Patents Assigned to MTS Systems
  • 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
  • Platform balance
    Publication number: 20070039400
    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: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2006
    Publication date: February 22, 2007
    Applicant: MTS Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Richard Meyer, Douglas Olson, Ian Kunsch
  • Wear tester
    Publication number: 20070017300
    Abstract: A test assembly structure having a first specimen support, a displacement mechanism joined to the first specimen support and a second specimen support. A loading assembly is joined to the second specimen support and configured so as to engage a specimen held by the second specimen support with a specimen held by the first specimen support. A self-reacting structure is joined to the loading assembly having a flexure substantially rigid in the direction of loading of the loading assembly and substantially compliant in the direction of displacement of the displacement mechanism. A second flexure can be configured to support the second specimen support and/or loading assembly on a base. The second flexure is substantially compliant in the direction of loading of the loading assembly and substantially rigid in the direction of displacement of the displacement mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2006
    Publication date: January 25, 2007
    Applicant: MTS Systems Corporation
    Inventors: John Bushey, Jason Christopherson, Steven Haeg
  • Platform balance
    Publication number: 20060191355
    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: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2006
    Publication date: August 31, 2006
    Applicant: MTS Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Douglas Olson, Richard Meyer, Ian Kunsch
  • Multiple region convolver with tapering
    Patent number: 7062357
    Abstract: A multiple region convolver includes tapering between successive models of a physical system. The tapering is performed during a transition period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2006
    Assignee: MTS Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Michael Merchant, Richard Lund, Doug Mann
  • Method and apparatus for generating input signals in a physical system
    Patent number: 7031949
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling a physical system responsive to an input to produce a selected output comprises defining a virtual identity system that includes the physical system for receiving the input to provide an actual output. A quality of identity of the virtual identity system is checked using at least a function of the actual output. In a preferred embodiment, adjustments are made to a model of the physical system as a function the quality of identity in order to render the correct input more efficiently and accurately.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2006
    Assignee: MTS Systems Corporation
    Inventor: Richard A. Lund
  • Transducer acceleration compensation with frequency domain amplitude and/or phase compensation
    Publication number: 20060070424
    Abstract: A method and system for correcting for the inertial error of a transducer as a function of frequency or effective mass coupling.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2005
    Publication date: April 6, 2006
    Applicant: MTS Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Byron Saari, Steven Soderling
  • Characteristic strain and fracture resistance for scratch independently of indenter geometry
    Patent number: 6945097
    Abstract: The invention involves an apparatus and method for calculating characteristics of materials, such as equivalent strain, using an indenter where the method used is independent of indenter geometry. The method includes performing a scratch test to calculate the strain for each of a plurality of indenter shapes, such as a theoretical sphere and cone, using known equations. The strain of a composite indenter, such as a cone with a rounded tip, can then be determined taking into account contributions from each of the plurality of theoretical shapes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2005
    Assignee: MTS Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Vincent P. Jardret, Pierre Jean Morel
  • Folded magnetostrictive wave guide
    Patent number: 6919779
    Abstract: A magnetostrictive system is shown wherein there is included a wave guide but no return wire. The wave guide is folded and acts as the completed wire (whether solid or hollow) for conducting current for the current input pulse.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2005
    Assignee: MTS Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Alexander Raphalovitz, Arnold F. Sprecher, Jr., David S. Nyce
  • Method of ascertaining control parameters for a control system
    Patent number: 6917840
    Abstract: A method of ascertaining control parameters for a control system having a controller and a plant includes establishing a model of the plant and a model of the controller and calculating a performance index for a closed-loop system as a function of controller parameters, accounting for selected stability margins.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2005
    Assignee: MTS Systems Corporation
    Inventor: Richard A. Lund
  • Platform balance
    Publication number: 20050120808
    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: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2004
    Publication date: June 9, 2005
    Applicant: MTS Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Richard Meyer, Douglas Olson
  • Method to extend testing through integration of measured responses virtual models
    Publication number: 20050120802
    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: December 3, 2004
    Publication date: June 9, 2005
    Applicant: MTS Systems Corporation
    Inventor: Bradley Schulz
  • Force element for vehicle impact crash simulator
    Publication number: 20050081656
    Abstract: Embodiments of a crash simulator sled assembly are disclosed. The crash simulator sled assembly can include a sled, an element movable relative to the sled, and a force element, such as a damper assembly or actuator assembly, coupled to the element. A second sled can also be connected to the element. The damper assembly can control relative movement of the element relative to the sled, while the actuator can develop force to replace force attributable to mass. This provides advantages for more efficient and effective test crash simulation and research.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2004
    Publication date: April 21, 2005
    Applicant: MTS Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Byron Saari, F. Albright, Ross Leuer
  • Spindle mounted telemetry system
    Patent number: 6876311
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a telemetry assembly for a spindle. The telemetry assembly includes a wireless transmitter coupled to the spindle to rotate therewith and a receiving antenna wirelessly coupled to the transmitter. A guiding system having a central aperture and coupled to the wireless transmitter and the receiving antenna guides rotation of the wireless transmitter relative to the receiving antenna. If desired, the telemetry assembly can be used in a telemetry system including a hub adapter mountable to the spindle and a transducer mountable to the hub adapter. Furthermore, an angular positioning device and a wireless power coupling can be provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2005
    Assignee: MTS Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Jodi L. Sommerfeld, Richard A. Meyer, Brett A. Larson, Douglas J. Olson