Abstract: A test system includes a platform having a movable endless belt. A restraint is configured to restrain a test article in a selected vertical position relative to the moveable belt. The restraint includes at least a pair of axially rigid supports wherein at least one rigid support is provided on each side of the movable belt and has an end configured to be secured to the test article, and wherein each support extends from a stationary portion, relative to the belt, of the platform over at least a portion of the movable belt.

Abstract: A torque transfer coupling includes a shaft and a first second set of hydraulic devices. Each hydraulic device of the first set of hydraulic devices has a first end operably connected to a first end of the shaft, wherein the hydraulic devices of the first set of hydraulic devices are disposed about an axis of the shaft. Each hydraulic device of the second set of hydraulic devices has a first end operably connected to a second end of the shaft, and wherein the hydraulic devices of the second set of hydraulic devices are disposed about the axis of the shaft. Each hydraulic device can include a piston and cylinder assembly wherein extension and retraction of each piston of each hydraulic device is generally tangential to a portion of a circle encircling the shaft.

Abstract: One aspect of the invention is a test assembly comprising a prime mover, an actuator assembly and a torque transfer coupling. The actuator assembly has an end configured to be attached to a shaft of a portion of a test specimen such as a wind turbine assembly. The actuator assembly has a shaft supported for rotation by hydraulic bearings. The torque transfer coupling connects the primer mover to the actuator assembly.

Abstract: A torque transfer coupling includes a shaft and a first second set of hydraulic devices. Each hydraulic device of the first set of hydraulic devices has a first end operably connected to a first end of the shaft, wherein the hydraulic devices of the first set of hydraulic devices are disposed about an axis of the shaft. Each hydraulic device of the second set of hydraulic devices has a first end operably connected to a second end of the shaft, and wherein the hydraulic devices of the second set of hydraulic devices are disposed about the axis of the shaft. Each hydraulic device can include a piston and cylinder assembly wherein extension and retraction of each piston of each hydraulic device is generally tangential to a portion of a circle encircling the shaft.

Abstract: One aspect of the invention is a test assembly comprising a prime mover, an actuator assembly and a torque transfer coupling. The actuator assembly has an end configured to be attached to a shaft of a portion of a test specimen such as a wind turbine assembly. The actuator assembly has a shaft supported for rotation by hydraulic bearings. The torque transfer coupling connects the primer mover to the actuator assembly.

Abstract: A test system includes a platform having a movable endless belt. A restraint is configured to restrain a test article in a selected vertical position relative to the moveable belt. The restraint includes at least a pair of axially rigid supports wherein at least one rigid support is provided on each side of the movable belt and has an end configured to be secured to the test article, and wherein each support extends from a stationary portion, relative to the belt, of the platform over at least a portion of the movable belt.

Abstract: A tester is disclosed that applies forces to selected portions of a vehicle seat. The tester includes force application members that are mounted for pivotal movement about a common pivot axis. Actuators connected to the force application members apply the forces to the selected portions of the back of the seat in either a simultaneous or sequential manner.