Abstract: A brushless direct current motor includes a permanent magnet rotor and a set of stator windings. The motor further includes a circuit for changeably connecting the set of stator windings to operate in a first electrical configuration or a second electrical configuration. In the second electrical configuration, the circuit connects only some of the stator windings for receiving current. The circuit electrically isolates the unused stator windings from the used or connected stator windings.

Abstract: An extensometer structure for an extensometer comprises a flexure assembly, a first extension arm and a second extension arm. The flexure assembly includes a first flexure defining a first plane and a second flexure defining a second plane. The second flexure is coupled to the first flexure so that the first and second planes intersect. The first extension arm is joined to the first flexure and has a first tip engageable with a test specimen wherein a line of force from the first tip extends parallel to the first plane. The second extension arm is joined to the second flexure and has a second tip engageable with the test specimen wherein a line of force from the second tip extends parallel to the second plane.

Abstract: A material testing machine includes a support structure and a DC brushless linear motor operable to develop a force along a reaction axis. The DC brushless linear motor includes a set of magnets disposed along a line on the support structure parallel to the reaction axis. An elongated member slidably guided by the support structure on the reaction axis includes a plurality of coils proximate the set of magnets. A controller selectively energizes the coils.

Abstract: A wheelpan for use with tire coupled road simulators has a constrained layer damping material disposed between a top plate and a base plate, tuned mass dampers operably coupled to radially extending ribs or asymmetrical arrangement of the radially extending ribs in order to reduce vibrations of the wheelpan and noise generated therefrom.

Abstract: An extensometer structure for an extensometer includes a first extension arm, a second extension arm and a rigid support. A first hinge assembly joins the first extension arm to the rigid support. The first hinge assembly has a first pivot axis that allows the first extension arm to pivot relative to the rigid support about the pivot axis. A second hinge assembly joins the second extension arm to the rigid support. The second hinge assembly has a second pivot axis allowing the second extension arm to pivot relative to the rigid support about the second pivot axis.

Abstract: An electromagnetic actuator includes an actuator rod having a plurality of magnetic assemblies disposed about a longitudinal axis of the actuator rod. Each plurality of magnetic assemblies develops alternating magnetic flux along the longitudinal axis. The electromagnetic actuator further includes a plurality of stator windings secured to a support structure and disposed about the longitudinal axis. Each stator winding has a pole facing a portion of one of the plurality of magnetic assemblies and the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A pulse detection system for detecting pulses of sufficient magnitudes using a control detector providing crossing indications of pulses going beyond a threshold value, a stored threshold crossing adjustable actuator representing at least portions of selected crossing indications previously stored therein but reduced in magnitude as controlled by a magnitude reduction controller acting over time. An output detector may be used to detect signals going beyond another threshold.

Abstract: A loading assembly for a vehicle spindle test fixture includes a belt crank that pivots on a first axis to differentially displace two vertical struts which are attached to a wheel adapter housing in order to apply a braking moment to the vehicle spindle. A lever pivotally supported about a second axis is pivotally joined to the bell crank and is used to displace the bell crank, the vertical struts and the wheel adapter housing to apply a vertical force. A control link controls rotation of the bell crank about the first axis and is pivotally joined to the bell crank about a third axis. A second lever is pivotally supported for movement about the second axis and is pivotally joined to an end of the control link about a fourth axis. When a trailing arm suspension is to be tested, the bell crank, the first lever, the control link and the second lever are arranged to form a non-parallelogram linkage in order to induce a brake axis rotation when a vertical displacement is applied.

Abstract: A brushless direct current motor includes a permanent magnet mounted to a rotor and a set of commutated stator windings. The motor further includes a circuit for changeably connecting the set of stator windings to operate in a first electrical configuration or a second electrical configuration and a circuit for commutating the set of stator windings when connected in the first electrical configuration or the second electrical configuration.

Abstract: An extensometer measures strain on a test specimen subjected to tensile, compression or fatigue tests. The extensometer has a pair of members that are connected together preferably with at least two spaced-apart flexible plates. The members are coupled to move with the specimen when the specimen is subjected to the foregoing tests. A measuring device measures a change in distance of the members relative to each other in order to measure elongation or compression of the test specimen.

Abstract: A load cell assembly for measuring force loads between two elements includes a four-bar linkage with connection arms mounted at opposite corners. Each of the connection arms include a first end rigidly connected to the four-bar linkage and a free end. An overload stop assembly rigidly connected to the four-bar linkage selectively limits displacement of at least one of the free ends when excessive force loads are present.

Abstract: A wave guide suspension device and modular construction for sonic waveguides, including a damping element for use with a waveguide that supports a current pulse and results in a torsional or longitudinal strain wave, is disclosed. The damping element is to prevent the reflection of the sonic strain wave and includes a sleeve surrounding the waveguide and a mechanism for applying pressure on the sleeve so the sleeve exerts pressure on the waveguide, thereby gradually dampening the sonic strain wave energy along the length of the waveguide surrounded by the damping element sleeve to prevent reflection of the sonic strain wave. Further, the return wire placement is determined by measuring system response to provide minimal ringing of the signal received from a pickup coil. In addition, the suspension mechanism is used to contain the waveguide thereby avoiding extraneous noise. Finally, a bracket is disclosed that facilitates the process of assembly of the waveguide assembly.

Abstract: A current pulse generator for generating current pulses on a conductor of controllable magnitude and duration based on a controlled pulse former. This pulse former is controlled by a controller in communication with a current sensor and operating a magnitude control signal generator as well as the pulse former, the magnitude signal generator also providing a selection signal to the pulse former.

Abstract: A damping element for use with a waveguide that supports a current pulse and results in a torsional or longitudinal strain wave is disclosed. The damping element is to dampen the reflection of the strain wave and includes a sleeve surrounding the waveguide and a mechanism for applying pressure on the sleeve so the sleeve exerts pressure on the waveguide, thereby gradually dampening the strain wave energy along the length of the waveguide surrounded by the damping element sleeve to prevent reflection of the strain wave.

Abstract: A loading assembly used to apply selected forces and moments to a vehicle spindle includes a wheel adapter housing mounted to the vehicle spindle. In a first embodiment, the loading assembly reduces crosstalk between application of lateral forces and unintended braking moments, and lateral forces and unintended longitudinal forces. In a second embodiment, a second loading assembly is adjustable so that braking moments are induced when a vertical force is applied when the loading assembly is used on trailing arm suspensions.

Abstract: An apparatus determines the position of an object with respect to a reference coordinate system. Preferably, the apparatus includes a target attached to the object, the target moves within a defined region and has a surface with a first pattern thereon. A projection device projects a second pattern upon the surface. A sensing device provides an image signal indicative of the target surface including the first pattern and the second pattern. An analyzer receives the image signal and determines the position of the object based on the position of images of the first pattern and the second pattern.

Abstract: An apparatus for oscillating a mass at a plurality of selective frequencies includes a source of compressible fluid and a cylinder having a bore filled with the compressible fluid. The cylinder includes a port opening to the bore, the port being connected to the source of compressible fluid. A piston slides in the bore to define a chamber. The piston is operably connected to the fluid mass to oscillate the mass. An average volume of the chamber is adjusted to change the frequency of the oscillating mass.

Abstract: An adjustable testing system for supporting a rotating tire against a roadway simulator includes a frame, wherein the tire is mounted on a side of the frame, and a moveable frame. A first linkage joins the moveable frame to the frame allowing the moveable frame to be displaced relative to the frame. A support member is used to mount a wheel of the tire, the support member being mounted to the moveable frame with a second linkage to allow movement of the support member relative to the moveable frame. The assembly is of a compact design for both the first linkage and the second linkage are characterized by two representative planes that intersect with each other on the same side of the frame.

Abstract: A density measuring device having a float with a marker provided therein that is connected by a pair of springs to each of the two supports which are on opposite sides of the float along a guide. A sonic waveguide arrangement is provided extending along this guide past at least one of the supports which can measure the relative positions of the float to thereby determine the effective buoyant force on the float and so the density of the fluid in which the float is submerged. Use of a further float permits determining fluid levels.

Abstract: A loading assembly that permits a lateral force to be applied parallel to an axis of a vehicle spindle includes a support frame and a wheel adapter housing mounted to the vehicle spindle. A loading member is pivotally joined to the support frame at a position spaced apart from the wheel adapter housing on the axis of the spindle. A plurality of spaced apart struts connects the loading member to the wheel adapter housing. An actuator applies a selected force to the loading member, which is transferred as a lateral force to the vehicle spindle. In a first embodiment, an adjustable coupling is provided between the actuator and the loading member to emulate a rolling radius of a tire assembly mounted to the vehicle spindle. In a second embodiment, a second loading member is operably connected to the first-mentioned loading member. A second actuator applies a force to the second loading member to apply a selected moment to the vehicle spindle.