Patents Assigned to MTS Systems Corporation
  • MAGNETOSTRICTIVE DISPLACEMENT TRANSDUCER WITH PHASE SHIFTED BIAS BURST
    Publication number: 20090153135
    Abstract: An assembly includes a magnetostrictive transducer that provides a transducer output. Amplifier circuitry receives the transducer output and generates a transducer output burst and a bias output burst. The transducer output burst and bias output burst overlap in time and differ by a phase difference. A burst processor receives the transducer output burst and the bias output burst. The burst processor provides a displacement output that is a function of a time when the transducer output burst and the bias output burst are at the same voltage level.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2007
    Publication date: June 18, 2009
    Applicant: MTS Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Uwe Viola, Vladimir Zubenko, Arnold Sprecher
  • HIGH AXIAL STIFFNESS SWIVEL JOINT
    Publication number: 20090041534
    Abstract: A swivel joint is provided comprising a first base member, a second base member, and a spider positioned between the first and second base members. The spider includes a center support and first and second bearing support elements. Each bearing support element has an arcuate surfaces adapted to form joints with the first and second base members. In one embodiment, at least one shim element disposed is between at least one of the first and second bearing support elements and the center support.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2007
    Publication date: February 12, 2009
    Applicant: MTS Systems Corporation
    Inventor: John A. Bushey
  • METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR TIRE EVALUATION AND TUNING WITH LOADING SYSTEM AND VEHICLE MODEL
    Publication number: 20090012763
    Abstract: A method and system for evaluating and tuning tires includes a test rig on which one or more physical tires are mounted. A full vehicle model and a road description are used with the test rig to test and evaluate the tire as would be conducted on a real test track. The full vehicle model is modified to remove the characteristics of the tire or tires under test. The remainder of the full vehicle model produces output signals in the form of displacements or loads that are transmitted as inputs to the test rig to apply those signals. The test rig measures output signals in the form of complementary displacements or loads that will become inputs to the vehicle model in place of the removed model of the tire under test. In this manner, the physical tire under test is inserted into a real time model of the full vehicle, road and driver.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2008
    Publication date: January 8, 2009
    Applicant: MTS SYSTEMS CORPORATION
    Inventors: William J. Langer, Randal L. Jenniges
  • METHOD TO EXTEND TESTING THROUGH INTEGRATION OF MEASURED RESPONSES WITH VIRTUAL MODELS
    Publication number: 20080271542
    Abstract: A system and method to expand capabilities of simulation and durability testing of a specimen under test utilizing a virtual signal that is generated by combining the actual measured signal from a transducer with a supplemental or simulated signal created by a function based on position, load or another known or measurable parameter. This virtual signal may then be inserted into a control loop to adapt the system to this new, calculated or combined signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2008
    Publication date: November 6, 2008
    Applicant: MTS Systems Corporation
    Inventor: Bradley D. Schulz
  • Method and apparatus to relieve residual stress or distortion in a heat processed article
    Publication number: 20080217380
    Abstract: The application discloses a method and apparatus to apply pressure to a heated or weld region of a workpiece to relieve residual stress and distortion. In illustrated embodiments, heat is supplied via a probe that traverses a workpiece to heat a region of the workpiece. Pressure is applied to the heated region following the application of heat. In illustrated embodiments, pressure is supplied via a roller assembly, which is configured to traverse the workpiece to apply pressure to the heated or weld regions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2007
    Publication date: September 11, 2008
    Applicant: MTS Systems Corporation
    Inventors: David Y. Chua, James L. Freeman
  • Testing system with soft reaction structure
    Patent number: 7404334
    Abstract: A testing system includes a soft reaction structure formed by column assemblies, a base and a crosshead. Compliant devices are disposed between the column assemblies and the base and/or the crosshead to isolate interaction of these components and reduce structural vibration mode excitation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: MTS Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Byron J. Saari, Craig L. Campbell
  • CALIBRATING FORCE AND DISPLACEMENT SENSORS OF MECHANICAL PROBES
    Publication number: 20080134748
    Abstract: Concepts presented herein relate to a portable device that includes a frame and a fixture for engaging a mechanical probe to be calibrated. The fixture can be a platform of hard material that receives pushing action of the mechanical probe. A displacement sensor senses position of the platform with respect to the frame. An actuator is coupled to the displacement sensor and a controller is coupled to the actuator. The controller operates the actuator to cause the platform to move to a position (as indicated by the displacement sensor), while the force required to cause the displacement is measured with a force sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2006
    Publication date: June 12, 2008
    Applicant: MTS Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Jennifer Hay, Warren Oliver
  • Method to extend testing through integration of measured responses virtual models
    Patent number: 7383738
    Abstract: A system and method to expand capabilities of simulation and durability testing of a specimen under test utilizing a virtual signal that is generated by combining the actual measured signal from a transducer with a supplemental or simulated signal created by a function based on position, load or another known or measurable parameter. This virtual signal may then be inserted into a control loop to adapt the system to this new, calculated or combined signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2008
    Assignee: MTS Systems Corporation
    Inventor: Bradley D. Schulz
  • BIPOLAR INTERROGATION FOR MAGNETOSTRICTIVE TRANSDUCERS
    Publication number: 20080088302
    Abstract: A magnetostrictive-based sensor is disclosed which obtains higher return signals through the use of multiple consecutive input pulses
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2007
    Publication date: April 17, 2008
    Applicant: MTS Systems Corporation
    Inventor: Arnold Sprecher
  • Construction element for locking ring magnets in bore holes
    Patent number: 7355498
    Abstract: An element for use with technical magnets having a mount, the mount to be located in a borehole having a base or counterbore. The element is disposed to lock the magnet mount in place in the borehole so it maintains an axial position oriented in the borehole as well as a radial bias position in the borehole. In this way the magnet surface will not intrude into the bore cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2008
    Assignee: Mts Systems Corporation
    Inventor: Birgit Garneyer
  • Counterbalance for a platform balance
    Patent number: 7348502
    Abstract: A platform balance includes a first frame support and a second frame support movable relative to the first frame support. At least one counter balance assembly is provided to support the static weight of the first frames support and elements connected thereto. The counterbalance assembly includes a beam and a pivot assembly allowing the beam to pivot. A weight is selectively positionable on the beam. A compliant assembly is supported by the beam on a portion thereof on a side of the pivot assembly opposite the weight. The compliant assembly supports the first frame support. The compliant assembly includes a second pivot assembly and a planar motion assembly coupled to the second pivot assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2008
    Assignee: MTS Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Richard A. Meyer, Ian T. Kunsch, Christopher P. Zupancich, Bradley C. Litz
  • Transducer acceleration compensation with frequency domain amplitude and/or phase compensation
    Patent number: 7331209
    Abstract: A method and system for correcting for the inertial error of a transducer as a function of frequency or effective mass coupling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: MTS Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Byron J. Saari, Steven C. Soderling
  • TRANSDUCER FOR A ROTATING BODY
    Publication number: 20080034894
    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: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2007
    Publication date: February 14, 2008
    Applicant: MTS Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Richard A. Meyer, Douglas J. Olson, Ian T. Kunsch, Robert Leo Josephson
  • Testing system with soft reaction structure
    Publication number: 20080011094
    Abstract: A testing system includes a soft reaction structure formed by column assemblies, a base and a crosshead. Compliant devices are disposed between the column assemblies and the base and/or the crosshead to isolate interaction of these components and reduce structural vibration mode excitation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2006
    Publication date: January 17, 2008
    Applicant: MTS Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Byron J. Saari, Craig L. Campbell
  • MEASUREMENT OF PROPERTIES OF THIN SPECIMENS BASED ON EXPERIMENTALLLY ACQUIRED FORCE-DISPLACEMENT DATA
    Publication number: 20070295091
    Abstract: A method and system are provided for obtaining force-displacement responses for a specimen or sample of material. The sample is supported with a spanning portion spanning in an environment between at least three points not in a line, wherein the points are fixed relative to each other, and wherein the spanning portion is capable of displacement relative to the points. An oscillating mechanical excitation at at least one frequency and at at least one known amplitude is applied to the spanning portion. In addition, at least one other mechanical excitation is also applied to the spanning portion independently of the oscillating mechanical excitation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2007
    Publication date: December 27, 2007
    Applicant: MTS Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Warren Oliver, Erik Herbert
  • Bipolar interrogation for magnetostrictive transducers
    Patent number: 7292025
    Abstract: A magnetostrictive-based sensor is disclosed which obtains higher return signals through the use of multiple consecutive input pulses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2007
    Assignee: MTS Systems Corporation
    Inventor: Arnold F. Sprecher
  • ISOLATED MAGNETOSTRICTIVE BUFFERED LIQUID LEVEL SENSOR
    Publication number: 20070240504
    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: June 21, 2007
    Publication date: October 18, 2007
    Applicant: MTS Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Rodney Barr, Michael Gloden, Arnold Sprecher
  • Counterbalance for a platform balance
    Publication number: 20070221418
    Abstract: A platform balance includes a first frame support and a second frame support movable relative to the first frame support. At least one counter balance assembly is provided to support the static weight of the first frames support and elements connected thereto. The counterbalance assembly includes a beam and a pivot assembly allowing the beam to pivot. A weight is selectively positionable on the beam. A compliant assembly is supported by the beam on a portion thereof on a side of the pivot assembly opposite the weight. The compliant assembly supports the first frame support. The compliant assembly includes a second pivot assembly and a planar motion assembly coupled to the second pivot assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2006
    Publication date: September 27, 2007
    Applicant: MTS Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Richard Meyer, Ian Kunsch, Christopher Zupancich, Bradley Litz
  • Control methodology for a multi-axial wheel fatigue system
    Patent number: 7254995
    Abstract: A testing system and a method for obtaining drive files for the testing system for wheel rim testing, includes providing a wheel assembly in contact with a drum surface, the wheel assembly being rotatable about an axis defining a lateral axis, and wherein a vertical axis extends through a drum surface in contact with a tire of the wheel assembly and is orthogonal to the lateral axis, and a longitudinal axis is defined orthogonal to both the lateral and vertical axes. A parameter is measured indicative of an overturning moment applied to the wheel rim about the longitudinal axis. A camber angle of the wheel rim relative to the drum surface is adjusted to obtain a desired overturning moment on the wheel rim about the longitudinal axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: MTS Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Paul J. Leska, Sr., Craig L. Campbell, Eric W. Young, Bradley C. Achorn
  • TEST SPECIMEN HOLDER
    Publication number: 20070107534
    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: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2006
    Publication date: May 17, 2007
    Applicant: MTS Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Steven Lemmer, Steven Sikkila