Abstract: A sample testing device includes a motor, a gear reducer, and an output shaft coupled for rotation by the motor via the gear reducer. The sample testing device further includes a first device adapted to enable the output shaft to move linearly in a first direction substantially parallel with an axis of the output shaft and a second device coupled to the first device for enabling the output shaft to move linearly in a second direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction. The sample testing can further include a third device coupled to the first and second devices for enabling the output shaft to translate linearly in a third direction substantially perpendicular to the first and second directions.

Abstract: A sample testing device includes a motor, a gear reducer, and an output shaft coupled for rotation by the motor via the gear reducer. The sample testing device further includes a first device adapted to enable the output shaft to move linearly in a first direction substantially parallel with an axis of the output shaft and a second device coupled to the first device for enabling the output shaft to move linearly in a second direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction. The sample testing can further include a third device coupled to the first and second devices for enabling the output shaft to translate linearly in a third direction substantially perpendicular to the first and second directions.

Abstract: An alignment extensiometer is shown which attaches to a material testing sample by means of a hinged split cross head and a movable split insert. The extensiometer is used to reduce sample damage and set up time.

Abstract: An alignment coupling is shown which is of chain like construction where one pair of set screws passes through the upper link and engages the top of the lower link so as to adjust its alignment and a second pair of set screws passes through the lower link and engages the bottom of the upper link to adjust its alignment. This coupling is used in a free swiveling mode or a fixed alignment mode.

Abstract: A material testing apparatus is shown that uses one free swiveling alignment coupling and one alignment coupling which can be used in a free swiveling mode or a fixed alignment mode. These couplings and an alignment extensiometer are used to reduce sample bending. First and second pull rods (4,8) removably connected to the alignment couplings (5,9) are at opposite ends thereof removably coupled to the sample (1) being tested via sample couplings (3,7).

Abstract: A variable area capacitance transducer for measurement of length and displacement is disclosed. The preferred embodiment uses three concentric cylinders. The innermost cylinder acts as a working electrode, the middle cylinder acts as a common electrode, and the outer cylinder, a reference electrode. A movable concentric cylinder acts as a shield and is guided for movement between the working and common electrodes. The capacitance of the transducer is related to the displacement of the shield.