Abstract: A computing system includes a database server configured to receive data including a plurality of elements each including a sensor identifier and time element, each time element including a timestamp or time period, and create a time series of the data indexed by the sensor identifiers into buckets spaced at even time intervals. The database server is configured to receive a query including at least one of the sensor identifiers and at least one query time element. The database server is configured to locate target data in the buckets by the at least one of the sensor identifiers and the at least one query time element and output the target data.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for managing equipment on an aircraft. An apparatus comprises an interrogator, a display system, and a processor unit. The interrogator is configured to read information from a set of wireless tags associated with a set of equipment in an aircraft. The processor unit is configured to identify the set of equipment from the information read from the set of wireless tags by the interrogator. The processor unit is further configured to display a layout of an interior of the aircraft on the display system. The processor unit is further configured to display a number of graphical indicators for the set of equipment on the layout in a number of locations on the layout corresponding to a number of locations of where the set of equipment is located in the interior of the aircraft.

Abstract: An optical positioning monitoring system is disclosed. The system has an optical sensing member disposed on a wellbore pipe, such as the tubing or production casing. When a tool comprising an actuating member acts on the optical sensing member, an optical signal is returnable from the optical sensing member indicating the position of the tool. The optical sensing member may include an optical fiber and/or any known optical sensors. The actuating member can be a force applicator or a heat applicator. Alternatively, the optical sensing member can be located on the tool and the actuating member can be located on the tubing or production casing.

Abstract: An automated system for preparing a plurality of cytological specimens from a plurality of fluid samples in vials includes an apparatus for collecting a monolayer of cells from each sample and transferring the cells to a microscope slide for fixing, staining, and inspection. The system includes a first loading station for receiving the sample vials, a second loading station for receiving consumables such as filter membranes, a slide dispenser, and an unloading area for removing completed specimen slides. To maintain one-to-one correlation between the samples and specimens produced therefrom, the system includes a subsystem for identifying each sample and permanently marking each slide with corresponding indicia prior to transferring the specimen thereto.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for inspecting a semiconductor wafer for field-to-field critical dimension (CD) variations using statistical techniques, such that an optimal number of fields on the wafer under inspection are measured, thereby increasing the accuracy of the results of the inspection procedure and avoiding unnecessary sampling. Embodiments include randomly selecting a predetermined number of fields on a semiconductor wafer to be inspected, and measuring the CD of a comparable feature in each of the sample fields, as by a critical dimension scanning electron microscope (CD-SEM). A statistical function, such as an average or standard deviation, of the measured CDs is calculated. Further fields are the randomly selected, CDs measured, and the running average or standard deviation calculated after each CD is measured. If the last acquired CD does not change the average or standard deviation by a predetermined amount, the inspection procedure for the wafer under inspection is terminated.

Abstract: A pressure sensor connector (10) for use with a pressure sensor element (12) that includes a plurality of pressure sensor terminals (13). The pressure sensor connector (10) includes a cap (18), a plurality of connector terminals (20) and a frame element (22). A plurality of contacts (24), included in the frame element (22), connect each of the plurality of connector terminals (20) to a corresponding pressure sensor terminal (13).

Abstract: A camera which prevents accidents which could lead to damage to the shutter when performing shutter time tests in the opened state of the back cover of a camera. The camera has a shutter to limit the exposure time of the recording medium which has been loaded, a measurement unit to measure, according to the action of the shutter, the time of the exposure to the recording medium which the shutter performs, and a back cover sensor to detect whether the back cover is open or closed when film or another recording medium has been loaded into the camera. The action of the measurement unit is inhibited when the back cover sensor detects that the back cover is open. The camera also has a drive unit for recording an image on the film or recording medium and a mode selection switch to select between a normal mode in which a photographic action is performed, in which the shutter and the drive unit are activated, and a test mode in which the shutter and the measurement unit are activated but not the drive unit.

Abstract: In an exposure precision tester for a camera, including a flexible wiring board where a photometric sensor is implemented is contained in a case. The case has an appearance similar to that of a film cartridge loaded by drop-in operation and is insertable into a film cartridge cell of the camera. Exposure test can be performed without a back lid because the photometric sensor measures and outputs the exposure energy in the state that the photometric sensor is positioned at a film mask portion by rotating an operation part of a feed shaft with the case being inserted in the camera.

Abstract: Seismic signals are processed to determine relative location error. In a further aspect, the relative location errors are corrected and the corrected seismic signals are processed to give information on subsurface structure.

Abstract: In a sorter for data carriers, in which the data carriers, for testing, run past an arrangement of sensors located on both sides of the transport path, at least the sensors on one side of the transport path are arranged on a separate mounting plate. This mounting plate is pivoted so that the sensors located opposite each other can be moved apart, thus exposing the transport path.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for measuring optical coupling coefficients is disclosed using the thermal expansion of a sample to reduce an externally applied tensile load of predetermined magnitude. The sample is illuminated with a known amount of incident energy. The absorption of this energy expands the sample which reduces the tension in the sample. The measurement of the tension reduction permits a direct calculation of the coupling coefficient .alpha., through use of the known parameters of a sample.

Abstract: A hot deformation tester to determine the ability for a sand and binder combination to withstand high ambient temperature without deforming excessively. An insulated chamber receives an elongated core sample on two spaced supports, and applies a weight to the center of the sample. The sample is subjected to ambient temperature of about 600.degree. F. A deflection probe in engagement with the bottom of the sample measures the deformation of the sample.

Abstract: A single-pin guide tensiometer fitted with strain-detecting element that is flattened to respond only in a direction perpendicular to the flat faces of the elements. Moreover by rotating the tensiometer 90 degrees, threadline tension in the opposite direction is measured.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for testing unvulcanized rubber or rubber-like materials can work at high shear rates (e.g. 100 sec.sup.-1) as a result of applying and maintaining pressure on the test sample as it is being sheared by a rotor in a test chamber. The rotor is smooth-faced. Both conditions simulate more accurately the forces acting on such materials in such operations as extrusion.The test material is transferred into the test chamber through transfer ports from a transfer chamber by a pressure member which continues to exert pressure on material in the transfer chamber, which may be a next test sample.Specific operating steps of the rotor at varying speeds and directions to assess various useful parameters of the test material (including not only viscosity but also elasticity) are described, together with a mathematical model for rationalizing the behavior of the material under these test conditions.

Abstract: Apparatus for determining the stress-strain characteristics of materials in the viscoelastic state, especially polymer melts, in which a bar-shaped test specimen arranged vertically in a thermostable bath is stretched by means of a tape attached to a motor-driven reel and the tensile forces are continuously measured by a load cell arranged below the specimen and within the bath.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for measuring the normal stress required to remove an adhering thermoplastic rod from a substrate. Tensile strength of a bond can be measured reproducibly under controlled conditions. The tip of a thermoplastic rod, machined to a cone, is lowered into contact with a heated substrate and melting of the rod is allowed to proceed to a steady-state condition. After a bond is formed, the force required to break the bond is measured. The method permits rapid simulation of the essential conditions present during bond formation between a mineral filler surface and a polymer matrix.

Abstract: The invention relates to the determination of characteristic rheological quantities of viscoelastic materials by measuring specific parameters which permit assertions to be made on the properties of the material owing to their functional correlation with the deformation or relaxation.

Abstract: A test sample support for flat plate test samples used in the simultaneous laser, wind tunnel and tensile machine testing having a cantilever box frame member supported on the tensile machine with an adjustable sample alignment member and a stationary sample alignment member supported on the box frame member. Test sample backing members are adjustably supported on box frame member adjacent the stationary sample alignment member and on the adjustable sample alignment member. Two sample retainer buttons are secured to the stationary sample alignment member and two sample retainer buttons are secured to the adjustable sample alignment member. The stationary sample support member is positioned upstream of the test sample and has a sharp leading edge to provide a well defined flow field over the test sample.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for determining relative solid solution contaminate content of a wire wherein a selected quantity of thermal energy is applied to the wire, the degree of annealment achieved determined, and the quantity of energy applied compared with the annealment achieved.

Abstract: Apparatus and a method are disclosed for measuring adhesion of particulate materials. A geometric object, such as a steel ball, is immersed in a sample of particulate material which is compacted to a predetermined density. The temperature of the sample is carefully controlled while the steel ball is pulled from the sample. The force required to pull the ball from the sample at a given temperature is recorded. Numerous tests conducted at different temperatures provide data to define a characteristic curve for a given particulate material. The apparatus and method is particularly useful for measuring the adhesion of aluminum powder such as that used as fuel in rocket motor solid propellant.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for measuring the viscoelasticity of a sheet material comprising a flexible organic and/or inorganic reinforcement impregnated with a synthetic resin, wherein a sample of said sheet is subjected to a heating cycle and, during this cycle, said sample is held stretched between two of its spaced-apart zones and a maintained reciprocating movement of constant amplitude, of direction coplanar with respect to the plane of said sample and transverse with respect to the direction of tension thereof, is imparted to one of said zones, then the variations in amplitude of the reciprocating movement transmitted to the other of said zones with the rise in temperature are observed. The invention is more particularly applied to the manufacture of composite pieces by assembling, by hot-pressing, a plurality of sheets impregnated with resin.

Abstract: A test apparatus comprising an elongated, heat-resistant glass tube, the ends of which are firmly seated in top and bottom end-caps. A plurality of threaded rods extending through the top and bottom end-caps parallel to the glass tube and having nuts threaded on their ends provides means for holding the end-caps in place. The top end-cap has two threaded ports to which fluid inlet and outlet lines are attached while its interior surfaces has an attachment means for supporting a test specimen within the glass tube. The test apparatus is particularly suitable for performing tests on polymeric film or composites under different environmental conditions.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for determining whether certain rotor stress values are exceeded during the thermal cycle of a turbomachine. The invention takes into account the rotor material and the behavioral characteristics of the rotor material above and below the Fracture Appearance Transition Temperature (FATT). The acquired data is stored to develop a rotor history useful in determining a rotor condition for maintenance and longevity purposes and further useful in determining the operating pattern of the turbomachine.

Abstract: A method of measurement of relaxation phenomena, in which input signals representing a relaxation phenomenon are recorded at equal intervals for logarithmic values of time.A measuring device for relaxation phenomena which comprises a logarithmic time pulse oscillator for producing pulse signals at equal intervals for logarithmic values of time, and a recorder for recording input signals representing a relaxation phenomenon converted into an electrical quantity, which operates to perform recording each time a pulse signal is produced.

Abstract: Rheological property measurement employing eccentric rotating disc apparatus wherein measurements of viscous and elastic force data are made at multiple displacements of the disc axes to cancel errors.

Abstract: A slip plate assembly is provided for shaker-head generated vibration testing of a test piece being exposed to thermal cycling between preselected test temperature extremes in a closed environment. The assembly comprises a pair of opposed plate elements, a first plate element being beyond the closed environment and a second plate element exposed to test temperatures within the closed environment. Pin means is provided defining a singular locus of vibration transmitting connection between the first plate and the second plate in dimensionally temperature-responsive relation.

Abstract: An apparatus for testing the processing behavior of a visco-elastic material. A first ram is adapted to apply to a test sample a predetermined pre-test deformation. A second ram is adapted to subsequently apply to the test sample an additional test deformation. The first and second rams are disposed such that their respective piston displacement directions are parallel, whereby both the pre-test and the test deformation are compressive. A control system monitors the load relaxation in the test material.

Abstract: A process for the determination of the visco-elastic characteristics of polymers which includes stimulating a rolling pendulum which is supported on a flat horizontal surface of a polymer sample, to free, attenuated rolling oscillations at different tempertures of the polymeric sample and measuring the attenuation and/or material frequency of the rolling oscillations in dependence on the temperature of the polymeric sample.An apparatus for carrying out such process which includes a table for the accommodation of the sample, which has a flat surface, means for heating or cooling of the table top to certain temperatures, means for adjustment of the table, whereby the flat surface of the polymeric sample is positioned in the a horizontal position, a rolling pendulum that is supported by the surface of the polymeric sample, and means for the reading of the oscillations of the rolling pendulum.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for testing viscoelastic solids, such as tire cord. The apparatus includes: holding means, pretension means, first and second displacement generators, and mechanical-electrical transforming means. The holding means holds the material in a predetermined position. The pretension means applies tension during testing. The first displacement generator has an eccentric means for applying cyclic displacement. The second displacement generator applies cyclic displacement to the material co-directional with that applied by the first displacement generator, but of smaller amplitude and higher frequency. The mechanical-electrical transforming means transforms mechanical motion into electrical signals, such as a stress signal, a strain signal and a differentiated strain signal.

Abstract: The adhesion of cord or wire to the elastomer, rubber, or rubbery material is measured by exerting forces or loads collinear with the cords or wires such that one of the cords or wires is pulled from between a pair of cords. The three cords are embedded in a predetermined length of the elastomer. In a static test the opposing forces are exerted at a predetermined rate. In a dynamic test the opposing forces oscillate at predetermined frequency. Fixtures adapting an MTS high-speed oscillating tester are provided. The foregoing abstract is not to be taken as limiting the invention of this application, and in order to understand the full nature and extent of the technical disclosure of this application, reference must be made to the accompanying drawing and the following detailed description.

Abstract: An instrument for determining the complex mechanical response of samples incorporates two parallel sample arms each pivotally mounted at their central portion by flexure pivots of precisely known spring constants. The sample is mounted on one end of each. An electromechanical driver acts on the other end of one arm to maintain the arms and sample in mechanical oscillation about the pivots. A displacement transducer senses the mechanical motion. A feedback amplifier between the displacement transducer and the driver maintains the oscillation at a constant amplitude and at a resonant frequency determined primarily by the sample. With this arrangement the driver and displacement sensor are removed from the sample and its usual thermal chamber. This improves the stability of the instrument. At the same time the arms are dynamically balanced about the pivots and hence are relatively insensitive to vibrational upset.

Abstract: An improved machine for use in determining the fatigue life for elastomeric specimens. The machine is characterized by a plurality of juxtaposed test stations, specimen support means located at each of the test stations for supporting a plurality of specimens of elastomeric material and means for subjecting the specimens at each of said stations to sinusoidal strain at a strain rate unique with respect to the strain rate at which the specimens at each of the other stations is subjected to sinusoidal strain.

Abstract: A thermomechanical analyzer is adapted to measure stress or strain in a sample material by the use of a flat, passive spring, having a known modulus of elasticity, in conjunction with an axially displaceable shaft which mechanically links the spring and the sample together. The linkage is such that the sample under test and the spring are mechanically connected in parallel, i.e., each undergo equal displacement. A transducer senses axial displacement of the shaft such that the magnitude of the shaft displacement is related to the stress in the sample. The sample may be subjected to temperature variations during the test cycle.

Abstract: A device for tensioning test specimens within an hermetically sealed chamber. The device is characterized by a support column adapted to be received within an insulated, hermetically sealable chamber, a plurality of anchor pins mounted on the column for releasibly connecting thereto a plurality of test specimens, a plurality of axially displaceable pull rods received by the column in coaxial alignment with the anchor pins, one end of each pull rod being provided with a coupling for connecting the pull rod to a test specimen, while the opposite end of the pull rod is extended through a cover plate and adapted to be connected with a remotely related linear actuator through a connecting link including a load cell for measuring stress as the pull rod is placed in tension by the actuator.

Abstract: An accelerated strength testing method and apparatus for concrete in which a concrete mix sample is subjected to elevated temperature and pressure to accelerate curing. In the preferred embodiment, a prediction of 28-day strength is provided in about five hours. The apparatus comprises a container for the sample comprising a cylinder and a piston closure, means for applying force to the closure to pressurize the sample and seal the container, and heating means for heating the sample within the container.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for calibrating high temperature strain gases which serve for both dead weight and constant deflection measurements. A cantilever support arm allows the test unit to slide into a furnace while one end is subjected to bending strain either by hanging weights upon it or by deflecting it with a push rod. The dual nature of the fixture permits both tests to be run without change of the test specimen or removal from the furnace.

Abstract: A fretting corrosion test fixture for evaluating materials or coatings in variable temperature environments and having a load bar and a flexure bar rigidly mounted at their respective one ends in the jaws of a vise and separated by a shim of selected thickness. The load and flexure bars are cantilevered out from the vise, the other end of the flexure bar being connected to an eccentric drive assembly for deflecting the flexure bar. A pair of material specimens having a combined thickness equal to that of the shim are attached, respectively, near the end of the load bar and intermediate the ends of the flexure bar and in contact with each other. A cylindrical furnace is mounted for enclosing the specimens for high temperature evaluation. Fretting corrosion is produced on the attached fretting specimens under controlled conditions by deflecting the flexure bar a predetermined amount resulting in relative movement and load at the interface of the specimens.

Abstract: A method for determining strain amplitudes in each component, during cyclic straining of a 2-component structure in which at least one component shows non-linear viscoelastic behavior. The heat generation rates of each component are determined experimentally, at various temperatures, as functions of the experimentally imposed strain amplitudes. These functions are used to solve, by computer, a heat balance equation involving temperature values through the structure. To find pairs of strain amplitudes which produce observed temperatures, the value of strain amplitude entering into the equations for one component is varied (for each value of a set of strain amplitudes of the other component) until the temperature at a selected point of the structure, thus calculated, matches the temperature determined experimentally; and likewise for a second selected point. The desired pair of strain amplitudes is thus identified as being a pair which produces a match of calculated vs.

Abstract: An analyzing structure .Iadd.and method .Iaddend.for determining properties such as elastic shear modulus and mechanical hysteresis of a material. A pair of mutually spaced holders hold the sample in such a way that the holders are interconnected by the sample, and these holders are in turn carried by driver and driven supports. A drive sets the driver support into vibratory motion so that the latter is transmitted through the sample to the driven support. By detecting the manner in which the driver and driven supports vibrate it is possible to determine properties of the sample. The sample is tested by cyclically generating substantially pure shear forces in the sample, with the power required to sustain the vibrations of the sample at a constant level being measured to determine the damping of the sample and the frequency of vibration being measured to determine the modulus of the sample.