Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed facilitating the application of forces and measurement of dimensions of a test subject. In one arrangement the test subject is coupled to a forcing frame and controlled forces applied thereto. Force applied to the test subject is measured and controlled. A dimensional characteristic of the test subject, such as growth, is measured by a linear variable differential transformer. The growth measurement data can be used to control the force applied. The transducer module receives force and dimensional data from the forcing frame. The transducer module is a separate, microprocessor-based unit that communicates the test data to a controller unit that controls the application of force to the test subject and receives the test data from the transducer module for force control, storage, and/or communication to the user.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed facilitating the application of forces and measurement of dimensions of a test subject. In one arrangement the test subject is coupled to a forcing frame and controlled forces applied thereto by a series of guideways and sliders. The sliders, which contact the test subject are in force transmitting relation to a forcing frame. Tension, compression and bending forces can be applied to the test subject. Force applied to the test subject is measured and controlled. A dimensional characteristic of the test subject, such as growth, is measured by a linear variable differential transformer. The growth measurement data can be used to control the force applied. Substantially uniaxial stretching is achieved by placing the test subject on an elastic membrane stretched by an arrangement of members securing the elastic member to the forcing frame.

Abstract: A cordless electronic weighing scale which includes a load receiving element, such as a weighing pan, an electronic circuit including a battery, a load cell operatively attached to the load receiving element for weighing items and generating analog signals representative of items being weighed, an analog-to-digital converter connected with the load cell for receiving analog signals therefrom and converting them into digital signals, a first logic circuit connected between the load cell and the converter to cause analog signals to be transmitted to the converter in an on and off fashion, and a digital display circuit connected to the analog-to-digital converter to provide a digital display of analog signals from the analog-to-digital converter to indicate the weight of the items on the load receiving element. In the system a pulse plus a non-pulse constitutes a cycle and the pulse is about 1% of the cycle and the non-pulse is about 99% of the cycle.