Abstract: Systems and methods for multi-directional imaging in coupling with an indentation device are provided. The systems and methods can enable in situ multi-directional and full-field interfacial force response on soft matter. With more than two two-dimensional (2D) plane videos and/or images, the in situ nano-, micro-, and meso-scale time-dependent damage responses at the three-dimensional (3D) level can be constructed. Based on the obtained 2D and 3D videos and/or images, the underlying dynamic force response and fatigue mechanisms can be observed using a digital image correlation technique.

Abstract: A Bauschinger effect test fixture that cooperates with a test machine for stretching and compressing materials to perform a Bauschinger effect test on a test piece having a symmetrical configuration with two wide ends and a narrow middle part. The fixture includes two identical split bodies, where each split body has a base provided, longitudinally from a central part to one end of the base, with a limiting groove corresponding to a half of the profile of the test piece. Two sides of the groove are arranged symmetrically with a plurality of threaded through holes and a cover is provided along its central axis with two threaded through holes with which the test piece is pressed tightly by bolts. An end of the cover corresponding to a notch of the limiting groove is provided with a through groove configured for placing a stress ultrasonic detection probe on the test piece.

Abstract: A calibration process for use in calibrating intelligent cable modules. A separate calibration load cell is provided. This device is placed in the load path for the cable on which the intelligent cable module is installed. The calibration load cell then establishes a communication link with the intelligent cable module. An iterative series of loading cycles are started. Tension data as measured by the calibration load cell is used to create a calibration curve. This calibration curve is used to correlate internal measurements made by the intelligent cable module against a desired value—such as cable tension.

Abstract: A load testing apparatus can include a plurality of vertical load structures arranged on a flight control surface to provide torque on the control surface and reacted by a control rod of the flight control surface. The load testing apparatus can also include a plurality of fore/aft load structures arranged to provide tensile and/or compressive force in a direction intersecting a hinge line of the flight control surface. Each of the plurality of fore/aft load structure can include a first rubber pad having a surface extending in a first plane that is arranged to contact a lower surface of the flight control surface. Each of the plurality of fore/aft load structures can also include a first rubber pad having a surface extending in a second plane that is arranged to contact an upper surface of the flight control surface, wherein the first plane and the second plane are non-parallel planes.

Abstract: An integrated intelligent cable module for use in a tensile fiber strength member. The module preferably includes an integral instrument package. The instrument package may assume many forms and may serve many purposes. The module preferably includes load-monitoring, recording features, and display features. These features act as a “black box” for the tensile fiber strength member, monitoring its performance and reporting (in real-time or at a later time) any exceedances or any deterioration in performance or structural integrity. These features allow an operator to easily monitor the condition of a tensile fiber strength member—preferably while the tensile fiber strength member remains in service.

Abstract: A stress test the jig 10 includes an upper cylinder 12, a lower cylinder 14, and a frame 16. The frame 16 has an accommodating space 16a, an upper through hole 16b, and a lower through hole 16c. A test specimen 20 is disposed in the accommodating space 16a, the upper cylinder 12 is inserted into the upper through hole 16b, and the lower cylinder 14 is inserted into the lower through hole 16c. The upper cylinder 12 and the lower cylinder 14 fix the test specimen 20 such that the test specimen 20, the upper cylinder 12, and the lower cylinder 14 are positioned coaxially.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a rock mechanics experiment system for simulating deep-underground environment, including a triaxial chamber consisting of a chamber cavity and a test pedestal, a stress field building module, a high pressure seepage field building module, a high temperature field building and a seepage medium permeating control measurement module arranged in the triaxial chamber, a lifting module used for installing and disassembling of the chamber cavity, and computer module used for controlling the operation of system and calculating and outputting the test data. The lifting module includes a door-shaped support frame, a cylinder piston device vertically mounted on the door-shaped support frame beam, a coupling device and a safety suspension device. The coupling device includes an oil hydraulic rod with the upper end fixedly coupled with the piston, a safety disk fixedly coupled with the lower end of the hydraulic rod, and two symmetrically disposed coupling assemblies.

Abstract: In a tension measurement device, a load cell, a base portion in which the load cell is provided, a pair of load transfer beams each having a support point and an action point provided in different positions and being configured to transfer a load to the load cell at a tip side, and a pressing member which is supported by the base side pins of the pair of load transfer beams and to which the load is applied are provided.

Abstract: Techniques for determining rock properties include exerting a compressive load with a test apparatus across a rock sample that includes a specified length-to-diameter ratio; measuring, with a strain gauge, a strain on the rock sample during the compressive loading; determining, based at least in part on the compressive load, a mechanical property of the rock sample; and determining, based at least in part on the measured strain and the compressive load, an elastic property of the rock sample.

Abstract: A device for fixing a rock sample, the device including: a lower clamp and an upper clamp. The lower clamp includes: a lower connector connected to a bottom loading base, a lower end cap for fixing samples, a lower chain connecting the lower connector and the lower end cap, a first spiral spring, a first central position-limit mechanism, and a second central position-limit mechanism. The lower end cap includes: a first sample fixing groove and a first connecting segment. The upper clamp includes: an upper connector connected to a top loading base, an upper end cap for fixing the samples, an upper chain connecting with the upper connector and the upper end cap, a second spiral spring, a third central position-limit mechanism, and a fourth central position-limit mechanism. The upper end cap includes a second sample fixing groove and a second connecting segment.

Abstract: A device for fixing a rock sample, the device including: a lower clamp and an upper clamp. The lower clamp includes: a lower connector connected to a bottom loading base, a lower end cap for fixing samples, a lower chain connecting the lower connector and the lower end cap, a first spiral spring, a first central position-limit mechanism, and a second central position-limit mechanism. The lower end cap includes: a first sample fixing groove and a first connecting segment. The upper clamp includes: an upper connector connected to a top loading base, an upper end cap for fixing the samples, an upper chain connecting with the upper connector and the upper end cap, a second spiral spring, a third central position-limit mechanism, and a fourth central position-limit mechanism. The upper end cap includes a second sample fixing groove and a second connecting segment.

Abstract: A device for fixing a rock sample, the device including: a lower clamp and an upper clamp. The lower clamp includes: a lower connector connected to a bottom loading base, a lower end cap for fixing samples, a lower chain connecting the lower connector and the lower end cap, a first spiral spring, a first central position-limit mechanism, a second central position-limit mechanism, and a first hydraulic mechanism. The lower end cap includes: a first sample fixing groove and a first connecting segment. The upper clamp includes: an upper connector connected to a top loading base, an upper end cap for fixing the samples, an upper chain connecting with the upper connector and the upper end cap, a second spiral spring, a third central position-limit mechanism, fourth central position-limit mechanism, and a second hydraulic mechanism. The upper end cap includes: a second sample fixing groove and a second connecting segment.

Abstract: A rock sample fixing device with position-limit spring components for cyclic tension and compression tests including: a lower clamp and an upper clamp; the lower clamp including a lower connector connected to a loading base at a bottom of a testing machine, a lower end cap for fixing samples, a lower chain connecting the lower connector and the lower end cap, a first central position-limit mechanism, a second central position-limit mechanism, and a first hydraulic mechanism; the upper clamp including an upper connector connected to a loading base at a top of the testing machine, an upper end cap for fixing samples, an upper chain connecting the upper connector and the upper end cap, a third central position-limit mechanism, a fourth central position-limit mechanism, and a second hydraulic mechanism.

Abstract: An apparatus for in-situ sensing of longitudinal and transverse strain in biological tissue (e.g. tendons and ligaments) includes a set of sensing electrodes that contact biological tissue and enable measurement of an electrical property of the biological tissue along two or more directions. The apparatus may also include a sensing module that senses the electrical property of the biological tissue along the two or more directions to provide multi-directional measurements that are captured by a logging module. The apparatus may also include a transmission module that transmits the captured measurements to a data analysis workstation or the like. The data analysis workstation may include a strain estimation module that receives the multi-directional measurement and estimates a longitudinal strain and a transverse strain therefrom. A corresponding system and method for in-situ sensing of longitudinal and transverse strain in biological tissue is also presented.

Abstract: A device and method for measuring the clamping force a machine tool exerts on a tool holder that includes a piston or cylinder body defining a bore that slidably receives a piston. A fluid filled pressure chamber is defined between the piston and the body and a pressure gauge carried by the piston communicates with the pressure chamber such that movement in the piston in at least one direction exerts compressive forces on the fluid in the pressure chamber which is communicated to the pressure gauge. A retention knob is coupled to the piston and is engageable by the machine tool such that the clamping force exerted by the machine tool is transmitted to the piston. Hex-shaped structure on the piston that is received by a complementally formed recess in the cylinder body inhibits relative rotation between the piston and the body and facilitates installation and removal of the retention knob.

Abstract: A device and method for measuring the clamping force a machine tool exerts on a tool holder that includes a piston or cylinder body defining a bore that slidably receives a piston. A fluid filled pressure chamber is defined between the piston and the body and a pressure gauge carried by the piston communicates with the pressure chamber such that movement in the piston in at least one direction exerts compressive forces on the fluid in the pressure chamber which is communicated to the pressure gauge. A retention knob is coupled to the piston and is engageable by the machine tool such that the clamping force exerted by the machine tool is transmitted to the piston. Hex-shaped structure on the piston that is received by a complementally formed recess in the cylinder body inhibits relative rotation between the piston and the body and facilitates installation and removal of the retention knob.

Abstract: In an inspection device for inspecting front and back surfaces of a strip material rolled by a rolling machine, both ends of the strip material along a longitudinal direction of the strip material are claimed by two pairs of clamping devices and the front surface of the back surface of the strip material is pressed at an optional position between the two pairs of the clamping devices by at least one pressing device. Thus, after clamping the strip material, the two pairs of the clamping devices are not displaced along the longitudinal direction of the strip material. A function for applying tensile stress to the strip material and a function for clamping the strip material are individually and separately provided so that the inspection device can be simplified. By pressing the strip material at a point between the two pairs of the clamping devices, at least one of pressing devices can be down sized. It is superior in view of an economical reason.

Abstract: An exemplary embodiment of a testing device for testing a pulling force includes a shell having a test platform, a load sensor mechanism, a control system, a drive and transmission mechanism and a material clamping mechanism. Two portions of a test object are clasped by the load sensor mechanism and the clamp. When the load sensor mechanism is driven to move further away from the clamp via the drive and transmission mechanism, a pulling force perpendicular to the test platform is generated between the two portions of the test object. The load sensor mechanism detects the pulling force and feeds back the detection to the control system.

Abstract: A magnetic suspension supporter for a direct tension test apparatus, includes an upper end cap and a lower end cap for fixing a sample, an upper chain and a lower chain connected to the upper and lower end caps respectively, an upper joint and a lower joint connected to the other ends of the upper and lower chains respectively, the lower joint being fixed to the test machine foundation. In addition, the upper and lower end caps, the upper and lower chains, the upper and lower joints as well as the supporter having a common vertical axis and being arranged in a cascade form, characterized in that a sample supporter is arranged between the lower end cap and the test machine foundation. The sample supporter is composed of a pair of upper magnet provided at the underside of the lower end cap and lower magnet on the upside of the test machine foundation, which constitute two magnets structure. The polarity directions of the two magnets are reversed and the same polarity is arranged oppositely on the axis.

Abstract: A stretch-bend-draw simulator (SBDS) apparatus for approximating die stamping of a metal is disclosed. The simulator includes a tool having a surface for contacting a sheet metal strip clamped in a jaw grip adapted to pull the sheet metal strip to provide a force measurement. A tool holding and moving device can be included for mounting, translating, and positioning the tool with respect to the sheet metal strip. The tool can be mounted on the tool holding device at a distal end or on a mounting plate of the apparatus. The tool holding device is coupled to a contact force measuring load cell for measuring the contact force. A draw bead block holder is provided that is adapted to mount a corresponding male and female draw bead blocks. The holder includes a compressing means for compressing the draw bead blocks together to clamp the strip. A clamping force measuring load cell is provided for measuring a clamping force resulting from the draw bead blocks clamping on the sheet metal strip.

Abstract: A mask defect test apparatus, including a tension jig unit having a supporter on which a metal mask to be tested is located, a clamp part disposed at both sides of the supporter to fix opposite edges of the metal mask, and a tension part to apply a tension force to the metal mask fixed by the clamp part; and a test unit to test the metal mask fixed by the tension jig unit. A vertical distance between the metal mask located on the supporter and the test unit is less than or equal to a vertical distance between the tension jig unit and the test unit.

Abstract: The invention provides a stress micro mechanical system for measuring stress and strain in micro- and nano-fibers tubes, and wires as well as for measuring the interface adhesion force and stress in nanofibers and nanotubes embedded in a polymer matrix. A preferred system of the invention has a substrate for supporting a MEMS fabrication. The MEMS fabrication includes freestanding sample attachment points that are movable in a translation direction relative to one another when the substrate is moved and a sample is attached between the sample attachment points. An optical microscope images surfaces of the MEMS fabrication. Software conducts digital image correlation on obtained images to determine the movement of the surfaces at a resolution much greater than the hardware resolution of the optical microscope.

Abstract: Apparatus for fatigue or mechanical friction damping measurement testing a specimen the apparatus including a body having opposing arms defining between them a space for receiving the specimen, one of the opposing arms having a fixture for securing the specimen, another of the opposing arms having a further fixture for securing the specimen, the fixture and the further fixture being adjustable to increase or decrease the relative distance therebetween, wherein the body includes an assigned vibration location to which excitation signals are applied during testing.

Abstract: A device for proof loading wooden boards including a deformer (9) for deforming the boards (2) which is designed to cause the boards (2) to elongate along their main direction of extension, said deformer including first and second feeders (3), (4) positioned at a first and a second segment (5), (6) of a feed path along which the boards (2) are fed parallel with their main direction of extension, and being able to apply a longitudinal tractive force on the boards (2) using the first and the second feeders (3), (4). A method for proof loading wooden boards is also disclosed, which can be implemented without interrupting board feed along its feed path.

Abstract: A device for testing a coating for a turbomachine rotor disk blade root, including two test piece halves, each including a bearing surface coated with the coating, one counter test piece including two bearing surfaces, and a machine including a first holding system for the counter test piece and a second holding system for holding the test piece halves around the counter test piece. With a tensile mechanism, the holding systems are subjected to predetermined tensile cycles along the tensile axis, during which the tensile force is transmitted from one holding system to the other via the respective bearing surfaces contacting the counter test piece and the test piece halves. The second holding system includes a resilient return mechanism allowing for the two test piece halves to open up in a direction perpendicular to the tensile direction.

Abstract: A system for monitoring the wear of a moving conveyor chain includes a first detector for detecting a leading end of a first link of the chain and providing a first signal corresponding thereto, a second detector for detecting a trailing end of the first link and providing a second signal corresponding thereto, and a third detector for detecting a leading end of a third link of the chain and providing a third signal corresponding thereto. The system processes the signal so as to determine a first distance D1 which is the distance between the leading end and trailing end of the first link, a second distance D2 which is the distance between the trailing end of the first link and the leading end of the third link, and a third distance D3 which is the distance between the leading end of the first link and the leading end of the third link.

Abstract: The mechanical test apparatus is a fixture utilizing capacitive gauge sensors, located in close proximity to a test specimen, to measure strain in miniature specimens. The upper collar is connected to the upper bolt which is connected to the cross head of the mechanical test machine and the lower collar is attached to the lower bolt which is attached to the load cell. The collars contain conductive target plates and capacitive gauge sensors oriented to form the two plate electrodes of a capacitor. These plates are precisely positioned and move as a mechanical test is performed. The measured voltage is proportional to the distance between the plates, thus allowing the strain to be calculated. The system can be configured to perform tensile, compression, and bending tests at submicron tolerances.

Abstract: A device for determining the quality and solidness of the vascular wall is provided for testing tissue samples and includes opposed first and second fixation plates. The fixation plates are connectable to an air pump or other source of vacuum for fixing the tissue sample in position. The device is connectable to a detector such as a meter, gauge, or printing device capable of displaying or producing an image or display corresponding to the value of a force required to disrupt or break the internal links between individual layers of the vascular wall. The fixation plates are movable relative to one another and may be abducted by abductors connecting the plates or by rotational movement of one fixation plate relative to the other by a shaft or other rotational mechanism.

Abstract: A composite specimen for conducting transverse tension strength testing may include a solid cylinder comprising parallel opposing ends, a cylindrical surface extending between and around the parallel opposing ends, and only parallel planar plies extending between and perpendicular to the parallel opposing ends. The parallel planar plies may comprise fibers extending within the parallel planar plies.

Abstract: A high speed ball shear machine is adapted for removing a metal bump fixed on a substrate. The high speed ball shear machine includes a fixing base, a shear tool, and a metal bump catcher. The substrate is fixed on the top surface of the fixing base. The shear tool is disposed above the top surface. The fixing base is adapted for being translated along a translation path relative to the shear tool, wherein the translation path is a straight path. When the fixing base translates along the path, the metal bump is driven to strike the shear tool so as to separate itself from the substrate. The metal bump catcher, which is adapted for catching the drop bump after the striking, is disposed on the side wall of the fixing base. The bump catcher has a fillister with a configuration depicted in the figures of this invention.

Abstract: A mask defect test apparatus, including a tension jig unit having a supporter on which a metal mask to be tested is located, a clamp part disposed at both sides of the supporter to fix opposite edges of the metal mask, and a tension part to apply a tension force to the metal mask fixed by the clamp part; and a test unit to test the metal mask fixed by the tension jig unit. A vertical distance between the metal mask located on the supporter and the test unit is less than or equal to a vertical distance between the tension jig unit and the test unit.

Abstract: A method and a device (10) for reorganizing the fibers of a matrix in a living tissue sheet (S) by inducing controlled mechanical constraints in the living tissue (S) sheet thus causing the fibers of the matrix to be aligned parallel to the strain orientation. The sheet (S) is held in a stretched state until the fibers set in place.

Abstract: A device for proof loading wooden boards comprises means (9) for deforming the boards (2) which are designed to cause the boards (2) to elongate along their main direction of extension, said means comprising first and second feed means (3), (4) positioned at a first and a second segment (5), (6) of a feed path along which the boards (2) are fed parallel with their main di-reaction of extension, and being able to apply a longitudinal tractive force on the boards (2) using the first and the second feed means (3), (4). A method for proof loading wooden boards is also claimed, which can be implemented without interrupting board feed along its feed path.

Abstract: A strength testing device for testing a connection strength between a first and a second articles includes a workbench, a supporting member adjustably attached to the workbench in a vertical direction to support the first article, a blocking member adjustably attached to the workbench in a latitudinal direction to abut one side of the first article, a pair of clamping members adjustably attached to the workbench in a longitudinal direction to abut the other side of the first article, and a tester. The tester includes a blade member with a blade seating on the second article, and a suspending member holding a critical weight to break the first and second articles along a connection interface therebetween. A gravity line of the weight crosses with the blade.

Abstract: In an inspection device for inspecting front and back surfaces of a strip material rolled by a rolling machine, both ends of the strip material along a longitudinal direction of the strip material are claimed by two pairs of clamping devices and the front surface of the back surface of the strip material is pressed at an optional position between the two pairs of the clamping devices by at least one pressing device. Thus, after clamping the strip material, the two pairs of the clamping devices are not displaced along the longitudinal direction of the strip material. A function for applying tensile stress to the strip material and a function for clamping the strip material are individually and separately provided so that the inspection device can be simplified. By pressing the strip material at a point between the two pairs of the clamping devices, at least one of pressing devices can be down sized. It is superior in view of an economical reason.

Abstract: A test coupon has a waisted central section from which respective load introduction sections extend, each load introduction section having a pair of divergent load introduction surfaces extending from a respective curved surface of the central section. Test apparatus includes a test coupon as described above and a plurality of angled pivotable load introduction blocks such that the test coupon may self-align during application of a load.

Abstract: Stresses or deformations can be applied to a specimen, by at least one carrier having a number of flexible fingers extending therefrom, the fingers being securable to the specimen at spaced-apart locations, the carrier typically being attached to a motion-control and load measuring system. The fingers are relatively rigid in tension (or compression if desired) but flexible with respect to motions in other in-plane directions. They may or may not be flexible in out-of-plane directions. Commonly, there may be two carriers on opposite sides of the specimen for applying substantially uniaxial stress, or four carriers at 90 degrees to each other around the specimen for applying substantially biaxial stress, though any number of carriers may be used.

Abstract: A strength testing device for testing a connection strength between a first and a second articles includes a workbench, a supporting member adjustably attached to the workbench in a vertical direction to support the first article, a blocking member adjustably attached to the workbench in a latitudinal direction to abut one side of the first article, a pair of clamping members adjustably attached to the workbench in a longitudinal direction to abut the other side of the first article, and a tester. The tester includes a blade member with a blade seating on the second article, and a suspending member holding a critical weight to break the first and second articles along a connection interface therebetween. A gravity line of the weight crosses with the blade.

Abstract: A spring supported lower clamper for direct tensile test, comprising a lower connection member, a lower end cap for holding a sample, a lower chain for connecting the lower connection member with the lower end cap, and spring-type supporting provisions for supporting a broken-apart lower part of the sample formed during the tensile test and the lower end cap. During the tensile test, the sample, the lower end cap and the lower chain are supported by the spring-type supporting provisions. Thus the sample can be prevented from being broken abruptly when a tensile force in the sample reaches its maximum level, and the mechanical behavior after the maximum tensile force is reached can be measured.

Abstract: A gripper and a driving method using the same are disclosed, wherein an actuator has a configuration combined with a piezoelectric operating unit and a bending structure, whereby an amount of variation of a gap between fingers are amplified more than that of the piezoelectric operating unit by generating a movement of the fingers perpendicular to a movement direction of the piezoelectric operating unit, and wherein the gripper having arms including a strain gauge sensor can precisely measure a force applied to a micro object.

Abstract: The apparatus has an elongate and vertically running carrier (90) for pressure sensors (50), which precedes a group of levers (71 ). The cross section of this carrier (90) is arcuate, so that it has two flanks (93, 94 ). During the testing of a leg garment (80), this carrier (90) simulates the region of the shin. The apparatus has, furthermore, moldings or stays (88) which are carried by the levers and which simulate the rear face of the calf or of the thigh of a leg. The width of these stays corresponds to the width of the calf or of the thigh of a leg. The apparatus also comprises two longitudinally running groups (50) of pressure sensors, one of which is in each case assigned to outside of one of the flanks (93, 94) of the carrier (90). The leg garment (80) to be tested, in order to test it, is slipped over this apparatus in such a way that it lies on the outer faces both of the carrier (90) and of the stays and exerts pressure on the pressure sensors (51).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring tension in a stressed cable wherein the apparatus comprises two clamps, a circuit board and a power source. A transverse acceleration is generated in the stressed cable which is measured by an accelerometer in the apparatus, converted into an analog signal and transmitted to a portable computer programmed with software to calculate the cable tension from the fundamental period of vibration.

Abstract: A test coupon has a waisted central section from which respective load introduction sections extend, each load introduction section having a pair of divergent load introduction surfaces extending from a respective curved surface of the central section. Test apparatus includes a test coupon as described above and a plurality of angled pivotable load introduction blocks such that the test coupon may self-align during application of a load.

Abstract: A device and method for measuring snap member detaching force, the snap member detaching force measurement device includes a cloth holding unit for holding cloth on the periphery of the snap member attached to the cloth; a snap chucking unit for chucking the snap member from its side portion by a plurality of chucking portions of the unit; a torque gauge for applying torque to the snap member chucked by the chucking portions; a tension unit for relatively pulling the snap member from the cloth; and a tensile force gauge for measuring tensile force provided by the tension unit. The snap chucking unit includes turning arms which can lock, with constant chucking force, the state of the snap member chucked by the chucking portions.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a spring supported lower clamper for direct tensile test, comprising a lower connection member, a lower end cap for holding a sample, a lower chain for connecting the lower connection member with the lower end cap, and spring-type supporting means for supporting a broken-apart lower part of the sample formed during the tensile test and the lower end cap. During the tensile test, the sample, the lower end cap and the lower chain are supported by the spring-type supporting means. Thus the sample can be prevented from being broken abruptly when a tensile force in the sample reaches its maximum level, and the mechanical behavior after the maximum tensile force is reached can be measured.

Abstract: A gripping fixture suitable for use in stent securement testing is described. The gripping fixture includes a housing having a chamber, a rigid perforated tubular member positioned within the chamber, a multiplicity of radially extending pins arranged to slide in the perforations in the tubular member, and an elastic sheath that circumscribes the outer ends of the pins and surrounds the tubular member. A pressure chamber is formed between the housing and the elastic sheath. The gripping fixture also includes a pressure controller for controlling the pressure within the pressure chamber. The pressure applied in the pressure chamber acts on the elastic sheath and may be used to cause some of the pins to engage a stent during the stent securement test to hold the stent in place relative to the gripping fixture while the tensile force required to dislodge the stent from a catheter is measured.

Abstract: The clamps of the present invention are initially placed apart with a specific separation to properly hold the garments in the constant rate of expansion (CRE) machine. The test method preferably uses panties that have been prepared according to specific test criteria and the CRE machine pre-programmed with specific parameters including the preload and the initial rate of extension. Before testing commences, the midpoint of an individual panty is placed at the center of the clamps. After a pre-determined resistance is sensed by the CRE machine, the rate of extension and the load instantly increase to test the panty's percent of elongation and modulus. This method is repeated for several styles and sizes of panties to obtain accurate, consistent elongation and modulus measurements for each style and size. These measurements thus categorize all of the measured styles and sizes into a standardized panty support classification system.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a bond integrity tool, which includes a shoulder housing, a collar shaft, and an end cap. The collar shaft has a neck portion and a mouth portion. The neck portion is disposed within the shoulder housing, and the mouth portion is able to grip a test piece. The end cap communicates with the neck portion, such that when the end cap is initiated the end cap applies force on the shoulder housing, which in turn applies force on the collar shaft, which grips the test piece such that the bond integrity between the test piece and a surface may be tested.

Abstract: A method for testing the integrity of a weld on a pipe includes the application of an axial stress on the weld during the integrity test. Ali assembly for performing the method is also provided, wherein a pair of circumferential supports are provided on the pipe on opposite sides of the weld, and between which extend axial force applying devices. In one aspect, the invention is used to test a weld securing a flange to a pipe. The invention also provides novel circumferential clamps for securing to the exterior of pipes.

Abstract: In this device for indicating (10) pretensioning forces in a tensioning element (7), such as tie-down straps or tie-down ropes, the spring surrounds the tie bolt (3) which is located on the loop of the tie-down strap, and in response to weak forces describes a path (6) which is easily visible. The combination of two components which differ in shape allows the spring (1) to maintain its shape and spring constant. As a result, the pretensioning force is indicated directly, yet the spring is not subject to an additional load under high tensions but is protected by positive engagement.