Abstract: A composite push-pull bar for use in a rail vehicle includes end-side connecting elements for axial introduction of compressive and tractive forces; and a rod-shaped structural element disposed between the end-side connecting elements for take-up and transmission of compressive and tractive forces. The rod-shaped element comprises a longitudinally extending core, a prestressed composite winding, including a defined number of wrappings of one or several reinforcing fibers embedded in a cured matrix material, applied in a longitudinal direction of the core so as to leave opposite longitudinal sides of the core not covered by the winding, the winding extending over the connecting elements and two skins arranged on the opposite longitudinal sides of the core not covered by the winding to form a sandwich structure with the core and which remain rigid under compression in their longitudinal direction.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for topographic surface analysis including at least ne light source for radiating light, a first light-distributing surface of a first diffraction grating for receiving light from the at least one light source and for reflecting a first bundle of light under normal optical conditions and a second bundle of light formed by diffraction of the first order. A first optical stage is provided for projecting the first and second bundles from the first light-distributing surface in an optically conjugated form onto an object surface to be analyzed of a sample. Light representing the object surface is sharply projected via the first optical stage onto a second light-distributing surface of a second diffraction grating. A second optical stage projects diffracted bundles of light from the second light-distributing surface onto a detector which detects radiation and enables topographic analysis of the object surface.

Abstract: A device for measuring at least one force component during cutting operations on workpieces with machine tools, including a dynamometer with measuring elements, integrated in a base module of a modular toolholder so that it is directly engaged with the cutting tool. The base module may be combined with various clamping and mounting modules to allow adaptation to standardized clamping systems of different machine tools, and to standard tools. The integration of the dynamometer in the toolholder and the direct engagement between cutting tool and dynamometer gives a compact unit with only small or no force shunts, making possible precision measurements. The device is therefore suitable for, among other duties, calibrating existing monitoring sensors of machine tools and for comparative functional tests on different machine tools. Measuring and evaluation electronics may be integrated in the device, wholly or in part.