By Abrasion, Milling, Rubbing, Or Scuffing Patents (Class 73/7)
  • Publication number: 20140250974
    Abstract: A preform superabrasive cutter and a method of testing the preform superabrasive cutter are disclosed. The preform superabrasive cutter may comprise a superabrasive volume, metal carbide, and a slop. The superabrasive volume may have a top surface and superabrasive particles. The metal carbide may be attached to the superabrasive volume via an interface between the superabrasive volume and the metal carbide. The slope may be situated from the top surface of the superabrasive volume toward the metal carbide, wherein the slope is at an angle from about 5 to about 18 degrees relative to a longitudinal axis of the preform superabrasive cutter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2013
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Applicant: DIAMOND INNOVATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Andrew Gledhill, Gary Martin Flood
  • Publication number: 20140250973
    Abstract: A system and a method of testing a superabrasive cutter are disclosed. The system of testing a superabrasive cutter may comprise a spinning wheel holding the superabrasive cutter; a rock feeding into a rotation of the superabrasive cutter on the spinning wheel; and a plurality of sensors operably attaching to the spinning wheel and the rock to detect properties of the superabrasive cutter. The method of testing a superabrasive cutter may comprise steps of attaching a superabrasive cutter to a spinning wheel; moving a rock into a rotation of the superabrasive cutter on the spinning wheel; and communicably coupling a first sensor to the superabrasive cutter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2013
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Applicant: DIAMOND INNOVATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Andrew Gledhill, Christopher Long, Joel Vaughn
  • Patent number: 8756983
    Abstract: A hard composite composition comprises a binder; and a polymodal blend of matrix powder. In an embodiment, the polymodal blend of matrix powder has at least one local maxima at a particle size of 30 ?m or less, at least one local maxima at a particle size of 200 ?m or more, and at least one local minima between a particle size of about 30 ?m to about 200 ?m that has a value that is less than the local maxima at a particle size of 30 ?m or less.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Garrett T. Olsen
  • Patent number: 8726718
    Abstract: An apparatus and system for characterizing and quantifying certain attributes of antiperspirants and deodorants is provided, such as payout, friction, and flakeoff. The apparatus is capable of reproducibly applying antiperspirants and deodorant to a substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Colgate-Palmolive Company
    Inventor: John P. Rouse
  • Publication number: 20140090445
    Abstract: An apparatus for measuring the anti-wear nature of a surface of given article to test the article or coating thereon for wear and abrasion resistance. A selected abrasive paper strip or tape is pulled under controlled tension from a first feed reel which can control tension on the strip onto another second reel controlled at a selected speed and torque. The test part apparatus is capable of repetitive cycles. For example, a test cycle process may include the steps of pushing a finger probe against the moving selected abrasive paper in contact with a the test sample surface having a selected surface area, holding the finger probe against the paper which between the finger probe and surface of the article for a selected time and distance, and removing the finger probe pressure from the paper and the test article surface. The number of cycles required to wear through the coating on the sample is recorded and compared to other test samples.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2013
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Inventor: Scott H. Norman
  • Publication number: 20140083149
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for monitoring the wear of a pair of hand pliers with which crimping elements can be pressed onto a workpiece and a particular degree of crimping mp, to be obtained by actuating the pliers, set using a presetting device. An arrangement is described for carrying out this method, as is a pair of hand pliers implementing the method. The method includes: counting each actuation of the hand pliers and linking to the degree of crimping mp that has been set; reading out a wear prognosis value Vt, from a memory, for the degree of crimping that has been set; determining a total wear value V by adding up the wear prognosis value Vt for each actuation; verifying whether the total wear value reaches or exceeds a defined threshold value VG, and issuing a calibration request if necessary.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 26, 2012
    Publication date: March 27, 2014
    Applicant: RENNSTEIG WERKZEUGE GMBH
    Inventors: Thomas Wagner, Sascha Zmiskol, Andreas Marra
  • Patent number: 8621910
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a system comprises a magnetic head, a protective coating on a media-facing side of the head, and an indentation in the protective coating having a dimension that, when the protective coating wears, is indicative of an amount of wear of the protective coating. A method, in another embodiment, comprises creating an indentation in a protective coating of a magnetic head, the indentation having a dimension that, when the protective coating wears, is indicative of an amount of wear of the protective coating. In another embodiment, a method comprises visually inspecting indentations in a protective coating of a magnetic head, wherein at least two of the indentations have differing dimensions that, when the protective coating wears, are indicative of the amount of wear of the protective coating. The method also includes estimating an amount of wear of the protective coating based on the visual inspection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Robert Glenn Biskeborn, W. Stanley Czarnecki, Jason Liang, Calvin Shyhjong Lo
  • Patent number: 8607614
    Abstract: An apparatus and system for characterizing and quantifying certain attributes of antiperspirants and deodorants is provided, such as payout, friction, and flakeoff. The apparatus is capable of reproducibly applying antiperspirants and deodorant to a substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Colgate-Palmolive Company
    Inventor: John P. Rouse
  • Publication number: 20130327120
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a rotary-drum hydraulic-impact abrasion testing machine, which is used to process an abrasion test and a damage simulation for a plurality of hydraulics structures and comprises: a rotary-drum supporting framework, a rotary-drum and a plurality of sample fixing assembly. The sample fixing assembly at least comprises a housing, a first spacer and a plurality of first studs. In which, there are a plurality of sample openings formed on the side wall of the rotary-drum for respectively accommodating the hydraulics structure samples, and each sample opening is disposed with a long blocking plate and a short blocking plate on the two sides thereof. In the present invention, the rotary-drum hydraulic-impact abrasion testing machine is used to simultaneously execute the abrasion test and the damage simulation for multi hydraulics structures precisely.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2012
    Publication date: December 12, 2013
    Applicant: National Taiwan University of Science and Technology
    Inventors: Ta-Peng Chang, Chih-Yen Lin, Kuo-Hua Lee, Tzong-Ruey Yang
  • Patent number: 8573028
    Abstract: An antiskid performance testing apparatus for shoe sole comprises a base (17), a locating device and a force application device. The force application device includes a power source, a transport mechanism and a force application rod (6). The force application rod (6) is connected with a fixing shaft (8) via a sector turntable (2). The sector turntable (2) is equipped with a circular arc groove, and is sleeved on the fixing shaft (8) via a sleeve (12). A lower end of the force application rod (6) is fixed on the sector turntable (2) via a location pin (3), an upper end of the force application rod (6) is connected with the transport mechanism, and middle of the force application rod (6) is fixed with a slide pin (4). Two ends of the slide pin (4) are located in the circular arc groove of the sector turntable (2). The testing apparatus can test the antiskid performance of shoe under different force angles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: Zhejiang Red Dragonfly Footwear Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Zhirong Chen
  • Patent number: 8549891
    Abstract: The apparatus and methods disclosed may be utilized for the scratch/mar testing of various materials and components that provide improved correlation between the simulated damage modes and those reasonably expected to be encountered by the final components. The apparatus includes both a fixture configured for receiving and holding the material under test (MUT) and a tool holder that is arranged and configured for supporting and holding a variety of test tools in one or more orientations relative to the MUT. The tool holder and/or the fixture are, in turn, supported by one or more assemblies arranged and configured for bringing the tool into contact with the MUT and providing for movement of the tool relative to the MUT. The apparatus is then used for collecting data from a series of tests that can be used to compare the performance of different MUT compositions and configurations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: James Ryan, Alexander Hutter
  • Publication number: 20130255354
    Abstract: An undercarriage monitoring device has a roller assembly including a fixed roller component and a bushing. An opening is formed within the fixed roller component. A first sensor is disposed within the opening of the fixed roller component over the bushing. The first sensor is configured to sense a first physical characteristic of the bushing. The fixed roller component is a shaft or a housing. The first sensor is a temperature sensor or a Hall effect sensor. A magnet is disposed on the roller assembly. A second sensor is disposed within the opening of the fixed roller component over the bushing. The second sensor is configured to sense a second physical characteristic of the bushing. A data transmitting device is coupled to the first sensor. Data is collected from the sensor. The data collected from the sensor is transmitted to a receiving device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: October 3, 2013
    Applicant: WEARPRO INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Bradley E. Hawkins, Christopher N. Dewitt
  • Patent number: 8539848
    Abstract: A system for evaluating cutting efficiency of root canal rotary instruments is provided. The system includes a root canal rotary instrument, a driving unit, a cutting object, a prestressing force providing unit and a feeding unit. The root canal rotary instrument is attached on the driving unit, and driven thereby. The cutting object is pressed by the prestressing force providing unit to contact the root canal rotary instrument. The feeding unit feeds the cutting object to the root canal rotary instrument, and the root canal rotary instrument cuts an uncut surface of the cutting object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: National Taiwan University
    Inventors: Chow-Shing Shin, Zheng-Cheng Lin, Chun-Pin Lin
  • Publication number: 20130239652
    Abstract: A target cylinder, a method for testing a superhard component thereon, and a method for selecting an untested component for use in field applications. The target cylinder includes a first end, a second end, and a side wall extending from the first end to the second end. At least one of the second end and the sidewall is an exposed portion that makes contact with the superhard component to determine at least one property of the superhard component. The target cylinder is formed from a first material evenly distributed throughout a second material. Upon testing superhard components at one or more impact frequencies, untested superhard components are selected based upon field anticipated impact frequencies.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2013
    Publication date: September 19, 2013
    Applicant: Varel Europe S.A.S
    Inventors: Gilles Pelfrene, Michael R. Reese, Federico Bellin, Alfazazi Dourfaye, Gary M. Thigpen
  • Patent number: 8527214
    Abstract: A mechanical seal monitoring system and method that measure the wear of seal faces of a mechanical seal where the mechanical seal seals a rotating machine portion from another portion of the machine. The system preferably uses a wear probe movable relative to a rotating seal component so that the wear probe can contact the rotating component. The wear of the seal is preferably determined by the relative movement that is required for the wear probe to contact the rotating component. Preferably, stress waves induced by the rubbing between the probe and the rotating component are detected by a stress-wave sensor, processed by a signal processor, and either displayed to the user numerically or reported to a monitoring computer. A signal intensity comparison method is preferably used to make the detection process insensitive to background noise generated by sources other than the contact of the wear probe and the rotating component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Inventor: Michael N. Horak
  • Patent number: 8526111
    Abstract: An optical sheet having a structured surface and a composition for forming optical three-dimensional patterns able to form the structured surface, which is not easily damaged by external force or a rough surface and thus facilitates the handling thereof, reduces defective rates to thus decrease the production cost and increase the production efficiency, and prevents a decrease in luminance attributable to damage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Kolon Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Kyoung Hwa Kim, Kyoung Jong Kim, Dae Shik Kim
  • Publication number: 20130186172
    Abstract: A system according to one embodiment includes a carrier for receiving a module; a transport mechanism for running a tape across a tape bearing surface of the module; and a measuring device for measuring an extent of wear of a coating on a tape bearing surface of the module. A module according to one embodiment includes a body having a tape bearing surface, the body having an approximate tape bearing surface profile and dimensions as a module of interest; and a coating on the tape bearing surface. A method according to one embodiment includes measuring an initial coating thickness on a tape bearing surface of a module in a carrier; running a tape across the tape bearing surface; and at intervals, measuring a residual thickness of the coating.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2012
    Publication date: July 25, 2013
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Robert G. Biskeborn, Jason Liang, Calvin S. Lo
  • Publication number: 20130174638
    Abstract: A method of testing wear resistance of a wire coating material includes (a) preparing a wire coating material as a specimen; and (b) relatively moving a wear member with respect to the specimen in a state where the wear member is in contact with the specimen. A first value associated with a relative movement amount of the wear member with respect to the specimen is obtained. A second value associated with a wear amount of the specimen is obtained. A value that evaluates wear resistance is calculated by dividing the first value by the second value. The wear resistance of the wire coating material is evaluated based on a degree of the value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2012
    Publication date: July 11, 2013
    Applicant: SUMITOMO WIRING SYSTEMS, LTD.
    Inventor: Takeshi SATO
  • Patent number: 8479556
    Abstract: I-beam wear assessment trolleys include a first sensor assembly including a first upper block, a first lower block, a first pressure sensor positioned between the first upper block and the first lower block, and at least one first biasing member positioned between the first pressure sensor and either the first upper block or the first lower block of the first sensor assembly, wherein the at least one first biasing member biases the first upper block and the first lower block of the first sensor assembly away from one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward R. Welch, Tomokazu Okuno, Tetsuya Yamaguchi
  • Patent number: 8468881
    Abstract: An apparatus for inspecting brake drums to quickly determine whether the drums pass or fail inspection comprising a housing dimensioned to be inserted between the brake shoes of a wheel and placed on the inner braking surface of a brake drum, whereby a sensor or switch means is utilized to determine whether or not the inner diameter has exceeded the maximum allowable diameter for such drum, and whereby a visual or audible signal is provided to indicated that the drum has passed or failed inspection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Inventor: David Hower
  • Publication number: 20130142674
    Abstract: A wear sensor system, compressors using the wear sensor system and methods of detecting wear on a bearing. The wear sensor system includes a stationary housing mounted circuit comprising a first inductor electrically connected to a voltage source and a rotating shaft-mounted circuit comprising a second inductor electrically connected to a capacitor. When there is no metal-to-metal contact between the shaft of the compressor and the housing into which the shaft is mounted, the housing-mounted circuit inductively charges the shaft-mounted capacitor and reduces a current level when the shaft mounted capacitor is charged. Likewise, when there is metal-to-metal contact between the shaft and the housing (which is indicative of bearing wear), the shaft-mounted circuit is grounded; this causes the housing-mounted circuit to increase the current level. This increased current level may be output to a suitable device for display or other indicia of bearing wear.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2011
    Publication date: June 6, 2013
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventor: Joseph Mussro
  • Patent number: 8453497
    Abstract: A fixture for holding a cutter for a vertical turret lathe may comprise a block with a blind hole. A cutter with an indenter on its distal end may be secured within the hole such that a portion of the indenter comprises a positive rake angle. A method for testing cutters may comprise securing a cutter on a fixture of a vertical turret lathe which has a cutting material positioned adjacent the cutter. The cutting material may be rotated around a rotational axis at a constant rotational velocity. The fixture may be urged laterally such that the cutter progressively moves towards a periphery of the cutting material. The rotational velocity may be decreased as the cutter moves laterally to maintain a relative constant linear velocity between the cutting material and the cutter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: David R. Hall, Thomas Morris
  • Patent number: 8438901
    Abstract: An apparatus for producing stress on a surface, comprising one or more service assembly and one or more cleaning assembly. The service assembly comprises one or more means for applying dirt to said surface, or one or more means for scuffing said surface, or one or more means for dragging a test material across said surface, or a combination thereof. The cleaning assembly comprises one or more scrubber, or one or more burnisher, or a combination thereof. Also provided is a method of testing a surface with such an apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: Rohm and Haas Company
    Inventors: Walter Jay Gregory, Nilesh Shah, Theodore Tysak
  • Patent number: 8434346
    Abstract: A target cylinder and a method for testing a superhard component thereon. The target cylinder includes a first end, a second end, and a sidewall extending from the first end to the second end. At least one of the second end and the sidewall is an exposed portion that makes contact with the superhard component to determine at least one property of the superhard component. The exposed portion comprises at least one synthetic material having at least one of a compressive strength raging from about 12 kpsi to about 30 kpsi, an abrasiveness ranging from about 1 Cerchars to about 6 Cerchars, and an iron content ranging from about 5 percent to about 10 percent. Optionally, the exposed portion further comprises a second material interveningly positioned between or within the synthetic material in a predetermined and repeatable pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Assignee: Varel Europe S.A.S.
    Inventors: Michael R. Reese, Federico Bellin, Alfazazi Dourfaye, Gary M. Thigpen
  • Patent number: 8434347
    Abstract: A target cylinder and a method for testing a superhard component thereon. The target cylinder includes a first end, a second end, and a sidewall extending from the first end to the second end. At least one of the second end and the sidewall is an exposed portion that makes contact with the superhard component to determine at least one property of the superhard component. The exposed portion comprises at least one synthetic material having at least one of a compressive strength raging from about 12 kpsi to about 30 kpsi, an abrasiveness ranging from about 1 Cerchars to about 6 Cerchars, and an iron content ranging from about 5 percent to about 10 percent. Optionally, the exposed portion further comprises a second material interveningly positioned between or within the synthetic material in a predetermined and repeatable pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Assignee: Varel Europe S.A.S.
    Inventors: Michael R. Reese, Federico Bellin, Alfazazi Dourfaye, Gary M. Thigpen
  • Patent number: 8434348
    Abstract: A target cylinder and a method for testing a superhard component thereon. The target cylinder includes a first end, a second end, and a sidewall extending from the first end to the second end. At least one of the second end and the sidewall is an exposed portion that makes contact with the superhard component to determine at least one property of the superhard component. The exposed portion comprises at least one synthetic material having at least one of a compressive strength raging from about 12 kpsi to about 30 kpsi, an abrasiveness ranging from about 1 Cerchars to about 6 Cerchars, and an iron content ranging from about 5 percent to about 10 percent. Optionally, the exposed portion further comprises a second material interveningly positioned between or within the synthetic material in a predetermined and repeatable pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Assignee: Varel Europe S.A.S.
    Inventors: Michael R. Reese, Federico Bellin, Alfazazi Dourfaye, Gary M. Thigpen
  • Patent number: 8434377
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for measuring sandability of a coating or an article. This invention is particularly directed to a method for measuring sandability of a coating or an article quantitatively by measuring weight loss of said coating or article after being sanded. This invention is also directed to a system for measuring sandability of a coating or an article using said method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Assignee: U.S. Coatings IP Co. LLC
    Inventors: Li Lin, James Lamonte Adams
  • Publication number: 20130098139
    Abstract: A test apparatus and methods of measuring wear of a material with a laser displacement measurement apparatus based upon displacement of a test sample of the material or the wear of a testing surface and a specimen. A lubricant test method and apparatus measures the thickness of a lubricant film between two test surfaces by comparing the location of the test surfaces at rest and dynamically.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2011
    Publication date: April 25, 2013
    Applicant: TRIBIS ENGINEERING, INC.
    Inventor: Robert C. Adams, JR.
  • Publication number: 20130068571
    Abstract: A sensor device for the detection of the lining wear at a disc brake having a brake caliper and a brake actuation mechanism being arranged in the brake caliper, which includes a thrust piece which cooperates directly or indirectly with a brake lining so that a movement of the brake lining corresponds to the movement of the thrust piece, in which the sensor device can be inserted as a unit into the housing of the brake caliper from the rear.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2012
    Publication date: March 21, 2013
    Inventor: Hans Welin
  • Publication number: 20130067985
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for testing the abrasive wear resistance of PDC cutters or other superhard materials. The method includes obtaining a first cutter having a first substrate and a first cutting table coupled thereto and obtaining a second cutter having a second substrate and a second cutting table coupled thereto. The method also includes positioning a surface of the first cutting table in contact with a surface of the second cutting table. The method also includes rotating at least one of the first cutters and the second cutters where at least a portion of the first and/or second cutting tables is removed. The method includes determining the amount of first and/or second cutting table removed. The apparatus includes a first holder coupled to the first cutter and a second holder coupled to the second cutter, where at least one holder rotates circumferentially.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2012
    Publication date: March 21, 2013
    Applicant: Varel International Ind., L.P.
    Inventor: Varel International Ind., L.P.
  • Publication number: 20130055789
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus for monitoring a material includes adding tagging particles to the material, sensing the tagging particles in the material for an even distribution throughout the material, forming a part from the material if the tagging particles are evenly distributed throughout the material, sensing the tagging particles in the part to determine a physical characteristic of the part, placing the part in operation if the determined physical characteristic is within a predetermined specification, sensing the tagging particles in the part during operation to detect at least one of wear and damage to the part, and generating an indication to a user upon detection of the at least one of wear or damage to the part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2012
    Publication date: March 7, 2013
    Inventor: Thomas C. Targosz
  • Publication number: 20130047699
    Abstract: A device to measure the influence of friction force on wear characteristics of a material surface comprises a case with a cover. A moveable element (MFE) of a friction pair is fixed on a shaft installed in the case or is made flat. A holder of another, pressed, element of the friction pair (NMFE) and a clamp which applies a regulated load on the NMFE holder are attached to the cover. The NMFE is fixed to a NMFE holder installed using separate piezo sensors for pressing force and friction force in a sensor holder, which is installed using two pairs of lateral piezo actuators and their preload devices in an actuator holder, which is installed using two pairs of horizontal piezo actuators and their preload devices in the holder, which is installed in the cover of the device with membranes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2012
    Publication date: February 28, 2013
    Inventors: Juozas Padgurskas, Albinas Andriusis
  • Patent number: 8381571
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for assessing the penetration of tooth cleaning elements into a simulated gingival pocket. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a tooth shaped member, wherein at least a portion of the tooth is transparent to light; a gum member positioned on a first side of the tooth shaped member; a simulated gingival pocket created between the gum member and the tooth shaped member; and an imaging device configured to obtain a plurality of images related to the gingival pocket, and bristle penetration into the gingival pocket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: Braun GmbH
    Inventors: Joachim Wilhelm, Günter Helbig, Bernd Trebitz
  • Patent number: 8375774
    Abstract: A scratch testing apparatus for performing a scratching test while gradually increasing or decreasing a load, in which a pressure applied to the surface of a test specimen gradually increases or decreases as a head unit, to which a tip is attached, moves horizontally. The scratching testing apparatus includes a head unit having a bottom to which a tip attached; a guiding unit for guiding the head unit to move horizontally; and a pressure changing unit for changing pressure applied to the tip while the head unit is moving along the guiding unit. Therefore, the scratch testing apparatus may perform a scratching test as gradually increasing or gradually decreasing a load applied to the test specimen by the tip by moving the head unit, to which the tip is attached, horizontally.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: Sungkyunkwan University Foundation for Corporate Collaboration
    Inventors: Changsung Seok, Hongsun Park, Jongil Weon
  • Publication number: 20120304733
    Abstract: A wear-sensing structure comprising a metallic object having a wear-sensing layer at a surface which is subject to wear, wherein the wear-sensing layer comprises a host metallic matrix having a luminescent ceramic phase dispersed therewithin, the ceramic phase comprising a ceramic host containing a luminescent material which luminesces when illuminated with an illuminating radiation, with wear of the object being determined by reference to luminescence from the luminescent material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2010
    Publication date: December 6, 2012
    Inventors: Jörg Peter Feist, John Rayment Nicholls, Christopher Charles Pilgrim
  • Patent number: 8316689
    Abstract: Provided is a method for quantitative evaluation of mar- and scratch-induced surface damage on polymeric and coating materials. The method for quantitative evaluation of scratch-induced damage on polymeric and coating materials includes: preparing a test specimen of polymeric and coating materials; inducing a scratch damage on the surface of the test specimen; representing the scratch damage formed on the test specimen as corresponding color coordinates; and calculating a quantitated scratch damage index from a combination of a load applied to the surface of the test specimen and the color coordinates corresponding to the scratch damage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology
    Inventors: Jong Il Weon, Si Yong Song, Jong Bae Lee, Kil Yeong Choi, Sung Goo Lee, Jae Heung Lee
  • Patent number: 8276436
    Abstract: The present invention provides for an apparatus for testing a surface coating. An elongated tube having a first end and a second end is provided wherein said second end is open to a holding container. The first end of the elongated tube farther includes a funnel. A planar test panel is adapted to hold a variety of materials to be tested. Such materials include paint, coatings, tape, or other like materials. A separator is fluidly connected to the holding container via a first conduit. A vacuum is fluidly connected to a separator by means of a second conduit. A tester places a plurality of loose test pieces, such as metal nuts or small rocks, into the funnel and the loose test pieces fall through the elongated tube and onto the planar test panel. The loose test pieces then fall into the holding container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Marino Vettraino, David Lee Hicks
  • Patent number: 8266944
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method for evaluating scratch resistance of a plastic resin comprising scratching a surface of a test sample of plastic resin using a scratch apparatus to form a scratch of the surface having a scratch profile; scanning the scratched test sample with a surface profile analysis apparatus to measure the scratch profile; and creating a scratch resistance evaluation index based on the measured scratch profile to evaluate the scratch resistance of the test sample. The method has good reliability and reproducibility, reduces measurement time and errors caused by measurers and measuring conditions, provides easy measurement and can be widely applied to all plastic resins.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: Cheil Industries Inc.
    Inventors: Kee Hae Kwon, Il Jin Kim, Hyung Rang Moon, Jae Bum Park, Seong Ho Kong, O Sung Kwon
  • Publication number: 20120227462
    Abstract: A method of monitoring wear of a slew bearing system includes steps of assembling a slew bearing system having a first bearing ring and a second bearing ring concentrically positioned relative to each other forming at least upper and lower raceways, a plurality of bearing rollers positioned in each raceway between the first bearing ring and the second bearing ring, and an index system having a first reference connected with the first bearing ring and positioned relative to a second reference on the second bearing ring to provide a measurable distance between the first reference and the second reference, where the measurable distance changes with wear of the slew bearing system; and monitoring a change in the measurable distance between the first reference and the second reference to monitor wear of the slew bearing system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2011
    Publication date: September 13, 2012
    Applicant: NUCOR CORPORATOIN
    Inventors: Jeff Craig, Jeff Blankenship, Cory Mecham, Randall J. McNeil
  • Patent number: 8250786
    Abstract: In one aspect of the present invention, a method of excavation with pointed cutting elements, comprising the steps of providing a excavating assembly with at least one pointed cutting element, the pointed cutting element comprising a rounded apex that intersects a central axis, the pointed cutting element further has a characteristic of having its highest impact resistance to resultant forces aligned with the central axis; engaging the at least one pointed cutting element against a formation such that the formation applies a resultant force against the pointed cutting element; determining an angle of the resultant force; and modifying at least one excavating parameter to align the resultant force with the pointed cutting element's central axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Inventors: David R. Hall, Ronald B. Crockett, Thomas Morris
  • Patent number: 8230718
    Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus that precisely measures the bearings in a rotor pitch link. The apparatus permits measurements to within a thousandths of an inch to be taken in multiple perpendicular orientations. Namely, measurements can be taken in the axial direction, in the longitudinal radial direction, and in the transverse radial direction. All of these measurements can be taken without having to reorient the pitch link. By using the apparatus of the present invention, a user can detect unacceptable levels of wear within the pitch link bearings to thereby permit timely replacement and/or repair.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: Walin Tool, LLC
    Inventors: Linda K. Swadling, Bryan Hinman, Dan Oliverius
  • Patent number: 8225638
    Abstract: Methods to determine the durability and wear-resistance of soft armor. Observations on field tested articles of soft body armor indicate that the materials are subject to a combination of flexing, tensile, compressive and abrasive forces. The forces and stresses to which soft armor articles are subjected to can be duplicated in a controlled, isolated, measurable, appropriate and intuitive manner, to correlate ballistic performance with durability and wear characteristics. The tests closely approximate the forces and stresses experienced in the end use of ballistic resistant composite articles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: Honeywell International, Inc.
    Inventors: Henry G. Ardiff, David A. Hurst, Duane R. Prior, Brian H. Waring, Lori L. Wagner, Carolyn S. Westmark
  • Patent number: 8215163
    Abstract: A coating rigidity testing device includes a abrading machine, a base, two racks, and a actuator. The abrading machine is disposed on the base. The abrading machine includes a receiving chamber, a supporting arm, a pressure adjusting structure, and a scratching stylus. The receiving chamber includes a front plate. The extending arm includes a supporting arm is extended outwards from the front plate. The pressure adjusting member is extended outwards from the front plate and disposed above the supporting arm. The scratching stylus is received in the supporting arm, and configured for scratching nicks on a workpiece. The base includes a supporting surface supporting the abrading machine and the workpiece, and two first sidewalls parallel to each other. The two racks are arranged on two first sidewalls. The actuator is configured for driving the receiving chamber to move along the racks on the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Bing-Jun Zhang
  • Patent number: 8219319
    Abstract: A computer-implemented method of characterizing elastic properties of a subsurface formation at various fluid saturation conditions is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventor: Christopher Skelt
  • Publication number: 20120103055
    Abstract: The apparatus and methods disclosed may be utilized for the scratch/mar testing of various materials and components that provide improved correlation between the simulated damage modes and those reasonably expected to be encountered by the final components. The apparatus includes both a fixture configured for receiving and holding the material under test (MUT) and a tool holder that is arranged and configured for supporting and holding a variety of test tools in one or more orientations relative to the MUT. The tool holder and/or the fixture are, in turn, supported by one or more assemblies arranged and configured for bringing the tool into contact with the MUT and providing for movement of the tool relative to the MUT. The apparatus is then used for collecting data from a series of tests that can be used to compare the performance of different MUT compositions and configurations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2010
    Publication date: May 3, 2012
    Inventors: James Ryan, Alexander Hutter
  • Patent number: 8161792
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for assessing the abrasiveness of a brush is provided. The method includes providing a destructible article, providing a brush, such as for example a toothbrush, brushing the destructible article with the toothbrush, examining the destructible article after brushing with the toothbrush and determining the abrasive quality of the toothbrush as a function of the appearance of the destructible article. The apparatus for determining the abrasiveness of a toothbrush includes a holder for retaining a toothbrush having a head and a neck, a support for holding a destructible article, a mechanism for moving the head of the toothbrush against the destructible article in a brushing fashion, and a biasing member for applying a selected brushing force between the head of the toothbrush and the destructible article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: Braun GmbH
    Inventors: Carolin Schlueter, Joachim Wilhelm
  • Patent number: 8151623
    Abstract: A wear sensor (30, 50, 60) installed on a surface area (24) of a component (20, 21) subject to wear from an opposing surface (74, 75). The sensor has a proximal portion (32A, 52A, 62A) and a distal portion (32C, 52C, 62C) relative to a wear starting position (26). An electrical circuit (40) measures an electrical characteristic such as resistance of the sensor, which changes with progressive reduction of the sensor from the proximal portion to the distal portion during a widening reduction wear of the surface from the starting position. The measuring circuit quantifies the electrical changes to derive a wear depth based on a known geometry of the wear depth per wear width. In this manner, wear depth may be measured with a surface mounted sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: Siemens Energy, Inc.
    Inventors: Sachin R. Shinde, Anand A. Kulkarni, David J. Mitchell, Ramesh Subramanian
  • Patent number: 8147757
    Abstract: The present invention describes a system and method for accurately measuring the concentration of a substance within a filter housing. A concentration sensor and a communications device are coupled so as to be able to measure and transmit the concentration of a particular substance within the filter housing while in use. This system can comprise a single component, integrating both the communication device and the concentration sensor. Alternatively, the system can comprise separate sensor and transmitter components, in communication with one another. In yet another embodiment, a storage element can be added to the system, thereby allowing the device to store a set of concentration values. The use of this device is beneficial to many applications. For example, the ability to read concentration values in situ allows integrity tests to be performed without additional equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: EMD Millipore Corporation
    Inventor: Anthony DiLeo
  • Publication number: 20120067108
    Abstract: A method of grading a microfiber cleaning cloth is provided. The method includes determining a basis weight of the microfiber cleaning cloth; assigning the microfiber cleaning cloth a heavy-duty grade if the basis weight is greater than 400 g/m2; assigning the microfiber cleaning cloth a medium-duty grade if the basis weight is between about 300 to 400 g/m2; and assigning the microfiber cleaning cloth a light-duty grade if the basis weight is less than about 300 g/m2.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2011
    Publication date: March 22, 2012
    Applicant: UNGER MARKETING INTERNATIONAL, LLC
    Inventor: Bruno Niklaus
  • Patent number: 8136384
    Abstract: A hardband wear testing system with a first rotatable member connected to a tool joint to rotate the tool joint in a first direction. A second rotatable member connectable to the casing sample to rotate the casing sample in the first direction or in a second direction opposite to the first direction. One or more actuators may be utilized to raise and lower the second rotatable member and the casing sample with respect to the tool joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: National Oilwell Varco, L.P.
    Inventors: Daniel L. Hannahs, Irving O. Logan, Alfred Calles, Jr.