Abstract: A sensor calibration device and method of construction for a force variation machine includes a circular plate having a test measurement region defined thereon. The test measurement region has a circumferentially extending inner track and a circumferentially extending outer track, the outer track having a projection and a valley for sidewall bulge and valley simulation formed therein and the inner track having a first and a second step formed therein separating the inner track into outward and inward inner track portions. A circumferentially extending radial edge track is provided having a first and a second step formed therein separating the edge track into outward and inward edge track portions. The projection and valley on the outer track have a depth equivalent to tire sidewall bulge and valley limits, respectively. The first and second steps in the inner track have a depth equivalent to a tire lateral run-out limit.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring abradability of a sample comprises a rotating drum with a rough surface and a means for contacting a sample with the rough surface while the drum is rotating. The sample may be caused to rotate relative to the drum, and to translate across the drum while the drum is rotating. Environmental controls may be used to control the temperature and the atmospheric conditions of the test. In the method of the invention, energy consumed by contact between the sample and the drum, as well as the weight loss of the sample, may be measured.

Abstract: A device such as a watch, pager or combination pager/watch that can iteratively display status information messages for set predetermined periods of time at a predetermined location on the display. In normal operation, the device is displaying a variety of standard information. Upon the detection of a status condition, the device will alternately display the standard information and status information messages corresponding to the status condition to more effectively alert the user to the existence of the status condition.