Abstract: A bearing including a wearable section including a wear sensor is provided. The bushing includes a wear sensor that provides feedback to a user relating to the amount of useable life of the bearing that has been used. The sensor may be in the form of a wire imbedded in the wearable section of the bearing such that as the wearable section wears over time, the wire may be worn through breaking a circuit including the wire. An indicator module can sense the breakage of the wire and determine the amount of useable life of the bearing that has been used. In one implementation, the bearing is used in a drying drum. In one form of the invention, a method of monitoring wear of the bearing is provided that includes monitoring changes in electrical properties of a sensor mounted in the bearing.

Abstract: Temperature or wear indicating device for material-working tools, in particular pipe-working tools, furthermore in particular saw blades, wherein the temperature or wear indicating device has at least one temperature or wear indicator, the temperature or wear indicator being at least partially produced from an indicator material that changes one of its visual properties, in particular its colour, permanently when a predetermined limit temperature is exceeded.

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.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining wear and tear in machines includes a method that determines a voltage draw and/or a current draw of a first subsystem of the machine during its operation, and wear and tear present in a second machine subsystem is determined based on the draw determined in the first subsystem. In one embodiment, a coal grinding machine includes a drive, a coal grinding mill driven by the drive, a device for determining an electrical draw of a current and/or voltage draw of the drive during operation, and a device for inferring wear and tear present in the coal grinding mill on the basis of voltage and/or current draw determined in the drive. The machine can include a device for inferring the quality or type of material (like coal) being processed in the mill based on the draw determined in the drive.

Abstract: A method for determining a wear value of a transmission element between a crankshaft and a camshaft of a reciprocating piston internal combustion engine, in particular a timing chain or toothed belt, is provided. The camshaft is driven by the transmission element via a drive part, for example a camshaft gearwheel. In each case, at least one measurement value for the phase position of the drive part relative to the crankshaft is determined at time intervals during which the crankshaft drives the camshaft, and the wear value is determined from the difference between the measurement values.

Abstract: A wear gauge is provided for simulating the wear of a magnetic recording component at its interface with a magnetic storage medium comprising a wear gauge block having a wear surface that substantially approximates the geometrical dimensions and contour of the working surface of the magnetic recording component, wherein the wear surface has a coating of transparent material. A test method comprises mounting the wear gauge in a test fixture, positioning a tape and adjusting the over wrap angle at edges of the wear surface, choosing the desired tape tension, speed and runtime, and running the tape, preferably unidirectionally, in operational contact with the wear surface for the desired runtime. The wear surface is inspected under white light illumination to observe and record locations of interferometric color changes on the wear surface. The color changes are correlated to thickness changes of the transparent coating on the wear surface.

Abstract: A wear gauge is provided for simulating the wear of a magnetic recording component at its interface with a magnetic storage medium comprising a wear gauge block having a wear surface that substantially approximates the geometrical dimensions and contour of the working surface of the magnetic recording component, wherein the wear surface has a coating of transparent material. A test method comprises mounting the wear gauge in a test fixture, positioning a tape and adjusting the overwrap angle at edges of the wear surface, choosing the desired tape tension, speed and runtime, and running the tape, preferably unidirectionally, in operational contact with the wear surface for the desired runtime. The wear surface is inspected under white light illumination to observe and record locations of interferometric color changes on the wear surface. The color changes are correlated to thickness changes of the transparent coating on the wear surface.

Abstract: A method and associated product for wear level determination. Data is received from at least one Radio Frequency IDentification (RFID) tag within a thickness of a wearing surface layer of each product of at least one product. The wearing surface layer of each product is an outermost surface layer of each product. The wearing surface layer of each product is adapted to be worn away such that the thickness of the wearing surface layer is reduced as each product is being used. A measure of wear of the wearing surface layer of each product is determined.

Abstract: A testing method capable of quantifying abrasion resistance on the translucent base surface of a high-recording-density optical information medium simply and in a form of reflecting an actual application environment, and judging criteria appropriate for the testing method.

Abstract: A technique for predicting the wear of at least one tire whose tread has pattern elements and which is fitted to a terrestrial motor vehicle, and a system for implementing the technique that enables a user, such as the vehicle's driver, to know reliably at any given moment the level of wear on the tire or on all the tires, or how long the residual wear will last, or even the remaining available running distance. Also, the piloting of drive-aid systems such as “ABS” (anti-block braking system) or “ESP” (electric programmed stability device) systems can be adapted as a function of the wear characteristics of the vehicle.

Abstract: There is provided a testing device for testing the seam of a garment that includes a mechanical abrader frame holding elongate members and a control unit. The mechanically oscillating elongate members are each connected to an actuator located within the frame. A test sample is placed on the elongate members of the mechanical abrader frame. Actuators are attached to the connection rods that extend through openings in the front wall of the frame and attach to each of the elongate members for imparting extending and retracting movement to the elongate member. Each of the actuators has an attachment member affixed to its rear end that permits a support rod to pass therethrough allowing for a degree of rotation about the support rod as the connection rod is extended and retracted. A control unit regulates movement of the elongate members and determines the number of revolutions of the elongate members. A method for testing the seam abrasion of a garment seam is also provided.

Abstract: A method is described to determine the valve train wear performance of a lubricating oil by adding to the lubricating oil from about 2% to about 9% by weight, based on the total weight of the lubricating oil, of a mixture of at least three carbon black components of mixed particle size and measuring the wear induced in a wear test.

Abstract: Methods for inspecting gas turbine component parts for possible distress after hydrogen fluoride cleaning are disclosed. The methods selectively remove a small amount of material for IGA inspection and restore the material using the same procedures as when the parts were manufactured.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for determining the number of active diamonds on a conditioning disk. In particular, the method comprises (a) contacting a diamond conditioner disk with a hard surface, wherein the diamond-containing side of the diamond conditioning disk is facing the hard surface, (b) moving the diamond conditioner disk under a load across the hard surface so as to cause any active diamonds present on the diamond-containing side of the diamond conditioner disk to leave a mark corresponding to each active diamond, and (c) counting the marks to determine the number of active diamonds on the diamond conditioner disk.

Abstract: Disclosed are a tool and method for identifying the relative strength of subsurface intervals through which a borehole has been drilled. The tool includes a tool body capable of being moved through a borehole. The tool body has pads mounted on movable arms. Preferably the arms can be loaded independently. Each pad carries scratchers, which are pushed against the borehole wall so as to create either deep narrow or shallow wide scratches. Preferably, the scratchers comprise either a single or dual element polycrystalline compact (PDC) cutter or suitable hard, wear resistant material such as tungsten carbide or natural diamond, and are pushed against the borehole wall by resiliently loaded arms. The depth of narrow scratches is measured, for example, by two tandem powered calipers and the width of wide scratches is visualized by a borehole imager.

Abstract: A seal for preventing leakage of fluid from between a first member and a second member has a seal body and a seal wear indicator. The second member is capable of moving toward and away from the first member. The seal body is adapted for engaged contact with the first and second members so as to prevent leakage of fluid as long as the seal has not worn beyond a specified depth. A seal wear indicator is positioned within the seal body at approximately the specified depth, such that when the seal has worn to the specified depth, a change in the optical conductor is detected, indicating that the seal needs replacement.

Abstract: The reliability test plate for appearance treatment is used to coat with predetermined paint or material. The reliability test plate at least includes an appearance simulation area for simulating at least partial appearance of an electronic product, and at least one test plane area. The appearance simulation area and the test plane area can be coated with the predetermined paint. Then, one reliability test item can be performed at the test plane area.

Abstract: A machine suitable for evaluating finished cylindrical manufactured part that accurately simulates the performance of the intended use of the part in a cam-roller contact geometry using an actual manufactured part as the test specimen is provided. The machine is capable of evaluating the effects on the can finish and profile of the manufactured part. Three idler rollers ground to simulate the axial cam geometry are compressed into the outer diameter of the bearing as it rotates, duplicating the rolling action of a cam lobe. Because the cylindrical manufactured part to be tested is loaded evenly between the three idles, the test part experiences three stress cycles per revolution, accelerating the generation of fatigue spalling damage on the outside diameter. Load and speed are regulated using a closed loop control. Ease of replacing the part to be tested and servicing the idler rollers is an advantageous feature of the machine.

Abstract: The apparatus is a multi-speed flat belt durability tester that can simultaneously test several belts of different lengths. The tester can apply different tensions to each belt with a tension pulley powered by a hydraulic cylinder, and it monitors the tracking of the belts with photocell sensors. At least two belt test positions located at the outer edges of the apparatus include cantilevered pulley ends that greatly facilitate installation and removal of the belts being tested.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for determining the number of active diamonds on a conditioning disk. In particular, the method comprises (a) contacting a diamond conditioner disk with a hard surface, wherein the diamond-containing side of the diamond conditioning disk is facing the hard surface, (b) moving the diamond conditioner disk under a load across the hard surface so as to cause any active diamonds present on the diamond-containing side of the diamond conditioner disk to leave a mark corresponding to each active diamond, and (c) counting the marks to determine the number of active diamonds on the diamond conditioner disk.

Abstract: An apparatus and method to test the abrasion resistance of materials. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a conduit network, a primary air stream generating device to generate a primary air stream in the conduit network, a secondary air stream generating device to produce a secondary air stream in the conduit network, and a particulate handling device to deposit particulate into the conduit network so that the particulate enters the secondary air stream. The conduit network merges the secondary air stream into the primary air stream to allow the particulate to enter the primary air stream, and allow the primary air stream to blow the particulate at a test sample positioned within the conduit network.

Abstract: There is provided an apparatus for producing stress on a surface, said apparatus comprising one or more service assembly and one or more cleaning assembly, (a) wherein said service assembly comprises one or more means for applying dirt to said surface, or one or more means for scuffing said surface, one or more means for dragging a test material across said surface, or a combination thereof, and (b) wherein said 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.

Abstract: An abrasion resistance testing apparatus tests the abrasion resistance of a test sample. The apparatus has an abrading device in fluid communication with a pneumatic system. The abrading device uses a piston to move an abrading tool onto and off of the test sample. A force measuring sensor cell measures the force provided by the piston and can send a signal to an electronic controller. The electronic controller can be used to control the testing conditions, such as by turning on and off a motor, and opening and closing valves in the pneumatic system to control the force on the abrading tool and test sample and other fluid flow.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for measuring the static and/or dynamic friction coefficient of a surface, in particular a natural or artificial grass surface, which device comprises a housing placed on supports, which is to be positioned on the surface to be examined; a rotatable shaft, which is vertically disposed in said housing; a body connected to the end of said shaft that faces towards the surface, which body comprises a contact surface which can be brought into contact with the surface to be examined; as well as measuring means for measuring, during operation, the torque caused by the friction between the surface to be examined and the contact surface of the rotating body. The object of the present invention is to provide a device for measuring the static and/or dynamic friction coefficient of a surface which provides a more reliable and reproducible measuring result and which is furthermore user-friendly and easy to transport.

Abstract: A measuring device for detecting the state of wear of the bore walls of two interpenetrating housing bores, having mutually parallel bore axes, of at least two-shaft screw extruders has a carriage provided with rear drive wheels, front guide wheels and contactlessly operating distance sensors which can each be pivotally driven about a bore axis and can be positioned at a distance from the respective bore wall.

Abstract: An apparatus for testing abrasion and a test method for testing the frictional wear characteristics of materials and parts even when a lubricant is used. The abrasion and test method enables reliable abrasion tests to be carried out in which good conformity with the sliding characteristics in actual pieces of equipment can be achieved.

Abstract: Aspects of the invention relate to a system for monitoring the wear of a component. A conductor can be embedded in the component at a depth from a surface of the component. In one embodiment, the conductor can be operatively connected to a power source to form an electrical circuit. The resistance across the conductor can be measured. As the component contacts a second component, the component can begin to wear. Once the wear progresses to the conductor, changes in the measured resistance can result. Thus, an operator can be alerted that the component has worn to a certain point and that service may be needed. Alternatively, impedance can be measured across the conductor. Because the dielectric permeability of the material surrounding the conductor can affect impedance, changes in impedance can occur as the surface material of the component is worn away.

Abstract: A method of detecting a convexity present on a surface of a belt-shaped member (belt) or a roll-shaped member (roller), includes frictionizing (abrading) a surface of the member with a plate, and detecting at least one of (1) a vibration generated on the plate or (2) a change of pressure applied to the plate, to detect the convexity on the surface of the member.

Abstract: A test fixture facilitates the laboratory testing of windshield wiper blades for vehicles. The test fixture includes a base frame on which are mounted a number of windshield wiper arms oriented generally parallel for engagement with a stainless steel test surface. Positionally adjustable supports are mounted on the base frame to configure the test surface by varying the curvature of the test surface, as well as the overall length thereof, to permit simulation of a large variety of automotive windshields for test purposes. The test fixture also includes a wiper arm mounting device that can be manipulated to vary the wiper arm load to the wiper blade on the test surface. Adjustments in the spring force exerted on the wiper blade allow variances in the application of a biasing force on the wiper blade in conjunction with changes in the attack angle.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for testing mechanical endurance of a surface of an optical disc are disclosed. The apparatus includes a rotating plate, on which an optical disc to be scratched is loaded, for rotating the loaded optical disc, and a plurality of abrasion wheels of a predetermined type, disposed at a perpendicular to the rotating plate, for contacting the optical disc and generating the scratch, the scratch being generated when the optical disc rotates a predetermined number of turns, e.g., maximum of 5 turns for the abrasion wheels to apply a predetermined load on the optical disc.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for determining wear of a feedscrew and barrel combination includes measuring wear of the barrel using a gage plug in a measuring aperture in the barrel or an ultrasonic thickness gauge and measuring feedscrew wear with an eddy current sensor or a dial indicator mounted in the measuring aperture. A system gathers wear data from various production installations, analyzes the data to predict remaining life of the barrel and the feedscrew and generates an order for replacement parts to be manufactured and shipped just prior to the end of the remaining life.

Abstract: Novel methods for measuring the soothing attributes of personal care compositions are disclosed. The methods disclosed are particularly suitable for measuring and comparing the soothing attributes of facial tissue to determine which facial tissue is most soothing to damaged skin. The methods include damaging the skin of a test subject to a predetermined amount, contacting a test facial tissue with the damage skin, and rating the soothing attributes of the facial tissue. In a preferred embodiment, the amount of skin damage on the skin is determined by the test subject.

Abstract: Methods of measuring the amount of wear at a hole. In a first embodiment, the method includes measuring a first diameter of the hole at a portion of the hole wall that is subject to wear and measuring a second diameter of the hole at a portion of the wall not subject to the wear. The measured diameters are then used to determine the amount of the wear. An assumption may be made regarding a profile of the wear. To determine the amount of the wear from the measured diameters, the Pythagorean Theorem may be used. Further, the method may include determining how far a fastener will protrude from the hole based on the amount of the wear. Moreover, the hole may be used to calibrate ring or chamfer gages.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for determining wear of a feedscrew and barrel combination includes a measuring aperture formed in a wall of the barrel, a gage plug releasably retained in the measuring aperture and having an inner end curved to correspond to a curvature of a surface of the central bore surrounding an inner end of the measuring aperture, and a retaining plug releasably retained in the measuring aperture for maintaining the gage plug in place. When the plugs are removed, the gage plug can be measured for barrel wear and a probe can be inserted into the measuring aperture for determining feedscrew wear. A test bar simulating feedscrew wear is used to calibrate the probe.

Abstract: A portable Dynamic Testing Vehicle able to test for surface friction, drag, and travel distance, through contaminates accounting for longitudinal and lateral acceleration. The DFT is completely self contained with on board power supply, control unit, and water tank. The DFT has a high profile and long chassis to facilitate ease of movement and measurement at up to 100 km/h. Data obtained is transferred through the use of a wireless data transfer to a small handheld personal computer and then to a desktop computer where data is analyzed and or archived via specifically written software.

Abstract: The wear resistance of impellers used in multi-stage turbine pumps is tested by using a multi-stage turbine pump having impellers with different physical properties to pump a fluid containing small amounts of an abrasive material. After the fluid has been pumped for a time period sufficient to provide measurable wear to the impellers, the impellers are inspected to determine their relative resistance to wear.

Abstract: Novel methods for measuring the soothing attributes of personal care compositions are disclosed. The methods disclosed are particularly suitable for measuring and comparing the soothing attributes of facial tissue to determine which facial tissue is most soothing to damaged skin. The methods include damaging the skin of a test subject to a predetermined amount, contacting a test facial tissue with the damaged skin, and rating the soothing attributes of the facial tissue. In a preferred embodiment, the amount of skin damage on the skin is determined by the test subject.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining the wear resistance of the surface of a sample object includes an abrasive grinding belt, run between the sample object and a counter-body, with the grinding belt being pressed against the sample object with a predetermined force by the counter-body. The position of the counter-body is determined at, at least, a first position and a second position, each occurring at two different points in time. The wear resistance of the surface of the sample object is determined from the difference in determined positions.

Abstract: A stationary arranged sensor (4) is provided in the region of one of the dead centers of the piston movement to monitor the position of the path of motion of a piston (1) relative to a cylinder (2) whereby the sensor (4) measures the lateral distance (a) to an indicator unit (6) arranged on the piston (1). The sensor (4) is arranged in a recessed position relative to the inner surface of the cylinder (2) and is sealed toward the cylinder chamber (9) by means of a cover (8), and the indicator unit (6) on the piston (1) is designed as an anomaly (10) that is non-sensitive to contaminating deposits in the area of the face (11) of the piston (1).

Abstract: A system in the form of a database allowing operators of aircraft or any other equipment where components are subject to wear to manage all the maintenance, analysis and provisioning aspects of such components e.g. brake and wheel components. The system is able to predict component, e.g. tyre, life to a high degree of accuracy based on the measured wear rate of the component or a related component such as each tyre's related brake unit.

Abstract: A machine adapted for testing wear, wear-preventative and friction characteristics between a rotating specimen axially loaded against one or more non-rotated test specimens includes a load mechanism in the form of a low-friction, pneumatic diaphragm actuator, a load sensor in the load path to provide visual confirmation and feedback for automated load control, a linear motion sensor aligned with the load path for detection of specimen wear during the test, and a torque sensor for detection of the friction generated between the test specimens.

Abstract: A silica glass substrate is obtained by polishing, cleaning, drying and etching a silica glass substrate slice. When the substrate on one surface is treated with a reactive reagent, defects having a size of at least 0.3 ?m in a direction parallel to the substrate major surface are absent on the substrate surface. The silica glass substrate, in which no submicron defects manifest on the substrate surface even when treated as by cleaning or etching, serves as a reticle for use in photolithographic IC fabrication, achieving an improved manufacturing yield in the semiconductor device fabrication and microelectronic system fields.

Abstract: An injection molding process for fabricating a Coriolis flowmeter. The process includes the steps forming a material flow path core using a core mold, placing the formed material flow path core into a wrapper mold having a cavity whose surfaces define the exterior surface of the plastic Coriolis flowmeter structure to be formed, injecting low temperature metal or soluble material into the cavity of the wrapper mold, removing the plastic Coriolis flowmeter structure from the wrapper mold, and removing the material flow path core from the plastic Coriolis flowmeter by melting the low temperature metal core or by dissolving the soluble material using hot water.

Abstract: A system and method of directly, dynamically and on-line measuring different parameters related to the volume dynamically occupied by the internal load of rotating mills when in operation; specifically, an on-line measurement of the total dynamic volumetric load filling, dynamic volumetric ball load, dynamic volumetric mineral filling and of the apparent density of the internal load of the mill. The present invention comprises a series of wireless acoustic sensors attached to the mill's outer body, a receiving and/or conditioning unit located near the mill, a processing unit and a communication unit.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for testing mechanical endurance of a surface of an optical disc are disclosed. The apparatus includes a rotating plate, on which an optical disc to be scratched is loaded, for rotating the loaded optical disc, and a plurality of abrasion wheels of a predetermined type, disposed at a perpendicular to the rotating plate, for contacting the optical disc and generating the scratch, the scratch being generated when the optical disc rotates a predetermined number of turns, e.g., a maximum of 5 turns for the abrasion wheels to apply a predetermined load on the optical disc.

Abstract: In a method for monitoring mechanical wear caused by a first component on a second component, wherein the first and second components are movable relative to one another and wherein the first and second component are at least at times in mechanical contact with one another, at least one sensor head is arranged in a wear area to be monitored of the second component. The at least one sensor head is mechanically worn by the first component upon reaching a predetermined wear limit. When the at least one sensor head is mechanically worn, a measuring signal is generated by the at least one sensor head or a change of a measuring signal, produced by the at least one sensor head prior to having been mechanically worn, is detected.

Abstract: Wear of a rubbing member of a triction couple, such as an iron brake disc (15), which is subject to slow wear by frictional engagement by brake pads (17), is determined by attaching a carrier member (25) of wear determining arrangement (24) to the rubbing surface of the disc by electromagnet (28) and causing a transducer (33), such as magnetic displacement sensor having probe (33/2), to s an across the surface along a track (48). After an initial scan to map the surface the carrier is removed and re-attached after a period of brake usage, whereupon the surface is scanned again and wear assessed. The carrier is provided with feet (26/1) and biassed by a resilient electromagnet mount against the surface.

Abstract: It is an object of the invention to provide a method and apparatus for detecting the abrasion of an electrode of a stationary type welding gun which can accurately detect the amount of the abrasion of the electrode of the stationary type welding gun by means of a robot.

Abstract: Wear of a rubbing member of a triction couple, such as an iron brake disc (15), which is subject to slow wear by frictional engagement by brake pads (17), is determined by attaching a carrier member (25) of wear determining arrangement (24) to the rubbing surface of the disc by electromagnet (28) and causing a transducer (33), such as magnetic displacement sensor having probe (33/2), to s an across the surface along a track (48). After an initial scan to map the surface the carrier is removed and re-attached after a period of brake usage, whereupon the surface is scanned again and wear assessed. The carrier is provided with feet (26/1) and biassed by a resilient electromagnet mount against the surface.

Abstract: A stationary arranged sensor (4) is provided in the region of one of the dead centers of the piston movement to monitor the position of the path of motion of a piston (1) relative to a cylinder (2) whereby the sensor (4) measures the lateral distance (a) to an indicator unit (6) arranged on the piston (1). The sensor (4) is arranged in a recessed position relative to the inner surface of the cylinder (2) and is sealed toward the cylinder chamber (9) by means of a cover (8), and the indicator unit (6) on the piston (1) is designed as an anomaly (10) that is non-sensitive to contaminating deposits in the area of the face (11) of the piston (1).