Abstract: The invention relates to a solution for how to measure the strain in a washer mounted in a bolt assembly comprising a bolt, nut and washer. The invention concerns a strain measuring washer assembly comprising a plate shaped washer body, sound emitting means and sound detecting means, and a method for using such.

Abstract: A device and method for testing the bearing capacity of grouped pillars in the inclined goaf under coupled biaxial static and disturbance stresses are provided. Four protection rings are arranged on a base, each protection ring is installed with one machine frame therein, a bottom end of the machine frame is connected with the base and a top end thereof is connected with a transverse frame. Sliding rails are arranged on two sides of the base, side frames are installed on the sliding rails. A vertical force loading device is arranged at a bottom of a workbench, transverse force loading devices are arranged on inner sides of the side frames respectively. A force disturbance device is arranged at the bottom of the transverse frame. An upper slidable clamping seat and an upper pressure disk are arranged above the samples, and a lower slidable clamping seat is arranged below the samples.

Abstract: In the specification and drawings a method for testing a proppant is described and shown that involves: obtaining a proppant sample containing one or more grains of proppant; assigning at least one size value to the one or more grains of proppant contained within the proppant sample, the at least one size value corresponding to a size of one or more grains of proppant; determining the amount of proppant that is in the largest size value of the at least one size value; subjecting at least a portion of the proppant sample to a pressure, thus creating a post-pressure subjected proppant sample; and determining the amount of the post-pressure subjected proppant sample that is in the largest size value.

Abstract: Methods, systems and devices for determining optimized tillage of a soil area are provided. Operations include transmitting, using at least one sensor, a data set regarding a physical, chemical and/or biological aspect of the soil area. Operations include receiving, using at least one computing device, the data set regarding the physical, chemical and/or biological aspect of the soil area. The at least one computing device removes a set of redundant data and the at least one computing device enhances a set of data that is not the set of redundant data. Operations include generating a visualization of the set of data that is not redundant data. The data that is not redundant data provides a data set reflecting a soil compaction measurement within the soil area and the soil area is not deeper than 36 inches from a surface of the soil area.

Abstract: An eyelid flipper tool is used to flip a patient's eyelid to gain access to the patient's meibomian gland lands and gland openings. The eyelid flipper tool has a concave end and a convex end connected by a center section. The concave end has a concave edge with a concave end width, a concave radius, and a curvature. The convex end of the eyelid flipper tool has a convex edge with a convex end up with, a convex end radius, and a curvature. The radii of the concave end and the convex end and the curvature of the ends are dimensioned to conform to the curvature of the eyelids or the globe of a patient's eye.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a system for measuring forces at different regions of the foot for the purpose of supporting medical treatment, improving sports performance and so on. It uses a plurality of force sensors arranged in zones wherein the plurality force sensors include sensors of different types. The system includes a transmitter that transmits data to a processing unit that receives and processes data to determine performance of an athlete or medical conditions in relation to locomotion.

Abstract: A method and system for the characterization of equibiaxial compressive strength in 2D woven composites, such as carbon fiber reinforced laminate composites, is disclosed using induced biaxial flexure, the strain measurements from which are used to determine the equibiaxial compressive strength of the composite.

Abstract: A stylus input device can allow a user to interface with an external electronic device. The stylus can provide an additional or alternative input to the external electronic device in response to a user applying a compressive force to the device housing. The stylus can include multiple sensors to provide a signal in response to the compressive force applied to the stylus.

Abstract: A method for evaluating mechanical anisotropy of a material sample to determine a characteristic of the sample includes interrogating a material sample a plurality of times. Each interrogation includes: applying a force having a direction, having a coronal plane normal to the direction of the force, and having an oval or other profile with long and short axes within the coronal plane, the long axis being oriented at a specified angle from a reference direction within the coronal plane; and measuring displacement of the material sample resulting from application of the force. The interrogations are taken at different angles of orientation within the coronal plane and different portions of the material sample are interrogated. For each measurement one or more parameters are calculated for the respective angle of orientation. A degree of anisotropy of the one or more parameters is determined and used to evaluate a characteristic of the material sample.

Abstract: An apparatus to test, at home, the firmness of a sleep surface to be used by an infant is disclosed. The apparatus is based on the home version of the Australian/New Zealand Standard AS/NZS 8811.1:2013. The apparatus comprises two pieces, one piece is the support to hold a defined weight, and the other piece is used as a scale to visualize how much the piece with the weight sinks into the sleep surface.

Abstract: An assembly for shock testing a specimen, the assembly including first and second opposing brackets and opposing lower and upper caps. The opposing brackets include lower and upper angled surfaces. The lower cap includes lower angled surfaces configured to engage the lower angled surfaces of the left and right brackets. The upper cap includes upper angled surfaces configured to engage the upper angled surfaces of the left and right brackets. The first and second brackets are configured to be drawn toward each other via fasteners, thereby wedging the lower and upper caps toward each other against the specimen.

Abstract: Provided is an apparatus for evaluating high-temperature creep behavior of metals, the apparatus including a chamber configured to fix a metal sample in an inner space sealed from an external environment, and including, at a lower portion, a metal tube stretchable in a length direction by a pressure of a gas, wherein the apparatus is configured in such a manner that a load received by the chamber in the length direction due to the pressure of the gas injected into the chamber is applied to the metal sample.

Abstract: A device and a method for testing tensile resistance of multiple-row grouped pillars in an inclined goaf are provided. The bottoms of stands of the device are connected with a testing machine base, and the tops of the stands of the device are connected with a transverse frame; an upper slideable clamping seat and a lower slideable clamping seat are semi-cylindrical blocks, multiple lower loading jaws that are positioned to have a same central line are arranged on the lower slideable clamping seat, each of the lower loading jaws is opposite to a corresponding one of the upper loading jaws, the lower loading jaws are welded to the lower slideable clamping sea to test the tensile resistance of samples together; the upper part of the upper slideable clamping seat is connected with an upper pressure disk, and the lower slideable clamping seat is connected with a lower pressure disk.

Abstract: A bending apparatus for a sample is disclosed. The bending apparatus includes a translation mechanism that translates a vertical displacement/force into a horizontal displacement/force for bending. Components of the bending apparatus are fabricated from a strong, radiolucent material. In these ways, the bending apparatus is compatible with micro-CT imaging, and as such, may be used to bend a sample during imaging. In a particular application, the bending apparatus may be used to measure biomechanical properties of a bone, such as bone strength, bone material properties, fracture toughness, and fracture propagation.

Abstract: A sensor disposition structure in a seat includes a cushion pad and a board-like member which is disposed under the cushion pad. A concave is formed in an upper surface of the board-like member, and a sensor is disposed in the concave.

Abstract: A cleat adapter system is provided for a cycling shoe. The cleat adapter system comprises a first connecting portion, a second connecting portion, an actuator, a communicator and a controller. The first connecting portion is configured to be connected to a cleat. The second connecting portion is connected to the first connecting portion. The actuator operatively is coupled to one of the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion. The second connecting portion is configured to adjust a relative position between the first connecting portion and the second connection portion. The communicator is configured to receive at least one of bicycle information and user information. The controller operatively couples the actuator and the communicator. The controller is configured to control the actuator to adjust the relative position based on at least one of the bicycle information and the user information.

Abstract: Methods and systems for detecting and compensating for expansion of rechargeable batteries over time. An expansion detector may be coupled to or positioned proximate a rechargeable battery to monitor for expansion thereof. After expansion exceeding a selected threshold is detected, the expansion detector may report the expansion to an associated processing unit. The processing unit may undertake to arrest further rechargeable battery expansion by modifying or changing one or more characteristics of charging and/or discharging circuitry coupled to the rechargeable battery. For example, the processing unit may charge the rechargeable battery at a lower rate or with reduced voltage after detecting expansion.

Abstract: A method for analyzing a heat exchanger includes a structural model creation step (S1) of creating a structural model of a heat exchanger; a iron-linear model creation step (S4) of creating a iron-linear model in which a non-linear spring element in an out-of-plane direction, in which a load is generated only at me time of contact between a heat transfer tube and an anti-vibration member, is applied to an opposing portion between the heat transfer tube and the anti-vibration member in a structural model, and a load distribution acquisition step (S5) of performing analysis in which a load in the out-of-plane direction is applied to the non-linear model to acquire load distribution of the heat exchanger from a value of the load in each opposing portion.

Abstract: A digital sensor for pre-warning of multistage breakage-triggered deformation threshold includes first tension rods, second tension rods, an RFID chip, and a brittle fracture module; the brittle fracture module includes a bottom plate and a plurality of resistors, where two ends of the bottom plate are fixed to the first and second tension rods, and the plurality of resistors forming a lumped parallel circuit are parallelly arranged on the bottom plate; the RFID chip is connected to two ends of the lumped parallel circuit. Strength of the middle cross section of the bottom plate is reduced in the way. The bottom plate will be fractured by being tensioned when the first tension rods and the second tension rods move away from each other with the deformation of the tension members. The resistors are connected into the lumped parallel circuit through brittle wires with different preset slack amounts.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a mounting press for hot mounting a sample, comprising: a mounting cylinder for receiving the sample, having a main cylinder axis and a cylinder opening, the main cylinder axis extending inside the mounting cylinder and out through the cylinder opening, a sliding closure with a sliding carriage, an upper piston and a closing lever that is operatively connected to the upper piston, wherein the sliding carriage is configured so as to be displaceable in a direction transverse to the main cylinder axis, for example by means of the closing lever, and wherein in a position of use of the sliding carriage the upper piston can be driven to or into the cylinder opening of the mounting cylinder, wherein the closing lever has at least one open position and one closed position and can be transferred from the open position into the closed position, and wherein the closing lever cooperates with the upper piston such that the upper piston closes the cylinder opening when guiding the closing

Abstract: A printing system for printing images onto a medium supplied as feed-stock, said system comprising a printer, a control computer and data inputting means, a printer head, a cutter, at least one rewinder and a taper; the print head for printing individual work-pieces onto the medium; the cutter for cutting the medium into individual work-pieces, and the at least one rewinder for rewinding the work-pieces into coreless-rolls, and the taper comprising a tape dispenser and printer for printing identifying data onto a piece of tape applied to fasten each coreless roll closed wherein the cutter and the printing of the tape is controlled by the control computer, wherein the cutter is configured to section the work-piece from the feedstock after it has started to be fed into the rewinder.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method for experimentally determining the influence of acid liquor on the Young modulus of compact carbonate rock.

Abstract: Some materials desired to acquire mechanical characteristics and fatigue characteristics are difficult to make in a large-size bulk material for a test piece. The invention provides a test jig which includes a primary jig which fixes both sides of a test piece, which is a test object, an upper jig which includes a load portion to load a weight on two places of an upper surface and two places of a lower surface of the primary jig, and a lower jig which includes a load portion to load a weight on two places of the upper surface and two places of the lower surface of the primary jig. The upper surface and the lower surface of the primary jig disposed on both sides of the test piece are on almost the same flat surface.

Abstract: A method for controlling a work vehicle towing an agricultural implement across a field during a tillage operation includes receiving one or more soil compaction parameters of the field, the work vehicle, and/or the implement. The method also includes determining one or more soil compaction levels for the field based on the one or more soil compaction parameters. Further, the method includes determining an estimated yield loss for each location in the field based on the one or more soil compaction levels. Moreover, the method includes generating a prescription map for the field based on the estimated yield loss for each location in the field. In addition, the method includes actively adjusting at least one tillage parameter of at least one of the implement or the work vehicle based on the prescription map during the tillage operation to reduce an actual yield loss of the field.

Abstract: A dynamic mechanical analysis system provides an actuator that imparts expansion and contraction forces (e.g. shear force) to a viscoelastic material at high frequencies. Such high frequency analysis allows for the direct and accurate measurement of the characteristics of the material at high expansion/contraction frequencies directly, without the use of additional predictive analysis techniques, such as time-temperature superposition. The system also utilizes a clamping system, whereby two different sections of the viscoelastic material are held in place between by a pair of fixed clamps and a force member that is moved by the actuator. As such, the system is able to subject the viscoelastic material sample to simulated “road” conditions to identify various performance properties associated with the material sample.

Abstract: An apparatus and method to strength test porous ceramic honeycomb bodies. The apparatus includes an interlayer between at least one platen and a surface of the high porosity honeycomb body to be tested. The method includes disposing at least one interlayer between at least one platen and an end face of the body, applying a force to the high porosity ceramic honeycomb body and monitoring a result of applying the force. The interlayer comprises a surface weight of about 350 g/m2 and a thickness in a direction N between facing surfaces load platens of at least about 20 mm. Axial and radial localized stamping tests also strength test porous ceramic honeycomb bodies.

Abstract: A test specimen is provided. The test specimen includes a coupon. The coupon includes a test portion and grip portions. The grip portions are located on opposite axial ends of the coupon. The test portion is located between the grip portions. The coupon further includes a void extending into the coupon from at least one of the axial ends. The void is defined by a wall having a surface thickness at the test portion that corresponds to a predetermined surface thickness of interest. The coupon is configured to be secured to a test machine for conducting load tests on the coupon.

Abstract: A method is provided for determining a characteristic of a flexible surface and determining a performance parameter of the flexible surface is disclosed. The method comprises providing a test device and pressing the test device into a flexible surface, measuring the pressures at the sensing points, and determining an envelopment parameter of the surface based on the pressures. The test device comprises a plurality of sensing points extending from a bottom of the test device upwardly along a side of the test device. A test indentor comprising a shell, wherein a least a portion of the shell is generally round in shape and has an exterior, with sensing points extending along the side of the shell, each sensing point is capable of detecting pressure at its location and an elastomeric material is on the exterior of the shell and adjacent the sensing points.

Abstract: Systems and methods of operating a test apparatus to simulate testing a production aircraft component include assembling a test assembly having a test specimen and a wear protection material disposed on opposing sides of the test specimen, an outer plate disposed on each side of the test specimen in contact with the wear protection material, and a bolt disposed through the test specimen and the outer plates and applying a preload against the wear protection material. The test assembly is secured in a test machine, and the test machine is operated to provide a predetermined displacement of the test specimen relative to the outer plates at a predetermined frequency at a determined frequency of displacement cycles. The preload, the predetermined displacement, and the predetermined frequency of displacement cycles are determined through finite element analysis of an analytical model of the production component.

Abstract: A testing device for testing the mechanical integrity of a hollow breakable item includes a squeezable element to radially abut with a sidewall portion of the breakable item. The testing device further includes a sleeve extending in an axial direction to receive the sidewall portion of the breakable item and having a first contact surface to axially engage with the squeezable element. The testing device also includes a plunger displaceable in axial direction relative to the sleeve and having a second contact surface to axially engage with the squeezable element. The squeezable element is axially squeezable by a relative displacement of plunger and sleeve to increase the squeezable element's radial expansion and to apply radially directed pressure to the breakable item's sidewall portion.

Abstract: A position indicator includes a chassis, a core body, and a variable capacitance capacitor. The capacitor includes a dielectric, a first conductor disposed on a first surface of the dielectric, a first terminal coupled to the first conductor, forming a first electrode, a second conductor disposed on a second surface of the dielectric, an electrically-conductive member disposed opposed to the second surface of the dielectric, a second terminal that forms a second electrode of the capacitor with the second conductor and the electrically-conductive member, and an elastic member. In operation, the elastic member applies a biasing force to separate the electrically-conductive member from the second surface of the dielectric. The electrically-conductive member contacts the second conductor on the second surface of the dielectric in response to the force applied through the core body, and, in response to the contact, a capacitance of the capacitor changes to a determined capacitance.

Abstract: The present application is related to a computer for providing output to a user. The computer includes a processor and an input device in communication with the processor. The input device includes a feedback surface and at least one sensor in communication with the feedback surface, the at least one sensor configured to detect a user input to the feedback surface. The processor varies a down-stroke threshold based on a first factor and varies an up-stroke threshold based on a second factor. The down-stroke threshold determines a first output of the computing device, the up-stroke threshold determines a second output of the computing device, and at least one of the first factor or the second factor are determined based on the user input.

Abstract: Examples of nano-level evaluation of kerogen-rich reservoir rock are described. A micro-scale beam is formed from kerogen-rich reservoir rock. The beam has reservoir rock and kerogen, which has polymeric properties. A maximum dimension of the micro-scale beam is at most 1000 micrometers. A mechanical experiment that includes a tension test or a compression test is performed on the micro-scale beam. The mechanical experiment is imaged using a scanning electron microscope (SEM). A material parameter of the kerogen in the micro-scale beam is determined based on results of the mechanical experiment and images obtained responsive to the imaging. The material parameter includes a behavior of the kerogen in response to the mechanical experiment. The behavior of the kerogen can be used to determine, among other things, the energy required to break kerogen in a kerogen-rich shale to improve hydraulic fracturing efficiency.

Abstract: A pre-fabricated construction panel for use on an external surface and/or as part of a budding or construction is provided. The panel comprises at least a first layer which is at least partially provided from thermally insulating material having a first surface, the panel comprising at least a second layer, the at least second layer being provided from fiber cement board, the second layer having a second surface facing the first surface. The first surface is profiled having recessed surface zones and heightened surface zones, the first and second layers being connected one to the other at least along the heightened surface zones of the first, the recessed surface zones provides at least one interspace between the first and second surface. This at least one inter-space has at least two openings to the external of the panel for enabling air to flow into and out of the interspace towards the external of the panel. Less than 25% of the total surface of the first surface is connected to, e.g.

Abstract: A hand-held compression-tester for golf balls applies a biasing force to the golf-ball, loads it, and then releases the load so that only the biasing force remains. Based on the evolution of a loading curve during these intervals, the compression-tester estimates a compression value.

Abstract: Device and method for measuring true triaxial creep of a geotechnical engineering test block, including a supporting structure; the device includes four confining pressure-plates and upper-and-lower compression-plates forming an enclosed cavity for the test block; confining pressure-plates include two long confining pressure-plates and two short-confining pressure-plates, upper-and-lower compression-plates are rectangular top and bottom steel-plates, two L-shaped long confining pressure-plates bent towards the outer side lapped on two adjacent side faces of the bottom steel-plate, two L-shaped short-confining pressure-plates bent towards the outer side lapped on remaining two-side faces of the bottom steel-plate, and bottom ends of the short-confining pressure-plates are placed on the bottom steel-plate; top ends of long confining pressure-plates lapped on the top steel-plate, and top steel-plate leans against inner side faces of two short-confining pressure-plates; vertically pressure sensors corresponds to

Abstract: A pedaling state detecting apparatus is basically provided with a communication unit and a controller. The communication unit is configured to receive left and right crank arm data relating to a pedaling force applied to left and right crank arms. The controller is configured to output a non-visual notification command indicative of a left-right crank arm balance based on the left and right crank arm data received from the communication unit.

Abstract: A device for measuring the spring rate of a golf ball is disclosed. The device receives a golf ball between a first anvil and a second anvil. A force gauge is provided on one anvil. A displacer is provided on another anvil. Each anvil defines a ball receiving depression that is larger than the dimples of the golf ball to be measured for negating measurement effects due to golf ball dimples when measurement of the golf ball is conducted. The displacement an anvil is determined. From the force data and displacement data, a spring rate of the golf ball can be calculated and a compression scale value may be calculate and displayed on the device for informing a golfer that is operating the hand held device.

Abstract: An alignment apparatus for aligning a test panel with a testing machine may include a laser measuring system and an adjustment mechanism. The laser measuring system may include at least one laser measuring device coupled to a test fixture and/or a testing machine. The laser measuring system may generate laser measurement data representative of an orientation of a test panel relative to a platen and/or a loading axis of the testing machine. The adjustment mechanism may adjust, based on the laser measurement data, a location and/or orientation of the test panel relative to the platen and/or the loading axis in a manner such that the test panel is moved into substantially alignment with the platen and/or the loading axis.

Abstract: There is provided an apparatus for compression testing. The apparatus has a base assembly having an end load element attached to the base assembly, the base assembly being rigid. The apparatus has a support assembly attached to the base assembly, and having a plurality of window portions. The apparatus has a core assembly installed within the support assembly, the core assembly being crushable and configured to protect the support assembly and the base assembly from fracture loads generated during compression testing. The base assembly, the support assembly, and the core assembly together form an apparatus for compression testing of a test specimen having a notch portion. The apparatus is configured for use with an optical strain measurement system. When the test specimen is installed in the support assembly, the test specimen and the notch portion are visible to the optical strain measurement system through the plurality of window portions.

Abstract: A threaded member has an axial direction. A thread is formed on the threaded member in the axial direction. At least one receiving recess is formed on a circumferential surface of the thread of the threaded member. At least one sensor member is disposed in the receiving recess for detecting tension applied to the threaded member in the axial direction. When a tightened article is tightened by the threaded member, an extension force/tension is applied to the threaded member in the axial direction. The sensor member is positioned in adjacency to the thread of the threaded member so that the sensor member can precisely detect the extension extent of the threaded member for precisely obtaining the tightening force applied to the threaded member.

Abstract: A vehicle seat suspension mat (10) comprises one or more suspension springs (16) for supporting a seat cushion (22) and an occupancy sensor module (24) supported by at least one suspension spring. The module includes a first plate (26) having a switch element (38) arranged thereon and a second plate (28) mounted in a cantilevered manner to the first plate, in such a way that the first and second plates form together a pair of jaws, which the switch element is arranged between. The first and second plates are configured so as to move closer together against their resiliency in response to compressive forces acting on the first and second plates.

Abstract: A system and method for verifying the operational condition of a rectangular baler having a baling chamber equipped with a reciprocating plunger, the plunger moving between a fully retracted position and extended position, the baler further equipped with a load sensor suitable for determining the reaction force on the plunger as said plunger is compressing crops.

Abstract: A testing fixture includes a driving component, a supporting component, a first resilient component, a plurality of connecting components and a plurality of testing components. The driving component includes a board and a sleeve. A guiding slot is formed on a lateral wall of the sleeve. The supporting component includes a base, a bridging pillar and a guiding pin. The base includes a plurality of pivot hole structures. The bridging pillar is disposed on a surface of the base and movably disposed inside the sleeve. The guiding pin is disposed on a lateral surface of the bridging pillar and slidably passing through the guiding slot. The first resilient component is disposed on the bridging pillar and contacts against the sleeve, so as to move the base relative to the board. The connecting components pivot to the pivot hole structures, and each testing component is disposed on the corresponding connecting component.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for testing sediment submerged in liquid and manufacturing the apparatus. The apparatus and methods of the present embodiment can provide for nano/micro characterization of mechanical properties of materials submerged in liquid, facilitating specimen preparation and installation, and can provide hydrated materials. The apparatus can include cell walls with optical magnifying lenses so that the materials can be viewed without the aid of a microscope.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for testing sediment submerged in liquid and manufacturing the apparatus. The apparatus and methods of the present embodiment can provide for nano/micro characterization of mechanical properties of materials submerged in liquid, facilitating specimen preparation and installation, and can provide hydrated materials. The apparatus can include cell walls with optical magnifying lenses so that the materials can be viewed without the aid of a microscope.

Abstract: A test apparatus for performing compression tests on catheters. In order to perform the compression tests in a controlled manner and without the risk of causing damage to the catheter, the test apparatus in accordance with the present invention has a gimbal, to which a mount for the catheter is attached.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed relating to the assessment of fatigue damage in objects that include for example, subjecting a fatigued object to a cyclic mechanical stress, measuring a rate of temperature rise in the fatigued object, and assessing a degree of fatigue of the fatigued object based on the rate of temperature rise in the fatigued object. Methods of measuring internal structural characteristics and methods of correlating fatigue damage to results from excitation tests are also taught.

Abstract: Damage to conductive material that serves as bridging connections between conductive structures within an electronic device may result in deficiencies in radio-frequency (RF) and other wireless communications. A test system for testing device structures under test is provided. Device structures under test may include substrates and a conductive material between the substrates. The test system may include a test fixture for increasing tensile or compressive stress on the device structures under test to evaluate the resilience of the conductive material. The test system may also include a test unit for transmitting RF test signals and receiving test data from the device structures under test. The received test data may include scattered parameter measurements from the device structures under test that may be used to determine if the device structures under test meet desired RF performance criteria.

Abstract: Generally, the subject matter disclosed herein relates to testing pillar bumps formed on a semiconductor chip so as to detect the presence of anomalous stiff pillar bumps. One illustrative method disclosed herein includes positioning a test probe adjacent to a side of a pillar bump formed above a metallization system of a semiconductor chip, and performing a lateral force test on the pillar bump by contacting the side of the pillar bump with the test probe while moving the test probe at a substantially constant speed that is less than approximately 1 ?m/sec.