Abstract: A universal material testing device which includes a frame; an actuator mounted on the frame for controlling a displacement of a sample to be tested; a load cell movably mounted on the frame and adapted to abut against the sample for detecting a force applied thereon by the actuator, the load cell producing a signal corresponding to the force detected; a signal conditioning unit for reducing input noise and for processing of the signal and executing specific tests by coordination of displacement control and load signals received for processing from the load cell; and a detachable chamber with humidifying media for humidification of the sample environment confined within the chamber and separated frm the sample so as to avoid potential damaging effects of humidity on the sample or on the device. The device is useful for determining certain material properties of a sample.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for adaptively controlling a muscle tissue specimen in order to emulate its in vivo environment. The system includes at least one stimulator for stimulating the muscle tissue specimen based on an initial control signal, wherein the stimulation preferably includes electrical and/or mechanical stimulation. A response signal is generated based on a response of the muscle tissue specimen to the step of stimulating. The response signal preferably represents force production of the tissue specimen. A controller is provided for modifying the initial control signal based on the response signal to obtain a final control signal, wherein the final control signal is used to elicit a desired response from the muscle tissue specimen. Advantageously, the system and method of the present invention can be used to adaptively control the stimulation of a muscle tissue specimen in a tissue culture environment.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining the stretching characteristics of a polymer composition suitable for use in manufacturing a thermoplastic article, such as a bottle and preferably a bottle having PET, PEN and mixtures thereof, are provided. The method includes the steps of heating a bottle preform of the polymer composition to at least its glass transition temperature then free-blowing the preform in a manner so that the inflation pressure is varied inversely relative to the expansion of the article during at least a portion of the inflation step. An apparatus for free-blowing the thermoplastic articles in accordance with the method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for adaptively controlling a muscle tissue specimen in order to emulate its in vivo environment. The system includes at least one stimulator for stimulating the muscle tissue specimen based on an initial control signal, wherein the stimulation preferably includes electrical and/or mechanical stimulation. A response signal is generated based on a response of the muscle tissue specimen to the step of stimulating. The response signal preferably represents force production of the tissue specimen. A controller is provided for modifying the initial control signal based on the response signal to obtain a final control signal, wherein the final control signal is used to elicit a desired response from the muscle tissue specimen. Advantageously, the system and method of the present invention can be used to adaptively control the stimulation of a muscle tissue specimen in a tissue culture environment.

Abstract: The present invention is a real-time spatial particulate mass deposition tester. The tester is based on the principle that an anisotropic fill density distribution would result in an uneven particulate vertical pressure distribution on the inside face of the bottom surface of the die. Further, this uneven particulate vertical pressure distribution can be detected by placing multiple, sufficiently sensitive load cells on the inside surface at the bottom of the die, and analyzing the output signals acquired from the load cells using any suitable data acquisition system.

Abstract: A method for testing the stability of installed wooden utility poles in a non-destructive manner, in particular to determine decay caused by fungal growth or insect infestation. A quantity E' that is proportional to the modulus of elasticity E of the utility pole is measured above ground level at at least two different heights which are spaced apart by at least one meter, one height being directly at ground level, by shooting a pin with a defined energy at the utility pole and measuring its deflection when it springs back. The conditions of stability are fulfilled when the quantities E' measured at different heights deviate from one another by less than 30%. The invention enables one to objectively assess the condition of utility poles as well as to quantitatively characterize this condition.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for selecting a substrate intended for use in a cutting operation. The method is particularly suitable for selecting facestock materials intended for use in making pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) constructions such as PSA labels. The method includes the following steps (A)-(D). Step (A) involves cutting the substrate during a first cutting step to form at least two shapes in the substrate. The shapes are positioned in spaced relationship to each other. A matrix is formed during this cutting step. The matrix is the waste substrate material around the shapes. Step (B) involves cutting the substrate with a second cutting step to form a test sample. The test sample is comprised of part of one shape, part of the next adjacent shape, and the matrix around the shape parts. Step (C) involves separating the matrix from the shape parts while measuring the force required to separate the matrix from the shape parts and measuring the displacement of the separating force.

Abstract: A method for testing motor armature shafts is disclosed. The method includes simulating armature shaft loading conditions to test armature shaft reliability for failure. The shaft has a longitudinally extending axis, which during operation is the axis of rotation of the shaft. In the method the shaft is fixedly supported at two spaced locations a predetermined distance from one of the free ends. A normal force is rotated about the shaft's longitudinal axis. This force is exerted continuously about the circumference of the free end of the armature shaft, so that the armature shaft is continuously offset a predetermined distance from its longitudinal axis. This force is continuously applied for a predetermined number of rotations of the shaft. This simulates loading of the armature shaft in an assembled motor.

Abstract: A method of analyzing a structure containing a rigid body. The method defines a set of displacement factors to be imposed on a structure model. The method is used for calculating structure stress defining equations including a load vector representing externally applied forces on the structure model. The method modifies the load vector to compensate for rigid body deformation and evaluates stresses on the structure model from data generated from the structure stress defining equations.

Abstract: A process for determining the prestress of antifriction bearings which are preloaded against each other or installed with an initial stress, and permitting a reliable determination as to the prestress actually present in the bearing. The initial stress is determined in connection with the elastic behavior (elastic deformation) of the bearing, by first, applying a first force F.sub.1 to the bearing as it rests on a flange or bearing ring, and measuring the elastic deformation S.sub.1 resulting therefrom. Second, another (higher) force F.sub.2 is applied to the bearing and again the elastic deformation S.sub.2 resulting therefrom is measured. Thereupon, the difference between the elastic deformations (S.sub.2 -S.sub.1 =.DELTA.S) is determined and the existing initial stress is found by comparison with the elastic characteristic (calculated or empirically determined) of the bearing.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for testing a pellet of resin to determine its age comprises preheating the pellet and subjecting it to a deformation force in a measurement fixture for a predetermined time period. At the expiration of the predetermined time period, the deformation of the pellet is measured and compared to an expected deformation of the resin as a function of the resin age to determine the age of the pellet.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a mechanical testing apparatus for determining the mechanical properties of an oriented tissue-equivalent, while simultaneously providing a suitable cell culture environment. The mechanical testing apparatus comprises an incubator equipped with means for controlling the atmosphere and means for controlling the temperature inside said incubator. Located within the incubator chamber are means for securing, in a desired location, the oriented tissue-equivalent to be mechanically tested. Further, the apparatus is equipped with means for controlling the length of the oriented tissue-equivalent, means for determining the force generated by the oriented tissue-equivalent, means for determining the length of the oriented tissue-equivalent and means for conditioning and recording force and length measurements.

Abstract: An apparatus for testing pavement test samples for for surface wear, including rutting, stripping and fatigue, is disclosed. The testing machine includes a testing chamber and a sample tray that is adapted for holding one or more test samples. The machine also includes a hose for each test sample to be tested. Each hose is disposed above a test sample in the sample tray in such fashion that the hose may be deflected to contact a least a substantial portion of the sample. A mechanism is also provided for pumping a fluid into each hose and for maintaining fluid pressure within the hose. The testing machine also includes a testing wheel assembly that is disposed above the hose assembly within the chamber. The testing wheel assembly is adapted for reciprocating movement on a track and includes a loading wheel for each hose.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for non-destructive testing of the load bearing characteristics of a structure are disclosed. An interferometer is supported by a beam which is supported away from the surface of the structure to be tested. The interferometer is used to measure a quantity which varies with the distance between the interferometer and a reflecting means supported on the location to be tested. The reflecting means is supported in such a manner as to move responsively with deformations to the said location, and is typically attached to a probe which is urged against the said location. Preferably a force is applied or varied near the location to be tested and comparisons are made over time or as the said force varies. Such a system does not damage the structure, and does not require complicated equipment or processing.

Abstract: An optical fiber preform manufacturing apparatus which continuously monitors the weight of a preform during manufacturing by a load cell without increasing the offset amount of the preform. The preform manufacturing apparatus includes a rotary chuck unit vertically moved by an elevating unit and a rod gripped by the rotary chuck unit and vertically extending downward. At the time of manufacturing a preform, the elevating unit and the rotary chuck unit are driven to rotate and move a starting rod suspended from the lower end of the rod upward. A support plate is fixed to the rotary chuck unit. Three or more load cells are arranged between the support plate and an elevating plate of the elevating unit. The rotary chuck unit is firmly supported by these load cells, so that the rotating shaft is not inclined. A hole is formed in the elevating plate, and the rotary chuck unit extends through the hole with a gap therebetween.

Abstract: A force sensing assembly measures a magnitude of a force generated at the tabs in a product delivery system. The product delivery system can be one in which a force is produced at the tabs by the weight of the stack, by a paddle pushing an end of the stack, or by another similar type of advancing mechanism. In a preferred embodiment, the force sensing assembly has a pair of tabs connected to a cross-bar which extends across the stack and which is connected to the frame of the feeder through a bell crank at one end and a lever at the other end. The bell crank has one arm connected to the cross-bar and a second arm connected to a load cell. The force at the tabs causes the lever and bell crank to rotate, with the force being transmitted through the bell crank, through a spring, and then to the load cell. The load cell generates a force signal which is supplied to a controller for adjusting the amount of force at the tabs.

Abstract: A system for performing a flexometer test includes a balanced beam supporting an anvil upon which a viscoelastic material is placed, the balanced beam being balanced upon a rotatable shaft and pivotable about the axis of the rotatable shaft, an assembly for applying a static load to the material, a hammer opposite the anvil for applying a dynamic strain to the material, and a sensor which senses permanent dimensional changes in the material.

Abstract: An apparatus for monitoring the growth of surface cracks in materials includes a means for applying a load to a specimen to simulate actual use of the specimen, means for illuminating the specimen, means for capturing images of the specimen, and means for processing the images to monitor crack growth in the specimen. Optionally, the means for processing can be used to control the other means.

Abstract: A test block and method of testing for law enforcement personnel to quickly and easily test the strength of and gauge the dimensions of a handcuff key before it is used in actual handcuffs. The block has an opening in its center which receives the latch tab end of the key and also serves as a gauge for the maximum permissible dimensions of a handcuff key. To test the key, the officer inserts the latch tab end in the opening and exerts pressure on the key with his thumb while holding the block in a stable position. The test block has a thickness which is sufficient to hold the key in the test block as it is being tested.

Abstract: A device for the testing of anchorages in, protrusions from, or attachments to surfaces (collectively, "anchorage hardware") is connected to the anchorage hardware under test and rests against the surface. A slidable coupler is positioned within an enclosure under a mounting plate and to which the hardware to be tested is attached. A spring within part of the device is used to apply a calibrated loading force between the anchorage and the surface. A cam determines the spacing between the enclosure and a spring assembly housing, causing motion of the coupler and transfer of the force of the spring to the hardware under test. The device may include an indicator to measure the force applied.

Abstract: A system for testing various properties of a viscoelastic material includes a balanced beam supporting an anvil upon which the material is placed, the balanced beam having a fixed state and a movable state, a load assembly for applying a static load to the material when the balanced beam is in a movable state and inducing an initial static strain on the material when the beam is in a fixed state, a hammer opposite the anvil for applying a dynamic strain to the material, a first sensor which senses the dynamic strain applied to the material by the hammer when the balanced beam is in the fixed state, a load cell which detects the force response of the material to the initial static strain and the dynamic strain when the balanced beam is in the fixed state, and a second sensor which senses permanent dimensional changes in the material when the balanced beam is in the movable state.

Abstract: An apparatus for evaluating the mechanical properties of a material has a superconducting magnet that has a plurality of magnet windings arranged side by side in the direction of a longitudinal axis of the magnet. The interior of the magnet is provided with a vertical space and a horizontal space for housing a test specimen in alignment with its longitudinal axis and at right-angles to the longitudinal axis. The apparatus is also provided with a fitting so that the magnet can be attached in an orientation that is in alignment with a longitudinal axis of the vertical space, and can be rotated by 90 degrees in a plane that includes a longitudinal axis of the horizontal space to thereby be oriented in a second direction.

Abstract: This invention relates to a personnel platform built to be occupied by workmen and suspended from a crane at an elevated work site, and to an apparatus and method for load testing a suspended personnel platform.The load testing apparatus of this invention uses a personnel platform with forklift tubes and a plurality of latching assemblies integrated with a preformed test-weight. The latching assemblies include slidable lock-bolts that are easily and releasably engageable with the forklift tubes.

Abstract: Disclosed are a method and apparatus for determining the stretching characteristics of thermoplastic articles such as bottles on a consistently accurate basis by making an initial measurement such as dimension or volume, stretching the article to the onset of strain hardening, and correlating the measurements to a physical property such as inherent viscosity, intrinsic viscosity or molecular weight of the thermoplastic article.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for force-controlled fatigue testing of a specimen or material. A driver is used to generate a load force which is applied to the test specimen. Physical property changes of the test specimen are measured over time and a feedback signal is generated as a function of the measured physical property changes. A motion command signal is computed as a function of the feedback signal. A computer processes the feedback signal and emits the motion command signal to an actuator. The driver responds to the motion command signal and maintains the load force at an approximately constant magnitude during the physical property changes of the test specimen.

Abstract: Disclosed are a method and apparatus for determining the stretching characteristics of thermoplastic articles such as bottles on a consistently accurate basis by making an initial measurement such as dimension or volume, stretching the article to the onset of strain hardening, and correlating the measurements to a physical property such as inherent viscosity, intrinsic viscosity or molecular weight of the thermoplastic article.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for the nondestructive testing of rock samples as a function of time are disclosed. A rock sample is placed in a sample vessel which simulates in-situ wellbore conditions of pressure, temperature and fluid effects. Ultrasonic signals are transmitted through the sample and the transit time is measured. The measurements are repetitively performed and the time history of the development of strength is recorded in order to determine when the rock sample begins to weaken.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a material strength measuring apparatus for specimens having a curved surface or an irregular surface with high accuracy.

Abstract: A system and method for measuring the biomechanical properties of a healing wound in a specimen which utilize a chamber for applying an increasingly negative pressure over time to an area of tissue containing the wound, markings on the area for facilitating measurement of expansion of the area, a pressure measurement device for measuring the pressure in the chamber as a function of time, one or more cameras for obtaining multiple views of the area over time, a digitizer for generating a digital representation of each of the views, and a processor for determining a strain value from each digital representation and for correlating each strain value with a pressure measurement corresponding to the same point in time to provide a stress-strain relationship.

Abstract: A material testing machine devised so as to be capable of complying with a long test piece without employing a long-sized screw columns. The machine consists essentially of a pair of intermediate rods rotatably installed on a table for being driven by a motor, a pair of screw columns screw-cut in the region corresponding to a possible elongation of a test piece and devised so as to be expandable with respect to and rotatable integrally with the pair of intermediate rods, holder means for rotatably holding the screw columns at any desired position of expansion, and a crosshead having both its ends screw-engaged with the pair of screw columns for being driven through the rotation of the screw columns to exert force on a test piece between the same and the table.

Abstract: An ultrasonic wave is applied to an anisotropic sample material in an initial direction and an angle of flux deviation of the ultrasonic wave front is measured from this initial direction. This flux deviation angle is induced by the unknown applied load. The flux shift is determined between this flux deviation angle and a previously determined angle of flux deviation of an ultrasonic wave applied to a similar anisotropic reference material under an initial known load condition. This determined flux shift is then compared to a plurality of flux shifts of a similarly tested, similar anisotropic reference material under a plurality of respective, known load conditions, whereby the load applied to the particular anisotropic sample material is determined. A related method is disclosed for determining the fiber orientation from known loads and a determined flux shift.

Abstract: A test fixture for testing a specimen under compressive or tensile load under close, reproducible tolerances and conditions. Confronting platens having surfaces which act against the specimen are provided with an in-line wedge assembly which drives the platens to load the specimen. The platens and wedge assembly are positioned between the top and base of a frame assembly. The top and base are connected by side plate members which are tensioned when the wedge assembly is operated to load the specimen via the platens. The test fixture also has a load cell in line with the platens and which is acted against by the platens to continuously sense the load applied to the specimen.

Abstract: A method of determining the positions of beads, capable of determining appropriate positions easily. The method includes the steps of obtaining a buckling waveform on the member without any bead; analyzing the obtained buckling waveform to determine concave portions and convex portions of the buckling waveform; and determining the positions of the beads in accordance with the concave portions and the convex portions of the buckling waveform.

Abstract: Method and apparatuses are disclosed for testing various characteristics of an elastomeric weatherstrip such as seal load, stress relaxation, and the recovery rate. One embodiment of the invention is an apparatus including a member defining a surface for exerting a force to deflect a portion of the weatherstrip a selected distance. The surface is oriented to be parallel to an edge defined by the portion along the weatherstrip's longitudinal axis in order to ensure that the exerted force is evenly distributed. The apparatus further includes an adjustable support for positioning the weatherstrip with respect to the surface and for bringing the edge into contact with the surface sufficiently to cause the portion to deflect the selected distance. The apparatus also includes a device for measuring the force exerted during deflection on the surface by the portion of the weatherstrip.

Abstract: Testing open-ended cartons to determine the centrifugal force at which the contents will move out an open end. A filled carton is positioned on a support and the carton is gripped at the end portions of the carton side panels and rotated. Upon reaching a rotational speed at which the carton can no longer hold the contents in place, the contents strike an end wall of the support, indicating that the carton has failed.

Abstract: The lifetime NF (number of cycles to failure) of a metallic structure such as a soldered joint or the like is determined by three simple, rapid tests. The first is to determine creep displacement rate vs. load (stress). Next, from the same data, the slope of the matrix creep displacement vs. load (stress) curve is determined. A third test is to obtain load (stress) relaxation over a short period of time from a load (stress) in the matrix creep displacement region. The matrix creep displacement per cycle (CPS) is then derived by plotting matrix creep displacement rate vs. time and integrating the area under this curve.

Abstract: A method of press-molding defectiveness detection adapted for the detection of the press-bonding defectiveness of a terminal which is attached to the end of a covered wire so that a wire barrel and an insulation barrel of the terminal are press-bonded to a conductor portion at the end of the covered wire and a covered portion of the wire, respectively, by press-molding. A profile of a press-bonding load acting on the terminal during terminal press-bonding operation is detected, and the press-bonding defectiveness of the terminal is determined by comparing the detected press-bonding load profile with a reference press-bonding load profile. The press-bonding defectiveness of the terminal may be determined, as required, by comparing the integral value of the press-bonding load, calculated on the basis of the detected press-bonding load profile, with a predetermined reference value.

Abstract: An apparatus for applying a test load to an article (104) has upper and lower mounting members (10,12) between which the article is attached. The lower member (14) is connected via a girder (52) to a weight attachment plate (56) and beneath the plate is a plurality of weights (A to Z), each having a peg (62) which extends through a corresponding aperture in the plate.A solenoid-actuated collar (80) mounted on the plate (56) is associated with each peg (62), and by appropriate actuation of the solenoids, one or more of the weights (A to Z) may be releasably attached to the plate (56).The selected load may be applied to the article under test (104) by actuation of a fluid-operated ram (48) which displaces the upper mounting member (10) upwardly.

Abstract: A manbasket testing apparatus for use in the trial lift and proof testing of personnel work platforms known as manbaskets is disclosed. The testing device provides a manbasket supported by a floor attached sling and providing a removable test weight attached through and underneath the floor of the manbasket by the use of eyebolts attached to the test weight and extending through the floor with attachment rods slid transversely through the eyebolts. A method of testing using the manbasket testing apparatus is also disclosed.

Abstract: In an automatic cleaning device for use in the thermoplastics extrusion plastometer including a piston cleaning unit, a conveying unit, a cylinder cleaning unit and a die cleaning unit. The piston cleaning unit cleans the surface of the piston at plasticity testing positions. The conveying unit moves the cylinder from the plasticity testing position to a cylinder cleaning position and to a die cleaning position. The cylinder cleaning unit cleans the interior surface of the cylinder at a cylinder cleaning position. Finally, the die cleaning unit cleans the interior surface of the die at the die cleaning position.

Abstract: A ballistic test device for simulating propellant and/or bond and/or strain conditions in a high pressure, high strain rate rocket motor. The device uses internal compliant sleeves which allow radial expansion or growth of propellants, liners and insulation or any combination of all three.

Abstract: A method of testing offshore structures for mechanical faults includes the application of a tensile force to the structure from an outside point such as a tug boat the abrupt uncoupling of the tensile force from the structure and the detecting and indicating of the local vibration behaviour of parts of the structure by acceleration detectors mounted on said parts. The information thus obtained is analysed and may be compared with information about this local vibration behaviour obtained from calculations, simulations and/or earlier tests.

Abstract: A method of determining tensile bond strength and lap shear strength betw a liner/insulation material and a propellant composition which is cured to portions of the liner/insulation material.The liner/insulation material is bonded to a propellant composition in a dogbone configuration by positioning a predetermined size of the liner/insulation material in a groove that is constructed in a mold in a transverse direction for a tensile bond strength specimen whereby the propellant is bonded to each side of the exposed liner/insulation material. The lap shear specimen is formed in a mold wherein a predetermined size of the liner/insulation material is longitudinally positioned in a groove that is constructed in a mold.

Abstract: There is disclosed an object test procedure and apparatus for measuring web strength during carding. The test method determines the amount of air flow, transverse to the web, required to break a portion of the web under inline dynamic carding conditions. The test has utility in monitoring borderline conditions in production carding processes and as a research tool for evaluating proposed variants of man-made staple fibers.

Abstract: Apparatus for testing strength of door frames, consisting of a sturdy set of relatively movable pressure plates made of a heavy gauge sheet metal, designed for easy insertion into the usual space between the door and frame jamb at a position directly above the area of the latch bolt, and an interconnecting drive mechanism to apply a balanced force between the door and the frame on the inside only. Energy to drive the mechanism is supplied by the operator, using an ordinary drive socket and torque wrench with a modified scale that provides a direct indication of the force generated at the pressure plates. Frame spreading is also read on another scale and indicates an inverse measure frame strength. Rotary motion from the wrench is converted to linear motion of the plates by means of a lever assembly which also multiplies the driving force to the high level required. This door frame tester provides the user with an accurate high strength means for non-destuctive testing of new and older door frames.

Abstract: An extensometer readout circuit conditions a strain information signal, representing strain of a specimen being tested, in such a way that yield point measurements and final elongation measurements of such specimen may be concurrently obtained. The strain information signal is provided by subjecting the specimen to a tensile or compression test by any conventional means known in the prior art. The strain information signal is first applied to a preamplifier. The preamplified strain information signal is then concurrently applied to both a high gain amplifier and a low gain amplifier. The signal obtained from the high gain amplifier is used for performing modulus calculations and for obtaining yield point measurements. The signal obtained from the low gain amplifier is used to obtain the total elongation measurement.

Abstract: A damping device for use with acoustic information generation machines for isolating a generation portion of the generation device from contamination by extraneous acoustic emissions. A metal isolation piece consisting of a shape-memory alloy is disposed between an extraneous noise source and the generation portion of the device. Acoustic information generation devices in accordance with the present invention include phonograph record playing devices and testing devices for recording acoustic signals generated upon stressing a test piece. Thus, the present invention provides improved phonograph record playing devices and an improved testing device.

Abstract: A railroad side frame test machine for loading side frames used on the trucks or carriages for railway cars to simulate the in-use loads utilizing a compact linkage that provides for direct loading of the specimen in the various load directions. The forces are applied to the specimen to insure that certain reactions are grounded, while other applied forces are basically ungrounded to effectively eliminate "cross talk" between the various input loads or forces.

Abstract: Technique for the generation of stretchings, simple shear, and other definite deformations in a specimen. The deformation is generated by help of mechanical means by impressing definite displacements to the particles located on the surface of the specimen. The mechanical means are plates, bars, and rods underlying restrictions with respect to motion, so that by relative displacement of these elements the definite displacements required are obtained.