Abstract: An improved apparatus and method are described for continuously measuring the timing and distribution of forces exerted against the entire surface of a quadruped's foot, thus providing a diagnostic tool to assist in measuring the ambulatory functions of an animal. The described force sensing device is lightweight, durable and worn by the animal in a manner which does not alter the natural movement of the quadruped. The device may be utilized without a shoe within an attached boot, or incorporated in a modified conventional horseshoe which fits over the hoof of the animal. The apparatus can further include a remote sensing and feedback function which allows the processing, storing, display and feedback of data indicative of the ambulatory functions of the animal at one or more remote locations.

Abstract: A fastener tensioning method wherein pre-tensioning fastener tightening history acquired during the tightening of the fastener prior to the point of proportional tensioning of the fastener is utilized to modify the tightening cycle occurring after the point of proportional fastener tensioning to reduce the resultant tension scatter while using a tightening perimeter such as torque as an indicator of fastener tension.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a system and a method for ultrasonically detecting ply wrinkling in a laminated composite. The composite is ultrasonically scanned with sound wave energy generated from transducer(s) operating in an oblique incidence pulse echo mode. Echo signals reflected from the plies of the composite are then detected with the transducer(s). Each set of reflected echo signals represents a three-dimensional waveform data set u(x,y,t) having spatial dimensions (x,y) and a temporal dimension (t) mapping directly to a third spatial dimension (z) orthogonal to the surface of the composite. The three dimensional waveform data set u (x,y,t) corresponds to a three-dimensional volumetric region in the composite. The three-dimensional waveform data set u(x,y,t) is then processed into a rectified data set w(x,y,t). Ply noise in the three-dimensional data set w(x,y,t) is then filtered. The filtered three-dimensional data set is then converted into wrinkle severity C-scan and a wrinkle depth C-scan.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) and method are provided for inspecting an air bag module (12) having a deployment door (15). The apparatus (10) includes a plurality of sensors (55), a base structure (52), and a pneumatic motor (56). The base structure (52) supports the air bag module (12). The pneumatic motor (56) moves the base structure (52) relative to the sensors (55), and thus moves the base structure (52) to and from an inspection station. The sensors (55) sense a characteristic of the air bag module (12) when the sensors (55) are actuated. A controller (62) actuates the sensors (55) when the air bag module (12) is supported at the inspection station by the base structure (52). The controller (62) provides an electrical signal in response to the sensing by the sensors (55). The electrical signal provided by the controller (62) indicates the characteristic of the air bag module (12) that is sensed by the sensors (55).

Abstract: An apparatus and method for inducing and measuring crack growth in a solid by using a double cantilever beam assembly which includes a fracture specimen with a notch that defines a pair of spaced outwardly extending beams terminating at an end where growth of a crack occurs, and a spring assembly for continuously urging the spaced beams apart with a substantially constant pressure that creates a spreading pressure at the end where crack growth occurs to stress the fracture specimen at the end. An electromagnet assembly is used to cyclically apply and remove the spreading pressure caused by the spring assembly.

Abstract: A rotary sampling apparatus for powdered or granular materials wherein the materials are automatically sampled and pneumatically transported to a predetermined place. A first variant of the present invention is of a rod-like type which has a rod-like body having a measuring table. The rod-like type rotary sampling apparatus is designed to be inserted into a bed of powdered or granular materials through an external wall of a storage container such as a hopper dryer. A second variant of the present invention is of a mounted type rotary sampling apparatus with a measuring table and the apparatus is designed to be incorporated into a mounting pedestal provided with the storage container. In both variants of the present invention, the measuring table is rotated by a rotary actuator, a measuring hole of the measuring table is placed at a material sampling position, and powdered or granular materials are sampled and filled in the measuring hole.

Abstract: A test coupon for metal matrix composites is provided with means for structurally isolating the reinforcing fibers in the gage section from the reinforcing fibers in the clamped end regions of the coupon, when the latter is subjected to creep testing, so that the results of creep testing can be more accurately indicative of the creep properties associated with the fiber-reinforced metal matrix composite material in the coupon gage section. More particularly, the test coupon of the invention is provided with a plurality of slots or cut-out regions disposed in a section located between the clamped end regions and the centrally located gage section. The plurality of slots, which can be provided in longitudinally and/or laterally staggered arrays, effectively causes structural isolation of the reinforcing fibers in the gage section from the clamped reinforcing fibers located in the end regions of the coupon.