Abstract: Keratin fiber condition is evaluated by testing dry hair to determine analysis factors. For each factor, two values of elongation are determined by measuring the force required to obtain a first value and a second value of elongation of the fiber. The percent total elongation of the fiber to its break point is also determined. The ratio of the two measured forces is used with the percent total elongation in empirically derived nonlinear equations to determine analysis factors, such as a condition factor and a moisture factor. It is found that each factor is independent of fiber diameter or the source of the fiber. It is also found that the factors change as a function of subjective or objective measures of chemical damage to, and moisture content of, the hair fiber. The factors can, therefore, be used for identifying hair care products suitable for application to the hair without inducing unacceptable damage.

Abstract: A strain relief device is provided for a line guiding assembly with a line channel capable of holding at least one line to be guided within the channel wherein the strain relief device has a pressure fitted connection device which serves to connect an apparatus to be connected to a line.

Abstract: A fastening device is provided which is a variation on the conventional nut and bolt. The bolt has a longitudinal axis and threading helically affixed thereon along the longitudinal axis. A nut having a bore extending therethrough is provided. The bore of the nut has a greater diameter than the diameter of the bolt so the bolt can extend through the bore. An array of wire bristles are affixed within the bore so as to form a brush. The wire bristles extend inwardly from the bore and are constructed and arranged of the correct size, length and stiffness to guide the bolt within the bore and to restrain the bolt within the bore as required. A variety of applications of the wire brush nut are disclosed, including a bolt capture device and a test rig apparatus.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for monitoring the quality of the yarn processed on a false twist texturing machine is disclosed, and which includes sensing the tension of the advancing yarn at a location immediately downstream of the false twist unit, and determining the coefficient of variation of the sensed tension. An error signal is generated whenever the coefficient of variation exceeds a predetermined upper limit and whenever the coefficient of variation drops below a predetermined lower limit. Also, an alarm signal is generated whenever the error signal exceeds the predetermined upper limit for a predetermined time, and whenever the error signal drops below the predetermined lower limit for a predetermined time, and the alarm signals are counted so as to provide an indication of the quality of the yarn.

Abstract: A physical property measuring device for measurement of physical properties of a test sample piece in the form of a flexible sheet-like material is provided. The test sample piece is fed to a measuring zone of the device while being interposedly held at a whole upper end thereof between transfer arms so as to be kept hanging, to thereby minimize or substantially prevent application of any unnecessary external force thereto during transferring. In the measuring zone, the test sample piece is kept interposedly held at upper and lower portions thereof between upper clamp arms of an upper clamp mechanism and between lower clamp arms of a lower clamp mechanism and the upper and lower clamp mechanisms are actuated relative to each other to carry out measurement of desired physical properties.

Abstract: The prevailing tension in an elongate strand, such as a textile yarn, is instantaneously measured, even at very low levels of tension and at fine incremental changes in tension, by a tension measuring apparatus utilizing a pair of fixed contact arms spaced from one another to define a strand contact line therebetween and an intermediate cantilevered sensing arm disposed at an equal spacing from each fixed contact arm and at a lateral spacing from the stand contact line. The fixed contact arms and the sensing arm are contacted with the strand simultaneously at the same common lateral side of the strand to cause the strand to deflect from the strand contact line at equivalent strand break angles between the respective strand contact points on the fixed contact arms and on the sensing arm.

Abstract: A static load tester is shown that provides tensile testing of plated test specimens to detect hydrogen embrittlement damage from plating processes. The functional components of the device are centrally aligned within a channel of an I-beam frame. A load cell and electronic readout provide the user with a measure of the tensile force applied to up to eight test specimens mounted end to end in a tester. Tension is applied to the specimens through use of a simple threaded rod and nut load application system at the base of the device. A static load tester may be incorporated into each channel of the I-beam frame, thereby providing a double testing unit. Additionally, a series of I-beam frame tester configurations may be incorporated into one multiple testing unit. Each multiple testing unit has a number of static load testers equal to double the number of I-beam frames mounted into the unit.

Abstract: A method for measuring the actual tension in an elastic string such as in a strung racquet. The method comprises holding one length of string (42) substantially a constant length, and measuring the force (58) required to maintain this length, while the tension in an adjacent section of string (36) is reduced to zero. Once the tension in the adjacent section of string has been reduced to zero, the force maintaining the first section of string a constant length is an indication of the actual string tension.

Abstract: A testing device for testing lifting equipment and accessories such as slings, shackles and the like has a longitudinally extending frame with left and right sides, each parallel to the other and to rails positioned between the frame sides. Moving carriages travel the rails to a desired position apart, such as for testing a sling of a certain length. The carriages have retractable bearing members that can engage the frame, enabling each carriage to anchor its position for testing. Sets of powered rams move the carriages apart when an accessory to be tested is attached at its ends to the two carriages. The rams are sized so that the first set has greater travel for initial stretching while the second set has higher loading capability for high end loading after stretching.

Abstract: An optical fiber (22) is tested for payout properties by supporting it on a payout support (24 ), preferably in the form of a hollow frustum of a cone, and attaching an unsupported end (26 ) of the optical fiber (22) to a projectile (42) that is thereafter propelled rapidly by expanding gas. The expanding gas is preferably generated explosively or by pressurizing the rearward end of the stationary projectile (42) and then releasing the projectile (42). A pneumatic gun (40) suitable for such testing has a barrel (44) sufficiently large to receive the projectile (42), a latching mechanism (60) that releasably engages the projectile (42), a closure (50) at the rearward end of the barrel (44) with a bore (58) therethrough concentric with the axis of the barrel (44) through which the optical fiber (22) passes and is drawn. The pneumatic gun (40) further includes a gas reservoir (48) that supplies a pressurized gas to the back side of the projectile (42).

Abstract: An apparatus for testing fibers includes a single fiber preparation and separation device for separating fibers from a sample of multiple fibers and producing an output of single fibers. A fiber transport means, preferably an air conduit, receives the single fibers and transports them to a removed location where at least one fiber is sampled from the transport means. In the preferred embodiment, the sampler is a hook that is inserted into, and removed from, an air conduit to hook and remove single fibers carried in a stream of air inside the air conduit. A testing apparatus associated with the sampler then determines at least one characteristic of the sampled fiber, such as strength, tension as a function of elongation, or cross sectional characteristics.

Abstract: A fiber testing apparatus includes two support members for holding a fiber and a positioning mechanism to facilitate placement of the fiber into engagement with the support members. A translation apparatus moves the two support members apart while a monitor records at least one characteristic of the fiber as it is tensioned. In one embodiment, the two support members are first and second clamps and the positioning apparatus includes first and second suctions oriented to draw the fiber in opposite directions and place the fiber in a substantially linear configuration adjacent to both clamps. In another embodiment, a hook and clamp configuration is utilized, and in yet another embodiment a vacuum groove is employed to facilitate positioning of the fiber.

Abstract: A method for producing multiple fiber data from a plurality of single fiber tests. A plurality of individual fibers are subjected to tension tests such that the individual fibers are elongated tensioned and broken while characteristics of the fiber are monitored. Multiple fiber data are obtained by testing a number of fibers from a sample and superimposing the graphical representation of tensile characteristics of the individual fibers upon one another to obtain a composite representation which constitutes multiple fiber data. Characteristics of individual fibers which may be combined to obtain a composite representation constituting multiple fiber data include such characteristics as tension, elongation and cross-sectional characteristics of the fiber.

Abstract: Apparatus for measuring peel force exerted on optical fiber being pulled m a bobbin upon which it is wound, the pull being in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the truncated-conically-shaped bobbin. One end of an elongaged lever arm holds the bobbin cantilevered from the bobbin end opposite that from which the optical fiber is pulled so that the bobbin is positioned generally horizontally over a horizontal base to which the opposite end of the lever arm is pivotally attached. An intermediate point on the arm beneath the bobbin is in contact with a load measuring device so that as the fiber is pulled any reaction by the arm upon the device provides a measure of the peel force upon the fiber.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for monitoring the yarn tension at each of a plurality of yarn processing stations is disclosed and wherein the mean value of the monitored tension is continuously determined at each station, and the differential between the monitored value and the mean value is also continuously determined. A first alarm signal is generated whenever the mean value leaves a predetermined tolerance range, and a second alarm signal is generated whenever the differential value leaves a second predetermined tolerance range. These alarm signals are logged, in both number and duration, to provide an indication of the quality of the yarn.

Abstract: A device for supporting a long cable to permit the ends of the cable, such as swaged end fittings, to be tested by a conventional tension/compression tester. The device includes a drum upon which the cable is wound. The drum is supported by a pair of vertical flanges which in turn are connected to a movable platform of the tension/compression tester. One end of the cable is connected to a fixed base of the tester. A small section of the remaining portion of the cable that is not wound around the drum is engaged by a movable clamp which is fastened to one of the vertical flanges. The cable is tested by movement of the platform away from the base until a predetermined load is reached. A majority of the applied force is absorbed by the portion of the cable that is wound on the drum. The remainder of the applied force is absorbed by the adjustable clamp. Consequently, during the test there is limited slippage of the cable on the drum.

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

Abstract: A device for checking the calibration of tennis racket stringing machines, having an input rod to which a non-stretch cable is attached for attaching to the tension head of a stringing machine, a force lever system attached to the input rod for receiving the tension exerted on the rod, a strain transducer attached to the force lever system for converting the stresses in the lever system to electrical energy, and a microprocessor for receiving the output of the transducer and converting the same to an identifiable tension value.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of testing yarn comprising periodically feeding a length of yarn by means of a fluid stream along a pathway so that it extends between a pair of spaced clamps, clamping the length of yarn towards the ends thereof by means of the clamps and causing one or both clamps to move relative to the other progressively to tension the yarn until breakage. Tension and elongation of the yarn is measured.

Abstract: A tensile stress in a reinforcing member of reinforced concrete is measured by reducing an initial tensile force in the reinforcing member substantially to zero, and measuring at this moment a tensile stress produced in an actuating unit with multiplying of the thus measured tensile stress by a cross sectional area of the actuating unit.

Abstract: The quality of dynamic behavior of tennis rackets and/or selected parts of tennis rackets is ascertained by vibrating the rackets and by monitoring one or more parameters of vibratory movement which are indicative of the quality of the corresponding part of or the entire racket. The rackets and/or selected parts of the rackets can be vibrated at a constant or at a variable frequency for selected intervals of time. The parameter may constitute the slope of the curves denoting the phase of vibration, the frequency of vibration, the width of the resonance frequency of the selected part and/or others.

Abstract: A cable elongation or relaxation measurement apparatus comprises an elongated beam having spaced apart clamp assemblies for forcibly clamping a section of cable under tension. One of the clamp assemblies is slidably mounted on a pair of parallel bearing rods secured to the beam and is centered between opposite ends of the rods by coil springs. The movable cable clamp assembly supports a dial indicator which is engageable with an adjustable fixed abutment member supported on the beam so that movement of the movable clamp assembly can be measured for a known change in load on the cable. The support beam includes a pair of spaced apart support roller assemblies each including an upstanding bracket supporting a first roller and a movable support plate supporting a second roller. The second roller may be moved relative to the first roller between a cable engaging and clamping position and a position which permits mounting and demounting the apparatus with respect to the cable.

Abstract: A method of adjusting a given pretension in threads on tensile strength testing apparatus. A force measuring device is used as an adjusting member for the pretension, from where the tensile load increases and the elongation thereby appearing is measured. The loose thread inserted into the thread clamp is either pretensioned by means of a movable testing clamp, or the thread is stretched by a transport device until the force measuring device indicates the given pretension value.

Abstract: An apparatus for inserting a thread between the testing clamps of a tensile strength testing apparatus has an insertion clamp which can travel vertically on a slide movable on a vertical rail which is also movable horizontally, whereby movement of the insertion clamp in orthogonal directions is possible. An automatic control mechanism is operable to command a drive arrangement for the insertion clamp to move the clamp along any desirable path which carries the thread to the required position in the testing apparatus.

Abstract: A permanent recording is made of the force applied to a prestressing element such as a steel cable as well as its resulting elongation in the process of taking up its slack and in subsequently tensioning and locking off the cable in its final stressed condition, such recording being particularly useful in establishing actual values of stress and strain along a cable length inside of a tube which is in frictional engagement with the cable.

Abstract: A permanent recording is made of the force applied to a prestressing element such as a steel cable as well as its resulting elongation in the process of taking up its slack and in subsequently tensioning and locking off the cable in its final stressed condition, such recording being particularly useful in establishing actual values of stress and strain along a cable length inside of a tube which is in frictional engagement with the cable.

Abstract: A machine for cyclically applying a force to material specimens for testing the fatigue properties thereof. The specimens are positioned between two members, at least one of which moves angularly in a wobble type of action in a cyclic operation. Enclosure members enclose any suitable desired fluid within which the test specimens are tested.

Abstract: A fabric sample is stretched between two grippers mounted on two moveable parts, one of which slides on the other. A pair of plier-like hand grips exerts a force through a coil spring on the two moveable parts so that the displacement of the two parts relative to each other measures the amount of stretch of the fabric sample whereas the amount of compression of the spring indicates the force being applied to achieve that amount of stretching.

Abstract: An apparatus for automatically testing the breaking strength of textiles during the spinning process is disclosed. A yarn clamping means affixed to a breaking assembly is rotatably mounted to an automatic timer which is pre-programmed to break yarn at set intervals. The spinning yarn is passed through a tension sensing device which measures the strength of the yarn at the breaking point, after the clamping means rotates, catches, and breaks the yarn. The clamping means then rotates back to the original position and restores and recombines the yarn as new feed yarn.

Abstract: The invention is related to a composite material testing equipment designed for the automatic, super-speed, and large-scale yarn-strength testing in a manner affording the possibility of displaying and recording the results of the said tests continuously and -- practically -- at the same time as the test takes place.N pieces of breaking units each of them comprising at least one sensor are mounted upon a common supporting block, and coupled to a single, common drive. The program-controlled drive and the sensors are connected to the control unit of a data processing and control network. The network comprises a RAM-memory connected to several channels of the control unit whereas its data outputs are parallelly connected to the inputs of two registers, the outputs of the registers being coupled to an adder stage, and the output of the latter is connected to a D/A converter.