contain the second insulated environment or the third insulated environment, wherein the second insulated environment operates on a second computer which does not contain the first insulated environment or the third insulated environment, and wherein the third insulated environment operates on a third computer which does not contain the first insulated environment or the second insulated environment.
8. A computer-implemented method for evaluating tests of a computer program, comprising:
creating a file containing a list of required actions for testing an application, wherein the file includes automation control code, and wherein the file is created by a test designer on a test design automation independent tool within a first insulated environment;
automatically transmitting the file to a test coding and execution automator in a second insulated environment that is separate from the first insulated environment;
receiving the file in the second insulated environment, wherein an interface is generated through which the test coding and execution automator enters one or more code segments, and uses an automation engine to generate test automation code by associating the one or more code segments with one or more details abstracted from the automation control code;
using an automation framework to translate the test automation code into an automation application map by mapping the test automation code to the automation application map, wherein the automation application map includes a lower level of executable computer code used to test the application;
executing the automation application map code to test the application and produce test results;
automatically transmitting the test results to a test analysis automation independent tool in a third insulated environment that is separate from the first and second insulated environments; and
receiving the test results in the third insulated environment and comparing the received test results to one or more other received test results, wherein the comparison is done by a test results analyst using the test analysis automation independent tool in the third insulated environment.
9. Computer software stored on one or more computer-readable storage mediums, the computer software comprising program code for carrying out a method for evaluating tests of a computer program, the method comprising:
creating a file containing a list of required actions for testing an application, wherein the file includes automation control code, and wherein the file is created by a test designer on a test design automation independent tool within a first insulated environment;
automatically transmitting the file to a test coding and execution automator in a second insulated environment that is separate from the first insulated environment;
receiving the file in the second insulated environment, wherein an interface is generated through which the test coding and execution automator enters one or more code segments, and uses an automation engine to generate test automation code by associating the one or more code segments with one or more details abstracted from the automation control code;
using an automation framework to translate the test automation code into an automation application map by mapping the test automation code to the automation application map, wherein the automation application map includes a lower level of executable computer code used to test the application;
executing the automation application map code to test the application and produce test results;
automatically transmitting the test results to a test analysis automation independent tool in a third insulated environment that is separate from the first and second insulated environments; and
receiving the test results in the third insulated environment and comparing the received test results to one or more other received test results, wherein the comparison is done by a test results analyst using the test analysis automation independent tool in the third insulated environment.
The claims below are in addition to those above.
All refrences to claim(s) which appear below refer to the numbering after this setence.
1. A rotary valve actuator, comprising:
a reciprocatable member coupled with a linear motive source, the motive source reciprocating the reciprocatable member along an axis between a first position and a second position;
at least one arcuate member rotatably supported adjacent the reciprocatable member;
a pair of first flexible connectors attached at first ends thereof to the reciprocatable member towards one end of the reciprocatable member, said connectors engaging the at least one arcuate member along its circumference and being attached at second ends thereof to said at least one arcuate member; and
at least one second flexible connector disposed between said pair of first flexible connectors, attached at a first end thereof to the reciprocatable member towards an other end of the reciprocatable member, said at least one second connector engaging the at least one arcuate member along its circumference and being attached at a second end thereof to said at least one arcuate member,
wherein, when the linear motive source drives the reciprocatable member in a direction toward the first position, the pair of first flexible connectors drives the at least one arcuate member in a first direction, and wherein, when the linear motive source drives the reciprocatable member in a direction toward the second position, the at least one second flexible connector drives the at least one arcuate member in a second direction, opposite from the first direction, and
a connector tensioning assembly secured to the reciprocatable member and cooperating with at least one of the flexible connectors to maintain a tension force on the connectors,
wherein the connector tensioning assembly comprises:
a block mounted on the reciprocatable member;
a rocker bar pivotable on a fulcrum point at an end of the reciprocatable member; and
an adjustable link connected in tension between the block and a first portion of the rocker bar on one side of the fulcrum point,
wherein the at least one flexible connector is connected to a second portion of the rocker bar on an opposite side of the fulcrum point.
2. A rotary valve actuator according to claim 1, wherein the linear motive source comprises a hydraulic cylinder including a cylinder and a cylinder rod.
3. A rotary valve actuator according to claim 1, wherein the at least one arcuate member is secured to a rotatable shaft having a through bore, and wherein a valve shaft is attachable to the through bore for rotation with the through bore.
4. A rotary valve actuator according to claim 1, wherein said at least one arcuate member comprises:
two first arcuate members respectively connected to corresponding ones of said pair of first flexible connectors and two second arcuate members respectively connected to corresponding ones of two second flexible connectors, the two second arcuate members being disposed centrally between the first arcuate members.
5. A rotary valve actuator according to claim 1, wherein the at least one arcuate member comprises at least segments of sprocket wheels, and wherein the flexible connectors comprise chains.
6. A rotary valve actuator according to claim 5, wherein the flexible connectors comprise roller chains.
7. A rotary valve actuator according to claim 5, wherein the flexible connectors comprise silent chains.
8. A rotary valve actuator according to claim 1, wherein the at least one arcuate member is comprised of a sector of a pulley wheel, and wherein the flexible connectors comprise flexible straps.
9. A rotary valve actuator according to claim 8, wherein the flexible straps are flexible metal straps.
10. A rotary valve actuator according to claim 1, wherein the linear motive source, the plate member, the at least one arcuate member and the flexible connectors are sized such that the rotary valve actuator is rotatable through 180\xb0.
11. A rotary valve actuator according to claim 1, wherein the linear motive source, the reciprocatable member, the at least one wheel and the flexible connectors are sized such that the rotary valve actuator is rotatable through 90\xb0.
12. A rotary valve actuator according to claim 1, wherein the connector tensioning assembly comprises a rocker bar acting between at least one flexible connector and a tensioning screw, a position of the tensioning screw relative to the rocker bar effecting a mechanical advantage.
13. A rotary valve actuator according to claim 1, wherein a tension force on the adjustable link is derived from a stack of Belleville washers.
14. A rotary valve actuator comprising:
a rotary member coupleable with a rotary valve;
a linearly reciprocatable driving member connected to the rotary member for rotating the rotary member in a first direction and a second direction via at least one flexible elongated link connected between the rotary member and the driving member; and
a rocker bar providing a fulcrum acting as a lever to increase tensioning force applied between the flexible link and a tensioning screw for maintaining a tensioning force on the link.
15. A rotary valve actuator according to claim 14, comprising a block attached to the driving member, and wherein the tensioning screw connects the block and the rocker bar.
16. A rotary valve actuator according to claim 15, wherein a tensioning force is derived from a stack of Belleville washers.
17. A rotary actuator for translating from precise linear motion to precise rotary motion, said actuator comprising:
a reciprocating linear power source, said power source being connected to a plate to cause reciprocal movements in a longitudinal direction thereof;
a first pair of flexible members attached to said plate towards one end thereof, said first pair of flexible members being disposed side-by-side along an underside of said plate;
a first pair of arcuate members mounted adjacent to the underside of said plate, said first pair of flexible members passing between said plate and said first pair of arcuate members and wrapping partially around the circumference of respectively corresponding ones of said first pair of arcuate members and fastened thereto;
a second pair of flexible members attached to said plate towards an opposite end thereof, said second pair of flexible members also being disposed along the underside of said plate but positioned to straddle said first pair of flexible members,
a second pair of arcuate members also mounted adjacent to the underside of said plate, coaxial with said first pair of arcuate members and straddling said first pair of arcuate members, said second pair of flexible members passing between said plate and said second pair of arcuate members and wrapping partially around the circumference of said second pair of arcuate members and fastened thereto;
said two pairs of arcuate members being mounted on a hollow shaft, said shaft being supported at each end in precision bearings,
wherein precise linear longitudinal movements of said plate cause corresponding precise rotary motion of said shaft.
18. A rotary actuator as in claim 17, wherein said first pair of flexible members comprise a double roller chain.
19. A rotary actuator as in claim 17, wherein said second pair of flexible members comprise two single roller chains.
20. A rotary actuator as in claim 17, wherein said two pairs of arcuate members comprise at least segments of sprocket wheels.
21. A rotary actuator as in claim 17, wherein the hollow shaft is broached with female splines or a keyway.