Abstract: An expansion ratio detection system for rubber, including a controller, a rubber sampling module, a rubber calender, a temperature control module, and an expansion ratio detection module. The rubber sampling module obtains a rubber to be tested consistent with a weight value. After the temperature control module determines that the rubber to be tested has reached a first temperature value, the rubber calender outputs the rubber to be tested having a thickness value. The expansion ratio detection module obtains an expansion ratio according to twice the thickness value and a roller pitch.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for providing a gradient strain to an extracellular matrix to induce mechanotransduction. The gradient strain can be produced by adhering the extracellular matrix to a post and the walls of a sample holder, and then rotating the post and the sample holder. This strain can result in increased stiffness of the extracellular matrix with very little loss of pore size.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for estimating a condition of a seal of a rotary valve are disclosed. An example method includes determining a seal wearing cycle of a flow control member of a rotary valve. The seal wearing cycle includes movement of the flow control member between a first position in contact with a seal and a second position. The example method further includes determining a torque of an actuator operating the flow control member for the seal wearing cycle and estimating a condition of the seal based on the torque.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for estimating a condition of a seal of a rotary valve are disclosed. An example method includes determining a seal wearing cycle of a flow control member of a rotary valve. The seal wearing cycle includes movement of the flow control member between a first position in contact with a seal and a second position. The example method further includes determining a torque of an actuator operating the flow control member for the seal wearing cycle and estimating a condition of the seal based on the torque.

Abstract: Described is a material sample for testing material properties under biaxial load as well as a method therefor. The material sample has a circular disk shape and, for rotation about the center line thereof, is provided with an integrally formed hub. The edge of the material sample and the hub are thicker than the ring section of the material sample located in between. In one embodiment, the ring section is designed with an annular concave fillet concentric to the hub and the concave fillet may extend from the edge to the hub and have a continuous curvature over its width. In the method, it is rotated about its center line at least at 100,000 rpm, preferably at 150,000 rpm±10,000 rpm.

Abstract: An apparatus for testing bonding strength of electrical connection comprises a platform including a two-axis drive, a device holder positioned on the two-axis drive and configured to receive an electronic device, a vertical drive positioned on the platform, a cantilever positioned on the vertical drive, and a test head connected in a rotational manner with the cantilever. A frictionless calibration device for shear force testing comprises a base, two supporters positioned on the base, a shaft having two tapering ends positioned between the two supporters, and a calibration member fixed on the shaft, wherein the shaft and the calibration member contact the supporters in a rotational manner.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for providing a gradient strain to an extracellular matrix to induce mechanotransduction. The gradient strain can be produced by adhering the extracellular matrix to a post and the walls of a sample holder, and then rotating the post and the sample holder. This strain can result in increased stiffness of the extracellular matrix with very little loss of pore size.

Abstract: A torsion detecting mechanism for a pneumatic tool is a torque detecting mechanism which comprises a rack, a driving device, a buffer device, a sensing member and a pressure relieving device. The rack is provided for mounting the driving device, the buffer device, the sensing member, and the pressure relieving device. A pneumatic tool drives the driving device to rotate, such that the buffer device is pressed against the sensing member to obtain the test data, such as the torque of the pneumatic tool. After the test is finished, the pressure relieving device will relieve the oil pressure of the buffer device, enabling the driving device to be immediately returned to the state of waiting for the next test. Thereby, such arrangements not only provide a stable test, an accurate test data, and a high test safety, but also can wide the industrial application.

Abstract: Device for measuring the rheological properties of a viscoelastic material, formed of an upper rotating plate (10) and of a lower rotating plate (20) which are able to press against the opposite faces of a sample S of the material to be measured. The axes of rotation (a1 a1? and a2 a2?) of said plates are arranged parallel to one another in a direction perpendicular to the plane formed by the plates, and offset from one another by a distance d. Two independent motors (12, 22) drive respectively the upper plate (10) and the lower plate (20) at the same speed of rotation ?, without giving rise to any angular displacement between the two plates.

Abstract: A test machine for testing the physical properties of a test specimen is provided. The test machine includes a fixture that applies a first force on the test specimen in a first direction and utilizes magnetic force to bring about the rotation of a fixture to apply a second force on the test specimen in a second direction. The test machine can better simulate field applications where a material may experience, for example compression or tension at the same time it experiences a rotational moment.

Abstract: A wheel end (A) has a housing (2, 70, 80, 90) and a hub (4) provided with a spindle (32) that projects into the housing, and the hub rotates relative to the housing on an antifriction bearing (6) located between the housing and hub spindle. The housing has a tubular core (12, 72, 82, 92) that encloses the bearing and ring mounts (14, 74, 84, 94) spaced outwardly from the core and also webs (16,76,86,96) that connect the ring mounts to the core. A road wheel (B) is attached to the hub and rotates with the hub relative to the housing. The housing is secured to a suspension upright (C) at its ring mounts. The core deflects relative to the ring mounts, owning to forces and moments transferred through the bearing from the suspension upright to the road wheel and vice versa, and the magnitude of those forces and moments are reflected in signals derived from strain sensor modules (SM) attached to the webs of the housing.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for testing the shear strength of curved core material. The method comprises the steps of: (a) bonding one side of a test specimen of curved core material to a convex curved surface of a first support; (b) bonding the other side of the test specimen to a concave curved surface of a second support; (c) mounting the first support so that it is pivotable about a pivot axis; (d) fixing the second support to a rigid frame; (e) after step (a) through (d) have been performed, causing the first support to pivot about the pivot axis; and (f) during step (e), continuously monitoring a parameter that will manifest a change if and when shear induced in the test specimen causes a structural change indicative of failure of the test specimen. A linearly displaceable head is mechanically coupled to the first support in a manner such that linear displacement of the head is converted into pivoting of the first support.

Abstract: A rheometer has a measuring chamber which is delimited by a measuring chamber wall in which at least one measuring component is disposed for acceptance of a sample. The measuring chamber can have a gas flowing through it whose temperature is controlled in a desired fashion by a first temperature control device. A second temperature control device is also disposed in the measuring chamber wall by means of which the wall of the measuring chamber can be temperature controlled to a desired temperature. To temperature control the sample, the gas flow in the measuring chamber can be switched off or at least highly reduced prior to measurement of the reological characteristic quantities and further temperature control of the measuring chamber is effected by means of the temperature control of the measuring chamber wall.

Abstract: A device for determining a coefficient of friction is disclosed. The device entails means for applying a normal force to a test piece via a die, means for subjecting the test piece to a torque and means for measuring the torque transmitted to the die via the test piece. Also disclosed is a multi-steps process for determining the coefficient of friction.

Abstract: A test method for foamed cement does not transfer the test composition under pressure from one device to another and the equipment is not handled under dangerous pressure, thereby providing a safe test method. Steps include: rotating a paddle at a first speed in a pressurized foamable cement composition in a receptacle in a high pressure, high temperature chamber such that the foamable cement composition becomes a foamed cement; rotating the paddle at a second speed in the pressurized foamed cement for a selected time period; maintaining the foamed cement static after the selected time period and increasing temperature in the chamber during a foamed cement setting period; thereafter reducing temperature in the chamber and reducing pressure in the chamber; removing the foamed cement in a set condition and the paddle from the chamber; removing the set foamed cement from the paddle; and testing the removed foamed cement.

Abstract: A curing characteristics measuring apparatus in which a sample chamber having a fixed surface and a rotation-vibrating drive surface is charged with a sample having a viscoelasticity, a torsional vibration is applied to the sample through the drive surface, a shearing stress generated in the sample is observed as a torque through the fixed surface or the drive surface, wherein mechanism is provided for reducing volume of the sample chamber following volume contraction generated in curing process of the sample.

Abstract: A single open ended testing cylinder which is attached to wireline probe instrumented head is positioned at the lower end of a conventional hollow-stem drilling auger which is penetrated into the soil therebelow. During testing cylinder is rotated in the soil while torsional loading is measured and axial loading bypassed.

Abstract: A rotary viscometer has a measuring motor which drives a measuring shaft that carries a disc mounted in an air bearing of a stator. The viscometer has a normal force measuring drive defined by at least one position sensor for determinal movements of the measuring shaft on the basis of viscoelastic properties of the substance to be investigated, such as a liquid. To measure the normal force in the region of the air bearing, the position sensors are disposed in the region of the air bearing on the stator, and in particular they are embedded in the stator and absorb the movements of the disc in the axial direction of the measuring shaft with resect to the stator.

Abstract: A test sample of raw or compounded rubber is squeezed from a loading chamber (7) through selectively-aligned passages (8,12) to fill an annular space (1) between a coaxial stator (5) and rotor (4). Measurements of viscous torque are provided by a sensor (15), and a load cell (14) provides measurements of the force exerted axially by the sample. The torque and axial-force measurements are plotted against time (16 FIG. 4, 17 FIG. 5) as representative respectively of the viscosity V and elasticity of recovery E of the sample, and are compared for correspondence (within limits 19, 20) with earlier-plotted characteristics of an acceptable rubber for processing. Temperature of the sample is regulated by a heater (18) and rotation of the rotor (4) is at a speed and for a duration corresponding to that of the next processing stage.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed for maturing a biopolymer tissue construct in vitro prior to use as a replacement construct in vivo as, for example, a graft, implant, or prosthesis. The tissue is seeded with specific cells, exposed to a maturation fluid, such as a synovial-like fluid containing hyaluronic acid, and subjected to selected conditioning and maturation forces, which can include frictional forces, shear forces, and compressive pressure. The tissue is mounted on a first support element and a second surface applies a selected force to the tissue. This maturation process occurs within a maturation chamber. The resultant matured replacement tissue construct is intended to provide a replacement tissue that is more readily integrable in vivo to produce a more durable and functional replacement tissue.

Abstract: The present invention contemplates a gyratory compaction apparatus for creating compression and shear forces in a sample material, the apparatus using a single roller to accomplish the gyration comprising a hollow cylinder mold including first and second end plates in slidable engagement with the mold at respective first and second open ends, with a chamber inside the mold for receiving the sample material, a support frame having an interior suitable for receiving the mold therein, a compression mechanism for compressing the sample material, and a gyratory assembly comprising a rotational drive motor having a drive shaft aligned along the longitudinal axis of the support frame interior, a cam mounted at the end of the drive shaft, a gyratory plate having an inner housing for encompassing and operably engaging the cam including a spring biased plunger operably engaging the cam and a first outer angular contact bearing for operably engaging the mold inner surface and a driven plate operably mounted to the suppo

Abstract: An apparatus for determining lateral tire tread stiffness includes a holding fixture that is coupled to a loading fixture. The holding fixture includes a frame on which is mounted a rotary table that carries the tire tread specimen to be tested. The loading fixture includes a loading plate that can apply a normal loading force and a lateral loading force to the tire tread specimen. A processor receives data from a monitoring device which provides an indication of the deformation of the tire tread specimen as a lateral load is applied thereto. The processor also receives data from a load cell which monitors the amount of force applied to the tread specimen and correlates this data with the displacement data to determine stiffness properties of the tread specimen. The processor also controls the angular position of the rotary table to further analyze the tread stiffness of particular tire tread geometry.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and device for measuring the properties of earth materials subjected to a load, the device comprising a cylinder (10) for a material sample enclosed by a cover and bottom plate (6a, 7a), compressing the sample, and making the central axes of the cover and bottom plate deviate parallel to each other by an angle in relation to the central axis of the cylinder and in the same plane with the central axis of the cylinder. The central axes of the cover and bottom plate revolve about the central axis of the cylinder (10) with an angular deviation so as to deform the sample. In order to make the measuring more effective the material is measured by means of a device which is provided for measuring the force resisting the deformation of the sample in the direction of the radius of the sample, and for measuring the force resisting the deformation of the sample in the direction of rotation of the angular deviation.

Abstract: The yield stress of rheologically plastic fluids such as coatings, sealants, and personal care lotions, determines their tendency to flow at low gravitational stress. Yield Stress is the apparent threshold stress above which flow is observed on an arbitrary time scale. An on-line technique to monitor yield stress during processing was developed, and can be used in controlling the slump or non-slump behavior of such products. A residual stress, after a flow excursion returns to zero shear rate, is related to yield stress. This residual stress can be used for process monitoring. It is measured from the residual pressure or torque after a controlled strain rheometer reaches zero strain rate.

Abstract: A gyratory compacting and mold extruding apparatus for compacting a specimen of material within a mold as the mold is gyrated includes a frame for supporting a mold, a mold gyrating carriage, a compaction ram and ram driving assembly, and a mold specimen extruder. The mold gyrating carriage receives a cylindrical mold having a cavity for holding material and an external peripheral flange about which the mold carriage is guided and driven to gyrate the mold while the ram is drivingly inserted through the open top of the mold. The ram driving assembly is supported by a flexible portion of the frame which flexes in reaction to force transferred by the ram. Strain gauges on the flexible portion of the frame provide feedback control data on ram force to an integrated computer control system which selectively controls the ram driving assembly to control the force transferred by the ram at least partially according to data generated by the strain gauges.

Abstract: There is disclosed a device for testing the cure properties of a visco-elastic material sample enclosed under pressure between heated dies and on the top only of a rotor. The rotor overlying a cured elastomer sealing and heat-sink member subjects the sample to oscillatory shear, and the torque is measured as an indication of the viscosity of the sample.

Abstract: A package is conveyed to a test station where a friction roller is pressed against the package and urged to rotate relative to the package. The amount of rotation urgeable for a preset torque is indicative of package seal quality. This rotation is automatically detected and compared with a preset value to determine the quality of the package seal.

Abstract: There is disclosed a device for testing the cure properties of a visco-elastic material sample enclosed under pressure between heated dies and on the top only of a rotor. The rotor overlying a cured elastomer sealing and heat-sink member subjects the sample to oscillatory shear, and the torque is measured as an indication of the viscosity of the sample.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for the simultaneous measurement of rheological and thermal characteristics of a test specimen subjects the test specimen to stress for rheological measurements, while at the same time subjecting the same test specimen to controlled temperature changes for the measurement of temperature differentials indicative of thermal characteristics of the test specimen while the test specimen is being stressed for the rheological measurements, and a measuring cell for measuring the thermal characteristics of a specimen.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for measuring interface properties of a composite test specimen includes a first jaw for gripping the specimen. The specimen has a fiber extending through a matrix forming a fiber-matrix interface with a portion of the fiber extending from the matrix. A second jaw grips the fiber extending from the matrix. A motor drive coupled to the first jaw rotates the fiber relative to the matrix. The torque transmitted through the fiber-matrix interface to the fiber is measured with a stationary torque transducer coupled to the second jaw with respect to the angular rotation of the fiber relative to the matrix. From the resulting torque-twist angle plot, composite interface properties such as interfacial fracture energy and frictional traction can be obtained.

Abstract: A gyratory compacting apparatus for compacting a specimen of material subjected to pressure while gyrating the material includes a frame for supporting a mold, a mold gyrating carriage, a ram, and a ram driving assembly. The mold gyrating carriage receives a cylindrical mold having a cavity for holding material and an external peripheral flange about which the mold carriage is guided and driven to rotate to gyrate the mold while the ram is drivingly inserted through the open top of the mold. The ram driving assembly is supported by a flexible portion of the frame which flexes in reaction to force transferred by the ram. Strain gauges on the flexible portion of the frame provide feedback control data on ram force to an integrated computer control system which selectively controls the ram driving assembly to control the force transferred by the ram at least partially according to data generated by the strain gauges. The energy required to rotate the mold gyrating carriage around the mold is measured.

Abstract: The invention relates to an instrument and method for measuring the viscoelastic properties of rubber and like materials comprising two opposed dies, each die having a die housing, the dies and housings being moveable between an open position and a closed position, and wherein: a) each die is separated from its housing by a substantially uniform circumferential gap such that the die is rotatable relative to its housing, and one die is rotatable relative to the other, b) in the closed position, the two dies define between them a cavity for holding under pressure a sample of material to be tested, c) the design of the dies and housings is such that during movement from the open position to the closed position, a sample of test material located between the dies is compressed so that excess material is extruded radially from between the dies, across the gap between each die and its housing and through a narrowing space separating the housings until the two housings reach their closed position, in which position t

Abstract: An in situ curometer has been developed to follow the cure of thick articles during molding, by measuring continuously the dynamic mechanical properties (shear modulus and loss angle). The apparatus is designed to provide cure data on curable articles such as rubber products and components in situ, during the curing of the article, to improve manufacturing cure efficiencies. The curometer is a small-scale version of an Oscillating Disk Rheometer, designed to operate through a mold wall. An approximate theoretical treatment has been developed to relate the observed torque and loss angle to the dynamic properties of the rubber compound.

Abstract: A rheometer die assembly includes a lower oscillating or rotating die adapted for engagement with a stationary upper die. The lower die has an O-ring circumferentially positioned about a top surface thereof and in alignment with an annular planar sealing surface in the upper die. Engagement between the sealing surface and the O-ring defines a cavity between the two dies. A groove about a circumferential edge surface of the lower die is exposed when that die is received in a holder, such groove accepting the insertion of a tool for removing the die from the holder.

Abstract: A rheometer having relatively movable shearing elements (4,5) for imposing shear forces on a sample of material placed between such elements, is provided with heating means comprising an induction heating coil (18) heated to permit induction heating of the elements (4,5) during use.

Abstract: A method of measuring the compactibility of a fresh concrete mass, for obtaining information of the applicability of the mass with respect to the strength properties of the cast product. A sample (20) having a determined weight (m) is taken from the mass and compressed in two opposite directions with a constant force (P) and subjected to a shearing compaction between two slanting planes (13, 14) which extend in parallel with each other and alter their positions through rotation. The volume (V, V.sub.t) of the sample is determined at the beginning of the compaction and after a pre-determined compaction work, whereafter the volume change of the sample is compared with experimentally defined limit values. The apparatus comprises a compacting device for subjecting the sample in a container to a shearing compaction, and elements for maintaining the sample under compression during the compaction.

Abstract: A double-acting rotary drive for a control device having an end position fixed in the form of a stop, includes a motor, a torque-changing gear connected to the motor, a driver associated with the torque-changing gear for neutralizing a torque-increasing action of the torque-changing gear or switching on a torque-lowering action after the torque-changing gear rotates through a portion of a total given rotational path thereof, a return travel lock for locking the torque-changing gear in place being released before the driver becomes operative.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring the rheological properties of polymer melts, polymer solutions and other materials including the placement of a specimen of the material to be tested within the intervening space between a forcibly rotatable member and a stationary member both of which have a common axis of symmetry, further including a drive device to forcibly rotate the rotatable member about the common axis of symmetry to shear the specimen, also including the measuring of the force required to shear the specimen, in order to determine the modules of elasticity, yield stress and steady state viscosity of the specimen, further abruptly stopping the rotation of the forcibly rotated member and measuring the stress relaxation of the specimen as a function of time, or alternatively, releasing the forcibly rotated member and measuring the recoverable strain and rate of strain recovery as a function of time for the purpose of determining the elastic properties of the specimen, and further including an alignment bearing

Abstract: Apparatus and method for measuring the viscous component and the elastic component of forces within a viscoelastic test specimen placed in shear, the test specimen being coupled to a platen having a rest position, the platen being displaceable from the rest position rotationally and axially relative to a fixed axis in response to rotational and axial forces exerted by the test specimen upon the platen as a result of the viscous component and the elastic component, the apparatus and method including an arrangement of component parts and a plurality of steps for establishing a rotational counterforce for balancing the rotational force on the platen and simultaneously establishing an axial counterforce for balancing the axial force on the platen to maintain the platen at the rest position, and indicating the magnitude of the counterforces necessary to maintain the platen at the rest position, whereby the viscous component and the elastic component of forces are measured at zero compliance.

Abstract: A rheometer of the type which includes a chamber (26) in which, in use, a sample of rubber or of a synthetic elastomer which is to be tested is held under pressure in contact with a rotor (27), and means for measuring torque applied to the rotor (27) as it is rotated in contact with the sample, is provided with a driving mechanism (35) for rotating the rotor (27) driven by two pulse-operated electric stepping motors (40, 41) operating through pinions (44, 49) and a differential gear (46). The use of two stepping motors (40, 41) and the differential gear (46) enables the rheometer to test the sample in various ways. Firstly the rotor (27) may be rotated in one direction to strain the sample beyond its maximum recovery and then be rotated in a reverse direction step by step until there is zero torque on the rotor and the total reverse rotation then indicates the total angular recovery of the sample.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for measuring rheological properties of semi-solid bodies. The apparatus comprises a vessel (4) containing the body (5 ) to be tested, a measuring head (3) immersed in the vessel (4) in the middle of the body, and a drive for driving the head (3) in rotation through the intermediacy of an axle. The driver imparts a sinusoidal or pseudo-sinusoidal rotational motion to the axle (2), a torque sensor (7) and an angle sensor (8) which are mounted on the axle (2) and are both connected to a processing device for processing information, such as a device for processing signals (9) connected to a microcomputer (10).

Abstract: An inexpensive device which is easily operated to accurately measure the Coulomb parameters of the soil. The Coulomb parameters are used in Coulomb's equation to calculate the shearing stresses along a failure surface of the soil. The device includes an instrument to test soil shear strength to which several weights have been added. To obtain the Coulomb parameters, the instrument is placed on the soil to be tested and weights are incrementally added to it. The instrument is rotated at each weight increment and the shearing stresses are read from its calibrated dial. The stresses are plotted on a graph from which the Coulomb parameters are determined. The shearing stress of the soil with any known force applied to it can then be determined.

Abstract: A vane modulus soil tester includes a multi-blade vane having a plurality of radially extended and circumferentially spaced-apart blades. The blades have cavities in which resistance-type strain gauges are carried for measuring stress on the face of the vane blades. At least strain gauges are situated so as to be "facing" each other.A further embodiment may be provided with a series of independent levels of blades of different thicknesses whereby test values may be extrapolated to zero blade thickness conditions or the insitu value. A support base is provided for securely positioning a vane rod extended axially from the vane and for applying torque to the vane through the vane rod.

Abstract: The apparatus comprises two coaxial elements (1,2), a first element (4) provided between the said two elements (1,2) and arranged to combine them and to oppose the relative displacements of the elements along their common axis (3), when a stress along the axis is applied at the free end of one of these elements and directed towards the other element, and also to oppose the relative rotation of the elements, a probe (7) affixed to the free end (6) of one of the elements (2), a second element (8) provided at the free end (5) of the other element (1) to apply the aforementioned stress and a torque to the elements (1,2), a cursor (9) arranged to move along the element (2) bearing the probe (7), parallel to the axis (3), from the free end (10) of the probe (7) towards the other element (1), when the probe penetrates into the body or medium to be measured and a third element (11 ) arranged, in a first position, to enable the aforementioned stress along the axis (3) and the displacement of the cursor (7) on the elem

Abstract: Apparatus and method for testing unvulcanized rubber or rubber-like materials can work at high shear rates (e.g. 100 sec.sup.-1) as a result of applying and maintaining pressure on the test sample as it is being sheared by a rotor in a test chamber. The rotor is smooth-faced. Both conditions simulate more accurately the forces acting on such materials in such operations as extrusion.The test material is transferred into the test chamber through transfer ports from a transfer chamber by a pressure member which continues to exert pressure on material in the transfer chamber, which may be a next test sample.Specific operating steps of the rotor at varying speeds and directions to assess various useful parameters of the test material (including not only viscosity but also elasticity) are described, together with a mathematical model for rationalizing the behavior of the material under these test conditions.

Abstract: A rotary viscometer is described in which the force measuring device for measuring the force acting on a measuring surface, normal to the surface thereof, is contained within a separate housing releasably connected to the remainder of the apparatus.The force measuring device comprises a beam and the force is communicated to the beam by an intermediate thrust member which is stiff and does not yield to axial loads but will move readily to other directions to accommodate misalignment.