Patents Assigned to MTS Systems Corporation
  • MULIPLE DEGREE OF FREEDOM DISPLACEMENT TRANSDUCER
    Publication number: 20100236336
    Abstract: A multiple degree of freedom displacement transducer and body thereof is used to measure linear displacements along and/or rotational or pivotal displacements about up to three orthogonal axes. In one embodiment, a displacement transducer body includes a first pivoting assembly and a second pivoting assembly. Each pivoting assembly has a support member pivotable relative to another portion about two orthogonal axes. A structure joins said another portion of each pivoting assembly together. In another embodiment, a displacement transducer includes a first support member, a second support member, and a cross flexure assembly joining the first support member to the second support member. The cross flexure assembly is arranged to allow the first support member to pivot relative to the second support member about two intersecting orthogonal axes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2010
    Publication date: September 23, 2010
    Applicant: MTS Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Richard A. Meyer, Byron J. Saari, Douglas J. Olson, Paul J. Carroll
  • Platform balance
    Patent number: 7788984
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a platform balance that is suitable for transmitting forces and moments in a plurality of directions. The platform balance is adapted to support a test specimen, such as a large vehicle, in a test environment such as a wind tunnel. The platform balance includes a frame support and at least three spaced-apart transducers coupled to the frame support. Each of the transducers is sensitive about two orthogonal sensed axes. The transducers cooperate to provide signals indicative of forces and moments with respect to at least two orthogonal axes. Each transducer includes a transducer body having a support coupled to a sensor body along an axis of compliance. The sensor body is adapted to deflect about the two orthogonal sensed axes where the sensed axes are mutually orthogonal to the axis of compliance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Assignee: MTS Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Richard A. Meyer, Douglas J. Olson, Ian T. Kunsch
  • ISOLATED MAGNETOSTRICTIVE BUFFERED LIQUID LEVEL SENSOR
    Publication number: 20100219812
    Abstract: A magnetostrictive application probe is disclosed wherein the probe includes a preassembled sensor element mounted as an application housing installation as an installable unit. The modular nature allows interchanging with various electronic assemblies, and may be an explosion proof installation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2010
    Publication date: September 2, 2010
    Applicant: MTS Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Rodney Barr, Michael L. Gloden, Arnold Fred Sprecher, JR.
  • SELF-FLUSHING BOTTLE IN-LINE FLUID SAMPLER
    Publication number: 20100212439
    Abstract: A hydraulic fluid sampler and a method for obtaining a hydraulic fluid sample includes a sample container holder configured to support a sample container mounted thereto in an inverted position and a non-inverted position. In the inverted position, the sample container holder is configured to flush the sample container with hydraulic fluid so as to flush away any contaminates that may be present. In the non-inverted position, the sample container holder is configured to fill the sample container with hydraulic fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2009
    Publication date: August 26, 2010
    Applicant: MTS Systems Corporation
    Inventors: James M. Hennen, William E. Allen
  • Orthopedic simulator with fluid concentration maintenance arrangement for controlling fluid concentration of specimen baths
    Patent number: 7779708
    Abstract: An orthopedic simulator is provided with an orthopedic simulator having at least one test station with a specimen container for containing a fluid bath, such as bovine fluid. A fluid level sensor is positioned to sense the level of fluid in the fluid bath and generate a fluid level signal. A fill controller is coupled to the fluid level sensor. The fill controller controls filling of the fluid bath with liquid, such as distilled water, as a function of the fluid level signal to restore and maintain the concentration of the bath.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2010
    Assignee: MTS Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Bradley D. Schulz, Harold F. Fahrendorff
  • Orthopedic simulator with temperature controller arrangement for controlling temperature of specimen baths
    Patent number: 7770446
    Abstract: An orthopedic simulator is provided with a temperature control arrangement for controlling the temperature of a plurality of baths of test stations that are configured to contain a sample under test within a specimen bath. The temperature control arrangement includes fluid circulation tubing that carries temperature control fluid to the baths to control the temperature of the baths through heat exchange.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Assignee: MTS Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Bradley D. Schulz, Harold F. Fahrendorff
  • Orthopedic simulator with integral load actuators
    Patent number: 7762147
    Abstract: An orthopedic simulator is provided with a plurality of test stations for each holding a test specimen. A plurality of load actuators are provided, with a respective load actuator for each of the test stations. The load actuators are substantially frictionless and configured to apply loads to the test specimens at the test stations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Assignee: MTS Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Bradley D. Schulz, Paul J. Leska, Sr., Dennis J. Willis, Harold F. Fahrendorff
  • Test specimen holder
    Patent number: 7739919
    Abstract: A test specimen holder includes at least one pair of wedges, a plurality of pistons and a tie bar connected to each of the pistons. A single cylinder body is operable with each of the pistons and the wedges. The cylinder body is adapted to urge the wedges together with relative movement of the cylinder body with respect to the pistons.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2010
    Assignee: MTS Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Steven Ray Lemmer, Steven E. Sikkila
  • Isolated magnetostrictive buffered liquid level sensor
    Patent number: 7737684
    Abstract: A magnetostrictive application probe is disclosed wherein the probe includes a preassembled sensor element mounted as an application housing installation as an installable unit. The modular nature allows interchanging with various electronic assemblies, and may be an explosion proof installation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Assignee: MTS Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Rodney Barr, Michael L. Gloden, Arnold Fred Speecher, Jr.
  • Blast simulator with high velocity actuator
    Patent number: 7726124
    Abstract: A high velocity actuator, which may be used as a blast simulator, is provided with an actuator cylinder tube having an opening at first and second cylinder ends, and an actuator piston rod slidably mounted within the actuator cylinder tube and extending through the opening in the first cylinder end. A control valve concentric to the actuator cylinder tube is configured to be coupled to a source of pressurized fluid and controls admittance of the fluid under pressure to the actuator cylinder at the second cylinder end to act on the actuator piston rod to extend the actuator piston rod towards the first cylinder end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: MTS Systems Corporation
    Inventor: Martin M. Gram
  • Transducer for a rotating body
    Patent number: 7726205
    Abstract: A load cell assembly for sensing force and/or moment components on a rotating body supported by a frame includes an axle having opposite ends joined to the frame. A hub is supported by the axle and rotatable about a longitudinal axis thereof. A load cell body joined to the hub and the rotating body is used to sense force and/or moment components between the hub and the rotating body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: MTS Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Richard A. Meyer, Douglas J. Olson, Ian T. Kunsch, Robert Leo Josephson
  • TESTING MACHINE WITH WORKFLOW BASED TEST PROCEDURE
    Publication number: 20100077260
    Abstract: A test machine system and a method for operating a test machine system includes using a readily available workflow program to a test procedure created using a graphical user interface to arrange test procedure elements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2009
    Publication date: March 25, 2010
    Applicant: MTS Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Sree Pillai, Darragh E. Murphy, Thomas K. Talmo
  • AUTOPILOT SYSTEM FOR USE IN A WIND TUNNEL
    Publication number: 20100070126
    Abstract: A roadway system for a vehicle and a method for testing a vehicle on a roadway system are provided. The roadway system and/or method include a platform having at least one movable endless belt configured to support a vehicle. A sensor assembly is configured to provide an output signal indicative of position, displacement, velocity and/or acceleration of the vehicle on the belt with respect to at least one reference axis. An autopilot system is configured to operate a component of the vehicle to control the vehicle on the belt with respect to the reference axis based on the output signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2009
    Publication date: March 18, 2010
    Applicant: MTS Systems Corporation
    Inventor: Bradley C. Litz
  • Specimen containment module for orthopedic simulator
    Patent number: 7654150
    Abstract: An orthopedic simulator, such as a spinal implant wear test machine, is provided with a specimen containment module that may be removed from the machine as a unit. The releasable attachability of the specimen containment module permits remote specimen installation and reduces environmental contamination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2010
    Assignee: MTS Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Bradley D. Schulz, Harold F. Fahrendorff
  • FLAT BELT ROADWAY SIMULATOR WITH STEER AND/OR CAMBER ADJUSTMENT AND METHOD FOR ASCERTAINING ROLLING LOSS
    Publication number: 20090301183
    Abstract: A testing machine includes a frame and a roadway assembly. The roadway assembly includes an endless belt and a carriage supporting the endless belt for rotation on the carriage and providing flat portion in the endless belt. The carriage is pivotally coupled to the frame to move relative to the frame about at least one axis. The carriage includes a bearing arranged to support an inner surface of the flat portion of the endless belt. A spindle carriage has a spindle arranged to support a tire and wheel assembly. The spindle carriage is movably mounted on the frame to move the spindle toward and away from the flat portion. A drive is operably coupled to the roadway assembly or the spindle. An actuator controls pivotal movement of the roadway assembly about said at least one axis. A method of ascertaining rolling loss of a tire mounted to such a machine is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2009
    Publication date: December 10, 2009
    Applicant: MTS Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Randal L. Jenniges, Jerome A. Vonderharr, David M. Hallman
  • Transmission for torque transfer with axial compliance
    Patent number: 7617744
    Abstract: A transmission for torque transfer with axial compliance and a test machine employing the transmission has a flexible connector that provides high torsional stiffness and high axial compliance while inducing no frictional forces. The transmission includes an axial portion allowed to translate freely along its axis due to a high axial compliance of the transmission while the transmission simultaneously facilitates rigid torque transfer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2009
    Assignee: MTS Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Bradley D. Schulz, Paul J. Leska, Sr., Dennis J. Willis, Harold F. Fahrendorff
  • Bipolar interrogation for magnetostrictive transducers
    Patent number: 7612554
    Abstract: A magnetostrictive-based sensor is disclosed which obtains higher return signals through the use of multiple consecutive input pulses
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2009
    Assignee: MTS Systems Corporation
    Inventor: Arnold F. Sprecher
  • STRUT ASSEMBLY
    Publication number: 20090217746
    Abstract: A test system and method includes a platform having a movable endless belt. A test article is disposed on the belt has wheel assemblies rotated by the endless belt. At least one strut has a first end coupled to the test article and a second end configured to engage the belt as it moves so as to transfer force between belt and the test article.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2009
    Publication date: September 3, 2009
    Applicant: MTS Systems Corporation
    Inventor: Bradley C. Litz
  • RESTRAINT SYSTEM
    Publication number: 20090217775
    Abstract: A test system includes a platform having a movable endless belt. A restraint is configured to restrain a test article in a selected vertical position relative to the moveable belt. The restraint includes at least a pair of axially rigid supports wherein at least one rigid support is provided on each side of the movable belt and has an end configured to be secured to the test article, and wherein each support extends from a stationary portion, relative to the belt, of the platform over at least a portion of the movable belt.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2009
    Publication date: September 3, 2009
    Applicant: MTS Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Bradley C. Litz, Thomas R. Kerns, Jay S. Warner
  • MAGNETOSTRICTIVE DISPLACEMENT TRANSDUCER WITH SUPPRESSION OF SWITCHING POWER SUPPLY NOISE
    Publication number: 20090154292
    Abstract: A transducer senses repetitive pulses on a magnetostrictive element and provides transducer output bursts. A transducer circuit detects the transducer output bursts. An energy storage device couples to a power input of the transducer circuit. A switching power supply couples to the energy storage device and has repetitive suppressed states during which switching in the switching power supply is suppressed. A sequence circuit provides synchronization of the repetitive suppressed states of the switching power supply with the transducer output bursts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2007
    Publication date: June 18, 2009
    Applicant: MTS Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Uwe Viola, Aleksey G. Minin, Frank Kraehe