Abstract: An apparatus and method device for measuring at least one property of a board product, such as a paperboard product which includes a transmitter for applying a vibrational excitation to at least one region of the board product. The excitation includes a plurality of frequencies lying within a predetermined frequency range. The apparatus further includes a receiver for measuring a vibrational response of the board product to the vibrational excitation. A processor processes the measured vibrational response to obtain a frequency response of the region of the board product to the excitation, and analyzes the frequency response to determine a measure of at least one property of the board product.

Abstract: A split crimper for use in a crimping assembly for engaging and heat sealing overlapping layers of a packaging material includes a first crimper portion having a crimping surface and a second crimper portion that is secured to the first crimper portion to form a crimper. Portions of the first and second crimper portions cooperate to define an interior cavity, and a heating element is disposed completely within the interior cavity.

Abstract: A split crimper for use in a crimping assembly for engaging and heat sealing overlapping layers of a packaging material includes a first crimper portion having a crimping surface and a second crimper portion that is secured to the first crimper portion to form a crimper. Portions of the first and second crimper portions cooperate to define an interior cavity, and a heating element is disposed completely within the interior cavity.

Abstract: A yarn entanglement strength tester includes first and second rolls that apply incrementally increasing elongation levels on a yarn in order to remove entanglements from the yarn. The yarn entanglement strength tester also includes a third roll, where the second and third rolls apply a constant tension on the yarn which enables optimum diameter measurements of the yarn by a camera. The camera captures images of diameters of the yarn after each of the incrementally increasing elongation levels is applied to the yarn. The yarn entanglement strength tester further includes a computing device that controls operation of the camera and the first, second, and third rolls, and determines an entanglement strength of the yarn based on the captured images of the diameters of the yarn after each of the incrementally increasing elongation levels is applied to the yarn.

Abstract: A split crimper for use in a crimping assembly for engaging and heat sealing overlapping layers of a packaging material includes a first crimper portion having a crimping surface and a second crimper portion that is secured to the first crimper portion to form a crimper. Portions of the first and second crimper portions cooperate to define an interior cavity, and a heating element is disposed completely within the interior cavity.

Abstract: A yarn entanglement strength tester includes first and second rolls that apply incrementally increasing elongation levels on a yarn in order to remove entanglements from the yarn. The yarn entanglement strength tester also includes a third roll, where the second and third rolls apply a constant tension on the yarn which enables optimum diameter measurements of the yarn by a camera. The camera captures images of diameters of the yarn after each of the incrementally increasing elongation levels is applied to the yarn. The yarn entanglement strength tester further includes a computing device that controls operation of the camera and the first, second, and third rolls, and determines an entanglement strength of the yarn based on the captured images of the diameters of the yarn after each of the incrementally increasing elongation levels is applied to the yarn.

Abstract: A yarn entanglement strength tester includes first and second rolls that apply incrementally increasing elongation levels on a yarn in order to remove entanglements from the yarn. The yarn entanglement strength tester also includes a third roll, where the second and third rolls apply a constant tension on the yarn which enables optimum diameter measurements of the yarn by a camera. The camera captures images of diameters of the yarn after each of the incrementally increasing elongation levels is applied to the yarn. The yarn entanglement strength tester further includes a computing device that controls operation of the camera and the first, second, and third rolls, and determines an entanglement strength of the yarn based on the captured images of the diameters of the yarn after each of the incrementally increasing elongation levels is applied to the yarn.

Abstract: A test apparatus is provided for measuring loads applied to an object and for measuring the deformation of the object in response to the loads. The test apparatus includes a stationary work head and a movable arm. The movable arm is selectively movable toward or away from the stationary work head. A load cell has a driven end mounted to the movable arm and a sensing end spaced from the movable arm. A movable work head is mounted to the sensing end and is configured for applying a load to a test object positioned between the stationary and movable work heads. A liner scale also is mounted to the sensing end of the load cell, and a linear encoder or read head is mounted in spaced relationship to the linear scale. The encoder reads deflection in the apparatus in view of loads applied during a test. A controller is provided for moving the movable work head in accordance with test parameters.

Abstract: A system is provided for determining the tensile characteristics of a sample under dynamic conditions. The system includes an apparatus adapted to accelerate the sample to a desired test velocity and maintain the test velocity through a predetermined test run, and a microprocessor for controlling the apparatus, data collection and data evaluation. The apparatus is formed with two movable clamping jaws for engaging the sample and sensors for measuring characteristics necessary to determine the stress-strain characteristics of the sample. During the course of the test, a sample is accelerated to a predetermined test velocity and one end of the sample is caused to be instantaneously fixed. The other end of the sample is then translated away from the fixed end at the test velocity. A closed loop between the microprocessor, a linear encoder measuring velocity, and a linear motor can be formed to accordingly adjust and maintain the desired test velocity.

Abstract: A horizontal plane frictional coefficient testing apparatus and methods are provided which include a substantially horizontal planar platen having two spaced, parallel movable rails. The rails are actuated by a motor adapted for reversibly raising and lowering the rails relative to the platen. A sled of predetermined weight is also provided having a central body and two pairs of outwardly extending axles, with each pair of axles being of equal length and formed with a wheel at the end thereof. The wheels of the sled are formed for engagement with the rails and engagement of the wheels with the rails locates the sled generally parallel to the rails. In operation, a sample of sheet material is fixed to the sled and the sled is placed on the rails, with the rails being in a raised position. Subsequently, the rails are lowered to gently place the sled onto the platen or a test medium fixed to the platen.

Abstract: A horizontal plane frictional coefficient testing apparatus and methods are provided which include a substantially horizontal planar platen having two spaced, parallel movable rails. The rails are actuated by a motor adapted for reversibly raising and lowering the rails relative to the platen. A sled of predetermined weight is also provided having a central body and two pairs of outwardly extending axles, with each pair of axles being of equal length and formed with a wheel at the end thereof. The wheels of the sled are formed for engagement with the rails and engagement of the wheels with the rails locates the sled generally parallel to the rails. In operation, a sample of sheet material is fixed to the sled and the sled is placed on the rails, with the rails being in a raised position. Subsequently, the rails are lowered to gently place the sled onto the platen or a test medium fixed to the platen.

Abstract: A burst testing apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes a burst tester for determining the burst strength of sheet material such as paper. An automatic feeder is provided for advancing the sheet material after each successive test. A photo-optical sensing means may also be provided for sensing the presence of the sheet material and for initiating a test. A control unit is operatively connected to the burst tester and the feeder. The control unit is operative to store and analyze burst test results.

Abstract: An impact testing apparatus and process are provided. The apparatus comprises a thickness verifier to measure the thickness of each specimen. The apparatus further comprises a notcher and a notch verifier which are operative to first cut notches in a test group of specimens and to subsequently verify the accuracy of the notches. The apparatus further comprises a robotic gripper to sequentially deliver specimens to a vise for impact testing. The impact tester of the apparatus is operative to automatically assess the impact on each specimen. Additionally, the impact tester comprises optical sensors to assess the type of break of each specimen subjected to the impact test. A control unit receives input data from the various components of the apparatus, analyzes the data and prepares test reports.