Dropped Patents (Class 73/12.13)
  • Patent number: 11747250
    Abstract: An impact test apparatus includes a base plate having an upper surface on which a specimen is placed, a collision member that collides with the specimen, a dropping unit that drops the collision member from an upper area of the specimen to the specimen and adjusts a height that the collision member drops, a velocity measurement unit that measures a collision velocity of the collision member when the collision member collides with the specimen, and an evaluation unit that produces a representative value that is a collision velocity at which a probability of breakage of the specimen is about 50%, and evaluates an impact resistance of the specimen based on the representative value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2023
    Assignees: SAMSUNG DISPLAY CO., LTD., KOREA ADVANCED INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: Minsang Koo, Do Kyung Kim, Sanghoon Kim, Seungho Kim, Seongjin Hwang, Jung Hoon Kong, Dong Gyu Kim
  • Patent number: 11624689
    Abstract: A falling-object protective structures (FOPS) test assembly for carrying a FOPS test of a wall of cab of a heavy vehicle is configured to releasably carry a test ball for the FOPS test above a predefined distance above wall. The FOPS test assembly defines a closed path for test ball from its housing position to wall, and includes a handling means configured to assume a first condition in which they do not interfere with the passage of test ball through the closed path when ball passes through closed path in a first direction and a second condition in which handling means lock and hold test ball within the closed path once test ball passes again through the closed path in a second direction opposite to the first direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2023
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventors: Vincenzo Perrone, Andrea Soffritti
  • Patent number: 11608609
    Abstract: A pile-side lateral static load device includes a jack system, a liftable jack cart, a loading jack fixing system, and a loading system. The jack system includes a jack body. The jack system is installed on the liftable jack cart through the loading jack fixing system. The loading system is installed on the loading jack fixing system, and the loading system includes counter-pressure loading systems and counter-tension loading systems. The pile-side lateral static load device has a simple structure, is convenient to install and operate, and can complete lateral loading and in-situ tests under different pile diameters, different tonnages and different precisions, so as to facilitate a simulation test of in-situ lateral loading of a pile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2023
    Inventors: Junwei Liu, Dongsheng Jeng, Xianzhang Ling, Dongliang Xing, Jisheng Zhang, Teng Wang, Dayong Li, Bo Liu, Gongfeng Xin, Zhen Guo, Yi Hong, Zhengzhong Wang, Xiuxia Yu, Lingyun Feng, Lin Cui, Zuodong Liang, Hongfeng Guang, Chao Zhang, Ning Jia, Guoxiao Zhao, Rongfu Gao, Ming Fang
  • Patent number: 11519838
    Abstract: Provided is a rigidity characteristics measuring device that measures the rigidity characteristics of a golf club head. A head fixing jig holds the golf club head with a face surface facing upward. A linear bushing causes an impact rod to drop vertically toward the golf club head. The impact rod is equipped with an acceleration sensor. A computer calculates the rigidity characteristics, e.g., a CT value, of the golf club head, based on a detected value of the acceleration sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2022
    Assignee: The Yokohama Rubber Co., LTD.
    Inventor: Hiroshi Saegusa
  • Patent number: 11255765
    Abstract: A method for testing a helmet for effectiveness of user protection includes moving a load along a predetermined path, supporting a target body at an impact location in the predetermined path, the target body including a head model and a helmet disposed on the head model, and impacting the target body with a force generated by the moving of the load. The impacting of the target body entails contacting the target body with an impactor free to move perpendicularly and tangentially relative to a surface of the target body. The supporting of the target body is at least reduced, if not eliminated, before or during the impact of the impactor with the target body at the location. Forces generated are automatically measured or sensed during the impact of the impactor with the target body at the location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2022
    Inventor: Richard A. Brandt
  • Patent number: 11113651
    Abstract: The present invention provides methods and systems for determining the play value of a playground, the challenge level of a playground, or both. In some embodiments, the methods and systems may propose modifications to a playground that would result in an effective and efficient increase in the play value of the playground, a desired increase or decrease in the challenge level of the playground, or both. Further, in some embodiments, the methods and systems may be configured to provide comparisons of various playgrounds in order to determine which playgrounds are of greatest play value. In some embodiments, the methods and systems may be incorporated into software that is configured for the design of playgrounds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2021
    Assignee: PLAYCORE WISCONSIN, INC.
    Inventors: Nilda Cosco, Muntazar Monsur, Robin C. Moore, Linda Hestenes, Jennie Sumrell, Lisa Moore
  • Patent number: 11054323
    Abstract: A quantitative impact control and measurement system includes an impactor configured to apply an impact to a target, a control device configured to control movement of the impactor, an acceleration sensor mounted to a base of the impactor, and an impact sensor mounted to a terminal of the impactor. Here, the control device calculates an impact actually applied to the target from signals measured through the acceleration sensor and the impact sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2021
    Assignee: Korea Institute of Science and Technology
    Inventors: Sungwook Yang, Eui-Sung Yoon, Hoon Ryu, Hyeonjoo Im
  • Patent number: 11002651
    Abstract: A device for testing impact resistance includes: a shrink film supporting member, disposed on a horizontal platform, and including a main body, a supporting part, and fixing parts disposed on a sidewall of the main body, the supporting part is configured to support a tested shrink film, the plurality of fixing parts is sequentially disposed in parallel at positions of different heights on the sidewall of the main body, and the fixing parts disposed at the positions of different heights represent different impact resistance levels; a level plate, detachably fixed inside the main body by means of any one of the plurality of fixing parts; and an impact member, configured to move downward from a position above a geometric center of the supporting part at a preset speed to exert a frontal impact on the shrink film supported on the supporting part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2021
    Assignees: HKC Corporation Limited, Chongqing HKC Optoelectronics Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chung-Kuang Chien
  • Patent number: 10928284
    Abstract: An impact test method and an impact test device is provided, wherein an impact application member is caused to fall freely onto a test sample placed on a placement platform. When the impact application member collides with the test sample, an impact force applied to the test sample and an indentation amount of the impact application member with respect to the test sample are measured by a load meter and a displacement meter, respectively. Based on the measured impact force and the measured indentation amount, a calculation unit calculates energy loss absorbed by the test sample when the impact application member and the test sample collide with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2021
    Inventor: Gang Hou
  • Patent number: 10837887
    Abstract: A method for testing a helmet for effectiveness of user protection includes moving a load along a predetermined path, supporting a target body at an impact location in the predetermined path, the target body including a head model and a helmet disposed on the head model, and impacting the target body with a force generated by the moving of the load. The impacting of the target body entails contacting the target body with an impactor free to move perpendicularly and tangentially relative to a surface of the target body. The supporting of the target body is at least reduced, if not eliminated, before or during the impact of the impactor with the target body at the location. Forces generated are automatically measured or sensed during the impact of the impactor with the target body at the location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2020
    Inventor: Richard A. Brandt
  • Patent number: 10625942
    Abstract: According to the present technology, an impact test in which an impact application member is made to free fall onto a test sample of a plurality of types of rubbers having different physical properties is performed under prescribed test conditions; data for at least one of three items including a loss energy that is absorbed by the test sample when the impact application member collides with the test sample, a thermal energy that is generated at the test sample, and an indentation amount into the test sample by the impact application member is acquired; and an optimal test sample is selected from the respective test samples on a basis of a ranking of the superiority of the respective test samples with respect to the item(s) for which data was acquired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2020
    Assignee: The Yokohama Rubber Co., LTD.
    Inventor: Gang Hou
  • Patent number: 10481058
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a safety test apparatus of a battery cell. The safety test apparatus of the battery cell comprises: a jig on which the battery cell is disposed on a top surface thereof; and an impact member comprising an impact rod supported on the top surface of the battery cell and a striking weight disposed above the jig to freely drop toward the jig and strike the impact rod so that an impact is applied to the battery cell, wherein the striking weight is provided in a pair and comprises left and right striking parts that respectively strike two striking points, which are spaced apart from each other, of the impact rod and a connection part connecting the left and right striking parts to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2019
    Assignee: LG Chem, Ltd.
    Inventors: Tae Gyun Noh, Bum Young Jung, Ki Woong Kim, Hee Soo Na, Oh Jun Kwon
  • Patent number: 10401269
    Abstract: A pallet tester includes a pallet positioning station for positioning a pallet on a conveyor, and a pallet impact station adjacent the conveyor and aligned with the pallet positioning station. The pallet positioning station includes a pallet push arm movable between a retracted position and a pallet positioning position. The pallet impact station includes a carriage assembly to impact the pallet, and a latching mechanism coupled to the carriage assembly. A controller moves the pallet push arm to the retracted position to receive the pallet for positioning, and moves the pallet push arm to the pallet positioning position to move the pallet towards the pallet impact station until an impact side of the pallet is aligned with an impact reference plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2019
    Assignee: CHEP Technology Pty Limited
    Inventors: Dwight Bryan Whitfield, Sr., Paul Barnswell, James Koonce, Matthew Wood, Mohammad Ansari
  • Rig
    Patent number: 10401268
    Abstract: A rig for testing mode II fatigue of a composite component. The rig includes a clamp for clamping one end of the component. A first contact arrangement is provided for contacting one side of the component and a second contact arrangement is provided for contacting an opposing side of the component, the first and second contact arrangements being spaced from the clamp. A loading fork is provided for applying load to the component. The loading fork includes a first and a second portion arranged such that in use, when the loading fork is loading the component in one direction the first portion contacts the first contact arrangement and the second portion is spaced from the second contact arrangement, and when the loading fork is loading the component in an opposite direction the first portion is spaced from the first contact arrangement and the second portion contacts the second contact arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2019
    Assignee: ROLLS-ROYCE plc
    Inventors: Rico Kuehlewind, Stephen R Hallett, Luiz Kawashita
  • Patent number: 10281379
    Abstract: A nano material testing apparatus includes a main frame; a testing unit including an actuator and a load cell connected to the actuator; a jig unit configured to be connected to the testing unit and including an upper jig that clamps one side of an upper portion of the nano material specimen and a lower jig that is located below the upper jig and clamps one side of a lower portion of the nano material specimen; a stage unit configured to be connected to the lower jig; a first alignment unit configured to be located to be spaced apart from a front surface of the nano material specimen; a second alignment unit configured to be located to be spaced apart from side surfaces of the nano material specimen; and a controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2019
    Assignee: UNIST(ULSAN NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY)
    Inventors: Ju Young Kim, Young Cheon Kim, Si Hoon Kim
  • Patent number: 10197484
    Abstract: This patent describes devices and methods to evaluate and compare the effectiveness of protective equipment in providing protection to players of contact sports, and to determine if a given protective product (pad) is compliant with a specified performance standard. To simulate the impacts experienced by these players, a pad-protected specially modified and instrumented manikin is impacted with solid loads of various weights at various speeds. The impacts are designed to model the impact forces and impact times encountered in typical game collisions. For each impact, measurements are made of the force exerted onto the pad, and the parts of this force that are transmitted through the pad onto various locations on the manikin, as a function of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2019
    Inventor: Richard A. Brandt
  • Patent number: 10041861
    Abstract: An apparatus and a method for testing drilling efficiency of a drill bit, according to the present invention, calculate an amount of fractured rock according to a button arrangement, thereby obtaining an optimum button arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2018
    Assignee: KOREA INSTITUTE OF INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: Jung-Woo Cho, Dae-Young Shin, Jae-Wook Lee, Joo-Young Oh, Jin-Young Park, Ki-Beom Kwon, Chang-Heon Song
  • Patent number: 9588028
    Abstract: The invention relates to a machine for testing cushioning material for packaging, which improves the test method and performs a more precise characterization of cushioning for packaging. The machine is formed by: a load arm (1); a lift motor (2) on the upper part thereof; several guides that connect (i) a rigid platform (6) for positioning the sample to be tested, replaceable by a load cell (6?), and (ii) an impact platform comprising sensors (7) for monitoring the position thereof and measuring acceleration during impact; a spindle (4) for moving the load arm; and, on the lower part thereof, a seismic mass (5) for reducing the transmission of the impact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: Instituto Technologico del Embalaje, Transporte y Logistica
    Inventors: Manuel-Alfredo Garcia-Romeu Martinez, Juan Alcaraz Llorca, Amparo Martinez Giner, Enrique De La Cruz Navarro, Patricia Navarro Javierre, Javier Zabaleta Meri
  • Patent number: 9568407
    Abstract: The instant disclosure relates to an apparatus, system and methods for determining the impact attenuation or hardness of a surface for a playground or sports field in order to mitigate or reduce sports and playground related injuries.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2017
    Assignee: Sonam Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Bradley A. Pittam, Christopher A. Hanson, Michael Hanson
  • Patent number: 9488562
    Abstract: An example method includes positioning a mass at a height opposite a modulator characterized by a particular strain rate and support by a carrier moveably disposed opposite the mass. The method also includes releasing the mass such that the mass impacts the modulator, and an additional component connected to the carrier causes failure of a sample of material. The method further includes determining a displacement of the carrier corresponding to failure of the sample, determining a force applied to the modulator by the mass and resulting in failure of the sample, and determining at least one of a dynamic strength of the sample and a dynamic modulus of the sample. In such a method, the dynamic strength is based on the force applied to the modulator and the strain rate. Additionally, the dynamic modulus is based on the displacement of the carrier and the strain rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2016
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Mohammed Aftab Alam, Ramez Nachman, John Douglas Porter
  • Patent number: 9316562
    Abstract: The invention relates to a structural component, to a system and to a method for monitoring the integrity of a structure or a structural component. The structural component according to the invention has at least one elongated air duct which can be connected to a vacuum source and to a device for detecting the volumetric flow of air and/or the air pressure in the air duct, wherein, when the structure is intact in the region of the air duct, the air pressure in the air duct essentially corresponds to the air pressure of the vacuum source and there is essentially no volumetric flow of air through the air duct but, when a structural defect occurs in the region of the air duct, air from the region surrounding the structure or structural component enters the air duct and increases the air pressure and volumetric flow of air in the air duct in an identifiable manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2016
    Assignee: Airbus Operations GmbH
    Inventors: Jens Telgkamp, Holger Speckmann, Bengt Abel
  • Patent number: 9109983
    Abstract: An impact absorption rate measuring apparatus includes a measuring unit configured to support an impact absorption member and to measure an impact absorption rate of the impact absorption member, an impact conversion member on the impact absorption member, the impact absorption member being stacked between the measuring unit and the impact conversion member, and a fall member configured to fall on an upper surface of the impact conversion member, the upper surface of the impact conversion member facing away from the impact absorption member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2015
    Assignee: SAMSUNG DISPLAY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Daihan Cho, Kyoungwoo Park
  • Patent number: 9027382
    Abstract: The present invention provides a case for an impact detector, including: a front case; a weight to move from an initial position when a detection target of the impact detector inclines more than a predetermined angle; a first rear case to be covered by the front case, including a guide member set at a first inclination angle, through which the weight moves; a second rear case to be covered by the front case, including a guide member set at a second inclination angle different from the first inclination angle, through which the weight moves; and a resistance reducer to reduce moving resistance of the weight. In the optimal case for the impact detector, the front case is used in common for the first rear case and the second rear case, the weight can move smoothly in either case, and the impact can be easily detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventor: Moku Naruishi
  • Publication number: 20150114084
    Abstract: A dynamics performance testing system, for use in testing the dynamics performance of an anchor rod or an anchor rode, comprising a main machine and a measurement and control system. The main machine comprises a vertical machine frame (1), a clamping apparatus (3) arranged on the top of the vertical machine frame (1) and used for vertically clamping the top end of a sample (6), where the sample (6) is provided at the bottom end thereof with a tray (61), a drop-hammering apparatus (2) used for being dropped vertically from the vertical machine frame (1) at a set height to impact the tray (61), a lifting apparatus used for lifting the drop-hammering apparatus at the bottom of the vertical machine frame (1) to the set height, and a protection apparatus used for physical protection and isolation to reduce bodily injury and noise. The measurement and control system controls the drop-hammering apparatus to select a parameter for drop-hammering and a process of lifting and dropping.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2012
    Publication date: April 30, 2015
    Inventors: Manchao He, Zhibiao Guo, Guofeng Zhang
  • Publication number: 20140345360
    Abstract: In an apparatus for determining the level of dynamic force required to cause damage to an electronic device, the electronic device may be placed beneath a ram assembly of a dynamic impact testing device. The dynamic impact testing device has a selection of a plurality of different types of tip members, which may be retained by an attachment portion of the ram assembly. The ram assembly is reciprocally movable relative to a base portion with a target area. The ram assembly being positioned relative to said base portion so that said tip portion can impact said target area when the tip member is mounted to said attachment portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2014
    Publication date: November 27, 2014
    Inventors: Jake Edward Klein, Ronald Robert Madsen
  • Patent number: 8833138
    Abstract: In a method and apparatus for determining the level of dynamic force required to cause damage to an electronic device, the electronic device may be placed beneath a ram assembly of a dynamic impact testing device. Thereafter, the ram assembly may be used to impact the electronic device to determine a threshold level of dynamic force that will cause damage to the electronic device. The ram assembly may then be used to impact a load cell with the threshold level of dynamic force so that the load cell generates a data output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventors: Jake Edward Klein, Ronald Robert Madsen
  • Publication number: 20140238104
    Abstract: An apparatus and method of testing are provided to test the durability and resilience of crib mattresses and other child development surfaces. The testing apparatus is configured to provide a movable fixture for imparting repeated force to a mattress. The fixture can include a pair of feet formed thereon to mimic the pressure profile provided by a toddler standing or jumping on a crib mattress. The method provides for the cycling of the apparatus over a predetermined time period and the determination of the deflection of the surface after the time period.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2014
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Applicant: Colgate Atlanta Mattress Corporation
    Inventors: Richard H. Wolkin, James Hewatt
  • Patent number: 8746054
    Abstract: An object is to provide a peel tester that continuously detects the characteristics of an adhesive tape from the moment an impact is applied to an adherend until the adherend is peeled, and a new method for evaluating the impact peel characteristics of an adhesive tape, which enables quantitative evaluation for the impact peel characteristics by using the test result obtained by the peel tester. Provided is a peel tester 1 with a main body 2, to which an adherend I is to be adhered via an adhesive tape III, for performing a peel test by an impact applied to the adherend I, which includes: a load detection device 6 that detects change in load applied to the adhesive tape I until the adherend I is peeled off from the main body 2; and a displacement detection device 7 that detects change in moving distance of the adherend I until the adherend I is peeled off from the main body 2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Nitto Denko Corporation
    Inventors: Hideki Akamatsu, Kaori Numa, Yasunori Sugihara, Junji Yoshida
  • Patent number: 8707757
    Abstract: A test apparatus collects performance data for a seat belt system having components providing operating stages of pre-tensioning, locking, and load limiting of the seat belt. A bench plate mounts the components of the seat belt system and includes first and second pulleys spaced apart on the bench plate and having the seat belt extending horizontally therebetween. At least one load sensor senses the load experienced by the seat belt. A resistor engages the seat belt between the first and second pulleys and pulls downwardly to introduce slack in the seat belt. An impactor mass is suspended above the seat belt and is released to free-fall onto the seat belt and impose a load on the seat belt simulating the load of a seated occupant being imposed on the seat belt. A control module energizes the pre-tensioning stage and a plotter records force versus time performance data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Jiri Kral, Stephen J Cassatta, Mark A. Morra, Theresa M. Kondel
  • Patent number: 8683849
    Abstract: A method and apparatus using a sample test container filled with beverage, a penetrator holder, a penetrator and release means is disclosed. In the method a sample, is drawn into the test container and the penetrator dropped into the sample, and a reading of the stiffness of the sample is made based on the depth of penetration of the penetrator onto the sample.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: IMI Cornelius, Inc.
    Inventors: Nicholas M. Giardino, Derek Choi, Lawrence Oetjens, Andrew J. Tobler, E. Scott Sevcik
  • Publication number: 20130233050
    Abstract: A test apparatus collects performance data for a seat belt system having components providing operating stages of pre-tensioning, locking, and load limiting of the seat belt. A bench plate mounts the components of the seat belt system and includes first and second pulleys spaced apart on the bench plate and having the seat belt extending horizontally therebetween. At least one load sensor senses the load experienced by the seat belt. A resistor engages the seat belt between the first and second pulleys and pulls downwardly to introduce slack in the seat belt. An impactor mass is suspended above the seat belt and is released to free-fall onto the seat belt and impose a load on the seat belt simulating the load of a seated occupant being imposed on the seat belt. A control module energizes the pre-tensioning stage and a plotter records force versus time performance data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2012
    Publication date: September 12, 2013
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Jiri Kral, Stephen J. Cassatta, Mark A. Morra, Theresa M. Kondel
  • Publication number: 20130213113
    Abstract: An impact testing device used for testing impact resistance of electronic devices is provided. The impact testing device includes a supporting assembly for supporting the electronic device, a falling assembly for an impact head to fall through to hit the testing points of the electronic device on the supporting assembly, and a controller box, electrically connected to the supporting assembly. The controller box controls the supporting assembly to adjust the positions of the electronic device for the impact head to hit different testing points of the electronic device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2012
    Publication date: August 22, 2013
    Applicants: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD., HONG FU JIN PRECISION INDUSTRY (ShenZhen) CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (Shenzhen) Co., Lt, HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
  • Patent number: 8511139
    Abstract: A testing system having a retainer configured to selectively retain a specimen and a carrier configured to selectively carry the retainer along an at least partially predefined space curve from a first point along the space curve to a second point along the space curve, wherein a gravitational potential energy of the retainer at the first point is greater than a gravitational potential energy of the retainer at the second point. The retainer is configured to release the specimen in response to the retainer moving to a location that provides the retainer a predetermined gravitational potential energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: Research In Motion Limited
    Inventors: Christopher Andrew Lane, Cornel Mercea
  • Patent number: 8453490
    Abstract: A drop test device for testing the strength of a product includes an operating platform and a hanging mechanism. The operating platform includes a bottom board, a pillar substantially perpendicularly connected to the bottom board and a support member rotatably secured on the pillar. The hanging mechanism is mounted to the pillar, and includes a clamp member for positioning the product. The product is sandwiched by the clamp member so an arris of the product abuts the support member. The support plate is rotated away from the product, so the product can be disengaged from the clamp member and dropped towards the bottom board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yin Le, Yu-Lin Liu, Qiang Zhang
  • Publication number: 20130111973
    Abstract: In a method and apparatus for determining the level of dynamic force required to cause damage to an electronic device, the electronic device may be placed beneath a ram assembly of a dynamic impact testing device. Thereafter, the ram assembly may be used to impact the electronic device to determine a threshold level of dynamic force that will cause damage to the electronic device. The ram assembly may then be used to impact a load cell with the threshold level of dynamic force so that the load cell generates a data output.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2011
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Applicant: TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Jake Edward Klein, Ronald Robert Madsen
  • Patent number: 8397549
    Abstract: A system supporting the formation and propagation of tunable highly nonlinear pulses using granular chains composed of non-spherical granular systems. Such a system may be used to support the creation of tunable acoustic band gaps in granular crystals formed of particles with different geometries (spherical or not) in which the tunability is achieved by varying the static precompression, type of excitation and/or pulse amplitude in the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: California Institute of Technology
    Inventor: Chiara Daraio
  • Publication number: 20130031951
    Abstract: There is provided a lightweight, high strength impact-resistant component having a good impact energy absorptive property. The impact-resistant component is composed of a magnesium alloy containing Al in an amount of more than 7.3% by mass and 12% or less by mass. A rectangular test piece is produced from the impact-resistant component; an iron ball 30 having a mass of 225 g is allowed to freely fall toward a central portion of the test piece while both end portions of the test piece are fixed to supports 21 and 22; and, when a distance between a position from which the iron ball 30 is allowed to freely fall and the test piece is assumed to be a fall height, a fall height H at which a dent is not generated on the test piece by the iron ball 30 is measured. The impact-resistant component has a fall height H of more than 340 mm. In the impact-resistant component of the present invention, the fall height at which a dent is not generated is large.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2011
    Publication date: February 7, 2013
    Applicant: Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Koji Mori, Yukihiro Oishi, Nobuyuki Okuda, Masatada Numano
  • Patent number: 8307775
    Abstract: An impact detector includes a circular weight, a case containing the weight, in which a transition path for the weight is formed, a planar elastic member extending in the case with a first end oriented in a direction in which the weight move upon an impact in a first direction, a fixing member fixing the planar member to the case. The planar elastic member includes a folded portion disposed on a second end of the planar elastic member, and a first arm and a second arm both extending from the folded portion. An end portion of the first arm holds the weight at an initial position, and the first arm deforms to release the weight upon the impact in the first direction. The fixing member includes a sandwiching portion sandwiching the folded portion and a contact portion in contact with both the first arm and the second arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Moku Naruishi, Sakae Ishikawa
  • Publication number: 20120216596
    Abstract: A testing system having a retainer configured to selectively retain a specimen and a carrier configured to selectively carry the retainer along an at least partially predefined space curve from a first point along the space curve to a second point along the space curve, wherein a gravitational potential energy of the retainer at the first point is greater than a gravitational potential energy of the retainer at the second point. The retainer is configured to release the specimen in response to the retainer moving to a location that provides the retainer a predetermined gravitational potential energy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2011
    Publication date: August 30, 2012
    Applicant: RESEARCH IN MOTION LIMITED
    Inventors: Christopher Andrew Lane, Cornel Mercea
  • Patent number: 8240270
    Abstract: An impact detecting apparatus that is configured to be attached to an object and includes a drop-impact display unit configured to display a direction of drop impact when the object is dropped; and a tilt display unit configured to display a direction of tilting when the object is tilted. The drop-impact display unit and the tilt display unit displays the direction of drop impact and the direction of tilting at the same time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Limited
    Inventor: Moku Naruishi
  • Patent number: 8234993
    Abstract: An impact detector includes a case, an impact indicator disposed on a front side of the case, to indicate an impact history of the impact detector, a first weight that moves inside the case to a side to which the case falls, causing the impact indicator to indicate the impact history by moving through at least one of a first transition path and a second transition path, a first guide member to guide the first weight to a first impact detection position along the first transition path when the case falls in a first direction, and a second guide member to guide the first weight to the second impact detection position along the second transition path when the case falls in a second direction. The first transition path at least partly overlaps with the second transition path on a projection plane on the front side of the case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Limited
    Inventors: Moku Naruishi, Sakae Ishikawa, Tomoaki Arai
  • Patent number: 8191401
    Abstract: A method and system supporting the formation and propagation of tunable highly nonlinear pulses using granular chains composed of non-spherical granular systems. Such a method and system may be used to support the creation of tunable acoustic band gaps in granular crystals formed of particles with different geometries (spherical or not) in which the tunability is achieved by varying the static precompression, type of excitation and/or pulse amplitude in the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: California Institute of Technology
    Inventor: Chiara Daraio
  • Publication number: 20110313685
    Abstract: A computerized system for obtaining information regarding a waterway is described. The system comprises an input means for receiving accelerometer data from an accelerometer of a free fall object and a processing means being programmed for deriving, based on said data accelerometer data at least one of a density, a viscosity or a depth of a soil. The present invention also relates to a free fall impact object comprising such a computerized system, to a method for obtaining information regarding a waterway and to corresponding computer related products.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2011
    Publication date: December 22, 2011
    Inventors: Koen Geirnaert, Peter Staelens, Sebastien Deprez
  • Patent number: 8074489
    Abstract: An impact detection sensor is attached to a packaging container. When the packaging container is subjected to impacts downward in a vertical direction twice, i.e., a bottom surface of the packaging container is subjected to impacts twice, a weight moves downward in the vertical direction by the application of the first impact, and is seen through a weight indicator unit located on the bottom of an impact detection sensor. At the time of the application of the second impact, the weight moved downward in the vertical direction is prevented from moving back to. an initial position by a pressing portion, and seen through the same bottom weight indicator unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Limited
    Inventors: Sakae Ishikawa, Rikio Kasahara
  • Patent number: 8006539
    Abstract: A method and system for creating highly nonlinear solitary waves for use in performing nondestructive evaluation of structures and materials. The method and system use an apparatus having a spring loaded adjustable striker, a chain of granular particles, and a reloading device that allows for repeated activation of the adjustable striker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Assignee: California Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Damien Eggenspieler, Devvrath Khatri, Chiara Daraio
  • Patent number: 7950268
    Abstract: A test fixture for rollover crash testing of a test vehicle onto a movable sled surface employs a cradle to support and rotate the test vehicle. A suspension assembly is attached to each end of the cradle for vertically supporting and dropping the cradle. A gantry has a cross beam supported by a first telescoping column for support of a first of the suspension assemblies and translationally supported by a second telescoping column for support of a second of the suspension assemblies to position and releasably hold the suspension assembly. Roll control arms rotate the cradle and a trigger assembly releases the cradle and test vehicle from the cross beam for contact within a drop impact zone on the contact surface of the sled. A brake assembly then arrests vertical motion of the cradle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: Safety Testing International, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald Friedman, Acen Jordan
  • Patent number: 7900499
    Abstract: An impact testing apparatus for includes a workbench, a bracket defining a vertical passage, a hammer slidably received in the passage of the bracket, a fastening mechanism slidably mounted to the bracket and an anvil for supporting a workpiece to be tested. The workbench includes a horizontal platform. The bracket is arranged over the platform. The fastening mechanism is configured to be selectively fixed to different heights of the bracket relative to the platform, and includes a retaining member capable of being biased between a fist position to hold the hammer and a second position to release the hammer. The anvil is disposed on the platform and aligns with the hammer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2011
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Bing-Jun Zhang
  • Patent number: 7878042
    Abstract: This is directed to systems, methods, computer programs and other means for shock testing a piece of equipment, i.e., the target. The target can be mounted to a shock generation machine, which is then slammed into a sturdy foundation. The impact can result in multi-axis loads, depending on how the machine is configured, while also simulating the modal frequency response of an object, such as a naval ship's deck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Newport News Shipbuilding and Dry Dock Company
    Inventors: Michael A. Talley, Charles L. Pizzano, Carla J. Davis, Jonathan R. Harn
  • Patent number: 7856340
    Abstract: A multi-functional sensor for deriving information on a recording sheet material comprising an impact-applying unit for applying an external mechanical force onto the recording sheet material, a signal-detecting unit for detecting a signal of response of the recording sheet material to the external mechanical force, a signal-processing unit for processing the signal, and a signal-judging unit for deriving a property of the recording sheet material by comparison of a signal from the signal-detecting unit or the signal processing unit with information memorized preliminarily, wherein the signal-processing unit comprises a separation section for separating the signal from the signal-detecting unit into output signals on the properties of the recording sheet material, and a processing section for deriving, by statistical treatment, a correlation equation showing a correlation between the separated output signal and the properties of the recording sheet material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2010
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Norio Kaneko, Takehiko Kawasaki
  • Patent number: 7775082
    Abstract: A test fixture for rollover crash testing of a test vehicle onto a moving surface employs a cradle to support and rotate the test vehicle. A vertical support structure to position and releasably holds the cradle. A moving sled having a contact surface and is carried by a guide extending beneath the structure and the cradle fixture. The cradle is rotated and released from the structure responsive to a sensor for contact within a drop impact zone on the contact surface of the moving sled. Vertical motion of the cradle is then arrested to prevent further damage to the test vehicle or the test structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2010
    Assignee: Safety Testing International, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald Friedman, Acen Jordan